Photo © Tony McLean</style>
       The dichotomy between the pair of pegasi standing before her was fascinating. The rude mare and the kindly stalli- oh, no, gelding. Xira curled up her lips in an amused fashion upon the realization that this lovely Jaydan fellow was not entirely whole. How curious it was- what bitch had he allowed to take from him his balls? She'd met many a bigoted and foolish stallion in her life, with testosterone pumping through them more quickly than their blood to their brain, and she couldn't imagine a single one of them giving up their precious jewels.

Still, it was refreshing to see in the two of them such blatant deviations from stereotypes. Had the famed leader of the throat simply been another dismissive mare, she may have turned away from the herd entirely. As much as it hurt her to even think she respected anyone, Kri's harsh and bitter words successfully folded her wings and lowered her nose. As defiant as Xira was, as self-driven and unguided as she prided herself on being, she wasn't one to spit in the face of the strong. And Kri was clearly quite strong.

It was this Jaydan fellow who irked her now, with his overly friendly nature and his kind gestures. She found him almost alacritous; considered his sweet tones almost nauseating. It was clear she simply just couldn't get along with any that she was supposed to. Which meant she would be forced to lower her head even further towards the herd territory leader if she was to gain acceptance in the slightest.

Reluctant that she was forced to ask for forgiveness, but glad at least that it was not directed towards a weak soul, she bent her head, purposefully facing it away from Jaydan's, and whinnied softly. "My apologies, sister," she spoke, recycling Kri's term. As much as she loathed the idea of finding herself related to the dull mare before her, it was better, she supposed, than finding her hooves smashed against her skull. And, well, Kri struck her as the type to have a short temper.

Jaydan dismissed their personalities as results of the sun and Kye snapped at him with a soft, clicking whistle. As much as her falcon despised the sun, Xira knew that she disliked excuses just as much. At least the huntress had calmed and loosened her grip upon Xira after the display of respect- the chestnut felt that at last she could let go of the tense feeling within her muscles.

With one last nod to the leader she took a few cautious steps to the lake, humbled for the first time in a very long one. This herd life was going to be... interesting. She wasn't sure she liked it. Still, Jaydan's invitation was welcome, and the waters of the lake were tempting. She cast the gelding one brief, bemused look before nickering softly and taking another drink in the heavy night, letting her dark eyes close as shield themselves from the visions of the stars and the apparitions of pegasi around her. It was strange how so little had felt real lately.

At the mention of herself, Kye fidgeted upon Xira's back, and unceremoniously yanked the edge of her mane. The chestnut nickered angrily, letting water fly from her mouth at the sudden shock, and then obeyed her charge and turned to face Jaydan and the leader. "I am Xira, and this is Kye. We seek acceptance into this herd." She spoke with slight reluctance and an annoyed flick of her tail. The damn bird couldn't let her have a moment of peace, could she?