Common

Vanya had to admit, things were better than she'd thought they would be that day on the beach.

Sure, Salem remained an inhospitable wasteland, and yes, her relationship with Rougaru was definitely strained at the moment. But he was also hers, and hers alone. No sharing him with Titania or the little freckled scaredy cat. In the Desert, there weren't even the lingering ghosts of Zjeena or Monster. Plus, none of their children had made the trip, so they were well and truly clear of their past.

It was a freeing concept and one that suited Vanya well. Even so, she knew that if she didn't find someone else for Rougaru to spend time with, they would likely end up killing each other before the summer was over. Hence her presence here, in the Commons of all places.

Restored to her rightful position as a Queen, Vanya was no longer afraid to mingle. She had seen no fresh traces of Titania beyond pockets of her lingering scent - further evidence of Rougaru's attempted betrayal - which gave the roan mare confidence she probably didn't deserve.

The cold air of the Crossing was bracing after spending so long in the dry heat; it made her thin skin shudder every time a particularly brisk breeze raced over her skin. Arriving so late in the afternoon had probably not been the smartest maneuver, but she had wanted to make sure that she had the energy for a return trip, especially if her chosen quarry was resistant. Vanya made quick work of pacing through the Commons, letting her gaze rove over the various different mares and stallions on display like a wine connoisseur. She wanted something pretty enough to catch Rougaru's attention, but something meek enough to be scared into submission if he got too fond of her. A tall order, and one she would have to gamble on, but she was confident.

The moment she spotted the soft wheaten-colored mare, Vanya smiled. Such a soft golden color would fit right in among the boring sand and scrub that she'd been forced to acclimate to, and it was wrapped around a pretty enough mare. She was of sturdier stock - as opposite to the lean, leggy ballerina as she was likely to get - but her face was framed with the same pale locks that so accentuated Rougaru's figure.

"Spring is hardly a season to spend alone," Vanya murmured as she approached, a smile curling across her pale lips. She didn't want to start their conversation by being antagonistic, even though having a different mare to fight might actually be good for Rougaru. And while she knew that it was a little... domineering to start a conversation with a claim, the lithe overo was not willing to risk an onlooker getting the foolish idea they could interrupt. Not unkindly, she slipped alongside the pretty golden mare to hopefully brush her muzzle along her shoulder in a clear indication of her motives to any onlookers.

"I'm Vanya, Queen of the Desert," she offered as an introduction. It probably implied she was the leader of the territory, but Vanya figured that might work in her favor anyway as there were plenty of mares intimidated by men. "What's your name?"