Her sister had been telling her for months that she was old enough to earn her keep, now. That her good looks and her sharp mind were wasted just sitting in the Badlands. She should be out there, doing something to further the family, to further herself, to gain power. But Eloísa wasn’t sure that’s what she wanted; she had no desire to do as her half-siblings had – claim a land or a position of power, build up a herd. What harm is there in simply wanting to enjoy her life? In wanting to exist somewhere safe, somewhere with those that she loves close at hand and to never be alone?

All of that changes in an instant though, when their father drifts again and this time does not return. Some strange stallion does as well. Arsinoe and Raegar are both there, but they’re both powerless to stop it. Raegar takes the remaining herd – his, Arsinoe’s and their father’s - to Evrain and Lucien in the Hills.

Arsinoe decides to stay, to see what she can learn of this new threat, to see if she cannot retain some hold over the Badlands. Eloísa and Xafira both linger, haunting the footsteps of their older sister. And when the three mares stop, heads together and voices in frantic whispers, it’s decided. Eloisa is to head for the Dunes and Helios within.

Arsinoe had met him a while back – she’s of the opinion he is the sort of stallion turned by a pretty face. Between the three of them, Eloísa is certainly the loveliest – red-gold and bold white, with striking green eyes. She’s petite and well-built for the brutal islands here. And most importantly, Eloísa doesn’t have the brutality that Xafira does - none of the spark or the fire or the violent ability to advocate for herself. Helios is the known factor here – Arsinoe had said he was polite but relatively uninteresting.

Eloísa holds that description close in her mind as she stumbles over the border from the Badlands. This far East is all sand until the Dunes spill into the Hills and the life-giving rocky shade and muddy water draws are present again. She doesn’t know exactly where to find Helios or the herd that resides here, but Eloísa is exhausted and impatient and not quite stupid enough to wander aimlessly in the heat of the day.

She can come as a refugee, fleeing the loss of her family home and her safety – Arsinoe had suggested it. If she comes in as helpless, she’ll be in a much better place to gain Helios’ ear and with it, a modicum of security for her family as they scrape together whatever shreds of hope remain after the loss of the Badlands.
So Eloísa calls out, announcing her presence and settles in to wait. She’ll have to plead for sanctuary, but she’s never been particularly prideful and if it helps (if she earns her keep) then it will all be worth it.

chestnut overo | 15.2 hh | mare | campolina mutt | NOWHERE