❝

I was tired. Aquila began, his face contorting a little in his deep thoughts. He tried to recollect the moments up to his decision, what had been in his mind as he traveled to the Rainforest that day. Some of it was hazy, overridden by the violence that followed and some others regressed into deeper places while Aquila wrestled with the fact his actions had lead to @Valhalla's demise. He owed his brother the truth and not some half baked answer cobble together from what his mind tried to present as truth. Tired of feeling like I was sitting on my own feet, unable to do anything but wonder. Maua, for what they'd been allowed to understand, wanted these lions helped and brought them here into his home. Had they realized it was impossible to help them all without hurting others? That the only way to prevent violence against them all was to cease to help any of them in any meaningful way?

- I didn't know it was going to become such a show. Aquila had, more or less, been ready to risk himself. He didn't mean to put anyone else in harm's way least of all the lion across from him. Dejected, somber, Aquila sighed in sorrow and reached forwards- reaching forwards to "touch" Val's cheek with his muzzle.

❞

He would stay silent as @Aquila gave him an answer. Valhalla couldn't help but feel betrayed, even if the emotion was small. "You could have talked to me, about what you were going to do, at least. Maybe I could've been more prepared." His voice was low and somber, trying to not have his dear friend feel as though it was all his fault but yet still feeling as though he were betrayed in some way. "We both know there was going to be utter chaos there." His words would be spoken in a half humorous way, trying to lighten up the mood a little. With how things had been before the Valour had trespassed into Firnen territory, it would have been absurd to not think it was going to blow up and attract the presence of many.

As Aquila reached forward would the Viking press gently into the touch, this time his form staying 'solid' enough for their embrace to be had. Valhalla's eyes would close and he would soak in the brief silence, a deep and soft sounding purr beginning to vibrate within his chest. "I... need to tell you something." Slowly, would he withdraw his head away and allow for yellow gaze to settle upon Aquila's face. "Avaneira and I... we're expecting cubs. I'm sure they've already been born, but I wasn't able to tell you that before I... died." You're an Uncle, Aquila. He waited on baited breath to see how his brother would take it, unsure how the sudden and rather large news would affect him.



from the midnight sun where the hot springs flow

DEE / NOVI

Good for Something

More talking. He said with dismissal, misplaced frustration and heavy sigh. Talk to allies. Talk to families. Words ran thick like sap down the tree. More talking and more time lost. It looked nice, wrapped up neat with a bow on top while peace was kept. Chaos held back by a thread thin leash... I'm not convinced anymore that isn't what Maua wants. Another sigh, this time one of defeat and with loss in his eyes.

He was shocked by the admission, stunned into quiet silence for a few moments. He needed to process what he'd heard, what it truly meant and just how much more awful and impactful Valhalla's death was. You're an idiot Val. Aquila would of had more anger and venom in his voice if there were energy for it. If there were a single thing he could do about it. In an unimaginable way guilt rose. He'd robbed those children of a father. He called Valhalla an idiot and wanted to chastise him for taking such a risk when he should have been preparing for their arrival. But it wasn't like Aquila helped things. He sounded mildly angered but his face rapidly drained of emotion like a veil pulled away. You should be there for them... To see them, love on them, protect them. This world of theirs was unlike the one of old. His cubs deserved to have him there to help them, to soothe away tears and have the most rambunctious play.

Valhalla kept silent as @Aquila gave his retort. He could see that there was no trying to talk to his brethren about what he could have done before going to the Rainforest. And what was the point now? Actions and consequences had been given out, and unfortunately the Viking had been given a bad hand. But there was no use in wallowing about it; there was nothing neither of them could do about it now.

So when Aquila reacted in one of two ways he were expecting, he couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "I would've died one way or another, Aquila. And I wasn't going to sit by while others challenged my livelihood." Quite literally. It were how the Brynmawr were raised up to act and to be, and even though he had died at the prime of his life and wouldn't be about to be there physically for his offspring, he knew he had made his family proud: by going down fighting.

"And besides," he would begin, his gaze shifting from glancing out over the lands back to his friend, "they'll have their uncle Aquila to tell them all the dumb things their dad did."



from the midnight sun where the hot springs flow

DEE / NOVI

Good for Something

Aquila found some peace from Val's answer. Because in the end at least something had happened, it felt like a choice not an inevitability. There was power left in them to do something. For better or worse... But the relief was momentary. He's rather have seen the man become a father than a martyr. I'll make sure they don't do anything too dumb. Nothing that would bring them to Val's side any sooner than necessary. Aquila would join him in the next life before the lion's children this the Valour decided.

The motion of a cold cloud drifting by caught his attention, pulled his eyes away from Valhalla to realize just how much time had really passed. I can't stay much later... It'd be dark soon. And although Val could keep him company he couldn't keep Aquila warm if it got too chilly up here over night. I'll see you again brother. One way or another.

/Exit

"If they were anything like me growing up then I will pray for you." Another chuckle would be released as his head shook from side to side. He knew the Brynmawr blood carried stubbornness and a fiery spirit, and he hoped that would be passed on to his children. He needed for his lineage to be kept alive by his own cubs now that he were no longer alive to procreate.

His attention would shift as he noticed the clouds shifting away and night slowly creeping up on them. And @Aquila's words would cause for the Viking to feel a little sad knowing that his brethren were departing. "Until then," he would respond, waiting several moments as he watched the Valour take his leave. And just as quickly as Valhalla had appeared would his figure dissipate into thin air.

exit Valhalla.



from the midnight sun where the hot springs flow

DEE / NOVI