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While it had been some time since Kalyana's promotion to Sacred Sire, there was no denying how much his life had changed in the time since he'd first been chosen for the honor. There had been no denying his dedication to his duties from the very beginning - whatever a mare might have wanted or needed, he'd always been happy to provide. He'd always worn his token proudly. Proof of every mare who'd been satisfied enough with his performance to leave a piece of herself behind, to openly display that this stallion had earned her favor. And Risuleri had truly gone above and beyond when crafting it, ensuring he could switch out his display tokens as he pleased, so no feather in his collection was neglected.

But now was not really the time for such deep reflections. He'd been tapped for a special duty this particular evening, after all. A less experienced mare had sought out his expertise, and he was expecting her soon.

He'd already bustled about to prepare his dwelling for her, curtaining off the upper loft where he slept and lighting a small fire in the stone bowl that served as the centerpiece of his entertainment area. He'd spared no expense in making sure she would be comfortable - the stone walls tended to get chilly as the cold season crept in, but a small fire banished that readily enough. And he'd laid out a small banquet of food and drink - fresh harvest produce and spiced juices. He was quite confident she would feel entirely welcome the moment she stepped through the curtains that led into his abode.

Which would be any moment now, he was sure.

That first anxious croak from outside his abode had Kalyana's ears swiveling towards the doorway, and he couldn't help the fond smile that briefly fluttered across his features. Inexperienced mares were always delightful no matter what their confidence level - there were those who were little spitfires, eager to jump right in, and then there were those like he was beginning to suspect his latest client was. Anxious, but afraid to show it. Terrified that everything within his walls was merely an illusion, pretty lies and little else.

They never left feeling that way, of course. Kalyana was nothing if not sincere - while he belonged to the entirety of the Flock, he cherished each and every mare who'd ever graced him with an evening. And his collection of token, well cared for and pristine as the day they were gifted to him, was proof enough of that.

"Come in, my dear!" He got to his feet with a rustle of feathers, his tail brushing against the stone ground with a soft whisper as the mare entered. And whatever she might have thought of herself, Kalyana's admiring gaze was obvious. Just as lovely as every mare he'd ever been with. "It's Vanraulimorë, yes? Come and settle in. Help yourself to anything that catches your eye." He pauses a moment, tilting his head and lowering his lashes playfully. "Myself included, of course."

It was difficult to tell beneath her dark fur, but Kalyana knew enough of how to read body language to know with very little doubt that he'd succeeded in flustering the poor mare. That was quite tame as far as his flirtations went. He would have to tread lightly, lest he frighten her off.

"Of course. Everything tonight happens at your pace and your discretion. And you're welcome to stop things or leave at any time. There's no shame in realizing you weren't as ready as you thought," he reassured, leaning forward just enough to press his soft nose to her cheek in reassurance. He lifted a clawed foot to motion to the seating around around the small fire he'd lit - soft cushions and cozy blankets spread out in a rough circle, with all the treats he'd set out in easy reach. "Make yourself comfortable, and why don't you tell me more of yourself? I've had quite a few artisans among my clients in the past, and I'm curious if I've seen anyone wearing your work. Beyond yourself, I presume."

"Just making sure you know it's always an option," Kalyana replied with an easy smile, careful to make certain there wasn't an ounce of expectation in his tone either way. It was fine if she saw the night through, just as it was fine if the nerves overwhelmed her and she needed to step away from things. Her comfort was the most important thing, and that meant respecting her needs even if that meant interrupting things before their natural conclusion.

He hummed in thought as she mentioned those who wore her work, taking his time to sort through all the various mares and stallions that called the Flock their home. After a moment, recognition lit up his face, and he nodded decisively. "Of course, of course. Vaneälótë has sought my services in the past, although I don't think so recently as to take note of what you've gifted her." Which wasn't particularly unusual - the way he understood it, the tusked mare rotated partners frequently. "Rilien, however, I've seen rather recently. I mentor him alongside the other colts his age. I remember his accessories well - your work is just as lovely as you are."

Even with all his experience, there was no denying the thrill that ran through him as she brushed alongside him to settle down. The feathers of his tail rustled for a moment - a visible display of his own excitement, albeit a reserved one that put no pressure on her. And once they stilled he turned to settle down near her, close enough that she could easily close the distance but not so close as to make her feel pressured.

"A home like this is one of the luxuries of proving yourself worthy of such a high rank. I was honored to be chosen, and I strive to continue to be worthy of the trust of the Sacred Motherhood," he explained, carefully plucking a fresh apple from a platter of fruit he'd laid out and taking a bite. He chewed it thoughtfully before continuing, shaking his head fondly. "I assure you, everything that happens within my abode is quite real. I would not say anything I do not mean. Every mare who visits me is a precious treasure whose time and company I cherish, and I hope they all appreciate what I offer them as well. I would not lie and make grand proclamations of love and undying loyalty, but my devotion is true all the same."

"I could always use more accessories to display my tokens, if that sparks inspiration," Kalyana tossed his head gently, drawing attention to the elaborate ear cuff he wore and its dangling feathers. Today he'd chosen some of the simpler ones in his collection, and had carefully avoided any from Vanya's other children - a deliberate choice to make sure Vanraulimorë felt appreciated as her own mare, even if her feathers weren't as bold or flashy as some of the other mares in the Flock.

He was briefly taken aback when she offered her thanks, his head bobbing in surprise before his expression softened. He reached out with his own clawed foot, gently laying it atop the one she'd settled near him, leaning forward with a gentle smile. "You needn't thank me just yet. I've hardly done anything worthy of gratitude." Much as he appreciated the sentiment, it felt strange to be thanked for what he considered the bare minimum courtesy afforded to any of the mares who sought him.

"You needn't know everything immediately. That's what I'm here for. To ease you into things at whatever pace you're most comfortable with." He smiled, tilting his head and lowering his lashes coquettishly. "Why don't we start with a nice cuddle? You seem to enjoy contact, however chaste. You might find you enjoy being pressed against me a bit more."