ORIGIN

Orion was such a pretty cave. While Jasmine had slept, tucked safely into one of the little walled areas- there were a lot of those here, all different sizes and shapes and most of them in ruin- Troy had gone on exploring. Ever the bundle of energy, he rarely slept longer than a few hours. It would come as no surprise to Jasmine if she woke up and he wasn't there- but at least he'd be close, and she only need shout to have him by her side again. The colt rarely went very far- Orion had been his greatest distance from her and even then, she'd found him there.

To be honest, Troy wasn't sure what to make of their new arrangements. Hasira, his twin rhino children, the capybara lady, even the little fluffy panda- they all seemed so nice, and Lord Hasira had promised them safety. It seemed like a great deal- give up the dangers of the forest for the safety of Orion's wide expanse of stone. Jasmine had gotten to see the garden yesterday, briefly, and that had quelled her anxiety about being here- so Troy felt a little better about his decision, despite his friend's sorrow at leaving their home behind.

The boy took another left turn around a structure, headed back to where he left said friend. His every step echoed, but he'd learned to soften them slightly since yesterday- Hasira wouldn't like him being loud, attracting attention. Neither would Jasmine, he imagined. So, the colt quietly shifted to stand by his friend's side, bending his nose to her neck in a gentle touch.

"Jazzy, wake up. The lights are bright again. We should explore." He murmured into her skin, each word a soft whisper. "Come play with me!"

Jasmine woke with subtle grace and stood, tall and limber on those long legs. For a moment, Troy admired her, looking up with a grin as he always did when she stood. He imagined too often what it might be like- and how unfortunate they both were to have been born into the bodies they had- his tiny and frail, hers tall and majestic. She'd have had a better time with his short self, and he'd surely enjoy the height she had.

Too bad life didn't work that way. He shook the thought away with a grin and trotted a few paces ahead, leaving the little shambled house behind and heading into the streets of the ruined city.

"Lets map out the city! That's what Hasira called it, right? The weird structures? It's a city." He nodded, as if to confirm his thoughts, then trotted along the roadside, pausing only to be sure Jasmine was following. "We'll check out some of the ruins for lost treasures, then head to the garden." In fact, as the boy passed an open doorway, he glanced in to see if he spotted anything particularly shiny inside...

...and to his delight, he spotted something metallic inside, amongst the dust and mold. A tiny silver chain, affixed with a charm in the shape of feathered wings, flawlessly preserved. He turned into the building suddenly and swept it up between his teeth, blowing the ash from his mouth and its surface in turn. As he slipped back outside, he held it up for Jasmine to see.

"Shee? Al'eady 'inding shtuff!" He extended his neck some more, gesturing it towards her. "Phor 'oo, 'y 'ady!"

Troy stepped back as Jasmine leaned into his space, and carefully, set the trinket over her horn and watched her settle it cutely beside her ear. He would've blushed if horses could. Instead, his ears flicked back and he stared for a moment, a shy expression across his features.

"It's very pretty on you, Jazzy!" He offered, then flustered, he twisted away back towards the ruins, to find more trinkets but also to hide his embarassment from her. He felt silly, so instead of lingering on it, skipped ahead to the next goal of finding a matching shiny for her to wear- she'll be even prettier then - not helping, brain! He marched ahead, scanning the ruins...

...and after searching one or two little ruined huts, he found a glimmer of potential- literally. It was made of green, almost clear stone and in the shape of an unfinished circular band. Intricate twists and carved shapes were lined with glittering diamonds- at least, once he dusted the dirt from its surface at least. Though chipped in one or two spots, it was pretty- and perfect for Jazzy. He scooped it up between his teeth and just like before, returned to her side, proudly displaying his find.