Hesitance was a constant in their relationship it seemed. A reminder of their positions, and one that often made it's way back into their meetings. Amber eyes watched as she stood, so slow to look at him, as if she was afraid of what she'd see. He could only wonder how difficult it had been for her to see him change. She was the only one who seemed to notice the ice in his eyes and on his wings, and surely she was the one most disturbed by it. A short distance away, he could hear Ember's faint shuffling and the occasional curious squawk. At least there was one that would not be leaving his side. Then again, the wise newcomer Aitheria certainly had been quick to pledge her loyalty to him and no other. He fought to hold back his distraught gaze, pulling his sights from the ebon to the ground. How could his heart be pulled in so many directions and not break?

"Have you been alright? I assume things are okay in the Basin." Especially now that Psyche and that traitor are back. He added mentally, the sharpness to his expression probably vague in the pale moonlight. He could care for Faelene as much as his heart would allow, but even that would not erase the hatred he felt for those she allowed to lead her. Often times he wondered how she could stay with them, with that dark bitch, when she herself did not agree with their motives. Over and over again the question would play through his mind; Why couldn't she leave the North, and come to the Throat with him? Even outside of the Throat would be fine, for Kri seemed eager to lose his aid in leading, and would hurl the herd in to defeat if left solely to her own temper. There was no use in asking, Leander had realized. Not when he knew the answer would only put them farther apart. Suddenly, her midnight form was turning towards him, and the golden raised his crown to meet her gaze.

"Ember's mother? How did you meet her? Was she alright?" Concern fell into his chords as he rattled off one question after another. How did Faelene meet the little eagle's mother? His thoughts shifted back to the burning tree, and of Ember's small form crying out into the night. There was no doubt in his mind to save her, even with the demon's presence within him. The hair had only just started to grow back over his pelt, hiding parts of the raw pink patches that dotted his front.