He has grown comfortable here, despite the circumstances of his arrival. He hardly thinks of his life before that day in the clearing anymore. It had been easier to give in to the illusion of safety this new home provides. Had been easy to imagine Zephys would be safe here too.
New friends had helped, of course. And learning better control over his ability to shift. It has kept him busy at least. Kept him from dwelling too much on the what-if’s that had plagued him those first weeks after their arrival.
But it’s still there, always lingering in the back of his mind. He can’t pretend the world is truly safe anymore. He can’t live in the naivete childhood should provide. The very thought of being a victim again brings a dull roar to his ears and sends his heart into a furious rhythm. A rhythm fueled by determination and the desire to be strong enough to never have to know that kind of fear again.
He had hurled himself into learning for that one simple reason. Running with Malik to practice his speed and endurance. Plucking at Iliana’s knowledge to figure out how to shift better. Sneaking off when Zephys is sleeping to practice. He’s tired, but if he could be better, it would all be worth it.
It’s after one of these illicit practice sessions that Maze finds him as he’s picking his way back to Zephys. The sound of his name draws his attention with a start. Briefly, his skin flickers, taking on the neutral tones of the forest around him before settling back into the familiar hue of embers. “Maze!” he greets enthusiastically, not quite able to hide his surprise at finding her here. She hadn’t been around much since she brought them here, though that hadn’t bothered Vital overly much. She isn’t their mother after all. Only their savior.
He offers her a smile in return. “I’m good.” He clears his throat. “No more dragons.” He quiets then, not quite sure where to go from here. He’s never been a very good conversationalist, and he’s not certain what she might like to talk about. Maybe she had only come to make sure the two boys she’d saved are still surviving. So instead he says offhandedly, “You must be very busy.”
@Mazikeen