As Ktulu's face shuttered like branches bowing against the wind, Kaj sighed softly. "No offense meant, you've more than proven yourself." Frosty eyes glanced towards Murtagh and Eytan playing together and his face could not help but betray the wistful longing he felt. Shaking his head with a soft grunt, he deigned not to explain any further. He doubted Ktulu would tolerate any softness from him, and it was almost a burden off his shoulders to know that. To be forced to stand on his own again. He'd succumbed to weakness and loneliness for far too long, and to know he could not around her was a blessing, but he wouldn't thank her for it. He quite valued his ears, and did not want to see them hanging from her teeth for his idiocy - of which he was quite self aware. 

Murtagh bounded up to them as all foals did, with a sickening amount of energy and wobbly legged sprawling gait. Youth was wasted on the young, Kaj mused to himself with an internal laugh. Oh what he'd give to be that limber once more. The dark cloud of depression descended once more, body stiffening and shoulder shifting as if to cruelly remind himself of how badly he truly did want that. At least nobody has pointed out the wretched puckered scar or the way he walked stiffly, favoring his hind legs. But what, he was going to be jealous of a foal? How pathetic. 

Kaj shuffled his large wings in a playful demonstration, winking at the child. "But you two cannot fly, now can you? So I must walk in order to enjoy your company," he concluded happily. Truth wrapped in childish explanation, for flying was the only way Kaj could forget his leg's uselessness. 

Any other jesting he could have struck up with the child was immediately killed as bright, freezing light shot past them. Kaj's wings rose in protection, splaying wide instinctively to try and cover Murtagh and Ktulu as much as possible - not that Ktulu needed it, but Kaj would protect his people to the death regardless. Always. 

He's bristling by the time the child is thundering through the undergrowth, drawn to his full massive, towering height as sparks dance between his primary feathers threatening. She's young, very young, but Kaj does not know her which means she is not of the Falls. Even he knew that he was overly fond of foals, and there'd been no news of pregnancy nor did her visage hold any relation he knew. But she was still a foal with no clear parents around, regardless of her errant magic. 

"Watch where and when you are throwing magical attacks around, child," he said firmly, wing shifting with the desire to step more firmly in front of Murtagh. Friends or no, it was automatic to shield him. "Where is your herd?" Face is stony but relaxed, disapproving but with kindly eyes and concerned frown. He had a feeling Ktulu would cover the fear factor. Perhaps they could return her safely at least. 

•• TAGS:
•• NOTES:

“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”