#more drabbling

It was a growing pain that was honestly more literal than people really thought. Shuri could feel her new scales coming in as her old ones began to shed and it was honestly quite painful. Had it not been for her father teaching her breathing techniques and other distracting things, she'd focus on that pain until the blessed relief of it being done.

The other Scions were curious. There weren't many Auri folk in their rank and even Urianger was asking questions of the Xaela in his usual prose on how her scales shed so. Shuri wasn't sure how to really describe it aside from "A nuisance that Auri go through, nothing more".

neon makes sound. a dull, constant sound. a buzz that permeates the city. a hum that resembles a chant, a voice you can never escape.

contrast with Trench. the first time you stop running long enough for your breath to steady. And…nothing. No hum, no buzz, no sounds from next door. Just stillness. Quiet. Silence that seems heavy, oppressive, even. The chance to hear your own heartbeat. The chance to hear your own thoughts. And where do they go?

                “To not to,” the boy said with a giggle, shifting restlessly in his grandfather’s arms.

                “Then why were you disobeying your father?” Slyxis chastised the boy, giving him a ticklish prod and making Kasyix squeal with laughter.

                “We were playing!” he shrieked, trying to get away from attacking hands.

                Slyxis lifted scarlet eyes reproachfully to his son, who smiled sheepishly. “Hide and seek, Father, not tag. And you still shouldn’t run in the hall. You nearly bowled your grandfather over.”

                Slyxis snorted disdainfully. “As if I could ever be knocked over by such a scrawny child.”

“I could so, Grandda!”

Eaeyir laughed and took his son from his father’s grasp. “I’m sure you could, young one. Now,” he set the prince on the ground, “Go find your friends. And walk!” he shouted when his son tried to run. Slyxis chuckled and shook his head, turning an aging gaze to the crown prince. “Don’t look at me like that,” Eaeyir grunted crossly, crossing his arms.

Slyxis laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “Now I think you understand what I went through.”

“I never—“

“Oh, yes, you did,” the Emperor cut across. “Where do you think he gets it?”

“His mother,” Eaeyir grumbled as they turned to walk back the way he had come.