It was easy to forget one’s troubles in the company of a friend, and though this was only their first meeting, Meg felt that bond starting to settle between her and the little pegasus beside her. Growing op, she’d only ever had one that she could have called a friend and that had been for such a short time, and since she’d grown quite unused to having one. It was an odd feeling still, but it was a comfortable one. Friendship, like the fire before her, was something that warmed and soothed, and Meg was happy to think that she would find it here in Dragon’s Throat.

Already thoroughly charmed by the little mare, Meg felt a burst of affection when she had reached out to offer support and comfort. Alina seemed wary of the contact, as if she expected to be rebuked for a show of kindness, and this made the gesture even dearer. To show compassion in the face of fear, even a small fear, was a remarkable thing indeed, and a place where the two mares differed. Megaera had in in her to be a true and loyal friend, but kindness was rarely her first instinct. Most often she would prepare for a fight before saying hello, but she had been trying to reform herself.

She smiled as Alina answered her questions, speaking of Africa and the fire blazing before them. Alina may not have known exactly what, but it seemed that there must be some sort of magic at work, but a good magic. Life magic. Night had closed around them but it blazed on, keeping the chill at bay and giving light to this meeting.

The little dove’s words took a turn then, and it was clear from her tone that she was hesitant to pose the question. When she had finished abruptly, blushing as her words trailed off, Megaera could hardly stifle a laugh. There was no cruelty meant in her mirth, it just seemed so strange that anyone would seek her advise or wisdom on any matter. She certainly caught on to what Alina was speaking of, she’d experienced the same changes herself not so very long ago.

”Be at peace, little sister.” She said, her deep voice as comforting as she could make it. She reached up with her black muzzle to gave a gentle little tussle of Alina’s forelock. ”This is the change every mare must have. You’ll feel it come and go every season as we all do. It’s the urge and time for…well, for coupling.” she paused, maybe a bit awkwardly, hoping that Alina would pick up on that bit. ”No longer a baby yourself, you’ll be able to go off and have your own when you choose to, and any fit stallion is sure to send you into a flutter. You’ll have too be on guard, little one, for as you notice them they’re sure to notice you as well.

She paused again, she didn’t want to scare the girl, but from Meg’s experience with stallions any mare at her time was liable to drive them to be even more aggressive that they naturally might be, and Alina, pretty thing that she was, would definitely attract her share of attention. You should know that some stallions can get a bit…aggressive…in these matters, so I wouldn’t go wandering alone at these times. Stick by the herd and you’ll be just fine.” She smiled reassuringly. Meg certainly hoped this was true, but she couldn’t guarantee it. She’d only met two others from Dragon’s Throat and though they had seemed nice enough, what if the others in the herd were not? Even as she tried to reassure Alina, part of her words were also for her own benefit as well. She had to believe that not all were like this she’d grown up with.

[lainespeak]
Notes: Aww, Meg and Alina are such cute little buddies!