Another neared, their stride sloshing through the churn of wild surf as it broke upon the sandy expanse of the beach. Watchful eyes were turned towards the direction of the muffled stroke, their pale creamy glow intensified by the vivid glare of the round orange moon suspended above. The sound was not obtrusive, nor would the inattentive possibly have noticed it rising through the rushing spill of southerly wind- Africa did though, she was tuned thoroughly to the world spinning around her because her disability demanded such.

The eyes of the Zephyr had flicked towards the stallion also, though where his beloved’s straining eyes saw only the moonlit silhouette of a flaxen maned herd-mate, Silas noticed rapidly that it was the strange bat-winged stallion who had stumbled upon the Diviner’s firelight only a couple of nights before. Ravenous eyes, keen through the darkness of night, sought his unusual branding- the crescent moon which hugged right over his left eye, and the clean star shape in place of a Unicorn’s horn. Both were as red as freshly spilt blood. A low murmur spelt openly his disapproval that the jet stallion should approach, but his beloved was already turned to close the distance still gaping between them.

Her expression was bright and friendly as they came upon one another; it was a blatant contrast to the tension which bound their last meeting. Africa held no bitterness towards him, and no sort of disgruntled twinge soured the welcomeness of the distraction as he ceased and greeted her by name. A pleasant snuffle through trembling nares and the gracious dip of her fine, pale face towards him was returned with warm intent. “Hi Silk.” She welcomed, sweet voice smooth and soft unlike the roar of the ocean beyond.

At that moment the flutter of wings and flurried of air stirred by their movement swept over Africa’s young complexion and her ears danced backwards to meet the arrival of her unsettled bonded. As he rumbled resentfully, now perched tightly atop the curve of her rump, the dappled mare flicked her eyes playfully in his direction and soothed, “don’t mind Silas. He is the most attentive warden I've ever known.” She shrugged easily, hoping sincerely that it might ease any ill feelings felt towards her young, prickly companion- because she knew that the Zephyr meant only to defend her heart against the perils which seemed so constantly to stalk her life’s path.