It had taken quite some time for me to settle into herd life. While it was similar to the setup back home in Melhaven, there wasn't nearly as much to worry about here in the World's Edge. No crazed, carnivorous wildlife was looming above me in the perch of the trees, and the need to watch for deadly flora here was almost non-existent. Still, considering my years spent in my homeland, I often found myself inspecting my food before consumption.

Admittedly, I had not been terribly active within the herd as of late. After the meeting some time ago, things seemed to have settled down by now, especially once some of our numbers headed off to the Dragon's Throat to learn of their culture. I longed to follow Ink and the rest to explore the famed desert land, but my duties here as a father and as the highest ranked Wraith beneath Ink kept me anchored here. Not a single complaint ever left my lips, however; I was content to spend my days at my beloved's golden side, eyes ever watchful over our young daughter, Jasiri. The two of them were my world, as were little Azel and Kasai.

Today was no different than the rest. There was a coolness on the breeze that hinted strongly that Frostfall would be upon us soon, and the thought caused me to shudder as I picked my way through the titanic trees dotting the landscape. It was hard to believe that I had only been here in Helovia for a year; it had seemed like so much longer, for I had faced many trials since the day I stepped foot in the Threshold. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that I had been successful at changing my life here for the better, for what would I be doing if I were still in the Basin? Or the Plague? Surely I would not have Jasiri, and I knew not what would have become of Romani after the invasion of the Foothills, if she could not turn the tables on the Grey.

Lost in my thoughts as I was, I was startled at the sudden sound of my name. Drawing to a halt, any fear I had previously felt simmered into nothing as I had recognized the voice. Romani. A smile pulled at my lips as I thought of my beloved, my gilded queen, my rock of comfort and reassurance whenever I was at my lowest. Looking up from near my feet was Azel who seemed to link to my thoughts, wrinkling his nose; he often made the face whenever I thought of Romani. Surely he must have thought it was all too mushy for him, but I knew he would come to understand more of my feelings as he grew older.

With a toss of my head, I sent myself into a carefree canter towards Romani, with young Azel scampering after me. When the Haflinger was in view, as was my young daughter, I called out to them, undeniably happy. Sure, we all saw one another every day, for I always made certain that Jasiri was safe at the end of the day, but... They were my family. How could I not be overcome with joy at seeing them, no matter how often I saw them?

Slowing to a walk, and then a halt, I outstretched my dark muzzle towards each of them and offered a twitch of my lip in welcome. Azel, meanwhile, approached Kasai with his tail held straight up, reaching out to bat at the resting tigress' face. Why was she always lying down, he wondered? It was time to play! Focusing my attention upon my daughter when she spoke, my curiosity was peaked and I watched, eyes growing wide as an orb of light formed at the tip of her ivory horn. Did the light do something, I wondered? Or did it merely provide light for my daughter on the darkest of nights? Either way, I was happy for young Jasiri, and I was proud of her for discovering the power even thought I knew not how she had obtained it. I certainly didn't know magic, and unless Romani was keeping secrets from me, I was certain she didn't, either.

"That's amazing, Jasiri," I say as I lower my head to the filly, "How ever did you learn that?


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