Such a contrast the waters of the oasis were against the dust of the desert. Carys suckled deep, ears pressed forward and white hair a mess of frizz and tangles. She watched everything, from the way the reeds stood still against the bank to the break in color as the large, sandy dune met the blue sky off in the distance. Everything about the desert was beautiful, or so Carys thought; she’d thought the same of the badlands too. Perhaps, before the herd which now claimed this desert to be home could find her, Carys would make for the badlands and live among the canyons and shrubbery.

It was a thought to entertain, but nothing more. As a herd creature she would always crave company enough to seek it out. Living alone was far too droll and she found, when last she’d tried it, it had only served to amplify the paranoia that nibbled hungrily at the back of her mind.

Horses. She heard their breaths, labored, and the soft hiss of sand as they moved through it. Her ear twitched and she lifted her small head, beads of water dribbling off her lips. Carys watched the pair as they came to the oasis, sweat darkening their coats. Her eyes went wide.

Maybe loneliness had made her mad… she could not… she could not truly be staring at Arcana and Orhan again, could she? They looked as different as they did the same, taller, thicker. Matured. In spite of the differences she was thrust back to when last she’d been at the desert, when all three had stood among the sand after Orhan so graciously offered his home to them. Carys, who always seemed to have some fun comment to make or question to ask, was rendered speechless.

She may have continued fearing she was dreaming them if not for Orhan turning his head her way and the same for Arcana. She would have sworn they were a mirage and wondered if she was truly at an oasis at all if not for Arcana’s voice, sweet, soft, as surprised as she was, saying one thing.

Her name.

Carys almost wanted to weep with joy; she was so overcome by happiness. A happy sound burst from her lips and she turned quickly from the bank, making her way to them with head high and tail flagged behind her. “Arcana! Orhan!! You’re here! You’re really here!!” She stretched her muzzle, eager to tap her nose to theirs, eager still to tuck back with lights twinkling bright in her blue eyes. “I can’t believe it!” She couldn’t stop looking at them both; she couldn’t decide who to focus on.

The shadows of her past were no match for the brightness of her friends.