After her and with her, there were so many more that came – each familiar face greeted warmly (an especially happy whicker sent out to Brisa). Although Alysanne had sought out to join the Ferraden herd ranks, the only meetings she had ever been two had been here in Nocturne. A lot of it she still didn’t quite understand, why alliances were being abandoned for the time for example, and she made a mental note to try to get more involved with the politics. This was home, after all.

It didn’t take long for her to feel a little out of place, with all the greetings being passed between those that knew each other and yet she did not know them. There was the black and white unicorn standing near the edge of the group that was familiar – she had seen him briefly the last time she was in the Edge. Some offered up introductions which she happily took note of. Whether she knew them before now or not, they were all here for a single purpose and she loved them for that, loved the support that was being shown here.

There was some small commotion around Resplendence, and it would seem that there was a new companion! Although Ampere’s logic rang in her mind, how could this be nothing but a happy occasion? A new life, a new connection.

But all greetings and chatter amongst the group died when Kaj began to speak and her smile didn’t fade. Though she did not know him well, he spoke with a kind authority that she could respect – reintroducing them to the herd. Well, her smile did falter a little at the mention of fighting for their family. Of course Alysanne would do so, but if she had learned anything in the events that occurred since her return to Helovia it was that she was woefully unprepared to defend anyone. There were no instincts driving her to attack, no lessons from growing up that she could recall (all those she missed with her mother in favour of wandering the woods with her father).

How could she be a part of the herd if she would not be able to help them, to defend them?

But these were her thoughts, and they would later reach the decision that she would try to learn at least something, so she could be whatever the Edge and her friends needed her to be. Now, however, they were interrupted by the mention of her name from Kahlua – she was to be a healer! The others that had received higher ranks, Quilyan and Dragomir, accepted them with grace (even stammered grace) and yet all Alysanne managed in that soft voice of hers was “Are you sure?” But of course she was not ungrateful! This was an amazing opportunity. Perhaps she better elaborate. “I mean I’d be honoured, of course I’d be honoured and I’d love to, but… you did say Alysanne right? You’re sure?” This place felt like home to her, it had from the moment Kahlua placed on her the glass headband she still wore with pride, but it felt like she had only just arrived.

And only after the words were out did she consider how Kahlua would not have announced it if she wasn’t sure, if she didn’t have faith in her friend, but the Pegasus was a little out of her element. She had never received a promotion before!