"Thank you again for doing this" she said and turned towards the golden mare, a small smile only enhancing the quiet apology her eyes had tried to convey ever since they left the Edge. "I really appreciate it, especially as I know you must have better things to do than play escort..."

It had taken far longer to trek down south than Erthë had feared, and she felt every step as a dull, pounding ache in her bones. On wing it would have been a simple journey, a day or two away from home and then back again before anyone knew it; instead it was going on a week simply to reach the dry grasslands that surrounded the Heart. Now that she finally was able to see the black pillar of ash and dust that rose like a beacon towards the pale blue sky, not even the pain could contain her eagerness. Surely there had to be a clue somewhere in those ancient caves that would aid her - and the rest of the herd - in recording their history. After all, it was a place where the past stood written in the very walls, literally, and if Erthë just got the chance to study them again, perhaps she could find a way that was suited to her purposes...

Smiling towards Yael, a grin that spoke volumes of how exciting she thought this adventure was (though perhaps someone less scholarly inclined would beg to differ), the filly picked up the pace as best she was able, leading the way towards the entrance to the caves. It was a narrow and steep trail, appearing as nothing more than a hole in the ground that burrowed deeply into the bowels of the earth; the deep, initial darkness always made Erthë's insides squirm with mingled unease and delight, and the feeling only grew as the path opened up into the vast, open chamber where hot, dry air and a shimmering red glow greeted them welcome to the Sanctuary.

Not sure whether or not her companion had seen this place before, she kept an eye on Yael with some expectation, always enjoying the reactions of new arrivals to her homeland. Not that the gilded lady was that new anymore; it had been a season at least since they first met, and as far as Erthë could tell the woman was growing comfortable enough within the herd and the land.

"Well, here we are. I'm going to be in that room over there" she said and indicated with a pale feathered wing towards one of the openings opposite the exit, that housed the cave with the wall of history. "I fear this might take a while, but there is plenty to see down here, and forage and water in there..." She nodded towards another path, from which spilled a soft, jewel glow.

"If you need anything, just call and I'll be right over."

Making sure the other had understood, Erthë set off towards the waiting carvings, eager to begin the research. She did not know if this trip would lead anywhere, but it was worth a try; there was still so much she did not understand about these subterranean places - the very thought sent a shiver of exhilaration down her spine.

_________________________________________

Waiting for the rain I'm bracing for the thunder
A twig that wouldn't sway in the wind