There is nothing about the strange mare that seems inviting, nothing about the coming night that tells Astri she should seek out companionship, especially with her youngest at her side. Dacia is weary from the day's excursions, she’s trailing a few feet behind her green mother with her neck loose and her head drifting low to the earth. In fact, in any normal situation Astri would drag the poor little girl back home for a warm night’s sleep. But there’s something about the mare that catches her eye (besides the fact that her inviting curves are only illuminated by the setting sun.) Astri watches her quietly from afar, watches as the mare’s coat changes shade, and then she makes her move.
When the moon has made her appearance Astri ushers her new daughter into a close-knit crop of reeds by the waterfront. The little green girl nestles in, her skin slowly changing to match the exact color of shadows splayed across her. In a few moments, her daughter is invisible and Astri smiles warmly, peering back up to the strange mare before moving to intercept her. The night washes over her, cloaking her usually vibrant green fur in a dark cloak. Everything is dull in the night - everything except the gold-clad mare standing near the lip of the lake.
“You look … exceptional.” She calls out when she draws near, ears falling forward to show her willingness to be friendly. “But also terribly, terribly alone. Do you mind if I join you?” She asks, smiling softly. She stops near her, but not close enough that the mare will be uncomfortable. Her nostrils flare and she peers out over the still waters, catching sight of the bird. The silence draws out for a moment while the creatures of dusk create their own music. “I’m Astri, by the way. I couldn’t help but notice your coat changing earlier … at dusk. Do you … are able to do that at will?”
astri