Frostfall had seemed to clamor briskly on since the golden stallion had last seen Kri. Their recent meeting had left him with an even greater appreciation of her, despite the strong mare's sharp personality. She was a fine leader, more selfless than others in positions of power it seemed. The matriarch's familiar voice easily found its way to his ears, and he wasted no time in finding her. It was not everyday that the resolute made such direct announcements, and so it was with fervor that he loped towards the gathering, sand dancing around his russet limbs. There were many others from the herd already assembling, most unfamiliar but for the great scaled form of the Basilisk. It was good to see the new artisan with the rest of the group; learning and building his loyalty, with any luck. It was strange to see so many foreign faces, yet they were all ones he'd fight to protect. The palomino soon finished looking through the the small crowd and fell to a halt near the flaxen locked leader, dipping his head and giving her a smile. The sultana could likely use all the friendly looks she could get at times like these.

The assembly was certainly needed, with Mauja's forces brooding in the North. Still, he felt a hint of pride as Kri mentioned his suggestion. Concerned bronze pools glanced out among the herd once again, hoping the advice would be well taken. Certainly, many like himself would likely still travel alone, but if the young or less experienced fighters would at least take heed, it was worth mentioning. The speech went on, and the announcement of a wall set another smile across his features. The idea was excellent; and he gazed at the Basilisk with approval. The great serpent would be able to be of great use, and he had high expectations, as well as some hesitant worry, for the creature. The most the herd could do was to accept and treat Bazilisk as part of their herd and family, and deal with him if his carnivorous nature ever became a danger.

Amidst all of Kri's expected counsel, the sooty charger was not at all prepared for her closing words. Him, a leader? Sultan of the Throat? For a few long seconds, he only looked at Kri in quiet shock. A promotion itself would not have surprised him, though there were already two generals and he felt no need to take their titles from them. But to be given the responsibility of the highest rank? The desert seemed to whirl. Finally, he pooled his reserve together and fell into a bow, directed both at Kri and the entirety of the Throat. Pale strands fell across his face as he rose, expression a mix of humility and determination. "I am honored to be given the chance to lead beside you, Kri." Ivory inked eyes moved from the umber face of the sultana to the rest of his herd-mates as he continued. "I promise to serve and protect the Throat with my life." The promise was one he'd made to himself when he entered the position of soldier here, and it still rang true on the chilled air. And just like that, he was no more a soldier or the rogue of his youth.