Stoatorian Guard Rainblade-Ryalors Private Where We Began

[Tanya Keltoi]

Caden was holding his composure admirably in the face of such a difficult discussion; yet again Tanya felt a surge of pride for the jack she had played some small part in raising, along with a healthy dose of respect. Painful though his road had no doubt been, it had led him to a place of emotional intelligence few in Bully Harbour possessed.

It was evident that his words had touched her, and green eyes briefly darted before the prickling dampness in the corners began to show. Tanya chuckled but the humour did not reach her eyes. "That means a lot, Caden. Thanky'. Still, whatever it tells you, you'd be best taking it with a pinch of doubt," she replied. "I ain't often a good sort and I don't say that out've a need to be told otherwise. I've done wrong by plenty who deserve to stay angry: I don't deserve forgiveness so I won't ask you for it. But I'd be remiss to suggest I ain't trying to make amends where I can. Now I've done things in my life...terrible things I can't talk about, but what happened with your parents is one of my biggest regrets. Often I've wondered how I'd have done things differently with an older head on these shoulders."

The older fox settled back in her chair with a long sigh. "That's the problem with looking back. In the end your mother gave me the best gift I could ask for: the opportunity to raise my kits. In the end the twins ended up seeing Falun cut down on the docks, and there's nothing I could ever do to heal that wound. Still, they had their mum, and that's more'n can be said for you. When she was my Cap'n I always knew she was the one I could trust to look after her crew. Even in her grief she saw fit to put others first. That's down to Skeenie's character."

Her gaze dipped briefly to where the two beasts' paws were intertwined, expression softening on another moment of reflection. "Now I can't say I know you either, but my impression is you two are some of the best've us. You don't have to trust or forgive me, but if you'd let me, I'd be delighted to get to know you better over time." She looked to Daniil. "Both of you. Even if this is prob'ly one of the worst ways we could be introduced, eh?"

 

[Daniil Ryalor]

Daniil listened to the vixen's confessions, surprise showing on his face at the apology she offered and humility demonstrated. Tanya seemed entirely unlike her sister; if Daniil had ever heard his Aunt Dusk once truly express contrition or regret, he couldn't think of it. He was fairly certain the Hellgates themselves would open if she even tried.

That isn't very kind, Mileya's voice, which had become his conscience over the years, rebuked him. He had to admit, the characterization was a bit harsh. Aunt Dusk loved to put on a front of being braver, smarter, and more powerful than she was; while it was hard to get to the real her past the facade she wore like armor, he'd seen it happen from time to time. Mileya and his cousin Alywn, in particular, seemed to be able to draw out the gentler side of the vixen from time to time. While it was far from the sustained humbleness that Tanya now demonstrated, it at least was still a positive change.

Daniil smiled at Tanya's remark. "I can think of worse, y- Tanya," he corrected himself. He gave Caden's paw a small squeeze as he glanced over at his lover. "The first time we ever met, I think I scared Caden with my blade," he recalled. He gripped the katana by the hilt, a motion of seeking comfort. "It belonged to my mother," he explained. "I'm not sure that Caden had ever seen a katana before that, right?" He glanced to Caden in curiosity.

 

[Caden S. Freemont]

"Not since I was a kit," Caden said weakly, fumbling for a reasonable explanation for his reaction from that day some months before. Daniil had never mentioned it, and the jack hoped it would have been forgotten in all that had happened since. "I remember Falun more faintly, but it was Talinn who I knew better, as I met him when I was older, and I remember his katana. He and my mother were frequently...at odds. Seeing such a blade after so many years brought back memories from that time in my life, some of which are more difficult to face."

It was not entirely a lie; there was a great deal of truth in his statement. He simply skirted around his issue with that specific katana worn by Daniil. He pressed on in hopes that his explanation would be accepted. It seemed Daniil took everything he said with the innocence and earnestness of a trusting kit, but he knew enough about Tanya to know that she could find even the smallest of leaks in what seemed a well-sealed story.

"First impressions are certainly important, but even more important is what we do with our time together after a first meeting." Caden inclined his head slightly to the vixen. "I'd be interested in getting to know you as well, Tanya. Though, I may not have much choice otherwise, given that I've found myself pulled into the Ryalor fold." He smiled fondly at Daniil before turning back to Tanya. "I don't know anybeast who served under my mother when she was a Naval captain. She spoke fondly of those days, though, and of the beasts she sailed with. Seems it was a happier, simpler time for her. I remember wishing I had been born to her then, rather than later in her life."

He shook his head and shrugged. "So perhaps you can help me get to know her better, the full extent of her. My memories and feelings about her are...complicated, to say the least. Seems most of that time of my life was complicated; probably why I got out of the Imperium and ran from it as soon as I could. I understand having regrets and the need to make amends. Gates know I made my fair share of choices and mistakes that cost innocent lives over the course of my life." His gaze had become distant and hard as he looked away towards the plant on his desk. He paused for several long moments. Finally, he looked back to the vixen, a haunted expression flitting behind his red eyes.

"So I can't fault you, Tanya, not really. I'd be willing to learn how to trust you, over time. Seems we all need more beasts we can trust."