It was interesting, this challenge within a herd that was peaceful. Mirage's initial alliance with the Foothills had been based largely upon her friendship with Gossamer, the pale mare whom she had aided obtain milkweed so many years ago in Isilme. The mare was unsure how to handle this challenge - she was upset because of the feelings she had invested in Gossamer, she knew Gossamer would be devastated by this. The mare loved her herd, and worked hard for it. Her peaceful views were difficult to juggle however, Mirage was not blind to see that even a peaceful herd must fight and squabble, as dominant types would always exist even when beliefs were similar.

The little shadow mare heard news of the fight from her dragon, who was sensitive to the goings on of other dragons, particularly those bonded with her allies, and so she moved swiftly, nearly invisibly across the lands, soon flanked by her brothers. The fight had just settled, it would seem, with the stallion whose mane resembled a young unicorns she had interacted with briefly, perhaps in the Threshold. A member of the Throat? She pondered at the thought of their relations, but put such things on hold for now.

Smoke stood near her, radiating mild disapproval of the new lead stallion's choices, voicing completely justified questions. The stallion saw fit to demote her powers here, even though Smoke had been more than worthy enough to carry the title. This was interesting indeed. The brothers that stood by her sides nodded their greeting to the mare they still considered their military leader, before giving a slightly less enthusiastic greeting to Paladin as well. They had to respect him for his prowess on the battlefield, but they did not know him, nor trust him - both things which took time to earn and learn. The mare's magic dripped away from her now, and she was silently pleased to hear him acknowledge the Qian.

He is happy to step into role of Leader of a strong herd; I wonder what he would have done had the herd been truly failing - does he hold the capabilities to raise it up, help it grow? Leading a herd with solid foundations already in place is all well and good, but I am curious to know what, is anything, he plans on doing differently to make it 'greater' still. The thoughts ran through her mind quickly, chattering away to her bonded, who sat quietly upon her back, thoughtfulness behind her eyes of whirling ambers, reds and oranges. Akaith longed to comfort Lazulli, but they had made themselves scarce soon after the battle. We will seek them out, dear one. We must ensure she is all right.

Paladin spoke now, addressing Smoke's concerns. He made a fair point indeed, and she felt the cogs within her own cranium turning with inspiration and hope for her own future plans. A small sigh was exhaled, and the mare stepped forward to speak.

"I can not hide my pleasure in your acknowledgement of us, Paladin. The Qian will continue to serve the Foothills as allies, and is eternally grateful to your continued offer of a safe place to rest our travel-weary hides." The little shadow spoke with an honest strength behind her voice, dipping her chiselled tiara to the steed who had, for all intents and purposes, earned his right to stand before them as the new Foothills Leader. She was interested to know whether the Foothills might now offer more military support for herself and the Qian's future aims, but thought better of announcing such queries in the midst of their herd meeting. "When time has soothed your injuries, I ask that we may speak again, Paladin." She simply stated, bowing her tiara and resettling her position between her brothers, who stood silently still.

[ Madyrn and Maskan are with her, I am assuming they are still OK to be listed as Warriors? ]