Ocean's Breath Plateau snakebite

he was already taken aback by the "prophet." he'd never seen himself as such, and the fact that such a pious man gave him that name struck two emotions within him—one abashed, for he felt he didn't deserve it, and one pleased. the latter won out; it was a much-needed stroke of ego, and prepared him for what came next.

aditya's jaw sagged slightly. of course, he said without hesitation. you are free to worship any gods you like. 

oh, my. he hadn't felt this kind of purpose since. . . how long had it been, now? your loyalty should be to this land and the wolves on it, adi continued, assuming a more regal posture, though his eyes remained kind. protect them, defend them, care for them. we will keep each other fed, happy and healthy here. do you promise to do so?

morningside, it came to him suddenly, with a bittersweet aftertaste. he had come into his own at morningside, and though he'd lost himself along the way several times, he was coming back to that sense of self.