ic inbox.

[rezni]

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Nikolai Lantsov, 24

DIABEL

CODE BY

Comments

[princess_of_ida]

First week. A day or so after Jem's party. I'm not sure the exact date.

[rezni]

[ a beat, weighing out this confirmation. what it tells him. ]

I know why she might have thought that. She didn't explain anything further to you?

[princess_of_ida]

I wouldn't be asking you if she had.

I told her that any gift I give her I give because I want to, not because you told me to. [Gift-giving was one of Ianthe's love languages.] Conversation moved on and nothing else about it was mentioned. I didn't think to ask her back then.

I was a little... fixated on the idea we'd been discussing.

[rezni]

Do you think she wouldn't answer you if you asked now?

I'm not trying to be coy. I'm trying to figure out if this is something she's trying to hold in confidence or not.

[princess_of_ida]

I don't know. She didn't seem upset when she asked. It kind of felt like she wanted to know who it really came from.

Or she needed the usual reassurances.

[rezni]

I'm sure that was part of it. The worry that you felt obligated by me to do something for her.

[ He knows Alina, and what she tends to need. ]

Would you try asking her? If she's concerned I've meddled in your relationship to each other, it might make confirm her worry if I were to give you youranswer.

[princess_of_ida]

Fine, I'll ask her.

One of these days, she's going to have to accept that one of the reasons you and I can make this work - the three of us - is because we talk about her. I know, that's probably asking too much.

[rezni]

I've some hope that in due time she'll feel more secure in her relationships with us both.

That may make it easier to accept that we speak outside of her hearing.

[princess_of_ida]

[And yet there's the very real possibility that Alina will toss Ianthe to the curb by the end of next month.]

It's not her relationships with us that's the ongoing issue, but her relationship with herself. But you already know that.

I'm changing the subject. I'm kind of getting in a mood. That weird need I sometimes have to do alterations.

What do you think about a labret piercing on me?

[rezni]

A piercing on your lower lip?

[ Clarifying, in case of some misalignment of Ravkan tradition and the present moment. ]

I think it would suit you.

[princess_of_ida]

Yeah, maybe a ring or a spike. Gold instead of bone.

[rezni]

Where would you find the gold?

[princess_of_ida]

The jewler probably or trade with some villagers.

[rezni]

How do you find your place here, Ianthe? Are there those who refuse you?

[princess_of_ida]

None. I am the Deathwarden.

[rezni]

I'd wondered.

Their attitudes are changing. But it is interesting to know that there are positions that transcend the present attitudes.

[princess_of_ida]

Yes, I've noticed. But I've also served Zlatka unfailingly since my arrival. My privilege is earned.

[rezni]

But that's not why you do it.

[princess_of_ida]

Why I do it is irrelevant.

[rezni]

I don't think it's irrelevant. I think you don't care to speak of it to me, and I can respect that.

[princess_of_ida]

You are always welcome to your thoughts.