i lit a flame in my heart to guide you home

The day had started out rainy and dreary, not exactly the weather Alysanne had been hoping for on the day they wished to gather everyone for a herd meeting. She had intended to seek out Tembovu and call for everyone first thing in the morning but the downpour delayed her. It wasn’t until late afternoon that the rain faded and the sky began to clear, a golden sun appearing and illuminating the droplets of water that covered every surface in the Edge.

It was beautiful, a peaceful setting, and it was perfect for a meeting.

Her call rang clearly out from where she stood, just under the violet canopy that had kept the rain from the grass underneath so it was still dry. She still was a little uncertain about this whole tent idea but this seemed to be the place to have a herd meeting. She just hoped that this one would go smoother than the one where she was named Queen. Would anyone have objections to her opening the ceremonies this time when Tembovu was normally the one to call them? Would anyone even come? After her whinny, she added words to the call, loud as she could. “World’s Edge! Gather, please.”

The moments while she was waiting for the herd to show were agony but she reminded herself that she had held meetings dozens of times with the healers over the years. And she was stronger now, she could do this - could speak to such a large group of horses. There were, after all, more friendly faces than unfriendly ones… weren’t there?

- cue arrivals -

Alysanne smiled to all those that came - more warmly for some, like her sister and her friends, but everyone was greeted in some small way by her. Anyone that met her gaze, anyway. Once the majority of horses seemed to have been arrived, her smile brightened and she began to speak - her voice warm. “Happy Birdsong everyone! We have much to discuss.” She had been wondering where the best place to start would be, whether it even mattered, and had been up all night practicing her speech so that she was certain that it would make sense. How terrible it would be to get up in front of everyone and confuse them all! Part of her, a small but growing part, wasn’t sure that she cared - if they criticized her, let them - but the larger part still wished to do the best that she could. They deserved that of their queen, after all.

She forced her nerves deep down to where they could not show in her eyes or cause her to tremble where she stood.  “First, some changes to the ranks. As some of you know, our dear Glasgow has left the herd and while we wish her well, it leaves two Glazier positions open. We have much to build this season now that the snow has melted and so I ask that @Graasvoel and @Mesec,” her eyes searched for the two winged stallions within the group, “step up to fill the positions, if you are willing, and train any new crafters that may be interested in the rank. Anzanie will be an Artificer to support you both.”

“For the healing ranks, Evangeline has long been absent and so has been demoted to Apothecary.” Alysanne hated to speak these words - the beautiful mare had long been her friend, one of the few faces left from before. But she couldn’t afford to worry herself over that now - and just as she was sad to see Evangeline demoted she was excited about who they wanted to rise in her stead. Her shining green eyes moved through the crowd, seeking the young friendly stallion she had quickly learned to consider a friend. “@Sacre, if you would, we would like you to fill the third Moon Doctor position. You have shown excellent promise within the herd and the healing ranks.”

She then looked to Tembovu, smiling faintly at him and finally falling silent so that he might say his piece as well.