An Oath of loyalty

Oath stood silently as Azriel spoke, his tail flicking in small, restless movements. He had expected something more defensive, something that would create further distance between them, but Azriel's words carried a warmth and steadiness that cut through the uncertainty brewing in Oath’s heart. He felt a lump form in his throat at the mention of that day- the day. The memory of it had become a cornerstone of their bond, the moment Oath had pulled Azriel back from a darkness that still haunted his best friend.

The offer to become Judila’s head priest, to have a new purpose beyond what he already held, took Oath by surprise. He wasn’t sure if Azriel was offering it out of genuine belief in his ability or just to give him something to keep him busy, but the sincerity behind it couldn’t be denied.

For a long moment, Oath said nothing, his gaze locked onto Azriel’s. The weight of his friend’s words, the life debt he spoke of, stirred something deep within him. It wasn’t about losing Azriel to Atreyu, not truly. It was about this shifting landscape of responsibilities and loyalties. But Azriel, ever practical, had already seen the solution, offering not just reassurance but a role that could help Oath carve out his own place in this changing world.

Finally, Oath’s posture relaxed slightly, though his cyan eyes still glimmered with a blend of emotions. "Judila's head priest," he murmured, as though testing the title in his mouth. "You always know how to find the right way forward, Az." His lips curled into a small, wry smile. "It’s not a bad idea… certainly better than me sulking around, wondering where I stand."

He took a deep breath, the tension in his chest loosening ever so slightly. "But I won’t lie and say it’s easy. I don’t want to feel like I’m just… being managed. I know this is bigger than either of us, but it doesn’t change that this whole thing feels like it’s driving a wedge between us. I don’t want to lose you, Az, not to duty, not to tradition."

Oath stepped forward, closing the space between them, his eyes softening. "You’ve always been more than just my friend, more than just a soldier or a guard. A brother. Now.. quite literally. And yeah, I’m afraid things will change between us, but… maybe they don’t have to. Maybe we just make sure they don’t. So let's promise each other they won't, alright?"

He tilted his head, a quiet resolve forming in his voice. "If I take on this role, I won’t just be doing it to keep busy. I’ll be doing it because I believe in the Morningstar Gods and what they stand for. And I’ll do it because I still believe in us. You, me, and Atreyu. We’re stronger together, right?"