It was not so very long before Aaron's call was answered, and it was with quiet curiosity that Kimber observed the ones who answered his beckoning.

First was a mare in black and white, entirely unfamiliar, who introduced herself as Kahlua. The new Queen, Kimber mused thoughtfully. This mare seemed nice enough, if nothing in comparison to what the young grulla was accustomed to with leaders. So she was a little biased, being the Wild Rose's daughter and aunt to the King of Thieves, and used to the quiet authority that the Dragonheart had carried like a second skin... but the grulla somehow found this one... lacking. But hey, new ages brought new leaders, and perhaps this is what was needed now.

Second was another painted fellow, a lightly draped bay. Blue eyes turned to observe him in turn, finding him just as unfamiliar as Kahlua. But there was a watchfulness in his gaze that she respected, an observational sense that was proven when he spoke. Not an introduction and a gentle inquiry, but a recognition of a fact that had heretofor been left unspoken. Silently the grulla inclined her head in acknowledgement, tinged a little bit with respect. Even as she did so, she shifted her weight closer to the stallion at her side, feeling the way he tensed beside her. Wordless support.

Third, a familiar face at last. A warm smile lit the mare's features as she saw Kaj arrive. She'd never spoken with him, but who could forget such a one? "Kaj." She said simply in return greeting as he strode forward to greet her. Respectfully she reached out to accept his welcome, black and white muzzle touching golden one briefly. "We fared well over the winter, outside of Helovia. Naught escaped the borders to bother us, though Vikram kept a wary eye on things from the sky." She smiled to assure him with her quiet words, press home the fact that all was well.

"Not sure when, or if, Mother will decide to return." This last was added in louder tones, as her gaze was caught by a fourth horse, one who tickled at her memories. For a moment she rummaged through them, before tentatively bringing up a name barely known. "Resplendence, yes? Smoke sends her greetings and well wishes." This was one of the few that Kimber had been told to pass word along to from her dam, and she hoped that the news would bring a smile to the mare's face after all these tears.

As for tears? It wrenched at Kimber's heart a little to be the cause of such a scene. In one instance, she wanted to insist that nevermind, they weren't leaving, all would stay the same. But that was just a cowardly impulse, untrue to her real needs and desires. Her dearest friend and love said it true. They both had a need to follow their hearts. It was a happy turn of fate that the path they'd follow would be side by side, but a sad turn that it so briefly conjoined with the paths these horses were taking.

Ruefully she smiled, gazing at this mixed group. "Sometimes a fresh start is best. But distance is no barrier to the bonds of friendship and family. Neither is time." How well she knew those words to be true! Not to mention that differences in faith and outlooks on life were no real barrier when blood connections were involved.

((Sorry for the delay everyone! I have been terribly sick this last week and it ate all my muse!))