To greet him a genuine curl of her lips is his gift, and his own only brightens in return. His negative emotions and stress melt away seeing such a happy, sincere reaction to his mere presence. He is still important and loved, his brethren still meet him with open arms and happy smiles, and for now...for now that is more than enough. Dark rose light cascades through the dry branches to rest upon Kahlua's canvas, her ivory portions blushing as if embarrassed and flustered by the fading warmth's attentions. Dark tiara leans towards the earth as his had, though there is no need for the motion, she need not bow her head to him. He does his own out of respect, gentlemanly habits, and does not expect it in return and will not force it of her. But her lyrics are warm and joyous, declaring him friend, and his heart warms. It sends tendrils of comfort down his spine, dancing like static electricity over the tips of his feathers, contagious. This is what he had been missing all this time, stuck in his state of confusion and depression that he had been unable to put a name to for so long.

Blue eyes meet companionably, different shades amiable despite the flickering shadow of doubt in her kindly gaze. Information? Pale aureate ears perk in interest, characteristics turning to a more serious form as he awaits the news of which he is unsure of the kind- good or bad. Her mannerisms shifted, nervous and hesitant, and as she speaks her aurals droop. There is a slight look of disapproving upon his face, but he holds his tongue patiently, thinking over his words wisely. It is in the past, there is nothing he could do to change her actions, and so she did not deserve the full anger as she might have. It was an innocent drive, unlike Aaron's had been, wanting to seek out the Foothills in anger that could have started a second war.

Before he has a chance to answer her she is perking up once more, declaring happily that she has a gift for him, and surprise shows clearly on his face. It is pleasant surprise, because he has never gotten a gift, and it is so touching that his eyes soften and his smile is sheepish and grateful. Kahlua improves his mood so easily, it's hard not to find an excuse to visit her just to bask in her wonderful smile and optimistic outlook on life. It was a wonderful change. Her silent 'stand still' is audible despite the lack of it coming from her lips, and he adjusts his stance to a more appropriate one, offering his body to her to do as she wished.

Immediately it is obvious where she intends to work, and he feels a building weight on his neck, though it is nothing he cannot handle due to the light nature of glass gifted to the crafters of the Edge. It does not take long, as she had assured, and he even manages to close his eyes and relax into the soothing touch of the glass shaping around and against his skin like the gentle caress of the mists. Momentarily she steps away, the process is complete, and he views her gift the best he can from his position. Chainmail, magically strengthened armor, lies upon the arch of his neck flexible, comfortable, but durable. It is...beautiful. Touching.

He loves it.

And he says so, as she declares that she hopes he will like it. "I...It's perfect, Kahlua, I love it!" He is normally not so exuberant, but his smile is the widest it's ever been and he seems to glow all around, inside and out. Before he can think it over he acts on his joy, moving to her shoulder to drape a wing over her spine and curl cheek over her neck to hug her close the best he can. Dancing away again, he cannot find the strength to stop smiling. "Thank you, Kahlua, I will treasure it forever. I have never received a gift before. I cannot thank you enough." He is so caught up in his happiness that he nearly forgets about her confession, the information she had brought to him so trustingly.

Forcing himself to make a more serious face, he reaches the tips of his wing towards her shoulder in hopes of touching her. "You were motivated by love and friendship, Kahlua. That cannot be condemned. You have given us valuable information, thank you for that. I only wish you could have asked for an escort, we cannot have such a valuable member prone, do you understand?" It is gentle, but stern, far from yelling or any kind of anger. Sighing he shakes his crown, a smile twitching unbidden at his lips despite how much he tries when the gift upon his neck moves with him.

"If you wish, I will come with you myself next time you wish to visit. Perhaps we can amend things with them now," he rumbles happily, remembering his friend Apollo from said lands. "I do hope your friend is well, though. Thank you, Kahlua, this information is quite useful!" He accompanies the reprimand with his kindness, not wanting to see her face crumple any more than he needed to. Kaj truly wished she would have been, and would in the future be, more careful. However there was nothing he could do, except wait and hope she did not do it again, for he may have to punish her by then. But for now he is glowing like a miniature sun, the gift having made him so deliriously happy that for now he will move on past the reprimand he had given her.