Fina flew at my side, our wings thumping off beat to avoid a wing on wing collision. We road the warm air currents on this quiet afternoon, keeping watch for visitors and or trespassers. Either would be a welcome distraction to this mundane day. My Phoenix had taken to singing, chip chat, chirp hiss; there wasn't a tune she couldn't mimic, or a melody she wouldn't try. Wether or not Fina got it right, now that was a whole different matter.

A silent but stern sun stood in a cloudless sky- it's embrace a welcoming caress. In the distance my companion caught sight of something traveling toward us. She ceased singing and curved her wings to pick up speed, I glanced up, semi bemused. The speck grew rapidly larger, Fina clicked her beak and shot off toward it. A gleeful smile filling in the curve of her grin; apparently the speck was about to become lunch.

Moments later she came soaring back, a hissy frown replacing her lost smile, and talons empty. The strange eagle drew close, it was then that I realized what had deterred her. This bird was different from an ordinary avian, it's body was shrouded in mist. Outlined by a smoky light. Fina soared around my feet, chirping angrily at the ghost bird. I'd seen on of these birds before, at the cave we explored a few weeks ago. Guacho.

Without pausing to question I push ahead, the eagle made a sharp bend and took off for where I guessed Guacho would be waiting. Our guide didn't have to lead long, soon enough we spotted the dark stallion standing by as patiently as he could. Daggers found ground seconds later, a heap of dry dust scatters as my body settles into the soil. "Afternoon brother." Muzzle thrust toward the taller lad.

Fina had lost her interest in the silver snake—she had long been taught that said serpent couldn’t be wrest from his owners caress. To do so would inflict an unamendable injure that could only be bested by torture for eternity. Aside from irritated glance my phoenix went about her business without so much as a second glance towards Mara.

Guacho greets me gently, though there is a worry on his brow and a lingering unease in our greeting. My own lines furrow with slight concern as to what had stressed my favorite brother in arms. When he says we needed to break words I settle into the ground instinctively, sliding wings tighter against their sheath and cocking weight to my right hip. His words are slow in their coming, but quick in my understanding. I’d been around him enough to mark his speech with ease. Though, the meaning he produces didn’t bring rise to either a smile or frown; I simply stood by, listening and thinking upon the idea my fellow Sultan offered. To form an alliance with the Sun? Finally Guacho finished speaking, shifting his gaze to me with an abrupt expectancy that was noticeable yet nonthreatening.

My mind turned to a personal Lord. Earth. “For many a year my family has sworn their bond with Earth; knowing that it was Sun who guarded our steps.” Considering to myself, words fell short and quiet, “It was the way of my father, and his before him.” Sun had done many things to ensure the safety of his clan. After a moment I added, . “I’d say there is no harm in this. Perhaps we bring request to the herd, see what they might say on the matter?”