Patient ears and an accepting demeanour captured the words of the stallion, and Azzuen tried his best to imagine the ordeals he had been put through. He frowned, a small, wrinkly little frown, in sadness and small anger at the treatment this steed received, dismayed at the years of wasted talent. Had no one else seen it? Perhaps it was Azzuen’s upbringing that had taught him that no matter how you were built, you could achieve anything your heart desired. His mother, who was of petite stature, ruled the Pegasus Cliffs for years, often challenged and questioned, but always coming out on top. Azzuen was inclined to side with his own species over others, but time and history had told him that this was a foolish notion to live by, for he had had fought both for and against his own species in his journeys across the lands, he had learned to judge someone more by their strength of character than whether they possessed the ability to fly.

A breeze was a welcome reprieve from the constant heat, though it did little good for any extended time. Enough to cool his sweaty hide for a moment, before letting him continue to sweat under this searing Sun. Andash had been through a lot, and Azzuen was glad that his actions of trust in the steed brought him some small joy, something to aim for, to live for. He and the stallion before him weren’t all that different, both sought something to live for, something to protect – the main difference was, Azzuen had found his reason. The charred steed hoped the pale one would find his reason within the reaches of Helovia, just as he had. He smiled as the question was reflected back to himself, nodding his crown in confirmation of the existence of Cirrus.

“Aye, Cassiopeia is the keeper of my heart, and Cirrus, our delightful daughter keeps us both on our toes.” The stallion couldn’t help but let the pride of a chuffed father shine through; he knew he was a lucky bastard, that was why he worked so hard at his duties, to make himself feel worthy of having such wonderful beings in his life. “It saddens me to hear the unfair treatment that those less able to see beneath the surface gave you. I am glad to have another Soldier to my ranks. I need reliable Soldiers to act in my absence, to report to me what they see and what they feel I must know. If ever you need speak to me, stand by the Dragon’s Blood tree-” he indicated the lone tree that stood tall and proud a little ways away from the oasis “- and call for me. I will hear you and come as soon as I am able. As for greeting newcomers, get to know your herd, as other members will often escort those seeking a home, just as Cassiopeia brought you. Welcome them, if you feel them worthy of your welcome.”

A playful wink clicked through his eye lashes at the last comment; he wasn’t about to tell the stallion to allow just any old creature through the borders. Azzuen trusted that the steed would know to report to him should any beings who seemed less than honest managed to get into the herd. “As for those who come for reasons not to do with joining the herd, call for myself, or Kri, our Leader, to attend, if we aren’t already. We have a friendly alliance with the Foothills herd and those who belong to the band the Qian, and a neutral standing with the World’s Edge.” He spoke the facts with ease, hoping he wasn’t overloading the stallion with too much information, but trusting that Andash would be brave enough to ask him to clarify anything if he needed it. This was Azzuen element, he revelled in discussions of defence and combat, and politics were, unfortunately a large part of all that. Though Kri dealt with most of them, as General, he had been inevitably dragged into some.

“I will be calling a gathering of the Soldiers soon, to run some combat training and to pool the knowledge of all our comrades, so that we can better face any threats that dare to encroach upon our borders. We do not seek war, Andash, but should it ever seek us, we will be ready for it.”