There's no need for him to say what she already knows. It's a painful enough memory without being spoken aloud, and she would never push him to say words to describe it. Some things are best said but once, their existence acknowledged through half sentences and vague hints. This is one of those things.
"We'll teach whoever comes, and not push on the rest. Those who join us will be strong and talented, and more than capable of defending themselves and others in a matter of weeks or months." She smiles softly at him. "With the other defenses we want to add, Asvera will be well protected. Even if we only have those few people trained, it'll be enough to start. Others will come with time, whether in this generation or the next."
The next. Will they have any among them? Children who will follow in their parents' footsteps to learn to take up arms and become strong warriors? Amelia never wondered or thought about such things while living on her own, but now...
She exhales slowly, resting her head against his shoulder. They've been together long enough that she knows the conversation will come eventually. Asvera has accepted her place at its king's side, and the people are as much her own as any others ever were in Masarra. They need to address their future before too long, lest they find it too late to do so.
But not tonight. Tonight is for peace. The rest can come later.
"We'll find our way forward with them," she murmurs after a moment's silence. "This is our home, and none here will sit idly by when asked to aid in its safety. We'll all contribute something, whether it's goods or our arms. I have no doubt of that."
no subject
"We'll teach whoever comes, and not push on the rest. Those who join us will be strong and talented, and more than capable of defending themselves and others in a matter of weeks or months." She smiles softly at him. "With the other defenses we want to add, Asvera will be well protected. Even if we only have those few people trained, it'll be enough to start. Others will come with time, whether in this generation or the next."
The next. Will they have any among them? Children who will follow in their parents' footsteps to learn to take up arms and become strong warriors? Amelia never wondered or thought about such things while living on her own, but now...
She exhales slowly, resting her head against his shoulder. They've been together long enough that she knows the conversation will come eventually. Asvera has accepted her place at its king's side, and the people are as much her own as any others ever were in Masarra. They need to address their future before too long, lest they find it too late to do so.
But not tonight. Tonight is for peace. The rest can come later.
"We'll find our way forward with them," she murmurs after a moment's silence. "This is our home, and none here will sit idly by when asked to aid in its safety. We'll all contribute something, whether it's goods or our arms. I have no doubt of that."