Takei
Perhaps Takei would feel sympathy if he ever had a place he could truly call home. The only thing he can compare that word to is a place he still isn’t sure was entirely real (a remote island with those comforting friends and that long-lost lover). He had seen it melt before his very eyes, watching the turquoise bleed into the emerald of the trees, hearing the twitter of jungle-life distort into a prolonged static, felt the saltwater around him evaporate into a dark abyss of nothing.
But their home is not melting around them — not in the very physical way that his did. So his face remains neutral as the Queen is voted against and her purple entourage twist to leave. Takei’s muscles stiffen as Krone steps forward, fully prepared to protect his leader. He knows little of Brennen in truth, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t risk his life or reputation to protect the man from harm. He is wise enough to see the potential and creativity brimming behind the winged bay’s bright eyes; that’s reason enough for him to offer his protective services.
But her words seem to be mostly passive and the family turns to melt away, leaving the new Brothers to recreate their world. Despite Klaudius’ bitter words and Brennen’s fiery response, they move into the new vision of their lives. Takei listens intently from his place not far from the new King’s shoulder, blood-red ears tipping forward amid a tangled mess of forelock, oryx horns, and growing twig.
Although there is a call for diplomacy, Takei keeps his lips sealed. He has never been gifted with the way of words, always keeping everything simple and to the point. If they were trying to send across a good impression, he might not be the best one for that task. So he shifts his position in the meantime, hearing the rest of Brennen’s plans.
There is much to be discussed and considered in the short amount of time they have already been together. Despite his lack of political experience, Takei is curious to hear his new Brothers’ ideas in terms of their new independence. A dark stallion steps forward first and the blood-and-bone finds himself nodding in response to his ideas. An audition or challenge of sorts seemed like a good starter for both male and female Brothers. Not long after, a stallion looking hauntingly similar to the rest of his family (little does Takei know of his many uncles and aunts spread across Beqanna, including this one) says some words along the same lines as the previous.
A few speak in between, including Takei’s own true brother. Finally there is a lull in the conversation, allowing the blood-and-bone to get a few words in edgewise. “My name is Takei.” His eyes turn toward Brennen, briefly hoping to lock gazes for a moment. “I’m looking to participate as a soldier of our ranks.” He has little battling experience, but even less so of diplomacy. “I agree with Leilan and Trekori. If women can complete the same tasks as us, they should be considered one of us. A particular challenge geared toward each caste seems reasonable. It’s not necessarily about strength or intellect, but whether the individual wants to be a Brother and remain loyal to us.”
Takei’s hazel eyes dart between those gathered — both female and male — and considers what spoken word would be their identification. “We’re a Brotherhood. We should treat one another as such. We can care for those past our borders, but the Brotherhood must ultimately come first.” He nods toward the dark stallion’s original comment about rapists and murderers. “Maybe we could have an interrogation of sorts after a newcomer successfully completes the challenge to join a caste but before they are an official Brother. It should be a place where they must swear to tell the truth and only the truth. If they lie and it is found out down the road, they will be banished. Any Brothers could be welcome to participate in the interrogation and ask any number of questions about the newcomer.” He settles with that, content to listen to the rest of their suggestions.
But their home is not melting around them — not in the very physical way that his did. So his face remains neutral as the Queen is voted against and her purple entourage twist to leave. Takei’s muscles stiffen as Krone steps forward, fully prepared to protect his leader. He knows little of Brennen in truth, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t risk his life or reputation to protect the man from harm. He is wise enough to see the potential and creativity brimming behind the winged bay’s bright eyes; that’s reason enough for him to offer his protective services.
But her words seem to be mostly passive and the family turns to melt away, leaving the new Brothers to recreate their world. Despite Klaudius’ bitter words and Brennen’s fiery response, they move into the new vision of their lives. Takei listens intently from his place not far from the new King’s shoulder, blood-red ears tipping forward amid a tangled mess of forelock, oryx horns, and growing twig.
Although there is a call for diplomacy, Takei keeps his lips sealed. He has never been gifted with the way of words, always keeping everything simple and to the point. If they were trying to send across a good impression, he might not be the best one for that task. So he shifts his position in the meantime, hearing the rest of Brennen’s plans.
There is much to be discussed and considered in the short amount of time they have already been together. Despite his lack of political experience, Takei is curious to hear his new Brothers’ ideas in terms of their new independence. A dark stallion steps forward first and the blood-and-bone finds himself nodding in response to his ideas. An audition or challenge of sorts seemed like a good starter for both male and female Brothers. Not long after, a stallion looking hauntingly similar to the rest of his family (little does Takei know of his many uncles and aunts spread across Beqanna, including this one) says some words along the same lines as the previous.
A few speak in between, including Takei’s own true brother. Finally there is a lull in the conversation, allowing the blood-and-bone to get a few words in edgewise. “My name is Takei.” His eyes turn toward Brennen, briefly hoping to lock gazes for a moment. “I’m looking to participate as a soldier of our ranks.” He has little battling experience, but even less so of diplomacy. “I agree with Leilan and Trekori. If women can complete the same tasks as us, they should be considered one of us. A particular challenge geared toward each caste seems reasonable. It’s not necessarily about strength or intellect, but whether the individual wants to be a Brother and remain loyal to us.”
Takei’s hazel eyes dart between those gathered — both female and male — and considers what spoken word would be their identification. “We’re a Brotherhood. We should treat one another as such. We can care for those past our borders, but the Brotherhood must ultimately come first.” He nods toward the dark stallion’s original comment about rapists and murderers. “Maybe we could have an interrogation of sorts after a newcomer successfully completes the challenge to join a caste but before they are an official Brother. It should be a place where they must swear to tell the truth and only the truth. If they lie and it is found out down the road, they will be banished. Any Brothers could be welcome to participate in the interrogation and ask any number of questions about the newcomer.” He settles with that, content to listen to the rest of their suggestions.
watch the mind run far away, way ahead of us