you help me lose my mind; any, kingdoms

[magnus]

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

It does not take long for others to join their conversation, and while he personally does mind the company, he would be blind to not see her discomfort. His gold-flecked eyes move between the two dark mares who now make their pair a group and then back to Anhedonia. He gives her a small smile and takes a step backward, opening up the space between them and hopefully giving her some breathing room. He had been at the kingdom recruiting game a long time; he could tell when someone was on the edge of flight.

His scarred mouth gives a shadow of a smile. He knew that some did not understand the question—there were even others that despised it. On the surface, it was a simple question, obvious even. But Magnus knew that there was more than met the eye and there were a lot of driving forces behind the souls that made their way to the field. Some simply wanted a home, a place to call their own. Some wanted a place to make their name known and fight their way to glory. Others just wanted a haven, a sanctuary.

He was committed to helping each one find that place—even if it ended up not being the Gates.

“I like coming to the field and helping individuals find a home,” he replied honestly, shrugging his battle-scarred shoulders. “Plus it’s a great place to make conversation.” Many assumed that Magnus, soldier to his core, would not prefer much talking, but the truth was that he loved it, especially with women. He liked to spend hours getting to know them, learning all about them—and mares, well, they brought out the best in him. “It’s always good to see an Amazon woman,” he smiled at Naga, not knowing she was his half-sister (although, truthfully, dozens throughout Beqanna were). “And nice to meet you, Hestia.”

Turning back to Anhedonia, he held her gaze. “So now you’ve seen you can indeed leave the meadow,” his voice was husky, laced with good humor. “Is there anything else you’d like to see if you can do?”

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.