out of the ashes - ALL KINGDOM

[Erebor]

We are at war. There will be scars.

The appearance of his father is entirely expected. After all, his mother has called them together, and so they must all come. He greets his father without a smile, all seriousness around his family. They do not need pleasantries, not when it's just the three of them. No doubt others will press close, and then perhaps he'll feel the need to turn on his (rather astonishing considering his age) charm. But for now, he is content to listen to his father explain the heart that beats and his legacy simultaneously. The boy listens seriously, like the most attentive child in church. "Father." He presses his hooves deeper into the earth, and a small smile flits across his lips. "Grandfather." his words are limited by his desire for brevity, because nothing more needs be said, not a foal's inability to speak.

A strange mare appears next, but says nothing, and before long Kavi arrives too. "Uncle." he greets the stallion solemnly. He has considered using great-uncle, or perhaps some other term that would more accurately describe the familial relation, but he feels that 'uncle' conveys all relevant sentiments well enough. He makes a note to ask more about that side of the family; he certainly wishes to learn more about leopard-blood and silent warriors. But he knows that now is not the time.

He observes his uncle with interest as he talks to the quiet mare. His uncle's brand of charm is perhaps a bit…different from what Erebor himself might strive to have, but there is no doubt much that he can learn. And since she introduced herself, clearly it's working.

His mother's voice cuts through again, and he listens to her with absolute attention. She speaks of recruiting, and he nods. He is planning to try his hand at it, and to do so very soon. He understands he might be a bit younger than is traditional, but the Chamber needs new life to help fuel its recovery.

She begins speaking of alliances, and he feels shame that he knows so little of their world. Granted he's just barely been born, but still, he should know more. He should be able to help them shape their strategy, to have well-considered opinions on everything. It was his duty, and currently, he is failing. "What are our options, beyond an alliance with the Valley and the Falls?" he asks, with a maturity clearly beyond his years. Precocious. "Do we have the best information on what alliances other kingdoms may have?" He is not trying to pepper her with questions; he trusts her judgment completely. He is simply calmly stating a few key points that would need to be covered in order for their kingdom to make an informed decision. "Regardless, I can't see healing ever being a bad thing, so long as the price for it doesn't hurt us."

Erebor

Native Prince of the Chamber

warship x straia