It seems I have succeeded, at least in part, in cracking Atair's facade. The signs of his startlement are subtle, but as I am already looking for them I see them and it broadens the grin on my lips. It was not that I didn't understand the full weight of the words that I spoke, but if I couldn't have a least a little bit of fun in this new world and new role that I found myself in, then I didn't see the point. The brothers and I were here, by the god's own choosing, to remake the world into a new version and I aimed to lighten it with brevity and laughter where I could.

Even now, with the assurance that I will have Corona at my side once we return to the Dunes, I am buoyant with happiness. I could float along the top of the ocean with no effort until the tides carried me home. Even the knowledge that Atair had had to fight for my honor had only dampened my joy slightly, and I knew that I would have to make it up to him somehow. The wounds on his body were clear indications of the black stallion's bravery and honor and I felt cherished even by my brothers.

Delightfully too, I had seen the joy in Corona's face at the sight of him and found myself warmed by it. I could not have imagined such bliss for myself only a few months ago, and I was now eager to spread it to anyone with half a mind to enjoy it. I bow my head away from Atair and offer a playful wink to Corona at her knowing smirk.

Turning back to my diligent protector, I beam and nod toward him. "I appreciate the care you've taken to protect me today, Atair. Let us return home then."

With a small skip, I lead our trio back into the ocean and toward the beautiful Dunes that we call home.

----------------------------

As a creature of the sands that has largely spent the last few days ensconced in either a lover's embrace or reclining a bed of leaves to listen to Rigel's teachings, the swim is much more taxing than I remember and I find myself slightly winded as I return to the shores of my beloved home. Eagerly I twist back to look for my friend and my brother to assure myself of their wellbeing.

I shake to remove the worst of the water from myself, taking pains to move aside from Atair so that he might not look upon anything he shouldn't and take care to wait for them to do the same. As I wait, my gaze is cast up to the slightly rolling hills above where I expect to see my beloved at any moment. He had been so worried by my excursion, and rightfully so, I thought. Our passion was still fresh, and the fire of Qetesh had not fully dampened in my body. We had compromised with the addition of Atair as protection in the far away lands of the crossing, with the promise that I would not linger overlong. I call for my beloved, just in case he is not there pacing in wait, and turn back to my silver friend.

Even emerging from the ocean she is a vision, her pale coat darkened with the ocean water and glimmering where the light hits from the various points of her body. Again the innate jealousy chokes me for a moment before I brush it aside resolutely. I wanted her to be happy here, in the land of our People. Moreso, I hoped that she might be able to bring much needed happiness to one of my brothers as well as herself. I knew that with Antares and I being joined together, we were a constant reminder of their singlehood. Especially as I learned more about my role as the new Mira of our combined people.

Their happiness rested in my hands, to some degree, and it was not a position I took lightly.

"I hope the swim was not too hard, my friend. Welcome to the Dunes." With a grand, girlish gesture I sweep over the beautiful landscape that rolls away from us. It calls to my heart like my own home had and it never fails to leave me with a sense of belonging. "Come, let us seek out the oasis to wet our parched throats. The rest are likely there!"

I dance ahead a few steps, basking in the warmth of the sand beneath my hooves. "There are the four brothers of course, but we also have a few other mares of the People, and a few visitors. There are no children here yet," I say with a smile that turns suddenly shy. "But perhaps in the spring, we might yet be blessed."

Lithely I surge to the top of a Dune before whirling back to the two of them in remembrance of Atair's shoulder. I stretch my pale muzzle toward him, brow clouding in worry. "Atair, forgive me! I almost forgot your wound. Should I fetch Sidika?"