amet, anyone;

[Amet]

if there's a light at the end, it's just the sun in your eyes

There is a brief moment after his gentle brush against Ciri's cheek that Amet realizes the action had been marginally out of character for himself, a thought that is reaffirmed by the curious glance that the smoky black mare bestows upon him. He quirks the side of his mouth up to smirk at her before his golden eyes turn back to Castile with a newfound lightness in his chest. She hadn't rebuffed his touch - that's all that matters.

"I can't complain," he offers cordially in return to the leather-winged stallion (stallion feels so odd when the last time they had seen each other, they'd both been gangly-legged and awkward) before their conversation turns to the Lost Boys' attack. A heavy feeling settles in Amet's stomach at the memory of it all but his smile remains as he nods that yes, everyone had been okay. "Yes, Tangerine healed. She spends much of her time in Tephra now, with Warrick and their children." He can't recall whether or not Castile had ever bonded with the painted seer, but he appreciates the kindness behind the tobiano's inquiry nonetheless. He chuckles as Castile distances himself from their praise, as if he hadn't had as much part in saving the territory as Nayl and Djinni, though doesn't press the issue. "I wish you could have remained here longer, after it all happened. Though I'm sure you enjoyed Sylva with Ivar."

His ear flicks to the side as Ciri inquires of Castile's intentions. Amet keeps his golden eyes on the other stallion, curious of his answer and (mostly) hopeful that he will agree to stay. When the tobiano answers flatly, the gilded King furrows his brow briefly in confusion but can't help the small inkling of relief that blossoms in his chest. There's a grace about Castile that Amet has yet to master, one that he could see others flocking to when Amet's awkwardness gets the best of him. Despite the mixture of emotions, the dragon-scaled stallion snorts quietly and smiles at Castile. "You're more than welcome to stay, Castile, if you'd like. We could use more adults to train the children," he offers warmly, "but please don't feel obligated, if you had intended to go elsewhere."

Amet

@[Ciri] @[Castile]