WED MY FIANCÉ (AGAIN), BED ELVIS, BEHEAD NERO

[ Eilithe, Feril, Jaedriel.]

Seraanna’s voice is soft as she considers the names given to her.

“I’m not certain I can… play this game as it is intended.”

“The little… one was my first friend in this city of Storms, and I’ve paid a price that she not… pass, once already. Still she infuriates me with… her self-reliance that borders on self-harm, and her willful… embrace of ignorance. But she… is young.”

“The Arbiter has been warm and… welcoming and unquestioning in a fashion unexpected. She’s trusted my presence near her child which many would… not. The notion of her and her… banner is greater than the teahouse can… encompass. I might hold the truth… of that path.”

“And the ancient druid? He is quiet and reticent but warm with the… boy. He offered surprising words, shared things and offered… observations that were unexpected from his lips. His insights were clear - clearer than answers I can offer in… return.”

Her gaze drops, “Would you ask me which… of my eyes I would covet and which I would… pluck out?”

“I would not have the little one, Jaedriel… pass. Marry then, by your words. She is youth, and should… have time the others have already held.”

“But the Arbiter and… the ancient one?” She frowns, “Roll the die, for I cannot… choose. I will lay with one, and… mourn the other.”

Kyuusei stared for a moment at the three names before her, and found only the most ancient and meaningful of human responses coming to mind.

“Fuck.”

With a resigned expression on her face, the druidess offered a few additional muttered imprecations. Kyuu appeared ready to speak before drawing up short at the onset of some inspiration.

“No, wait. That’s the wrong way to go about it… yeah.”

She nodded to herself, satisfied, then began ticking off names on her long fingers.

“Wed Eilithe. Dora’dor, it’s a strange thought to entertain. But I could never quite keep my footing with E and, if I remember right, that’s about how her marriage was anyways. Maybe that’s simply how her relationships run? And a marriage to the Arbiter would enable certain… things to be done.”

“Bed Velerodra. Because marrying Vel or pinning her down in any way would be like trying to net a cloud - no matter how fond I am of her. And there’s the teldorei to think of.” Kyuu chuckled softly, “A historian told me that nobles married for advantage and bedded for pleasure - it’s a principle worth considering.”

“Which puts Reveria on the chopping block. That’s not where I’d put her but… death is something she’s cheated once already. The smart money says she’d find a way to cheat it again. Besides, I really don’t want to worry about spiders in my kitchen or my bed…”

She leans back. “Knew I’d regret it.”

@revthepunchbear, @eilitheduskbringer, @velerodra-valesinger