the places in his dreams

:) trying something different today

Addam's eyes.

Minoth goes there first when he feels like getting sentimental. That wistful gaze, the look of far-fetched fantasy. Even when Addam looks Minoth right in the eye, it feels like he's looking past him. Looking towards the futures he hasn't seen, the things he hasn't done, the places he hasn't gone. There are still so many.

Minoth doesn't ever deign to ask what Addam is thinking about in those moments. Not when they're setting up camp for the night, or while they're scarfing down a hasty dinner, or even when it's late and they've been drinking. He's content to craft the blessed answer for himself: You, of course, Minoth. All the while, his prince looks beyond.

Addam's smile, too, is as golden as the rest of him. He's always doing it, even in situations when he by all accounts shouldn't-- a little nervous tic, one of his many endearing qualities. Sharp, white teeth emerging from behind full lips, soft valleys and notches appearing in his cheeks as the skin stretches into place. It'll charm you to death, that smile. Not that he means to. He's just being as much Addam as he damn well can. Nonetheless, it sets the ladies' hearts aflutter, and maybe Minoth's as well, but we'll never know for sure.

Anyway, Addam is an idealist. And a leader, too, though not by choice or by nature. He's no quintessential Tornan ruler. Everyone loves him all the more for that. And he loves them back, of course, tenfold.

Oh, how he loves. Addam has a pretty young wife, and a baby on the way, and a mansion on a hill, and a gleaming badge pinned to his breast. Still, he gives, and gives, and he never runs out of space in that loyal, generous, unfailing heart.

Addam's heart.

Big enough by far to hold Aletta, then even bigger than that for all of Alrest, especially the Architect-forsaken people who inhabit it. Young and old, big and small, wicked, kind, he holds them all.

Then there's Minoth's heart, so cruelly and crudely designed. It has only ever really had room for one certain stubborn, congenial prince, though the love is just as strong and unconditional.

It will always hurt, but that's all right, isn't it?

What are you thinking about?

Wherever it is you go, can we go together?