"We have a lake, if you'd rather use that to wash up," my voice calls over, even as I land softly on the red dirt of my home. I proffer a smile, probably something that would seem strange, considering that these two have come to be prisoners of the Throat. However, I already knew that they were in no danger, though the worry written across one of the identical twins' faces told me that they had no idea they were save. I approach slowly, staying my distance as to not make the pair nervous.

I stand lazily, with one hoof cocked almost as soon as I come to a stop, my face calm and my eyes an open book for them. I had no need to be guarded in their company, I think. "I'm sorry to have brought you to the Throat under such circumstances," I begin, my voice strong yet quiet, the heat of the day wearing down on me as much as it likely was on them. "However, I didn't think you'd care to hear my offer otherwise." I wanted to instill in them a sense of security, to let them know that they were safe with me, yet still allow them to feel free.

They were not caged here, after all.

"I am Kri," I introduce myself, for I am not sure that they properly know who I am, even if they know who the herd leader is here. "I have a proposition for the two of you," I say, my voice calm and open, much like my eyes. "It is quite obvious you wish not to live amongst a herd, and I respect that. However, I could use an extra set of eyes. There may come a time when I am in need of information, and I would like to be allowed to call upon the two of you to help me get it." I smile, giving a short nod, before continuing to speak. "In return, you may also call upon me for my aid."
""

They seem so angelic, these fillies with coats of white. However, there is a much darker glint to their eyes than their initial appearance would let on. My resolve has not changed, though, for I was determined to have their little wolves in sheep's clothing help keep a watchful eye on my neighbors. I did not think that it would be an easy feat, but I was never one to shy away from a challenge.

My own personal glint of fire takes light in my dark, deep eyes. Let the games begin.

I note with a tad bit of amusement that the one who introduces herself as Olema is the leader of the duo, though the more aggressive Surema would perhaps fool others into believing her in charge. I feel the protective love that the white filly holds for her sister, but it does not override the cunning superiority of the other, with a cool yet respectful expression on her face. Whether she actually respected me or not was uncertain, but I highly doubted it. These girls, living on their own for so long, were obviously not to be easily impressed upon.

My face becomes thoughtful with Olema's question, and I peer at their wings with slight amusement. Wings. It was true that I felt more comfortable with my winged kin, but their wings had not brought the twins to my attention. That honor belonged to a pegasus much closer to my own heart - Onni. "My daughter, Onni, spoke of you," I say, with a blunt, masculine voice. "She was quite worried you had not managed to escape from Isilme. That is just her way." I smile slightly to myself, speaking so familiarly of the girl who was not here, now, to see her former herdmates are prisoners of our own. She would be happy to see their faces, but would ultimately disapprove of my methods. Onni would never say it out loud, but she often disapproved of my methods.

"To have made it out alone is quite a feat," I continue my explanation to them, dead eyes and cold hearts, wrapped in delicate sheets of white. "That is what piqued my interest in asking you: cunning and capable, if not at least lucky."

The question posed to me is one that is fair, I suppose. Yet, this girl, so smart, is also foolish. Living the life of an outcast is difficult, and that I knew better than these half grown babes. There would come a day when the wear of the world would tug on their shoulders, or bad luck strike them, and without the support of a herd or a home they would fall. Still, this would likely not persuade them still. "I have nothing but a home and a heart to offer you, but I am able bodied and strong minded."

"To be my friend is to be protected."
""

The slight shift in body language signals that I have won this round for their approval. My face remains impassive, but the small success tilts a light to switch on in the deep recesses of my dark blue eyes, gleaming with a renewed fire. I was happy that my attempts to capture them had not been in vain, and that I was able to make a strong ally. While others would view them as mere children, I knew that these fillies were quite capable of handling tasks that many would never attempt to take on. That they recognize my daughter’s name makes me grateful. Often, if one is too young, they will not so easily recall figures from their past.

Apparently my soft-spoken daughter had left an impression upon them, and a good one at that.

“Excellent,” I say automatically in response to their acceptance, a smile following in short order after the word escapes my mouth. I am truly happy to be working with these mysterious girls, though I have a feeling they are more demonic than their angelic appearance lets on. This trait would likely worsen with age, so it was ultimately better to have them working in my benefit than against me. My wit would not stand beside theirs, I did not think. Even now, they were possibly more clever than I. Another trait bound to grow with age.

Surema’s questions are well posed, and I have no doubt that she is excited by this endeavor. Spying would be a game for the pair, and that was fine. As long as I got what I needed, I was quite happy to allow them all the fun they could have during their excursions. “We will meet either in the wilds or in the outskirts of this territory under the cover of night, unless you can craft a way to easily slip into my borders without being noted by outsiders. Find a stranger to send word to me if you need to speak with me, unless it is urgent.”

Her second question is one more easily managed. “I am very suspicious of the Edge’s intentions. Mauja wears a cold, seemingly peaceful face, but there is something I do not trust.” My face takes on a more serious light than during our entire encounter. “Any information you can bring to me would be helpful.”

“You may come and go as you wish.”
""