For all the praise Alysanne sang of her, Nayati had not been very active in her herd at all. She had no job, no task to complete. What was most saddening was her lack of friends, of kin. No information was ever bestowed upon her, and she was unaware of any going-ons in the Edge beyond those that she personally encountered and experienced. So when Kahlua called for them, Nayati was oblivious to what had inspired the meeting she requested. Turning towards the sound she moved her frozen snowkissed hooves, nickering softly to call Rathunax to her. Swooping over the treetops he returned her call, draconic and sweet. She did not bother calling him down to rest upon her as he so often did, instead letting him glide contentedly above her.

Only slowing when she came upon the massive group, suddenly feeling her panic squeezing like a threatening fist around her ribcage, she realized she couldn't find anyone she knew. Instead there were walls of multicolored bodies, foreign faces, and her breathing began to increase. Maybe she could just slip away? Rathunax jerked her from her fear, and when she blinked she was disoriented as he flashed images at her. Images of Resplendence. He drifted back to her, taking hold of her endless locks and pulling, guiding her to where the Doctor was standing in her own little group. A group Nayati didn't belong to. She felt uncomfortable, for once, beside the fair Doctor. Resplendence was speaking, drawing attention, and Nayati did not want that attention on her unless she drew it herself. Something she doubted she'd do.

The information was nearly too much to take in, especially with countless names that didn't sound familiar in any way. But Nayati was no stranger to war, to death and the toll it took on even the citizens who did not involve themselves in battle. And with that cold reminder, she spoke up, furious with the nay-sayers and those with ridiculous goals. "After all this Aurelia has done, you expect her to be honest? You expect her to tell the supposed truth of what happened in the Hidden Falls? She is more than likely desperate to save her hide, and she would manipulate, cry, and plead to the jury to achieve that. I say let her flee, let her choose her own fate, for she clearly chose to abandon the borders of her own free will. Would she even want to come back?" It hurts her to be in such avid disagreement with Resplendence, but she'd thought better of the mare that had suffered the same fate when the Grey had taken over. Nayati had ample compassion, but betrayal was unforgivable.

"Whomever said that challenging cannot be punished, you are right. It was a fair trial. Kahlua, you are triumphant, take your victory gracefully." It was rather pointed, she didn't appreciate the pity-me speech when others had taken such challenges with far more self-respect and honor. Ones such as Archibald, in fact. "What she should be put on trial, though I don't condone the idea, is treason. We are to have mercy on her when her actions could have killed us all? Innocent, unaware citizens of the Edge laid to siege because of her frivolity and greed? If you claim we are to be forgiving...I wish you all to think heavily upon what her actions could have led to." Anger boils in her veins, not at the herd so much as Aurelia, though she is more than a little upset by the fact that those at the meeting preached peace and equality, yet didn't care that their inaction could lead to death and downfall.

Petra's words stung her, and she snorted softly to herself. "Good intent does not revive those slaughtered in battle by turncoating allies." Her words were a hiss of disgust, her emotions out of control at the memory of Svetlana. "They proposed peaceful relations. Keep them. But I do not agree that a full alliance should be struck. I propose learning more of the Falls, and move from there." She fell silent, crimson eyes vibrant with emotion. She was a war survivor, and she would never again believe in peace that did not come with hard-earned fighting and the struggle of mercy and justice. That struggle would always exist in a truly stable herd.

I still am in shock of my lover’s arrival into Helovia. It pains me not to be standing beside him, but I cannot feel worthy until my full flesh is restored. Slowly I hear the call of the leads, but I am slow to respond as I am feeling pensive. As I walk into the group I hear discussions of challenges, banishment, and alliances. One ear swivels against my skull as I hear the family speak of the potential allegiance with untrustworthy beings. First I will speak on the traitor.

“It was treason. What is to stop her from betraying us once again? This Aurelia should’ve known the price for her treasonous behavior,” I say taking my own turn to speak. “Loyalty to one’s leaders is essential to functionality of a group. If she comes and returns won’t she simply cause more discord? It will do no good on our relationship with other herds if we simply allow a traitor back in, especially, when she put the herd’s reputation at risk for trespassing.” I flick my tail and leave it at that as far as the trial. Justice is cruel and harsh. Banishment is a kindness in comparison to what she would gain anywhere else.

Then they speak of questionable company for allegiances and I sigh. “If both parties are questionable why seek out relations with them? Could we not extend an invitation to other herds or groups? I’m all for visiting the Fall and seeing whether they are truly trustworthy, but I also encourage us to look at and weigh our other options. There could be treasures hidden that we will miss if we take up offers with those that have wronged us or simply display suspicious behavior.”

My opinions may be of little influence due to my own lack of activity within the Edge, I still feel the need to share my piece. Yet there is still guilt for I know my presence here may soon be over with my lover living in the south.
"blah blah blah"

Miykael

"Since when does holding a trial mean that we must welcome the individual in question back into our ranks with open arms?" he asks, finally emerging from his location on the outer edges of the clearing. Most had gathered by now, though a cursory sweep of the group told him that at least one was still missing - Alysanne. Dear, sweet Alysanne. If she did not make it to the meeting, he knew he would have to go look for her - even if she didn't really wish to see him after all they've been through. Miykael had come when they had called but he had placed himself on the outer edges, a silent observer if you will. "Trials are not held with the sole intent of redeeming an individual. It will allow us to potentially hear her side of events. Should we happen to believe anything she has to say, we can determine a fitting punishment. Otherwise we can make her aware of her banishment and its' terms." Miykael believed in fairness but he also understood that mistakes happen. He does not condone anything that Aurelia has done but he also doesn't know most of the story.

He had only just returned, after all.

The small zephyr, snuggled into her little nest of mane and feathers just above Miykael withers, cheeped softly then returned happily to sleep. She needed her rest, the youngling - they would feed again after the meeting adjourned. "The alliances, I feel, need more thought. I haven't seen many options for alliances here in Helovia but I confess I haven't searched beyond the three known herd lands outside our own. From what I heard when I arrived here, it does seem rather peculiar that the Basin would even consider an alliance." he pauses, as though searching for a possible reason that the unicorns could have had a change of heart. "To accept their alliance could put us at risk - I cannot deny that it could be a ploy - but to deny it could also put us at risk. There is no easy answer but perhaps we should investigate it further instead of simply writing them off?"

His question, he felt, was a valid one. After a brief moment of silence, he continues. "If we are willing to send a small party to investigate the Falls and Asylum, then perhaps we should be willing to consider sending a small party to the Basin as well. I will go to the Basin, should we decide on that particular course of action." He does not hesitate. Doesn't even flinch, though perhaps he should. Miykael has heard of the unicorns' overall racism but he cannot help but wonder at this strange turn of events. Things can change or perhaps there is a greater threat to all of Helovia - something that has even the Basin seeking alliances. Perhaps they are privy to information from their God that the Edge is lacking because their Seer position lies stagnant and empty. Whatever the case may be, Miykael hoped for the best possible outcome.

i just want to believe in you and me

Alysanne

She’s later than the others, arriving at the back of the crowd that came towards their queen and king. Out of habit, or perhaps it was something else, she found her way to stand beside Miykael where he stood just outside of the crowd. It still made her feel wonderful to have her friend back, to see him in the Edge again safe and (mostly) recovered. Not that her feelings weren’t incredibly mixed still - but there were other things to focus on. Apparently there had been another fight she had been unaware of - though she was glad to hear that Kaj had been as successful as Kahlua.

And there was more news. Everyone had opinions to share and most brought up the same ideas that were popping around in Alysanne’s mind. She hated the idea of Aurelia being back, of her not being banished so that she could come back to the Edge. But her words speaking out against the trial die when she hears Miykael’s words - and he had a good point. “I don’t know if a trial is particularly necessary, or if it would be helpful in any way and I don’t believe that Aurelia should be able to return to the Edge, she broke the rules of peace that keeps this family together. That was one of the very first things you told me,” she looked to Kahlua with a fond smile. She did not see the point in a trial, though there were others that thought it would be a good idea. The idea of Aurelia back in the Edge was not something that sat well with Alysanne - she had attacked their queen and her friend! That was not something so easily forgotten.

The mention of a gift brought a warm smile to her face and the black and white pegasus dipped her head in gratitude.

Alliances were brought up then and discussed - the idea of one with the Basin sounding particularly wonderful to Alysanne - her mind immediately leaping to Lena. Though there was more opposition to the idea than she would have originally thought - the knowledge that there had been bad blood between the two herds was not something she had known. “Though I am saddened to hear that there have been terrible experiences with the Basin, the possibility of an alliance can help mend what has happened - and what better time than the presence. There’s no guarantee that peace will be permanent but that’s never a guarantee. Why not take advantage of a friendship with another strong herd?”

She did not know enough about the Asylum to make a comment on the matter, however.

Kaj

The Stormbringer

Kahlua

The Sunshower

The queen was lucky for the distraction, happy to have all of the chaos of the herd gathered before her- the reality of the death of the snake was pushed to the wayside for the moment as she tried to think about what each member had said. Kahlua loved them all and considered herself lucky to be queen of a herd where democracy was more important than the voice of any single horse. And even dissenting opinions, here where emotions could become so riled, where spoken with respect and dignity.

When it seemed that all who would come had come, and all who would speak had given their opinion, Kahlua gave herself a moment to try and sort it all out. So many had offered to visit the Falls, but ah... An army of their herd to the Falls would look terribly suspicious and rather uninviting. As she was finalizing the lists in her head, the nose of her king move to her ear and he spoke. He would travel to the Throat. Kahlua nodded in agreement- the sandy desert had a part to play in Helovia as well. It would not be good to leave them out. Sorting through all the names in her head.

“Thank you all for offering to help us grow and expand our reach in Helovia. We should send a party to each of the other herds, to learn what we can and consider what we've heard. Eva, will you travel to the basin with Miykael and Archibald?” It would be good to have their Captain on such a trip. He was impressive in stature and would certainly help keep the rest safe, should anything befall them. “To the Falls, will Resplendence, Quilyan and Dragomir apologize for the actions of our Seer and learn of their herd?” She smiled in particular to Res, who had requested she go with her beloved. The gentle healer needed his presence- Kahlua understood. “Kaj wishes to head to the Throat. Will Fiore and Leeka go with him?” Letting her words settle, Kahlua took a deep breath. The next part would be the hard part.

“I want to face Aurelia myself. Destrier, will you help me find her? I do not wish to detain her or keep her prisoner for a trial, but if she wishes to tell her story then I think we should let her. Thank you all so much for your guidance.” Looking to Kaj then, to see if her king had any more information to share with the herd, Kahlua waited. Her heart was heavy and she was ready to collapse from the exhaustion, but her king looked worse, and surely he would need rest as well. Soon, this would all be over.


OOC| To the Basin: @[Evangeline], @[Miykael], @[Archibald]. To the Falls: @[Resplendence], Quilyan @[Rayo], @[Dragomir]. To the Throat: Kaj, @[Fiore], @[Leeka]. To find Aurelia: Kahlua, @[Destrier]. Start threads at your leisure, thank you all so much for your help! :D