In hindsight, resigning from his station all those months ago had seemed far easier in theory than it had turned out to be in practice. The truth was, the people of Viscint still needed a guiding hand, still wanted and expected to be lead, and so despite his insistence that he no longer be addressed by his former title, Dohalim had found himself in a position not entirely unlike his previous one.
It was something of a struggle, trying to keep the present separate from the past. Old habits were hard to break, for his people as well as himself, but he was insistent on working alongside those who sought guidance, determined that the current state of things be markedly different than they once were. The lines were still blurred in places; people still slipped and used his old title, he still slipped and found himself blindsided whenever someone actually voiced their disagreement with one of his ideas, but through concentrated effort, they were forging their way ahead, together.
Kisara's presence helped, whether she realized it or not. He was ever grateful to have a friend nearby, a constant reminder that change was quite possible— that there was a way to move forward as a people and that peaceful coexistence was a dream worth pursuing and had not been a temporary falsehood. She, herself, was proof that what Viscint had managed was real, even if it was flawed. Forgiveness was possible. Peace was possible.
But, admittedly, it was going to be a long road. Lasting change was never simple.
It's the sound of her armor behind him that gives him away, and he offers a smile as he turns to look back over his shoulder. He would know her footfalls anywhere.
I am READY
It was something of a struggle, trying to keep the present separate from the past. Old habits were hard to break, for his people as well as himself, but he was insistent on working alongside those who sought guidance, determined that the current state of things be markedly different than they once were. The lines were still blurred in places; people still slipped and used his old title, he still slipped and found himself blindsided whenever someone actually voiced their disagreement with one of his ideas, but through concentrated effort, they were forging their way ahead, together.
Kisara's presence helped, whether she realized it or not. He was ever grateful to have a friend nearby, a constant reminder that change was quite possible— that there was a way to move forward as a people and that peaceful coexistence was a dream worth pursuing and had not been a temporary falsehood. She, herself, was proof that what Viscint had managed was real, even if it was flawed. Forgiveness was possible. Peace was possible.
But, admittedly, it was going to be a long road. Lasting change was never simple.
It's the sound of her armor behind him that gives him away, and he offers a smile as he turns to look back over his shoulder. He would know her footfalls anywhere.
"I was wondering when I might see you today."