Noel can feel the fury radiating from Nashua. Knows that it is fueled by fear and worry. Though she is angry and worried too, it is not for the same reasons. She does not fear the curse as he does - had never feared Bolder’s ability to shift. She had been happy to see him gain some control of it after his last visit here. The true irony of the situation is that had they bothered to discuss it, had they bothered to let Bolder speak with her, to express his desire to go and learn more, she would have let him. She has always known her children would not stay young and by her side forever. Has always known they would one day leave.
And if this is what Bolder had wanted? She would have let him go.
She is angry because the choice had been stolen from them. Worried because she does not know their plans for him. Perhaps they see her as weak for the way Nashua moves to protect. She is not a warrior and has never pretended to be, nor would she pretend to be one now. She is content to be ignored. Would have continued to say nothing had Mazikeen not turned and spoken to her.
Her dark eyes are unreadable in the pale stillness of her features as she turns her gaze to the other woman. After a moment, she moves, brushing past Nashua as she closes the distance so that they are not speaking through him. “If that’s true, then I am glad for it,” she replies, her voice soft and steady. Whatever the woman might imagine, Nashua’s beliefs are not her own. “And if Bolder wishes to stay, if this is what he chooses, then I will not keep him from it.”
She doesn’t look at Nashua. Doesn’t want to see his reaction to her words, lest it shatter her cool resolve. Instead she stares at the scarred woman, implacability in her gaze as she continues, “But we will speak with Bolder, hear the words from his mouth ourselves.” She pauses, then adds, “With neither of you present.”
Falling silent, her gaze flicks to Gale briefly before returning to Mazikeen. She does not trust either of them not to attempt to speak for her son. If he wished to stay, so be it. But she would be absolutely certain it is of his own volition first.
- noel
@Nashua