100%
Responding swiftly to the Sun Physician’s instruction, Africa sprang forward towards the crystal cup with well-meaning urgency and her forward flung hooves nearly bowled it clean over. Her nose rattled dismay loudly, and she paused for a moment, realising all at once her blind panic was no benefit to anyone. Elegant, fire-strewn crest craned right impulsively, lips rummaging through the glossing lacework of mottled grey feathering to find one mid-length, and pluck it away. There was no thought behind the act, no consideration, not even realisation. As she turned back to look upon the crumpled form of her pale, creamy friend, the one-winged released the quill and it fell in loose, twirling circles to lie in the sand by Rasta’s body.

Africa blinked hard, clenching lids together as though blocking out the horrible scene before her might help her mind to clear; she hoped to settle her fraying nerves, to steady the frenzied beating of her heart. Barely seconds had passed in truth since Andromeda had spoken, and after the moment spent collecting herself, quivering lips sank to find the rim of Sohalia’s bowl. Teeth gathered carefully around it, feeling the cold smooth ridge and securing it attentively; and she lifted it above the smooth hide of the mare before allowing the cool fluid within to spill. She poured water delicately along the curve of the scarcely rising barrel, noting vaguely a light film of desert dust discolour the little erratic channels.

When it was empty, she glanced from Andromeda to her white sister who had returned with more in an improved jug, eyes seemingly stained with grief. Africa’s own eyes grew suddenly hot, and raw emotion leaked quickly to prickle the soft grey of her face. She did not cry though, instead looking quickly down as Sohalia fell by the face of their friend, coaxing her to drink. The Starry-Eyed held her breath anxiously and waited as the water seemed to sink into her mouth; it was not repelled...

Rasta’s eyes opened at last revealing the cloudy, sightless gaze that had been so desperately wanted. "We are here. " Africa cooed softly, sliding forward instantly to nuzzle one ear slunk back into flaxen threads. Relieved, she looked by each mare as she mentioned their name, "...Africa, Sohalia, Andromeda... " Then carefully she pulled away, bared teeth sweeping down to collect the crystal cup resting in the sand. "I will fetch more water! "


[Hngngng, Sohalia is such a sweet heart <3]