The acrid scent curled through her nostrils, wrinkles causing the whiskers to quiver and twitch, an uncomfortable pinched appearance twisting her nose; she wasn’t a fan of this realm. It made her skin crawl, the heat causing sweat to drip down her hide, but not only that, the resulting ash and dust in the air then clung to her, making her feel heavier, weighted down by more than the already large amount of responsibilities she had taken upon herself. But the closing of her nostrils in attempts to minimise the amount of polluted air that might get into her lungs was the only sign she gave of her discomfort, the mare blinking to remove any ornery particles of dust and dirt that seemed attracted to her golden pools.

Scales that gleamed almost crimson like the fire below shifted and moved upon the hide of the dragon, who was growing exciting about flying with their newest, most intriguing friend. Mirage was ever so slightly apprehensive, her brush with flames making her all too sensitive and aware of their damage capabilities. She inwardly calmed herself by listening to Akaith, and trusting in her abilities, and the abilities of their deity. From the mental viewpoint Akaith provided her with, she flew with Couth, darting about the flames as they spewed upwards from the great mouth, feeling the warming sensation they had upon her dragon’s scales, but nothing more than that. She was relieved when she saw both her companions direct their flight back towards her.

Warmth was apparent upon her façade, a genuine happiness glowing behind her glittering eyes, as she returned the fond touch of affection to the mare without hesitation. Laughter softly rumbled within her, a small, feminine chuckle coating her tones as Akaith settled upon her back, spreading her wings at Mirage’s withers so that the mare might appear to own them herself. They were dusty with ash and charcoal, though hints of shimmering gold peeked through. “Indeed; though I am sure if one were to look into our hearts they would already struggle to tell us apart.” Though they were two separate beings with two separate entities and ways of living, Mirage found them undeniably alike in their interpretations of the world.

“The cloak suits you,” she uttered softly. “But I must admit I will be glad when there is no longer a need for it to be worn.” More than anything, the mare longed for them to survive this season, to break the tirade of Sun God and live in harmony with the environment once more. It was difficult to live in harmony with the environment when the environment itself was so tumultuous. But they would continue trying, and surviving, as they must. Come the change of the season, Mirage would then further investigate the matter of locating a permanent home for them all.