[[ooc: Teehee I couldn't help but post Cera to this <'3 Angel (Midas) can jump in this to accept Mystique, or Leander etc. I can delete this if you want]]

When Cera had awoken that morning, he'd found himself rather parched. It didn't happen often, as many desert inhabitants found. You grew used to it, and the oasis was always there should they need it. Nevertheless he rose, bidding Midas goodbye as he left on his rounds with sad eyes. Sometimes he hated the fact his father was constantly on duty, but he loved his father too much to ever complain about it. Just as Cera took pride in his building and crafting, Midas took pride in being the General. Cera knew the drive he had in that pursuit and didn't hold it against him.

Cold again. Brisk, though. Birdsong was approaching, and Cera couldn't be more thankful. He was dreadfully skinny despite his height, and was very vulnerable in cold weather. Shaking his wings out, stretching them to his sides and enjoying the loosened muscles. As he approached the water he realized he wasn't the only one searching for a drink. About to call out a hello when memory hit him. Playing in snow drifts, giggling and squealing as they played tag. Quickly running closer when he realized who it was. "Mystique? Mystique? It's Cera!" Thrilled to see her again, bright smile taking over his face. He hadn't seen her since that day, and he found it rather sad. But she was here now!

[[No problemo! Cera and Mystique can buddy around anytime <'3 she's welcome in any of his threads as well!]]

Snowy filly turned at the sound of his voice, and recognition entered her eyes when they laid upon his form. Crying his name in joy as she ran to him. Cera nickered happily and met her there, muzzles brushing and reacquainting. In their time apart her smell had not changed, sweet and pure as ever. It was wonderful to see her again, he had missed her greatly and was overjoyed to see her in the Throat a second time. Yol was hard to catch, and Cera had few other friends his age. Mystique was a surprise he deeply enjoyed.

"Me too! I missed you, Mystique!" Nibbling her forelock in a friendly gesture. Stepping away to look at her curiously when asked if he was in the herd. Smiling endearingly and nodding. "Yup! Of course you can! I'm sure it will be ok!" Wondering who he should call, if anyone. Most Pegasi were allowed within the Throat without acceptance from Kri, and she seemed awfully busy. Cera didn't know Leander well either.

[[Of course :D hmmm not too far from the Throat...Thistle Meadow, Deep Forest, Endless Blue, etc~]]

Playfully lowering sandy head to meet her lips with a soft laugh. Enjoying her squeal as she rejoiced in his words. It was nice to bring that light to her face. Nuzzling over her shoulders as she brushed her face over the arch of his neck. Reminding him quickly of the other colt they had played with, the pegasus draft Yol. As he recalled, he was practicing as a medic while Cera trained under Bazilisk. "Yes! He is here." Tail flickering excitedly. It was nice that Mystique could join their company again.

Mystique mentioned that she was rather thirsty and Cera remembered his own reasons for venturing towards the water. "Of course! I'm thirsty too," laughing at himself for forgetting this fact despite it driving him out of his sleep. Nudging Mystique playfully into the direction of the oasis, tucking his wings in neatly and trotting along with her. "It's nice to have you back Mystique!" Nudging her playfully with twinkling emerald eyes.

Mystique seemed sad, almost withdrawn for a moment. Cera stepped closer to comfort her, but it was not needed. She grew lively and vibrant once again upon discovering their friend Yol also lived in the Throat. The colt missed the grey fellow, and was saddened that he couldn't see him as much despite living in close proximity. Distracted by her pulling playfully at his Kane. Giggling and turning his head to lip at her ear, always careful. 

Cera noticed Midas first. Mystique wasn't used to always eyeing the sky, something Cera did frequently. He longed to fly but was content where he was at the moment. Midas landed gracefully before them, warm smile on his face. Cera squealed in delight and ran to him, pressing slim patched shoulder to his father's. Giggling as his forelock was brushed and nibbled. Reaching up to press excited little welcoming kisses to his jaw, bumping his head up against his neck happily. "You're here! Daddy get out early?" Hope shining out through his face. Remembering Mystique when Midas spoke, seeing her shy away unsurely and frowning in confusion. Was she scared of Midas? But why? Cera turned towards her and  rushed her side with his wing, smiling reassuringly.  "This is my daddy! He's really nice! Daddy this is Mystique! She wanna live here too!" Bouncing excitedly back to Midas, one ear still trained on Mystique. Trying to show with his actions that his father was harmless. Dancing happily in front of the stallion, enjoying the gift of his presence during his work hours. 

Painted father nuzzled and showered him with similar affection, and Cera was beyond thrilled when assured that the day was open for them to share. Tiny filly moved closer to him, wing draped over her as he had with Wanyecha. It was becoming easy for him to provide warmth and comfort that way, like a hug. It was hard to bounce between Midas and Mystique, wishing to be beside the both of them. But either way, Mystique seemed comforted by the fact that Midas was his father and relaxed. She bowed to him, which Cera found rather strange. He knew Midas was the General, but he saw him as his father instead and didn't recognize the acknowledgement.

Giggling softly to himself when she asked if he was the leader and Midas kindly denied it. Then she caught sight of his grin and fell into laughter, and the colt couldn't help but join her. She leaned on him for support and he held her upright, giggling to himself while she completely succumbed to the laughter. Her sadness hurt him, knowing the pain of being abandoned. Tightening his wing around her and brushing her muzzle from where he stood at her side. Midas stepped forward to comfort her, and Cera felt a twinge of jealousy that had him looking stupidly at the forest, wondering what it was. Smiling encouragingly at Mystique when Midas said she had a home in the Throat. Remaining quiet, knowing Midas had more to say almost instinctively. Feeling almost relieved that Midas was not taking Mystique into their family. Mystique was his best friend, but he couldn't think of sharing Midas. It made his stomach roil and his heart squeeze in pain. Reaching up to touch Midas' cheek, eyes conflicted with those emotions but smiling at him. He didn't speak, knowing Mystique would be happy to be accepted, and instead smiled silently at Midas. Showing all his love through his eyes, feeling he needed to remind Midas for no reason.