So much had happened.

Her capture, the broken bond, her herd's capture of the Basin's General, the attempts on her friend's lives because of it, her release, Solstice's escape, Xanthos' escape… it was a whirlwind of happenings, all chaotically congesting into a cesspool of disorienting confusion, tumultuous perplexity settling into her mind and giving the WeyrLeader a monumental headache. Golden eyes clicked shut behind charred lids, the mare stood as just that; a dark, shadowy smudge against the landscape of spring forests, letting the trillions of thoughts roll through her head. Saline air pressed against her, lifting the silken threads that grew along the crest of her curved nape. There was much that had already been done; there was still so much to do.

A deep sigh filled the lungs of the mare, drinking in the surrounds; filling her with a great sense of relief and satisfaction, for the scents she was breathing in were familiar, homely, comforting and all round invigorating. She had a headache, but it could have been a lot worse - everything could have been worse if not for the aid of those she had not entirely expected to step to the fore.

They say greatness lies in everyone, that sometimes it takes years to develop, and years more to ever be recognised. Sometimes it takes a great turn of events to uncover what one is truly made of - Mirage believed that these recent events had helped her see what those around her were made of, and it humbled her to see it. There were very few who were fortunate enough to call such close friends, allies, and confidants great individuals, Mirage had suspected there was greatness in all that she chose to surround herself with, but being shown just the true extent of it was.. Well, it made her proud, to be able to call herself their friend, their acquaintance - their Leader.

A dragonsong began, cool and relaxed, happy and playful. It was a day to celebrate, for they were alive, and their herd slowly grew - day by day, member by member. Yes, there was work to be done still, yes, they needed to grow and prosper - but Mirage had faith now more than ever before, seeing her herd survive without her, that they would get there.

The dragonsong not only penetrated the eardrums of those nearby, but a gentle, subtle touch of minds was initiated, between only a couple of souls. Akaith reached out, as she had done many times before, to the bonded companions of her friends, as well as their equine counterparts, a gentle request for their presence echoing across the ether. A small smile decorated the lips of the shadow mare, as with an arched nape she tilted her gaze to view the dark, hellish blue of the ocean below, before lifting it to seemingly survey the entire horizon.

It was time to make some changes here.


[ For Lace and Rishima only. ]

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