[SE]lost your balance on a tightrope

Tell the tales of the trail of dead
Lovers learned from slower hands

Liam smiled. "Even if it was, I defer to your wishes as our Guardian." Sure, perhaps he was laying it on a bit thick, but he was sincere and earnest all the same, eager to show Phoebe just how committed he was to becoming a full member of the Greatwood - with all the responsibility and loyalty that required. Besides, he could understand the concern. A soldier's duty was to the region they served first and foremost. Having a Dragoon - even if the peacekeeping force was reaching beyond Stormbreak - living among the trees left potential for split loyalties. And in wartime, that was something that no one could afford.

Of course, it was always possible that the regions would be allies in whatever was coming. Personally, Liam hoped for that outcome. It would never be good for Caido for the regions to be divided.

At Phoebe's teasing, Liam's blush deepened. "Shall I kneel? Do you need to borrow my sword for the ceremony?" he asked wryly, almost forgetting that he still didn't know her well enough to joke around this way. But, for once, there was laughter in his eyes and a smile on his lips, and for a moment, he wasn't wracked with guilt for living while his family lay dead in the ground.

"I'd be happy to train with you. What kind of magics do you have?" he added, curious.

Losing self in myself
And my demons make demands

Liam