Blood from Stone [AU]

[NPCs]

Cadmus snorts. "That Carver boy would also try to kill you for what he would see as abandoning his sister," he points out dryly.

[GamesMaster]

"Mriy taught me well," he says, with a smile.

[NPCs]

"That she did," Cadmus agrees with a smile. "Is that your choice that? She must either adhere to our ways entirely or you will cast her off?" His tone is neutral, tinged only with curiosity. Annoying old man is playing this close to the chest evidently, not wanting to bias Don's thoughts.

[GamesMaster]

"No," he sighs. "If worst comes to worst, I shall claim any catfolk, and leave to her any human or merikosi kits. But I do not desire that outcome. I have considered asking several Bandannas to move in with me, and Beth as well, so that the kits can be raised among their people, and yet, with their mother. But I am afraid to ask for more concessions in such an unusual political situation."

[NPCs]

"Well... back up a little. What do you think you need out of this? As Don, as Lord zi'Goldenclaw and as Tribe?"

[GamesMaster]

"As Don, I want Beth," he says, with a longing sigh. "I... I don't want to give her up. She's important to me. As Lord zi'Goldclaw, I have to claim a kit at some point, to provide an heir. As Tribe, I have to do right by my people, and that means not privileging a human over one of us. So."

[NPCs]

"Good, good. Do remember, that you are not just Tribe anymore. You are unique among us, as a Light. You will have to measure and weigh keeping to our ways and the good you can bring us by... compromising," the Keeper says carefully. He pauses, licking his lip. "We're dying, my son. Slowly, but ever hastening, we are dying. Our numbers dwindle, our homes rot, our ways are abandoned. People leave, people die, people forget. You are the best chance we have of surviving. We cannot afford to squander that chance."

[GamesMaster]

"If I were to marry her, they would say we are already dead." His voice isn't harsh; he is working his way through the options, starting at the extremes. "If we cohabitate, a balancing factor must be present. She could move to cattown, but.... "

Now he hesitates, unsure how to say this to his Keeper and father.

[NPCs]

"Speak freely, as an equal before Bharnerol," Cadmus intones softly after a moment, invoking ritual to ease the conversation.

[GamesMaster]

"Cattown is my home. It always will be. But I can't bring Beth there. It isn't... She deserves better. It's improving day by day, but it's always been a ghetto as much as it is our tribe lands."

[NPCs]

"Did she not grow up poor as well? Perhaps not as poor as the worst of Cattown but..." Cadmus shrugs. "And... perhaps that could be a benefit. If his daughter lives there, would not Lord zi'Tethras be even more invested in improving our lands?"

[GamesMaster]

"If she had fur, I could take that risk," he sighs. "I want better for her, but she's probably willong enough. But they won't accept her either. She would be alone."

[NPCs]

"Then how can you make her be accepted?" Cadmus prods. "Have you discussed this with her? She has bent in many, many ways. She seems to love you." He waves dismissively. "Oh, I do not expect everyone or even close to accept her, ever. Not all the Tribe accepts me! But enough could be enough, no?"

[GamesMaster]

"I just keep thinking of Merrill. How they were towards me. But... With rules, and with time, and strategic location, maybe..."

[NPCs]

Cadmus is silent for a long moment, then the Keeper says slowly, "last I had heard you say, the young lady was still... questioning her choice of patron deity." He stops there, the silence pointed and meaningful.