There is obvious relief in the way Nayl glances to her son upon his mannerisms and the familiarity he has with Bristol. The boy is meeting others, socializing, which is a step farther than his father. Day after day she has watched the boy and how he carries himself. He isn’t quite so outgoing as, say, Djinni, but he also doesn’t mirror Lior in his preference for seclusion. There is a joyful boyish grin pulling against his lips when his mismatched eyes settle back on Bristol from Brennen, but he is unfortunately plastered to mother’s side. While it intrigues him to imagine an entire kingdom of children, Bristol is far more interesting in this moment as she, too, hums with jubilance upon seeing him. Now, if only they had the remaining group of friends with them.
A fleeting thought to graze Castile’s neck abandons Nayl as her ears swivel to closely listen and consider the information Brennen carries. The prospect holds her attention, and she calculates it again and again. It would provide a place for all children, and although she is by no means a perfect mother, it would be enthralling to help guide the future generation (perhaps steering some to Nerine’s shores one day).
But she doesn’t immediately acquiesce to the offer.
”I do hope that doesn’t mean Nerine would lose you, Brennen.” Of everything said, this bit of information is what captured her most, even somewhat worried her, but she wouldn’t admit to this. When she speaks, it’s with a voice of silk, but of course concern for her Nerine and those within it. ”It could work,” but it could also fail, she doesn’t say, ”and since only children could live and rule, they would need another kingdom to provide protection and security.” She is almost thinking aloud, her gaze drifting to the ocean as she weighs the prospects. There is Silva as their first subkingdom, and now potentially the Lake. Nerine’s reach is spreading across Beqanna.
Nayl eventually looks down to her son who meets her. ”Care to go on an adventure, Castile?” She asks with a maternal grin softening her features before looking back at Brennen. ”Let us visit this Lake and meet Iset and Amet. I do like the idea and the potential it has. Would you be able to devote some time here in addition to the Lake?” She isn’t against having horses in Nerine as well as another land;; Djinni is living that lifestyle even now.
She considers the children training, trying to be apex leaders, fighters, diplomats, and how they will need a home when they are no longer young enough to inhabit the Lake. The other lands will want them, but perhaps both she and Brennen can oversee that. It would be interesting, really.
”Show us the way.”
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