Eik had been raised in a world with a much larger pantheon. He used to believe that just as a mother or father has an obligation to their children (to protect, to teach, to guide) the gods have an obligation to their people. But no matter how they prayed or behaved, there was no response except violence, endless violence.
(He used to believe a lot of things that he does not anymore, but he wouldn't have it any other way-- you can't trust those who don't question their own beliefs.)
The gods have never had answers for him-- so he had given up asking even before they lost interest in his people like a child outgrows a toy. This most recent encounter with them has done nothing to sweeten his opinion of their divine rulers, but he hadn't expected it to. His heart hurts for everyone who had, knowing that the disappointment and anger must be so much worse for those who thought better of Tempus and his children.
The hours since their release have flown by in a flurry of words and explanations and no small amount of frustration. There is no rest for anyone, although everyone at the summit is exhausted and filthy with sweat and dust- the regime especially. From time to time he has caught the eyes of Bexley and Seraphina across the crowd and he has wondered, each time, when will they get a moment of peace? A moment to reflect together on the dreamlike events of late?
(Selfishly, he needs to be reassured that what happened really happened, that his ghosts aren't wandering his mind again, distorting his memories as they so like to do.)
So when an exhausted calm settles over everyone and the crowd thins, when Seraphina slips away to where the statue of her god lies in pieces, he gives her a moment alone.
And then he follows. He is concerned for her, as his queen and more importantly as his friend. He had not meant to startle her, but apologizing for it now seems unnecessary, even rude. "Sera..." He steps forward with a soft nicker, nose extended to offer his breath in greeting. The still air is rife with silent communication as they both settle into each other's presence.
Eik isn't sure what it is he wants to say-- where to start, after what they've just been through? "How are you." He asks this very seriously and looks at her very closely as she answers. Seraphina is a world of subtleties he is slowly, slowly learning to read.
