Stop the world

Koa

Don't you just wanna wake up dark as a lake
Smelling like a bonfire, lost in a haze?

Had he expected her to run to him? No. Hoped it, maybe; dreamed it, sure, a lovely and sustaining image in the dark and lonely nights spent recovering and on the road. He'd fantasized tears and joyful embraces, imagined forgiveness and a hero's welcome upon his return. But in the harsh light of an unforgiving sun the Dragoon had known better, and if he'd been forced to give a serious prediction of what his reunion with Flora would look like, he'd have guessed that she'd be furious.

And given the tone of her voice and the anger in her stare, it seems like he called it right.

Now here's where Koa's expectations were wrong. Because in all his planning for this moment, the Dragoon maintained his composure. Stoic and strong despite his bedraggled appearance, sunken face, and frankly horrendous beard, he'd greet Flora (or whoever) with a soldier's professionalism, fully prepared to give a factual report.

Instead: "Impromptu camping trip," is the answer that springs onto his tongue, buoyed by an an unexpected, unbidden laugh as warm and giddy relief swells in his tired chest. "Got yeeted into the wilderness by a maniac. Didn't have a chance to write."

Suddenly the pride and shame and grief doesn't matter, nor does the fact that he's a soldier and she's a Queen. In two long strides he moves to close the gap between them, arms wrapping around Flora in tight desperation, tugging her in and holding her close. "I'm sorry, Flora," Koa whispers into the coils of her golden hair, grip tightening as he inhales her scent. "Fuck, it's good to see you."

If you're drunk on life, babe, I think it's great
But while in this world I think I'll take my whiskey neat