Solace

. . .

They crossed the common lands on foot, and Solace finds she is trotting a little tenderly by the end of their journey. So often she relied on her wings to travel quickly as safely across the continent, and the miles of hacking had taken their toll though she hid it well. But the journey across the land had been informative, even if it wasn't as practical. 

As they passed through Taiga, Solace had noticed how lived in the formerly quiet country had been. She had never actually seen any of the newcomers, but the signs of their existence were easy enough to read. A family of large equines didn't stay anywhere for long without leaving their mark on their environment. 

But the girl had proven to be good company and the day passed quickly between their friendly conversation and Solaces time occupied with her thoughts. She tries to answer any questions the lavender mare may have, along with giving her an overview of some of the other residents she may encounter, and soon they are crossing the sanctuary's scentlines. 

"Almost there," Solace says as the climb the foothills which divide Hyaline from the Riverlands. "I promise the treck is worth it."

The temperature drops as they cross the main pass through the mountains and the scent of the freshwater and wisteria blossoms become more apparent. Finally, as the pair reach a plateau, the lake basin opens up before them. 

With a sigh, Solace smiles. Below them, the turquoise waters sparkle playfully in the late afternoon light, and she can see several others socializing on the grassy shores.

"Well, we're here." The caretaker remarks, "This is home." 

Solace

. . .

Solace will never grow tired of watching relief and awe alter the features of those who Hyaline welcomed. There was always something in that look they wore - when the moment the mountains parted and the heart of her kingdom lie exposed before them - that endeared them to her.  

Her sore legs are completely forgotten as the gold-splashed mare watches Lullaby's face light up, and she is glad that fate had spurred her to The Field this morning.  But the rhythmic three-beat canter of her mate draws her gaze away, and a similar contentment washes over Solace's features. "Hello, love," Solace greets her mate, enjoying the delicate touch of affection upon her cheek before returning her attention to her new acquaintance. 

"Kag this is Lullaby, she is a friend of Tahti's." She gives the lilac girl a moment to add her own response before her thoughts return to Kagerus' questions.

"No trouble," she replies, with a shake of her head. "I don't think we saw another soul, It was quiet out there." But the signs of activity she had seen in the redwood forest still nagged at her mind, and she decides to mention it now before she returned to her grotto for the night where it would be easy to forget the outside world. 

"It seems like life is returning to Taiga," she adds casually, but her mate will probably be able to read the hint of concern in her round, blue eyes - and maybe the perceptive filly too. "As some point we will have visit, and find out who they are."