Duck Lake Say that love

She had wasted time, not on purpose but because of hope. She had trusted a few she shouldn't have -- Terance, Corvus -- and the times she had been close, things had just not gone through. But now that was over, she had pushed aside the past and now was getting back on the time frame she wanted -- of what was needed. Perhaps it made it easier accepting she was alone. She would make things get done.

But was it not obvious? Did he really need the praise? She swept a glance over him, You would be the logical one. Honesty instead of just a desire to please. Proof of loyalty. The thing lacking is that with the scouting you've done, I don't know you beyond the actions I've seen. But was it an issue? Perhaps. Arbiter was stubborn and had her expectations carved in stone -- if he wanted a different way, she was unlikely to budge on some of it. Valdemar perhaps had potential, but would he be able to convince her in what little time had to be left? It seemed more likely that she'd have to pick the sure thing. Perhaps he could be shaped into being an option for the future -- or at the very least a bit of fun if she and Kaertok didn't mesh the way she and Terance had.