Aludra was bored. Not that this was any different from any other day. It seemed most of the Stars she had grown close to had their own business to attend to. Nash watched over the Princess or trained Adil. Adil was trained or moped around the edges of the herd. At first she had tried to join in or watch them, but that had soon become dull. Listening to Adil rant and sulk had fast lost its appeal. She understand he didn't feel like he belonged here. Far as she was concerned, he did far more than she did. He still had his grandparents and mother who enjoyed his company. It was only his father who didn't. Not much of a cause for feeling an outsider. Now she. She was the true outsider. Though she had grown up here, none of her family remained save Nash. Yasmin had been his wetnurse during the journey across the desert, so that made him sort of like a brother. In reality, they were cousins. Not of the same generation. After that it got confusing for her.
Watching the two of them train was fun at first. But when Nash watched the Princess, at least she got a chance to hang out with Sooraya. The only other female in the herd she felt she could talk to on a same-age basis.
And there was also Badr, Nash's father. Her mother wouldn't be glad to hear of it, her daughter growing a bond with the flirty Nova. Aludra was not a naive, weak mare, however. She wasn't about to let herself be lead off by a few sweet words. Not that she thought Badr was dangerous. Probably needed to pick which words he choose to say in the presence of mares.
Nonetheless, the white mare still found herself returning to the lake more often than finding Adil or Nash. At least when the Nova was in the oasis. It wasn't like Nash or Adil were going anywhere.
Stopping inches from the water, Aludra stepped in halfway to her knees, her tail floating in the water behind her towards the shore.
"Mister Badr?"
Ice_Dragon_Demon
