Perhaps he couldn't truly know, but the emotional tether of the Attuned bond gave him at least some idea of how his words had affected his friend. Hadama said no more on the matter, but the King sent a pulse of simple appreciative warmth to mingle with Harper's gratitude.
The broad, shallow path served several purposes. Not only did it make it easier for them to make their way back out, but it gave Harper a respite and it seemed like the most likely path for a landwalker to take at low tide when the tunnel would be nearly dry. It also gave the other man a chance to gather and explain his thoughts while Hadama focused on their surroundings. Occasionally they passed marks on the walls, almost lost in the dancing shadows of their dim light, but what they meant or who they were for the King did not know.
And it let him listen. What he had not done before, he could at least do now and he considered Harper's predicament, his words, and his admissions with quiet gravitas. Torchline is better for having you, he stated with unshakeable certainty. I would regret your loss for many reasons. As a friend, and as a ruler. He paused in the slow strokes of his tail to look over at the human who swam at his side. I am glad that your heart is here. Neither man could change Maeve's disappearance, but Phoebe's desires...
You have reservations. I do not know enough to say whether they are wise. But I do know that your heart is good. And it is worth listening to. He began to move again, unhurried though he could feel the subtle shift in pressure against his scales as the tide beginning to turn. You have supported Torchline. Maeve. Myself. It is time the favor was returned. He glanced again at Harper, and even in the dimness of the tunnel his eyes were gentle with respect and gratitude. How can I support you?
The broad, shallow path served several purposes. Not only did it make it easier for them to make their way back out, but it gave Harper a respite and it seemed like the most likely path for a landwalker to take at low tide when the tunnel would be nearly dry. It also gave the other man a chance to gather and explain his thoughts while Hadama focused on their surroundings. Occasionally they passed marks on the walls, almost lost in the dancing shadows of their dim light, but what they meant or who they were for the King did not know.
And it let him listen. What he had not done before, he could at least do now and he considered Harper's predicament, his words, and his admissions with quiet gravitas. Torchline is better for having you, he stated with unshakeable certainty. I would regret your loss for many reasons. As a friend, and as a ruler. He paused in the slow strokes of his tail to look over at the human who swam at his side. I am glad that your heart is here. Neither man could change Maeve's disappearance, but Phoebe's desires...
You have reservations. I do not know enough to say whether they are wise. But I do know that your heart is good. And it is worth listening to. He began to move again, unhurried though he could feel the subtle shift in pressure against his scales as the tide beginning to turn. You have supported Torchline. Maeve. Myself. It is time the favor was returned. He glanced again at Harper, and even in the dimness of the tunnel his eyes were gentle with respect and gratitude. How can I support you?
