He approached, stiffness evident in his steps, but still he managed to carry himself with the dignity a leader deserved. Having seen what the Foothills was capable of, the mutiny and drama caused by simple lack of words being spoken - the mare was wise enough to use this example to attempt to prevent such things occurring in her own home, amongst her own family.

But then, there were distinct differences between the situation Mirage was in and the position Paladin had attained. The little shadow mare was named by her people, she did not demand they follow her, but asked, and was more than willing to prove her worth to them before being graced with their loyalty. She supposed Paladin had done similar, in his challenge against Gossamer, but it was still, ultimately, different.

He came, and the mare matched his deep, respectful nod with the inclination of her own tiara. Yes, Mirage respected him, for he had won his Leadership within the law, and acted within his rights since then. A time may come when Mirage's own thrown was challenged, though none could ever steal the Qian away from her - because the Qian was her.

"Paladin." Her voice held a hint of warmth, but otherwise her expression was vacant, serious, and yet focussed at the same time. "The only thing amiss for myself, and the Qian I lead, is that we've no place to call our home. While we appreciate your support and should you require our aid.. The Deep Forest is too broad for us to fortify the borders."

"Should the Foothills ever have need for our aid, you know that we would give it - wholly and completely. Our Protectors are yours." This much had been made clear when Madyrn and Maskan, esteemed warriors of the Qian, called the Foothills their home, and would continue to until such a time arose as their alliance was questioned.

"We require a home, Paladin. We could not intrude upon your own, nor the Throat, not when we clutch so delicately at peace between the races. The Edge is a powerful force to dream of going against.. What I mean to say is Paladin; would you be willing to lend us the same aid we would for you, in order to secure us a home?"

It was a tedious conversation, but the mare did her best to make her thoughts, and requests plain. She did not like asking for help, especially for something that could risk the lives of many. The entire time her golden eyes clutched to his own crimson ones, their piercing stare communicating their own message, one of hope and yearning to create a secure world for her loved ones.

Politics were tiring, Mirage knew. Always she had been a colourful speaker, though usually her words had been used for her own amusements than something so deep and meaningful to her as the future of herself, and those who had managed to creep closer and closer to her heart. The Qian meant more to her than anything, what they stood for, what they protected, was something she held so dear, it still surprised her just how much she managed to care. After living so selfishly for so long, caring only about her own health and that of her family's, she never knew she was capable of caring for others.

That race could ever possibly be an issue in impeding love did not even cross the mare's mind. Though she had spent majority of her life around only equines, she had found evil within them just as much as within other species. That creatures could exist even outside the 'standard' pegasus, unicorn or equine, like her beloved mate, Vikram, shocked and surprised her, but still did nothing to change her acceptance of them. Sentient intelligence could be found within the cranium of any beast, this little mare had learned, thinking idly of her friendship with Merakerr, and the great many dragons, companions and greater beasts alike, she had come across. What one wore on the outside shed little as to what was going on within the brilliant potential of a mind.

"Of course." Her chiselled visage dipped in acknowledgement of his words, her expression softening as small stresses leaked away. Her own kin were under the same rule; many had joined with the understanding that they would be protecting others from harm, not seeking out a war. Not all would fight in the invasion, but Mirage understood this, and accepted them still. Though they needed to fight in order to make their next steps, Mirage had promised to protect her kin, not throw them into the flames of war. It was a conflicting story, one that she had spent so many restless nights and days chewing over, but the mare was set on her task now, and would accept help where it was offered gladly.

"I am most grateful to have your support." Gently she moved to extend her muzzle to him, a gesture of friendship and alliance. "Listen for a dragon's call." She said with a shadowy little smirk tilting her lips, before blowing a puff of air out near his muzzle and slowly backing away. "Until then, Leader of the Foothills," Mirage nodded her cranium to him deeply, before gathering herself up on her haunches and turning away. During her elegant, dance-like step, the cloak of illusionary magic shimmered over her. At the same instant Akaith took to the skies and scooped the air up with her leathery wings, and south they travelled, to the Deep Forest where many more discussions had to be had.