Lena’s words shocked him, for he wasn’t used to someone giving him their trust after so short a time. What told her that he was worthy of it? He had just divulged to them that he made a career out of deceit and dishonesty, had developed a determination to be a secret mover of life’s events; what part of him deserved the faith she held? Nevertheless, gratitude swelled in his chest and he offered her a sincere smile in return. It was not his intention to betray her confidence, nor any other member of the Basin’s, and he hoped that message was clear in his unwavering, meaningful gaze.

He looked upon Mauja with a sense of quiet uneasiness as the pale stallion’s voice reached him, bracing himself for the final verdict. Would he be turned away, cast back into the solitude he had been subject to for so long, or would they welcome him into their ranks? Listening intently, Roland gave a slow nod and looked out at the span of mountains before him, washed out against the bright horizon. His breath misted before his face, mirroring the steam that rose from the heated water at his side. Already he knew what it was like to have others turned against him, to hear venomous whispers of his name carried on the breeze, and he didn’t intend to let it happen again.

If they wanted him to employ his talents for their cause he would do so, and this time no room would be allowed for mistakes. Magic, as Mauja had suggested, would be a very useful tool. Roland had never been lucky enough to meet one of the Gods, but he would jump at the opportunity regardless of what obstacles he might have to overcome. It would be a change; he was very used to working with himself, molding into a different character and altering his very being right down to the way he carried his slender frame, but it would also be a welcome challenge. After so much time spent as an idle nomad, he was eager to put himself to some use once again. With practice, magic would become just another card to pull from his sleeve.

A smile grew on the golden stallion’s lips as Mauja finished, raising his head to look back at him with a gaze that had lost its frigid edge. “I look forwards to working with you,” he responded, tail flicking against his hocks. Damp hair and cold wind forgotten, he was eager if not a little nervous to return with them to the heart of their home. Finally he had a chance to leave his past behind him and start with a clean slate, and there had been no need for embellished lies or twisted truths. A laugh shook his chest as he followed Mauja’s gaze to the hot springs, and he shook his head. It didn’t surprise him that the ice crystals had been the Frostheart’s doing, but it had been a minor offence all things considered. “All is forgiven, and… thank you,” he cast a glance at both Lena and Naberius before stepping forwards, ready to follow their lead to a new future.


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