[SE] to see oneself, and in the reflection stand tall

Aurelia

Maybe it's not the end of the world
Maybe we'll find some kind of silver line

Beneath the watchful gaze of the sun, Meadowreach stretched out, a floral sea of colors.

Blossoms of every hue danced in the air, creating a kaleidoscope of color. Crimson poppies nodded their heads, their petals as soft as velvet. Delicate daisies, pure white and adorned with golden hearts, swayed gracefully. And there, nestled amidst the vibrant blooms, were the palest pearls of lilies, their fragrance as sweet as any.

The air was heavy with the sweet scent of honey and dew, a balm for the weary soul.

Amidst this idyllic scene, Aurelia - having taken to one of her shifts [rather suddenly and without much ado] - emerged from the undergrowth, following in the wake of the Mer-King Hadama himself. Her fur, a fiery blend of red and orange, seemed to glow in the sunlight. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she bounded ahead of him and began to explore the meadow, leaping from flower to flower, her fluffy tail trailing behind her.

So... you can understand me still? I didn't realize Mer could access the bond as well, until you did that day, a curious clarification along Attuned wavelengths. 

I bet you didn't expect this to be one of my shifts, did'ja? She turned and leaned back on her haunches, front paws dangling by her chest as she peered up at his face. The playfulness and simple joy was quite clear across the bond. Then, to add upon likely unexpected things, Aurelia let Hadama in on something she had not shared with anyone else before - though her tone was not so much secretive but conversational and matter-of-fact.

I've come to realize that my shifts reflect different parts of me. The tiger is obvious. It's the guardian; the need to be strong, and good in a fight. 

But this? It took me a while to figure out that it's sort of like... my inner child. I grew up fast, you see, but deep down there's a part of me that longs to... go back to those days where I could be carefree and run and play and... and this shift just makes it easier to access that part of myself.

Have you ever felt anything like that? She involuntarily tilted her fuzzy lil head as she listened for his answer, even if he might just respond telepathically.

Hardly casual conversation but, Aurelia wasn't ever much good for small talk anyway.

And somewhere down it
we're bound to doubt it

Indeed, the Mer King watched with stoic bemusement as Aurelia's dangerously adorable form pounced and rolled amidst the glory of a thousand flowers beneath the Longheat sun. I can, he confirmed, perhaps more comfortable speaking through the Bond than he was aloud. And we do. Their own language was beautiful and complex in its own way, but there was no denying the convenience and speed of telepathic communication.

He followed in her wake, his steps slow and unhurried as he breathed in the perfume of late season tulips, lavender, and rambling wild roses and kept glancing down to watch the roly poly Fireheart's fuzzy antics. At her question - rhetorical? - he inclined his head in silent admission of his surprise, even if his serene expression had remained uncracked. There was a lightness to his step and a warmth in his eyes, however, that spoke of a rare relaxation from his usual responsibilities and his enjoyment of the day.

When she paused and went still he gave her his full attention, listening intently as she shared her revelation with him and drew a slow nod of understanding from the large man. As he considered his own experiences he slowly folded himself down amongst the flowers to sit at a more comfortable level for their conversation.

Mmh. Some doubt that I was ever young, he informed her, mischief glinting in emerald eyes in spite of the solemn cast to his features and mental voice. Or 'carefree.' But I am... a pause as he sought the right words for his thoughts, ...rarely able to set aside my crown anymore. Not since Starfall, he added soberly. Or before it. When the Void creatures first appeared. If he had not had such a trustworthy co-ruler in Flora he would not be able to do so at all, nor would he have been with Aurelia amid the flowers today.

But he had a Queen, and he was here, and he turned his attention back to the red panda with gentle eyes. How long have you had this shape?

Aurelia

Maybe it's not the end of the world
Maybe we'll find some kind of silver line

As Hadama settled in amongst the wild flowers, she sat properly and curled her tail around her paws. Even though he didn't speak aloud and her ears didn't twitch to pick up on the sound of his voice, her eyes gleamed and her head made minute, sympathetic motions to show that she was indeed listening. 

His mind seemed to drift for a moment and Aurelia wondered what he was thinking about, her curiosity a small blip across the telepathic tether between them. But she found herself thinking, too -- of that great event and all the things that had happened since Starfall. Much of which she was a stranger to, having spent the past five years alone in the Oerwoud. But she knew that it must have been a trying time for civilization.

His question reached her and she blinked, surprised by it. Oh, years. Safrin attuned me a long time ago, and I've spent at least half of that time shifted. Living in the Wilds, it was a lot easier to survive that way. And... easier to let go of the very human emotions that often weighed me down.

A bee bumbled past her nose and she watched as it found purchase on a nearby flower. How long have you been King? What has it been like, to wear the crown during all this?

And somewhere down it
we're bound to doubt it

The Mer King inclined his head even as he allowed a quiet pulse of understanding to wash through the bond. It was something that many Mer would understand: survival while fully shifted into an animal form was often - though not always - safer and swifter. Though it was less common to retreat fully into the instincts and simple thoughts of a shift, it was not unheard of.

Particularly after a time of trauma.

He followed her gaze to the bumbling bee's flight, blinking a little in surprise at her question before remembering the disconnect between the sea and the land, even before her absence. Mmh. Four years ago, almost exactly. And it was strange to realize that so much time had passed. Just before the War between the Voice and Caido. On the eve of battle, with only a few weeks to prepare his people. Our previous King was missing. The Mer had no leader. No organization, to prepare ourselves. So I asked for Safrin's blessing to take the crown. And he had gained it in time to become one of Torchline's defenders, facing a young Sea Panther while those stronger and more skilled faced the Kingmaker, or went to battle in the Draig for the heart of their world.

He lapsed back into silence as he gave slow thought to her other question before he spoke again. Large fingers plucked a small yellow flower and he raised it to his nose, sniffing it curiously. It has been... difficult, he admitted. Flora is the third human to serve as my co-ruler. Though I ruled all of Torchline alone for a time. At least we were able to bring Mer and humans into full alliance before Starfall. It was... hard. To lose so many lives when the Void fell in our waters. But I am also proud of what we have accomplished. We have done a great deal, working together. Regional quests, personal endeavors, reconstruction of that which had been destroyed and the construction of new businesses, homes, and ships.

He turned his calm green gaze back on the cute, fluffy face of the Fireheart, tilting his head to the side in courteous curiosity. Would you tell me of yourself? There was much that he could learn from a former Queen of Torchline, and Hadama settled in to spend a peaceful afternoon in quiet conversation with the adorable red panda who was far more than what she seemed.

~Fin