Li Ying let out a hot breath, tension he didn’t know he had releasing from his body as a laugh – a laugh, of all things – came unbidden from his lips. ‘It’s really him.’ He thought, as if he were trying to convince himself. After years of being isolated and unable to see the one he served, the only thought on his mind for the majority of his teen years here, Gaius leader of Taurus, future King…
Well, current King now, as it so happened. Li Ying was certainly happy to hear that Gaius had won over Auj Oule’s tyrant of a King, but to rule all of Reize Maxia now… it was impressive.
However, the reverence and awe did not leave the sanctum of his mind. Instead, he said this: “Of course I do. Who else would know me and decisively go the wrong way without my assistance?” Li Ying smirked at the King, obviously baiting him while offering help at the same time. “Shall I guide you?”
Gaius felt a tension leave his shoulders, as he relaxed ever so slightly. So Li Ying hadn’t forgotten him after all. More than that, the man in front of him seemed eager to stay in his company, baiting him with a snide way of talking that hadn’t changed in the slightest since he was a teenager. It was refreshing in more ways than one.
That left Li Ying’s offer which lay fresh on the table. So where he was going was the wrong way after all. With a response of “Please.” to the Long Dau’s offer the king made a small sweeping arm gesture to the other, encouraging him to lead the way. “Let us see if your tactical sense of direction is as keen as it once was.” A gentlemanly nod followed his proposal.