He had spoken with Sunjata directly, and endured Safrin's displeasure at the mention of the Flood's name. It was the first time mere mention of someone had caused such strife in his prayers to her, and it was not difficult to make the connection between her response and the Warden's shared dislike of the man. A steel-colored brow quirked briefly, curious in spite of himself, but in the end he chose not to pry into the other man's personal matters. Instead he let his expression fall back into neutrality and inclined his head in acknowledgment of the answer given.
Another answer followed, straightforward and to the point, and the Tidebreaker nodded slightly at the confirmation that the independence of mortality would not entirely absolve participation in the conflicts of the gods. Always, there were limits, and it was good to know where they were. Especiall when Starfall looked to be another such threat. One that Hadama would face even without orders from a higher power. Though the island's presence in his waters made the problem much closer to home than a war in the distant Draig, requiring little in the way of deliberation.
It was his turn to speak, then, to answer questions that were rarely resolved when coming from a human. To admit to magic that had been sufficient for a simple smith, a simple chef, but was found lacking in a ruler who had learned of the greater possibilities inherent to the human soul, and who now faced enemies at his doorstep who seemed capable of taking his strongest magic head-on without flinching.
But to lose even that much? Deimos offered understanding and Hadama accepted it with an acknowledging tilt of his head even as he lowered his chin, head bowed in a struggle of contemplation. "That... is the price I do not dare pay," he admitted slowly. "In a time of peace, with time to strengthen myself, then yes. But now..." He looked up to meet the Sword's gaze. His own emerald eyes were far more troubled than when he had sat down; his decision less certain now. "Thank you. For you honesty. And your wisdom."
Another answer followed, straightforward and to the point, and the Tidebreaker nodded slightly at the confirmation that the independence of mortality would not entirely absolve participation in the conflicts of the gods. Always, there were limits, and it was good to know where they were. Especiall when Starfall looked to be another such threat. One that Hadama would face even without orders from a higher power. Though the island's presence in his waters made the problem much closer to home than a war in the distant Draig, requiring little in the way of deliberation.
It was his turn to speak, then, to answer questions that were rarely resolved when coming from a human. To admit to magic that had been sufficient for a simple smith, a simple chef, but was found lacking in a ruler who had learned of the greater possibilities inherent to the human soul, and who now faced enemies at his doorstep who seemed capable of taking his strongest magic head-on without flinching.
But to lose even that much? Deimos offered understanding and Hadama accepted it with an acknowledging tilt of his head even as he lowered his chin, head bowed in a struggle of contemplation. "That... is the price I do not dare pay," he admitted slowly. "In a time of peace, with time to strengthen myself, then yes. But now..." He looked up to meet the Sword's gaze. His own emerald eyes were far more troubled than when he had sat down; his decision less certain now. "Thank you. For you honesty. And your wisdom."
