we are aching bones and wasted years; becca, mast, any

[magnus]

you and I both know that the house is haunted
and you and I both know that the ghost is me

Magnus loved Heaven best in the morning when the light was soft and the land seemed to glow with it, but if he had to pick a second favorite, it would be the late afternoon when the sun was beginning to descend. Heaven took on a warm glow then—washed with the warm colors of the dying day. It was one of the times that he felt most at peace and when the constant agony of his memories seemed to subside.

It was easy during these times to pretend that everything was back to normal.

Of course, he did not share these thoughts exactly with his companion. Instead, he just smiled at her gently. “I’m coming,” he answered easily, nudging her neck lightly before taking a step forward. “I would never just abandon you.” His ears perked as he began to lead her throughout the kingdom. 

“If you would like, you can join one of the castes of the kingdom and begin to climb the ranks.” He paused thoughtfully before continuing again. “There is the diplomats and the soldiers. On either side, you can gain promotions through recruiting in the field, challenging, performing steals, and visiting other kingdoms on diplomatic missions.” He looked at her with a kind smile, “Or you can choose neither and simply live here as one of the residents. The choice is entirely up to you and what you prefer.”

Glancing around the quiet kingdom for a second, he glanced back. “If you want, I can find our King, Mast, and introduce you to him.” Magnus did not often see their monarch, but he knew that the deer-shifting king was not far away at any given moment. No king worth his salt ever was.

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.