KOA
Flora's not the only one thinking it; Koa, too, is aware of their hands, has to will himself not to reach for hers, to maintain boundaries and professionalism in the light of their non-romance. It's something he's (un)fortunately practiced in, now, this experience a cruel mirror to the one with Sohalia. There, too, he hadn't been smart enough, or fast enough, or good enough. There, too, he'd had to pretend that he was okay, that the smell of her perfume and blue of her eyes wasn't enough to make him want to keel over. That he wasn't drowning in the tide of mourning all the things they could have been.
He leads the way, feet steady, path familiar, focusing on the task at hand. It's true that Torchline's soldiers lack a Dragoon's discipline, but they do know authority when they see it. And while Koa may not be a true Torcher, he's gained a reputation for helpfulness and discipline that hasn't gone unnoticed by those here. He's even trained with a few of the soldiers, becoming a familiar face in their barracks and fields.
And of course, it doesn't help that their Queen is on his heels.
The scene is chaos; one couldn't be blamed for stopping and staring, convinced the darkest timeline had arrived. Not Koa, though. He makes a quick assessment of the chaos, orders flowing easily from between his lips. "Okay- Anyone with water magic? Good - handle that blaze." One soldier sets off diligently; the rest wait for their instructions, glancing warily at the melee. "We need everyone evacuated, without causing a panic. Which means we keep our heads on. Stay in twos, de-escalate instead of escalating, and restrain anyone who gets to unruly. Do not rise to their level. Use multiple exits. Flora-" he turns then to face her, his handsome eyes gleaming focused intent. "Are you okay going back in? They're more likely to listen to you than anyone else. I'll keep you safe," he promises, no room for doubt in his steady voice.
He leads the way, feet steady, path familiar, focusing on the task at hand. It's true that Torchline's soldiers lack a Dragoon's discipline, but they do know authority when they see it. And while Koa may not be a true Torcher, he's gained a reputation for helpfulness and discipline that hasn't gone unnoticed by those here. He's even trained with a few of the soldiers, becoming a familiar face in their barracks and fields.
And of course, it doesn't help that their Queen is on his heels.
The scene is chaos; one couldn't be blamed for stopping and staring, convinced the darkest timeline had arrived. Not Koa, though. He makes a quick assessment of the chaos, orders flowing easily from between his lips. "Okay- Anyone with water magic? Good - handle that blaze." One soldier sets off diligently; the rest wait for their instructions, glancing warily at the melee. "We need everyone evacuated, without causing a panic. Which means we keep our heads on. Stay in twos, de-escalate instead of escalating, and restrain anyone who gets to unruly. Do not rise to their level. Use multiple exits. Flora-" he turns then to face her, his handsome eyes gleaming focused intent. "Are you okay going back in? They're more likely to listen to you than anyone else. I'll keep you safe," he promises, no room for doubt in his steady voice.
With each love I cut loose, I was never the same
Watching still living roots be consumed by the flame
Watching still living roots be consumed by the flame
