There's a blank stare from Aleron at the request to confirm that he would choose Bethany over anything else. Given his distant relationship with his twin and the dubious one with his overbearing Mama, this is a no-brainer. He's not known his younger sisters save through correspondence since they were babes. They are blood but they are not family. "Of course I would choose her." He'd be more offended at the implication that he might not do so if it weren't for him already softening his gaze as he looks at her. Really, once he commits to something it's as steady and sure as a boulder. "My life was nothing before Bethany."
As to the Seekers? He's given that no small amount of thought and yes this was a decision made in his own self-interest for once in his life. "If it reforms," If, for it might not, and even should it do so, "I do not intent to return. I was given to them as a boy of eight by no decision of my own." In some lights, one could almost see it as very similar as young mage children being handed over to the Circle, placed into a life not of their choosing. "I know my duty, to the Maker, and to my family. Today, I chose my path, my devotion, and it lies wholly with my wife."
"Regardless, Mother knows and cares not; she is Orlesian after all." Issues with the tragedy of the White Spire aside, they're far more agreeable about mages attending court than some other nations. "And she's quite determined to settle her title on me. So in time, Bethany will be a Countess in her own right and free to do as she pleases. "
And frankly if the new Divine (or Mama) truly makes a stink about it, they'll simply return to Nevarra where Mortalitassi are respected and that will be the end of it.
no subject
As to the Seekers? He's given that no small amount of thought and yes this was a decision made in his own self-interest for once in his life. "If it reforms," If, for it might not, and even should it do so, "I do not intent to return. I was given to them as a boy of eight by no decision of my own." In some lights, one could almost see it as very similar as young mage children being handed over to the Circle, placed into a life not of their choosing. "I know my duty, to the Maker, and to my family. Today, I chose my path, my devotion, and it lies wholly with my wife."
"Regardless, Mother knows and cares not; she is Orlesian after all." Issues with the tragedy of the White Spire aside, they're far more agreeable about mages attending court than some other nations. "And she's quite determined to settle her title on me. So in time, Bethany will be a Countess in her own right and free to do as she pleases. "
And frankly if the new Divine (or Mama) truly makes a stink about it, they'll simply return to Nevarra where Mortalitassi are respected and that will be the end of it.