The Mer King inclined his head even as he allowed a quiet pulse of understanding to wash through the bond. It was something that many Mer would understand: survival while fully shifted into an animal form was often - though not always - safer and swifter. Though it was less common to retreat fully into the instincts and simple thoughts of a shift, it was not unheard of.
Particularly after a time of trauma.
He followed her gaze to the bumbling bee's flight, blinking a little in surprise at her question before remembering the disconnect between the sea and the land, even before her absence. Mmh. Four years ago, almost exactly. And it was strange to realize that so much time had passed. Just before the War between the Voice and Caido. On the eve of battle, with only a few weeks to prepare his people. Our previous King was missing. The Mer had no leader. No organization, to prepare ourselves. So I asked for Safrin's blessing to take the crown. And he had gained it in time to become one of Torchline's defenders, facing a young Sea Panther while those stronger and more skilled faced the Kingmaker, or went to battle in the Draig for the heart of their world.
He lapsed back into silence as he gave slow thought to her other question before he spoke again. Large fingers plucked a small yellow flower and he raised it to his nose, sniffing it curiously. It has been... difficult, he admitted. Flora is the third human to serve as my co-ruler. Though I ruled all of Torchline alone for a time. At least we were able to bring Mer and humans into full alliance before Starfall. It was... hard. To lose so many lives when the Void fell in our waters. But I am also proud of what we have accomplished. We have done a great deal, working together. Regional quests, personal endeavors, reconstruction of that which had been destroyed and the construction of new businesses, homes, and ships.
He turned his calm green gaze back on the cute, fluffy face of the Fireheart, tilting his head to the side in courteous curiosity. Would you tell me of yourself? There was much that he could learn from a former Queen of Torchline, and Hadama settled in to spend a peaceful afternoon in quiet conversation with the adorable red panda who was far more than what she seemed.
~Fin
Particularly after a time of trauma.
He followed her gaze to the bumbling bee's flight, blinking a little in surprise at her question before remembering the disconnect between the sea and the land, even before her absence. Mmh. Four years ago, almost exactly. And it was strange to realize that so much time had passed. Just before the War between the Voice and Caido. On the eve of battle, with only a few weeks to prepare his people. Our previous King was missing. The Mer had no leader. No organization, to prepare ourselves. So I asked for Safrin's blessing to take the crown. And he had gained it in time to become one of Torchline's defenders, facing a young Sea Panther while those stronger and more skilled faced the Kingmaker, or went to battle in the Draig for the heart of their world.
He lapsed back into silence as he gave slow thought to her other question before he spoke again. Large fingers plucked a small yellow flower and he raised it to his nose, sniffing it curiously. It has been... difficult, he admitted. Flora is the third human to serve as my co-ruler. Though I ruled all of Torchline alone for a time. At least we were able to bring Mer and humans into full alliance before Starfall. It was... hard. To lose so many lives when the Void fell in our waters. But I am also proud of what we have accomplished. We have done a great deal, working together. Regional quests, personal endeavors, reconstruction of that which had been destroyed and the construction of new businesses, homes, and ships.
He turned his calm green gaze back on the cute, fluffy face of the Fireheart, tilting his head to the side in courteous curiosity. Would you tell me of yourself? There was much that he could learn from a former Queen of Torchline, and Hadama settled in to spend a peaceful afternoon in quiet conversation with the adorable red panda who was far more than what she seemed.
~Fin
