You have no trouble believing it, then, that you come back with me to Os Alta? Sometimes, here, you’ve said things that make me think it’s the very opposite of what you want at this point in time.
It is the opposite of what I want. [ She answers him. ] But is the opposite of what I'll do? I know I'll resist it as long and as much as I can... but I don't think I can escape it forever.
Do you remember what I told you before? If you had wanted it, I would have taken you far away from all of it. Wherever you wanted to go. That's a promise I would always have kept.
[ Right until the end, when the option was taken from him. He's careful to keep that off his face. That, at least, she does not need to know. ]
[ He can only give her his opinion on that. Thankfully, he's never actually short on those. ]
I think because there was something that meant more to you than leaving. You came back to help your country, to do some good. And to be the Sun Summoner again. I think you were tired of hiding that, personally. The truth is, there's no reason why you should.
You're a better leader than even I gave you credit for.
[ She sits quietly on that for awhile. She did miss using her powers. She had felt that weakness without using them. It had been like before she discovered her powers. Except she was aware and actively suppressing them...
As for Ravka... she still has nightmares about the damage she's done.
Did she really come back to lead? ]
Thanks, Nikolai. [ She tells him, looking over at him again. ]
[ He smiles at that. She doesn't imagine that he's any better about compliments than he used to be, does she? ]
Oh, undoubtedly. Although you did refuse to marry me. I thought it was a good offer, but you know how stubborn you are. Absolutely impossible at times.
You offered to marry me? [ She asked him. She wonders how Mal took that.... she can only imagine. ] Did I punch you for that? I feel like I would punch you for that one.
Yes. You made him Captain of your Guard. He went to the Little Palace with you, along with two of my old crew. He never had any intention of leaving you behind, have no fear of that.
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With a very well crafted and particularly ruthless reputation. And I'm not a pirate.
[ Suddenly he touches her cheek, very briefly, and then he smiles. ]
Though I'll never be done reminding you.
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Thank you for telling me, Nikolai. I mean it.
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He's not sure it was the best decision, but it's made now. No more lies.
Well, none of any great import, anyway. ]
It's all right. Truth be known, I missed hearing you call me by my real name. It doesn't quite sound the same when you're telling me off as Sturmhond.
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Do you know how hard it is not to ask you every question right now? I'm doing really well at not asking all of them.
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[ He looks up at her. ]
You have no trouble believing it, then, that you come back with me to Os Alta? Sometimes, here, you’ve said things that make me think it’s the very opposite of what you want at this point in time.
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[ He says that gently. ]
Do you remember what I told you before? If you had wanted it, I would have taken you far away from all of it. Wherever you wanted to go. That's a promise I would always have kept.
[ Right until the end, when the option was taken from him. He's careful to keep that off his face. That, at least, she does not need to know. ]
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I think because there was something that meant more to you than leaving. You came back to help your country, to do some good. And to be the Sun Summoner again. I think you were tired of hiding that, personally. The truth is, there's no reason why you should.
You're a better leader than even I gave you credit for.
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As for Ravka... she still has nightmares about the damage she's done.
Did she really come back to lead? ]
Thanks, Nikolai. [ She tells him, looking over at him again. ]
Maybe you inspire me. [ She shrugs. ]
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Oh, undoubtedly. Although you did refuse to marry me. I thought it was a good offer, but you know how stubborn you are. Absolutely impossible at times.
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It did sour my relationship with Oretsev, though. For a while I thought he might take my head off. Questionable sense of humour, that one.
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You would have deserved it if he had.
What did Mal do when we went to Os Alta? He... came with us right?
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The question makes him sober a bit. He nods. ]
Yes. You made him Captain of your Guard. He went to the Little Palace with you, along with two of my old crew. He never had any intention of leaving you behind, have no fear of that.
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So that's how we become friends then? Because I come back to Os Alta with you?
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[ A faint smile, slightly crooked this time. Less cocky. ]
You're not bad company. As it happens.
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But she can't help but smile a little. ]
I consider you my friend here.
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On your word as a cutthroat and a pirate?
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I'm not a pirate. That's you.
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[ Maybe. Assuming she remembers this place when she goes back home. ]
Is there anything else you want to know?
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But those are the most burning questions.
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All right.
Then I should go. I still have a forge to rebuild, after all.
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Do you want me to come help?
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If you like.
I'll show you how.
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