I Hate That I Love You {Kag}

[Kagerus]

Kagerus

{ and in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times }

The colt-gone-stallion displays clear signs of frustration and pent up emotion as I greet and question him. With a clenched jaw and eyes which never seem to find mine, Clayton paints a perfect picture of juvenile ardor, passion, and rage; a part of me wonders what has gotten the usually docile man so wound up, and the other part of me makes sure that I don't ask to find out. God forbid, it probably has something to do with the boldest of my children.

I suppose that's what I get, for raising my only daughter to be just like me. She even looks like me. Go figure.

He speaks my name, the sound of it followed by a visible relaxation of his jaw. A subtle smile colours my expression as I witness this, a silent form of encouragement for the youth. The Sancutary depends on individuals such as him to keep her afloat, and pushing him further into his emotional turmoil will win my kingdom no battles. An apology befalls my ears, and then a reassurance; I dip my head in return to Clayton, chuckling softly for his sincerity.

"I do know it, my friend, and I thank you for it. We all have periods of quiet; think nothing of it."

Before Clayton speaks again, a certain emotion flashes flame-bright in his eyes; I wonder again just what is getting his goad so terribly, and again feign distraction. Perhaps as Queen I ought to be somewhat more intrusive - but this land has always been for the people, and if he does not wish to tell me, then I shan't force him to. I trust that it is nothing which will effect his loyalty to the Sanctuary - at least, he has given me his word for as much, so I hope I can trust him.

Coming to, the deep burgundy stallion returns his attention to the conversation at hand and asks about the well being of Hyaline. I smile wryly at this, and give me neck and hearty shake before answering.

"Well, I haven't been to Hyaline since the migration, since Solace has quarantined me here. As the champion of the Sanctuary, it is important that I stay healthy." I explain this easily to the youth, but in truth, this fact weighs heavily on my shoulders. I long desperately to see the mountains I have come to call home again, and often find myself standing on the obsidian shores to the west of the Cove to stare at them. I can't even dream of Hyaline for fear of awakening there - the separation is ceaseless, and painful.

Pushing aside my own worries, I next consider his final question. "Yes, that would be extremely helpful. We aren't quite ready yet to send out any missions, but I promise that you will be one of the first we call upon to travel. That should be fairly soon; otherwise, stay healthy and bring in any stragglers from the field, if you can." I blink, wondering if the creature has attempted any recruiting yet.

I smile, hoping that I have put Clayton somewhat at ease by now. "So, tell me of yourself, Clayton. Were you raised by your parents? I never had the pleasure of meeting them, so I suspect otherwise."

@[Clayton]