It was not the sound of an equine that first touched Kaj's ears. Though, it was also not a noise he had heard very often at all. Nevertheless it was familiar, a trilling sort of melody that tickled vaguely at his memory. Another joined it, a perfect harmony that he finally placed. Mirage. Realizing that the previous song must have been Akaith, Kaj let a small smile break the normally contemplative look upon his face. It was a clear summons, one he would be stupid to ignore. Dark legs pause from where they have been slipping him through the haze of fog and undergrowth. Turning, mist glinted off his ochre canvas as moisture darkened his normally glowing coat. A meeting, huh? Kaj had not been to one since his induction to the Edge, and was able to honestly admit to himself that he was mildly excited. Did the Edge have many members? How many protectors were there? Were there foals?

Kaj smiled hopefully at the thought. Foals were perhaps his greatest weakness and greatest joy simultaneously. Of course, he knew that some mothers would not allow him to coo over them- though Kaj didn't understand how it was weird- but the Protector was a family man at heart, and every innocent youth made him want to cuddle them close and squeal in a rather feminine way.

Emerging from the trees surrounding the location Mirage had selected, Kaj's thoughts vanished as easily as the fog beneath sunlight. Many others had appeared before he had, though Kaj had been patrolling the borders that morning and had a bit farther to go. Had the time truly passed so quickly while within his thoughts? Murmuring soft excusals of his movement through the gathering herd, Kaj kept his large wings as close to his sides as he could. No use in making the growing crowd even more uncomfortable. Warmth is spreading throughout from all the bodies, but it is a soft comfort- family gathered together, a heat that will be accepted and cherished no matter how uncomfortable it may make some.

His queen is speaking then, words flowing like golden waterfalls from her muzzle. Kaj was unaware, mostly, of the invasion of the Foothills. It was not his concern the moment Mirage commanded they not intervene, and he was no healer. However Kaj was always eager for new family members, and if the Foothills residents wanted a place in his family he would open himself to them willingly and without prejudice. Any and all were welcome so long as they meant no harm, and it seemed one had already returned from the Foothills if Aaron's shifting smell meant anything. Was that the fellows name? Ah, yes it was, he had been the one to accept Kaj alongside Ink. Speaking of, light azure irises immediately started seeking out the gangly youth. He'd grown rather fond, and even protective of the mute. Once he'd been spotted the tension left his shoulders in relief. Why was he even worried? The Edge was a safe haven- Ink would not be harmed within its borders.

Again he focused, knowing that the young stallion was safe. Here, he learned that assumptions were correct and Aaron had left only to come back. Had it been the Foothills where he had sought a new home? Kaj thought bitterly of him for that, leaving at a position Kaj held and returning a king, a Glazier. Power or otherwise, Kaj was adamant that you never, never abandoned your family. Himself leaving his former home was a different case altogether, seeing as it had never been home to him. All hatchlings had to fly the nest at some point. The fighter felt no anger towards Aaron as a person, he had a good soul and strong morals. Nevertheless contempt snuck its evil way in. Aaron may be wonderful, but it would take some time for Kaj to smooth over and forgive the injustice he felt at Aaron's departure. It was not so much the sudden grant in title, as Mirage knew him far better, but loyalty was perhaps the biggest thing in Kaj's morals.

Anger is not an emotion Kaj likes to dwell on, so with a few slow blinks and some even slower breaths, he lets the scent of everything around him wash it all away. It's pretty hard to rile him up anyways, but there were always sensitive spots that were pressed and instantly infuriated the level-headed stallion. Instead of staring at Aaron like he mildly wanted to, Kaj did the right thing and focused his shifty brain on his Weyrleader. What came next shocked him, in a very pleasant way. Thor was a good fellow, a very good fellow actually, and he deserved the title. In the commotion of joy that followed, Kaj added his own voice to the reverie as they brought Thor into a position he would suit well. Kaj was unaware of what he said, roaring his approval of the promotion, but it was likely lost in the sound of every other voice lifting in praise. Once they had calmed, Thor said what was needed, clearly awed and proud. A few others spoke up, ranging from woman to yearling, but Kaj's eyes had fallen on Ink, who had stepped forward to make his request. Immediately after realizing what he was saying through his exotic paintings, Kaj stepped towards the youth's side, towering over him but not using it for intimidation. No, Kaj would only ever be at his elbow for protection, friendship. Before he could stop himself, words were building, and he broke through the barrier of silence he normally cloaked himself in. Awkwardly clearing his throat and speaking in the deep rumble he was accustomed to, he met the DragonHeart's eyes before bowing momentarily before her. "My lady, I have a request. Should Ink travel to the South to our sister herd, I wish to go with him. I will stay no longer than the days needed for my own rest. Leaving him to the journey alone...it will bide ill with me, my Lady. Please, allow me to escort him?" It was a bold move for the normally quiet male, but his blue eyes found hers with sincerity. Ink leaving at all, to a place where Kaj could not be with him, was already making him a bit edgy. Even so, he knew that the painter was no child and he could protect himself adequately. But...the wilds were lands untouched by the Gods, and Ink was far too frail in Kaj's eyes, though that may be his emotions speaking. Should anything happen to the boy while on the road, Kaj would never forgive himself.

Ah, and it was not until then that the aureate boy realized Tor had arrived. Returned? Had she, too, left? Hurt welled in his chest, anger lacing every wound. What had life come down to? Was it truly so easy to abandon those that depended on you, a family that you knew or did not? Kaj would never leave the Edge, not without being dragged out half-dead. He would never take his name from beneath the list of the DragonHeart, and would be there as her glowing star to die with the first order upon her lips. Never would he go out, and seeing such blatant detachment from the place Kaj considered his very heart made him feel a whole slew of emotions. Tor had even dared to abandon her family! It was clear she had a mate, and even two little ones! This time it was much harder to stop the dedication and anger from showing on his face, but he calmed himself forcefully. No parent should ever leave their precious little ones to a life without guidance.

Feeling disgruntled with all he saw, Kaj turned his eyes to the only brother he felt truly close to. Ink was young, and yet so wise. Two pieces of sky focused on the dark orbs of the other stallion. Could Ink see how Kaj felt? He didn't find the thought very unlikely, considering Ink was extremely perceptive. Slowly he reached out his wing to very lightly brush over the dark expanse of his friend's side. Touch, perhaps, was not something Ink was comfortable with. That was a fact that Kaj didn't know, and so took comfort from the brief assurance that there were true members. That Kaj was not alone, that there was still hope for a bright future. In fact, looking around, Kaj smiled softly as he took in the forms of all those he knew. Mirage, Thor, Ink...the other two remained unnamed, and though Kaj had been too caught up in sparring and his duties to learn the names of every individual, he could see the inherent glow of the Moon Goddess' light within every soul. Yes...the Edge may have tiny pinpricks of blackness that made Kaj feel far too dark for his kind soul, but together they would always glow far too brightly for it ever to take over. They would all kneel beneath their Weyrleader, and Kaj was comforted by the knowledge that every Edge member would dream of the forests and mists of home, calling it with such a reverent title even within their subconscious.

[ooc: Okay so Kaj went from musing to angry to sentimental >___> but I think it kinda worked out in the end?]