Gale
this is going to break me clean in two --
this is going to bring me close to you
Would he even care, Mazikeen asks?
The Curse shrugs Gale’s shoulders as though he is no more privy to his thoughts than she is. It does not care if Gale cares, and how his host might feel about his progeny is the least of his worries. Gale has proven himself incapable of fending off the Curse, so the only parent it needs worry about is Mazikeen.
Mazikeen, who seems to be considering the idea. Mazikeen, who seems dubious herself that Gale will care. Meeting her eyes, the Curse does not speak. Anything it says might sway her. Yet in the silence it can hear Gale’s silent protestations.
Gale had not wanted children for this very reason. They’re nothing but weapons the Curse can wield against Mazikeen, more lives for it to destroy. Eyas had told him all he needed to do was find another host. Is that what is happening? Has her dark Sight given her the ability to know that this was coming?
Could he sacrifice a child to have his freedom back? To keep Mazikeen safe from the Curse forever? Gale had told Eyas he wouldn’t allow anyone else to suffer his burden, but as he looks through the Curse’s eyes as it looks through his eyes, he knows that he could.
It would be worth it, for her.
The Curse smiles, enjoying how such a decision makes Gale suffer, and with the strength that comes from its host’s misery, shoves Gale back down and takes away his memories of the conversation entirely.
“No,” it says, as though the moment of silence after her question has included a conversation between himself and the mind it occupies. It spares Mazikeen the details - that Gale does care but cares for her more - and flicks its white tipped tail.
“Yes,” it lies, but that is its nature. It will leave Gale when there is another host, but until then it can hardly be expected to sit quietly and do nothing. That would be exceptionally boring, and the Curse does not enjoy boredom.
Mazikeen seems to be leaning toward a deal, but the Curse is not yet certain. Perhaps a gentle push in the right direction? But what if she pushes back?
“The two of you can carry on like you have been,” it continues, laying out a temptation. “When they’re born, leave them near the starlight cliff.s” It names a bald bit of rock and forest high up in the mountains, one where Gale and Mazikeen have spent many an amorous night. (Again - not its wisest choice, but it does want to see her squirm again at the possibility that her children are not truly Gale’s.
“I won’t make this offer again,” it says idly, “I’m just feeling generous this morning. ”
@[Mazikeen]
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