Chapter Seven: Exploration

Rose and Hooks trudged through the forest, making their way to the meadow where the unicorns lived.

Shielding her eyes from the bright glare of the sun, she took in the sight before her.

Unicorns of all ages, shapes, sizes and colors dotted the landscape. No matter where she looked, there was one. It was amazing.

Hooks, who was riding on her shoulder, took her further out, towards the small herds. He felt more comfortable inside with Lisa, but he knew that she’d want to be alone with the Doctor, especially if he was still unstable after his regeneration and he didn’t want Rose to know anything.

Hooks could sense the excitement within his companion. He didn’t blame her. Not many humans have seen unicorns.

The herds were spread out in their family groups and some were with friends. A lot of the children were playing with each other, running around and leaping into the air, having contests with each other to see who could run the fastest or jump the highest.

Mistral and Nightsun were amongst those children, Hooks could see. They were playing with Wind Chaser, Calla Lily, Two-Tone, and Lightning, racing each other from the stream, around Lily and back.

“What’s…?” Rose began, eying Lily.

“That’s Calla Lily. She’s a dragon. She’s named after the birthmark on her left leg. See, how it looks like the flower?”

“There’re dragons here, too?”

“Of course. Go on over. Just don’t let them run you over.”

Rose gave the critter on her shoulder a look, then walked towards them.

Look! shouted Mistral, skidding to a stop, causing Nightsun to overtake her before noticing the pair and putting on the brakes. Look, it’s her! I told you!

Nightsun whickered and the others followed him over.

“Hello,” said Rose.

“Hi,” said Lightning. He was a handsome stallion, with red fur, gray horn, yellow mane, tail and beard, lavender hooves and a yellow lightning bolt on his right leg. Nightsun is his nephew.

“This is Rose,” said Hooks. “She came with the Doctor.” He didn’t have to worry about them giving anything away. Lightning and Wind Chaser were old enough to know better, Two-Tone was too soft spoken, Calla Lily couldn’t communicate effectively with them and Mistral and Nightsun barely knew anything anyway.

Nightsun whinnied something to the others and Lightning flicked him with his tail, neighing something back. Rose cast a glance at Hooks, but he simply shrugged. He didn’t understand unicorn, and their thoughts and feelings were too easily shielded, being telepathic themselves.

Wind Chaser – a gray filly with yellow mane and tail, silver hooves, green horn and big brown eyes – stepped forward.

“Hi!” she said cheerfully. “I’m Wind Chaser and this is Lily.” She canted her head to the golden dragon at her side. Once upon a time, Lily was small enough to ride on her back. She had since grown up. In a few years, she’ll tower over everyone.

“And I’m Lightning and that’s Two-Tone.”

The black-and-white mare stood a little behind everyone else. She wasn’t shy, per se, just wary of strangers. It wasn’t her fault; it was part of her upbringing.

How long are you staying? Mistral asked.

“Until the Doctor wakes up,” said Rose.

He’s sleeping in the day? Is he sick?

“Sort of,” said Hooks. “So, I’m showing Rose around.”

A chuckle rippled through them. They thought the shyest creature on Alnilam acting as a guide was very funny.

Hooks blushed. “It’s not that funny,” he said quietly.

“Oi, stop laughin’ at ’im!” said Rose firmly. The equines immediately stopped. “That’s be’er.”

“Sorry,” said Wind Chaser, though a giggle was still in her voice.

Can we go? Hooks whispered in Rose’s mind.

She took the hint. “We’ll see you la’er.”

They walked away and Hooks said, “Thanks,” when they were as out of earshot as they could be with the sensitive hearing of the unicorns around.

“No problem. Where to next?”

“I’ll introduce you to some of the adults. Go left.”

End chapter seven.

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