Few turn their faces towards their words, and Kaj felt a sympathetic sort of understanding go through him like a warbling, uncomfortable current. Such words fresh in the destruction were useless. Perhaps later, when a herd meeting was called and the pains had been eased both of mind and body, their words would have more affect. More impact. So Kaj allowed them to flee or disappear into the greenery, his heart heavy and soul like lead. It was he who had conjured the idea, and he felt his faults as if they were daggers inside his flesh, twisting with every move he attempted to make. The pains that made him wince to see in the window faces of those around him had been caused by him. Surely there could have been another way? But no, Kaj had agonized over the decision for endless nights, hardly slept or ate for fear that the Goddess would next strike someone from his family.

An inky figure catches his eye as his words fall on deaf, unwilling ears. Heart stops in his mighty golden chest, a bird suddenly desperate to get free. It advanced, flying on quiet, molten wings. No. It's impossible. Kaj had searched everywhere for Ink when he had disappeared on the path back home from the Dragon's Throat. The first true friend he had made in Helovia, the one who had understood his quiet, reluctant nature before Kingship had forced him into eloquence. It could not be. But the form was unmistakable, his memory too clear and precise in continuous grief and mourning over his lost friend for there to be any error.

He stared until his eyes ached, time seeming slow and thick as it choked down upon him with every bit the inky creature came closer. A dragon. And he did not move, allowing the creature to perch upon his haunches, craning his mighty head back just so he may keep his gaze upon the impossible creature. Ink bled onto his skin, familiar, tarnishing his coat with every little step the dragon made. Kaj let his breath go in a horrible, rasping exhale, unaware of when he had even begun to hold it. Everything narrowed down to that little creature, the dark eyes he could see swimming back at him. The ones that he could still place easily in his old friend's delicate, quiet face.

"Ink?" he croaked quietly towards the fluid creature, praying to the Gods that his suspicions were right. Where had he been all that time? Why had he not returned to the Edge? To Kaj? Because it still stung, his loss. Kaj had adored the quiet, lanky soul. His first brother, the one that had given him strength, the courage to pursue higher statuses. It was Ink whom he owed his eventual kingship. Was this his saving grace? His one allotted consolation for what he had committed?

Something made him turn his head, sensing the approach of the quiet, trembling mare. Blue eyes softened, momentarily allowing himself to be distracted from what could possibly (hopefully) grow into a full reunion. Her fear was understandable, and it twisted Kaj's gentle hear to see her fear, her indecision. "Please do not fear us," he spoke to her softly, meant for her ears and whomever few were near enough to grasp his syllables. "I am glad to see you stay." He hoped it would comfort her, as she slid backwards towards the foliage, clearly too uncomfortable to remain for long and try to forge ties. So Kaj allowed himself to look back over his shoulder again, as if the ink creature was a magnet he could not hope to resist for long. "Is that you, Ink?" he whispered, a little pained with the idea that it was not.

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@[Ink] and @[Bellisma], Bell was only mentioned but just in case you wanted to see!