Now that Birdsong was fully underway, Areli was beyond impatient. Mama had promised to teach her to fly come spring, but though the snow had melted and her feathers had all grown in, she was still earthbound, a flightless creature yearning for the sky. And oh, how she wanted it! Every time that a shadow would pass overhead, be it a bird or a fully-grown pegasus, she would stop whatever she was doing to stare up at it intensely, wishing that she could feel the air under her wings as they did. Beside her, the wolf pup would whine, not understanding her desire to leave the ground. To the young canine, the grass was all there was to the world: it was safe, stocked with food, and full of smells. Why her young mistress wanted to go gallivanting off into the sky was beyond Bee.
 
For yes, that’s what Areli had decided to call the roly-poly gold puppy. The name had come to her in a fit of brilliance while watching her toddle from flower to flower, poking her curious nose into each center and sneezing at the pollen. Aside from her honey-colored fur, the wolf bore little resemblance to her real-life counterpart, but the name had stuck—a rarity for Areli, who was in the habit these days of changing her mind every five seconds. Silly as it was, the pup didn’t mind. It was all she knew, and besides, what mattered to her was her mistress’ affection. As long as she had a place by her side every night and a full belly, Bee would have been content with any name.
 
As for Areli, she was delighted to have a companion to join her as she roamed Helovia bit by bit. With Bee, exploring wasn’t so lonely, and together they had discovered many new nooks and crannies perfect for playing. The Endless Blue was one of their favorites. Bee remained entertained for hours chasing crabs or hunting minnows in the shallows, and Areli had used the flat stretch of sand and gusty ocean breezes for many a secret practice flying session. It seemed to be an unspoken rule that she shouldn’t fly without Mama’s supervision, but as far as the filly was concerned, she hadn’t really broken it. The most she’d ever been able to do was glide a few yards from a running start, and she didn’t count that as real flight. If her mother was too busy with patrols and crafting for the herd, it couldn’t be wrong to practice on her own, could it? Still, she was hungry for real instruction, and she was sure to remind Mama of it each evening when she returned to sleep within the borders of the Hidden Falls.
 
This week had been sunny and bright, so it was no surprise that today found Areli and Bee back on the coast. After a quick splash in the ocean, Bee wandered off to chase seagulls down the beach. Keeping one eye on the puppy, Areli trotted behind, pumping her wings. Though her hooves sunk into the sand with each step, she liked to pretend that she was trotting on the clouds that scudded by overhead. It was one of her favorite daydreams, and she often returned to it as she practiced. The thought of a whole new world up above excited her immensely, and Areli couldn’t wait to join the seagulls who scattered before her mischievous pup. Soon, she consoled herself with a sigh. Soon.
 
OOC: Open to anyone who wants to watch/help with the flying lesson!


"speech"

Parelia was trailing behind Penna soaring much closer to Areli. With his sharp eyes it was easy for him to focus on her and the surrounding beach. Parelia was over joyed to find out her little girl had a companion. It was all the better that it was a golden wolf pup. 'That will keep her busy, and maybe teach her a lesson in responsibility.' Penna chimed in, 'And it will keep her safe when she is older.' A smile played across her chiseled face as the mare flew higher trying to stay with the sun. She had been sure that Areli was having little flying lessons on her own, but there had been no proof. It didn't bother her at all, in fact she was glad her baby was trying so hard. She had missed out on Ilios flying for the first time, and she would be damned if she missed Areli's first real flight. her son had sought out the help of Kaj and Nasreen. As soon as the image of the golden stallion flashed in her mind she shoved it away focusing back on Penna.

There was another approaching Areli, a tall black stallion. She could see the male through Penna's eyes. Picking up the pace she flapped harder and caught up in a few minutes. Penna and Parelia both called out to the dark pair below. She landed beside her daughter with a soft thump the sand cushioning the impact. Honey eyes swiveled over the stallion as she pushed down the need to defend her girl. He was tall, much taller than both of them, and he stank of the north. Penna circled down to land upon Parelia's back peering at the stallion with sharp angry eyes. 'If he tries anything take Areli and the pup home.' He screeched loudly in agreement. She turned towards her golden dappled daughter and smiled warmly, "Ready to fly today sweetheart?" She smiled proudly down at her daughter before turning back to the stallion. "I'm Parelia, and this is my companion Penna. We hail from the Hidden Falls. Where are you from?" Bright eyes narrowed as she watched him cautiously.

Turning her attention back to the filly she smiled and carefully unfurled her large teal and cream wings. "I have to agree with him though, a small hill would be best. Penna could you..?" Before she even finished speaking in her light warm tones the falcon took off flying down the beach. "Before we find a hill open your wings and close your eyes." She waited for a moment before speaking again, "Can you feel the wind under your feathers? Turn your wings so you can feel how different the wind is under them at different angles so you can figure out how the air affects your movements." She could feel her bonded pulling her mind away. She allowed herself to see through his eyes. There was in fact a good hill, just around the bend. "Can you feel it Areli?" She smiled kindly at her growing girl. "It sounds like Penna has found the perfect place for you to take flight." She grinned brightly before turning toi face the stallion. She pulled herself up and eyed him carefully for a moment. "You're welcome to come if you'd like."
Speaking  Penna