[What has he gained here? Kylo's smile is similarly shallow, but his reservation isn't born of fear. It's simply difficult, it seems, for anyone to realise just how new the concept of having anyone choose to side with him is— and that isn't something Thorne or Cadens or anyone from Abraxas can take from him. He's discovered a truth about himself, freed from the trappings of his past and the context that kept him tied into a singular role. He knows now that he isn't inherently unacceptable, undesirable or impossible to love (or even like).
And, of course, he's more than familiar with evil tyrants who kidnap, torture and direct their subjects to do the same and worse to prove their loyalty. If anything, he assumes most leaders will do the same given the opportunity. Better to work with those who have already tipped their hand.]
I imagine Cadens has its own priorities and methods for seeking compliance... and I hope you are able to outsmart them when the time comes. You certainly have a better chance of hiding there. Perhaps it will be enough, if you take care to hide your gifts. The Free Cities have a lot of soldiers to choose from, after all. You could disappear with ease.
[Not, Kylo's expression suggests, that she should have to. It seems a pity for someone with such capacity for radiance.]
no subject
Mm. It wasn't made for two.
[What has he gained here? Kylo's smile is similarly shallow, but his reservation isn't born of fear. It's simply difficult, it seems, for anyone to realise just how new the concept of having anyone choose to side with him is— and that isn't something Thorne or Cadens or anyone from Abraxas can take from him. He's discovered a truth about himself, freed from the trappings of his past and the context that kept him tied into a singular role. He knows now that he isn't inherently unacceptable, undesirable or impossible to love (or even like).
And, of course, he's more than familiar with evil tyrants who kidnap, torture and direct their subjects to do the same and worse to prove their loyalty. If anything, he assumes most leaders will do the same given the opportunity. Better to work with those who have already tipped their hand.]
I imagine Cadens has its own priorities and methods for seeking compliance... and I hope you are able to outsmart them when the time comes. You certainly have a better chance of hiding there. Perhaps it will be enough, if you take care to hide your gifts. The Free Cities have a lot of soldiers to choose from, after all. You could disappear with ease.
[Not, Kylo's expression suggests, that she should have to. It seems a pity for someone with such capacity for radiance.]
If that is what you want.