After the meeting came to a close, Archibald moved quickly. He moved to Ktulu's side, moving her away from the meeting, away from their herd, away from the flash of white and black spots he had seen in the treeline. Her promotion was needed, for their herd needed strength, but now was not a time of formality. Archibald and Ktulu were two souls molded together with an unbreakable bond, and they had both lost something deep in light of the recent toyings of the Moon Goddess, and the pair needed to be together. "Ktulu, what can I do?" His question was simple as he escorted her through the forest. The sun set and covered the land in darkness before they finally settled.

Take me to Ophelia. In the meadow.

In the morning.

The pair had bedded for the night, but the Dauntless was restless at the Constrictor's side. He wanted to take her to her twin, her sister, her wombmate and give stimulation to the healing that would happen, but it would not be wise for them to travel in such darkness...when the Goddess reigned supreme. Instead, Archibald tucked Ktulu into his chest and rested his chin on her shoulder, holding her tight despite his sleepless state. The sun began to wash over their forest once more, the fog ebbing away in the height of Tallsun, and Archibald stirred first. It was midday before Archibald spoke to Ktulu. "Let us find Ophelia." He said gently, and turned to move towards the border. Loretta bound ahead, barking for Eytan to follow her.

Flashes of black and white and gold filled Archibald's mind as Loretta threw fast images of the figure on the border. "Someone is here...and I know who it is." Archibald's voice was hard as he moved into a trot, breaking the treeline and staring Midas down. The Dauntless stopped and moved, blocking Ktulu some, ears wanted to pin and his face wanting to contort. This man, the father of Ktulu's daughter had done nothing as he watched Hototo die. It sickened the inky beast, but as he moved to shield Ktulu--to protect her from the emotional hurt of Midas, or from the physical pain she would unleash on the monochrome and gold stallion none knew for sure--he spoke.

"What brings you to our borders on such a day, Czar?"