The day was growing older as Kanti trotted through the lands that she was only just coming to know. She knew this path simply because she was retracing her steps; it was not that long ago that she herself had trodden here, on a search for something that she didn't even recognize until she had it. The femme smiled; it had been nice to find somewhere to call home after her long journey, even in as strange a land as this, with its odd creatures and magical abilities. She shivered, thinking of the tales she'd heard about magic. Some of it sounded lovely, for sure, but other abilities sounded so sinister - it may be a blessing to others, but Kanti would fare just as well without it.

The sun floating high in the sky filtered down through the treetops, providing her golden coat with a pretty, glowing dapples, while her snow-colored mane and tail floated behind her like banners in the breeze. She took note of the weather: a warm day, to be sure, but more than bearable in the shade of the forest; a nice, gentle wind to keep her refreshed. It was a wonderful day, certainly, and she had set out to enjoy it. Of course, her intention was not to seek more to populate the herd of the Foothills - she was so new herself, and so she didn't feel quite right about bringing in strays. She wanted to please the herd, to stay in good standing with them. She didn't think it was her place to decide who belonged.

Maybe one day, she thought, musing about her future in Helovia, and also about her past. As a newcomer, and one wanting to explore, she had found herself returning to the only place she knew other than the herd lands - the Threshold. As an explorer, she wasn't doing very well, but she had heard tell of an evil band of Unicorns at the World's Edge who didn't take too kindly to non-Unicorn species, and she hadn't had much experience with the Pegasi as of yet. She certainly didn't want to offend anyone, or put herself in danger. She was too new to the world for that! There was still so much left to see!

And it was in this frame of mind that the golden flicka stumbled upon an entirely new creature. Speaking of all I haven't seen, she thought to herself wryly, What is this?! Before her stood a black creature, vaguely bird-like in appearance. She had never seen anything like its taloned feet before, and it was that and the ferocious beak that created the pang of trepidation in the pit of her stomach. But it had probably seen her now, and she wouldn't be able to outrun it - and so she supposed she may as well say hello. Kanti approached cautiously, stopping a fair distance from the creature, and spoke, perhaps a little too softly, "Hello, there. I'm sorry for staring, I just haven't seen anyone quite as fascinating as you before. Are you lost?"