The air was fresh and filled with greetings upon his return, praises of his accomplishments across the sea — mindless chatter he tried to find gratitude in as he nodded and sought thanks. Four long years spent in battle, a trial well recognized and received in the eyes of the people.

Allino stood tall with an arm behind his back, dressed in a well-tailored uniform sporting the glistening hues of honored badges, the ship a masterfull piece of pride behind him. His warm eyes were attentive, a gentle air that belied the tales heard of battle and conquest. A sigh, his features solemn as those chocolate hued irises shift.

His chest tightened. He scolds himself — having thought his emotions were settled by now, yet there you were. Strides a calming notion guiding you through town, you were just as alone and forgotten as you were all those moons ago, head down to focus on what you always did. Your family.

A knife settles and he holds a breath. Allino didn't pity you, no...it was more than that — a need to have you close, to shelter your sweet soul from those who called you odd, who shunned you for the unclaimed sins of your father. Even now his heart beat with adoration, yet always it was denied.

You wanted love, yet he was never good enough, not for your father — and your care for family was prioritized first...even if it was downright sorrowed. Still it seemed you were stuck in a routine, caring for family over your own needs. Your own happiness.

A twinge and the man sighs, a soft excuse for his absence.

He could care for you. For your family.

Yet you had said yourself you wouldn't allow your own love until your father gave approval — an impossibility for the cantankerous old fool who couldn't care less for trivial matters.

Dark thoughts were shaken off. He would not allow himself to become a monster. Though it hurt, that longing from lonelines — and Allino found himself striding after you. His coat sways. He didn't want for you to be shunned. Lonely. Your kindness to dim because of simple-minded ideologies.