It's frequently weird being a priest of the goddess of oracles. But it's been getting weirder. A godwar happened, and he happened to learn, without seeking it out, that this had been foretold.
And now... another is. At a specific place, on a specific day, at a specific exact time.
And though he can't speak it, can barely even think it, there's more.
"Destroy Creation? Talk sense, Theo. That would take a lot more than 'just' a godwar!"
"The outsider, Keltham, has - strong opinions. And the chemistry he taught us, and the science he's taught Osirion and the others, that's old news where he was born. Like the crossbow for us, rather than the hand-cannon. He just ascended, and he ascended entirely to make this threat. Scatter star-seeds and baby Rovagugs made of steel and lightning across a million million worlds. Either Asmodeus and Pharasma will cave, or it all gets ripped apart at the seams. My Lady Erecura will leave. With Her husband, and another - She didn't explain, Her clerics didn't need to know."
"I don't know. Neither do the gods. That was the condition. And... do you see Asmodeus backing down? Or Pharasma bending enough that She would force Him to back down?"
Does he? Yeah, actually. How did she- no time. Can he explain off the cuff? He can try.
"...We can start again. Start everything again. Better, fairer, without - all this crap our society loads on us. Slavery, posturing against everyone, steeping ourselves in lies. Hiding affection for anyone because it's a weakness."
"No, you like the pride. If you liked the posturing you'd be at court."
He's never said that before. It's been unspoken, in the background, ever since he become High Priest of Erecura, but he hasn't said it. Nor has she, obviously, that would be stupid and she's not stupid. Ten minutes ago she would have told you she did not, in fact, love her 'delightful rival'.
Right now her first thought is 'that was dirty pool'.
But the fact that it hits her hard, that is unmistakable. And the obvious explanation... is impossible to refute.
She feels weak. Love is weak.
But she can't deny it, either.
It shakes her reverie a little, and she musters a scrap of composure.
"You know, normal men just propose marriage."
"Of all the things I am not, I believe normal tops the list."
"But I can do that as well, if you like."
"It can wait. Yes, I will go with you. Let's see what the new world holds."
She gestures off-handedly, and her spellbook materializes in her free hand.
But she doesn't take her eyes off him for a moment.
He's leaving behind his family, every other friend he ever made. They may all be unmade forever, in moments after he leaves. But for this moment, he's exulting in having his Tessane with him. Whatever the exile's creation brings, they can face it.
His eyes barely budge from hers.
She doesn't let it linger - there's not much time. But she does enjoy it intensely.
"Grab your spellbook, boy, unless wizardry isn't going to work there. How long do we have?"
"Less than a minute, I think. Also, Tibex and his family get to come, I need to call them up."
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