[Her shoulders wilted from their usual poised posture at that hangdog look of his, and her head dipped in faint regret.
Regret, but not apology.]
No one person can perfectly replace another. You helped me plant a seedling where something much mightier once stood, and the memory of that... persists. Some believe I am merely a stopgap you placed here as a whim, who will bow out as a new whim takes you and you return to your duties in a century or two. Not an outlandish assumption. Some believed I was a motherless bastard child who you felt sorry for not claiming sooner—that only lasted until I was presented, of course, and I was deemed beautiful enough to be a secret seductress. Some believe this is a trial I am undertaking to be your bride. Some believe I shall break beneath the duties you have passed to me. Some believe I tricked you. Some believe I am being tricked by you. Most believe sex and scandal are involved somewhere in the equation.
[She had not looked at him once since he returned with the tray. There was a lovely design on that teapot of his, and she seemed utterly focused upon it.]
...there are bets, among some. For when I'll crack and beg you to come back, or save me from the pressure, or break up with me, and more. They gossip and bet about one another as well, but... well. Among more established gods, it carries the implication of a friendly joke. I imagine you partook of that kind yourself during your time, frequently.
no subject
Regret, but not apology.]
No one person can perfectly replace another. You helped me plant a seedling where something much mightier once stood, and the memory of that... persists. Some believe I am merely a stopgap you placed here as a whim, who will bow out as a new whim takes you and you return to your duties in a century or two. Not an outlandish assumption. Some believed I was a motherless bastard child who you felt sorry for not claiming sooner—that only lasted until I was presented, of course, and I was deemed beautiful enough to be a secret seductress. Some believe this is a trial I am undertaking to be your bride. Some believe I shall break beneath the duties you have passed to me. Some believe I tricked you. Some believe I am being tricked by you. Most believe sex and scandal are involved somewhere in the equation.
[She had not looked at him once since he returned with the tray. There was a lovely design on that teapot of his, and she seemed utterly focused upon it.]
...there are bets, among some. For when I'll crack and beg you to come back, or save me from the pressure, or break up with me, and more. They gossip and bet about one another as well, but... well. Among more established gods, it carries the implication of a friendly joke. I imagine you partook of that kind yourself during your time, frequently.