Mother of Dragons

Modesto might be sorely disappointed to learn the truth of Kyrios’ birth – that he was a Captain of rivers more so than open sea. But his experience wouldn’t be completely useless, if she really wanted a compass for her old home. With his five years and a life of exploring from before turning one, the pale rogue had seen quite a big share of the world, and with a penchant for water, he’d been drawn to the sea eventually.   He was surprised by her approach though – being so clearly unhappy here, and with such a steely character – the fact that she had not simply gone out to search was baffling to the man’s mind; Yet another area where we differ… The Captain was a doer, not a thinker. It would appear Ms. Valle had it just opposite; What a shame…! Such a refined lady shouldn’t be confined to the range of her pack. Then again, if she had spent all her life in the same place before being stolen away, her reticence wasn’t all that strange.   Offering an understanding smile, Kyrios nodded pliably at her complaint, gazing out over the woods as she had just moments before. It was true, there was not even a glint of water on the horizon, despite the clearness of the day, but he knew it was out there! “A’ might be able t’ help ye with that,” He answered then, looking serious for perhaps the first time in their entire conversation; “A’ cannae promise it’s yer ocean, I did nae meet any wolves there, bu’… A’ve been t’ th’ coast out west.” Thoughts "Speech"

Betty Wiley

And there we have it. The longing for the sea yet the fear of anything beyond what she had only known.

Modesto had lived her whole life at the Estuary. Had never been from outside the claimed lands for more then a few days of errand. As a council woman, it had bee  her sworn duty to remain and be vigilant. She had sacrificed her whole life to the council and it's code, for the pack... and for what now?

The pack she now lived, while it was brand new and great for the youth that ran it (something they were proud they did all their own) it was but a hollow shell of what once was the Valle's Empire. The council was abolished. She was one of few aged members.

The old ways had ended.

Modesto turns, catching the serious nature of his expression. A first since their time up here. "West you say?" She breathes deep and sighs. Whether it was out of relief or sadness it is uncertain. "I-" a hessistance, rare for Modesto. "I should go. I should tell the pack..." And without a moment of hessistance more Modesto began to retreat down the path which she had come.

It was like a shock went through the woman at his words, yet visible only in her eyes as they briefly met his. When she spoke, it was with a strange despondency, as if the news was a detriment rather than a blessing. Kyrios watched her closely, seeing her falter and then suddenly rush, off to her pack to spread the good word. Or so she said. Somehow, the Captain didn’t quite believe her.   He himself would stay behind a little longer, lingering by the cairn, allowing himself a few more moments to soak in the memories. Then he was off to, back to taking the present as it came at him, perfectly happy to have kept the dragon’s story to himself, for this time at least. FADEThoughts "Speech"

Betty Wiley