M A X E N C E we can just pretend / we'll make it home again from everything now ☩ As the commander traced his steps along the vine-covered, flowery rocks that concealed the oasis from outside view, he was soon to hear the footfalls of another approach. Immediately he felt an intruder in this place as if it was the home or sanctuary of another and not his own to explore. Hastening his own footsteps, the King would attempt to shroud himself in nearby vines, only to pause when he realised just how silly the notion was. It was he who was ruler of all he surveyed within Solterra, he who sacrificed his time and livelihood for the country and it's people, he who slayed the Teryr— for this reason he should never feel unwelcome in any single nook or cranny of the continent. In silence he stood watching the woman approach, one he almost totally recognised by her shadow upon the rock and the jingle of bangles upon coronets. The sight of Eden was a welcome one and as he continued to view the paladin in silence, he allowed a quiet sigh to escape from behind his lips— he was glad that it was her and none other who might pester and bother him, or even worse Avdotya who would surely disturb his heart beat once again. It was that boyish fantasy that he still strove to leave behind him, so every second without Avdotya at his side was a victory to his wounded conscience. It seemed Eden hadn't noticed him, but when she did her startled expression damn-near brought a laugh to his face of frown lines and a perpetual scowl. She looked so vibrant, so colourful, and it was not the annoying kind he was used to. Her liveliness was not irritating like that of many others, but rather it was quite beautiful and pure. Perhaps because it wasn't vibrance at all; it was pure radiance. "Eden," The commander began, talking under Eden's frazzled salute. When the words had left her mouth he allowed an aswkward, boyish smile to pass onto his marred lips before he continued "One thousand apologies for startling you." Her question had caught him completely off guard and as he considered is answer he found himself stumbling over excuses and reasons other than the legitimate one. Instead he settled upon the truth— there should be at least be one person in this gods-forsaken country that he didn't talk in ivory lies to. "Curiosity." There, he'd given his answer "What are you doing here?" |
