Well then.
 
Iona hadn’t been expecting to remain undiscovered for long.  However, it only took moments for the pair to be discovered once they made their way into the kingdom proper. “Ask and thou shall receive,” she murmured as the first figure emerged from the mist.  Iona recognized him, but they’d never been introduced outside of large herd meetings.  The painted pegasus really had no say in the matter now.  No time like the present and all.
 
The mare nodded in greeting as the stranger approached, but was quite caught off guard by his demeanor.  Gods.  She wished she shared his enthusiasm about, well, just about anything in life.  The only thing that came close for Iona was, well, flying.  She’d be nothing without her wings. She’d almost lost them once, and that very well may have killed her.  Iona glanced around at his reference to the weather.  The mist was still heavy in the air and low clouds dragged their bellies against the bottoms of the trees.  “Ah, well.  Perhaps not the best day for flying but,” the painted pegasus shrugged her great wings and offered the Seer a crooked smile.   “And yes – Elsa or Nyx would be good individuals to seek out. They’re our two most experienced warriors.”
 
Tembovu found them next.  Gone was his normal diplomatic demeanor and Iona could imagine why. It’d be fun to explain to the newly-crowned king why she brought an angry, seemingly homicidal woman home. At least the blood was gone.  That would have complicated things further. But Iona wasn’t willing to give up on the girl.  There was immeasurable potential behind the anger.  Iona just hoped that the anger was something that they could help her to contain – to channel – to focus.  Not just boot her out and let it fester further. 

She’d been in a similar position once.  Someone had come to her aid.  It had made her strong.  It had given her a purpose.
 
Perhaps something similar could unfold for Orithia if only the opportunity were offered for her.
 
She again dips her head in greeting to the large stallion, but this time provides an introduction since none was offered.  “Tembovu – this is Orithia.  Orithia - this is Tembovu, our King.”  The mare’s gaze flicked between the two – watching for a reaction and waiting to see how Orithia would react to the question that Tembovu had posed.
 
However, Iona broke the silence after a short while, after seeing Erthe join the group.  Seeing the filly caused Iona to relax, somewhat.  The painted woman was fond of the girl and wanted to lighten the mood if at all possible.  “I can personally vouch for all of them.” she said simply. Orithia could take that statement at face value. 
 
“Except…” she added, theatrically, looking over at little Erthe with a mischievous look. “Except maybe this one.  This one might be trouble. I’d keep my eye on her,” Iona finished with a wink and nudged the girl with her wing.