[Malkaer Andares]

Malkaer's eyes narrowed, unsure what to expect as Zokia attempted to move the package through her front, an unreadable smile on her lips. Whatever it contained it was obvious that it was quite valuable to the woman, as she went about it with an uncanny delicacy. The delicacy of a mother, as he found out. Upon looking on the tiny face Malkaer's breathing halted. He was caught off guard, unprepared for this event. The babe was unmistakingly hers, the esh'lahier noticed, confirming his thought with one look at Zoria. Kaiota resembled her mother clearly, one look in their violet pools was enough to tell. There were also other traces, traces of her father. Malkaer suspected him not to be of esh'lahier blood, but it was difficult to tell with such a young child, especially if the father was a lightborn. More importantly he was not here with his family.

"Kaiota..." he repeated in a neutral voice without much affection. The child was readily accepted into the small band of travellers. Regaining his posture Malkaer looked up to Zokia again. "A journey in this time of the year is dangerous for a young child." A statement more for himself than as a warning to the woman. Of course she realized the danger to her child and herself, but had nevertheless decided to undertake the heavy journey. A sign that her reason to travel to Eth'gantor, or away from another place was urgent. "Come, wrap in your child and mount Marnair. We have yet to cross a distance before the weather forces us to stop." He stood ready to aid her, fearing his horse would not be too happy carrying the additional weight in this already trying circumstance. For once his old mare participated though and with only a soft neigh she allowed Zokia and Kaiota on her back.

Once she was properly seated he took the reigns and led them within the Forest of Light. Strangely enough he felt a slight regret after witnessing the child and although he tried to hide this feeling from Zokia, Malkaer made no attempt to start up a conversation. Fool, the male said to himself. There was a mission to be accomplished in Eth'gantor and these sort of thoughts would only distract him. Just bring them within the White City and that will be the end of it.