" so i hear you're takin' a group back with ya to brodia, eh? "
morion's always got his ears perked when it comes to his beloved country. he always wants to know what's happening, how she's doing, what kinds of people are thinking about it... really, it's a joy just to hear the name in any context.
he is surprised, however, when he starts hearing it come up more often than usual. rumors of invitations by the crown prince himself to go see the country and learn about its history, its economy, and just about anything else one would want. after he gets a little more context, why, morion's touched. to think that people from all over, from countries he's never known before, might go see brodia in all of her glory, and with alcryst at the helm!
so he comes to alcryst once he's off from teaching for the day, grabbing his shoulder with familiar fatherly vigor. "well, ain't that just the greatest thing ever! more people ought'a know about brodia, anyhow!" gosh, how nice it would be to see one of her sunsets again...
he wills away his own disappointment and squeezes alcryst's shoulder a little tighter. "you go have all the fun you can. get footloose with your friends---for your old man! just hearing about what you all do over there will be enough for me."
“Yes!” Seeing his father’s grin brings a smile to his own lips. This is one of Alcryst’s bigger projects since becoming crown prince, and he’s pleased to see his Father so excited for their trip. “I hope that people see Brodia as a welcoming place. I think that will help us become stronger the way Diamant wants us to be.” The path towards peace is a difficult one, but it’s the one Diamant wants their kingdom to follow. Alcryst will do what he can to help that dream become reality.
Though… one thing Father says snaps Alcryst out of his optimistic daydreaming. “…Hearing about it? You’re coming home with us.”
When Alcryst thought of reaching Brodian soil and reuniting with his mother, he always imagined Father beside him. Returning home as he should have all those moons ago. It never crossed Alcryst’s mind that he would refuse the chance to go back.
He fears even asking the question, but it’s too late to turn back. “You are coming with us, aren’t you?”