Hadama did not answer in words when he heard the apology in Ronin's voice, but he allowed a solemn pulse of understanding and acceptance to wash through the Attuned bond. "I do not wish to imagine being in such a position," he admitted quietly. He was not without his own levers, should the Family seek to move him, though many were already beyond their reach.
Ray. Harper. Seren.
Far too many lanterns to be hung this year already, and he sighed and sank further into the water until it lapped at his chin.
But Ronin's advice fell on alert ears, and Hadama listened with respectful intensity to the White Knight's wisdom. When the other man finished he made a rumbling hum of agreement that sent small wavelets rippling out away from his chest and throat, taking heart from the fight still within his friend. "Indeed. We have learned more of its... construction. Deep enough, and it taints even the waters of the Arclight, even before we reach its heart." A grim disapproval colored his voice, a tone that he reserved for the Family and the Void alone. But he paused then, a soft sigh escaping to ruffle the steam. "It is... not easy. Letting them hold other territory, however. Especially if it strengthens them on their home ground."
He fell silent for a time, but it was a weighted silence, heavy with the words he was still finding before he spoke again. "Its guardians are... Mmh. Intelligent, in ways I have not seen before. The last we fought retreated out of our reach and used the island itself as a weapon against us. We wounded it badly, but were unable to finish it."
Ray. Harper. Seren.
Far too many lanterns to be hung this year already, and he sighed and sank further into the water until it lapped at his chin.
But Ronin's advice fell on alert ears, and Hadama listened with respectful intensity to the White Knight's wisdom. When the other man finished he made a rumbling hum of agreement that sent small wavelets rippling out away from his chest and throat, taking heart from the fight still within his friend. "Indeed. We have learned more of its... construction. Deep enough, and it taints even the waters of the Arclight, even before we reach its heart." A grim disapproval colored his voice, a tone that he reserved for the Family and the Void alone. But he paused then, a soft sigh escaping to ruffle the steam. "It is... not easy. Letting them hold other territory, however. Especially if it strengthens them on their home ground."
He fell silent for a time, but it was a weighted silence, heavy with the words he was still finding before he spoke again. "Its guardians are... Mmh. Intelligent, in ways I have not seen before. The last we fought retreated out of our reach and used the island itself as a weapon against us. We wounded it badly, but were unable to finish it."
