I didn't say it to be cute

She expected him to tense up. His son was just as obstinate when it came to unwanted physical contact. Grief had consumed him, just as it had her, cutting them off from a future of possibilities. Had Nairn not returned to her, Megara had come to terms with her life as a widow, even if they had never bound their hands and exchanged words of promise to each other. While her pain had turned to joy at him breathing and ticking, she understood Kellam’s depth of loss in losing the person who steadied him.

Exactly like his father, she thought. They both needed that firm hand to keep them on the even keel, without it, their worst demons roamed unbridled, untempered. Understanding entered her expression as his whisper drifted over, head nodding, Yes. Though he makes it incredibly difficult to crack, it’s there. I suppose he gets that part from you, the overprotectiveness.

His admission of guilt led her to take in a deep breath, expression softening with the exhale. I’m glad. Ruth is the closest thing I have to a brother and I do not like who he is slowly becoming because of the weight he carries. That you both carry. The road ahead was not an easy one, she expected a great deal of push back from Ruth, but he would do as he was told when Megara threatened to cut off his access to the Vhenadahl. In time, she would arrange that the two would work together, helping the new arrivals and organising and communicating various supplies around the city.

The mark of a true leader is striving, and maintaining peace, even through the most difficult times. War can’t always be avoided, but when we fight among ourselves we weaken our front against those who’ve already sundered us before.

Before he left Megara felt the spirit stir within her, cautioning the High Keeper. “He has ambition in his eyes, be mindful of him.” No indication of the Soul’s warning came through while bidding him good day but once alone she returned to the chair.

Picking up her tea, Meg smiled to herself. I’m fortunate enough to have sat across from a strikingly similar face on many occasions. I know when that bastard is lying, so I know when Kellam is not being completely honest with me. Our best way to understand his motives is also an opportunity for them to reconnect on an equal footing.

“And what’s equal about it?”

Both of them can’t say no. Not without me tossing them out of Arlathan if things explode and neither of them want that, but know I will do it if it comes to it.

“Yo-. Now Nairn’s hesitation makes sense.”

Chuckling, Megara returned to work and prepared herself for the screaming Ruth would no doubt hurl her way when he found out his newly appointed assistance.

~ Fin

@Kellam Yoesif