Gabbar had explained the importance of the border closest to the shoreline. It was to be walked twice daily and monitored with more vigilance than the others, as any from the Commons would likely wash ashore there. Though she spent the time of day where the desert was at its higher temperature in the shade near the oasis (preserving her energy for the next border she would chose to patrol), Avangeline found that day there was something to take her attention completely.
Movement. Something (or someone) was likely past the sands and at the shoreline; Avangeline glanced about the oasis to check as to the closeness of her new herd, realizing the absence of Evangeline. She and the palomino mare had not spoken in a way one might get to know another and Avangeline wondered if it was Evaline who was at the ocean. With a soft huff of air expelled from her lungs the thin-limbed mare started forward, moving from the slight comfort of shade and into the heat of the sun. Its light brushed ‘cross her back and made it gleam; she blended in with the brightness of the desert nearly in full if not for the black of her legs, of her hair, and around her eyes and mouth.
When she reached the shoreline she watched the palomino, Evaline, who was standing out in the ocean. Avangeline frowned with curiosity, black-lined ears forward and eyes watchful. What could she be doing? Did she want to swim to the Commons? Perhaps she’d told Gabbar where she intended to go and she meant to make a trip away from the desert shore.
Avangeline almost turned about so she could return to the oasis but, as she moved, she noticed Evaline did not. Her frown deepened and she lifted her chin and whinnied softly, calling to the mare and wondering if she was alright.
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