"Okay, so." She began and his interest peaked as she continued on about a stallion named Deodat and the children they had. For a moment the children's names slurred into his thinking, what was so wrong with having a few foals? Poll tilted as eyes glinted with concern to her missing child, she was obviously worried but why wasn't she searching? What had he missed while he was gone?

"That's all well and good, but....this is the shameful part." Oh good there's more; he mused to himself eager for her to get to the point. As she explains her little adventure with another handsome stallion a deep exhale escaped flared nostrils. She was General of the edge, running around popping out children like a candy machine. And while he didn't mind the spread of their lineage (because it's a grand one) he didn't raise a whore for a daughter.

As she finished and turned her gaze away from him, he mirrored her actions gazing into the forest beside them. "I see." Words were gentle and laced with curiosity as he turned his gaze back to his daughter's face; she was obviously ashamed. But before he could assure her that a few foals wouldn't ruin her reputation as his daughter, or the Edge General, she spoke once more. "So I lied." She had lied to her leader about him, that she knew he was here somewhere on the edge of Helovia. Onyx lobes pull back against his skull and mingle with silken threads. He wasn't fond of where this was going.

She paused, but not long enough for him to utter a breath. She explained her little lie to this Tembovu and a groan escaped his lips. How is he just going to show up in the Edge now? He had to somehow follow along with this atrocious lie that his herd has been slaughtered, and his grandchildren were found by Nyx.

Mixed emotions Flooded him.
Crimson eyes alight with disappointment. 
She knew better. She was better than this.

Using his life, as a cover up for her story, for her mistake. In his anger, he had to refrain from spitting harsh words. Why not just tell them I'm back from the dead. Crimson eyes closed in frustration. Doing his best to appear calm on the outside, but a rage filled his heart. Chest heaved with a deep breath as he shook his head in disapproval. 

What if, I had died. 
What if, he had actually been slaughtered;
would it have been easier? 

Had she thought so little of him? When day and night he hated himself for leaving, and thought of his children every day. She didn't know it, but she is his favorite (should parents be allowed one) of all his children she was the most admirable. And now she was just as a filly standing before him, caught in a lie that should have never been told. If he was ever confronted on this massacre out of the love he had for his daughter, he would refrain from revealing her stupid mistake. But for now, he didn't know what to say; other than - "Perhaps... I shouldn't accompany you to the Edge." He breathed, his chest trembling as on the inside he was hurting. Limbs firmly planted into the earth under him but in his mind, he wanted to leave to run away from here.

Just returning home and just getting her back. It should be all laughter and thinking on times from long ago. Instead, there was this. What kind of trouble would they be in if this so called King found out? She never fully came out and said it, but had she considered him dead? Lobes lopped to the side as he collected his thoughts and contemplated leaving.

Leaving Her.
Here.
This.

After all, there's no such thing as ghosts.

"No!". Her pain filled gasp burned into his lobes as they lay back against his ink flooded crown. Iron legs shift sideways as if he was going to leave. He wanted to leave. Perhaps it would be better if the world just assumed he didn't make it. "Father, please." She pleads and his heart cringes. Never had he felt in such a way, where he wanted two things at once. He wanted to leave, to run away from this place; but then he wanted nothing more than to dwell in the Edge with his daughters at his side.

"You mean the world to me." The voice but a tremble in his mind as crimson eyes easily rested upon her worried face. Seeing what all fathers never want to see, their daughter in tears. His once disappointed expression flushed away to one of regret. He had wounded her twice in one day, physically and mentally now. How selfish had they both been in such a short amount of time? 

On the inside, he was kicking himself in the balls for being such an ass. But his collected demeanor pushed away the anger he felt. Today wasn't the time or the place to have such an attitude over something neither of them could control now. Thick neck extended with intentions of pressing his velvet muzzle to her cheek albeit apologetically. "It's alright." He spoke softly, yet a certain sternness echoed in his voice while he did his best to offer assurance. 

She continued, covering her tracks on the little fib she had made her life to be. "But Father, please don't leave me." The demons heart broke at that point. How many times has he vanished into the night for weeks, months- years? So much for that 'Father of the Year' award. Crimson pools glazed slightly, though he did not cry. Stallions do not cry, especially in front of their daughters. "I'm not leaving you Nyx." He breathed softly, crown once elevated and proud lowered slowly in apology. 

"I- I know I haven't been the best Father to you," He began, praying they were alone in the darkness of the trees; the caress of the forest canopy engulfing their conversation. "Nyx, I'm sorry.." He trailed off for a moment, ruby pools searching for her frosted eyes."And while I do not understand completely, I will comply with your wishes of secrecy." He concluded, before stepping closer a gentle grin on his lips in hopes to lighten the heartache they both still very much felt. 

"Though I am curious, daughter.." Tones laced with curiosity as he touched his maw to the side of her neck. "What happens, if your King discovers our little secret?" It was true, what kind of repercussions would follow this little pact of secrecy? After all, if he was returning to the Edge- he was sure there would be some old faces that would remember him. And somehow explaining his escape from slaughter while his.. grandchildren discovered alone.. that would never do. He may just have to put a little spin of his own, on this little white lie.

The best father a girl could ask for. Her statement echoing within his mind as he savored her touch. They had been through a lot together over the years. And in his absence, she had proved herself a warrior. A leader. And he couldn't be any more proud of her than he already was. Perhaps she could teach Athena some manners, as she has fallen to the weak. She had the mind of darkness, with the attribute of beauty. But not the gull to actually go out and fight. Not against any mare or stallion. He wouldn't admit it, but he was ashamed of that. And for a moment, he wondered if Nyx knew she would be coming home eventually as well.

A small warm smile creases rough leather lips as he gazed over her shoulder. Skin shuttering to her warm touch as she pleaded her thanks to his secrecy. "Anything for you, Daughter." He breathed with pride, the smile still radiant upon muzzle. Though it soon faded as her demeanor changed upon his next question. He won't her words were firm, near harsh to his ears.

As she continues, Nato glances away with concern. It wasn't her he was worried about. It was him, slipping his tongue into the wrong direction. What if he mentions the wrong events, or mixes up how it all happened? What if he fucked it all up, and this king removes them from home? Forcefully, he returned his gaze back to hers with a nod in agreement. The King wouldn't find out, he couldn't find out.

"He won't." He assured, praying that he was right. Muzzle offering a gentle touch to comfort her stress. "Lets go home Nyx, I'm sure your king will be happy you have found a new Warrior." Tones deep but soothing with confidence as he did his best to lighten her mood.

They would be alright.
They just needed to be home.