He could appreciate someone who spoke with care, and he nodded once at the mention of his blessing. "Indeed," he agreed, a gleam of mischief in emerald eyes that did not make it to his serenely stoic face. It was a subtle humor that could not last, however, in the face of the more serious questions that followed and the answers that were forthcoming.
She was a former Queen in her own right, and Hadama listened in solemn silence to the story that unfolded. Some aspects were familiar - she was not the only Queen to become lost and sickened in the Fever Lands, resulting in the abdication of her crown - but the name of 'Milo' was unknown to the Tidebreaker. He inclined his head in respect for her loss, and when he raised it again she met his eyes directly.
She owed him no explanation; he had not yet come to the surface during her reign, but he granted her the same patient acknowledgment and acceptance that he had given two previous co-rulers who he had shared crowns with. The responsibility was not easy to shoulder, especially in times of unrest in the world, and it was even harder to carry when weighed down by personal loss.
"Thank you. We are in need of warriors again," he agreed, giving a small bow at her offer. "And willing hands." He paused, glancing down at the seedpod in his own hand before tilting his head at Aurelia in polite query. "Though at the moment a shovel would be more helpful than a sword."
She was a former Queen in her own right, and Hadama listened in solemn silence to the story that unfolded. Some aspects were familiar - she was not the only Queen to become lost and sickened in the Fever Lands, resulting in the abdication of her crown - but the name of 'Milo' was unknown to the Tidebreaker. He inclined his head in respect for her loss, and when he raised it again she met his eyes directly.
She owed him no explanation; he had not yet come to the surface during her reign, but he granted her the same patient acknowledgment and acceptance that he had given two previous co-rulers who he had shared crowns with. The responsibility was not easy to shoulder, especially in times of unrest in the world, and it was even harder to carry when weighed down by personal loss.
"Thank you. We are in need of warriors again," he agreed, giving a small bow at her offer. "And willing hands." He paused, glancing down at the seedpod in his own hand before tilting his head at Aurelia in polite query. "Though at the moment a shovel would be more helpful than a sword."
