The soft, sand-choked soil of the oasis cushioned Africa’s weary stride as she made her way along a narrow track leading ever deeper between the motionless palms, and their late-blooming neighbours. The inviting glimmer of sunlight stroking the cool blue of the water winked cheekily through the lush greenery, guiding her towards the very centre of her home; promising to wash the bitter tang of salt and dust from her tongue.

A slack smile pulled at the wrinkled grey corners of her mouth, fondness for this, their paradise clouding her thoughts momentarily. There was not the need for strained concentration now, not while she lingered in the secluded depths of their arid territory; she felt an overwhelming security, though the feeling was short lived as she clambered down the weak embankment to drink. Scattered by the lake were the bodies she had sworn to serve and protect, and thus far under her rule, the one-winged had failed her duty to them. Still the wall lay in pieces (most lost well beneath churning waves), and few soldiers were available to guard the northern gate back into Helovia.

Africa sighed heavily and went to dip her chin to the water.

Suddenly though, the sharp voice of an avian pierced the tranquillity of the area, and the dappled mare’s face climbed quickly once more. Confused (because it did not sound quite right to be her bonded), long grey ears swivelled ahead of her searching eyes, but already the pale dove who had for some time occupied her mind, was stepping from the thicket nearby. Her pallid expression softened instantly, a smile rising throughout, and she turned to welcome her friend and herd-sister closer. Her skull bounced in greeting to the young zephyr as he too passed into view. "Sohalia!" She replied cheerfully, "I’m as well as can be. Yourself?" Already her velvety nose was reaching affectionately, a gesture no longer offered so freely since the great misunderstanding between she and Windwalker.

The grey paused long enough for Sohalia to respond, but an excitement was building quickly through her core, their meeting only fuelling her determination. "We must talk friend. Ampere hasn’t been seen for nearly the whole of Birdsong and I fear she will not now return." Gentle eyes betrayed her concern, though still she could not help but be relieved- even in the short space of their time as Sultanas together, both the Mother of Companions and the Starry-Eyed had clashed ferociously. The blue mare’s ideals had been fascinating indeed, but Africa had found they just simply could not relate on an emotional level. "Another needs to take her place as you know."

Though her warmth did not fade, the smile dressing her lovely feminine features began to weaken. "You have served this land and our herd well, perhaps longer than I. Would you step up now, to lead with me?" Naturally they would seek together their beloved lord’s blessing, but for the moment Africa could only pray for Sohalia’s favour. It was a mammoth task to adopt, and she could not be sure it would be received well. She shifted nervously, finding little need to disguise such and keep it from the white dove.