KAJ

the aurelight

Her eyes trace across the canvas of his body, and he calmly allows her scrutiny, staring down at her with eyes like cold blue skies on a frozen winter morning. He is at peace and unbothered, here in the heart of his home, where she is both sister and flock to tend. If she seeks to harm him, she may confront him. He is unafraid, perhaps – if he searches deep within the recesses of his emotions – he is even curious. Who has she become, away from the side of her mother? Is she tainted eternally by the blood in her veins, or has she deigned to rise above it? From a personal standpoint it is none of Kaj’s business. As her Czar, he cares only to the point of her keeping her nose where it belongs. All else aside, he will tend, cater, and care for her as much as any other. Names hold no sway here in his heart or in his land, and she will have to prove herself worthy through her own might.
 
She shifts anxiously, but Kaj waits her out. Whatever it is she’s feeling, he won’t intrude upon it. Not until she specifically mentions it, or it’s relevant to their conversation. With the precise removal of his memories, he is less inclined to inquire about her emotional state. The dragon on her shoulders garners a momentary glance, but his eyes are for the ruby orbs before him – he will not focus on the prickle of bitter loneliness that he always feels when faced with a companion. You were not good enough to earn one, fool. Stop your pitiful longing. As if any poor creature deserved to be saddled with the warped soul he clutched possessively in his ribs.
 
Nymeria finally speaks – it is odd, how her voice is so different from her mothers. How she is different. Slimmer, more attuned to the femininity she is born with. Kaj can’t help but wonder if she uses that to her advantage, can’t help but see the shadow of his old foe in the familiar markings on her face. But he is blind to whatever seduction women have, too far removed from his own sexuality to care about such trivial things. He hears only the sad tale she weaves, and whether it’s true…he cannot discern. It’s not his job to be so critical and wary of a singular herd member, an unfair disadvantage for her.
 
“Your title does not keep you from fighting as any beast can,” he corrects her simply in the deep dip of his voice. “I would never encourage you to restrict yourself as such.” As for her request…well that was a little different. “You are an Illusor however, and so if you wish to challenge this boy –” shoulders shrug for a moment, not uncaring but indifferent perhaps “- then merely ensure he is a viable opponent. If he is an outcast that is preferable, if not then return to me with whatever you discover about him and we will proceed from there.” Kaj would not risk an alliance for the sake of a petty squabble between children, one the boy may have rightfully forgotten. But he would still give Nymeria her chance at vindication.
 
“Otherwise, you have my blessing. Fight well.”