Ava’s laughter faded away into the gentle whooshing of the sea, and was instead replaced with the quiet sound of hooves on sand. She turned her head, the soft smile still clinging to her dark lips, as her emerald eyes drifted over to her visitor. A stallion approached, his pelt as golden as her own, though he was tinged with white and his rump was a snow-capped hill. There was a spring in his step and a smile on his face, and she could not be intimidated by his welcoming approach. She repaid his enthusiasm with equal excitement and turned to face him, damp tail flicking across her white-splashed side. Her body language was open and relaxed – he had no need to stay away, although she acknowledged his politeness in doing so. Her golden ears flicked forwards as she listened attentively to the stranger’s words. Her smile faded slightly, and her expression creased into one of mild confusion as he talked. The Paradise? For a moment she doubted her own memory. It had certainly been a long time, but she could not believe that she had forgotten the Harbor – her home sweet home. But she pushed her questions away for a moment, and focused on smiling pleasantries first instead. It had been so long since she had enjoyed a real conversation. “Good morning! It’s a pleasure to meet you, ªahin,” she replied with that trademark grin of hers, filled with charm and sunshine. “There’s no need to explain, I was one of the first of those drifters.” Her tone was light-hearted and bright, no longer allowing her troubles to trouble her. She watched the stallion carefully, intrigued to see his reaction. “I’m Ava,” she introduced after a moment’s pause, offering her nose out in greeting. “I’m sorry,” she continued, “but it’s been a long time since I was here last – I thought this was the Harbor’s territory? Am I all mixed up or have the borders changed?” |