The old littered path winding back towards the Falls had become both fond and familiar in the one-winged grey’s mind. Despite the encounter between herself, Rasta, Thor and the despicable roan, the raggedy forest strewn along the unmarked borderline dividing her home from the Threshold, had become a steady comfort – constant, peaceful. She slipped ever nearer to the memorable roar of cascading water and as birds dulled their tune to watch the pair pass, Africa knew that sanctuary and security lay but only a heartbeat away.

Cheska travelled well by her side – often near enough to graze the soft plumage clothing her only wing - but the Starry-Eyed barely noticed. It seemed that their stride was cleverly matched, unhindered by any injury (more common in these parts than the medic would have preferred), and generally light of mood. It might have been nice for Resplendence to spend a night with them, but Africa understood that duty rarely lulled, and presumed naively that the herb garden she had (very slightly) contributed to would need to be watered. She revelled in Cheska’s exclusive company as a result.

"...The Falls?" Africa said in unison with the speckled mare after she had paused very obviously to think, and soft laugher bubbled in her throat. "Yes, it is perfectly cool and comfortable." she answered naturally, failing to consider the other had probably never known of her life in the desert – she was sure that all of Helovia knew about her failure all the same. Tenderly she went on to describe the land’s patron, the God of the Earth – whose healing magic flowed. Her knowledge about him personally, was fairly limited; Africa knew the basics and handed that over without second thought.

Afterwards, she delved eagerly into the hierarchy of the Falls – the Ascended Czar (of whom she spared no detail), and his Czarina; the highest ranks in government, and then those who followed her own mending class. She really had not been there long enough to fully understand the intricate workings of the other professions.

By the time her voice slowed and the information churning through her mind seemed to run out, they were approaching the great waterfalls behind which a cunning passage wove along the jagged cliff face and into lush wilderness – had she not had the foreknowledge, such a place might never have been imaginable. Sheer rock, sharp granite overhangs and horribly steep walls rose above them and beyond, the peaks of towering mountains were shrouded in powder-white cloud. Africa slowed to a standstill amid plumes of cool spray, and above the crashing water called, "This is the entrance, you would never guess right?!" Eyes had shifted to find Cheska’s expression naturally, and a curious, goading grin lifted her features.

"Come, come!" she insisted, and stepped towards to the wet, mossy wall over the far side of the waterfall.

Carefully she led the roan through and on into a brilliantly concealed cave behind the tumbling element of the Earth God. "Neat, don’t you think?" The Throat had nothing so marvellous, and often Africa came simply to stand so dangerously, seconds from drowning. Quickly she took the other mare through a narrow corridor and it opened suddenly after a sharp corner. Sunlight flooded her eyes and they were forced to close horridly, overwhelmed. When finally they had reacclimatized, a friendly face was approaching – Rasta, perhaps the closest of her friends, and Africa nickered an affectionate greeting.

The Starry-Eyed sauntered forward to touch warm lips against the sleek skin of her sister, before swivelling to invite Cheska forward (if she had been waiting of course). "This is Cheska," the grey replied quickly. "She is staying with us before I take her into the west – to visit World’s Edge." Africa was well acquainted with the intricacies of diplomacies, and based on the information given by Midas at their last meeting, she felt comfortable with the newcomer’s decision to visit with Resplendence as well. Had it been the Basin that her interests dabbled between, it might have been an entirely different story.

Africa