KAHLUA & KHAN

Though he had eagerly climbed upon the queen’s back, the dragon babe was just as ready to jump back down to earth as the falcon dropped a mouse in the basket that would quickly become his home away from home. A happy chortle flew from his mouth as the draconian babe tottered slowly back towards the glass creation. Kahlua watched him with half a watchful eye, but she did not try to stop him or reign him in. She knew nothing of parenting or boundaries and knew even less of what was important and what was not in raising a child. She had been so alone when she had been growing… whatever guidance she had been offered, it was probably all bad advice anyways.

Collecting his prize as the two mares began to walk off, Khan scampered back up to the queen and pawed at her leg as if to ask her to let him climb aboard again. However, she was not so keen on letting the little beast eat his fill of mouse upon her back, so she shook her head and let him alternately walk and stop to eat while she chatted on with Parelia. Honestly, the queen rather liked the mare’s easy voice and found herself disappointed she hadn’t made more time for the warrior before this. Ah, but then there were so many in the herd it was difficult to find them for each and every one. But find time she would, given the chance.

As for asking about the father, the painted woman almost felt sorry for what she had asked. Was it fair of her to ask Parelia to describe her pain, to dredge up memories she would rather not think about? Perhaps not, and yet… how would the queen ever learn about love and what it could mean if she didn’t ask? “Oh, Parelia,” she cooed softly as Parelia claimed Ciceron loved his position more than his family. However, she quieted herself to listen to the story that her warrior had to tell.

At least in her sadness, Parelia could find ways to laugh. Still, by the time Parelia had finished listing the names of her friends, Kahlua was reaching out to the side to press her nose against the mare’s shoulder if she was allowed. The queen couldn’t stand the thought of Parelia’s pain. “I’m so, so sorry,” she added, wondering what would make him stay so far away. She decided to add her own story. “It doesn’t excuse him, but maybe he’s afraid…” She didn’t and couldn’t know, of course, but she knew her own story as well as any other.

“My parents were… distant.” Distant was an understatement, of course, but better than explaining that they were the king and queen of darkness. There was no need for the Sunshower queen to mar her good name with everyone that she came across. “Their love was strained and scary sometimes. I never learned anything except that love was something to be avoided.” A gentle frown fell across her lips as she turned back to look at the little dragon who was still alternately chewing and walking. “I’m sure with time he can come around… and of course we’d be happy to have him.” But the poor queen, as much as she wanted to help, was pretty useless. She didn’t even know how to fix herself, how could she fix Parelia’s problems?

@[Parelia]