[P] Our irreparable yesterdays

[Raymond]

Raymond smiled at the bay stallion's reply, the expression both natural and unaffected. The expression was not for Asterion, given the likelihood that he would read some sinister motive in the upward turn of a lip, but rather for the happier news of common ground that could be reached between them - if only through the trappings of formality. Peace had always been Raymond's intent, as difficult as some might find that to believe.

"Of course we'd also be happy to lend what support we can, be it service or shelter," the red stallion said. "Whatever's happening isn't an adversary we can expect to just defend ourselves against; our best chance of survival is in working together."

These were the days that tried men's souls. Even Raymond, a paragon of lone wolf ideology and a proven survivor in his own right, knew he wouldn't make it through the worst of this on his own. If he'd ever entertained the thought, the thunderbirds had made quick work of that.

"With that in mind, I came to invite you and the people of Terrastella, once Spring returns and the pass clears, to a festival of sorts, intended to honor Isra's coronation and usher in a new era of openness and brotherhood for Denocte - and, hopefully, for Novus." Perhaps those were unrealistically optimistic goals, but Isra herself could be described as unrealistically optimistic by some. That was fine; she had waded through plenty enough shit to earn the right to reach higher.

Perhaps it would even work.

Raymond.
and at his feet they'll cast their golden crowns
when the man comes around

@Asterion