The journey back home had been a tough one. Akaith had stayed in the skies above, while the shadow mare had stayed below, leading the children home, away from the death of their beloved one. The little dragon in the skies above them did her best to keep the group of equines moving, while also keep the mind of her bonded distracted from the darkness rimmed fire that threatened to consume her, to shroud her in an insane cloud of anger, passion, devotion and heartbreak. The little queen also kept a watch out for enemies, and they were fortunate not to cross the path of any unknown characters on their journey home, in part thanks to Akaith's aerial directions that led them inevitably away from where others may be gathering.

"I saw the spotted one, mother, the one you say wants to kill us."
"Did you, dear?"
"Yes, at the Heart. He was burned."
"Stay away from the Heart. You were lucky not to be burned yourself."
The conversation had been undertaken between daughter and mother, with the shadowy mistress replying in dull monotones, warning her child away from the dangerous depths of the Heart, cruelly and unintentionally shutting her out. Upon entering the borders of their homeland, she had realised the extent of her abruptness, and promptly apologised to her quiet golden daughter, embracing her warmly, with tears brimming her tightly shut eyes as she did so.
"I am sorry, my dear. My own heart hurts."
"I know mother. It is all right."

She had seen that Sakura was venturing towards familiar faces, before she wrapped herself in her cloak and sought the comfort of solitude, for as long as she would be allowed. Akaith barely allowed it, as the mare made to walk straight to the edge of her home, the golden one alerted her of new blood walking in their lands - strangers, outcasts. Weary from the journey but pressured by the need to be present, the mare pushed herself and her tired body towards the gathering Smoke had hailed, her cloak still in place, the golden dragon flying ahead to greet the newly titled Moon Doctor herself, eyeing those she did not know with keen draconic interest. Through her eyes, Mirage did see the damage wrought upon the pegasus steed, and she heard the request made by the equine mare.

There were too many resemblances to the bloody scene she had just left. The stallion, golden and ivory in hue, was near death - Mirage would heal him herself if she had the ability. Quite out of nowhere, she appeared by Smoke's side, looking to each attendee with quiet governance and acceptance.

"Heal him." She instructed simply, knowing that the mare would not hesitate to help one in need. "Who are you?" Her gaze lingered on the pegasus mare of starry skies, before drifting to the pegasus stallion, and finally to the equine mare who made the request. It was a question directed to all of them, and she expected them to answer her promptly, or otherwise be redirected swiftly to the borders from whence they came.