King Elk Forest of a boy ruled by the sun, burned by the things he could never touch

Mato is not any more sure of what to make of any of this than his second in command is, but it’s there and now Mato is aware of it. Aware, to some extent, how Delight feels about him and he is aware that he harbors something unexplored for the wisp. This exploration will not be filled with exploding stars: will not be born in a massive explosion as it was with Brienne. Rather, this will be patient, a slow burn, un-rushed. It must be this way, Mato thinks, if only because he does not process emotions in the same way that others appear to and he likes to think his lesson is learned. Explosive, quick romances fizzled out and died just as quickly as they came to be. It is unfortunate, perhaps, that he perceives it like this. Yet, that does not change the fact that he does.

Mato does not attempt to draw Delight back, allowing the wisp to flee; and Mato does return to his patrol, his attention going raptly to the borders and refreshing them. He has already deduced he will not overthink and analyze this path and where it might lead. The druid’s never been afraid of the unknown, never actually been hesitant about making the leap. Mato sees no need to start being hesitant about anything now.