Disappointment. It was the only vague emotion that the Czar could feel in regards to his new captive. The long journey back to the Falls had been orchestrated in almost utter silence, Kaj unwilling to speak to the idiotic dame who had foolishly targeted him and she apparently considering him to be a holier-than-thou type. Kaj cared so little that it was even less of an annoyance than a tiny fly to him. She had made her decisions, in a fully capable mindset. Just because she foolishly assumed she would not be punished, that she did not deserve punishment (something Kaj could still not wrap his mind around, as much as he tried) did not mean in any way that it would hold true.

History had proven that nearly all leads reacted in such ways to attempted thievery and kidnapping, regardless of the supposed rank and station of the composer. It only made him further exasperated with her childish idiocy that she whined over having her wrists slapped. Kaj could have easily crushed her pitiful frame into the grass, really made her feel her mistakes, the full weight of a well-trained Falls warrior. He hadn't, because unlike what she clearly thought of him, he wasn't a mindless monster. Did he desire to push her around for her flawed comments? Of course. But he truthfully wanted to have Evangeline brutally point out her inadequacies instead, as she was so fond of doing. Dröm seemed to rely more on words than actions - and oh, fancy that, considering she'd tried to steal him. Words, his ass. She should stick to her playpen, Kaj snorted to himself. A fully grown mare in her prime, and yet she had the mind of a foal, blind to future consequences for her actions.

Gods, how had Midas and Ghost ever dealt with her?

When they arrived, Kaj did not let her too far from sight. Though he was not in her immediate vicinity, he was always vigilant, always watching. Perhaps he would assign her to another warrior, if only to see how the first job would go about with one of the younger shield-bearers. Humming to himself as he watched Dröm slip into slumber from afar, the Czar considered approaching Ktulu sometime soon, figuring out which soldier needed the experience most. Their mettle needed to be tested immediately, Kaj would not allow failure so soon after securing the lands.

Lost in thoughts, the golden stud allowed the sun to soak his similarly painted coat, inhaling what could practically be the scent of peace and relaxation. The approaching winter would steal it away far too soon, he intended to enjoy it to the fullest while it still existed. Autumn was not a preferable time for an invasion, but Kaj knew that the old Edge had made him and his people strong, and that strength and health would last for the coming winter. He would make it so, if he had to. A new determination surging inside him, pale blues opened to see Dröm similarly stirring. Grunting softly to himself, Kaj strode down the hillside towards her, wingtips dragging upon the ground in a way he'd been unable to experience in the Edge. This truly was a land more favorable to pegasi.

"You're awake," he noted on a civil rumble, posture sturdy but far from intimidating. Relaxed, almost. Kept far enough away from her to not frighten or crowd her when she awoke, likely a little disoriented naturally, the Czar blinked calmly down upon her. "Are you well? You appear to have not been eating. Resplendence may have herbs for you if you are ill, my knowledge of them is sub-par though she tries her best to teach me." A tiny smile. He did not like her very much in some aspects, but Kaj would not be cruel when she was already his prisoner. It would simply be over-kill. Plus, he'd rather she see him and his herd as more than just some beast. Though he still thought she deserved her punishment, that had no bearing on the rest of his thoughts and actions. Her punishment was already in action, the rest could be dealt with. What was the use in roughing up someone who was already beaten and properly (though not in the way Kaj had anticipated when he'd challenged her) defeated? Nothing, that's what.

Perhaps he'd even shock her. Now wouldn't that be amusing.

Despite all attempts at concealing his formidable mass, exuding an aura of peace and patience, it is a useless endeavor. Though disappointment is absent in his heart when she scrambles to her thin, birdlike legs before him as if fearing a secondary physical challenge. Weathered blue coins kept themselves trained upon the fae as she stumbled to a halt before him, eventually composed once more enough to let her evergreen gems fall upon him properly. Kaj waited with significant patience for her to comprehend his proffered words, offer some sort of response.

"You could say I've not been eating. I find my appetite has vanished due to... recent events." It comes somewhat sardonically, if he is to give her fair recompense and leeway. Nonetheless he allows his head to tilt imperceptibly, as if tempted to stare her down fully - though his unwavering attention as he had sometimes been told was supposedly just as unnerving. "Stress is undoubtedly a factor for lack of appetite, but self preservation is also important. While you are here I encourage you to put on weight once more, it will do you well when you leave." Eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly however as he contemplated the minor inflections of accusation and dare he say hatred in her tone. "But I will not apologize for doing what I believe best for my family, especially when you were more than welcome to remain when we reigned victorious. It would be hollow, as I do not feel real regret. You left of your own accord, and as such are here once more for the same reasons." It was not antagonistic, merely pointing out the obvious. Though the mare had proven herself foolish and tongue-tied once, Kaj would not be surprised if it came alive once more.

Subconscious seemed to pick up on the fact that the bird circling above had done so for too long, too orderly, for it to be natural. Eyes lifted briefly upward, noting the familiar markings and bodice he'd begun to associate with Naamloos. A brief quirk of a smile was offered in case she was looking, unbothered by her entrance and her lingering. She was a curious thing, and Kaj welcomed her questions, as it often put into perspective his own emotions and place in the world. He was not nearly as composed and detached as she, which he envied at times, but she kept his hooves righted and he appreciated that. Having her there at all was already like a peaceful wave of solidarity across the oceanic surface of his soul. An odd influence for one so young to have, but Isopia had far more power and sway than most would expect.

Drom pulled his attention back and he snorted softly, dismissing her words. "I will worry because you are my prisoner, and I will not have you claim ill-treatment beneath my captivity." That was all to be said on the matter, and he let it die a perfect death lest she resurrect it to poke at it further. Pride could do such strange things after all. Like drive a mare to starvation, he mused to himself. Though he hadn't particularly desired to strike up a more intimate conversation, Drom added her own personal feelings and experiences, and so Kaj hummed softly in recognition of her words. "Wisdom is an honorable thing to seek." Was that appropriate to say? Had she been expecting further conversation?

Head tilts fully in persistent confusion over her plea. "Why? I shall not place you in it. You are far from dangerous to me or my denizens, and I already informed you about my thoughts on you claiming to be ill-treated. You are free to roam these lands and heal while you are captive. Perhaps, if you treasure wisdom and knowledge so much, you will learn more about the supposed beasts who captured your home." Dare he say that he is almost smug in his subtle reprimanding of her in that moment, but he did not allow lips to curve in satirical amusement if only to aid in enforcing the ideology upon her.

It seemed Kaj's attempts at understanding the woman were futile, his conversation derailed, ignored and flippantly disregarded. The man gave a hearty sigh to see her vapid vacancy, the emptiness of her eyes, the defensive pose of her posture. His words seemed imperfect, and though she did not deserve it, he found himself desiring to apologize. For what? He had not only listened to her pleas and not fought her, but he had been kind to her to the best of his abilities, had tried to even offer her free reign rather than locking her up inside the prison and forgetting about her. Yet she still found him lacking? What else could he have possibly done? Any other would have been far harsher, considering it was her own fault she'd been taken prisoner in the first place. She was infuriating in her shifting moods and demands, and Kaj despised it.

He is distracted from his frustration by the approach of another, eyes flickering and then catching when form is categorized, recognized. They'd not spoken one-on-one since their odd reunion, as much as Kaj desired to know what had happened to Ink after he had disappeared - under Kaj's watch, at that. His guilt had never truly disappeared over the years, his desire for atonement still present. To know that Ink was not truly dead was a blessing, and it eased the constant throb of darkness in the back of his mind - the one that detailed all the people he had failed, the ones he'd hurt and let down. It had grown far too much since the invasion.

"Ink," he breathed in greeting, turning so that he could keep both mare and stallion in proper, respectful acknowledgment of his gaze. "It is good to see you after so long, my friend," was rumbled pleasantly, eyes like bright summer skies and friendship, lips twitching into sincere, smiling configurations. Moving towards the other soul he proffered nares and muzzle, features calm and inviting. Unaware of the amnesiac state of his brother and oldest friend, there was no reason for him not to indulge in such displays. Until Drom's words registered, at least, swallowed up by whatever injustice he had committed in her vocals.

Sighing softly Kaj backed away from the master painter and turned his attention, undivided this time, back to the woman at hand. "I regret that my words are not comforting you, I've nothing more to offer you. I do wish to become your friend, hate consumes far too much energy and muddles logic I'd rather reserve. You may leave when you are fully healed, though I would press that you remain until Frostfall has passed, or..." trailing off, Kaj tilted head to regard her, a plan formulating inside his head. Toying with it in prolonged silence, he wondered if it was even appropriate of him to offer the alternative. "Or, if you interact with three members of my herd and attempt to understand our reasoning, who we are as people rather than warriors, then you may leave sooner. Perhaps with more of the wisdom you claim to seek." It was finished with a soft rumble, the hand extended, the possibility drawn out. Whether she took it or not was her choice. Again, it was down to whether she could swallow her abnormally large pride.

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Drom can be released at your leisure (whenever you say she's fully healed), stay until after Frostfall freely, or for plot purposes she can interact with three other herd members and be let go "early"!