The change that he’s felt forming like a tornado on a torrid, summer day finally comes to fruition.

It sweeps over him, over the land he’s been charged with and leaves the Dale ripe for transformation.  With the war now years behind them, Ramiel can finally look forward.  He can see a period of time full of light and hope rather than darkness and fear.  He can see the people coming together once again as the family they are meant to be.

He calls to them an entirely changed man.  He is no longer the naïve, headstrong boy who had the stars in his eyes when he’d been given the gift of a kingdom.  He is no longer the wayward ghost, lost on the shores of the afterlife, left unfulfilled by a broken promise to a dead woman.  He is not the new soldier whose rage had been a slow burn that had blazed into an inferno by one too many ignitions.  

He is still a king, but he is a father now, too.

As the golden light of a brand new morning spills across the rugged mountain peaks and races down into the valley below, Ramiel calls for the Daleans to gather.  There is much to discuss, and what better time to herald change than during the infancy of spring?  The grey stallion smiles when they begin to filter in.  Some of the faces are as old and familiar to him as his own reflection.  Some of the horses are newer, their hoofprints not as abundant on the loamy soil of the once-neutral kingdom.  Their presence is as much a comfort to him as that of the older generation – they are the replenishing blood that will keep them strong in the years to come.  

And though he tries to hide it, he keeps an especially eager eye out for his parents.  Even a decade removed from his birth, it is difficult to conceal his excitement for his sire and dam’s return.  Tiphon’s gold and Talulah’s silver have glinted revealingly off the nearby hills in the last several months and he is more than ready for the family reunion to come.  He’s even noticed the slight rounding of his mother’s stomach; the prospect of another sibling fuels the quiet joy stirring in his heart.  He wishes Joscelin was here.  Her absence gives him pause, but he knows she is all right.  More than all right – she’s where she’s meant to be, where she wants to be.

But he has another reason for wanting his family all together.

When she appears with his entire happiness in tow, he can’t help the grin that splits his face.  They are perfect, his Sela and Ea.  And this is their moment as much as it is his.  Ramiel makes space on the hillside rise he stands upon for mother and daughter.  He presses his lips to Ea’s neck softly and ruffles Sela’s short mane before looking down at the gathering.

“Good morning, everyone.”  An almost apologetic smile starts on his face for the early hour, though they should be used to it by now; he’s always been up with the dawn, chased from sleep by ghosts both real and imagined.  “Now that the war is far behind us, it is time to usher in a new beginning for the Dale and its allies.  We have retained our ties to the Jungle and the Sisterhood.”  Fortunately, he thinks.  The Amazons will always be the ally they turn to first in times of military strife, a department they’ve always lacked in.  “We have also realigned with the Falls.  Feel free to participate in friendly steals and challenges with both kingdoms or to visit on social calls.”

Strengthening the bonds they have between their allies is of the utmost importance.  If the war proved anything, it is this.  Ramiel takes a moment for any questions before diving into the next topic.  “There are quite a few of you who have been working hard as of late, and it has not gone unnoticed.  Phaedrus,” he looks to the winged blue stallion, smiling.  “You have been promoted to colonel in the army and professor in the peace.  I know you’ve gone to the challenging ground and have taken many trips to the field.  It is very much appreciated.”  The ghost-king turns to his red roan mentor and comrade next.  “Weir, I’m promoting you to Lord of the Dale for your continued support and generosity.  You’ve more than earned it.”  A wider smile curves his lips; giving out promotions is certainly one of the better parts of the job, made even easier when the people are as self-starting as the Daleans have been.

He looks at Ea, takes a steadying breath and turns back to the others.  “And there is one last promotion to hand out.”  His heart beats madly in his chest: pride, loyalty, and love filling it to the bursting point.  My family, he thinks, looking between Sela and Ea and the rest of them and feeling nearly identical towards both parties.  “Please welcome your new Queen, Ea.  And the Princess Sela.”  Ramiel steps back and lets the pair move forward to address the people.