So much unfolded in such a short space of time.

The mare knew just how easy it was to have a gathering of loud opinions grow swiftly chaotic. It was hard, being so physically defeated that Paladin was as well, relying on his tree to keep his hooves beneath him. She wished she could do more, truly she did. But it was not her place, as an ally, to interfere any more than perhaps state her opinion on the matters at hand. A small sigh left her, as she stood, a silent observer with all three siblings gathered about her, of all the chaos.

Paladin acknowledged her words, and she tilted her tiara in acceptance of them. But so much more occurred, she did not allow her sturdy legs to take her away from the scene just yet. She was an ally of the Foothills, of Paladin - but also of Smoke, and many members of the Foothills were also members of the Qian, whom she held dearer than all others. Mirage had to stay, at least until the meeting slowed down again.

A new face arrives, his build and hue similar, yet different, to that of Smoke, and the General's daughter. She saw the way he clung to Smoke's side, but saw something more from him too. He introduced himself, and his canine pet, and suddenly she realised; he was Gunslinger's son. Interest was perked, the charred mare pressed her ears forward, curious to see just what kin of that bronze-bonded dun were made of. Thoughts drifted for a moment back to her foggy memories of Isilme, back to times where she and Akaith had played their tricks upon the stallion.. They were so long ago, and so unnecessary right now, she soon left those memories for reflection another day.

The next to arrive appeared to be moving tree. Akaith chirped uncertainly from her withers, eyeing the ermine that clung to the branches above. Had Mirage less control of herself, she might have shied and skittered sideways, but she was a mare exposed to a great many different things, like dragons and humans and gryphons, and so she was able to contain her fear that had sprouted merely from lack of knowledge. Observing it closer, and listening to it, she learned that it was a Lignea, and she felt as intrigued by it as Paladin, wanting to ask more questions, to receive more answers - but again, this was neither the time nor place.

A quiet, inky steed crept into the fray then. Though he did not announce his arrival, Mirage saw him. A nudge from Rishima told her that this was the quiet steed she had met, frolicking through the lands. Subtly Mirage adjusted her posture so as to invite him nearer, for he looked much like a lost little lamb standing among a painting of his own creation. Shadowy lips curved to a smile as the mare saw first hand the lovely, artistic magics her sister had described blossom in inky flowers about him. He was unique, she enjoyed that.

Query pulled up alongside the great Willow horse now, Mirage gave her a kind look of welcome. The young daughter of Smoke, Kimber, stepped forth now, her voice shaky in its beginnings, before it spilled forth a line of questions that bordered on accusatory… hell, they were accusatory. Mirage didn't know enough of Paladin's past to form an opinion, though she was severely interested, and longed to learn more. But the mare's eyes lingered on Kimber now, and like gears turning she came to the conclusion that she too was a daughter of Gunslinger. Golden eyes went to Smoke, burning with questions that would, as always, have to wait until more time had passed.

Familiar faces arrived then, the strong mare, Solstice, and her younger colt, Aaron; Mirage and her siblings each nodded their crown to them, acknowledging and welcoming their support of the Qian. A pegasus, or was he a mix? stepped forth then, one she didn't know, one who did not feel a need to drop his name. A small nod bobbed her tiara up and down, before Paladin's voice addressed the masses once again. He talked of his past, of Tides and Oasis; of Isilme. But such things were irrelevant now, weren't they? They were in Helovia, where things were similar but different, so different. Couldn't they all see this?

What happened next was completely unexpected.

Smoke stepped forth. Mirage held a great respect for the mare, had longed for her alliance with the Qian to stretch further, deeper, for some time now. It was now that the brothers shifted their stance, that new observations were made of the grulla mare, realisations falling into place. Mirage knew just how much she did for this herd, she knew just how large a blow it would be against the Foothills to have her leave - even just having her step down from a Leader's title to a General's title was going to have an affect on things, but not as great an effect as her completely leaving them. The little shadowy mare nodded her assent to Smoke, and she felt Maskan's titanic form step closer to the maiden, his muzzle reaching to stroke her gently, and blow his warm breath over the small of her back.

Mirage looked to Paladin then; she did not wish to seem triumphant - it had not been her intention or goal to come here and seemingly steal his herd from beneath him. A shred of guilt might have been felt by the mare, but she denied it any purchase on the inner walls of her magnificent mind, instead refocussing on the leader's crimson eyes. She wanted to do more, she wanted to even give the poor sod a hug - but that was an area for his mate, this Soliel. Mirage was glad then, not to be weighed down by youngsters who needed her constant attention, as this mare apparently was. Her independence would suffer when times for that arose, but she would be safe in a homeland by then… she sorely hoped, anyway.

The explosive son of Gunslinger then, well, exploded. He voiced his opinions with little restraint, showing that he was hardly similar to the soft-spoken yet strong-willed Gunslinger. Ricochet caused quite a stir with his tirade, cacophony and shouting and unsettling of companions everywhere. Akaith shuffled atop her bonded's back, a low growl rumbling from her chest. I could burn the mouth of the dog shut. She observed dryly, but did little to act on her thoughts aside from lick her jaws with her serpent-like tongue. The young Kimber seemed to attempt to soothe her brother then, pointing out that while his actions were honourable, they were brash and unnecessary.

A curious creature, who clearly possessed a way with plants - similar but very different to how this Willow creature could - stepped into the fray. Her childish words and antics were, it would seem, the final straw to break the metaphorical camel's back - Paladin looked pushed near to his limits. Again, Mirage wished there was more she could do for him. A subtle, yet pointed glance was given to her brothers. They nodded, knowing that while they all shared mixed emotions and opinions on the matter, they would stay, and serve the Foothills as Warriors still. Madyrn, normally so full of fire - and he was itching to let his own voice explode over the crowd, but for the sake of the moment, he swallowed it down hard - stepped over to his Unicorn leader, proffering his own solid shoulder as a rock to lean upon.

It was not a signal of abandoning the thoughts and cares of Smoke and those gathered behind her. It was a show that they would support this stallion because he did believe in similar things as the Qian, and he had won the right to do everything he had done fair and square - by the laws of both the Foothills and Helovia. Finally, the Healer stepped up and worked her magic, finally, things began to slow down… Until another stepped forth to give his opinion. He was the ambitious one, the one who so clearly announced that he longed to hold the General position, that Smoke had a clear target upon her back should she stay anyway. Mirage wondered at what she would do if she were in any different position as what she held now - and she was glad she didn't have to think on it too long.

"Paladin, Leader of the Foothills," the mare's strong voice cut clear in the moment of silence. She addressed him directly, stepping up towards him, tail lashing at her hocks. She was restless, this drama of a herd that was not her own making her feel slightly uncomfortable - the time was nearing when she would have to make her exit.

"There is little I can offer you besides from the Qian's ongoing support. Know that we support your leadership, as you claimed it fair under the laws of the land. Know that my brothers will stay and serve the Foothills as Warriors permanently. Know that I wish there was more I could do; should you think of a use for me and my kin, you need only state it, and we will try." It was a difficult speech to give, one that expressed all that was important to express. Mirage still hoped the stallion would speak to her privately, after the dust has settled more.

"I must take my leave, may you heal well, Valiant one." She added the words softly, a departing message of honest concern and hope for the future of the Foothills. Bowing her tiara low, and respectfully enough to show her honest regard for the herd. She touched her nose to her brothers, who in returned the gesture. Maskan looked surprisingly longingly at the Wild Rose, wondering if she would leave in his sister's shadow; understanding why she would, why she should. The brothers were usually the cause of such chaotic things, but they did not long to cause drama within a herd that was allied so intimately with their sister's causes.

The little shadow left the lands, mind whirling with the possibilities of the future.