Avangeline returned from Luthien, long legs dripping with saltwater as she moved from the shoreline and into her home. The rain pelted down against her back and Avangeline turned her ears back, keeping the innards from being assaulted by the water drops. It worked quickly to do away with the salt on her body, for which she was thankful. The darkness engulfed her, having arrived after the sun set, and Avangeline pointed her direction toward the main oasis the herd inhabited. She knew this would be where Gabbar and Valve would return with Evaline, if they hadn’t already.
By the time she reached the oasis the rain had stopped, but the dark sky still remained thick with clouds and flashes of lightning lit up the sky as thunder rumbled shortly after. Avangeline’s black hair stuck to her neck and her tial wrapped around her long, agile limbs. She could feel the exhaustion in her bones, though it wasn’t as wretched as it might otherwise been. It seemed walking the length of the Dunes at night in order to ensure the herd’s safety had helped keep her figure in shape better than hiding on Crossing ever had. While a good, restful sleep would be nice, Avangeline wasn’t ready to collapse into the sand the moment she finally reached safety.
She noticed two figures and was at first excited, thinking perhaps they could be Gabbar and Valve, only to focus on the differences in structure the closer she came. Nyazik she recognized and, as she approached, offered a friendly smile and kind, rumbling nicker to. Her eyes went curiously toward the unknown mare, who she’d heard Nyazik refer to as Vita Nova. In Avangeline was a trustful creature, and so she appeared warm and welcoming in spite of everything the Dunes herd had gone through. Plus, Vita Nova appeared to be a kind soul too, and it likely helped she was a lone mare rather than a lone stallion.
“Greetings, Vita Nova. I’m Avangeline, a sentry of the Dunes.” She glanced to Nyazik and back to the dark and white splashed mare. She had heard Nyazik carefully mention Evaline was away from Salem without divulging what had become of her, so her gaze was curious as she regarded Vita Nova. “You’re looking for Evaline, or did I overhear Nyazik incorrectly?”
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