They barely even registered that the boggart gave in and ran in defeat. Too overwhelmed by the sight of Fajira returning to visibility as the magic of the haunt was released, it was all the white-maned stallion could do to remain on his feet as they were surrounded by cheering fire gremlins and ushered off deeper into the city. The dragon ignored the fiery little creatures as best as she could and rejoined with Lace, quietly landing on his back and wrapping her mind around his to try and soothe the shock that still plagued him. Her small paws caressed the fuzzy winter-coated neck and warbled softly, singing quiet songs to make sure he knew that she indeed was there, that the illusion had been just that; illusion. She had been shocked to see the image of herself being killed, but it was nothing like the impact it'd had on Lace.

It would take a long time before the horse could sleep well again. The sight of the dying dragon would haunt thoughts and dreams for many seasons to come. Never before had they come so close to death, become so utterly aware of how fragile the connection they shared was; and how vulnerable it made them. The death of one would ultimately lead to the death of the other. They had always known this, somewhere deep inside, but now it had been brought up in the most brutal way imaginable. Lace felt that he wasn't ready for that kind of knowledge - if he ever would be.

It was with great effort that he pulled himself together enough to greet the king of the Fire Gremlins. Tired in more ways than one he bowed politely but distractedly, more focused on the weight of the cat-sized dragon upon the back and the physical reassurance that she was still there; a smile was too much to manage. At least the ears were kept forward, it was all he could accomplish right now.

"It has been our honor to be able to aid the embodiments of Flame. Your gratitude and gifts warm our hearts," - though the stallion flinched visibly as the blue flame sunk into the chest and settled there, completely unused to being exposed to magic - "and I speak for Fajira and myself when I say that we are content. Returning home is what we long for most right now." Even his voice sounded worn, words albeit polished and shimmering like the gilded coat upon the back.

A gentle thought from the female dragon that lay curled on his whithers made the Glazier pause, mental conversation passing between the two quicker than what could ever be possible with verbal speech; then the gray stallion sighed faintly and returned his gaze to the king with a faint smile.

"Fajira asks me to extend her well wishes for you and your people, along with a hope that we might encounter you once more. I think she's become a bit fond of you..." The smile turned somewhat lopsided, and in a soft, loving gesture he turned and pressed the nose against her small form - the most visible sign of affection he'd ever shown when others were watching.

Any further adventures would have to wait until another time though. They had things to do at home, and frankly Lace didn't think he would be able to put up with any more surprises. He glanced between Bob and Valentine, more than ready to join them on the journey back into the tunnels and up through the Heart.

Through darkness, shadow and fire, until he stood on the surface and could breathe easy once more. Until he could go home.