The days had been long and tiring. Being a father was never a life that Vaeron had never sought for himself, or intended to have. However, destiny had struck, and it had struck fast, twisting his world with guilt conscience and paternal love as a weapon, holding up the darling young girl Celandine as a victory.

Yet he was still not entirely dragged into the world of fatherhood. Still, the warrior, and once mage, fought against his newer duties as regent for the Fortress of the Golden Lily whilst the Matriarch herself was gone. Bravely he strove to not be entirely enveloped into the role he had agreed to, go give in to that enterprise. However ... however ... he made the decision to stay with Philomel, not the other way around. He had made the symbolic gesture of helping her to ultimately escape that ship's prison all that time ago, and then assisted her in taking over that ship. They had sailed the waters for a thousand leagues, and a thousand leagues more, coming to rest on shores just like this one that he now strode.

Shirtless, with a simple bow in hand, and a long dagger at his hip. No arrows, however, and no armour. Just his lonely soul. His feet also were bare, and left long footprints in the white sand as he walked along the line of the waters. Almost to the exact tick of a clock did the waves wash in and out, never touching his skin but daring him to step closer.

Yet he was strong, and would not give into its temptations - just like he was yielding against adopting the full responsibilities of his position.

Behind him, following at several paces back, was a huge black stallion. He was bridle-less and saddle-less, yet still wandered after the human like he had no one else to be with. Billows of steam came out of the horse's nostrils, filling the air between them. It spiralled with magnificence in the brilliant summer light, sparking revolution in the atmosphere. The clouds did not bear anything to his breath, and the sea's strength nothing to the animal's muscles.

Over his shoulder Vaeron looked to glance at his horse. A small quirk came at his upper cheek, but beyond that nothing showed the fact he was going to smile. Minus, of course, that of the glint in his eye and the mysterious past of his light, but vivid scars that were emblazoned on his face. However, then he paused, and his head tilted past the bulk of the horse to see ...

A man. Standing further up the shore, and just beyond them. It seemed that the man and beast had completely wandered passed him. Clearly, it was their valiant competitor. Here, in the Citadel.

The one place to get away from all fears and worries of life.

Slowly Vaeron raised a hand in greeting.