Her imploring gaze was met with one that was as implacably patient as ever. He was prepared to wait for as long as Flora needed to gather her thoughts and memories, but in truth it was not long before the Doubletake began to speak. His expression did not change at the opening caveat, though he did tilt his head thoughtfully as the story unfolded.
"I was under the impression... that she had already come after your loved ones. Or sent her siblings to do so." Whether or not 'siblings' was a term that applied to the Family was a semantic discussion for another time. For now the word sufficed in his deep, gentle voice as Flora looked down and offered her sacrifice as Queen to the table. "If she does so again, will that break your pact with her and allow you to return?" To whichever region she would lose in the weeks ahead. He could not soften that blow, and he would not lie to her.
But they were Torchers. There were deals, and then there were bargains. And a promise went both ways.
"I was under the impression... that she had already come after your loved ones. Or sent her siblings to do so." Whether or not 'siblings' was a term that applied to the Family was a semantic discussion for another time. For now the word sufficed in his deep, gentle voice as Flora looked down and offered her sacrifice as Queen to the table. "If she does so again, will that break your pact with her and allow you to return?" To whichever region she would lose in the weeks ahead. He could not soften that blow, and he would not lie to her.
But they were Torchers. There were deals, and then there were bargains. And a promise went both ways.
