Hope was really all they had these days, and on some days it was a bit easier to cling to than others. Today felt particularly hopeful - despite the cold, frigid island air - and it was hard to conceal that lightness in his step. His decent mood was palpable, especially as he greeting Theory, and in the faint grin he offered her as she approached him. "Same to you," he replied easily. He'd never been the overly affectionate type, except maybe with his siblings, but it'd been so long since he'd seen Rhea and Aiden's absence early on in his life had affected him quite a bit. If he'd once been a cheerful, affectionate boy, he was far from that now... though he welcomed her touch today, leaning lightly into it before pulling away. The presence of family, especially Theory, was as much a comfort as it was a blessing.
Despite his relatively good mood, he couldn't shake the unease that pricked at his brain at her next words. Shaye was stepping down. Perhaps it shouldn't have come as much of a surprise, but it struck him strangely for a moment as he paused to process it. "I see," he replied, slowly lowering himself to his hindquarters and focusing on her. Like her, he was trying to discern her reaction over the news. Was she scared? Upset? Did she feel like she was ready? He supposed it didn't really matter whether she felt ready; he had a feeling she'd do whatever Abaven needed her to do, regardless of her own personal opinions on the matter. "I don't blame her. Things have been hard, and..." Well, she wasn't getting any younger. She wasn't much older now than his father had been, the last time Corvus had seem him, and he had certainly been too old to carry the burden of ruling - not that he'd ever taken on such responsibility in the first place.
"How do you feel about that?" Corvus asked after a moment, truly curious. He wasn't one for small talk, nor was talking about feelings something he was very good at, but he cared about Theory and what she was feeling.. and if she needed help, if he could help, he wanted to be there for her.
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