.Terran.

I’ve been spending a lot of time aloft, these days. The River, in its newness, has attracted all mannerisms of creatures to its shores and today, I’m one of them. From above I can see plenty, enough to fill my senses and give me reason to stop in for a minute if only to enjoy the feel of water on my skin in this wretched Autumn heat. My descent is graceful, much more natural now that I’ve become accustomed to these massive wings, and it lands me squarely at the bend of the rapids where (not far away) a mare rests too.

Something about her sparks my curiosity, as if I should know her but I don’t, so I tuck my golden feathers close and make tracks to where she stands, all with a languid smile attached. “Looking for someone, or simply enjoying the weather?” I prompt once I’m near to her. A short nod of respect, and then, “I’m Terran … do we know each other?”

I want to live, I want to give, I'm a miner for a heart of gold

.Terran.

“You...” I start slowly, amber eyes narrowing as they take in the gold-and-navy mare. She’s rather a fetching sort of creature, framed in those dark locks and with bright eyes to contrast. Her mouth is sharp, with an even sharper tongue that jabs eagerly back at me. I smile, softly, but the action lightens my entire face. “... and Jinju are sisters?” I ask, incredulous. There’s nothing I can immediately pinpoint that would prove their connection, it stalls me actually. My twin and I weren’t identical, but we certainly looked alike to the point of recognition. The Tiphon bloodline was all some shade of gold, black, and white.

“You live in Taiga too?” I question, forefeet pushing against the current to spray water along my legs as I move forward to close the polite distance between us. We were family now, apparently. No need for shyness. The wings that cover my back reposition, glinting in the soft autumn light around us and casting a dazzling glare over the tumbling surface of the river. I remember, suddenly, where I last saw her - “You do! I remember crash-landing there for a day!”

I want to live, I want to give, I'm a miner for a heart of gold

.Terran.

“I’ll be there while Jinju gives birth.” I respond shortly, finding that her question strikes me as something very weighed. My life was personally a bit less complicated than Jinju’s, it seemed, and Heda’s uncertainty about her adopted sister’s affections makes me backtrack for a moment. I really had dove into things quite quickly, hadn’t I? Still, I smile briefly and watch her refresh, an affection warmth touching my eyes for the young queen who seemed to so badly miss her sister. “Will you be there to see your new niece or nephew?” I question, inky tail swirling lazily at my hocks.

Jinju had made it clear that family was important to her - even if said family was not all on the same page. Heda, however, seemed remiss about the falling-out. It made me wonder if I should breach the subject with my inky, soon-to-be mother; if Heda was ruling Loess it could be more than necessary to create strong relations with Taiga. Two kingdoms seemed better than one to me. “Or is Loess too far to travel, even with those magnificent wings of yours?” I tease, hoping to bait her into a prideful response. She should be there, I was sure of it, and maybe in return I could give Loess a looking-over.

It was worth a peek, anyways.

I want to live, I want to give, I'm a miner for a heart of gold

.Terran.

What Heda and Jinju lack in blood, they certainly make up for in attitude. That tell-tale fiery nature is just as strong in the golden girl as it is in my midnight counterpart and I grin mischievously as the crystalline droplets of river water dazzle my pale face. My laugh is robust, legs backtracking a few steps so my wings can unfurl and glitter in the late sunlight. With a few, broad swipes I generate enough wind to disturb the surface of the tumbling liquid and it lashes out at her in great sprays of chilled whitecaps. “If you’re so sure, then prove it.” I challenge, once my playful moodiness has settled. Eagerly, I close the distance between us once more to hold her attention.

“Tell you what,” I drawl, unfurling my neck so my lips can brush away a stray tendril of her telltale mane. “If I see you there during the big moment, I promise to flit away as soon as I can to your Kingdom-of-the-hills for an extended visit.” I wager, a confident smirk etching itself onto my features. She’s busy admiring the scenery, but I’m all eyes on her for this deal. “These wings need room to stretch anyways - Taiga is a bit restrictive.”

I don’t give her time to reply, only time enough to backpedal and release my wings so I can lift myself from the river to hover a few beats while I glare down at her. Mockingly, I stick my tongue out and follow it with a laugh, “See you there, Heda!” echoing against the landscape before I wheel away to soar back to the redwoods.

Back to Jinju.

I want to live, I want to give, I'm a miner for a heart of gold