Blackwater Islands torn wide

she does not like the way he regards her.  it reminds her of both ramesses and lazuline.  the thought confuses her.  her breath comes quicker, her stomach tight.  her gaze is cast to the sand at their side, head low, tail somehow more lifeless than before.

i did.  she was tired of being interrogated by everyone she met.  she had nothing more to say on the matter. he would press her anyway.

she looks up at him, steady, a harshness setting in the shadow of her features from the falling sun.  because it was offered to me, she answers plainly.  i have already pledged my life to the listener.  her tone is neutral, but the exhaustion is evident.  i have performed her deeds.

and though she had lost the respect of moonglow, the listener had deemed her worthy to stay.  she was being harder on herself than necessary.  everyone else was hard enough on her as it was.

is something else required of me now?  her gaze turns tired, and she did not know if she had it in her to take on another act.