To lead but never follow

DEIMOS

ache first, but then let the cuts close
spit out the blood

He wrinkled his nose in return, but otherwise let the mischief sit and settle; a better mood then when they’d began, and he wasn’t diminished and falling from grand heights. Feet underneath him again, given a moment or two of rationality, tilting his head at the framework, the notions of culture and art in a world like Halo. He’d once thought of restarting the Artisan’s Guild there, to celebrate some manner of creation, to ensure people had a place to go to survey and request crafts; but had been uncertain of the interest. Music – he’d known several citizens (like Hester, or Glas) that seemed intent on such talents. As far as he was aware in all his time amidst the mountains, there’d been a library. And Aisha’s attempts at fostering monster hunting. So the beast nodded at the possibilities and fragments. “And with Whitebrim nearly destroyed, that could be a good place for it.” Learning, education, culture, instead of cannibals, death, and desecration.

But it wouldn’t matter, in the end, just as she said, if they didn’t hold it. Another sigh unfurled, chin resting in his palm, as he studied the world, as he listened, as he absorbed and strived to remain over the brimming frustration once more. “Nor do I.” So therein they circled and cycled back to the same problem. “I will have to see what Noah is willing to do as well,” another compatriot who would desperately want his home back. “And how many we can gather.” If anyone at all. And with that, it all seemed back on his shoulders and spine again. "But I have never been much for recruiting," uttered on a low rumble; memories of Helovia clashing and barring.

watch your body pull itself back together
then let your soul do the same