Warmth flows from the spotted lad, seeking the battered King in all his nervous hopefulness, providing bedrock to place himself upon and ground the worries of his mind. Fiore was a fine Sergeant, and glowed like a star in the blackness of Kaj's trembling innermost thoughts. What had the Storm Bringer ever done to deserve such loyalty, such companionship? The majority of his people at minimum tolerated him, but the staggering amount of friends, of brothers and sisters, was what shocked him. Instead, pale azures attempted to convey the impossible depth of his gratitude to his Sergeant, wishing he knew what it was that drew in the souls of the wandering and convinced them of the stable home his heart could provide for them. "It would be an honor for you to do so Fiore," he was compelled to say, sincerity laced in his features, hugging every curve created by the lift of pale lips into a homely smile.

Briefly the King regrets not striking up more pervasive conversation on the trip to the desert, but it is not a rumination he can sustain as the bloodless beauty descends into their midst. Both stallions are respectful as can be, and Kaj feels pride welling in his breast, threatening to puff his wings in a guileless display at Fiore's impeccable timing and beautifully simplistic words. While it is odd to have a fellow leader call him Majesty, regal head bows in humble appreciation of the title, the welcome that echoes in her words. The thought of a reputation was similarly staggering, but he concealed any conflicted emotions from the hued eyes of the Sultana, careful to not destroy exactly what she had just mentioned.

Her warmth was contagious, and Kaj felt his heartbeat calm its crazy rhythm as she began to address his carefully constructed proposition. Whatever weight drew him down on the journey was lifted, relief shattering like a fragile vase inside his bones. The absence of the briefly mentioned Africa was noted, but left without judgment, for Kaj had attended to multiple problems and encounters without Kahlua. A nod of understanding preceded the relieved, gracious smile upon his handsome face. "I understand, Lady Sohalia. We will graciously accept what you have offered, and may your counsel with Lady Africa bear fruits we may both reap." Passing along the bag of herbs with a gentle nudge of deep brown walkers, the King shuffled his wings with a roll of massive shoulders and smiled kindly down at the petite leader.

"Your kindness will not be forgotten, Lady Sohalia of the desert. May the sun and moon be kin once again, in our futures." Respectfully he kneeled before her, an elaborate bow that lingered with maw breathing puffs of air upon the sands before it ended. Turning to Fiore with that last elegant display of impending departure, awaiting any parting words from his Sergeant, the King felt the glow of peace and hope reestablish itself in the very marrow of his skeleton. Maybe the Edge was finally growing.

---

Not the best, but wanted to wrap this up while I still had a laptop!