A sudden puff of wind crossed the meadow and the long golden fronds of grass danced wildly to the inaudible rhythm of an oncoming seasonal shift. It tousled Africa’s long thick mane into loose tangles, which flapped languidly across her neck when the young grey mare lifted her face. It was a mare that lay before her, that much became apparent when she leapt with haste to her feet, startled perhaps just as much as Africa had been. The first thing that struck the grey after her company had found her feet was the small, see-through horn between her bright fuchsia eyes. Right then, nothing else seemed to matter. Her own pale brown eyes narrowed cautiously, observing the other as a whole, and her sinewy hide rippled as she stiffened defensively. She had learned that no good came from this sort; they were unpredictable and unreasonably savage. Africa took one step backwards, preparing herself, though her naturally sweet demeanour never swayed as she did so.

A few moments slipped idly between the two horses, each apparently assessing the other, and enough time lapsed that the young mare’s tingling nerves eased somewhat. The light purple horse (curiously), began to speak soon enough and Africa’s ears flickered forward, pausing to listen. A meek smile crept across her thin grey lips- Vy, it seemed, was rather more sociable than her obnoxious black and white brother (the grey mare presumed this relationship of course, much like she had been accepted as a sister amongst those Pegasus who dwelt in Dragons Throat- well Midas anyway). Finally, “I am Africa.” Came the softly murmured reply, the smile persistent and reassuring should Vy be genuine in her supposed warmth. Quickly and directly, the green mare added as though it held some relevance, “From Dragons Throat...”

Ordinarily, Africa was unfazed by the wildlife roaming through Helovia- there was an abundance of creatures to behold, just as there had been throughout her childhood in Nyorm. They neither scored her interest, nor did they strike panic. However, as she was standing face to face with the violet mare, a wolf strolled up to them, lost perhaps... or confused. The grey mare tilted her head away vigilantly as the canine paused to her right, and her dappled body followed quickly- though she never let her eyes stray from the unnervingly close proximity of the predator. A bewildered snort burst through her flared nostrils, as the animal’s wagging tail snatched her attention. Africa looked to the other horse helplessly, completely unsure of the situation unfolding and moved from the space engulfing the wolf to (hide) stand aside Vy. At least, if there was any strain simmering between the two horses, the arrival of this creature was a great distraction, and Africa soon forgot her apprehension.

Africa stared astonished, fidgeting on the spot uncomfortably when the wolf smiled sincerely before introducing herself- she could not help as her gaping eyes trained on the lash of crimson tongue against two rows of jagged, unfriendly looking teeth.

“Wait, you are from the Throat?” Africa blurted ignorantly, and not by any means in a rude fashion, almost immediately after Ayaka had finished. She shook her head lightly as though it might clear the confusion, or sort the information she had received into some rational order. “You’re a... wolf?” She continued loosely, the inexperience shining like sunlight on a pond through her searching, disbelieving eyes. Indeed Africa had not long lived in that oasis in the desert, but it seemed to her to be unrealistic that a wolf would share her home- her family. Despite her very obvious disorientation, the young horse smiled thoughtfully and lowered her whiskered muzzle to scent the wolf’s long coffee coat- sure enough, that thick dry dust was carried there, and the young horse was more than amazed.

Open your mind! her mother had said so many times (though it seemed so long ago now, like only a dream in her memory), and perhaps she was starting to understand, piece by piece, the magical tales delicately- but so deliberately woven through her imagination. “I am Africa she beamed- and this is Vy, my friend.” She turned to the other horse with shining eyes, expecting wholly to catch the same wonder radiating.