[ Julius settles and Sion shifts to meet him, the tall grasses of their flower bed rustling with the motion of the King resting his head atop Julius' lap. ]

One might argue that trees are the farthest from 'pure'. Trees are the lungs of the land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people, and by doing so--...

[ Giving pause, Sion opens his eyes, their liquid color seeking out a familiar grey. ]

They become tainted themselves. Corruption becomes trapped in their leaves; in their bark.

[ And then a hand lifts, gently molding to the curve of the other man's jaw in a too-tender touch. ]

But such is the nature of noble and just sacrifice.