Evers sighed in a mental sort of weariness when finally his sturdy legs made it to the Foothills border. How long had it been since he was here? The place held so many emotions for him that the blue stud couldn't decide whether he was happy or sad to see it again. He did miss the simplicity of it's existence however, the rolling hills and the juicy grasses along with the ice cold water that carved the land. A place of honest beauty that portrayed a sturdiness like most of its occupants. Evers had to admit there was a place within his heart that still had a fondness for the place and he gripped that now as he stood on it's borders, not to go any further. In his decision to step down from his Lead position, the blue boy had in a way thrown himself out of the land, his brothers had gone and there was simply no reason for him to remain. Not as the Foothills was at the time anyway.

There was a sureness in him that his brothers were here, wherever there was war, there would at least be Archibald. Though that brother he had little time for, Evers could not deny his fighting ability, but the area between his ears always left a bit to be desired and for that the roan had a hard time trusting his judgement. Yet, brothers were brothers and he could not deny the bonds between them which had now brought him back here to the place where he had become something he would never in a million years thought he would become. An ex-chief? He, Evers, the quiet scholar who sought after knowledge more than blood became a Leader of a herd. He had enjoyed his time, he learnt many things and in that short while the blue truly did believe he found a little more strength in himself.

So the son of Mandrake and the brother of many waited for someone to notice him, he knew it wouldn't be too long if their eyes were sharp and their warriors performed their duties correctly. He hoped their leaders would be reasonable and that his kin was here, he was tired of gadding about in the wilderness with no purpose to his life other than to wallow in self pity. There was a void in his heart that needed to be filled and a need to have a another duty to occupy an active mind. He just wished they would see past his skinny physique and grasp the powerful intelligence that laid forgotten and gathering dust.

He loitered near the border and it wasn't long until someone picked up his scent. Evers watched in anticipation as the strangely familiar smell came closer and closer, his aging mind trying to pin point exactly where in his life he had come across this familiarity. The skinny blue did not have to wait too long as a winged form finally emerged, her pelt a mixture of deep browns and vibrant purples. It was a face he did indeed recognize as the pegasus Irrydae, a kind mare he had met in the Threshold once back when he was Chief. She had not quite that day made a decision on the path she wanted to follow and all Evers could do was admire her for her honesty. He was glad now to see her apart of a herd and looking like she was flourishing. She speaks his name and he dips his head in a gentleman's greeting, smiling a rather boyish smile and chuckling at her observation. "Indeed it has Irrydae, I am glad you stayed in Helovia. How have you been?"

On the day he had met her, upon leaving, Evers wasn't entirely sure whether Irrydae would stay within Helovia. Her indecision could've forced her to leave in the blue's eyes and he truly was glad she had remained. Before he could say anymore, however, another scent and voice wormed it's way into his conscious. He turned his head to spot the dark form for the first time, another unicorn like himself, adorned in cascades of white mane and blood red eyes that were almost chilling. She introduced herself as Ktulu, Chieftess of the Foothills and Evers' eyes widened as he tried to put the pieces of history together. He rather warily noted the brown bear by her side, watching him, and he had to make himself stand firm.

"Hail Ktulu." He said with deep tones that spoke volumes of respect. Evers was always one to dress up his words with finery. "I am Evers the Able, brother of Archibald, and I come here in seek of a home and a wish to serve. I mean your family no ill will. I am more suited to intellectual roles, but if you see me fit to remain here, I will let you be the judge of me." He put rather plainly to the Chieftess. Evers was always aware that his appearance never really put him in the warrior category, though he would and could fight if he had to, the blue would much rather use his mind.

He simply wished Ktulu to see past his appearance and to his more hidden qualities, as he still eyed the bear nervously.

Evers is happy to see Irry smile and laughs merrily at her remark about taking his advice in the first place. No, he respected her decision that day, she spoke like a mare of wisdom and he thought it was much better for her to come to a decision to join of her own free will than feeling pushed to do so. It took keen foresight and courage not to be swayed by so many, which lead to him to bow his head in congratulations when she announced her rank. He was not surprised in the slightest. "Congratulations! You fit the role in my mind and I'm glad your skills have been recognized, a position well earned Irrydae." The skinny blue considered her returning question then and rather meekly came to the conclusion that his life had been considerably less interesting. Perhaps he should introduce Rita, who was idling behind in her fear of meeting strangers yet, Evers could also sense her growing curiosity. He'd call for her when he'd finished talking. Sighing in amusement, he turned his gaze to try catch Irrydae's as he spoke. "I have been well, though my life is considerably less exciting than your own, we seemed to have switched roles." He nervously laughed then, a little worried his words would bore her. Conversing had never been his strong point.

He turned to Ktulu then, intrigued for her answer, but also slightly fearful. This Chieftess looked like one of those no nonsense types, it didn't really help that her eyes were like blood, it almost made her appear like something out of a horror story if one only concentrated on her crimson gaze. Yet, there was something about her that distinctly reminded him of Paladin the Valiant, the Chief before himself. He shrugged off the idea and curled his ears forwards to catch her vital words. To which he had to stifle a laugh and work hard to keep his face completely straight. Is she trying to say that there are no intellectuals here? That the herd is full of ... well ... idiots? The thought baffled the blue stud, but there was no way he'd have the confidence to voice such an opinion. It was partly believable considering Archibald was amongst the ranks. Instead he just politely nodded his head to her question, he had a feeling he wouldn't fit the stereotype they were after.

She continued onwards and Evers quietly breathed a sigh of relief, it seemed he'd passed the first test. Getting past the border. His gaze noticeably lightened when he heard her mention Ophelia, if they were sisters, then that meant he was right in his earlier presumption of a relation to Paladin. Evers hardly knew the family, but he liked to congratulate himself over these simple findings he liked to work out. The Able made himself stand to attention and dipped his head in consent. "Yes ma'am. I would be honoured to serve Ophelia, it has been a long time since I have seen her face. Thank you for taking your time to consider me Chieftess Ktulu, I hope I will be of use to your family" happy to of said his thanks, he turned to peer behind him, catching the gaze of a peeking puppy who dared not come closer.

"Come on out Rita, they will not harm you" he said soothingly to the blue pup, who crawled out on her belly from a lone tree she had been hiding behind. Azure eyes wide with fright as she snuck to sit beside Evers, terrified of the big brown bear in front of her and rubbing her tiny body against her bonded. The blue stag turned to Irrydae then and awaited his friend's instructions.

[sorry for any typos >< I didn't have much time to grammar check this]