Israfel was not one for the cold. In this life or her last one, she detested the winter season, loathing the invasive chill that infiltrated her joints and bones. And this time around, she didn’t even have her blood-born magic to keep her warm. While she wouldn’t trade her home in Terrastella for the world, there was a certain charm about Solterra, the lingering warmth aside. It pulled at her heartstrings, the hot deserts and the fierce sun reminding her of her father’s fiery love and familiarity. The people were hardy, but loyal. Fierce and sarcastic, abrasive at the best of times, those that Israfel had met during her mission would not be forgotten. Eventually she would return to Terrastella and the Dusk Court, but she had been given a duty to assist Solterra by her Queen, and she was not one to do anything by halves.
 
Even though it had been half a season since their arrival, she remained behind, even after Evangeline had returned to their western homeland. Israfel helped with protecting the Day Court and rebuilding the locations molested by the teryr attack, seeking out Isorath at least once a day to check in with her shield-brother and ensure his welfare during their stay. So far everyone of Solterra had been accommodating to the two of them, but the longer that she stayed here, among the denizens of sand and sun, she felt her heart finding a place here and her mind wondering, not for the first time, what her life would be like had she happened upon the desert before the cliffs.
 
Seeking a reprieve from her morning patrol, gilded wings carried the Daughter of the Sun to the oasis. It was high noon by the time she landed, wings stretching out in a cascade of gold and ivory, soaking in the rays of the sun overhead and welcoming its familiar touch. There was a slight chill upon the breeze, toying with the maiden’s ivory and golden hair, but it was nothing untoward or unpleasant. It was soothing and relaxing, a calming balm to the physical and mental stresses of assistance, and she was grateful for some time alone and away.
 
Fiery vermilion eyes regarded the oasis, admiring the glistening pools of water, the beautiful variants of plants, and the overall picturesque tranquility of it all. She came here sometimes, after a long day of work, to unwind and find peace. Sometimes others would be lingering nearby, but never would she disturb them. So far, there didn’t appear to be anyone else in the area. Golden hooves drew the Sun Daughter towards the crystal clear pool, and with a profound elegance, Israfel lowered her head to drink. The cool water soothed her parched tongue, returning vibrancy to her core, and only after she was sated did she lift her head, pearls of water droplets falling from rose-kissed lips.
 
Allowing her wings to settle back against her sides, nestled out of the way, Israfel stood at the water’s edge, staring down into her own reflection. Lazily she cocked a rear hoof, tail swishing slowly beneath the afternoon sun, and vermilion eyes slid shut to simply feel the world around her.
 
“Perfect.”