[ Bastien’s quiet for a moment, unsure how to articulate things.
He’s never minded—and still doesn’t mind—the untraditional arrangement of their various relationships, but it does make it hard to talk about things sometimes. If Sidony were Byerly’s sister instead of his wife, and Bastien’s promise to follow him after the war was the sort of proposal anyone recognized as such, then he probably wouldn’t need to explain why he’d like to spend time with her. And if he did need to explain it, we’re sort of family would be enough.
But instead Sidony is Byerly’s wife (and a noblewoman) and Bastien is one of his multiple lovers (and a commoner) and we’re sort of family would certainly be a worse overstep than mentioning her romance.
He settles for, ]
I know you don’t need it. And it isn’t only Byerly. You’ve been very kind to me, and I think you are interesting, and I’ve enjoyed it whenever we’ve spoken. It would be fun—if you would have fun. If you wouldn’t, of course you are not obligated.
[ Sidony is well aware of how lucky she is, to have found a husband wedded for protection rather than anything else, for the freedom she has been given because of it, no matter what the setbacks there might have been as a result. The loss of her family stings, in its own way, but hasn't she gained more than she has given up?
It's not as if she can compare herself to his lovers - and would not want to, having no interest in him romantically - but she supposes she understands. She would want to get to know them better too if she had thought of it first, if she had not been so wrapped up in herself.
Perhaps she should speak with him, sometime soon. When he is less busy, more able - she has no desire to steal time where it is unwelcome or unnecessary.
When she speaks again her voice is a little softer, careful; Sidony isn't necessarily open with her relationship but there is nothing to hide from the man sleeping with her husband, surely? ]
Warden Adrasteia. The woman I am seeing, that is her name. [ A pause, then - ] I imagine she might be convinced to dance and play cards. She convinced me to drink dwarven ale, so she certainly owes me.
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[ She had abandoned it to get her hands dirty, quite literally. ]
... But you do realise that it is not necessary for you to offer such kindness? I don't need it simply because of Byerly.
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He’s never minded—and still doesn’t mind—the untraditional arrangement of their various relationships, but it does make it hard to talk about things sometimes. If Sidony were Byerly’s sister instead of his wife, and Bastien’s promise to follow him after the war was the sort of proposal anyone recognized as such, then he probably wouldn’t need to explain why he’d like to spend time with her. And if he did need to explain it, we’re sort of family would be enough.
But instead Sidony is Byerly’s wife (and a noblewoman) and Bastien is one of his multiple lovers (and a commoner) and we’re sort of family would certainly be a worse overstep than mentioning her romance.
He settles for, ]
I know you don’t need it. And it isn’t only Byerly. You’ve been very kind to me, and I think you are interesting, and I’ve enjoyed it whenever we’ve spoken. It would be fun—if you would have fun. If you wouldn’t, of course you are not obligated.
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It's not as if she can compare herself to his lovers - and would not want to, having no interest in him romantically - but she supposes she understands. She would want to get to know them better too if she had thought of it first, if she had not been so wrapped up in herself.
Perhaps she should speak with him, sometime soon. When he is less busy, more able - she has no desire to steal time where it is unwelcome or unnecessary.
When she speaks again her voice is a little softer, careful; Sidony isn't necessarily open with her relationship but there is nothing to hide from the man sleeping with her husband, surely? ]
Warden Adrasteia. The woman I am seeing, that is her name. [ A pause, then - ] I imagine she might be convinced to dance and play cards. She convinced me to drink dwarven ale, so she certainly owes me.
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Dwarven ale! You are braver than I am. Both of you.
[ And, ]
That’s wonderful—that it’s her, I mean. I don’t know her well, but she seems very sweet.
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It isn't something I could recommend or tolerate a second time, I assure you.
[ She snorts a little laugh; it's clear she's pleased, content. ]
She is, and brave as well. I am sure you would both be fast friends.