The universe was surely a big place, but in all its vast reaches there could be none as happy or content as Aisling, according to the little faerie's own estimation. Each day she spent in the safe cradle of the Aurora Basin was better than the last; she had Johnny, who had since banished all fears or rejection or despair. The Weaver, so easy and enthusiastic in his affections, had taken her already hopeful heart and sealed himself away inside of it. Perhaps she still had lessons to learn, perhaps her kind of love was childish, but it was sweet, and it was warm, and she would ask for nothing more. Still more she was given, in her little lemon, Larue. The little filly was often more spice than sugar but even Aisling's affection for Johnny was dwarfed by her devotion to their daughter.

When the summons echoed across the Basin, Aisling went readily with her little family to answer it. Since coming to the Basin just before Larue's birth, the little mare had kept herself fairly secluded, but now that her daughter was not quite so fragile she was eager to meet more of the inhabitants of her new home. She was all smiles as they walked, Johnny bouncing around them in his usual fashion, but as they approached the gathering the mare felt a small knot of nerves settle in her stomach.

The dark stallion that commanded the herd's attention was intimidating-based on Johnny's description Aisling knew this must be the Lord of the Basin and seeing him, vital and menacing in the flesh left little doubt in her mind that the beast could shift to terrifying in a heartbeat. There was a jolt of surprise, at the sight of the stunning pink-dusted mare that had tried to abscond with her cuffs back when she had first arrived in Helovia. These two, equal parts beautiful and terrible, flanked by a sea of strangers (some on first glance appearing surly and scowling far too tall) left Aisling almost wishing again for the safety of seclusion but she steeled herself against the instinct to take her daughter and flee.

You're fine, lass. Look Johnny's not afraid... she told herself, bolstered by the candyman's apparent ease, and too by the sight of Rexanna, who had been so kind, standing next to the leaders. As the long seconds passed, and the meeting was called to order Aisling's wary look gave way to an optimistic smile again. The daunting Diemos spoke sternly but he spoke of welcoming new members. Aisling wondered why he had to specify that any species may join, and in scanning the faces of the gathered realized that she was the only one that seemed to be without a proud set of horns upon her head; even the foals at least had rounded nubs at various stages of growth. Was her appearance here so wholly unprecedented? She would have been eager to make herself useful to her new herd in any case, but this discovery (highlighted by the Lord's words) was more than enough motivation to find herself a productive place in the herd that had welcomed her. No sooner did the thought pass through Aisling's mind than fate--and the mysterious Hotaru--gave her a chance to do just that.

Shock crossed the little mare's face, surprised to be addressed at all, let alone to be called out by the Lady in order to be given a promotion. Wide eyes and a little whispered gasp of "Oh!" must have looked a little less than reassuring even as at that moment Hotaru continued to describe her as "skilled and perceptive" but such was her surprise in that moment. Their brief brush in the past might have made Aisling unsure of the blush-colored unicorn upon first sight but the shimmer in the seafoam eyes had a cheeky smile tugging at the faerie's mouth. The offer was too perfect, and perhaps she'd have to ask Hotaru one day how that decision came about but Aisling had already discovered and smidgen of skill and a liking for such work. Determination rose in her now, a drive to prove worthy of this acceptance and the challenge set before her. 

She dipped her white head to the leaders, in thanks, in assurance and then addressed the Lady with grey eyes sparkling. "Grateful, I am, for you welcome and your trust. I hope I can give the Basin as much as it has already given me." Her beaming gaze shifted to Johnny and Larue, and the former's whinny pulled a delighted laugh from her throat. This could be home. she thought, and what a precious thought that was, something she hadn't felt so strongly since her youthful wanderlust had taken her from the green hills where she was born. Rexanna and another mare congratulated her; Aisling offered them both a smile of thanks and a wink to Larue. "Your Ma's not so boring after all, eh lass?" she whispered and watched withe a careful eye and her little lemon wandered off to make friends.