( video )

[heron]

[ the feed starts to show a large, dainty looking man with large white wings peering at the feed before pulling back, satisfied. ]

Greetings. My name is Prince Reyson of the Heron Clan.

As you know, we have trouble lately with the breach. To ensure such a thing does not occur so suddenly, I thought about proposing a part-time perimeter guard of the walls. I think we would be better prepared should anything happen again.

Also, as I know some people were hurt or struggling, you are welcome to see me. I have the power of the galdr which means I can soothe one's spirit, trauma and pain. Should you have need of my abilities, do let me know.

Comments

[whenyouneedme]

[Kai sighed.]

You're not wrong at all.

[He paused, then offered Reyson a defeated grin.]

You're just the only person to bother telling me I did a shitty job.

[heron]

Good. Someone should. If the situation had been worse and supplies were rare, you would have immediately given them to someone else and neglected yourself.

[whenyouneedme]

[He huffed, seemingly amused by the assessment.]

Woulda found something else for myself but... yeah.

[Why would he get the special treatment? Kai was quiet for a few moments, looking down at the state of his arms. Trailing his fingertips over the lingering evidence of damage, Kai shook his head.]

Each of these just means someone else isn't hurt. Making sure other people are safe is all I'm good at.

[Even if he couldn't even do that sometimes.]

[heron]

Yes.

But after the battle is done, you must see to yourself. Otherwise, you will not be able to continue.

If you want to continue to do good, you must continue as yourself and see to yourself.

[whenyouneedme]

[He chuckled.]

I woulda locked my door if I hadn't done anything if you're this mad when I did.

I'll be a good boy and keep the door open if you're gonna fix 'em up.

[heron]

[ reyson smiles. ]

I will hold you to that.

[whenyouneedme]

Yeah, yeah, hold away.

I'll be here. Resting or whatever.

[heron]

Have you never rested before.

[ because it sounds like you've never heard of it. ]

[whenyouneedme]

[He clicked his tongue.]

Feels like all I do is rest.

[Look at him go, plopping himself there on the couch like a good boy.]

[heron]

[ in the flattest of tones. ]

Wow. Impressive.

[whenyouneedme]

[Kai very maturely

stuck his tongue out at him.]

[heron]

[ wow gross. ]

Why are you sticking out your tongue.

[whenyouneedme]

'Cause I'm the sassy one now.

[heron]

Is what this is.

[whenyouneedme]

It's... not.

[Kai tilt his head back, looking dimly at the ceiling instead of Reyson.]

I just don't know what to do with this.

[heron]

"This"?

[whenyouneedme]

All this. You caring, I guess. I usually just get left in alleys, y'know?

[He laughed a little, quiet as he closed his eyes.]

[heron]

[ reyson weighs this somberly before responding. ]

You are a person. You exist. You are allowed to have this.

Perhaps you should say thank you.

[whenyouneedme]

... Yeah. Probably should, shouldn't I.

[Kai looked at him again.]

S'gonna sound like I'm just sayin' it to say it, like this. I don't want it to sound like that, when I really appreciate it.

[heron]

What does it matter how it sounds like?

If your intention is clear, I will hear your heart. Words are not all we have.

[whenyouneedme]

[Weren't they though? Well. Kai guessed it was different. Kai lifted a hand to rub the back of his neck.]

... Thanks, then. For going out of your way like this.

[heron]

[ reyson smiles. ]

You're welcome.

[whenyouneedme]

Mm.

[No don't smile at him again, what is he supposed to do with that! Grateful as he was, he still felt like a thief that was getting away with pilfering Reyson's time and energy. Smiling at him just made him feel like he was stealing that too.

Kai let his hand hang there on his neck, his mumble coming out halfway between humble and bashful:]

... Y'better get those new bandages before I get all rowdy again.

[He wouldn't. This was too much of a Good Boy zone now. But still.]

[heron]

I suppose I can take my eyes off you for a little while.

Don't go anywhere.

[whenyouneedme]

I'll be right where you left me. Promise.