From the misty emerald boughs that thickened the earth near the grove of lovers emerged a pale golden giant cloaked in silvery dew. Clear, baby blue gazers swept over the last of the land beneath his protection and assigned course, a hawk scouring the earth from a vantage point it did not belong in. Protective branches kept the rain and harsher elements from the crowns of the Edge members, but it also inhibited his view from the skies. Today, well muscled legs pressed quietly through the undergrowth, dusted with the little bits of frost and kisses of snowflakes that had found their way through the overhead canopy. The Edge was sheltered from the physical elements, but the wind that cut through the scattered plains and raced up the sheer white cliffs was bitterly cold, nearly numbing in its ferocity from where it had gathered its frigidity off the turbulent ocean. Crashing against his skin, it seemed to be nearly tangible to the point where it could slice his hide like a wickedly sharp knife. Though Kaj longed for the currents overhead, he was thankful for the bufferer the trees acted as. It was clearer beneath the cover, aiding him in following the paths he knew by heart, refreshing the borders with every brush of his body and scrape of his hoof against various markers. Glancing heavenward automatically to read the hour by the sun, he was again denied by the thick pewter clouds that obscured its glowing rays. Kaj knew if he climbed high enough into the heavens he would clear them, breathing air so sharp and pure it nearly burned his lungs as he reveled in the warmth that could not be withheld from the children of heaven and sky.

Even with the sun unable to be viewed, Kaj knew he was running behind on time. Patrol was his favorite task out of all those placed upon his shoulders when he and his shadow brother had been named WingLeaders. The comforting amusement Kaj took from their ironic colorations never faded, his own pale aureate color a contrast to Destrier's inky, starless-night expanse. They were alike and not in the same fashion, but Kaj was growing into an easy kinship with Destrier. In fact, the two had come together with bright eyes and high hopes, planning and speaking in low, easy voices that rolled and played together like gamesome otters of roiling thunder in a sea whose waves beat like steady war drums against the cliffs. Today was the chosen day for friendship; camaraderie between fellows who had bravely stepped forth in their youth to offer malleable, willing minds alongside those who were far older and more experienced in a loving, brave display of pride and loyalty to their family. As if in agreement to Kaj's musings, velvet vocals perused the lands around him as if searching out the attention of all whom he beckoned instead of passing easily over all terrain.

Late indeed, Kaj.

Sighing softly into the frozen air, Kaj strode forth into the cloud he had created with warm breath that signified the life that beat steadily in his chest had not dimmed. Moisture clung to his form like a second layer, the brightness of the grey sky peeking through well-knit ceiling of evergreen glinting off every speck it could reach. Kaj still didn't understand how such a dark and dreary thing such as rain and snow clouds could exude a brightness nearly equivalent to a sapphire sky on a Tallsun day without a cloud in sight. He moved at a pace that could be kept for hours, but with a speed that would bring him to his fellow General's side. The patrol always took him along the border, and being so far from where he knew Destrier would be that morning it was almost a definite that he would be late to whomever appeared from the snowy depths that day. Why waste energy when he would only appear disheveled, and still not accomplish much in the means of distance with how slippery and muddy the earth was below his hooves. Thick forests always birthed moist earth even in warmer seasons, refusing to let the sun touch down and encourage growth. In the start of winter, it was already getting worse. Flight was out of the question as well, and so the light-soaked stallion patiently loped towards his heartbrother's vocals, puffs of breath turning his vision into perfect silver with every stride that forced air from his lungs, pumping oxygen through his veins that aided him in this stamina-based exercise.

So many have come to the other stallion's cry, and Kaj circles around the other large brute's hindquarters, proud and even comforted to see the easy touches given and received as others filter in ahead of him. Upon his heartbrother's shoulder lies a scaled scarf of green, but this lovely lass is no piece of apparel. Wings appear like silk, though the texture is sure to be different, and Kaj remembers her as Suli, the dragon Destrier had come home with a season or two ago. Followed by giant spiders, of all things. It is rather adorable how she is encased in his mane as if nesting like some large, beautiful bird. Reptile of course, so he would never insult the young draconic child by uttering it around her. Slowly he strides forth into the small clearing, frosted mane thick with droplets that seemed determined to freeze where they'd landed. Icy azure eyes, far warmer than the cold substance they were compared to, flitted like gentle raindrops among and upon those who had gathered; taking stock, recalling names, noting those who were unfamiliar to him so that he may rectify that in the near future. Out of the streams leading in, familiar faces bring a warm smile to his visage that is comparable to a single buttery shaft of sunlight on a perfect summer morning that is just large enough to bathe your entire body. He is sunlight embodied; warm and calming, fierce and scorching, cool and removed when night has overcome. Today, Kaj glows in the gentle way most of his kinsmen knew him for. Sweet ebony face is the first he finds familiar other than Destrier's nearly memorized form, and a respectful slow dip of crown is given to Mirage with the playful curve of a smile they seemed to always employ in regards to their meetings. With her occupying Destrier's side, he casts this motion and facial movement over his partner's spine, glad to see her in their midst.

Next is an auburn and russet lass with compliments of champagne and apple juices. Name unknown, she is labelled inside his mind, and he promises himself he'll meet and get to know her. She at least rings a bell in some subtle way, more of a category than anything individual. A member from the Foothills invasion, perhaps? Again vision swings to the next of his brothers and sisters gathered. It is Paladin who meets his scrutiny, remembered for his odd coloring and the way he'd made his first impression when seeking sanctuary in the Edge- under the heavy watch of a herd meeting, with a thick number of members whom he did not know and in return was nameless to them. There is a warrior within him, Kaj can see it in every breath and smooth roll of well-toned, well-earned muscle. It is like looking in a mirror when he sees all these fighters, because there's a similarity in all of them that has nothing to do with physical appearance. It almost reminds him of his previous home, where all who resided there were trained in combat only. Respectful tilt of cranium is given to the russet gal and the deep bay, smiling warmly at them as if removed completely- internally and externally- from the worsening weather of the days.

Alertness is in his blood, however, and even in the depths of their safest place, movement behind and intimately close to Mirage draws Kaj's eyes in a snap. At first he doesn't recognize their Glazier, but the familiarity between the two calms him and he gives the same warm curl of lips to the lad and his snowy dragon, a flash of gold in his peripherals reminding him of Akaith's positioning as well. Smoke glided past him like the substance she took her name from, his slow stride- done so that he could see the faces of those who had answered so quickly and loyally- giving her access to his partner's side. Use of magic makes him quiver inside in the familiar fashion he'd been raised around, but Kaj is aware that Smoke was a strong healer, and so instead gave a soft whicker of greeting to her as she passed between his golden hide and Destrier's. Another color of draconic descent joined those lying or circling the meeting, a deep coral with sapphire streaks along the sensitive sections that highlighted the reptile's body. From behind comes Laila, and Kaj flicked an ear at her in a familiar manner as she occupied her father's free side. Eventually he has come even with the growing line, and his pale muzzle extended to brush gently against Destrier's belly, only to lift free to avoid bumping and disturbing Suli. As he continues forward, he flicks his tail playfully at Laila, left wing dipping to graze her and her father simultaneously. Snowy muzzle, tainted with pale honey and sunlight, ended its lingering journey at a dark well-muscled shoulder. Lifting free a second time, Kaj swung gently to the right and into his own portion of space, head only slightly ahead of his brother-in-arm's. There, he let his legs cease their movements and in the stillness that followed listened attentively, with genuine interest, to the words that slowly filled the natural waking of the earth. Only when all had spoken did he let the quiet, rumbling vocals- so rarely and carefully used- free from the locked box inside his chest.

"I ask you excuse my rather unfashionable and unprofessional lateness, the weather has disrupted my knowledge of time and patrol kept me busy." There we go, an easy enough start. Kaj was not a nervous speaker, nor did he truly worry they would not understand, because similar duties (or in the cases of the youth section, play) had likely kept them too long away from family before. Destrier had already explained the system rather well, and Kaj found nothing to add. Instead he focused on the foxy painted lass who had spoken first. Smile had slowly warmed his visage once more after the sincere apology, and he directed it at her, always wanting his herd kin to know they were not invisible and that they still held importance to him whether known or not. "Hush, my dear. Times have been hard for all of us, and busy for those who are lucky. Even our Gentleheart has admitted to needing time to himself. There is always forgiveness, as well as a second chance, for those who are willing to correct simple wrongs. Clearly, you have burdened yourself more than enough on your own. Lead your Acolyte well, that is all we ask." A flick, then, to the voice on his left. Velvet tones recognized almost immediately as those belonging to his Queen. Only a small step was needed to move from unable to see her, to glimpsing golden irises, though he felt slightly odd stepping farther forth than Destrier. Even if it was only a place to stand, a physical change, but Kaj valued the equality between them and didn't want to ever shift that balance. He was far from power hungry, or a loner.

Nothing was to be necessarily said to his Mistress, but his lips moved anyway to offer soft, gentle words that held the depth of his genuine emotions. "Thank you, m'Lady. You are more than welcome to involve yourself as you please, perhaps surprise visits to make sure we're actually working?" Small, playful smile and warm blue gaze made it obvious that he was teasing her, himself, and all those present. He knew they would understand, hoped they would relax slightly and realize that they were not going to be slavedrivers or perfectionist directors. And then to Paladin traveled his gaze, possibly appearing strange to address them individually instead of as a general whole. "Our thanks to you, as well, Sir Paladin. Would you like to lead along an Acolyte, or would you prefer to help train and direct? If you would like, we can alert you when we are short of help, or need an extra hand or experienced mind and body?" This reply was slightly harder to navigate, as Kaj didn't know Paladin that well at all, and being so unaware of the warrior's personality made him slightly tentative with his inability to determine Paladin's reactions through experience.

Glazier next, then? Lace had quite a bit to say, but Kaj only crafted a smile of delight and approval that he was vocal and inquisitive about the subject. "Soon, this phase of our idea will evolve into a stage where our younglings will have the skills and verbal training along these patrols to leave the borders. If you would like to pair with one at that time, you are more than welcome." Warmth and gratitude flooded every lyric, proud that Lace was willing not only to take on the harder task of leading an Acolyte out of the borders, but that his mind was already developing along the path he and Destrier had separated into phases. Smoke nearly escaped his notice but he would not forget their healer, and apparently she would not forget as well with her reminder. "Patrols and training are both open to your desires and the time you have available, m'Lady. The Protector Acolytes aren't required to know advanced healing, but Destrier and I have been contemplating a few things that won't be revealed until later, I'm afraid," here he paused and amusement shone clear in his orbs, wishing he could tell them now. "But if you could begin teaching the Acolytes, and the Protectors that don't have the knowledge either, of the basic plants that may aid them we would be extremely grateful. Your eyes are better suited than mine, I know for sure. Pointing them out in the natural, familiar environment of our home on patrols would aid us the most, if it is not too much trouble for you m'Lady." Again, a doll he doesn't know well, but Kaj is nothing if not a gentleman, so hopefully she at least wouldn't be too offended or uncaring for some reason. How badly he wanted to know them all by name, be able to know their quirks. Sadly the inhabitants of Helovia were far more reserved than those of his previous home, and it would likely be a longer process.

Little Laila was the last to chirp- though it was far louder in her rather naturally outgoing ways- but it was rather mature. Kaj knew she inherited much from his rank brother, but had been without information on Tor for the entirety she'd lived in the Edge. His memories of her were warped, and he tried not to focus on them too often. Smile never wavered, appearing completely pleased and altogether adoring of his family, but a fierce pride with all the help offered flamed in painted watchers better suited for the opposite element. Laila would not be treated as a helpless child, as he'd seen her bravery when she'd asked to be an Acolyte, but he would also not embarrass her by cooing or pitying her for the stammer of her tone. After all, hadn't they all done it at some point, just as nearly all of them had been late like he had? "You are correct, miss Laila. It will definitely be enlightening for us all. If you are willing to learn, then we are willing to teach." Godlike voice tapered softly and soon it was quiet once more. What did he have left to say?

At first, he thought the answer would be 'nothing'. Instead, his lips trembled and words were forming as they always did- flowing straight from his heart and mind. "All of you, myself and Destrier as well, have individual qualities that will aid us overall in a rather magnificent way. I can't guarantee some of this won't be hard, especially when we move past this first stage. But it is easy to see your dedication, and as Destrier said, thank you infinitely for coming and showing your loyalty and interest." Oh dear, Kaj, why so formal? Quickly he remedied that, moving past the stuffy summaries and thanks to what he truly wanted to say. He would not appear fake to his subordinates. "I am here at any hour if you need me, and I have full trust that Destrier will say the same. We are available as much as duties permit us, but we will never turn you away out of personal desires, only out of necessity. Encourage the rest of our family, should they hold not task as Destrier said, to join us. Clearly, to me, this is a group that will work lovingly for the Edge and her lands. Never be afraid to speak to us, or your fellows, and never withhold a question; nor facts we may not be aware of. As our WeyrLeader spoke not long ago, knowledge is as great a power and asset as magic or physical strength."

Finished, he moved closer to Destrier, uncomfortable with how much he'd spoken and fearing he had messed up again. A constant fear he had, for he spoke so little as it was that saying so much at once seemed like a verbal essay. Closeness, to him, was a comfort, and so he stood at a respectful distance from Laila so as not to crowd her, equal with Destrier's side once more. How scared he was to mess things up, even if he felt steady and rooted in his position. Calming himself slowly, Kaj gave a soft contented sigh and glanced around the circle once more. Finally, things were being set in motion.

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OOC: Late to a party I helped organize ;____;
Also, Kaj is admiring Destrier's big bootie xD Dingo and I have a playlist for dat choice behind ;]