[se] towards better things

A joy hard-learned in winter was the warming of the bed
You'd shake for minutes there and move your legs

The mention of Safrin has Koa faltering, worry creeping in amongst the youthful joie-de-vivre. "Only rumors," the boy confirms, eyes darting up to the Sword's bearded face, trying to read in the ice-carved lines just how concerned he ought to be. "That she's gone. And that nobody really knows where, or for how long, or why." The lift of his eyebrow shifts his hat, a hopeful inquiry of do you? written in that furrowed gaze. "I've never heard of a herald leaving," he adds softly, as much to himself as to the other man.

But Diemos offers familiar ground, and Koa clings to it without restraint. "That's right!" the young Dragoon concurs, only the forward momentum of their walk keeping him from rocking eagerly on his toes. "The goal - my goal - is that we'll be able to work with the soldiers of other realms, creating a more unified protection force. To learn from each other, and establish a network of safety for anyone who needs it, no matter their homeland. Or race," he adds with a sidelong glance at Deimos, the General's earlier concerns not easily forgotten.

"In fact," he goes on, a little bit cautious but still bubbling with hope, the youthful dream of unification bright in his eyes and voice, "I was hoping- that is, it would be incredible if we could get your guidance. I can't imagine how much I - we - could learn from you, Warden."

Koa Carpenter

Wrap the blanket over you and keep your head within
Let your breath heat the air until you'd feel it getting thin