Disapproval was slowly growing, morphing into other emotions. Irritation, anger. But they were kept tightly leashed, heat altering into something cold, something dangerous. Yet it would be hard for an observer to realize just how much her dislike had escalated. She was still, ears tilted slightly back, muscles tense but not the slightest twitch giving her away. Not even Zaffre displayed anything out of the ordinary to the casual observer. Jade eyes had narrowed, and the flaps on the sides of his head were more brightly colored than usual, but even he didn't move.

She listened to the others, aware of their words of actions, but her thoughts whirled. Mentally weighing the pros and cons of the decisions she could make from here. Paladin had granted her the 'honor' of being General, stripping her of leadership when it had been Gossamer he had challenged and beat. And in the next breath encouraged Archibald to strive toward the very position he'd oh so kindly gifted to her. That very thought irked her to no end, knowing that the stud would have plenty of time to prove himself and strive for excellence while her belly swelled with the Sun God's child.

When she spoke, her voice was even and cool. Almost icy in her deliberate politeness. "I appreciate the... honor you have offered me, Paladin. But I must refuse. All that I have strived for when I came to Helovia has been accomplished, and there is no further need of me here. Those who have followed me are safe, and others who came later are as safe as I can make them."

She stepped back, backing out from between Ricochet and Solstice and turning to walk toward Mirage. "I do not expect anyone to share my decision, but I choose to follow Mirage back to the Deep Forest." Unspoken was the fact that she did not intend to return anytime soon. Falling in beside the ebon mare, she turned her dark eyes back toward Paladin and the rest of the Foothills, drawing up every speck of quiet dignity she could muster. But she could feel Zaffre thrumming with repressed energy at this point, and her own anger simmered beneath the icy exterior she put forward. The Foothills would be burnt beyond recognition without her selfless actions, and what thanks did she get? None. She could barely stand it, but still she stood motionless beside Mirage, even if she wanted to stalk away until she came to the outskirts of the Foothills, and then run until her legs would carry her no farther. Not yet, not yet.

((Just FYI, this is entirely Smoke's decision and has nothing to do with my views on the leadership change. In case anyone thinks to read too deep into the post. Likely Kimber will stay, but that's a decision she'll make based on the reactions of others to Smoke's outcasting herself.))