The air of grace and humility which cloaked Africa’s mild demeanour never faltered- even as the young lad’s words spilt with innocent intent from his eager tongue. Her eyes softened broodingly as they slipped from the pleasant face of the sweet, snowy mare and fell towards Dust. The thought had passed through her mind once or twice; flight, a gift which was blessed to her no longer- a worthy punishment perhaps for a most foolish betrayal. She was fond of the herd’s children and those who were destined to join them, but often stewed on the predicament that she would not be capable of teaching them to use their wings. Pale eyes switched between the wide-eyed stare of the colt as she considered his question thoroughly. Naturally, she was not going to disapprove; he was no slave to her own curse- nor was any other around her, not even Silas.

Quietly she looked back to Alina whose expressive pastel face had creased with the uncertainty of the situation. Africa smiled easily, sharing the warmth of her heart. “Our sister will take you I’m sure,” the young Oracle replied at last (though truly, barely a moment had passed the little group by)... “You’ve been wonderfully patient Dust.” She drew a long breath and shifted her weight gently to rest her left side, thinking all the while about the vast highways which channelled so far above, beyond the reach of any primitive soul who was burdened to a life upon legs. It brought her little sadness- much time had already numbed the rawness of her loss, and Africa shrugged mentally as the familiar shadow of her bonded breezed across them.

Silas had followed the mare and her newly acquired recruit from some distance; lagging lazily as the heat of Tallsun sapped the energy from his slight, feathered figure. He was a creature of the night; the hue of moonless midnight, speckled by the stars themselves. The brightness of day, the searing stain of the sun’s golden rays, and even the life which was stirred to wake when the night hour was through; all brought little comfort to the nocturnal Zephyr, though he suffered through with no complaint for the love of his mate.
His broad wingspan rode easily the swift breath of heaven and he circled as they had walked steadily, soaking up the scene which spread before their tread; listening to the thrum of Africa’s cool pulse, dozing indolently while she was out of harm's way.

As her companion fell gracefully from his lofty setting, the young Oracle turned her face with a tender smile to welcome him. “Silas.” She whispered to him through her mind, spreading with it a wave of peaceful light which touched his heart as ecstasy; even while the name fell short of his avian understanding. The Zephyr came to rest upon her rump and her tail stilled its redundant, mindless flicking. “Alina, take all the time necessary.” The dappled mare soothed, unworried that she would venture the remaining leg of the trek with only the company of her bonded. “Should we meet by the lake when Dust tires?” Her eyes danced affectionately between the winged duo- the colt, she knew, would not hold the stamina of an adult (especially after the tedious nature of the journey just passed. Africa’s ears pricked attentively, eager to find herself relief from the day in the luxurious comfort of their oasis.