Indeed, the Mer King watched with stoic bemusement as Aurelia's dangerously adorable form pounced and rolled amidst the glory of a thousand flowers beneath the Longheat sun. I can, he confirmed, perhaps more comfortable speaking through the Bond than he was aloud. And we do. Their own language was beautiful and complex in its own way, but there was no denying the convenience and speed of telepathic communication.
He followed in her wake, his steps slow and unhurried as he breathed in the perfume of late season tulips, lavender, and rambling wild roses and kept glancing down to watch the roly poly Fireheart's fuzzy antics. At her question - rhetorical? - he inclined his head in silent admission of his surprise, even if his serene expression had remained uncracked. There was a lightness to his step and a warmth in his eyes, however, that spoke of a rare relaxation from his usual responsibilities and his enjoyment of the day.
When she paused and went still he gave her his full attention, listening intently as she shared her revelation with him and drew a slow nod of understanding from the large man. As he considered his own experiences he slowly folded himself down amongst the flowers to sit at a more comfortable level for their conversation.
Mmh. Some doubt that I was ever young, he informed her, mischief glinting in emerald eyes in spite of the solemn cast to his features and mental voice. Or 'carefree.' But I am... a pause as he sought the right words for his thoughts, ...rarely able to set aside my crown anymore. Not since Starfall, he added soberly. Or before it. When the Void creatures first appeared. If he had not had such a trustworthy co-ruler in Flora he would not be able to do so at all, nor would he have been with Aurelia amid the flowers today.
But he had a Queen, and he was here, and he turned his attention back to the red panda with gentle eyes. How long have you had this shape?
He followed in her wake, his steps slow and unhurried as he breathed in the perfume of late season tulips, lavender, and rambling wild roses and kept glancing down to watch the roly poly Fireheart's fuzzy antics. At her question - rhetorical? - he inclined his head in silent admission of his surprise, even if his serene expression had remained uncracked. There was a lightness to his step and a warmth in his eyes, however, that spoke of a rare relaxation from his usual responsibilities and his enjoyment of the day.
When she paused and went still he gave her his full attention, listening intently as she shared her revelation with him and drew a slow nod of understanding from the large man. As he considered his own experiences he slowly folded himself down amongst the flowers to sit at a more comfortable level for their conversation.
Mmh. Some doubt that I was ever young, he informed her, mischief glinting in emerald eyes in spite of the solemn cast to his features and mental voice. Or 'carefree.' But I am... a pause as he sought the right words for his thoughts, ...rarely able to set aside my crown anymore. Not since Starfall, he added soberly. Or before it. When the Void creatures first appeared. If he had not had such a trustworthy co-ruler in Flora he would not be able to do so at all, nor would he have been with Aurelia amid the flowers today.
But he had a Queen, and he was here, and he turned his attention back to the red panda with gentle eyes. How long have you had this shape?
