the oleander sword by tasha suri
will you protect her?
a shame that we cannot stop and admire it.
moments such as this are what make us whole.
it's alright if you feel— conflicted about killing someone. or if you're still a little afraid. it was frightening.
you've got nothing to be afraid of. you've got me.
i don't always want to hide behind you. maybe i want to look after you too. have you ever considered that?
it would be so much easier of you were here.
what greater love is there than wanting to lay the world in your beloved's hands?
if this is the path you wish to take, i will follow you upon it.
i'll sleep once the work is done.
i don't think i was tactful enough.
i don't think it's what you really want.
protecting the home we've built, the family we've made here... that feels worth it.
you should have sounded retreat.
i would have let hundreds die, if need be.
a battle is not simply a balance of lives.
how do you settle battles being won, in (place)?
i wish you could be more than this.
not all visitors are as welcome as you are.
i don't seek to see into your heart.
do you really want me to advise you? we'll only disagree.
i can be very annoying when i want to be.
you're trying to attempt the impossible.
who else do i have to trust, but you?
they will see, and they will fear you.
promise me you'll survive and come home.
when this is all over, i'll come home to you.
if you want to come— there's a place for you. i just can't promise it's a safe one.
if i could refuse you, do you think anyone else could sway me?
this is thankless work.
i am something new.
there's no one here. they're all long gone.
why are you still smiling?
i wanted you to see what i am now.
can you obey me?
i would like to think i'm flirting with you. or daring you, perhaps.
you will not die here.
you just need to give me your hand.
i can't fix everything for you.
i thought it had killed you.
men are dying. you can hear it, can't you?
you are a gift.
you always liked to play at being human.
you are not as you should be.
something is wrong with me.
don't worry. you won't feel like this forever.
will i be exiled? or will my throat be slit in the night?
don't show fear.
it has been a long, long time since you've held a sword with any intent to use it.
you're being gentle with me.
as long as my heart bids me to stay, i will stay, and i will fight.
i found someone watching you.
you are not as afraid of me as you used to be.
i did not think you thought of me enough to think me a fool.
do you think i'll kill you?
i could sleep on the floor. you wouldn't even notice me.
you don't like simpering, quiet women, do you?
i did not ask for you to sacrifice for my sake.
you have your wish after all.
do not hold yourself back from greatness.
you must think yourself valuable to me.
we gave up so much to be here. why then, shouldn't we reshape the world?
you are very good at being invisible when you choose to be.
aren't you going to use me?
should you be telling me your weaknesses?
i don't fear being your weapon.
every time you come to me, the bond between us grows stronger.
will you let me drown?
i do not care if mortals die.
what price must my flesh pay, when i am already hollow for you?
we would die hunted, like animals.
without sunrise, we cannot win.
your hope seems false.
will you trust in my fate?
whatever this is— please. stop this.
what would your people do without you?
i'm not myself. i think you can probably tell.
i may not understand the depth of your magic, but i've seen you control it before.
what if i'm not human enough anymore?
i should never have let you go into battle.
are you angry that i don't love as you do?
as if a simple battle could kill you.
everything that i am is yours.
were you going to go without me?
i like carrying a piece of you with me.
i am tired of wanting and not taking.
haven't we suffered enough?
to have magic, you have to sacrifice something.
what is wrong with you? what has become of you?
what i once wanted doesn't matter.
this is a holy place.
you believe danger is coming for us?
if i deny you, won't you simply slip away in the night?
don't throw my own words back at me.
how can you look at me so tenderly, and ask me to die for you?
what would you have done if i hadn't come?
that's a cruel thing to let yourself dream of, isn't it?
i'm not letting you break that promise.
we'll have to make sure you can protect yourself.
what can i do to stop you?
you should have told me all your fears.
don't die for me. whatever happens.
beg me. grovel with your face to the floor.
i want to kill you so very much.
i would always need you completely.
with me, you will find wholeness.
i hope you can forgive me for leaving you behind.
whatever you cannot mourn, i will mourn for you.
what kind of god would demand this from you?
i don't think you fear being powerless.
if you kill me, your name will be tarnished.
the only worth you have is in your death.
i gave you my heart. i need to take it back.












