and underneath the layers, I find myself asking what's left
a hollowed out form, the skeleton of a ghost, the pitiful echo of what once was
a hollowed out form, the skeleton of a ghost, the pitiful echo of what once was
”Then, a congratulations is in order,” another child is always a means of celebration no matter how strange it is to still picture Lepis as a mother when it seems only yesterday she was a filly herself. ”Loess welcomes you back,” as of yet, there is no reason to refuse Wolfbane from a land that was once his home, his own kingdom. There isn’t a challenge in his voice demanding it back, no concern that it is failing in Castile’s grasp. On the contrary, it continues to thrive. It remains a pinnacle in Beqanna, kept strongly alive by those within its borders – more so than most places. Although Castile didn’t expect to return, he finds himself relieved that he had. Oddly enough, it has been the only place to hand him such power and success.
It was – still is – Lepis’ home no matter who is at the bow steering Loess’ ambitions. It would’ve been cruel to turn away Pteron; both for his blood ties and for the close bond that tethers the families. It hasn’t been a problem, because truthfully he enjoys the boy, but he accepts Wolfbane’s gratitude nonetheless. ”Of course.” It’s a simple response edged by a grin and soft eyes that fall to Pteron for a long moment before returning to the former King. ”You owe me nothing. He’s family.” The power of family was instilled in him at a young age. It’s something he values above all else, even above the crown that sits on his brow.
Truthfully, that was the reason he wanted to lead - to provide security for his family.
But Wolfbane is wary of this with his calculative eyes and level tone as he asks how it came to be. Many have asked the same. They all want to know what convinced the viper to stand down to the dragon, what force was administered for the abrupt takeover. Alas, it isn’t such an exciting story. Castile shrugs, a familiar gesture every time he replays the decision in his mind. ”I was coming here to be a soldier. I lived here once, long ago, and I gained more than I expected. I’m not sure why, or his intentions, but here we are.” After all, it could have been a trap or a diversion, but Castile still acquiesced to the offer. ”Nothing exciting, admittedly.” Not that he would indulge the intricacies to a stranger anyways.
It was – still is – Lepis’ home no matter who is at the bow steering Loess’ ambitions. It would’ve been cruel to turn away Pteron; both for his blood ties and for the close bond that tethers the families. It hasn’t been a problem, because truthfully he enjoys the boy, but he accepts Wolfbane’s gratitude nonetheless. ”Of course.” It’s a simple response edged by a grin and soft eyes that fall to Pteron for a long moment before returning to the former King. ”You owe me nothing. He’s family.” The power of family was instilled in him at a young age. It’s something he values above all else, even above the crown that sits on his brow.
Truthfully, that was the reason he wanted to lead - to provide security for his family.
But Wolfbane is wary of this with his calculative eyes and level tone as he asks how it came to be. Many have asked the same. They all want to know what convinced the viper to stand down to the dragon, what force was administered for the abrupt takeover. Alas, it isn’t such an exciting story. Castile shrugs, a familiar gesture every time he replays the decision in his mind. ”I was coming here to be a soldier. I lived here once, long ago, and I gained more than I expected. I’m not sure why, or his intentions, but here we are.” After all, it could have been a trap or a diversion, but Castile still acquiesced to the offer. ”Nothing exciting, admittedly.” Not that he would indulge the intricacies to a stranger anyways.
castile
@[Pteron] @[Wolfbane]