Hadama had already proven how diplomatic he could be when it came to the Family. And Flora was correct in not wanting to risk him causing another international incident, even before her genuine concern for his safety factored in. It was that concern, however, that had softened his expression and warmed his eyes. "It is because you are choosing a much more dangerous path. We are merely putting ourselves at physical risk." Not without its costs and losses if things went wrong, but far less frightening than having their minds twisted against them. Their hearts turned against their loved ones. Their spirits enslaved, however soft the violet velvet lining on the shackles.
"If you wanted to join us in punching Void dragons on Starfall, I do not think there would be nearly as much objection," he added, a teasing rumble in his voice to lighten their mood as masks were smoothed into place and cucumbers were contemplated amidst the steam.
And flowers were found. A timely gift, in light of recent conversations.
He did not take his eyes from the Lily as she joined him, but there was nothing wrong with his ears. "Yes." Holy gods, indeed. Exhaling gently so that his breath didn't so much as send a ripple over the beads of water balanced on the pristine petals, Hadama finally raised his gaze from the flower to meet Flora's eyes, and there was hope and awe and a deep, quiet joy in their emerald depths. He moved his hands, slipping them away from the flower and around to the outside of his co-ruler's, putting just enough pressure on them so that Flora's fingertips touched the flawless flower, their mingled hands cradling the divine lily like the priceless treasure it was. "And now... there are choices to make."
"If you wanted to join us in punching Void dragons on Starfall, I do not think there would be nearly as much objection," he added, a teasing rumble in his voice to lighten their mood as masks were smoothed into place and cucumbers were contemplated amidst the steam.
And flowers were found. A timely gift, in light of recent conversations.
He did not take his eyes from the Lily as she joined him, but there was nothing wrong with his ears. "Yes." Holy gods, indeed. Exhaling gently so that his breath didn't so much as send a ripple over the beads of water balanced on the pristine petals, Hadama finally raised his gaze from the flower to meet Flora's eyes, and there was hope and awe and a deep, quiet joy in their emerald depths. He moved his hands, slipping them away from the flower and around to the outside of his co-ruler's, putting just enough pressure on them so that Flora's fingertips touched the flawless flower, their mingled hands cradling the divine lily like the priceless treasure it was. "And now... there are choices to make."
