>>6161800You share Willow’s frustration. In fact, it makes you feel a little better about this entire ridiculous situation. Perhaps, her reaction is proof she is coming around — or at the very least your worries about her Faith are less serious than they may sometimes appear. Your friend does not seem at all happy about the idea of selling her soul to the Adversary.
Perhaps you can rest more easily, after all this is said and done.
“Let’s hear it. You were right — your first proposition is so out there and ridiculous I would gladly laugh, but my ribs still ache, and I don’t want Soralisa’s effort to go to waste.”
Your brunette friend blushes and looks away — Rubida leaves the Asterite to set a comforting hand over her shoulder, and Soralisa seems to relax a bit.
You envy her.
“I would not be willing to sell anything permanent,” the Asterite adds. “Besides, such trades are prohibited by the Throne’s laws. The Stilladìa won’t have my soul.” She smirks. “I doubt it is even valuable enough for her to consider a trade.” And at those words Willow frowns, as if the idea of the Adversary refusing a trade is beyond ridiculous. “But the Star of Morn is willing to exchange something else besides out breath of endless life, and I am sure I could find something that would be of her interest.”
“This would involve none of us,” you point out. It’s not even a request, just a statement. “I suppose?”
“Of course not. I am well aware of how she is seen in your religion. Besides, before you take a decision on it, I would hide that cameo of yours. One of the ways to summon the Stilladìa is by breaking an effigy of Saint Bragia, and I wouldn’t risk it getting damage in the process.”
You blink and, feeling a bit silly, put your cameo immediately beneath your clothing. You may let it stay there when you put your armour back on — no sense to risk damaging such a fragile token, especially now that the Temple is in sight.
“What would you offer?”
[cont.]
