It's the unmistakable sound of Iskra's voice that draws you into the gathering, your dark ears raised curiously within the mess of your mane. Your brother is loud, not unlike his parents (and you, though in your total lack of self-awareness you fail to recognize this fact), and it makes finding him easy - something you, as a rather overprotective older brother, appreciate. What draws your attention now, though, is that his voice is not alone- there are distinctly feminine squeals following it, as well as a wholly unrecognizable sound that you will soon learn belongs to a small companion, newly hatched and thoroughly admired.
You meet the throng of children with a beaming smile, sunbeam eyes lighting up as you begin to take in their interest and chatter. Your brother is flanked by two very small fillies - you'll tease him about that, later - and the trio seem fascinated by something. As it comes into view your smile widens, a bittersweet edge creeping into your eyes as you remember another filly and her new companion, one that, between the two of you, you managed to rather erroneously name Bird. You were younger then - so young! - and a million things have happened between that moment and this- but looking down at your (maybe) sister, and your (definitely) brother, and the two fillies who (probably) aren't related to you but are still your family because they're in the Throat, you cannot help but remember Zahra, and the innocence of that moment.
It is an innocence you desperately hope to preserve in these youths.
"What a fine companion you have there, little Oxpecker!" you greet the odd little filly affectionately, reaching out to ruffle Iskra's forelock with your teeth before turning your attention to the other two, trying to rest your rather head atop the colt's ears. "An' what a good collection of family an' friends, to welcome her into the Throat!" Your grin widens. "I'm Zero, Iskra's big brother- if Sparky here gives any'a you a hard time y'got my permission to put him in his place, 'kay?"
Obligatory harassment of your helpless baby brother complete, you pull yourself back into an upright position, a (slightly) serious expression settling on your face. "Do y'guys all know how companions work? Why we have 'em, an' where they come from?" It's half a question, half an invitation, and entirely a platform for you to leap, uninvited, into story time- should the children prove at all receptive, that is.
Zèklè
What if I'm far from home?
Oh, brother, I will hear you call
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