If Micaiah were to speak true, it was at times odd how things stayed the same, even when the times were different. One war had come to an end, and thus the people of Daein had to rebuild, though the Bengion occupation had made that difficult. And when a second war started and ended just as suddenly (perhaps it only felt like a short period of time due to her long lifespan), the people of Daein were hesitate to try and rebuild. With uncertainty, it was only when peaceful accords with all neighboring countries were formed that her beloved country took a collective sigh of relief and quickly bent their steady heads to the unpleasant work of rebuilding. No matter her status, whether as commoner, general or queen, her people looked to her, and as much as Micaiah was glad to offer them light and guidance - their eyes always felt too piercing considering her gloved hands.
And... there remained a knight within Daein, even if it felt like a secret at times. How change yielded so many similarities to the past indeed.
A gentle smile graces her features at the title he still used for her (a part of her hoped he would continue to use it - no one called her maiden of dawn, it was queen or priestess now, and with those titles came much greater burdens). Titling her head towards him slightly, she came to rest close to his side, her (gloved) hands on the balcony. The lights of Nevassa were bright, and it warmed her heart to see them grow in number. Much like it warmed her to know that her company was pleasant for the stoic and taciturn knight, the man who she was grateful to have a proper chance to possibly befriend, now that war was behind them.
"Sir Zelgius, you have already aided Daein so many times. If anyone should be offering to help, I would offer my services to you." Perhaps an odd sentiment from a queen, but Micaiah had always put her people first, before titles, money, goods, or anything else. And Zelgius was certainly one of her people, especially now. "I was encouraged to take some time and rest today, lest I cause others to worry over my wellbeing. Provided you were not busy, and so wished to join me, I thought we could perhaps go for a walk? Your company is one I enjoy, and today is quite lovely, don't you think?"
It was, for a queen, quite the selfish request - to deny help and yet request ones' company regardless. Still, she hoped he would not hold it against her, even if he declined to join her. Even so, Micaiah still wished for his presence, and though she once would have been perhaps more blunt in her honesty, the airs and ways of queens left her stumbling at times - wondering if she could still confide in him as she once did during the war, or if that would no longer be proper for the Daein Queen.
"Though they aren't quite as grand as Bengions', Laura tells me that the new gardens between the castle and Nevassa are growing splendidly."