the cavalier is burning through my heart; tiphon, any

[magnus]

although this world is made of fearsome beasts that bark and bite
we were born to put these creatures through one hell of a fight

There is something off about Tiphon that Magnus can’t quite put his finger on. There’s an edge of something almost alien in the interaction, something not connecting, and it creates an itch between his shoulder blades, a nagging sensation that he can’t scratch. He does his best to dismiss his concerns, reminding himself that there was nothing wrong with what the other is saying, but it remains.

“It would seem that way,” he responds easily, humor touching the corners of his war-scarred mouth. “Perhaps in the Beqanna of old you would have found a similar island.” He had known that Tiphon had mostly resided in the Dale and although Magnus’ time in that kingdom had come before the angelic stallion had risen, he still remembers when Tiphon had extended an invitation to him in his time of need.

It was a kindness that he was not going to forget anytime soon.

At the congratulations something like a frown crosses like a shadow across Magnus’ features, but it is chased by an easy smile, disappearing from his features as quickly as it had shown. It had been a long time since someone had congratulated him on a leadership position; it felt strange to accept it now, even though he appreciates the sentiment. “Thank you. It feels right to be at the helm again,” he offers, his heart swelling slightly at the thought of Tephra. At one point, he never thought he would be able to love a kingdom as much as he had loved the jungle, the Gates. Now, he can’t imagine life without Tephra.

When the conversation shifts, he follows suit, comfortable with the topic.

“Tephra is established and remains active. I would like to see her maintain that,” he says bluntly, not shying from it. “I am open to discussions, of course,” he says, not looking to bully his way into anything, “but I would like to be honest about my intentions.” He settles into a more comfortable position, tail flicking at the edges of his haunches. “I would like to see a more alliance between Tephra and the Island. We can offer you the protection of our kingdom should you ever need it, and I would leave you to run your land as you see fit. I have no desire to dictate or extend any influence I have into your home.”

Magnus may be ambitious and hungry and driven, but he has no gnawing desire to run the world.

It is enough to establish his home and then protect it.

It is enough.

magnus

@[Tiphon]