you will always be a monster
there is no turning back from it
there is no turning back from it
"I'm gambling, yes." Wildfire eyes never leave Juniper's face, wanting to impart her own seriousness while simultaneously absorbing every honest word Juniper gives back in turn. "But if I don't make the first step and place my faith in my people, how can I expect them to reciprocate? And it's not just your grandfathers legacy that brought me here -" folding her hands upon her thighs, she remains kneeling at Juniper's feet. Giving her the high ground, assuming the more submissive position herself without any qualms. And what she has to say fits perfectly with the accusation of manipulation and maneuvering of pieces upon the board of approaching war. "- it's what has been done to you."
Standing, she begins to pace, hands flexing and fisting. "Our people have used our history as an excuse for segregation too long. I'm not exempt from the potential impact of this decision - I'm speaking for a new leader, who will already be viewed with suspicion and heavily criticised. In choosing you, I am rejecting their notions of exile, of bigotry. I want to bring you back where you belong, and damn the ones who say I shouldn't!" The gleam of her eyes is fierce, brow drawing down and teeth bared in a manner more animal than woman. "Either we change, and adapt, or we die. I am willing to tie my name to yours, to risk the wrath and potential desertion of those who won't approve. I will not forsake you, if you choose to stand with us." Forcing herself to pause and deliver this head on, a vow that she cannot squirm her way out of even if she wanted to.
Nephele can sense the unspoken agreement, and this time extends a single hand, praying this time it will be taken. "There is no reward without risk. I'm willing to bet on you, Juniper. You have my faith, my sworn protection from those who wish to cast you out or harm you. Do I have your faith in return?" Her hand remains in the space between them, waiting to solidify this new bond.
Standing, she begins to pace, hands flexing and fisting. "Our people have used our history as an excuse for segregation too long. I'm not exempt from the potential impact of this decision - I'm speaking for a new leader, who will already be viewed with suspicion and heavily criticised. In choosing you, I am rejecting their notions of exile, of bigotry. I want to bring you back where you belong, and damn the ones who say I shouldn't!" The gleam of her eyes is fierce, brow drawing down and teeth bared in a manner more animal than woman. "Either we change, and adapt, or we die. I am willing to tie my name to yours, to risk the wrath and potential desertion of those who won't approve. I will not forsake you, if you choose to stand with us." Forcing herself to pause and deliver this head on, a vow that she cannot squirm her way out of even if she wanted to.
Nephele can sense the unspoken agreement, and this time extends a single hand, praying this time it will be taken. "There is no reward without risk. I'm willing to bet on you, Juniper. You have my faith, my sworn protection from those who wish to cast you out or harm you. Do I have your faith in return?" Her hand remains in the space between them, waiting to solidify this new bond.
but what type of monster you become
is entirely up to you
is entirely up to you
