When A’mal had spotted the Sultana and alerted her bondmate, Najya had just assumed that this was another gathering of the herd - she assumed meetings would be more frequent after such tumult in the herd over the past few seasons. Though the sense of normalcy that was settling was comforting. This was, however, coming from one with no deeper connection to Gaucho than respecting him as a great Sultan and a strong and able leader. He was so much more than that, of course, but Najya knew that this land was home to his family and many of his children.  For them the wounds would be slower to heal, if they ever did.  

So when Aithniel flew close enough that Najya could hear her call for celebration, the little mare’s curled ears pricked in acute interest.  Perhaps that was exactly what was in order - a celebration to lift heavy hearts, even if it was only for a few moments.  She immediately leapt into a canter - her legs carrying her swiftly across the sands but not as swiftly as those in the herd blessed with wings.  Najya was acutely aware that she was in the minority of the herd to lack the advantage of flight, but it wasn’t something that particularly concerned her.  With the addition of the magical bridge that granted access to the earthbound, she felt perfectly at home among the pegasi of the desert.  That and she’d never been treated differently for her lack of wings, perhaps that’s why she’d never even considered it before. She could, however, see how they’d be particularly handy for situations such as this.  

A’mal flew on ahead, circling the decorated tree and her excitement drove Najya just a little bit faster as she finally came upon the meeting grounds.  A small smile made its way across her dark lips as she saw the work that Aithniel had put into the decorations.  She was pleased to see so many familiar faces - Ampere, Maren, and many of the warriors - and there were quite a few unfamiliar faces too, mostly of children.  Najya had a particular fondness for children even though she’d never been a mother.  

The Sultana spoke of holidays, and Najya searched her mind for stories she had heard travelers bring of holidays.  She remembered hearing one in particular, about reindeer who’d been blessed with the power of flight but only in the very coldest months of frostfall.  Inspired by the season, the little mare created a series of little flying reindeer with her light magic and sent them dancing around Aithniel’s fire for the children to enjoy.

She stepped back and looked up at the Sultana, gesturing to the tree and the fire, “Thank you, Sultana. This is wonderful,” she offered in simple thanks.