But no; she requested the herd's attendance. His attendance. There was scurrying outside the entrance to his home, and for once the gelding felt like he mustn't miss out on a herd meeting.
The kind he'd watched at the edge had always been an ugly pissing party of promotions and demotions, and a chance to cat call any the leaders might want to publicly humiliate (namely, himself). He prayed that there was a slightly more humble approach in the north.
Treading lightly across the craggy hillside, Toulouse caught sight of a growing crowd. He stuck to the trees, preferring the cover of the pines and snow to the snugness that came with standing out in a clearing with his new herd brothers and sisters.
Not a single face was one he recognised, all apart from the Lady herself, which was what brought him to another conclusion.
The lady stood alone; was there no Lord? He didn't doubt Tiamat entirely, though still, he wondered how on earth she could run an entire herdland alone.
DO NOT CRY OUT OR HIT THE ALARM
YOU KNOW WE'RE FRIEND TIL WE DIE—
EITHER WAY YOU TURN, I'LL BE THERE
OPEN UP YOUR SKULL, I'LL BE THERE
CLIMBING UP THE WALLS
SO LOCK THE KIDS UP SAFE TONIGHT
CLOSE THE EYES IN THE CUPBOARD