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Post by Storyteller on Jan 30, 2021 6:43:30 GMT
I shake my head. "I cannot think so, for his words are of a piece with his betrayal of my friendship aboard the Wolf. He has no friendship for me, nor can I for him, I fear."
With a sigh and a smile, however, I say, "For your sake, dearest Aethyl, I would not abandon him here, but were it for any other, I would not endure his presence even an hour. So cruel, words like burning brands on my lacerated heart. I do not think there is any purpose in speaking of him further. What can you say, sweet Cousin, that is not merely the superfluity of your own kindness pouring out to cover over the cruelty of another? And of your own kindness I already know well." I give Aethyl a little hug, not as strong as I used to be able to, but still one that I initiated.
"But let us speak of happier things, of love and its prosperity. I hope, Cousin, that you will hold your Evily in your arms and name her yours while the sun shines on you both..."
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 1, 2021 0:47:10 GMT
"Cousin Aethyl," I say, approaching his spot by the campfire. Iritari is with me, and we are holding hands. "Firstly, I would introduce to you my Iritari, the one of my mates-to-be whom you have not yet met--and to ask that you would, when the moon rises, stand witness to the oaths of mating that will bind me to Árón and to Iritari and the two of them to each other, too."
I am suddenly shy with my cousin, for though I know he would never hurt me or those whom I love, Iritari has been so terribly alone that I want to make sure Aethyl understands how important it is for Iritari to have kinsmen...
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Post by Diocles on Feb 1, 2021 0:49:15 GMT
Iritari bows shyly to Aethyl. "Kinsman."
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 1, 2021 1:47:15 GMT
Aethyl rises, astounded.
"Beloved of My Blood. Beyond grief, beyond despair, beyond hope, beyond all possibility you return to my Mairwyn, and restore her heart. And therefore, mine. Kinsman you are, and ever shall be, in this or any world beyond. So I swear. And your story shall be woven into the songs of our People. Iritari, Sea-Given."
Aethyl seizes him, and embraces him long.
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 1, 2021 1:48:47 GMT
I smile, though my eyes gleam with tears of joy. So often have I wept, whether from joy or sorrow, that I know well I have chosen my tattoos properly.
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Post by Diocles on Feb 1, 2021 1:48:53 GMT
Iritari weeps at your words but says nothing.
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 1, 2021 1:56:57 GMT
"Thank you, Cousin," I say. "I had ventured to depend on your sweetness. My Iritari has suffered much, and he has been bitterly alone. My lord Árón and I will never want him to be alone again, and it rejoices my heart that I can offer to my beloved Iritari so worthy a kinsman as you!"
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 1, 2021 2:20:39 GMT
"Dearest Cousin, your delight is my delight. And now let the moon make haste, and rise, so that your joy may be complete!"
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 1, 2021 2:22:17 GMT
"Thank you!" I say. "Our lord Árón will be waiting for us!" I take Aethyl's arm under one of mine, and Iritari's under the other and lead them to the cove where Árón will be waiting.
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