I swear it will get easier [Fynnegan, Gates peoples]

[magnus]

you and I both know that the house is haunted
and you and I both know that the ghost is me

Magnus is grateful that the two stallions are kind—even more grateful when Weir does his best to smooth over the clearly ruffled feathers of his embarrassed daughter—and his smile is relived. He grins when he sees that the roan’s ears are missing and he looks at them for a second, coughing under his breath and motioning upward before glancing down at his daughter curled into his side. “You are becoming quite the little diplomat, Amorette,” he says in hushed tones, his eyes warm. “You’re doing the Gates proud.”

He turns back to the visiting stallions and his expression sobers at their line of questioning. He falls silent as he leads them further into the kingdom, keeping an eye out for the deer-shifting king or any other members of their growing kingdom. “No need to apologize. I prefer someone who is straightforward. It is much easier to know exactly where you stand with someone like that.” He glances over to his companions, “I have found the indirect are usually that way because they have something to hide.”

Because it seemed to be of interest to them, he altered their path toward the Mother Tree and the surrounding garden. He did not fully understand the gifts, had been gone long before they had been given to the kingdom and returned only after they had been harmed, but they were part of the Gates and thus of the most importance to him. “The Chamber is nothing more than a kingdom of bullies looking to showcase what they perceive to be power,” he said quietly, his gold-flecked eyes burning with intensity.

He brings his attention back to them, glancing down at his daughter with a sad smile before meeting their gaze. “Unfortunately for them, they were not successful in completely ruining the Gates’ gifts.” He motioned toward the new growth, although it was admittedly small, that stood ready to meet the winter. “We are flourishing as a kingdom and soon our entities will match.” He met Fynnegan’s gaze. “Who was your father, by the way? I may have known him.” Then, with a smile, “And how does the Dale fair?” He had been planning on traveling to the Dale to discuss a treaty; this was quite fortune indeed.

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.