He swam to the edge of the pool beside her, inclining his head at her greeting and gratitude. "I am," he replied simply. And he was, all things considered. Healthy and whole, and if he didn't get as much sleep as he used to, when he did he slept well. The mental weight he carried was stressful but he was bearing up under it as the days passed.
He waited, then, quietly attentive and calmly patient for Ray to put her thoughts in order and share them with him. Another nod came in response to her earnest loyalty; she had already been tested and proven her dedication in the War, and had nothing more to prove to him.
Her revelation, when it came, was unexpected but not unwelcome. The Mer King blinked and then tilted his head slowly in thought as he considered his friend in this new light. He let her finish but he did not answer at first; no surprise there. Hadama was not given to speaking without considering the consequences of his words as Ray well knew by now.
"The humans deserve a leader who understands them. And can be among them, as I cannot." He took a deep breath and then nodded again. "You have cared for Torchline's humans for many years," he said slowly, but there was warmth in his eyes and a gentleness in his deep voice that were usually hidden behind his stoicism. "And defended them. You would lead them well."
He waited, then, quietly attentive and calmly patient for Ray to put her thoughts in order and share them with him. Another nod came in response to her earnest loyalty; she had already been tested and proven her dedication in the War, and had nothing more to prove to him.
Her revelation, when it came, was unexpected but not unwelcome. The Mer King blinked and then tilted his head slowly in thought as he considered his friend in this new light. He let her finish but he did not answer at first; no surprise there. Hadama was not given to speaking without considering the consequences of his words as Ray well knew by now.
"The humans deserve a leader who understands them. And can be among them, as I cannot." He took a deep breath and then nodded again. "You have cared for Torchline's humans for many years," he said slowly, but there was warmth in his eyes and a gentleness in his deep voice that were usually hidden behind his stoicism. "And defended them. You would lead them well."
