I wasn’t sure if I had heard her right and perhaps I questioned myself quietly from time to time to make sure that her offer was real. But even as we stood, still reveling in the past few moments as if we existed merely in fantasy, I felt complete. The rain was falling and I paid no mind to it for there was too much to discover; here I was standing alongside Mirage the Dragonheart, only this time as her equal and not her loyal follower. That’s not to say that I had lost any respect for her in the least, in fact, I could only hope to respect her more. She had definitely found a way to reiterate her control, being that if I decided to protest, she and Akaith would make damn sure that I knew that I was wrong. Looking upwards toward the little golden, I chuckled at her softly- she was just as good an actress as her bonded and I wasn’t sure if I was glad she was able to deceive me or slightly worried… However all thoughts about their deviousness were put aside in favor of looking forward- for the Edge dwellers would come and for once, I was not among them, but before them.

The little shadow-mare beside me had begun to sing the most beautiful song and for a moment I was awestruck by her connection not only with her herd but with Akaith as well. I resolved that the next time their voices joined in the sky, my own would be among them, but this was still her news, her choice, and I let it remain as such. I wanted to appreciate Mirage for everything that she had done for, and given to me. But it was hard to contain the quirky smile that now overcame dark lips, I was just… so damn happy.

Lifting my face to the heavens, I let the rain touch my face. I was brand new, I was doing so much more than I had ever imagined. This life was mine and I had earned it. A pride swelled deep within, burning hot against the pressure of eyes upon me. They would understand; they were my family after all. I looked for familiar faces among them; looked for Torasin the gallant steed who had helped me upon entering the Edge, looked for Destrier the valiant warrior who had shown up with only the heart upon his sleeve to offer us… I even looked for the new faces that I myself had welcomed to the Edge like Sulwyn and Crven… These were all names and personalities that I held close to my heart for they were the ones that had made me. They had taken up our cause and given it life. I owed them as much thanks as devotion for they had welcomed me when I had thought that my road had ended in darkness. They brought me life.

I turned to glance at Mirage, trusted friend and now accomplice; how could I ever repay her?

The first to speak up from the ranks was a mare I had learned was called Solstice. She had been in the Threshold when I had gone with my sweet daughter to convince little Eldrinn to come home to the Edge with us. She was certainly a proud mother from the looks of it because Aaron had served her right by gaining the position of Glazier. I had spoken with him as well upon first coming to the Edge and had even gone into the Basin at his side when its dark residents had thought it wise to steal Mirage from her throne. He had been a valiant warrior then and it was much to my surprise that he had taken up crafting. But I was delighted nonetheless. “Congratulations Aaron, you will make a find Glazier for the Edge.” My smile carried faithful warmth that seemed to characterize me more than anything else as of late. Perhaps it would be something that carried on for a while because I certainly didn’t mind the sensation of feeling accomplished.

I had succeeded, yes, but there was still much ahead and I was more than ready for it. “Thank you everyone and thank you Mirage for such an honor, I will be forever in your debt.” With that, I looked out into the sea of curious eyes- I was home.

OOC|| Forgive me for this poop. It's scatter-brained.