His first night in the Dragon's Throat was pretty rough. The sand was itchy, he was alone, it was a strange place, and chilly. It sounded weird to admit that a desert was cold, but as soon as the sun went down that once burning sand turned to ice. After hours of fitful sleep the boy rose pausing only to shake the clinging grains from his golden pelt. Silver orbs gazed around the new alien landscape light only by setting the setting stars. Taking wing the ivy teal clad colt turned towards the sea. He wanted to watch the sun rise, see how the sands might sparkle in the early morning light.

He landed with a soft thump upon the shore his mind already a million miles away. So much had happened in the young stallion's life in such a short time. His sperm donor had finally come to live with his mother and himself, his sister had been born, and he had chose to leave his mother and sister. He could careless about Ciceron. In Ilios's mind the stud was just a donor, one of the reasons why he was there, but that was it. It was Areli he missed the most. She was his baby sister, the reason it had taken so long to leave the Falls. Now he was at this very foreign land, alone. He didn't really know a soul here. Sure he had met Mesce and Gaucho, but that was it. Silently he prayed today would be better.

Turning from the depressing thoughts the golden lad focused on the slowly rising sun. There was already a pale rosy pink rising above the sparkling water. It was beautiful and eased all the tension from his young muscular frame. This was what he had wanted, to be at ease with himself. How could he ever be a productive, and loving, member of his family if he did not love himself? Here without the stress of his blood family he could grow and find out who he really was. Stony resolve settled deep within his heart. He would become the best stallion he could be, not only for Areli and Parelia, but for himself.

Silver gaze watched the rising sun as his body relaxed. A figure moving towards the water caught his eyes and pulled his ears forward. 'Wow...' The form was clearly female, and beautiful. He watched her black and gold frame glide to the water's edge. He thought she was crazy, who would want to swim in that frigged water,  but still. His attention was glued on her as her golden leg struck out at the salty ocean. She waded gracefully into the icy liquid. Then she turned towards him and he couldn't help but keep staring. Ilios dipped his horned head smiling sheepishly.

He watched her fluid movements as she drew closer he felt nervous, like he had never been. Clearing his throat quickly he spoke, "Hi, it's okay, I kind of blend in against this sand." He smiled shyly before continuing, "I'm Ilios, it's a pleasure to meet you Miss." He ended his deep drawl with a slight bow. As the boy rose, he just had time to notice her scarlet eyes before another younger female appeared. She was small, a light dun much like Gaucho, only with speckles. Her hair was very long, and probably a pain in the butt. The filly made him think of his sister. A sighs sigh and gentle smile touched his features. He bowed again still smiling as he spoke in his deep drawl, "Hello Miss Aelin, I am Ilios. It's very nice to meet you." He grinned as he rose once more.

Was the Throat full of pretty mares like these? Yes Aelin was much to young, but she was beautiful nonetheless. Before he could say anything else a loud excited whinny. He knew that voice and could never forget it. His head ripped up eyes searching for her familiar frame. He was not disappointed. She was running towards them. Carefully he stepped away from the others before throwing his silver and teal wings wide to embrace her. "Nasreen!" He waited impatiently for her to join them. When her muzzle was flung forward her accepted it readily, trying to press it against her pretty face. "Do you live here now too?" He could not hide the joy in his normally slow speech. It was great to see a familiar face in these strange lands. As she greeted the others he turned back sheepishly, afraid he had hurt their feelings for abandoning them. Carefully he offered another kind and shy smile hoping that would smooth everything over.

The colt smiled and watched the pretty black and gold. She was a good hand taller than himself, but he didn't care. Everyone had always been taller than him, besides mother anyway. He blamed his height on her, since Ciceron was tall, it had to be her Arabian genes dragging him down. Not that he really minded, it only made people misjudge him. They thought he was weak because of his size. Little did they know he was rippling with muscles, young and ready to go. The thoughts slid away as the stallion turned his gaze to the younger filly a kind smile covering his handsome face. It was nice to meet others, nice to learn about his family. He took in their voices, mannerism, and features. There was no way he would allow himself to forget their faces and names.

He dipped his head to Ranjiri as she addressed him, saying it was nice to meet him. Then Nasreen appeared he couldn't help but ran for her. It had been to long since he had seen her, over a year at least. His heart skipped with joy as she embraced him allowing his wings to circle her for a moment. Her nodding head only made his excitement mount. He did have a friend here! That eased the tension within his heart. Now he didn't feel so lost, like he was in a sea of sand and strangers. His face lite up bright and happy as he turned back to the others. He felt bad for ignoring them even though it was only for a brief time. The boy smiled at Ranjiri as her and Nasreen exchanged words.

His large head turned slightly as he thought of Nasreen's question. Yes how many of their family were knew, and how many were old. He waited quietly as Ranjiri answered before speaking in his drawling bass, "The Throat is very different from anywhere I've lived before..." His remark left it open for elaboration if anyone wished, but not so they would have to ask. "It's interesting, and rough." He chuckled as his hoof pawed at the grainy sand causing a small cloud to billow around his ivy marked legs before settling once more. Silver eyes switched between the three females. Was the Throat full of beautiful ladies like these? 'Or are the a lot of rival stags here?' He rolled the thought around curiously allowing the others to speak for a minute. "It's a pleasant morning isn't it? I don't know about ya'll, but I'm glad winter is gone." His nervous chuckled sounded as silver eyes flickered to Ranjiri for a moment long than they should have.