It's felt like forever.

[ Did he just speak his mind, Aidan? Yes, yes he did. Although the embarrassed smile remains. #Arcadia ]

I'll admit to being a little shocked to see you here, Father. I thought you'd be mobilized with the other Kings.

[ There's curiosity in his voice where there used to be worry. He's sitting down now, a few feet away from your snout. In his seeming, the tracks of feathers on his skin, and his hair glow with a shy little light. ]