The Silver Queen [AU]

[Haliel Lightsong]

"Which do you prefer?" the aasimar asks promptly, turning to regard the agathion with significant care and intent. Evidently names are important business.

[GamesMaster]

"Please," he says softly. "I haven't heard my true name in four decades, as the mortals mark time." 

[Haliel Lightsong]

Lightsong's eyes soften with compassion and kindness, clearly marking her as one that lives and breathes the ideals of her faith, not just the tenants. "Of course Bright's His-paws-are-silent-but-his-growl-is-fierce-in-defense-of-the-righteous. Hearing one's name is... important," she says softly, then shakes her head. "Names are important. Having them, hearing them, wearing them."

[GamesMaster]

"Yes," he purrs. "Especially for Pavitra. Our names are our true selves, our calling. I have been mistreated by mortals since my summoning, but I cannot be taken from Vangal's service."

[Coquette Blacquin]

Names are important. "Perhaps... Vigile, would you prefer to travel with Ray Lightsong?" she asks, in sudden inspiration. "After all, I have reached my parents safely. There's no need to continue protecting me."

[Haliel Lightsong]

"Of course not!" Lightsong says with shock. "One of Vangal's would never abandon their charge until their duty is completely fulfilled. Unless you have found your path as he said you were seeking?" She winces then, casting Vigile an apologetic look for speaking in his place.

[GamesMaster]

"Quite so," he purrs. "Lady Cindy Smith Olocaryn, while you may have found your family, your soul remains lost. I will remain with you until it is found yet again."

[Smith Family]

"Olocaryn?" Jaina blurts out with a frown, glancing at her husband with narrowed eye. "Isn't that..."

[Haliel Lightsong]

"The nobleman that 'Duke' Blaquin's eldest daughter was married off to," Lightsong says softly, studying Cindy carefully. "From Jalzaid."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Judge," she corrects, looking away. "I... I can explain..."

[Smith Family]

"Duke now, at least according to the nobles," Kyle says softly. "Invested with the trust and duty to lead Glaley though this troubled time' and such. Bunch of nonsense, blasted nobles are... Sorry Cindy. I was... Going to try and... ease into this but..."

"Kyle..." Jaina says slowly, eyeing him. "Did you..."

He shrugs a little, expression regretful but firm. "Never said it outright, but she dropped enough hints that I put it together," he admits. "Care as day she didn't want to... be a part of that, so..."

Jaina gives him a bit of a glare, then nods. "We'll talk later," she warns him before looking at Cindy. "Come sit with me, lovie."

[Haliel Lightsong]

Adopted then, though likely not on paper. She seems... more broken than anything else. Her eyes gleam for a few seconds as the Smiths finish talking. Her soul is not profaned and Bright's His-paws-are-silent-but-his-growl-is-fierce-in-defense-of-the-righteous supports her so... Mentally shrugging, she simply offers a faint smile to Cindy before asking, "do you want me to get something for you to sit on, Goodman Smith?" At his hesitant nod, she bows slightly. "I'll be back shortly."

[Coquette Blacquin]

As she watches her go, she says quietly, sitting, "I'm sorry. It never seemed right to tell you. I was born Lady Coquette Blaquin, but I never... Mel just seemed so much happier than any noblewoman I'd ever met. I didn't want to tell her I was rich. I didn't want that to come between us."

[Smith Family]

Jaina reaches over to take Cindy's hand. "Come sit and tell your mother what's putting those shadows in your eyes," she says gently. I can unravel that ball of yarn later. My little girl needs me right now.

[Coquette Blacquin]

She leans against her, shivering. "I'm not... as good as you think," she whispers. "I've done terrible things. You'd be so ashamed of me if you knew."