; AUSTRALIS

[Romek]

fuck all your dreams; they're not all they seem.

The events and how they came to pass have been weighing very heavily on his mind. And, despite the fact he knew that the black former King did not have need of him (nor, perhaps, did he even want him there), he couldn’t help but feel abandoned, betrayed. Finally having a home, finally having his wife back at his side and his children beneath him, finally having his friends around him – it was all tinged bittersweet. He is sure, over time, this feeling will fade – after all (he keeps reminding himself) they were merely doing what they thought was best. Offspring had sought his strongest allies, and none were those who had once been part of their kingdom. And, even worse, he had teamed up with the Valley. Being allied to them was bad enough, but the tiger-man simply could not tolerate living beside Valleymen. He had tried it once, beneath the fairer hoof of his good friend Demian, and could not hack it. There is no reason why it would work now. Some things never change.

He hears his name being called and looks up to see Australis, Maribel’s sister, advancing towards him. He smiles as she comes closer, and they embrace for a moment – something that the spotted stallion would normally never tolerate, but this was a special case. The world had come crashing down about their ears and everywhere was chaotic and nobody knew what to do, and there were a great deal many lost but – she was safe, and she was one of his.

”I’m glad you’re safe too,” he says with a smile as she noses his cheek and he, content, enjoys the affection for once. At her next question though, he is flooded with shame and he bows his head. If he did not betray his King, why did he feel so guilty? It is a feeling he will have to examine later, alone, in private. She is affectionate, and he is grateful, but he can’t help but feel that he is misleading her, she shouldn’t be here being caring over him, of all people. Also, his dear wife probably wouldn’t approve.

”No, no, she’s fine, she’s safe. Everyone’s fine and safe.” he says, a little more glumly than he had intended. ”Offspring has gotten everybody a land, with the Tundra people and their allies. The Chamber, the Valley and also the Gates. You should probably go to them.” he pauses. ”I am not with them any longer, I am afraid. I have taken a land to the north, Taiga, with my family and some friends.”

And he just lets that sink in.

Romek

click me pls