The oceanic pair wanders idly through the familiar woodland, neither in any particular hurry as the mare’s cloven hooves step lightly over the underbrush. Reaching out with her velvet muzzle, she brushes the trees softly as she passes them, exhaling a wordless greeting to her verdant family. She feels at peace here, among nature, and surrounded by the invigorating aroma of earth. She allows the movement of the ground to guide her, the length of her lion tail fluttering against the leaves as she passes.

Eventually Nimue nudges her bonded’s shoulder when she catches the distant sound of voices, the little whale pressing against the mare as a fluted ear slants to cup the far-off words. No matter the distance, there is one set of tones that Tiamat recognizes without difficulty. Smiling to herself, she guides them both forward, picking up a light jog as she weaves her way carefully through the brushwood. “Tilney? Is that you?” The blue Mender calls when she approaches, though there is no doubt in her mind as she catches the soft glow of a lantern, knowing only one gentleman who carries such an ornament.

Coming around a copse of trees, there are suddenly two stallions there to greet her. White eyes are alight at the sight of the familiar chestnut, her smile softening as she gazes into his vibrant green eyes. “My dear friend, hello!” Tiamat reaches out to her fellow healer, embracing him with all the affection of her fledgling heart.

Her excitement does not waver as the Mender shifts her attention to the stranger, offering him a warm grin as though this is not the first time they are meeting. “And hello to you as well, stranger. My name is Tiamat, and this is Nimue,” she gestures to the Leviathan who hovers at her flank, much quieter than her bonded and peering at the two stallions with bashful eyes.

Having overheard at least part of the men’s conversation, Tiamat is quick to offer her assistance alongside Tilney’s, ever eager to relieve those in need. “I am a healer as well, from the Aurora Basin. Welcome to Helovia!” Her grin broadens happily, and she extends a velvet muzzle to the handsome stallion, proposing a gesture of friendship like she had with the chestnut. She remembers her own first time stumbling into the Threshold, several years ago now, when Lena had found her. The bay mare had been infinitely warm and hospitable—Tiamat only hopes she can return the favor.


notes; Nimue reference
“Speech.”