Kali.
He could sense her searching for him, coming closer, and he smiled. The river, she asked. Of course, he would love to go. Would love to take her. He certainly wouldn't want her going alone, though she was probably old enough to do so. It wasn't something he liked to think about: her ever wandering off to the mainland without him where he couldn't watch over her. Where he couldn't be at her side and hold her close, keep her safe. Keep her to himself? The trees look so lovely, and it would be nice to get out and stretch our legs, don't you think? He could hear the smile in her thoughts, the serenity in her voice.
Drawn to her, tracking her through her mind, and then slipping effortlessly into it. Kali.. he murmured, smiling softly and fluttering against her presence. He would catch up to her soon, could feel her near.
Wherever you want.
I'll take you anywhere.
But the river sounded perfect for today, and after another minute or two he was next to her, easing to her side with a wing falling over her back. He smiled, pushing his muzzle into the crook of her jaw as they walked. She was growing, fit against his body a little differently. A little better. How did he miss her when she was right here? He pulled away with a sweet pinch, grey eyes dancing.
What would you like to do when we get there? He didn't really care, it didn't really matter. Whatever they did, he would love it. He should take Kylin out when she is happy with him again.
They walked across the water together with him hugging her to his left side and teasing at her lavender hair. He kept in mind the things Father said, of course. The way he shouldn't look at Kylin, or touch Kylin. The things that should also include Kali, too. If he did anything with either of them, he was sure Father wouldn't love him anymore. Not if he took after Dad's dad. Father hated his dad, the way he was, the things he did. Father would hate him too, probably chase him off the island. And then when would he see them?
The thought always sobered him, and he straightened a little. Still held her to his side. Like a brother. Still loved them, still loved her. Like a brother. His stomach knotted and he stared ahead. He couldn't help that he found them to be so gorgeous. Father would have agreed, though maybe not in the same way. But, maybe one day, Father would understand. Maybe, one day, it'll be okay.