It had been quite some time since Mauja and Torleik had taken to ruling the Edge and a great deal longer that they’d thought to make it official. During said time I was allowed a moment to accept my loss and congratulate the future of the World’s Edge. I’d also had time to do numerous other things… and another surplus of things after that. How long before the Kings surveyed their followers and how long before they named new ranks and new titles? It appeared they’d all but forgotten us until this day, so much so that I was almost glad to hear their summons lifted above the frigid winter breeze.

It was an unusual sound that didn’t sit quite right with me, but I knew that it would become a voice that I would accept in time. I assumed that I’d grown too comfortable with Kaj and Kahlua, and Archibald even, but it was also a notion that spurred me to want more than I’d had. I wanted greatness for the World’s Edge. I wanted the notoriety that Mirage had left behind… and I believed that these Kings could do it. However, their partnership was still rightfully amusing to me… and something that I’d not soon consign to oblivion.

With Sabine struggling to grapple at my mane whilst fluttering about between my shoulder blades, I followed the beaten path that would soon lead me to the first meeting hosted by our newest patriarchs. Already the icy grip of FrostFall had plagued the Edge and delivered a fair amount of snow, though not enough to completely blanket the forest floor. I was often at a disadvantage in the summer due to my heavier build, but winter allowed me certain reprieve. My coat had grown shaggy and thick over the path few weeks and my mane was enough to protect the young Zephyr I guarded.

When at last my eyes found the stolid figure of Mauja the FrostHeart, I bellowed a lengthy greeting of arrival. It had been some time since I’d responded so quickly to the gathering of any herd, but I was content to blame it on my own sense of curiosity. I wanted to know what these unfamiliar monarchs had concocted in order to remedy the shattered bones of their kingdom. When distance allowed, I nodded to the silver warrior with the icy stare and then to Mauja himself. “It appears you’re missing your second,” I smiled. It was not a sentiment delivered with malice, but more of an attempt to bridge whatever waters kept us apart.

We both wanted the same thing after all.