Gold sauntered through the tree cover, sending the subtle reverberations of rustling snow and branches through the air. Stricken with a sadness he could not explain, so unlike the steadfast demeanor he normally held. Pale blue eyes were cast towards the ground, lethargically watching the landscape pass as he moved. The new weights on his mind were only aggravated by his fluctuating moods. Visions of being ripped away from the Throat to be some prisoner flashed through his ailing mind, dark thoughts of unicorn's stabbing at him while Faelene looked on. It was certain that others wanted to take him from the Throat, and surely it must be the ex-Edge. They wanted their revenge, no matter how futile it was. For the briefest of moments, cold malice slid across his visage. If they took him from his herd, they would know hell. Then the sorrowful expression returned, and the brawny stallion's walk continued on.

Suddenly, a voice rang out, filled with loneliness and pain. Leander would have wondered if the sound had actually come from his own mouth, if it's tune was not so feminine. Raising his eyes from the frozen ground, he saw the owner of the noise. Not too far off stood a young girl, winged as he, but with a midnight pelt. Another filly out in the Threshold alone. The charger had found far too many helpless children in this place, and now of all times there was another. A near silent sigh escaped his nostrils, his breath a white plume, before he made his way closer to the little dove. "I mean you no harm, young one." He uttered wearily as he got closer to the petite onyx, though his pale eyes held concern. He was a massive sight, especially for one so young, and he did not want to frighten her off. "Are you alright? You sound about as morose as I feel." A weak smile forced it's way on to his lips for the girl, a small attempt to fight the depressed mood that gripped him. His words remained warm, though the sorrow that edged his tone and laced his face was probably visible to the filly. "I'm Leander the LionHeart, Sultan of the Dragon's Throat herd." Thick cream locks flounced as he bowed his head respectfully to her. She was a pretty girl, surely one who would grow into a strong and lovely mare. It was almost too much on his emotions to wonder if she had a family, or if she too had lost her parents and endured Frostfall alone. There were many other her age who had, and the thought was only another sad reminder to the usually optimistic golden that life was often bleak.

The little doe noticed him, and for a moment Leander wasn't sure if she was going to bound off into the darkness of the wood. Ice blue eyes looked down at the filly's blazed face, still wearing the same thin smile. Despite his size and warrior's hide, his face held no animosity or malcontent. Only the soft traces of tired sadness and genuine concern for the stranger. He hoped the child would not be spooked by his presence, for seeing an innocent face helped ease his listlessness, if only a little.

She spoke, and before he could respond, she gave a dark explanation of her mournful call. Porcelain pools widened, taking in the grisly words. Orphaned children were not uncommon, but this? No, it was just too much. The palomino grimaced, casting his eyes back to the snowy floor. How could anyone do such a thing? How did the filly survive such an ordeal? Flashes of his own time as a colt permeated his mind, and the crescent scar on his haunch twinged. There were those who would kill ruthlessly, even taking the life of a mother in front of her own daughter, as much as the Sultan wanted to believe it wasn't so. But the child had survived, and that meant that she was even stronger than he'd assumed.

"I am so sorry, Lana. No one should have to go through something like that." He spoke somberly, raising his gaze back to meet the ebon dove's. He wanted to add that he'd gladly kill such a mongrel as the likes of her sire, but the blond buck bit his tongue. The young one was likely in enough shock, and did not need to hear anymore words of death. The black eyed Lana spoke up again, disregarding his full title, and for that he was glad. For a moment, the stallion glanced to the shadows of the forest, as if he was searching for something that simply was not there. "Yes, Lana, I do. Though my troubles are not easily explained." Pausing, Leander settled his vision back on her dark form. "You are in Helovia now. Times are treacherous here, I'm afraid. There are those who would think you worthless because of the wings on your back, and others who'd think they make you Godly." Exhaling softly, he fought to bring the smile back to his lips. "You should join a herd, if only for your safety, Lana. I would be greatly honored if you would like to join me in the Dragon's Throat. There are two other herds as well, though. The World's Edge and the Windtossed Foothill's. I can tell you what I know of them, if you'd like." He offered carefully, aware that she might decline his invitation, and ready to give her what information he could of the other herds. Still, a gleam of hope fell into his light opalescent orbs. He liked the young one already, if only for the way in which they seemed to be able to share pain.

He felt the bright silver eyes of the filly on him even before he returned he gaze. Looking down at the young one, he could see the matching line of chrome that ran along her spine. She was certainly not as young as Nefertari, but a growing two year old. In some time, she would become an adult, and be thrust into the uncertainty of the land. The violent death of her dam must have strengthened the girl, though, and Leander felt confident that she would fare well, no matter what sort of life she chose.

A smile grew on his lips, this time of it's own accord, as the child spoke almost hesitantly. The bleak mood that had held him seemed to fade off just at quickly as it had set on, and the familiar feeling of lightheartedness took hold. "I would love for you to come with me to the Dragon's Throat, Lana. There are many positions to study in, including scholar, warrior, informant, and medic, if any of those interest you. And there are others your age as well, in case you tire of my company." He chuckled, thinking Lana would get bored of an old warrior for conversation. Cream locks shifted as he gestured Southward, making a motion to begin their trip home. "If you're ready, we can head back to the Throat now." With that, the stallion began the journey, blue eyes glancing back every so often to make sure the onyx dove was still with him.



[ooc: You can go ahead and post in the Updates board to have Lana's rank changed to a Dragon's Throat member. If you want her to take a position in the Throat, you can post in the Dragon's Throat Joining and Specialization thread with what rank you like her to have :) And if you want to have another thread with Lana and Leander, just let me know!]