Meadow

As the cold sears into my very bones, I wish that I had brought one of my brothers, or even Naz, to accompany me and keep me safe. Even if I had to weather their unease at my purpose, at least I would have someone to lean against to cut the worst of the chill. And I could use Naz's more extensive knowledge of these isles and their residents to help guide me.

However, no amount of wishful thinking would change my current situational this point and I wait somewhat anxiously for the pretty spotted mare to acknowledge me. I do not sense any hostility coming from her, but nor do I sense any particular warmth either. She seems cautious of me, and perhaps rightly so, although I can hardly imagine that I look like any kind of threat. My body had once been lithe and toned with frequent runs across the dune hilltops, but my pregnancy had thrown such wildness into an uneasy dormancy and I had grown soft in its wake.

At last the mare speaks, and I can sense her wariness. Thankfully she does not shut me down, but nor does she offer further information and I respect her ploy for what it is. Surely she must be seeking to take my measure before she gives away the position of a friend, and I consider the potential of inviting this pretty stranger to the Desert. Finding those that were loyal and virtuous mattered far more than one's looks, and this mare had the fortunate possession of both even if she was not of Arabic nature.

"Please, forgive me for my rudeness." I offer hastily with a dip of my head, aware that I had not even bothered to introduce myself before demanding answers of her. "My name is Sayyida zawjah Antares, of the Dunes."

My gaze brightens at the mention of my husband, although I do work to suppress my smile to remain modest. The joy of being able to claim him as my beloved was still fresh and made my heart flutter in my chest, even as I sought to placate him with another woman. He had reassured me that I held a different place in his heart than Indira, and I simply needed to trust him in this matter.

"I had hoped to speak with her regarding-" my voice falters slightly as I hastily reword what I had been trying to say. Had this been Indira, I would have gladly been forthright and honest, but as I did not know the tobiano before me or her connection to the Lady Indira, I did not want to reveal too much about her past in case she did not view her coupling with Antares as something to be proud of. I couldn't imagine feeling that way, but I knew that they had not come together in the same way as I had come to know him, nor did I know the politics of these crossing grounds or the other islands. "I had hoped to offer her a place in the Dunes with my family."

Another smile dances across my lips and I lift my head again, hoping that the honesty I had been able to offer was enough. "I do not seek to harm her, and if she says no, I will not hold it against her."

Not that I could, really, nor would I want to. I had only hoped to reunite the two halves of Anares' new start in these islands, and to give my son a playmate of his own blood. Even if I had been the vindictive type, I was no match for a seasoned warrioress, and would have required the back up of my new family, which was support they would not lend in this venture. Eagerly, I lift my gaze back to hers, hoping that my words were enough to garner her assistance.