Rougaru feels a renewed sense of pride envelop him now as he gazes down upon the faces gathered before him. A few, Monster and Celestria were more read in on the conversation than the others but he knew without any doubt that they would be at his side when the bugle of war sounded. Emerald green eyes fall upon one after the other as each takes a step forward in turn, their voices raised with defiance and determination. As usual Vasilisa is the first to speak up, her question valid and he turns his attention upon her with a brief nod. He knew her concerns were not just for her own foal soon to come, but for the others as well that now grew heavy with rounding bellies. He too worried for the coming months when soon mothers would birth their foals. He hoped Warsaw planned to wait until the last foal was dropped before making his attack, but the fighter in him knew that the soldier would want to attack when the other herds were at their weakest... when foals were being brought into this world.

Monster is next to speak, her delicious figure slithering around his own as she moved into her place at his side. Emerald green eyes glitter fiercely as she speaks up, determination in her brown and blue eyes. Thick curls of his cream colored tail flick lightly against her rump a knowing smile, remembering their night amid the shallow waves with passion still burning their skins. She promised to burn the world with him, and he knew without a doubt that she would see it happen. At his side where she belonged.

Next to speak is Celestria. A knowing smile flashes upon his lips at her words. Even if the rest of the herd were to turn tail and run, he knew that the spitfire mare of golden hued would be there. As much as she claimed to hate her father, she always showed him her loyalty and Rougaru knew that now would be no different. A single dial twitches at her mention of an oppetunity and a single brow rises in question but for now he let his own questions remain silent. Perhaps later he would find her and seek answers but more than likely he would wait. She would fight and with the fierceness of her sire in her veins, Rougaru knew she would fight hard.

Calypso is next to speak. Regret plagued him as she met his gaze with indifference, a single ear tilting as she lifts her head defiantly. Multifaceted eyes soften as he meets her pale blue gaze. No, he did not want her to fight. Though he knew perhaps she was capable of defending herself, she was his pearl, his precious stone easily blemished by the elements around it. He nods his head gently to her as she turns her gaze upon the rest and forms her question as much to them as himself. Shamwari had gotten to her. What had transpired between the two, he did not know. He knew that it was his foal that grew in her golden belly now but the guarded expression that filled those eyes that had once been overflowing with laughter and adoration... it hurt. Shamwari would pay for this.

He takes a step forward now, his gaze traveling from one to another as he begins "No doubt finalization will be made soon. According to Warsaw it is expected to begin soon. Spring or summer the decision had not yet been made. I know many of you will be giving birth in the spring months and I assure you that I would not risk your lives or the lives of our foals." he adds turning his gaze pointedly towards Calypso. "I do not expect you all to fight. I would not make that demand of you. Judge me how you will I care for each of you and will continue to ensure that you are all well cared for and protected." he says pausing a moment before continuing again. "My only request then Calypso, is that you watch over those who do not go... our foals and the island itself. I hope the war will not ravenge our island but I would rather someone here to protect those left beyond and send for help if it does come down to it. Our island will not be lost." he says with a reaffirming stomp of his hoof.

"Calypso's question is one valid that would perhaps cause a few to ponder their involvement. Though I do not know the depths of their feud, I do know that the Luthien queen has refused him, refuses to name a stallion and bend to common herd dynamics. What she does on her island is of little concern to me... but there are others that she will no doubt have rallied to her aid as has Warsaw called for our assistance." he says pausing for a moment to lift his proud head, thick tapestry of cream and caramel colored locks tumbling down the thick muscular curve of his neck. "Together we are strong. Divided weakened. Once the islands are under our control it will be our turn to rule without limits and our enemies will bend at our feet." he breathes, the wolf growlings the words from his depths, golden eyes glittering with anticipation behind jade gaze.