Warm sand was displaced under the solid mass of the similarly painted stag standing upon it, staring into the distance of a temporary home he had once found shelter in many seasons ago. Where once he stood but a WingLeader with his sister at his side, heart on his sleeve and a loyal soldier to the draconic mistress of the night, he had grown in the seasons that had passed. It was odd, to see how the Throat had changed, how the path had narrowed and the wall had been erected. Nostalgic, almost. But now, he stood a King at their borders, with a far heavier burden upon his shoulders and old words upon his tongue. There was something far more delicate to be discussed now, and he could not rely upon the old treaties of his previous Queen to assure the safety of a family that now looked to him to keep them secure and thriving.

No matter how scared he was, he could not let such an expression show. He had to trust in the loyalty, the faith, that his people had in him. In the glow of belief he found in the eyes of those who had followed him to the South as he glanced over his shoulder to gaze upon them. Yes, they were the reason he kept fighting, kept soldiering on despite all the danger that danced at their borders and beyond. Smiling at them, hoping to instill a further sense of courage in their hearts, he let his crown fall back to the shimmering of the heat across the horizon, his own pale gold form warming beneath the autumn sun.

Briefly, he recalled Onni. The Illuminant had been one of his first friends in Helovia, and her kindness had sought out his heart and buried her memory deep. She had perhaps been more than a friend, once upon a time, but her memory was coated in gold and preserved in love no matter what Kaj had felt for her. At times he missed her, regretted not seeing her more often. Her warm smile and peaceful blue eyes, lazy afternoons spent wading through rivers and resting in sparse shade, hiding away from the heat of the summer sun. He missed her, and wondered if she still resided in the Dragon's Throat. Wondered if she would ever forgive him for not seeking out her company again, for letting their friendship dissolve like acid on a sugar cube.

Clearing his throat to himself, deep umber hooves moved forth towards the gate, trying to steel his insides for the potential rejection and the loss of hope that could accompany it. No, Kaj had to look on the bright side, had to remain hopeful. Had to take a page from Kahlua's book, for once. If he didn't, he might damn them with his jinx, and he would do anything if it meant keeping his family safe.

Pausing only as the reached the gate and the borders it straddled, he lifted his glorious crown and bellowed out into the air, vocals clear and strong as it beckoned those of rank forth into his fold to hear what he so desperately needed to say. Wondered if any would recognize him from a time long ago when he had stood among their ranks, a brother, and would welcome him with smiles and fond memories.

@[Fiore], @[Leeka], @[Sohalia], @[Africa]