they sat at the borders of where humans hid from people like them. no. not people, but creatures.

ashzen was braiding flowers into kael’s hair. kael relaxed for once, leaning back against him.

ashzen was hugging him more than he was truly getting work done.

work — meanwhile, apolin sat nearby, clipboard of paperwork on his lap, chewing on his pen.

“that one should be one-nine-four..” guided rhoam gently.

a rifle set at the groups feet. a bitter reminder, along with a few out of place arrows.

on the other side of the training grounds, some of the younger warriors stood, pushing each other best they could.

“they’ve already done more than this war could ask of them.”

kaels soft voice always warranted attention. what a leader he was.

ashzen bent to rest his forehead against the boy’s shoulder wearily.

apolin tensed, humming in response. it didn’t count, not really, but it was filled with what remained unsaid.