Was this what accomplishment felt like?

Rowan paused as she thought over this. Sohalia, in the Throat, where Rowan could delight in her friendly company every day? Having encouraged her to try and join? Yes. She was sure this was accomplishment. And some profound happiness that made her giddy as a love struck filly in spring. Ironically it was almost on the mark if she were actually in love. Oh no, Rowan. Don't go there. A bright, if shy, smile had decorated her chocolate visage the entire trip. Perhaps she could not hold herself aloft in the skies like her pearl painted friend, but Rowan appreciated her not flying. Platinum blonde hair fell over oceanic eyes, bright and colored as if sunlight was striking summer waters deep with secrets just as the sea did. The amount of time it took to get to the Dragon's Throat was of no consequence to the tiny little woman.

A friend. She had a friend. It made her seem withdrawn, unlikable to say it in such a way. Perhaps delusional to be so ecstatic over it. Rowan did not care if anyone thought or said such a thing about her. Life was dark, foggy. Often the young girl felt as though she were stumbling through life. Trying to find a purpose, who she was. Sohalia made her smile. Made the burden lighten up from her shoulders. Rowan had never really had friends before, even as a filly. Depressing but it only made the sweetness of this day even greater. Delighted irises sought out Sohalia. "I hope I'm not boring you, I can be rather quiet. I'm afraid I'm not used to having others around to talk to." Unashamed to admit this to her precious new sister in arms. If loneliness was a battle. At least Sohalia wasn't overly loud or outgoing. Rowan was skittish around such persons, unless they questioned her strength. Small but packed a punch. The desert was blooming before her eyes and she had never found the sight of it more welcoming. Now, she was not returning with grief laden mind. No, this time she arrived with a companion. Someone to run to when dark nights kept her awake with pained thoughts. Someone to keep her in the borders, help her find happiness and meaning again. For extending her friendship towards Rowan, the made would do anything in return for Sohalia.

Never underestimate the power of a smile and a kind word. These two things, given to her in the form of the winged fae, had completely transformed Rowan's outlook on the world.

There is no way Rowan can read Sohalia's mind. Peer into the swirl of emotions she can guess is going on inside her petite body. However she can relate, to the best of her abilities. She had been recruited by a vapid, intimidating man who ended up being a living dead creature and watched him try and fail to attack the leader of the Throat. It had been a hard entrance for her that she didn't like remembering, which is why she wanted to give Sohalia the moral support she surely needed. Both were similar in their quiet natures, used to the lonely life of an outcast. They would both have to ride out the bumps and hills sure and soon to come through life as a herd member. Even in this situation Sohalia had two things going for her that the blonde manes woman did not. Wings, and an experience of family. Rowan was barebacked and knew the company only of one other. Family was a foreign concept to her. 

She walks close to the mercury painted pegasus, trying to offer support in her physical presence. Talking is something that is still a struggle for Rowan, as she's used to observing things and recording them into her photographic memory. Never speaking. Never being seen. Yet he forces herself to, voice much too soft and light for her liking. Will she ever outgrow her shyness? But it earns we a friendly nudge to her shoulder, so she smiles and focuses on that one motion instead. Turning her head to brush her muzzle over Sohalia's fetlock. "That reassures me greatly. But now, should either of us be inclined, we can talk to each other." Having a friend, someone to turn to if she needed to, is such a strange feeling. But it's not a bad one. Rowan knows she simply has to get used to it at first. 

The ground beneath them is pure sand now and they approach the oasis. Cooler sand hits her hooves and she pauses here. Should she call one of the leaders now? Was it necessary right now? Better to play it safe, she decides. Tilting her head back and calling out in a soft, beckoning bugle for someone to come and help her welcome Sohalia to the Throat. Smiling encouragingly as she turns to face her friend. "Are you curious about anything?" It would probably help ease her anxiety to know about the herd, or so Rowan hoped.

Sohalia fell to a contemplative silence at Rowan's question. The flaxen maned doll didn't mind, knowing better than anybody the comfort your own mind could bring. Cassiopeia had shown her that her intelligence and lust for knowledge was a double edged sword indeed. However she could control the bad side of it, change how she looked at what she now considered a gift. It had changed her, molded her into someone who walked with growing confidence. She owed her new mindset to her mentor. Yanked from her thoughts when Sohalia admitted sheepishly that she did in fact have a few questions. Rowan smiled understandingly, knowing the myriad of questions that assaulted the mind when making such a big decision. 

Rowan sensed she didn't say everything she wanted to know, but it was a very vital question. "When you first join, you are automatically a citizen. However you can choose to take on a mentor. I'm a Scholar, my mentor is Cassiopeia. Scholars apprentice under the Oracle to learn knowledge and how to read the world. You can choose to be a Medic and apprentice under our Shaman, Onni. A soldier under our Generals, Midas and Azzuen. An apprentice under the Artisan, however ours has turned rouge and left with a prisoner so it's still empty." Rowan's face turned a little dark here. It had been a blow to the Throat when Bazilisk had left, leaving behind eager followers and a wall that was still in the works. Rowan hadn't known him personally but was still disappointed that this had happened to them. "Or an informant under our Sleuth, Xira. They are all proud positions and after two lessons from your mentor you are considered skilled. It is a great way to meet new people, and learn new things. Whatever fits you best. I would encourage you to find a mentor. Mine has helped me substantially, and I enjoy what I do immensely. However you will still always have your freedom, and you can do whatever you want with your time. Kri, our Sultana, has declared we not leave the borders alone too often. But that's what I'm here for!" Laughing softly and nudging Sohalia's shoulder lightly with her own. Deep chocolate a sharp contrast to the other mare's soft pearly cream. It was difficult for her to speak so much, and the discomfort was visible, but Rowan was more than willing to feel uncomfortable for Sohalia's sake. 

[[Gah that was terrible]]

It was a lot to take in, even Rowan knew that and she'd been the one to say it all. It put her in a hard position but she didn't mind. Sohalia deserved to know what she was getting into. Discomfort could be set aside if it meant her fears were quelled and her curiosity sated. Sohalia seemed to mull over this for quite a while. Rowan didn't blame her. She too had spent a long time deciding what she wanted to do with her days. Soldier had been a close second, but she couldn't deny her inquisitive nature. It was impossible to ignore the fact that she needed to learn things. She was glad to have chosen it now, after meeting her wonderful mentor. Rowan hoped that Sohalia would find something that suited her just as well, even if it would make them partners. In fact that would be wonderful.

Sohalia's words shook her from her thoughts and she quickly listened back in. Waving the thanks away with a smile and instead facing her second question. "Kri is our Sultana. She is usually very good on answering those who need her. If not our generals Midas and Azzuen would happily guide you. And I can remain with you, or call for Kri if you would like? I won't make you face this alone." Voice and face going soft. The way Sohalia had worded it she seemed almost to think she would have to find Kri on her own. Rowan wouldn't let that happen. Surely it would be scary, and Rowan was definitely going to be there for her friend.