The flower was delicate, its petals limp and fragile as they splayed out in a colorful circle against the rock. Thin, raised veins ran the length of it, radiating out from its center where specks of pollen created a thick, golden center. Alorus had hopped onto the grey slab as well, blackened head cocked to one side as he inspected the flora with the same intensity as his equine companion. Taking great care to be gentle, Ipomoea lowered his head at a slow, inching pace until his eye hovered mere inches above the earth. Although delicately thin, the blossom was nearly as big as Po’s own head, and gave off an incredibly strong aroma that he wasn’t yet sure if he liked. “I don’t know the name of this one, Al,” he confessed, nudging the flower gently with his muzzle. A few grains of pollen stuck to the ends of his nose, causing his to pull his head to the side sharply and his nostrils wrinkled. The tickling sensation started deep within his nasal passages, and he stood there heaving for a few breaths before a strong sneeze forced the allergen from his airway. On the rock, Alorus chattered angrily, as if scolding his young companion. But Ipomoea paid him no mind, his focus already shifted to the group of equines gathering in the distance. His mottled ears swung forward, but only scattered voices and dissonant phrases reached him. Nonetheless, it looked important, and Po wanted to be in the midst of it.
“Come on Al, we can play with the flowers later,” he called back to his companion, picking up his legs into a steady trot towards the capitol. The stellar’s jay watched him go for only a minute before he picked up the surprisingly light flower and took flight after the speckled horse, wings beating quickly to catch up. Po’s pace continued to increase until he was rushing through the meadow at a gallop, slowing to a canter only when he reached the outskirts of the city. It seemed abandoned, its inhabitants having beaten him to the meeting already. He skidded to a halt when he reached the courtyard, nostrils flaring as his sides heaved and his ears spun forward to inspect the crowd. His knees were muddy and his hair was a mess, hardly dressed for any sort of party. As he approached, his companion dropped to his crest and tucked the vibrant flower behind his ear, as though its addition would make up for his disheveled appearance.
The dark figure standing before them all was familiar, but Po couldn’t think of a reason for him to be publicly speaking. He still had a lot to learn about the workings of this Court. Instead he turned to the nearest equine, drawing close (perhaps closer than he should have), directing his questions towards anyone who would answer. “Does anyone know what’s going on here?”
@whoever wants to put up w him c’x
!!!
