The biting words from Vikram resounded in her tiara. Sylphlike ears flicked back, the acoustic openings now facing away from him. Golden eyes narrowed, and the dragon companion who stood by her side bristled. Reminiscent of their first meeting, Akaith felt the offence perhaps greater than Mirage – to suggest that they were incapable of defending themselves hurt. Does he think us weak? Akaith exclaimed, and it took a switching of places now, Mirage to become the calmer, soothing one, while the dragon’s temper bristled. The dragon was weary, not only from the scuffle, but from the overwhelming concern she held for her bonded as she recovered.

He does not, Akaith, he is merely concerned for us, I am sure… Even as she spoke the words to her golden friend of heart and soul, she knew she was trying to convince herself of their truth at the same time. The queen radiated tension, but it slowly dripped away, especially once she realised the resolve and composure returning to her bonded. Akaith could see that Vikram had helped the mare even more, by inspiring an argument (or at least, attempting to), Mirage was able to collect her thoughts and ponder a rebuttal instead of replay constantly what had just taken place.

“I think you have demonstrated that you would have done more than simply fly at his head.” Mirage’s words were spoken clearly now, and the mare shook whatever lingered of the guilt and sorrow that plagued her before. Aylin spoke, in her innocent way, pointing out Vikram’s counterproductive actions from before, and with a sad gaze Mirage watched the young belle wander away from their gathering. The mare sent a low whicker after the filly, requesting her to wait, for she would be joining her soon. She doubted she would ever want to return to these fiery, unstable lands again.

“My friends,” she began, looking to each of them, including the dragon-stallion, for he was still one of her nearest and dearest friends. “I ache to return to the Meadow, and would be glad for your company.” Delicately she extradited herself from the holds of her friends, leaning into each one gratefully in turn. Akaith, still glowering a little at Vikram, chirruped a small farewell, before leaping to the skies and following the trail of the filly and the orange-red dragon. It was slow-going for Mirage, with an aching leg, but nothing a day’s rest and bath in the river wouldn’t mend.

[ ooc : Skipping ahead just to wrap things up for everyone :-) ]