Nihlus asks about the Dale and I am happy to answer. I have pleasant memories of the place even though it is not my permanent home. “It’s lovely. Rolling hills between the mountains, with forests and meadows aplenty. It snows there, in the winter. Not like here.” I sometimes miss the snow, and the changing of the leaves in the Fall. But the Desert is warm year round and I would not trade it for a temperate climate.

Nihlus explains that he has only the normal number of parents, and I nod. That makes more sense; I think. I had not thought of grandparents. He seems very concerned with royalty, I realize; something I have not really paid much attention too. I could have been a king in my own right and still a disappointment to my father. I have learned that it is best to share with others to make friends, and since I’ve already possibly offended my new companion with my dislike of his offer of rain, I decide that here I will humor him.

“My mother and father were Lyric, Queen of the Dale, and Vanquish, our late King.” I refer to our as the Desert, and surely Nihlus will know that. “My father’s parents each ruled their own kingdoms, but outside of Beqanna’s borders.” I had always enjoyed the stories of Siberia, the White Witch, and Revanche, the king who had won her heart. “My mother’s parents ruled the Tundra and the Dale – Lea and Errant.” That should be enough, I think, but I want to be sure that I have enough royal blood to be considered ‘good’ for Nihlus. “My mother’s grandparents ruled the Dale, the Tundra, and the Deserts.” I meet the gaze of the younger stallion, hoping that I have satisfied him. There is more, but I am tired of talking, and hopeful that he has more to say.