then it was shadow

KOA

With the refugees safely delivered and directed Koa sets out in search of Halo's king, following directions from soldiers and workers until he reached a relatively quiet Palace hall. The on a bench sits the Warden, looking all the steady, unyielding bastion as he holds his position in the storm. The young Dragoon allows himself a moment to stand and admire this tableaux, wondering, not for the first time, if a day will come when he is that center which holds the rest in place. If he will ever rise to the level of his heroes, ever be able to find enough stability in himself to build a new life, a new home.

But now isn't the time to dwell on the future, the things he aspires to and fears he'll never be. Swallowing those thoughts down Koa presses forward, Pipsqueak a scarf draped around his neck. "Warden Deimos!" the boy calls in greeting, raising his fist in salute as he stops before the Sword. He's still sporting the patchy beard and grown-out hair from his sabbatical, and there's more worry lines in his forehead than the last time they sparred, but his copper eyes still shine with youthful purpose, his voice still firm and warm. "We've got the first set of refugees on their way to getting settled. Thank you, again, for agreeing to take them in."

With each love I cut loose, I was never the same
Watching still living roots be consumed by the flame

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!