Backdated to the beginning of this month

As he walks with his child, Aran thinks he should be more intimidated of the thing. It is an omnivore, sure - but holds the qualities of a strong carnivore on top of a deer's body. Something that makes his instincts wary but not Aran himself. He recognizes this thing as his blood, even though he has been quite a terrible father. Something glints inside saying he should feel terrible - that someone would shun him for it - but there is no one. Just him and his young, of whom has not been a child for many cycles.

"What have you been working on?" A simple question for a being Aran doesn't know as well as he should.

Not a perfect father, not entirely absent, yet still knows nothing about his own adult kid.

Ajit is not entirely sure why he agreed to wander with the barasingha aside from not having any plans. They've lost their siblings, so the only thing they've done is wait to see if either find their way home to the cave in the lush forests of Lacerta. This unplanned trip has him away from waiting for them to return.

Ajit is keeping an open mind, despite his father's silent words of protest.


"Waiting for them to come home." He says.

It's not right for his father to not think of them at all. At least Ajit thinks he's had nothing on his mind about them. On his merry way, away from his family yet around at the same time - Ajit wonders what things could've been like if he hadn't chose to keep most of his attention to himself. It's too late now, he thinks, but Ajit would like to have some kind of good familial relationship with Aran despite that.

Ajit is sure Tipu can handle himself, but Tova? Father does well with his blindness, but surely his lizard sibling would struggle without guidance? Ajit swallows and pushes it away. They are fine. They are probably hibernating.

"Thinking about working on my magic." It's been long enough, Ajit needs a way to train himself and asking for his father's help is probably the best thing he can do. "If you'd help me?"

Ajit doesn't expect much out of the question, but sends a hopeful glance at his father. Magic is his father's thing. His specialty. Ajit knows nothing about how his own power works.

Aran stares up at his kid - up (a crime, really) and frowns when he mentions the others.

"Don't you think it's time to move on for now? They will come to you on their own time."

It's not unusual for gembound to hibernate for some period of time. All of his children were explorers, Aran doesn't see an issue with them not being around tons. Aran himself is barely within their 'home'.

Aran is surprised when Ajit asks him for help. Magic seems to have come naturally to Aran since the beginning - at least the begging of what he can remember. Is that not the same for others?

"Of course I can help you." A good father would've helped sooner, but Aran focuses on himself. "Try to use what you already have inside. New things will come with time. You may feel a pull, or something else. Do not worry."