They say blood makes you related but
loyalty makes you family
At Jiao’s words, Loren bowed his head, both as a sign of apology and so that she couldn’t see the little grin that formed on his lips. ”My apologies, then, for telling you something you already knew. Though, if you don’t mind me asking, are there tales of the pegasi among the Fae?” The Launceleyn hadn’t seen any flying horses in Caido—which wasn’t to say they didn’t exist, given the weird shit this world tended to produce—but maybe Jiao’s people had legends and myths. If so, maybe there were creatures he’d never heard of before. The thought caused excitement to bloom in his chest, though he knew he had to play it cool.
Still, even the little pieces of information she was providing were fascinating. ”That’s incredible. Do you have to pray to the Gods, or are you so beloved the forms come to you without asking?” Try as he might, he couldn’t keep the barest hint of jealousy from creeping into his voice; despite all his magic, he knew he wouldn’t ever be beloved by the deities of this world, simply because he had magic. Magic he’d been born with. Magic he loved, for sure, but hadn’t exactly asked for. ”You mentioned your people had magic. Is this what you meant? That you could take the form of animals?” It didn’t seem that way, but they didn’t have summoners, so it couldn’t be magic as he understood it.
As she twirled around, he gave her an appreciative smile. ”Beautiful. Truly breathtaking. I imagine your wares would be quite popular, if you chose to bring them to the Hollowed Grounds.” He gestured at his own rather unflattering apparel. ”I’m sure you already guessed that we’re not the most fashionable bunch. I’d be happy to show you around, and help you get set up, if you’d like, though I imagine you don’t need my help.” Again, he was being a bit outrageous with his flattery, but it was paramount they improve relations with the Fae. And Jiao was the only Fae he knew. This was a chance to open trade between their lands, and trade was a solid foundation to rest on.
Still, even the little pieces of information she was providing were fascinating. ”That’s incredible. Do you have to pray to the Gods, or are you so beloved the forms come to you without asking?” Try as he might, he couldn’t keep the barest hint of jealousy from creeping into his voice; despite all his magic, he knew he wouldn’t ever be beloved by the deities of this world, simply because he had magic. Magic he’d been born with. Magic he loved, for sure, but hadn’t exactly asked for. ”You mentioned your people had magic. Is this what you meant? That you could take the form of animals?” It didn’t seem that way, but they didn’t have summoners, so it couldn’t be magic as he understood it.
As she twirled around, he gave her an appreciative smile. ”Beautiful. Truly breathtaking. I imagine your wares would be quite popular, if you chose to bring them to the Hollowed Grounds.” He gestured at his own rather unflattering apparel. ”I’m sure you already guessed that we’re not the most fashionable bunch. I’d be happy to show you around, and help you get set up, if you’d like, though I imagine you don’t need my help.” Again, he was being a bit outrageous with his flattery, but it was paramount they improve relations with the Fae. And Jiao was the only Fae he knew. This was a chance to open trade between their lands, and trade was a solid foundation to rest on.
LOREN
