From the battle he had emerged victorious, bruised and bleeding but triumphant. He had been unable to see the ending to Kahlua's battle with Aurelia, consumed with the challenge that had faced him nigh simultaneously. And as he watched her bloodied, beaten form flee from the borders, he raised his chest high and lifted his crown to the heavens. Closed his eyes and breathed in the darkness, finding strength in the success he had won from the demoness fleeing into the night. His family was safe another day. He had bled for them, thrown his body into the pits of hell called battle to ensure their safety. Would do it again in seconds, beaten and body destructed as it may be, if it meant his family lay in the cradle of safety for another night. Death would be honorable if it was claimed in the name of protection, of love. He had sworn upon his new mantle, upon the crown worn in spirit above his golden brow, that his people would find haven beneath his rule. He would face such battles every night, would relive what Confutatis had brought to him every hour if it meant his word stayed true.

So despite the ache of his body, he turned away from the borders, the glittering shards of glass stained with blood. It was time to return to his family. But first...as he turned he saw them, those who had stood at his back during the battle, who had come to the aide of the Edge when Confutatis had knocked upon their door with bloodied knuckles and daggered teeth. Cheveyo, Archibald, Ktulu, Lakota...even little Merida. A deep sigh escapes him, but a proud smile reaches his face regardless. They had done so well. "It is over. You have all done well...my gratitude cannot be expressed. You have made your kin proud tonight." Whether that meant something to them or not, it was said with the intent of it being important to them in some way, as it was important to him. Whatever was next to come from his mind upon his tongue was interrupted by the call of their Queen. The challenge must be finished then, he mused, and turned crown to the call. Aurals flickered as it ended, turning then to glance over those gathered. Expression sobered. "I will speak to all of you in time. It seems it's time for a meeting."

With aching body and screaming head, he forged on into the depths of the herdland. There was little time to think, to recover, but he wore his badges of battle with pride. Perhaps, if there was time, he would seek a healer. At that moment, however, he was far more concerned with Kahlua. She was no fighter, after all, and while Aurelia was but a babe and not much of an opponent, she had magic on her side. Kaj knew just how dangerous magic could be, had seen it since he'd first opened his eyes into life. What would happen to her innocent soul, her naive mindset? After his talk with Evangeline, he had tried to place more of the herd's matters upon her shoulders, tried to let her lead instead of overtaking her responsibilities. She had not flourished, but she had done better than he had feared. How far would this set her back? How badly would it damage her?

It was obvious that somehow she had been wounded, for she had retreated to the sacred meeting spot where Mirage once found her place. Despite the exhaustion that ate at him, the King managed to summon worry for the innocent woman. How badly could Aurelia have hurt her? He had not the energy to summon the rage against her that he had felt previously. Gratitude seeps back into consciousness as he recalls the faces of those who had stopped him, surprised and touched by the fact the Dauntless had been there as well. His decision no longer seemed so impersonal, and he glanced over one battered shoulder to briefly gaze at the massive stallion. It was reassuring, to know his brethren were so loyal and stubborn.

By the time he turned his head once more, the trees had thinned, and the painted mare was standing alone on the mound. Steeling his shoulders, and stubbornly ignoring the twinge that threatened to lock them, the stud moved slowly forth to take his place beside her. Pain kept him from being able to offer his side to her, beneath his wing. Hopefully his presence alone would help. As much as he wanted to know about Aurelia's challenge, the King knew it was not the time nor place. Instead, he stood in silence as the herd gathered around, unashamed of the blood still painted on his coat, the wounds plainly visible to his people. At least Kahlua was healed, that was what was of true importance to him. His own redemption could wait, so long as she was safe from the pits of darkness he hailed from.

Once they had stilled, and silence covered the previous shuffling of hooves and quiet murmurs of recognition and greeting, it was Kahlua who spoke first. Kaj was silent as a quarry's stone, a graveyard of concealed thoughts, awaiting the time when he may share them with all the eloquence he did not feel he had. At least his private inquiries had been answered, and a level of pride flowered in him to know that Kahlua had reigned victorious in her battle as well. The aureate King listened through the politics and the pleasantries, the amiable and the atrocious, as the path of their family was forged. He only hoped to have the strength to lead them down it safely. When the gifts had been announced, and silence coated the vocals of his ruling companion, the Stormbringer cleared his throat and stepped forward to face his people.

"When the Aurora Basin came to visit our borders, they came bearing news of Confutatis, leader of a band called the Regime. Two foals and their mother were taken from their home and tortured before they managed to escape. Today, Confutatis came seeking entrance into our home by way of battle. In the end, she was defeated. Our home is safe from her another day more." There was no pride nor arrogance in his tone, merely a solemn desire to express the danger they had faced both within their borders and otherwise. The blood on his coat was drying, hardening into an annoying sensation, crimson on gold. There was no pride of victory, only of keeping his people safe.

"There is a lot of bad blood between our herd and the Basin. We have been invaded on more than one occasion. We stole their home from them ourselves. But it has been extended, a possible peace treaty. They are on peaceful terms with us now, but the potential of allies is present. I ask of you, do you believe it time to move past the wrongs buried in the past? Or remain as we are?" It was not a matter he would move forth on without the explicit support of his brethren. Lace and Torleik had swayed Kaj's opinion, and the stag was not unaware of his bias. He merely hoped his subordinates, his friends and brothers, would guide him down a path they could all agree on. If not for the sake of their herd, then for the sake of Helovia and her wars.

"Similarly, when Aurelia was returned from her temporary captivity within the Hidden Falls, the ruling band, the Asylum, extended an invitation for an alliance. I am unsure of the leaders of the Falls themselves, and I urge that we create a diplomatic group that is willing to travel to the herdlands with select warriors to discuss treaties and ties. Are there any who wish to volunteer?" Kaj himself had been sent to the Throat for a long stay when he had been WingLeader, and it was a position he hoped others would be willing to fill. It was an honorable title, one that held the fate of the herd, and while Kaj would want to make entirely sure that those who desired to be part of the diplomacy were fit for the job, he also wanted to secure his herd as quickly as he could.

"Speaking of warriors. Many of you may be aware, but a Tournament was held for the position of Captain. In light of our past of invasions, it was a mass group tournament. Today, it will be revealed who has been promoted." Smiling slightly for the first time since he'd arrived, sky blues turned to look upon the two whose names were balanced upon his tongue. "Ktulu the Constrictor and Archibald the Dauntless. You both displayed your prowess in battle, and again your loyalty to the Edge with Confutatis today. Will you serve your kin, protect and teach those beneath you, as Captains?" It was their decision in the end, but he did not doubt they would claim the title. After all, they had decided to participate in the Tournament in the first place.

"Note and Fiore. You are promoted to Sergeants, should you accept the title. Protectors, you will look to Note and Fiore for commands, both from themselves and the Captains. Lead your brethren well, my friends." Head is bowed respectfully to all four of the promoted soldiers, honoring and recognizing them in turn. They were all valiant, brilliant fighters with bright flames burning inside them. Kaj respected them all quite a lot, and was aware of how grateful he was to have them in his herd.

Looking out at all of those gathered, he sighed. "The Edge is in solitude. This is both a good thing and a dangerous thing. I encourage you all to assist those in roles of importance, and once again I will aide any who desire to help our home. Alysanne herself came to me for lessons in the ways of battle. Seek out those who can help you grow. Know I am always here should you need anything I am able to spare." He concluded softly, wings pinched as he winced and stepped back, astride Kahlua. His entire frame was seizing up, pain echoing and stabbing in different places. But his people were more important than any physical ailment, and they always would be.


---
Congratulations to Time and Ali! Ktulu and Archibald have been named Captains of the Edge! Congratulations to Imi and Bry as well, Fiore and Note have been named Sergeants (Skilled Protectors)!