He has been back for less than one full day, and already he is unsure if he belongs. His reunion with Solace had been bittersweet (more sweet than bitter, truly). Her beauty, her smile, her gentle laughter, her new wings and new femininity. He had always known her to be the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, even as a child, but the bone-armored stallion could never have prepared himself for the beauty of grown, confident Solace. She had caught him up on Hyaline briefly, but the blue-tinted girl had always been more apt to ask questions than to answer them ─ and so while he was given a short synopsis of his time away, Smoak had not been expecting a kingdom meeting the morning after his return to the sanctuary.
He joins as she is announcing the news, hardly recognizing any of those who have gathered. He is approaching from behind, coming to Svedka's open flank and hanging just far enough away to not disrupt the proceedings. His ears twitch as Solace's monologue unfolds, gold-flecked eyes flicking harshly to the minimal overo coat where Solace presses her muzzle gently. His heart skips a bit, bringing a quick clench of his teeth ─ his displeasure is further cemented as Svedka raises his head to offer his congratulations to the bay mare, but Smoak forces his jaw to loosen and a lazy grin to snake its way over his lips as he extends his muzzle and presses it gently to Svedka's flank.
"Ved," he says quietly and casually, as if he has not been away for more than a year. "Time to catch up, yeah?" he whispers before turning his amber gaze to the winged Solace. He waits until he catches her eye before offering a warm smile, though can't quite find it in himself to congratulate Kagerus just yet.
He's thankful for the bustle of Hyaline ─ perhaps his lapse in manners will go unnoticed, with the rest of them getting ready to offer their own congratulations to the new Queen.
here's a handshake, soldier, 'cause we both lost the war
@[Solace] @[Svedka]