I'M SO SORRY FOR HOW LONG THIS TOOK

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Cera is not one for overt flirtations, but he can't help it when she's just so cute. He is not normally the dominant one in these types of settings, for he's a veritable magnet for hardass mares with similar attitudes. She reminds him of his sister a little, which makes him want to tug playfully at her mane and coo and tease her. Not that he would when she's a diplomat from another herd seeking his own herd's materials, but he feels it nonetheless. 

The ease of his shoulders settles further when Hector departs - the prickling, needling sensation that appears whenever the stallion is near finally fading away and allowing the Prince the peace he needs to deal with this situation elegantly. 

Eldala's sweet voice brings his consciousness back to the fray, and he turns to smile down at her warmly. "It's no trouble at all! Escorting a lovely lady through my herdlands? What a burden on me," he teased good-naturedly, his magnetic grin stretching wider beneath twinkling eyes. With a gallant gesture of his wing he escorted the mare to the start of the bridge, excited for her reaction when the key would take hold and carry her across. Of course, for an earthbound creature, he could not fault her for her fears and his smile went from large and playful to soothing and sincere. 

"Wings of fire will form along your back, but the flames will not harm you, and you will go across as if you fly just like a pegasus." He flared the primaries of his wings elegantly, smiling encouragingly at her to take those first few steps to allow the magic to take hold. "I'll fly right alongside you, I promise." The palm trees were not far from the other side, after all. They wouldn't be bothered with a long journey through the sand dunes. 

Cera can't help the laugh that bubbles in his throat at her playful flirtations, amused by the interaction with the cute little mare. He was not one to flirt and gallivant about, but Mercutio had unlocked a part of the Prince that was far more dashing and confident than he'd ever thought himself capable of. It was nice, to feel like he was settled in his own skin, and he appreciated the banter it opened up between himself and Eldala. 

Whatever he intends to say is lost to the wind as she excitedly charges for the bridge, and Cera laughs once more and with a powerful downward stroke of his wings takes off from the sand, coasting easily alongside her as the magic takes hold of her body and escorts her across. He grins at her wild excitement, tucking his legs in and flying perpendicular to the water, indulging in a bit of acrobatics with her joy so plain to see. 

"Never!" he shouted back with a laugh. He had been born for the skies, and while many years stretched ahead of him, Cera prayed that he would never forget the love for the heavens he'd always held. It was a new exhilaration every day. When she landed on the other side he smiled brightly at her, and felt his heart flutter with her exuberance. Finally someone understood and appreciated what pegasi had. 

"You're very welcome," he grinned, even if it had not been by his hand that she'd experienced the sensation. The Golden Prince turned and took the lead, Ilaria already eager to get her paws on the fronds. Most of the work would be done by he and her, after all. "Here we are!" he chirped, and his trot elongated into an effortless leap into the sky, drawing him heavenwards until he could awkwardly land at the top. Ilaria jumped down and started helping rip the fronds off with her paws while Cera utilized his weight to kick the branches and snap them, sending them twirling and fluttering down to the sands. He even kicked off a few of the more persistent coconuts that hadn't fallen with his descent. It wasn't long before a pile had gathered at the base, and so Cera retrieved his lovely companion and they spiraled around the tree on his gilded wings, landing with a soft thud upon the sand. Hopefully Eldala had already been grouping the fronds, for Ilaria had a long strip of bark that she used to tie the leaves together into one nicely stacked pile for Eldala to carry. 

"I hope that helps," Cera smiled, a light sheen of sweat on his muscles from the workout, making him glow all the more like his title. "If you're ready, I can escort you back?" What a shame, too, that she'd only come on a herd mission. He quite liked her.