He took her hesitance with his usual phlegmatic acceptance, inclining his head in acknowledgment of her secrecy without taking offense. When she turned to face him he met her gaze calmly, as serene and unruffled as if they were simply discussing the weather in Torchline.
Mention of Koa drew a brief quirk of one brow and a nod of confirmation. He did, indeed, know the young man in question, though he had not seen him recently. At the mention of her council he tilted his head thoughtfully. "I trust Zavien," he rumbled, speaking slowly as he considered each word before releasing it, but his voice confident. "And Lena. Koa... seemed unchanged the last time I saw him. But Everest..." He paused and then gave a shake of his head, a faint crease between his brows. "I would no longer trust. He is devoted to Dahlia. Most likely Infected." Though at least there was a chance to cure him with the healing springs in Halo, if he could be lured there.
He turned his attention outwards once more, returning his focus to Sohalia and the way the blue flower seemed to glow with extra vibrancy beside her pale hair. "The second problem will require thought. The flowers have been elusive, but that much I can help you search for." What she chose to do with any they found could not be tied to Torchline, at least. But he could no longer act directly in another region without consequence. "May I mention this to Flora?" His friend, yes, but also his co-ruler and Queen. He could make no promises of assistance without her agreement, however much he might want to offer his strength to the young woman before him. The political situation was too precarious, and his role as King too public.
Mention of Koa drew a brief quirk of one brow and a nod of confirmation. He did, indeed, know the young man in question, though he had not seen him recently. At the mention of her council he tilted his head thoughtfully. "I trust Zavien," he rumbled, speaking slowly as he considered each word before releasing it, but his voice confident. "And Lena. Koa... seemed unchanged the last time I saw him. But Everest..." He paused and then gave a shake of his head, a faint crease between his brows. "I would no longer trust. He is devoted to Dahlia. Most likely Infected." Though at least there was a chance to cure him with the healing springs in Halo, if he could be lured there.
He turned his attention outwards once more, returning his focus to Sohalia and the way the blue flower seemed to glow with extra vibrancy beside her pale hair. "The second problem will require thought. The flowers have been elusive, but that much I can help you search for." What she chose to do with any they found could not be tied to Torchline, at least. But he could no longer act directly in another region without consequence. "May I mention this to Flora?" His friend, yes, but also his co-ruler and Queen. He could make no promises of assistance without her agreement, however much he might want to offer his strength to the young woman before him. The political situation was too precarious, and his role as King too public.
