Evolution begins with an ant colony

Tatilia, mid-chew on a juicy piece of boar, stopped and blinked with a mischievous glint in her yellow eyes.

"Hmm, that sounds awfully familiar, Master," she said, her voice playful. "Didn't you ask us this very same question back at the capital of Akundia, right after we all agreed to join you?"

Akun sputtered on his wine, coughing lightly. "Wait really! That doesn't sound like what happened if I remember correctly you all just insisted on joining, you never told me why you actually wanted to come." The others chuckled, Azara even managing a small, genuine laugh.

"Well, Master," Tatilia continued, wiping a bit of sauce from her chin with a napkin, "perhaps a little refresher wouldn't hurt. After all, a good story deserves to be told twice, wouldn't you say?" She winked, her playful demeanor infectious.

Hestria, wiping her mouth with a napkin, met Akun's gaze with a serious glint in her blue eyes.

"I'll go first, then."

She cleared her throat and spoke calmly but confidently.

"Master Akun, my loyalty is absolute. Consider me your loyal sword and shield. From the moment I witnessed your power on display, I knew there was something extraordinary about you. A potential for greatness that compels me to follow in your wake."

Her voice softened slightly. "There's a reassuring aura about you, Master. A confidence that warms the soul, even when your power can be... terrifying. Deep down, I believe you are a good person, and as long as I stand beside you, all things might just turn out alright."

A warm smile appeared on Genreia's face. "Charmingly said, Hestria. If I weren't already spoken for, I might just fall in love with you myself!" She winked, sending a playful shiver down Hestria's spine.
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Azara, cheeks flushed a light pink, cleared her throat.

"My turn, I suppose."

She stole a glance at Akun, her voice barely a whisper. "Akun, we both know how I feel. You promised we'd talk later..."

Her voice trailed off, a touch of shyness and seriousness swirling in her eyes.

"But it's not just because of what Mother said. It's because of my own feelings. I wanted to hear your answer, to know if you felt the same."

She looked down at her plate, a single tear threatening to spill.

Akun gave her a warm smile, "Right," he said, feeling a touch of guilt.

"I did, didn't I? Well then I guess I should give you an answer."

Akun cleared his throat as he got ready to speak. "I guess it's my turn to offer some honesty."

"Azara."

He called softly to Azara, his voice gentle, "I know how you feel by now, and I am genuinely grateful, however, telling you I love you right now wouldn't be completely honest."

Azara flinched, a look of hurt crossing her face. She opened her mouth to speak, but Akun quickly continued.

"But," he interjected, "that doesn't mean I don't care for you. I find you interesting, Azara. Kind, funny, and someone I genuinely enjoy being around." He paused, searching for the right words. "Perhaps, given time, I could learn to love you."

Azara's cheeks turned pink. "L-like, really, really try?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Akun chuckled, the sound warm and genuine.

"Yes, Azara. Really, really try."

Azara's blush deepened, but a shy smile spread across her face. The tension in the room eased, and instead it now seemed somewhat awkward yet hopeful. Genreia nudged Azara playfully, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"See, Azara? I told you he was worth waiting for!" she whispered, sending Azara a teasing wink.

Hestria simply nodded, a smile spreading on her lips. She cleared her throat, ready to redirect the conversation.

"So, lady Tatilia," she began, turning her attention to the ever-evasive woman, "your turn to share your story. What brings a vibrant soul like you to follow master Akun?"

Tatilia, leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful look replacing her usual mischievous grin.

"My turn, I suppose."

"Master," she began, her gaze fixed on him, "I've always admired you. Your strength, your skill, your intellect – they've always shone so brightly. You radiate a kind of power that... well, it draws people in, you know?"

A slight blush crept up her cheeks. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, being around you makes me feel alive. I want to spend the rest of my days basking in that light, learning from you, growing alongside you."

Akun smiled softly, a warmth spreading through him.

"Thank you, Tatilia," he replied, his voice sincere. "That means a lot to me."

Genreia, always quick to lighten the mood, chimed in, "Alright, alright, enough with the sappy confessions! It's my turn now." She winked at Akun, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Now, I won't lie," she began, her voice turning serious, "following you isn't exactly without its burdens. You see, I carry a silent responsibility on my shoulders – the future of my entire race. It's a heavy weight to bear, and sometimes I question it all. Why should I spend my life with someone I barely know, someone I don't even have feelings for?"

She paused, taking a sip of her wine. "But then I started to see a different side of you, Master. A gentleness, a kindness that most wouldn't expect from someone so powerful. Part of me wants to protect that, even though I doubt someone like you needs protecting."

Akun raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Protect me?" he echoed.

Genreia shrugged, a playful smile returning to her face. "Just a thought. Maybe it's a bit foolish, but there you have it. Those are my reasons, for better or worse."

Akun couldn't help but chuckle, a genuine laugh that filled the room. He looked around at the women, each with their own unique motivations, yet all bound by a common thread – their faith in him. He still held the burden of Aric's words, but for the first time, a touch of hope ignited within him.

Raising his glass, he met their gazes one by one. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for sharing your hearts with me. I won't let you down."