“You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.” In a way, the giant has. The man had put Dorobo to rest— he had left it, those who had supported his revenge, and those he had used to achieve it. He had left it in ashes, and rebirthed himself upon arriving in Helovia. So to see Kiuaji, his foalhood friend and ally in the Fall… it revives many memories, both pleasant and destructive.

“They know nothing.” His friend knew him well, he had forgotten how well, as the poisoner answered the question that bubbled on his lips. Relief coursed through him, and tension he had not realized was there, released in his withers. He further relaxes as the effeminate man of gold (where was all of it? and his silks?) meets and returns his embrace— there are some friendships that stand the test of time and fall of empires. Theirs was made stronger for it— Aji not only providing guidance through the dark underbelly of Dorobian politics, but also accepting the demons that prevailed in the Elephant while he destroyed Makutano.

At the wry rise of his brows in silent answer to his questioning of his fatherhood, he could not help the short and low chuckle that vibrated in his chest, despite awaiting the foal’s true linage, “I should know better.” Certainly Aji was not one for parenthood, though Tembovu had seen some glimmers of promise in him when he had met Faxr with playful antics whenever he felt none were looking— but that was Tembovu’s foal, and not his own… A cloud passed over the jubilantly navy gaze.

“It is good to see you too, old friend. It has been far too long.” He leaned into the gentle touch, a more effeminate gesture from his friend, but one he appreciated as the warmth of his smooth muzzle and scent of sands and jasmine filled his nostrils. A low rumble in his barrel indicated his agreement, but his eyes remained trained on the speaking foal, spritely in his naivety.

“Rein,” the name is said carefully, the hardness in his cobalt eyes softening at the bright antics of the leggy, golden colt. He said his name so proudly, tail flicking away the concerns of adults as he discarded the whereabouts of his mother— as if he is used to her shortly following wherever he roamed. Indeed, the Elephant had no doubt Rexanna was Rein’s hovering, anxious shadow. An ear flicked sideways in ambivalence as they waited for the dam, “I am Tembovu, King of the World’s Edge.” He wasn’t sure why he included the title to a foal— certainly it held little true meaning for a youth, other than the impression of their vague understanding of ‘Kings.’ Perhaps he said it satisfy the smaller parts of his massive heart— perhaps so that Rexanna’s foal would run to his sire and brag that he had met a King that day.

He looked to Aji as he was asked of the Rein’s mother. “I do.” That was it. The simple confirmation spoke volumes, for to say so little to a friend who knew so much… He didn’t really need to say more.