He wasn't being creepy. He wasn't. There were just fewer trees where he was standing, and he had pretty good eyesight, there wasn't a need to get any closer...oh who the hell was he kidding? Kaj was just trailing slowly behind, watching how Ktulu and Murtagh interacted, wondering why he hated himself so much that he subjected himself to such pain. Gods, how he wanted that. Bright eyes staring up at him, a voice saying daddy without hesitation. He loved the foals he'd managed to find and take beneath wing, loved them dearly, but it wasn't quite the same. Nothing could chase away the chill of the night, of loneliness. Watching the Constrictor soften and play with her son...he yearned. A part of him was reserved for curiosity, because he'd never seen Ktulu so open and kind, her emotional defenses dropped. It was a part of why he hung back, reluctant to intervene, to break that look of happiness on her face. 

They didn't know each other very well. In passing, maybe. Ktulu was not loyal to him, he suspected, but rather Archibald. Kaj only knew a little of the Grey, what it had been and who had been involved, but he saw it thriving in his borders nonetheless. Though they did not come together beneath the same banner any longer, it didn't seem to matter. They were family through and through, and it was...nice. Kaj had always missed that part of his homeland, one of the only good parts of that cursed world. Kinship, loyalty, free and unrestrained. An ease of nature and trust between one another. He'd tried so hard to recreate that, and though the Edge had once exemplified those ideals...well, the Falls had not seemed to follow exactly in those footsteps. 

Nevertheless they were family, and he'd been shown that through Brisa and Resplendence and Archibald, so many countless others who deserved recognition but were lost in a sea of faces and the burning of love inside his heart. Kaj owed them so much, for trusting him, for going along with the invasion when it was breaking everything they'd ever stood for. Sighing softly, deciding he'd been awkward and creepy for too long, he set his legs into motion, descending the incline to join Ktulu and her son. His gait was jolting, still growing used to how his left leg was damaged. At least he could use that as an excuse for why he'd been lingering behind, if Ktulu had sensed him. The youth was on the ground, whispering to Ktulu's companion, and again Kaj's heart gave a pang of regret. You're too messed up for a bond that beautiful. Why else would he remain unchosen by the gods? 

Though he regretted breaking the spell on Ktulu, he cleared his throat softly and put an unassuming smile on his face. "You have a beautiful family," he complimented, face shining with sincerity. "If you ever want me to take over one of your patrols to spend time with them..." he trailed off, not wanting to insult her or make her feel as if she was incapable of juggling her family and her duties, but wanting to express his appreciation for her efforts. If ever she wanted it, she deserved a break, and he'd willingly give it to her. It wasn't like there was anybody waiting up at night for him, anyways...she was the one with a mate to return to, a family to be removed from for the hours of her patrols. 

Smile turned to Murtagh, in case he was looking. "Having fun?" Hopefully Ktulu wouldn't kill him just for talking to her son, but Kaj really didn't know her that well. 

•• TAGS: @Ktulu
•• NOTES: None

“You love flowers, but you cut them. You love animals, but you eat them. You tell me you love me, so now I'm scared”