You are amazed by the sudden change in the land. One minute you are crossing on blazing hot sand, the dry wind scouring across your face, the next you step onto soft snow grass beside a small pond, a few trees shielding you from the wind.

The water trickles down a large, smooth grey rock on the far side of the pool, softly splashing into the rock lined catchment basin below. There are a few water plants and the occassional small fish you can see beneath the surface but there is no sign of stagnation to the water. It is extremely fresh!

"This is Raftnims pond." You whirl, startled by the voice. beside you is another drigetti, this one a mixture of of tiger and a dragon with a long, yellow, horse like mane and bright blue eyes. Beside her is another drigetti, this one white with a red mane
The orange one bobs her head.

"Haram Salu. I am Ch'z!nianth and this is Tiran." She blushes slightly, despite her fur, as does the white creature. "My mate." We are guardians of this oasis.

"Many tales tell that the stone pegasus there, carved into the rock."

She nods towards the large stone behind the pond which, now that you focus upon it, realise does indeed resemble a pegasus, lying down, wings folded, the spring water trickling from it's carved eyes and dripping from it's muzzle and forelock into the pool.

"was once flesh and blood. His name was Raftnim and he was one of the first creatures brough to the Tir. He fell in love with Allanon, the white mare who created the Tir. When she disappeared he searched everywhere but could not find her. He alighted on this rock, in the middle of the desert, lay down and wept for his lost love.
"Mother Earth took pity on him and turned him to stone, thus granting him immortality. Legend says that when Allanon returns he will be restored to life. Until then it is his tears that create the oasis water for all creatures who thirst. Strangely the water is never murky or salty but as pure as his heart."

The creature looks whistful."I would like to see him return, before the stone weathers away to sand..."

She shakes her mane and laughs. "But come, You seem to be puzzled by our appearance here, but are we not Drigetti, creatures of the desert? We have been asked by Allani to keep a watch upon this oasis until Raftnim's return.

Tiran and I have had a cub as well, Darkhorse's brother Lupyne has fostered it. Should you wish to know more about me or my kin you should go to Allonia."
You are about to continue on your journey you notice yet another drigetti, this mare has a long blue mane which gives of the scent of spices and herbs as the wind blows through it.

"!nisrop to you. I am Tantomile, daughter of Cantara and Talix. Though not my blood parents Tiran and Ch'z!nianth raised me. They are my true family." She smiles and rubs her face with a paw. "I have never met my blood parents, I have never left the Tir... Perhaps some day I shall." She flips her tail and glances towards the oasis.
"I must go. We shall be hunting for mid meal soon." She bows farewell and trots away.
Return to the Desert's Edge or venture further out.