He remains quiet for a time, simply resting with one arm draped loosely over her waist. Then--
"I, too, desired a family. A spouse who would not die; children I would not outlive. I relinquished that dream long, long ago, but of late I have found myself craving it once more. Knowing that nothing but oblivion awaits me at the end of our time here, 'tis as close to a mortal life as I may experience."
Something of a bitter smile crosses his lips. "Ah, but regardless of our respective fertilities, a Garlean child of any blood would be the subject of much scorn."
"I suppose there's that to consider, too... especially a half-blood." Regardless of if said half-blood came from what is technically still the royal line. "Besides... I know no parent who wants to have to bury their child."
But maybe... no, no, that's something he could get from Hythlodaeus. No point in trying to worm her way into a spot like that, when one of them will still eventually have to say goodbye to the other. But life is like that nowadays, isn't it? An eventuality all mortal people prepare for, and one he clearly never wanted to have to face.
She sighs, burying her face so he can't see it. "Maybe if all this Hydaelyn and Zodiark stuff ever ends... maybe then I can try. Not sure who I'd even run to, though. And after having you for all this time... I don't know that I even want to anymore."
A quiet snort. "Oh? Are you so spoilt by my company that you can't think of another man or woman you would spend the rest of your life with? I suppose I'm flattered."
If the conflict between Hydaelyn and Zodiark ever ended... What would the world be like, he wonders? Would it finally be in balance, or would other forces conspire to tip the scales one way or the other? These are questions which are not for him to know the answer to.
"Someone, somewhere, will love you, Irhya. They will care for you in ways I cannot, and unconditionally as well. Don't spend your remaining years pining over a dead man."
"Maybe a little spoiled," she says with a wry smile, and then, "but I suppose you're right. It's just... not something I want to consider right now."
In ways he can't, sure, but unconditionally? That's reserved for animals and faerie tales, usually. Or people... people like Haurchefant, perhaps...
She tucks her hands into her thighs and curls up. "I could just be blind to it. Gods know I can give the attention, but not receive it, after all. Either it goes over my head, or I just... play it down. Though I know I should stop doing that..."
He turns her face towards him and kisses her softly. Pointedly. After which he stares into her eyes and says solemnly, "If I could give you a child, I would. But as I cannot, I can only offer a promise that I will love you for as long as we are together. It may be impossible for me to completely separate who you are from who you once were but I have enjoyed coming to know you, Irhya."
Stroking her cheek, he gives her another kiss - on the side of her mouth this time.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
omnicrafter) wrote2020-11-10 05:45 am
no subject
"I, too, desired a family. A spouse who would not die; children I would not outlive. I relinquished that dream long, long ago, but of late I have found myself craving it once more. Knowing that nothing but oblivion awaits me at the end of our time here, 'tis as close to a mortal life as I may experience."
Something of a bitter smile crosses his lips. "Ah, but regardless of our respective fertilities, a Garlean child of any blood would be the subject of much scorn."
no subject
But maybe... no, no, that's something he could get from Hythlodaeus. No point in trying to worm her way into a spot like that, when one of them will still eventually have to say goodbye to the other. But life is like that nowadays, isn't it? An eventuality all mortal people prepare for, and one he clearly never wanted to have to face.
She sighs, burying her face so he can't see it. "Maybe if all this Hydaelyn and Zodiark stuff ever ends... maybe then I can try. Not sure who I'd even run to, though. And after having you for all this time... I don't know that I even want to anymore."
no subject
If the conflict between Hydaelyn and Zodiark ever ended... What would the world be like, he wonders? Would it finally be in balance, or would other forces conspire to tip the scales one way or the other? These are questions which are not for him to know the answer to.
"Someone, somewhere, will love you, Irhya. They will care for you in ways I cannot, and unconditionally as well. Don't spend your remaining years pining over a dead man."
no subject
In ways he can't, sure, but unconditionally? That's reserved for animals and faerie tales, usually. Or people... people like Haurchefant, perhaps...
She tucks her hands into her thighs and curls up. "I could just be blind to it. Gods know I can give the attention, but not receive it, after all. Either it goes over my head, or I just... play it down. Though I know I should stop doing that..."
no subject
Stroking her cheek, he gives her another kiss - on the side of her mouth this time.