Ever since the smoke stacks he had spoken of a crown for Ashelia. The thought had never escaped him, nor did he particularly like seeing the Azars take a back seat to another king. Upon arrival to Amaryllis there had been a fire in the hearts of the family, but it had since died to smoldering coals, perhaps not even lit. He wanted to stoke the flame again, watch it burn, and give @Ashelia a crown that she deserved. To watch the family reabsorb their might, their potential, and to properly rule where they ought to have already been doing so.

Instead of the dunes where he spent most of his time away from the pride he had found himself walking the hard, red dusted earth of the badlands. Here there was enough open space to think, less cause for interruption from a random passerby. Though today he chuffed for his wife, intent on bringing the idea to her that the Azars should have their own place - a kingdom.

Glacial eyes swept the area, content to find sage brush and other desert plant life instead of nothing but sand. He had chose to walk a more private section of the cracked earth, so that it would be harder for anyone with the intent to eavesdrop to hear them discussing the matter-at-hand. Rielus full well intended to hand his wife a crown, though he didn't know if his intention was to hold a crown with her, or something else. As much as they spoke of being equals he still wrestled with the idea as he was not an Azar in the traditional sense.

these lands are not her favorite.

the azars are born and bred for places like this -- dry and cracked, brilliant in the sun but otherwise blinding. the heat here would be stifling in the coming months, when the island truly loosens the shackles of winter. it is only the scent of her beloved that lures her out here -- each step away from andal causing a weight to slide from her shoulders. still there is that strange discomfort brewing in her stomach, muscles feeling tense despite the change in scenery.

she dogs his steps, making no attempt to hide that she is his shadow today. golden though she may be. supple hips swing easily as they pace through these lands, her attention hardly caught on the terrain itself. it is @Rielus that steals her attention, and when he pauses she finally manages to catch up to him. she stands at his side, aligning their shoulder to press hers against him -- lingering against his strength for a moment. she is tired, more than she should be, but there's a glint in her eyes as she looks to him, a small smile curling her lips. you bring me to the nicest places.

at these this place wasn't filled with scattered bones.

_{ART — CODE}

Beneath paws the cracked earth felt entirely too hard comparative to the ever-shifting sands of Andal. Pale eyes would continue along the desert floor, seeking his courage to discuss with @Ashelia the deep desire he had to see her on a proper throne. They should rebuild much for the Azars, bring life back to the family name. While he may not feel like an Azar nor care greatly for the way he'd been raised, he cared deeply for Ashelia. Regardless of how he felt about a name, he was now one of them. Bestowed upon by the loveliest of partners.

A shy twinge of his lips exposed at Ashelia's jest toward him. Some day they would walk far prettier land, but for now he took her to locations near the pride land yet far enough away that those seeking to pry wouldn't bother. "The choices are rather slim around here." Cheeky in return he sought to exchange bountiful humor with his lover. Each exchange brought them closer, and while he wasn't a man of laughter or wholesome emotions, he enjoyed his time with Ashelia immensely.

"Today I have a reason." Gaze had crept away, across the packed earth of the badlands as he attempted to gather nerve. Almost nervously his ears flicked, uncertain of honesty. "I want to take a pride. I want you to be a queen." Upon arrival to Amaryllis he'd known Ashelia had taken a pride yet he had fallen behind, failed to support her. To watch her grow idle felt wrong, there must be more for the Azar, unless he'd stolen her dreams away.