What was it about the man?

He never seemed to laugh loudly, he rarely raised his voice in anger. His smile was almost constants these days – beautiful. He was a source of calm in a crazy castle, a pool of still strength. Each movement he made was controlled and he radiated confident determination.

He was a curiosity. He lived amongst them, beings of great power. They could shake the earth, command fire, wind and water. They were powerful, magical beings, titled Lords of the land born to govern and rule. Yet somehow this man who could do none of these things was their protector. With no title he commanded respect, with no throne, his soft spoken words were obeyed. Beings of power gave him their obedience without question. What was it about this man, who seemed insignificant in terms of power, and yet had more command, more influence and more strength than those around him.

He had played the role of traitor, and yet somehow was still trusted more then any other. Granted he had almost died proving his loyalty, but he could yet be a king of a different country, so how could they trust him not to yearn for power.

That was the most confusing, the most puzzling. For all his strength, his (well, yes) charisma – the observer was loath to give that compliment to one other than himself – his ability to influence, his skills in battle, and his potential to rule. He sought to serve rather than rule. To be in the background, to kneel, take commands.

What was it about this man? How could he NOT reach for more power, NOT use his influence to place himself better? How could he prefer to serve, rather than being served himself. The observer had never truly understood the man, they were so similar in personal confidence, potential and ability and so different in other ways.

It was easy to chalk it up to love, to loyalty, but in the face of the abuse he suffered, the discrimination, the million small slights by those who refused to see beyond the surface – those words were insufficient.

As the two jogged past, in the light of dawn. The smaller one, gleamed like the sun, his power obvious, pure and bright to the observer. It was the other however who was confusing the observer. He had no magic, yet he had something, something that was just beyond the comprehension of one who always choose to rule. As they jogged past the temple, the observer once again tried to put together the complex puzzle. 'Its irritating". He muttered to himself, "The others are easy to read, just what is it about this man that escapes me?" The Great One shook his head, contemplating this unique puzzle.