#i like when my psyche is being tortured like this

revoevokukil:

Part Two
AO3

Summary:

Avallac’h and Ciri take a little walk, which takes Ciri through herself and into the unknown.

Excerpts:

The girl did not know where to put her eyes for the moment when the elf offered her a hand down the steep steps leading onto an empty riverside esplanade. She was overwhelmed with questions and intrusive thoughts.

‘Listen, Avallac’h, is it true… that they know? That everybody talks about – well, you know?’

‘Ah, this is why you are still souring like bilberry kissel! Know? Such an abused word. No, Swallow. But do they talk? Absolutely. Curiosity is common to everybody. No one is deprived of this shortcoming. Admittedly, not everyone knows how to hide it.’

‘Well I say that is very tactless of someone who is supposed to understand the delicacies of another’s soul oh-so-very-well, and all that.’

The corners of his mouth lifted a little and she felt momentarily better.

‘I recall saying “former”.’

She did not let up. ‘It is obviously because I am a human into whose soul nothing fits!’

‘You were born a princess,’ he sighed. ‘They are just elves – ordinary, even if of fine descent. Not at all special, like you. Their curiosity should not matter to you or offend you. Alas, you expressed the desire to tenderize their tongues for a ceviche.’

‘Only to you! What is “ceviche”?’

-

‘Why do you frown?’ he asked with a hint of a smile.

‘I – I do not understand you. At all.’

‘Fortunately, understanding is not needed. Only trust.’

Their eyes met. Avallac’h cocked his head to the side.

‘Do I blame you? Darling girl. Are you to blame?’ His hand rose. ‘You feel uncertain and insecure, paralyzed by your inexperience and lack of skill. All this can be helped, Zireael. Believe me. Trust fate a little.’