| The slate eyes that locked onto Aurelia’s face were distant and calculating. The teasing that had occurred between Despoina and Eleanor when the truth was first coaxed out of the brute was not present in this interaction. It was the memories of the subtler teasing that had happened over the years between the mountain and the moor women. Through all this time, the subtly and the gentle touch of pressure. It had been a difference for Despoina, one that she knew she had enjoyed all these years. As she looked over the other woman, she let the memories and the thoughts sink into her, hoping they would come to Aurelia a lot easier than they had hit Despoina. You are what you are, Aurelia. Even if you don’t know it. It is best not to deny who and what you are. That is when the truth really hurts you and eats you. Her voice was strangely calm. Her own life set aside, remembering the shattering feeling when she first admitted it to herself. When Eleanor pointed out she liked...pretty, soft, things.... But yes. It is okay. There are others who will give you safety in it. Protect you, love you. Like they had. Those who don’t are not worth your time. Now her voice growled low and she moved towards Aurelia, another strange smile on her lips. She would have fought to the death to protect Eleanor’s secrets, and still would. She would fight to the death to defend her children. If someone does harm you for it, show them to me. I will pay them back in kind. She knew Aurelia would never mean to harm anyone. Any who sought to hurt her for being who she was could be considered a true monster. Despoina’s lips curled even more at the thought. Some people did deserve to be hurt. |