As the seconds ticked by, Cera's natural abyss of energy was freed from the straps of sleep that weighed it down. Wings glowed white in the dawn light, long awkward legs hopping and stomping the ground childishly. Oh yes, Cera was ready to welcome the new morning. Already bushing himself by pulling on Midas' mane, only to grow bored and prance in a small energetic circle. Boyish face glowing with the joy he faced every day with. Something changed, bringing Cera's playful attitude to a standstill. The presence of another. Cera looked to Midas as the newcomer approached, spotting the bright and eager smile on his father's face. Something inside of the babe throbbed and wings slowly came close to patchy sides. As if trying to enclose himself within his own feathers protectively. The colt came closer and Cera's heart sank pitifully, smile wavering where it remained plastered to his face. He had thought he could be friends, having heard at least a little of Hototo. Was that his name? Yes surely it was. But as he approached, the other youth suddenly seemed quite wary of Cera's presence. Not even regarding him, turning instead to Midas. 

Was he already disregarding Cera? What had he done? Was it his smile? Did he still look sleepy and pathetic?

Normally Cera would bound forward with a grin and exuberantly state his name. But Hototo was...Cera's heart hurt and he took a step backwards. Hototo was handsome, tall, sturdy. Polite and intelligent where Cera, lacking four months of vital speech growth, still stumbled over his words and spoke like a child. Where Hototo was strong, Cera was flimsy and lanky. Red green eyes flickered to Cera and back to Midas a few times. The sandy colt wishing to shrink away into nothingness. He could never measure up to such a magnificent creature, he was much too childish and hyper.

Cera smiled at Hototo nonetheless, hoping to bridge the silent gap even as he took a few steps sideways to remain directly next to Midas. Hiding behind his massive wings as his father was suddenly struck silent by yet another entrance. Black female moved towards them, graceful and commanding, and Cera suddenly felt invisible and inadequate. Hototo with his handsome features and eloquence. Midas and his General status, his skills, magic, and armor. Now this female, whom Cera knew to be Ktulu. Deadly and beautiful and obviously very important to Midas. He hadn't even looked back at Cera since they had appeared. Emerald orbs found the ground, staring hatefully at long skinny legs. Why did he have to be so weak and unhelpful? Wishing he could simply turn and run all the way back to the Throat. Surely Lynx would understand how it felt to feel ugly. Would comfort him in his silent, calm way. Mystique would surely offer her shoulder as well. But no, Cera couldn't run away now. He loved Midas too much. Knew his father loved Hototo and Ktulu very much, and couldn't bear to make him choose. The beautiful woman spoke with a smile to Midas, surprising the cherub by knowing his name. Stuttering and backing another step away as he gave her a sweet, tremulous smile. She was kind to even deign remembering his name, and emerald eyes held adoration and gratitude as he gazed in innocent awe at her. "Y-Yes'm." Feeling ill and shaky at all the attention. He was the odd one out and he knew it. Emerald eyes looked up to clear skies, regaining his courage and swallowing shakily. Today was the day he would learn to fly. Happiness dulled, or at least weakened, the tempest of emotions he couldn't name half of. When Ktulu asked Hototo to say hello, Cera awkwardly sprang forward to speak. Never moving from Midas' hindquarters. "I-It's okay! H-Hi Hototo. I think you're very pretty. L-Like hydrangeas!" He didn't see anything wrong with calling the colt pretty or comparing him to the light blue flowers. He didn't know the word 'handsome' yet. But was pretty a girl word? Oh god he was making a fool of himself wasn't he? Cera was distraught. He wanted to impress these two, but the more he tried the more he made himself seem ditzy and unintelligent. How could Midas love him, he suddenly wondered, when he was so useless and plain? Enviously he glanced up at the beautiful family of two. Sighing and curling his wings in tight, as it trying to hug himself. "S-Sorry...I no know many words...I wanna be friends though..." Voice soft and dejected. Bowing his head, murmuring another apology. Drawing absently in the dirt to occupy himself, sketching the wall Bazilisk had planned. Tears stung his eyes. Bazilisk had betrayed the Throat. His mentor, the one he looked up to, had disappeared. Leaving Cera once again without a mentor and a few crushed dreams. Tiny hoof lovingly sketching every detail, eyes sharpening and mind flickering as it came to life. If he couldn't handle all this attention, this pressure and comparison, he could always rely on crafting to comfort him. 

[[Cera got way too depressed here. I have no idea what happened to be honest. Sorry everyone, I know it's probably not helpful at all.]]