Her children are growing steadily into their abnormal skins, a prince and princess to her silver throne. Their father is not present in the way she'd always imagined, foolish childish dreams that she had lingered on and held hope in. But Ashamin was not lost to her. He came from the frost and snow like a shadow, awaiting her call. Sometimes he would appear without her seeking him out, as if knowing she needed him before her own consciousness took hold of her desires. Romina and Ru'in were...strange. Hotaru was not blind to their physical differences. But she did not hide them away in shame. They would learn of the darkness that lurked in the hearts of others soon enough. Their skin needed to be tough to deal with the criticism of their peers and fate's wicked blade. Hotaru would shower them in love and build up their egos. She would sharpen and temper them like raw metals until someday they would gleam like the daggers they were capable of being. She prayed they would have her wiles and strength, but that they would not lose sight of the undeniable love and heart that Ashamin had passed down to them. So long as they loved, Hotaru didn't care what else they did. She didn't want them to end up as she had, bitter and hateful, out of touch with emotion. And she feared their separation. She and Raeden had not been close in the normal fashion when they were children, but she regretted it now that she was older. Hotaru encouraged them to always look out for one another, trying to foster an unbreakable bond. So when Deimos called out across the ice and tundra, she beckoned her children with a tilt of her brow and took her crown back into her hands. 

Motherhood slipped from her shoulders like a gossamer veil, the Lady taking its place. Beautiful, serene face betrayed nothing as she calmly and purposefully stepped into her mantle. From the corner of her eye she noted Romina continuing down into the masses, though her daughter was still firmly removed from the others, a show of familial ties to Hotaru. No doubt Ru'in was beside her. 

Deimos' radiating warmth beckoned to her, but she listened attentively to his words nonetheless. Change was upon them, the Plague a forgotten memory that somehow still stained their banners. Hotaru's head tilted higher as she gazed down upon those gathered, sharp eyes daring objection from her gathered family. She loved them deeply, as a matriarch should. But they did not have the freedom to pick and choose any longer. New blood was a dire necessity. They could not turn away faithful warriors any longer. 

Deimos' discomfort was not inherently apparent, but Hotaru knew the ways of her fellow lead after so long beneath and beside him. His tongue was not gilded, his discourse rusty. Not that he lacked words to say or did not hold sincerity regarding what he was saying, but out of some kind of discomfort she wondered if he had simply been born with. Though some of this was news to her, the Lady did not falter as her own smooth vocals picked up where Deimos left off. 

"Our Haruspex Ashamin has respectfully stepped down from his position, and is no longer a member of the Aurora Basin. In light of his absence, we are in need of a new Haruspex." She and Deimos had spoken at length about the candidates, but they shared many of the same opinions when it came to the values they sought in such a position. Bi-colored optics landed upon the young painted woman in the crowd, her father's words murmuring quietly in her head. "Frost Fyre, you have faithfully served the Basin for many seasons. You are a devoted student. We ask that you come forth as our new Haruspex." A subtle choice of words, the inclusive we. But unity always seemed to be lacking at herd meetings, and she would not have her herd fall apart simply because they were all vipers with venom at their disposal. 

A serene smile creased pale lips as she awaited Frost Fyre's answer before she moved on. Eyes alighting on one of the few hornless faces in the crowd. If there was a twinkle of playfulness in her eyes, it was surely from amusement. Aisling had successfully kept Hotaru away from her leg bands, once upon a time. She had the Lady's respect for that. "Also, as a show of good faith and in hopes that these changes will be well received, we extend a promotion to Aisling." 

Did the lass anticipate such a turn of events? And how would their herd react to a newcomer (and an equine at that) being promoted to a strong rank? "Usefulness is vital to this transition. Aisling, you are a skilled and perceptive mare. We ask that you become our Sneak, and help defend your new home and brethren." Hotaru knew loyalty could not be bought or falsely produced. It would come in time for Aisling. This was her first step to proving that their new open door policy held merit, that she could assimilate into such a tough crowd and hold herself as proudly as those with crowns did. With the sass Hotaru knew Aisling possessed, the Lady held quiet faith that she would succeed. 

"Birdsong has blessed us with many new foals. Care for and educate them as if they were your own, they are the future of the Basin. If you hold a rank, consider taking one as an apprentice. It is time to rebuild." A tedious and daunting task, but she spoke the words with a solid, unshakable pride. The Basin would not falter. It had carved mountains into herdlands through sheer will, persevered through harsh climates and invasions alike. They were strong. They would push on.