this kingdom you've burned

there she was, all dressed in adventure, straddling the edge of a star

The approach of another draws her attention away as Roana speaks. Frankly she doesn't care much about the woman's sister or her efforts against the Blight. She is a Fae, and she cares for her own, and this companionable facade grates against her sensitive nerves still raw from the shock of seeing the blackened land around them. At least she manages a soft hum of condolence, because it would be a lie to repeat the phrase back at the dark haired woman.

"I am Nephele," she says quietly in turn, glancing intermittently at the hooded form planting a rose a distance from them. Not a threat, if she is planting the rose instead of destroying it, but Neph can't help her gnawing curiosity. Patting the earth down with her palms to keep the rose standing tall, she brushes her hands idly against her dress and stands. It's not very imposing with her height, but she doesn't see the sense in dawdling. She has one last rose and a formulating plan to try and save her twin. But the woman has a question for her, and Nephele turns her head to regard her curiously as she considers her answer.

"Life is not so simple as that," she states, voice flat and sure "Each God has a different view on life, on how problems are solved. One voice speaking close to your ear does not make it truer than those rising in quieter chorus. Vi and Mort both cherish life, in opposing ways. It does not make either of them wrong, for they live in harmony." Her voice rings clear and stately, gaze distant as she considers what she would do in such a situation. But the vagueness of the question vexes her, the Fae not the type to mince words if they expected honesty. "We are only alive for the blink of an eye to the Gods. What they see as a solution does not always take into consideration the little things that directly influence our choices. I have faith in them, but I do not believe they are always right. Few things in this world have only one singular solution." Had she been told how to cure the Blight and did not approve of the solution? Otherwise why would she seek advice from a Fae?

Tossing her hair over her shoulder to stop herself from dirtying it with her hands, she gazes down at Roana. "We are born with free will. They made us that way and should expect it of us. I cannot answer your question in a simple yes or no. If your morals stand against what you have been told, then perhaps find a different God to align your faith with. There will always be someone to take your place, it is not worth sacrificing the ideals you have worked to cultivate." The Fae were not particularly religious, paying respect to the Gods but generally not seeking them out. They trusted in the balance of the world and its inhabitants. If Nephele was told to kill her sister to save the Greatwood, she would not. Someone else would come along, faithful and willing, whose morals did not clash with that God. She was not above them, but she wouldn't be dragged around at their whim either. This life, no matter how short, was hers. If they wanted obedience, they would not have crafted her the way they did when her soul was still just a malleable ball of potential in their hands.

Nephele awaits any further comments from the woman, though her hazel eyes trail towards their companion, intending to say hello before she departs if only to satisfy her curiosity.

Nephele