bottom of the deep blue sea; gryffen,any

[Ivar]

I V A R i'll use you as a makeshift gauge of how much to give and how much to take Ivar does not look away from Gryffen, even when he feels the familiar warmth of Isobell at his side. He hadn’t intended to accept the invitation, but the situation had called for it, and he meet’s Gryffen’s request to lighten up with an even deeper scowl. Ivar is far from being humorless, but tonight is feeling less and less like a laughing matter. Rather than flinch away from the wraith’s nearness, Ivar remains still, watching the other stallion without turning his head. There is no danger, at least physical, and Ivar’s dark ears flick to catch what the king has to say. He names Ivar’s actions, though the scaled stallion finds no wrong in them. It’s only nature, after all, and Heda is simply of a different nature. One that needs to be shielded, protected. She does not understand but she is still good. Ivar hasn’t really strayed – not when he has every intention of returning – but he is also reasonable enough to understand that his queen might not feel the same. So he does not snap back, does not attempt to argue with the white stallion’s eerie grin. He does move at last when Gryffen turns toward Isobell. He lays his head across her withers, pulling her closer as he glowers at Gryffen. “Mine.” He says firmly, unwilling to part with what he considers his. Some part of him is aware that Isobell, with her independent streak, will dislike being referred to as such, but Ivar doesn’t care. This is for her own good, after all. Gryffen would take more than sexual satisfaction from Isobell, he knows, there would be blood. (The same could be said of Ivar, of course, but that’s inconsequential). “I’m taking you back to Nerine.” He says to Isobell, though he does not look away from the wraith’s red eyes. “It’s a long trip.” It will take them some time, especially if he makes an effort to be sure she remains there. Then there is the trip back, and the patrols he might take. The weight of his words – as inconsequential as they might seem – is significant. Yet, even as he says them, he is not sure if it is a load to be carried or to be let down. It feels like both, and neither at once. kelpie mimicry | dragon scales | tactile hypnosis