To have Solstice at my side was no small feat indeed. I hadn’t wanted her to remain with the Nurse and child in hopes that they would be able to come to some conclusion- if at all one was agreeable. But once I had removed myself from their banter, I did not feel reprieve… Instead I felt longing. I wasn’t sure what for but perhaps I would be able to figure it out eventually. The paint at my side seemed to be just as thoughtful as I, so I wasn’t in a hurry to press her for conversation. However, I knew that it wouldn’t be long before I was listening to her concerns in my ear. But of course everything she said was valid, in spite of my sudden need to forget everything that had happened. I wanted Tor to prove me wrong and I wanted more than anything for things to go back to whatever perfect reality they had been in before. I was no optimist when it came to traitors, but the least I could do was abide by everything that Mirage had already laid out before me. She had enforced the standards and all I had to do was agree with them.

It appeared to be simple enough.

But of course there was always a price. I felt wrong leaving her to flounce happily within our ranks once again- was she not the one who had left us without a word? I assumed Mirage had good reasoning to find her capable hands at the mercy of our commands, but I only hoped that one day I would be able to find the forgiveness it took for me to once again call her family. I suppose I was not one who found treason to be forgivable in any circumstance unless committed by the criminally insane. However, I didn’t think that Tor had suddenly lost her mind… no, I thought she had suddenly just lost sight of herself.

“I can’t fathom any good reason for it either Solstice. I only hope that she can be forgiven in spite of the tedious ridicule that she will no doubt encounter.” With a child of my own, I believed that I understood well enough the bond created between mother and daughter, but I was clearly at a loss when it came to leaving that bond to die. I looked hopelessly to the motherly face of the Philosopher, trying to find insight in her wisdom. However, we both appeared to be duped once again by the Nurse who thought not before acting.

While it was hard to ignore everything that had just occurred, I was eager to start on a journey of my own. As Tor seemed to be working her way through the ranks for approval, I wanted to do just as much in order to know every one of the devoted followers of the Edge. Of course I knew the few that I’d recruited myself, but there were many that had been here long before I ever entered Helovia. Solstice was just the beginning of my lesson and I hoped that the Philosopher had much to teach me. “I would assume that you have children as well? I can’t imagine such a gentle, patient heart belonging to anyone other than a mother herself. I cannot even begin to imagine how you’ve been able to acquire so much tolerance for any one thing, because I find myself often growing frustrated not only with Essetia but with many other hassles as well.”

I looked to Solstice hoping for understanding in my words. I didn’t want her to think that Essetia was any hassle to me, but rather very testy at times. She was often on my nerves when I least expected it and then quite the opposite when I did. She was the light of my life and I would not want anyone to think otherwise, but I was a first-time father and being such was certainly not easy.

Thoughts trailed one after the other through my mind which was seemingly all too small, or perhaps just too narrow-minded. Whatever the case, I felt… frustrated. I had suffered from Tor’s ignorance, dealt with the pain and distance placed between Tamira and I, and to top it all off the damn “Assassins” were trying to weed themselves within the imaginary cracks of the Edge. Either way, nothing felt as important as the mare at my side- I had badgered her for her company and here I was, trying to contain the agony of burdens that were completely out of my hands. Everything would be left in Time’s grasp and still, here I was trying to battle the effects of the emotional whiplash.

Humming softly in agreement, I turned to Solstice who still appeared evasive about Tor’s rejoining the Edge. I couldn’t blame her for the slight scowl of her tender lips of the worried expression on her simple face. Looking at her now, I realized that she was one of the reasons I had accepted the position of WeyrLeader. I wanted her to be completely oblivious to the conflict raging around her. I wanted her to worry about social affairs alone just because she could. I just wanted… to carry her burden. However, it seemed that everyone had secrets and desires that they tried to hide…

Aaron’s new position of Glazier seemed to collect her attention from the former and a slight smile seemed to tug at the inner workings of my heart. Her concern was admirable and at times I wished that Amora had felt the same for me. However, we can’t all survive chasing after demons. Turning over a new leaf in my head, I motioned for Solstice to follow me beneath the branches of a tall shade tree. Even though Fall was upon us, the sun was still warm along my back.

Once I had positioned myself beneath the shady limbs, I turned purposefully to Solstice to listen carefully to her expulsions of pride and wisdom. For a moment, I pondered her words, hoping that she would see that I was formulating my thoughts before expelling them without thinking them through. “Our Glazier was chosen not because he left, nor because we’ve come to dwell on his decisions. He was chosen because he was fitting and altogether deserving of the title. I would not linger on the opinions of others- it will pass.” I nudged her playfully before passing her a warm smile to soothe her worries. I wished no ill-will upon Aaron; he needed to grow up somehow. Perhaps working with the Foothills had allowed him such a privilege.

“However, I hope to learn a little something from you Solstice. Perhaps I will be able to possess your patience with my dear Essetia, as it would appear she’s growing up much too fast for me to keep up with. Her companion hatched only a few days ago and she has been a tyrant ever since. Though, I assume the infatuation will pass eventually.” I chuckled lightly to myself at the thought of my daughter scampering around happily with Romul in tow. The poor pup couldn’t ever seem to catch a break with Essetia constantly urging him to play games and provide her entertainment.

Debating for another long moment, I turned back to Solstice with an impish grin. “I don’t suppose Azale is missing much in the way of parenting and just as we’re clear- the shoes I fill are ones that will not willingly pass judgment on a simple mistake. You’re secrets are forever safe me with me.” With another small smile to the Philosopher, I turned my face to the skies, wondering why it had taken me so long to recognize where it was I actually belonged. I was meant to lead and the sooner I let myself believe it, the sooner I would be able to give justice to those that followed me.