Aramaz, clearly in a good mood, puts his hand on Serriden’s shoulder while trying to get her attention. She spins on him angrily.
Serriden: Aramaz, would you STOP IT?
Aramaz, pulling back: stop what?!
Serriden: I know what you’re doing! I have extended you *considerable* trust that you will not abuse your divinity against me, but just because you’re not using the Voice doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to chip away at the integrity of a Flametender! I am a *priestess of purity*, not one of your two-tinar town girls in Karam Karas!
Aramaz: Oh GODS, I wasn’t trying to … … two tinars? Serriden, I’m not *that* hopeless…
(She clearly disagrees.)
Aramaz: Listen, I... I *like* you, yes, but I didn’t intend to… disrespect your oath as a Flametender.
Serriden, unconvinced: You didn’t seem to have any qualms about disrespecting *Houri’s* oath.
Aramaz: Oh gods, that was the biggest mistake of my life. I never liked Houri. I can’t STAND Houri. She’s just PRETTY. This is completely different, I LOVE you!
(The two of them stand in mutually astonished silence)
Serriden, insulted: O-oh? And just how many girls have you said THAT to, my lord and my god?
Aramaz, after thinking really hard about it: … None. I’ve never… I’ve never said that to anyone before.
Serriden, disbelieving: what, not even your WIFE?
(he gives her the thousand mile trauma stare)
Serriden, blushing furiously and looking away: I… find in my heart that I love you too, Aramaz. Though I’ve yet to find a good reason WHY.
This is the straightest thing I have ever written.
#gloryinthethunder #mastoart #originalcharacter