Mbwene, at first, was shocked at the back of the colorful deer that had snagged her attention— she was used to others’ surprise. But most were intrigued and did not shy away. So, with confused chagrin, the young calf’s interested trundle halted, a short whine escaping her trunk as she lifted it slowly towards the deer. Her ears and eyes swung to the grey-blue roan, whose golden bangles were quick to draw her youthful attention as she spoke. Though her young mind wasn’t fully able to grasp the meaning of her words, her bright blue eyes brightened at the marveling look and understanding tone of the intriguing woman. So, with a sideways glance at the bright deer who now playfully head-butted her rough skin, the calf sidled to the roan’s legs. An outstretched trunk and soft trumpet implied her interest in the glittering gold bangles adorning all parts of her grey-blue body.

Tembovu, amused, briefly watched his new companion’s antics, before grinning at Dacianna’s remark, “Indeed, Mbwene seemed to agree,” his low rumble and dip of his horn concurred with her comments of glass dragons. Navy eyes flick to the ever-beautiful Raeden as her light gaze remained mostly on Mbwene and Tin— though he felt a sudden urge for his elephant calf to return the playful advances when the sleuth voiced that most companions didn’t play with Tin. And, remarkably (or perhaps not so remarkably), Mbwene’s attention shifted away from the shiny bangles and towards the play-bowing buck. Trunk raised and waving, she mock-charged the colorfully antlered cerndyr.

Again, the Elephant King’s attention shifted, this time to ‘Ron,’ the bloodstained man with a startlingly white face. Dark eyes watched him closely— as he was wont to do with any newcomer— but the ease and friendliness with which he spoke sparked some kind of relief in the stallion. So many who came to the Helovia (himself included) were riddled with strife, darkness, and seriousness. But this man, with his respectful but easy demeanor, was a reprieve from weighted hearts. (If only he knew it was just skin-deep.)

Though his brows raised as he watched Ron’s gaze linger on Raeden for just a moment too long. And he was both consoled and surprised by the lack of jealousy that flared in his barrel— for though he was protective of the pale palomino he had made advances on the beach, he did not feel any unease at this red man’s interest in the lovely sleuth.

Regaining Ron’s eyes, he nodded once, “Welcome to the Edge, Ron. As Raeden said, she is one of our sleuths. Another you may seek is Iona.” He studied the man for a moment longer, before turning to the roan Riftian, “Thank you for bringing another to join our herd, Dacianna.”

Tembovu

you thought you could outrun the world