NYAZIK Movement caught Nyazik’s eye, and she was quick to recognise the return of Avangeline. Her blue eyes scoured the darkness briefly for any sign of Gabbar and Valve (and perhaps Evaline too) but somewhat to her relief, Avangeline was alone. It was not that Nyazik didn’t want the others to return, it was just not how, when or where she had planned to be found. She returned Avangeline’s greeting with a nicker of her own and then let the mare speak. Though it was Avangeline’s openness that made her endearing, Nyazik hoped she would not be too open. With both Gabbar and Valve away, the dunes were vulnerable. When Avangeline spoke of Evaline, Vita Nova perked up and admitted that the palomino was her mother. Nyazik could see the resemblance now, and perhaps should have clocked it sooner. She also spoke of her brother, Shamwari of the Prairie, and although Nyazik had not heard of him, she stored the information away in case it would be of use in the future. Nyazik glanced toward Avangeline, gauging her reaction as Vita Nova Spoke. It would be unwise to divulge the full extent of Evaline’s predicament in case the young mare took off and adversely intervened in Gabbar and Valve’s rescue efforts, but they could not withhold too much either. Nyazik did not want to step on any toes by responding first, but she also did not want to be accused of lying (not that she had been, she had just omitted a few important details) so when Vita Nova fell silent, Nyazik offered a small, apologetic smile. “I apologise for being vague earlier. I did not know your relationship to Evaline, or what your intentions might have been toward her” she offered somewhat sincerely. In truth, she didn’t know Evaline at all, nor did she particularly care what Vita Nova’s intentions might have been unless they affected her. She paused a moment before continuing, “Your mother did not leave Salem of her own volition, though I expect she will not be gone much longer.” If Avangeline chose to offer more, then that was up to her. Nyazik, not being a member of the dunes herd, did not wish to infringe too much more on business that was not hers to divulge. She also hoped that what she did say would not cause problems with Avangeline. 15.2HH BUCKSKIN AKHAL-TEKE FILLY MASLAKHAT x KEYIK |