the desert can be unforgiving, but bhaskara is well suited to the environment here. her sleek hide is smooth and shining, nourished to exquisite health by the lush foliage circling the inner oasis. the mare carries no unnecessary weight, her ribs barely visible beneath the dark copper of her coat and her legs are nimble and light. no doubt the hot-bred mare would be just as miserable and out of place as Fjö∂ur was if she was subjected to traveling in a climate that was the opposite of what her body was built for.

the bay tries not to stare at the small painted creature beside her, noticing the supreme discomfort Fjö∂ur appeared to be in. her soft dark eyes dart up ahead, anxious for them to continue toward water so that her acquaintance could drink and compose herself… bhaskara thought, for a moment, as the shaggy little mare hung her head in dismay, of how terrible it must be to be faced with these endless golden dunes of sand. it could, mused the dark mare, seem an awful lot like the endless bobbing waves of the ocean

Fjö∂ur stomps, sending a spray of sand skittering through the air but bhaskara doesn’t take this little display personally… she’s not quite sure what she would do if she were in the small mare’s place but she can imagine she would be distraught. her curled ears twist to catch Fjö∂ur’s words, though she keeps her gaze inland mostly, not wishing her company to feel scrutinized. when she hears the word please, falling brusquely from the small mare’s lips, she cannot help but turn her delicately dished head however, raising her brow.

”it would be wise to rest for the night at the oasis. the swim to the crossing will be easier with your strength replenished.” the mahogany mare lifts her fluted black maw, gesturing northward as she muses about their journey.

they would have to follow the border of the badlands, and the desert to the northernmost shore of salem, rather than circling the beach as Fjö∂ur had. then it would be a long swim from their southern isle up to the shore of the meadow… they would do well to avoid the lagoon.

”i’ve been meaning to take a trip to the crossing for some time now. i’ll accompany you, if you wish it.” her dark brown eyes connect Fjö∂ur’s bluntly, without challenge but without pity. she knew the small mare did not need such a thing. she doesn’t offer her name, but enjoys letting the question settle between them for a moment. there is nothing particular she wanted to do or see at the common island, but it was as good excuse as any to offer her aid to the mare before her who likely wouldn’t accept it without the pretense of going anyway…

as they had rested long enough, the lanky bay turns back toward the trail ahead, eager to reach the more open forgiving heart of the territory. her head turns and she chuckles as she finally lets her name fall from her lips, knowing that withholding it had probably sparked the little mare’s temper behind her. ”i am bhaskara”