3/17/2026, 4:52 PM
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SKILL : - - - ( 1 / 5 )
The thought of a permanent nectar fixture at the Heart was tempting - but Fable wasn't even sure how it was brewed. It was a tightly held secret recipe, per the fae's requirement. As the story went, it was given to ancient Avon for their express use and no one else's; when the kingdom of old fell and the Hand rose, some of the old treaties, promises, and recipes were imparted unto them.
As alluring at the idea of having magicked wine was, Fable could also easily see any one of the girls sneaking into it.
Especially Nausicaa.
She wasn't necessarily adverse to her daughters experimenting in those types of things, especially when they aged faster in this realm, but she didn't want to make it so easy for them to imbibe freely. They needed to learn in a careful and structured setting, where they could respect both their limits and the nature of whatever it was.
As the world narrowed back to just the two of them, she clung to each and every one of his words - even as they punched holes in the walls of her air castle built from every hope she dared not hold.
All the words to precede his misconception of the word were arrows fired beyond the gate - but it was why she had to ask. She had to know.
It stung.
Even as she braced for it, his answer still smarted - more than she expected. It coiled in a gnarled, thorned ball within her chest alongside the irritation aimed at her mother - for she was certain that was who supplied the oh-so helpful guidance to him. It lurked in a place where not even the magic smoke could reach.
Epona's meddling path was paved with good intentions, Fable knew, but it wasn't precisely helpful sometimes. Had she thought she would hear him call her his home and profess everything that lived within her own heart? Epona had to know better - how firmly Fable's paws settled at the edge of the precipice, too nervous to step forward.
The frustration with her mother passed quickly, crumbling in the face of resignation. Of course she was a friend to him, and she would always be there; she had known him to be nothing less than affectionate, she couldn't presume that he was even more so with her - certainly, he was with her every step of the way with her daughters, but wouldn't any friend? He would have to truly be an arse to simply sit by and let her struggle, and that wasn't who he was.
At some point, dreamlit thoughts had to end - she had to wake up, even if the cloying smoke wanted her to stay wrapped up in those fanciful ideas for a while longer.
She averted his gaze, looking anywhere but in his direction - Fable was certain if her eyes met his, he'd somehow untangle her every thought; just like how...
She really hadn't meant to say that part out loud.
As alluring at the idea of having magicked wine was, Fable could also easily see any one of the girls sneaking into it.
Especially Nausicaa.
Aye, but then ye would get t'be on clean up duty when th' girls get into it,Fable hummed, quirking a brow at him as her lips hitched to one side.
Since it is your idea an' all.
She wasn't necessarily adverse to her daughters experimenting in those types of things, especially when they aged faster in this realm, but she didn't want to make it so easy for them to imbibe freely. They needed to learn in a careful and structured setting, where they could respect both their limits and the nature of whatever it was.
As the world narrowed back to just the two of them, she clung to each and every one of his words - even as they punched holes in the walls of her air castle built from every hope she dared not hold.
All the words to precede his misconception of the word were arrows fired beyond the gate - but it was why she had to ask. She had to know.
It stung.
Even as she braced for it, his answer still smarted - more than she expected. It coiled in a gnarled, thorned ball within her chest alongside the irritation aimed at her mother - for she was certain that was who supplied the oh-so helpful guidance to him. It lurked in a place where not even the magic smoke could reach.
Ye spoke it perfectly,Fable soothed, but the faint curve across her lips didn't meet her eyes.
But it doesn't mean that.
Epona's meddling path was paved with good intentions, Fable knew, but it wasn't precisely helpful sometimes. Had she thought she would hear him call her his home and profess everything that lived within her own heart? Epona had to know better - how firmly Fable's paws settled at the edge of the precipice, too nervous to step forward.
The frustration with her mother passed quickly, crumbling in the face of resignation. Of course she was a friend to him, and she would always be there; she had known him to be nothing less than affectionate, she couldn't presume that he was even more so with her - certainly, he was with her every step of the way with her daughters, but wouldn't any friend? He would have to truly be an arse to simply sit by and let her struggle, and that wasn't who he was.
At some point, dreamlit thoughts had to end - she had to wake up, even if the cloying smoke wanted her to stay wrapped up in those fanciful ideas for a while longer.
I'm not sure who told ye that word,she offered her mother a modicum of defense by not invoking her name, despite knowing with near-certainty she was the source of this whole entire misunderstanding.
It means 'home' - it... has deeper meaning than friendship, when applied t'another.
She averted his gaze, looking anywhere but in his direction - Fable was certain if her eyes met his, he'd somehow untangle her every thought; just like how...
I hoped ye meant it,she spoke the words quietly, so much so that she didn't realize immediately that she'd lent them verbal space. When it sank in, she felt her heart sink as her body tensed.
She really hadn't meant to say that part out loud.
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