Some of the taut spikiness seemed to go out of his friend and Hadama felt a little tension ease from his own shoulders in turn as Maea sat back. The worst of the storm was, hopefully past; not without damage, but it was nothing they could not rebuild in time. He inclined his head in acknowledgment of her words, a truth that struck particularly deep, before turning from the recent past to the future.
While the Ancient fidgeted the former-Mer remained still, only the occasional blink and the slight rise and fall of his chest revealing him to be something other than a statue. Her list was familiar, not only for herself but for so many that he knew - himself included. He had started to open his mouth to say as much when the last tidbit of news slipped from her lips, and he closed his jaw slowly as he looked at her with renewed thoughtfulness.
After several long moments he raised his glass in a silent toast, accepting the sting. He did not drink, however, instead lowering his drink to rest on the table once more. "It does not," he said quietly. "But if you are also in agreement, I will not argue it." He took no pleasure in his friend being stripped of her rank, even if it had been consensual... and despite her phrasing he was not entirely certain that it had been. But neither was it his business what happened between another region's leader and his council so the King merely held his peace and sighed. "But I will help you if I can." Searching for weaknesses, aiding others, improving themselves... all things he would gladly assist with, both because she was his friend and because it would help everyone in the long run.
While the Ancient fidgeted the former-Mer remained still, only the occasional blink and the slight rise and fall of his chest revealing him to be something other than a statue. Her list was familiar, not only for herself but for so many that he knew - himself included. He had started to open his mouth to say as much when the last tidbit of news slipped from her lips, and he closed his jaw slowly as he looked at her with renewed thoughtfulness.
After several long moments he raised his glass in a silent toast, accepting the sting. He did not drink, however, instead lowering his drink to rest on the table once more. "It does not," he said quietly. "But if you are also in agreement, I will not argue it." He took no pleasure in his friend being stripped of her rank, even if it had been consensual... and despite her phrasing he was not entirely certain that it had been. But neither was it his business what happened between another region's leader and his council so the King merely held his peace and sighed. "But I will help you if I can." Searching for weaknesses, aiding others, improving themselves... all things he would gladly assist with, both because she was his friend and because it would help everyone in the long run.
