If only Boudika had asked, Anandi would have changed her. Maybe not that first time they met, when the kelpie’s world had just grown vastly larger, when it all was still sharp-edged with newness. But later, as acclimation wore down her gleaming morals... Later, if Boudika had found Anandi, and asked for that freedom, the princess would have given it gladly.
And Boudika would never be alone, wailing to storm and sea. Boudika would be Anandi’s, and she would be well taken care of.
The emissary is not surprised by the answer to her question: “then you die.” But she had hoped for something else. Something to invalidate her cowardice. There’s another lick of lightning, and Anandi flinches again like she’s been hit.
The lightning, the thunder, of course it terrified her. It was something she could not understand. Worse, she could not charm. Apathy was beauty’s worst enemy. She swallows the lie stuck in her throat, offers the naked truth instead. “Yes. It’s terrifying.”
There aren’t many she would say yes to. Samaira. Apolonia. Marisol, maybe-- depending on the day. Lying was so easy, and truth so overrated. But Boudika was the first in Novus to show Anandi kindness and, even more striking, acceptance. Once, the other mare said “It’s only your nature.” How many times had Anandi remembered that statement and used it, shamelessly, to validate her actions? She tries to place the words to Boudika’s lips now, curled and devilish. They don’t fit like they did before, there’s something changed.
How long has it been since they first met- a year? How far they've come and gone, in different directions; yet here they stand.
“What happened to you?” Anandi takes a step closer. Step by step, the women draw close, between them now the animal scent of fear and blood. “We should go.” Her tone grows pleading. To the court, to the sea. Together, anywhere but here.
A N A N D I
"Please,” she said, “you’re so beautiful. You may eat me if you like.
I’d sooner be eaten by you than fed by anyone else."
And Boudika would never be alone, wailing to storm and sea. Boudika would be Anandi’s, and she would be well taken care of.
The emissary is not surprised by the answer to her question: “then you die.” But she had hoped for something else. Something to invalidate her cowardice. There’s another lick of lightning, and Anandi flinches again like she’s been hit.
The lightning, the thunder, of course it terrified her. It was something she could not understand. Worse, she could not charm. Apathy was beauty’s worst enemy. She swallows the lie stuck in her throat, offers the naked truth instead. “Yes. It’s terrifying.”
There aren’t many she would say yes to. Samaira. Apolonia. Marisol, maybe-- depending on the day. Lying was so easy, and truth so overrated. But Boudika was the first in Novus to show Anandi kindness and, even more striking, acceptance. Once, the other mare said “It’s only your nature.” How many times had Anandi remembered that statement and used it, shamelessly, to validate her actions? She tries to place the words to Boudika’s lips now, curled and devilish. They don’t fit like they did before, there’s something changed.
How long has it been since they first met- a year? How far they've come and gone, in different directions; yet here they stand.
“What happened to you?” Anandi takes a step closer. Step by step, the women draw close, between them now the animal scent of fear and blood. “We should go.” Her tone grows pleading. To the court, to the sea. Together, anywhere but here.
"Please,” she said, “you’re so beautiful. You may eat me if you like.
I’d sooner be eaten by you than fed by anyone else."
@Boudika
some say the loving and the devouring are all the same thing
☾
