Predawn light was just beginning to slant across the black mountainscape as Roland began his journey out of the Aurora Basin, breath fogging in the chilly air. He had not risen early enough to accompany Arah directly, but followed the meandering trail of her footsteps as they led out of the valley and into the pass. Wind howled in the Phantom's ears as he walked, mulling over the task at hand. He was startled to have been awarded the Dark Empress' trust so soon, when he had been a part of their herd for no more than a season at best; but he was grateful to have been given work nonetheless.

The path he followed, now familiar as he had traversed it many times, was dark and windy. The Phantom felt small and exposed despite the towering cliffs on either side of him, blocking the brightening horizon from view. The last of the northern lights died out overhead as daybreak neared and the stallion travelled further south. Roland's gait was steady, moving quickly over the rocky terrain as he attempted to catch up with Arah before she reached the Foothills. The slightest amount of uneasiness settled in his chest, putting his nerves on edge. The Basin was not looked upon kindly by all, and they would be asking no small favour of their neighbours.

He parted ways with the constricting throat of the pass, stepping into the full throes of autumn as the howling wind died around him, no longer forced along the jagged walls of cliffs. Lush grass met his hooves and the sky opened up before him. The sun was just breaching the distant hills, and Roland could see Arah's white form a ways from him. Lurching into a trot he made his way down the hill towards her, ears perked as the mare called out. He could see he was late to arrive when another shape appeared from the rock laden slopes and stopped before his herdmate.

Cursing his lateness, Roland drew up along Arah's side, brushing his muzzle against her neck in greeting. He caught the black mare's introduction and inquiry, giving her a sombre nod of acknowledgement. "My name is Roland, and this is Arah," he responded, assuming Ktulu had already guessed where they were from; the smell of northern winds and ice must have clung to their pelts. "There are growing tensions between the Aurora Basin and the Dragon's Throat. On behalf of Psyche, we request the Grey's assistance in the event of an attack. We are willing to pay for your efforts."

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The sudden appearance of a white mare beside Ktulu made Roland start, but he managed to compose himself quickly, casting a curious gaze towards the new arrival. The Phantom was not surprised when she began to voice her concerns about their request, but it troubled him that she seemed suspicious of their intentions. Their motives were not to start a war, but it was a possibility and so they needed to prepare for the worst. Roland remained in pensive silence as Arah responded to the duo before them, nodding in agreement to her explanation as he gauged the Chieftesses’ reactions.

His eyes flicked to Ktulu’s face as she spoke, and he didn’t miss the impatience in her voice. Their distrust in the two Phantoms was leading them to think they had some underlying intent beneath their initial request, so he didn’t keep her waiting for an explanation. “It is true that there is some strain upon the relationship between our two herds, but the possibility of war is uncertain. We are taking precautions, preparing for the worst, if you will. Kri has challenged Psyche for the release of our prisoners, which has made things… uncomfortable,” he intoned, holding the black mare’s gaze with an unwavering, honest stare.

“What we are asking for is the Grey’s aid in battle, should conflict break out between the Basin and the Throat. We are not looking for a fight, but preparing for the possibility of one. ” He hoped that in the end the Grey’s protection would not be necessary, that things would quiet down between the two herds. It had been many months since he had stood upon a battlefield, but he was not eager to return to one. “Our craftsmen Ulrik and Crowley have offered their services in payment for your assistance. We would be able to give you machines and weaving in return for your help, though I hope for all our sakes it will not be needed.”

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