OPEN

[deceivingly]

WHO: Yevdokiya an Waslyna O Bearhold, Tiffany Hart, Matthias, maybe my other characters + YOU
WHAT: a humble open log
WHEN: Fantasy March
WHERE: the Gallows, Kirkwall, the Wounded Coast
NOTES: bath nudity, butchering a seagull, nothing worse atm

Comments

[truthtied]

She manages not to wince.

"I have been very fortunate in the blessings I have received from the gods," Which is meant more for any that might somehow be listening. Then to Matthias, with a gentle firmness, "But gods do not give their blessings without expectations. I would caution anyone against accepting power from beings who desire fealty or love. Or fingers as the case may be."

[inkindled]

"It'd just be one finger." With a cheeky little grin, Matthias holds up his hand, just his index finger extended.

Well, hang on--he switches to his little finger instead. Less likely to be missed. And yeah, he's taking the piss a little--he can tell she means it, and she's likely right, there's no such thing as a free nug, and that's not likely to be any less true when talking of power.

"I'm a mage," he assures her, "I know about responsible uses of power and all. What'd you have to give in exchange for yours, then--if it wasn't fealty or love?"

[truthtied]

She nods at his assurance. The bulk of her experience of this world comes via books, but given the amount that is both said and not said about the mages... Well. She believes him.

Her expression quirks a little at his question, trying for a smile and getting hung up on the complicated tangle of pain and love in her chest. "I don't think there is one sole thing I could point to and say that was what I exchanged. In truth, one could say my blessings were gifts to my mother, who had suffered much at the hands of gods and men long before my birth. There was love and fealty as well and my responsibility to the people under my protection. That can be it's own cost at times."

[inkindled]

Matthias' cheer dims a little. That sounds complicated. Which, when he thinks about it, makes sense. He had asked a complicated question. So this turn in the conversation is his fault a bit--more than a bit.

"Is your mother all right?" Now, that one's just a stupid question. But Matthias had asked it before he could stop himself. His ears go pink, embarrassed at his own clumsy stupidity. "Sorry. I-- suppose I don't know what to say, and that was the first thing I thought to say, so I-- said it. You're--a lady, then? Like the title?"

People under her protection implies that. A lady with magic that was got at a steep price, even if it was mostly paid by someone else. That's a new story.

[truthtied]

"Thank you. It's kind of you to ask after her," she says, a warm smile lighting up her face. She reaches out and sets her hand on Matthias' shoulder, firm and brief. "She is safe and well in my world."

Her nose wrinkles a little at the mention of a title. Very occasionally, Diana wishes she were at all inclined towards lying, "Ah well. My mother is considered Queen, so I was given the title of Princess, but it's hardly one I'd put any claim of power to."