Nephele taps her fingers against the wood of the table, considering. "Have you thought of making your role more official? More permanent? You are effectively leading our people already." It's something she would support her sister in pursuing if she shows any initiative or desire for it. Their people needed a leader, and Juniper was proving herself as one every day.
Ginger brows furrow at the mention of Alina, and a quest she'd never heard of. Perhaps it had happened after she left in search of the Mathair? "Perhaps we should seek out Safrin and see if we can take up the quest in Alina's absence. Though I wonder if keeping Ascended from using the portal would even be possible, when the portal itself is a creation of The Voice." And a major pain in the ass, considering how it allowed so many outsiders into their forest. Ascended especially of course, but the taint of The Voice being permanently in their land disturbs her. Juniper's hand squeezing hers helps that illness in her stomach, and her fingers tighten around the younger Fae's in answering grip. It's a reminder she's not alone, which is what she needs right now.
"It's a romantic idea, but if the Old Gods had the power to stop more Ascended from being made, I would think they would have done so already." She is loathe to destroy Juniper's optimism, but death seems the only final way to end this - the death of The Voice, at the very least. "It may have to be the other way around. To end The Voice, and let them live the remainder they have left. It's more time than many are given before their deaths. To say their goodbyes, get affairs in order." Even if it means conceding and not killing Ascended anymore. But this conversation alone has given her many other things to try and achieve in place of that goal.
"It will not be easy. Morally, physically, emotionally. But I will seek Ludo's counsel, with all you have said in mind." A vow that is not taken lightly. Nephele squeezes Juniper's hand, and her smile is strained but sincere. "Together we will find the right path. I am confident in that."
Ginger brows furrow at the mention of Alina, and a quest she'd never heard of. Perhaps it had happened after she left in search of the Mathair? "Perhaps we should seek out Safrin and see if we can take up the quest in Alina's absence. Though I wonder if keeping Ascended from using the portal would even be possible, when the portal itself is a creation of The Voice." And a major pain in the ass, considering how it allowed so many outsiders into their forest. Ascended especially of course, but the taint of The Voice being permanently in their land disturbs her. Juniper's hand squeezing hers helps that illness in her stomach, and her fingers tighten around the younger Fae's in answering grip. It's a reminder she's not alone, which is what she needs right now.
"It's a romantic idea, but if the Old Gods had the power to stop more Ascended from being made, I would think they would have done so already." She is loathe to destroy Juniper's optimism, but death seems the only final way to end this - the death of The Voice, at the very least. "It may have to be the other way around. To end The Voice, and let them live the remainder they have left. It's more time than many are given before their deaths. To say their goodbyes, get affairs in order." Even if it means conceding and not killing Ascended anymore. But this conversation alone has given her many other things to try and achieve in place of that goal.
"It will not be easy. Morally, physically, emotionally. But I will seek Ludo's counsel, with all you have said in mind." A vow that is not taken lightly. Nephele squeezes Juniper's hand, and her smile is strained but sincere. "Together we will find the right path. I am confident in that."
Your goodness must have some edge to it -- else it is none
