There was movement in the woods. Shadows, darkness, silver light from the Moon above, all convoluted, dancing, swirling, swaying, carved by the contours of the breeze that whispered through the thick trunks. Mists seemed to move of their own accord, not by the wind or the weather, their foggy touch breathed with a life of its own. The shapes it carved were the shapes of those who resided here, in the World's Edge, the lands had gifted us with the ability to become its very mists - an ability I embraced, and used quite often. My connection with the mists had always been deep, they obeyed my call, they followed me wherever I walked, they informed me of danger, of news, of change that occurred on our borders and lands, and now, they allowed me to travel as part of them, truly.

So I became one with the mists, and the tendrils of my nerves seemed to become a part of the lands themselves. There was no delay between their communication with me - I felt every footstep, saw every motion, comforted every member who was welcomed in the herd they called the Qian. And now - what was that? A newcomer, crossing the borders for the first time, being welcomed into the family that always seemed to be growing, expanding, gaining new blood, new ideas, new inspiration. I moved myself towards them, my ears forming atop my pewter crown just as a horn extends from my brow. There was something different about this one, something more foreign than an equine of a different shape - he was different in every way, from the paws that held him upright, to the teeth that lined his gums. The Qian accepted creatures of all walks, however, and so if this one proved to be of an obliging nature, I could see no barrier that would halt him from making this his home as well. As I came into existence before the gathered, I tilt my crown to each of them, beholding them with my violet eyes, considering them carefully.

"Greetings, and welcome to the World's Edge. I am Hellena." My voice is a smooth hum, a deep and reassuring stroke of an artist's brush against their eardrums. With smooth strides, I near the shivering form of Resplendence, a mare I recognised when speaking to a former prisoner we held. I offer my muzzle to her, my shoulder for her to lean upon, should she need it. The fragile girl was so close to breaking, and I felt genuinely saddened by that thought. "Please forgive us for our quiet, our Protectors have recently defended our home from invaders, and many are still recovering." I add, as a quiet explanation for the lack of a greeting party. A small frown creased my brow at the thought, though it passed swiftly. My expression softened again as I looked to the new creature, my inquiry gentle and light behind those deep violet pools. "What is the name of the newest soul to walk amongst our borders?"