Africa was chuckling softly at the fudge stallion's smiling admission that he would prefer an avian as preference over the company of a feline. Primarily she agreed with a wholehearted, grinning nod, but over the seasons she had viewed many different companion combinations; the strangest perhaps was the shiny scaled black snake, Mara, who was always draped as decoration throughout the antler crown Gaucho at home wore. Instinct compelled her to maintain some safe distance from the hissing creature during meetings and such; stay wary and alert when the serpent was close. Although she held an immense love for the natural world, Africa was well prepared with a healthy respect for the creatures and plants that one should ordinarily avoid.

Long wavy tresses, crimson glancing through predominant oily black, flapped lazily across pointed dark-grey hocks, licking indolently around weary pasterns and cool hard hooves. The breeze was light, bringing hint of the eastern ocean- an offshore squall perhaps, and relieving the meadow of that choking humidity at least for a small time; washing the heat of the day away. Africa was grateful, and as she too relaxed in the company of Gabriel, Silas opened his fluttering wings to catch beneath them the updraft to carry him upwards and away. The Zephyr was confident, reading with raptor-eyes the body-language shared between the pair, that Africa would be quite safe while she mingled by the dribbling stream. Gracefully his star-specked body vanished through the looming darkness to find something to eat.

The well-mannered stallion answered her question with a contagious smile and right away the already cheerful expression plastered athwart her face lifted further. "Of course." Africa reassured him playfully, although she had offered him no reason to believe something finer could occupy the time that they were sharing. "Where are you from?" The one-winged started, rocking her weight left, clear of the rear hoof which tilted then comfortably. There was genuine interest slipping between her parting lips, spilling forwards with breath and words. "How did you come across Helovia?" Every character had a different story, a history to be shared and perhaps retold to the many generations born through the years which would surely follow- that was Africa's interest, bringing the past to life and honouring those whose tales were outstanding; or perhaps just able to captivate the mind of a starry-eyed child. Every imagination needed a hero.


For @[Gabriel]

She was sensitive normally, and respected any wish for privacy that any sharing company with her might prefer- Gabriel was quite forthcoming though, surprisingly so, and while did not appear to delve down into the deepest corners of his history, Africa was more than pleased to benefit from the tale he told. She had a bright, reactive imagination that was not easy to quell. As his voice stoked her listening ears, a picture began to form before her eyes of a vast rich pasture, littered mostly with old gnarled elm trees and dancing white and yellow daisies- similar perhaps to the meadow upon whose grounds they were relaxing, but far lovelier. She pictured the fudge foal lying beneath his mother's touching nose and smiled coolly to herself. The scene began to shift like the twirling colours of a kaleidoscope and an older colt of the same appearance, already brave and gallant, was striding between the melding landscapes in her mind, trailing the brothers which had been noted. Then the great redwood forest of Helovia materialised and Africa recognised it immediately. The colt had been able to track his companions; had become lost.

The young dreamy mare's vision cleared suddenly and Gabriel was standing before once more, though his words had faded and his cordial expression seemed to switch between thoughts- he began again to speak to her, and Africa nodded silently. She understood easily about restless legs and drifting bodies, whether intentional or not. In the years past the young ambitious grey had considered herself to be somewhat of an adventurer; her peers and even her parents had thought foolish and impulsive was better fitting. Recently that had all come to a rather brutal end though, and now if she felt the need to travel there was quite a select route which she opted to walk. Africa was more than familiar with cursed luck.

"I was born across the sea..." She began, following the lead of her friend (she felt boldly that such a relationship brewed). "To a tribe of Pegasi who lived across the jagged cliffs of Nyorm." She thought fondly of her family and the way they thrived in that precariously stable, rocky environment. It had been so long since she had taken such a moment to reflect and to Africa's dismay she found the faces of those she had once loved to be blurred by the passage of time. "I roamed the land above but my father was nervous and I never went far. Last year I arrived in the Threshold and have seen much of Helovia already. More than she should have unfortunately. There is much to explore and I love to learn. I collect unusual bits too- like shells and stones, flowers and pine cones." There was little telling if Gabriel would appreciate what she told him, but she didn't really mind either way. It was simply nice passing the time with someone who felt so level headed and normal- if normal could even be defined. "Maybe one day if you are ever towards the south, stop by the desert and ask for me. I could show you my treasures." Africa never mentioned her trespass in any conversation; its secret was still a dark, formidable memory that she had locked far, far down in the depths of her core; and the world's simmering curiosity surrounding the lost appendage never once crossed her mind.


For @[Gabriel] <3