A Man Who Pays His Bills on Time is Soon Forgotten

even before Acere started to speak, Heloise had a forebodding pit in the middle of her stomach. by the time he was done, she was angry and hurt. twisting away from him, her eyes flared an icy fire within. but she was not mad at him. she was mad at his decision. "I understand why you did it, Acere" she said at last after her cool air broke and she looked almost disgusted "but you could not have picked a worse time. our children will be born next season, and they needed those resources. Winterfell needed those resources." not only that but they seemed to have lost a very important ally for just one wolf.

Heloise did not understand. she could only guess this would end in heartbreak and unwanted drama for Winterfell. potentially the loss of Paradise if she found out. Acere and Tyranis put so much on the line for just one captive. Heloise had only bartered a polar bear corpse for the release of Thora. she had been worried about giving too much.

she wanted no part of this deal but she knew she would help to re-gather all they had lost. "not only that but raiding will create enemies when we have lost an important ally. I do not want our children to be surrounded as soon as they are born. and I do not want to lose any part of you on behalf of slavers." she looked even more hurt that he hadn't taken the opportunity to realize yet again how important he was. if it was Heloise's decision, she would go back on her word to the Hjarrandi. she would mend the broken alliance with Abaven. she would let the singular captive fend for himself. call her cruel if they will, but she did not understand the importance of just one wolf compared to all this.

she was more upset than furious. she hoped it was worth it, to weaken Winterfell so much in the eyes of others. in the eyes of her. "do what you will, though I regretfully want no part of it. I will restock what we have lost, but this is your debt. both of yours" again, she included Tyranis in this. Winterfell should not have to suffer for their mistakes. she sighed before turning away, walking off to clear her head. if she remained, she would say words she did not mean. Heloise had already said her piece and was happy to leave it like that. / EXIT