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"Master Raphael, are you certain that you want to be on this journey?"

The words, spoken with all the gravity and mirthlessness of age and dignity, caused Raphael to smile. Of course, it was not a true smile, one of joy and pleasure; instead, it was a smile that bordered on a grimace, the sort of smile that one smiles when the alternative is a scowl or some other expression of disgust. Having been exposed to this sort of officiousness for the majority of his life, Raphael had had a lot of practice in that sort of smile.

Still, his familiarity with the practice had also taught those around him the actual meaning of that particular smile, so before he turned Raphael schooled his features into a much more neutral expression.

"I assure you, Zaris, I DO wish to accompany you. It is no imposition, I have no commitments it interferes with, the exercise will do me good, and I earnestly wish to see Lizzy. May we please drop the subject?" Raphael's delivery was brisk, his reasons sound; to an outside listener, he would almost sound overly direct. But this was the third time that Zaris had broached the subject, and Raphael's patience was starting to wear thin.

Zaris' sideways glance was indicative of the hawk's disbelief, but Zaris knew better than to push the subject any further. As the dedicated familiar of Raphael's father, Zaphiro, Zaris had been with the family longer than Raphael had been alive. He had watched the children as foals, and even now that they were grown, he couldn't quite shake off the mantle of protectiveness. It had been his job to keep them safe; the passage of time should NOT dim that responsibility.

Still, Zaris had to allow that Raphael was correct in his arguments, and furthermore Miss Elizabeth WAS Raphael's godmother. It was fitting that he should wish to see her, and understandable that he would share the family's concern that such a long time had passed without hearing from her. Zaris had accordingly gone to the tepee compound to check up on her; finding her absent had concerned him, and upon his return to the family it had been determined that he would depart to track her down and ensure that she had come to no harm.

At that point, Raphael had declared his intention of going with, surprising Zaris, if no one else. Zaphiro had been proud of Raphael's concern and found it fitting that he accompany Zaris; Zaris, while never presuming to second-guess Zaphiro, had been less sure.

That uncertainty had resulted in the trip thus far being peppered with Zaris' comments and Raphael's increasing irritation (or what passed for irritation in a stallion of his temperament). It was getting old, and quickly.

Seeing Zaris' sideways glance, Raphael sighed. "Look, Zaris, it is time to put this concern to bed. I appreciate your position, but I am an adult and am not in need of any baby-sitting. We are both of us sound of wing and body, keen of eyesight, and between us in a better position to find Lizzy than you alone. For the sake of both of us, please drop the subject, permanently."

Without waiting for an answer, Raphael turned and walked across the hillside to the small stream that had prompted their landing. They were supposed to be resting and refueling, not discussing nonsense.

After all, this was a new place, one that neither stallion nor hawk were familiar with. After scouting the area between the compound and Raphael's family home with no luck, they had decided to start working their way north of the compound, towards the mountains. After all, it was possible that Elizabeth had wanted to see something new; stranger things had happened. The present day saw Raphael and Zaris in the foothills, enjoying a mid-afternoon break.

Well, TRYING to enjoy it.

Maybe it seemed like the two were having a 'moment' to an outside observer, but Zaris would hardly regard their discussion as anything so significant as a moment. If anything, it was an embarrassment, something to be acknowledged and then promptly forgotten; after all, he had been well and thoroughly chastised! And knowing Raphael as well as he did, the hawk knew better than to push the subject any further...or indeed, to bring it up again.

No, it was best to simply acquiesce to Raphael's wishes and drop the subject, permanently. And, while he was at it, give the stallion a bit of space.

It was with that in mind that the hawk had first looked away, nothing more behind the gesture than a subconscious desire to look uninvolved. However, it had taken only a moment for his sharp-eyed gaze to land on the mare, and at that point his instincts were off and running yet again.

A consummate gentleman himself, Zaris would always be unfailingly polite to the fairer sex. That didn't mean that he didn't hold them in high suspicion, especially where his male charges were concerned, and this mare was no exception. Best to determine where things stood with her at once.

That in mind, it was only moments after he'd seen her that the hawk was calling out in his dignified voice, "Good day to you, Miss." A doubly useful gesture, it not only indicated to the mare that she had been observed, but also alerted Raphael to her presence as well!

And to that end, it had worked; Raphael's head had swung up almost immediately, and he too was looking towards the mare, curiosity being the foremost expression there. Good. As far as Zaris was concerned, curiosity was a fitting emotion when meeting someone new; nothing more!

Some familiars might be enthusiastic about being an 'accessory.' Zaris, not so much, so it was just as well that Sparkles kept that thought to herself. As it was, it was lucky that Zaris was the master of the schooled expression, because the more the mare talked the more appalled the hawk became.

Honestly, did she not understand the significance of his coloration? That he matched Raphael was a mere case of biological happenstance; he had dyed his coat to match his bonded, Raphael's father Zaphiro, and then Raphael had been born...this had actually caused some minor confusion in the past among Soquili who were from the same region; they were used to Soquilis and familiars matching, and seeing Zaris and Raphael in company had led to the natural conclusion of Zaris belonging with Raphael. This had caused embarrassment to both, as Zaris was offended at being thought bonded to a foal, and Raphael was mortified at the thought of having a familiar that bossed him around.

Regardless, it was a very odd situation, and Zaris could only stare at the mare in dignified silence as he tried to figure out how to talk to a mare that was extremely clueless about the natural workings of the world. Well, THEIR part of the world, anyway.

Raphael, being less naturally stiff than Zaris, was a bit more expressive. At first unsure if she were serious or not, by the end of Sparkles' commentary on color-coordination Raphael was hiding a smile behind one of his wings. It was tough to say which was more entertaining: listening to the mare, or watching Zaris puff up!

When the tail was thrust in his face, Raphael was thrown into momentary confusion; given that it was accompanied by an introduction, he could only assume that it was a gesture of greeting or introduction. However, he'd never seen it done, and there was NO way he would do the same, being that his own tail was the hair type. Instead, he thought for a moment and then extended a wing. "Nice to meet you, Sparkles; I'm Raphael, and this is Zaris."

Given that he was a proper hawk, Zaris acknowledged the introduction with a polite bow and a very clipped "A pleasure." before lapsing back into silence staring. But he was still upset, by the mare's ignorance, by her much too intimate closeness...and just in general.

But Raphael, while a bit confused, was always willing to stop and chat; besides, it was nice to have non-bird company for a time! "I can tell that you're not from the same region as we are...by us, familiars take on the coat coloration of their Bonded Soquilis as a visible showing of that bond. Zaris has been my father's companion for years, so he actually looks like Father. I do too, I suppose, but in my case it's unintentional."

This was accompanied by a rueful look; Raphael was VERY used to hearing how much he resembled his father. But that was irrelevant, anyway. "So do you live around here? Sorry if we dropped into your home, it wasn't meant as any imposition..."

At that point, Zaris finally chimed in as well, his delivery as clipped and formal as ever. "Indeed. We are on an important journey, and stopped to refresh ourselves. Please be assured that we will be on our way VERY shortly." This, accompanied by a pointed look at Raphael.

At the implication he had no sense of humor, Zaris simply eyed the mare again. Most that actually knew Zaris would no doubt agree with her; Zaphiro appreciated Zaris for his reliability and his dedication to the family, not for any sharp witticisms he was capable of making. Zaris himself would be the first to scoff at the idea of humor being an important part of a familiar's makeup, though he felt that he WAS capable of finding things amusing. He just often didn't, as most of the things that others found funny he did not. It was an extremely simple concept.

Regardless, the end result was the if Sparkles wanted to see puffery or the rapid inflation and deflation of a familiar, she would have to either try another tack or find a different familiar; as far as Zaris was concerned, the second would no doubt be better for everyone's sake.

Though a bit uncomfortable with his ignorance on the gesture, Raphael went along with the wing-tail shake, watching it with interested curiosity. He'd have to remember that greeting for later, in case he ran across more from Sparkles' part of the world...though as the mare continued to speak, he couldn't be sure when that would be. "So you're a traveler, then? I've met other travelers, for the most part they seemed to be very content with that lifestyle. I don't know if I'd be able to handle it, myself; I enjoy getting out and seeing new places, but it wouldn't be the same if I wasn't able to go home as I felt like it. Though perhaps having sedentary friends fills that role for you?"

The mare spoke so fast and so...thoroughly that Raphael honestly wasn't sure he was supposed to remark on it all. Besides, it wasn't the place of a gentleman to comment on the appearance (in any way) of a lady, especially a newly acquainted ladies. Sisters didn't count.

Being used to multi-faceted conversations, Zaris had far better luck with the mare's speech, though from his stoic expression it would be hard to infer his comprehension OR his opinions. But he was quick to air those opinions, speaking in his usual clipped tones. "I am sorry you have been unsuccessful in Bonding with a familiar, Miss Sparkles. I assure you that there are many I have met in my time that are themselves of a nomadic bent, though that would itself underscore the difficulty of meeting one."

And people thought Zaris was emotionless.

However, he was quick to follow that up with a sharp shake of his head, addressing the OTHER other part of Sparkles' commentary. "Though I'm afraid that you accompanying us is an improbability, companionable as your offer is. We travel by sky, as time is of the essence and we can cover more ground that way. I'm afraid that you," Eying Sparkles' wingless sides "Would not be able to." Thank goodness. Too much of this mare would be beyond grating on his nerves, and at the moment the utmost importance lay in finding Miss Elizabeth. Distractions were never good while on a mission!

Though Zaris was correct, Raphael found himself frowning at the bird's assessment of the situation. True, Flight was faster, and true, Sparkles obviously couldn't fly, but it seemed so wrong to turn down such a kind offer! The wheels of his mind were already turning, and barely a moment after Zaris had finished speaking, Raphael had jumped in as well.

"Well, you have a point, Zaris, but perhaps we should take advantage of this opportunity. By her own admission, Sparkles knows the area; we don't. She also may be grounded, but so is Lizzy; it seems logical that we might have success searching for her at ground level, especially in areas with trees or other ground cover."

Now Zaris was frowning slightly himself. "Master Raphael, you know that it's difficult for me to maintain a slow flight pace, and impractical for me to ride on your back. I fail to see how this is a sensible plan for us."

Now Raphael was grinning, an important part of his plan being the recognition of just that difficulty. "I know that, Zaris, and I wouldn't expect you to stay on the ground. As I see it, it would make the most sense for you to follow the original plan of aerial examination, and I will stay and travel with Sparkles."

This was why Zaris appreciated being Bonded to Master Zaphiro. Unlike the majority of other creatures out there, Master Zaphiro was sensible and straightforward, not given to crazy irrationality or over-sensitivity, as this mare seemed to be. Zaris had no idea why, but for some reason she seemed determined to take offense at everything he did and said. A most trying state of affairs, to be sure, but what could he do? It was unfortunate that she had taken offense at his mere statement of fact, but there was nothing that he could do about it. He was a hawk, and he was swift of wing; she might be a unicorn; she might be the fastest unicorn in all the world, but the fact remained that winged creatures could go places that earthbound creatures could not.

Either way, he was not going to get into a debate on the subject with a stranger, and a stranger she would continue to remain, at this point. She was rather impertinent, and he saw no reason she should feel that they would indulge her curiosity on matters she had no relation to. This matter was between himself and Master Raphael, and he, at least, would keep it that way.

Accordingly, he directed his gaze to Raphael, allowing Sparkles to act however she saw fit with no interference on HIS part. If she wished to wander off, more power to her; he would never have it said that he kept her.

"If you feel that is the best course of action, Master Raphael, then I won't keep you or insist otherwise, but I would caution you to be careful. The ground is a much more dangerous place than the skies, and you would be more vulnerable."

If asked himself, Raphael would have had to confess that he was more than a little uncomfortable at the unfolding situation. Zaris was very set in his ways and could come off as curt, but he usually had his reasons that, frustrating as they could be, made sense. At the same time, Sparkles was obviously upset and insulted, and good manners dictated that one should avoid being rude to ANY mare, and if you were inadvertently rude then you should try and make amends.

This put him in a bit of a hard spot, seeing as Sparkles was starting to leave. Zaris seemed disinclined to make amends himself, which meant that he himself owed even more...but how was he supposed to make amends if she took off?

Consequently he was a bit less focused than Zaris, trying to keep one eye, at least, on the mare as he nodded his assent to Zaris. "Thank you for the warning, Zaris; I assure you that I shall due my utmost to keep life and limb both in their best state, and I shall meet up with you at the usual place."

This answer was what Zaris was expecting, though he would have preferred another, and he acknowledged it with a brief, stiff bow. "As you wish, Master Raphael. Should you reach success first or I, we can both of us look to the usual channels." With that and a very short nod the mare (who probably wasn't even paying attention to him anyway...), he turned and took flight.

Watching Zaris climb skyward, Raphael let out his breath with a soft sigh. He was a good sort, Zaris, and he DID mean well, Raphael didn't doubt, but he could really be the most suffocating sort of creature. It was unfortunate to have such sentiments towards a creature he definitely owed a great deal of gratitude towards, but those were the facts. As Raphael had aged, he had gained a certain amount of independence with Zaris; but the fact remained that the bird would always occupy a pseudo-parental role in the lives of all three children, like it or not.

But enough of that.

Zaris gone from sight, Raphael looked around quickly, then made a mental grimace as it first appeared he'd also lost Sparkles. He could hardly blame her for leaving after being so thoroughly dismissed by Zaris, but it was still a pity on many levels. She had spoken as though she had information on the area, and information could be valuable!

That, and it was just wrong to let things end on this sour a note.

Shaking his head at Zaris' heavy-handedness, Raphael's kicked off the ground as well, winging his way in the direction Sparkles had been heading. Luckily there wasn't much ground cover yet; he was shortly able to spy the bright mare making her way up the slope and quickly swooped down to a modest distance behind her. "Is the invitation to travel together for a time still open, or would you prefer solitude? I would understand if the latter, but I would like it if we could go together for at least a little bit. You had a good point earlier about the area; this region is foreign to me."

She was upset. That much was extremely obvious to Raphael, inexperienced in dealing with strangers as he was; after all, if she wasn't upset he doubted she would be as cutting as she now was. After all, in the first meeting she had seemed very friendly, now she was insulting his walking abilities and sarcastically referring to his company.

It stung, of course; Raphael's family was very formal and restrained, and politeness and poise were par for the course around home. It was unusual and unpleasant to be on the receiving end of coldness, even if it was deserved. Raphael harbored no illusions; Zaris' behavior had managed to torque the mare off to a degree he'd never seen before, ever. And as Zaris had been traveling with him, it was obliquely his fault, and he owed Sparkles his regrets and his best behavior.

Though he likely would have been mortified if he had known that she had mentally dubbed him a child. Though a young stallion, he had his pride, and that tidbit would have cut him to the quick. Just as well that it remained un-vocalized; some things just weren't meant to be endured.

As it was, he managed to maintain his composure quite beautifully, accepting her 'demands' with a slight nod. "You need not worry about Zaris; I doubt that we would either of us run the risk of seeing him for a few days, at the very least. As for keeping up..."

The knowledge that she was upset by the remark about her wings would have surprised him. Zaris' delivery might have left something to be desired, but the fact of the matter had been that they tended to take a pretty high flight path over not-covered areas; they didn't have to waste time going around things, or over things, or through water, they could just keep going.

But he didn't know that there had been any upset on that score, and merely assumed that she was being realistic. After all, the legs of one that had to walk all the time were almost bound to be stronger than one that was given to flight. "I'll keep up, if nothing else by flying when I need to. Your warning is understood; if I am left behind I'll know it's my own fault."

Though he was smiling as he said it, hoping that such wouldn't have to be the case. Spirit knows, it would take a while to live down being that out of condition!

Accordingly, he steeled himself up and followed the mare, quickening his own pace accordingly and trying not to wonder how long he'd be able to manage on the strength of his legs.

The mare didn't seem very communicative at the moment, he was soon to observe, and it caused him a small amount of uneasiness. This couldn't be good, and he had to wonder if her agreement to let him go with her now was her own brand of charity. He devoutly hoped that things would be able to become comfortable at some point, otherwise this would be a very awkward jaunt. At least it would be in keeping with the beginning...

Looking back on this journey later, Raphael would no doubt regard it as an educational experience. He certainly hoped it would build character, or provide enlightenment, or at the very least, lead him to Elizabeth. At the moment, though, it was incredibly uncomfortable, and he was probably making it into something more uncomfortable than he needed to be.

As a child, he had been taught the importance of reserve. Never over-share, never over-do, never over-zealously do anything. If you are not wanted, don't push things; if you are shut down in any way, respect that. Aggression has its place, but weigh the situation and always use your best judgment and act accordingly and, you will find, aggression is only the way on very select occasions.

All of these things he had been told, and all of these things he mentally reviewed as he went along with the mare. It was challenging, trying to determine which maxims applied to the current situation, if any did at all, and he found himself silently ruing the lack of a guidebook describing social customs of other places.

Finally, though, he felt that he'd made enough progress and conducted enough reviews to be satisfied he wasn't being forward when he finally decided to break the awkward silence. Or at least try to.

"So you mentioned earlier that you were on your way to visit a friend in these parts; are you a frequent traveler of this region, then?"