Midas is near. Midas is near. He’s not going to come.

This was a mantra that filled the flighty colt’s mind as he ventured out towards the beaches. Midas had promised him a swim, but he hated going anywhere without him being in sight. Every creak and noise around him made him jump. Ilaria huffed as she slept between his shoulder blades, flicking his neck gently with her tail in her slumber. Calmed slightly by the presence she gave off, he swallowed a little nervously and continued on. The sun rose high, lighting everything the trees didn’t protect with their shadows. The beach was near, he could smell the salt clearly. Call of the gulls, brush of the wind over the expanse of sand. Beating of the tide as it slapped the shore. Cera would only be comfortable when he could see completely around him, as he could in the desert. Being in forests was nearly too much for him, but Midas had been working with him thoroughly. Fear was something he had to overcome, and he understood that now. But a secret fear was lodged in his chest, that he would not be the same for at least a season. Hoping that someday he would be able to adventure again, to feel the innocence and obliviousness that was held under the thin but sturdy cover of his fear.

Tree line broke away and fading foliage submitted to the dominance of the sand. It was so different from the Throat, and Cera pawed at it awkwardly for a few moments. It was so soft, so loose compared to the clay and red sand in his home. Nevertheless, he thrived on bravery and childish exploration. Leaping out onto the soft whiteness of it, giggling almost nervously. As if afraid to feel happy again. Disgruntled, Ilaria finally stirred and clicked at him a few times. Looking around she sent a ‘?’ to Cera, confused by where they were. In return he sent back her the comfort she needed, and the images of the last time he’d played in the Oasis. When he’d met Note. When he’d bonded with her. Ilaria purred happily and scurried up to lay flat on her belly between his ears, little paws hanging tightly to his forelock. It was quite a sight, but he didn’t mind. She was merely a big fluffy ball after all, and he could carry her weight easily. Feeling much more comfortable once he was free of the oppression of the trees, Cera at last glanced around.

Immediately he recognized two forms, the dark lithe one of Ktulu and the strong stocky one of Hototo. A third stood between them, one he did not know. Yet he only focused on the latter of the known duo, ears pricking and excitement filling him. For a few precious moments, fear was forgotten. Trumpeting happily he went running off down the beach, Ilaria moving with him easily even if she grumbled a bit, still sleepy. Long, thin pillars had him bounding down the beach towards the water, eyes bright and cheerful. ”Toto~!” Wings that had finally turned back to their light bittern pattern spread and only increased his speed and lift as he angled himself towards Hototo. Smile brightening his face into the beam it normally wore. Scar forgotten as he barreled towards the awkward colt he loved so dearly. Cera had so much love to give, and Hototo was the absolutely perfect candidate. Cera adored him, and meeting him on such a random day was like a present to his mind. And Hototo hadn’t met Ilaria either! Legs slammed down when he was close enough, though not soon enough. He had slowed considerably in a rodeo type style, but he still fumbled and tripped comically in order to not bash into the larger colt.

Popping back up into a vertical pose he danced in circles around Hototo, Ilaria peering at the other colt and the bear curiously. ”Hototo~! Hello!” Oblivious to all others as he finally landed in front of the other foal, face to face. Long stick legs planted in a wide, purposefully funny pose. Bumping their noses together playfully, reaching out a wing to brush the other’s shoulder. Pressing soft muzzle to cheek directly after, more in loving greeting than play this time. ”Are you here to swim? I am!” Dancing away and diagonal, towards the sea and turning so that his side was to Hototo. Head remained turned in order to maintain eye contact, Ilaria blinking big dark eyes at the colt her bonded had such an interest in. The love practically dripping off him made her confused, so Cera happily sent her images of his first flight lesson. How he’d quickly bonded with Hototo, whether he was willing or not the he’d seemed to be. The brother he’d never had.