flame queen

A deep belly laugh escaped Mako at the other’s story. There was always a 50/50 chance that when Sigmis told a story it ended with something or someone being set on fire. He usually enjoyed those stories the most and this was no exception to that case. “——From what I’ve gathered, I find it even more amusing that we’re supposedly savages and cannibals yet are seemingly more unified than them.” A simple shrug quickly followed as a somewhat coy smile worked it’s way onto his lips. “And I’ve stopped trying to count at this point. But if they prefer to stay here over trying to return, then we must be doing something right.”

Mako threw people, Gil shot people, Sigmis set them on fire. It was simply how things worked in Essen. They were fair rulers though, and didn’t have many issues within their kingdoms. Of course, he was sure it had been more difficult all those years ago when the tribes had first come together. “There’s a new kingdom which wasn’t on my map previously. They’ve continued to splinter since we lost contact with them all those hundreds of years ago...” he mused. “I suppose, but I still don’t trust the lot of them. You are more welcoming than I.”

Grey chuckled softly, not further commenting on the reckless part. He definitely was being a ‘little snot’ about it. He wouldn’t admit that aloud, but it kind of tickled him pink to annoy the other kings and queens with his shenanigans. He turned back to face Sigmis. “Not nearly as beautiful as you or Gil,” he told the other.

Sigmis had known Grey for many years, but he still was occasionally amazed by how reckless the other could be. Surprising considering he was sure the other had impulsively killed his parents. It wasn’t worth bringing up though. It was simply an unspoken and accepted fact. Reaching out, he cupped the other’s face. “You flatter me, but I will remind you that it will not soften me towards any of your insane ideas.”

“Has he taken our warning seriously? Has he amassed troops to send to us or to defend himself? You assume he wants to help us.” Gilford strung another arrow and fired it at his target. He had no trust int he kings of Metia. They all seem pathetic and so eager to show thier power and boldness off to each other. What would do that like war with the ‘savages’. But what a cruel war that would be. Thousands of Metian’s slaughtered before they even reached the palace gates. “You know as well as I, you cannot prevent Grey from doing anything he wants to do. Tat is like  asking the rain not to fall.”  

“No more than usual. Impending doom seems to do that though you know.” he said with a soft chuckle though he was far from feeling mirthful. Perhaps he was so eager to make war with the Metians was because he understood them. Understood how to slay a kingdom. How to kill men. These giants. They filled him with unease. “Warriors and information would be the best things to get. I doubt the kingdoms beyond the wall will help us from what my intel brings me so we should prepare like we will have to do it alone. Any support will be a bonus.” 

“I am very much aware.” Sigmis was nervous too. If it was an invasion of people, there would be no fear. The kings were powerful warriors, not that Sigmis enjoyed fighting. “You are incorrect. The king of...Bergia? Has taken my warnings very seriously. He said he will gather troops.” He was quiet for a moment. “We must prevent Grey from trying to make war with them first.”

Grey hardly seemed to deflate at the scold. He was used to it. Sigmis had to scold him… probably ten times a day. And, that was definitely a good day. “A war? Who said I am proposing war?” he asked the man with a quirked brow. He had thought about it, but he wouldn’t actually say it aloud until he was sure they could take the lands. “Reckless? Sigmis, you wound me. I’m never reckless,” he lied as he turned to look around. “Their men aren’t as beautiful as ours.”

It was how things were. It was the way they all kept in balance. Someone had to scold Grey for his aggressive thoughts. The murder of the previous king had already proven the other to be quick to act without truly thinking of the consequences. “I know you. Do not play innocent with me...” he sighed. “I also hope you’re just being a little snot by implying you are anything but reckless.” It would surely be Grey’s downfall, but he was fortunate the other kings cared for him enough to be able to control the reckless behavior...for the time being. “You don’t believe so? It wasn’t something I paid much mind to.”