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Somewhere inside, the God had always known what Ophelia's choice would be. He knew this day almost as clearly as his brother Spark would have known it. It was a near certainty, and the outcome was seemingly set. And yet...
Yet..
Some small lingering probability bore into his mind, brightening and simultaneously dousing his thoughts with hope and promise of something else.
The God could have invaded Torleik's thoughts - burrowed deep into his mind to know if this scheme had been discussed by the two, or if it was mere happenstance. But he declined. If pressed, he would have said it was out of respect for Ophelia, but in truth it was merely to save himself from knowing. He knew her decision now. He didn't need to know the why.
At least, he didn't need to hear it.
"A wise choice." He responded, his golden stare losing none of its brightness as a smile broke his chiseled jawline. Just because he hoped, didn't mean he lost himself to the naive chance. He was prepared for this, and so his voice - and his words - were genuine. "There is nothing Ophelia - other than to live well with the time you have left, and to love those who have cost you the ages."
He meant that too - she better damn well love Torleik. He didn't think he could ever bear to see her grow old and die, if she had made the wrong choice. Better that she love a mortal as a mortal, than to forego immortality on a whim.
With a last smile, the God nodded. He chose to continue his charade, of pretending that he had not seen Torleik - that he could not feel his heavy curiosity wafting through his mind. It seemed foolish to offer Ophelia a greeting. They would see each other again soon, and yet goodbye, or until next time, seemed merely like a placeholder for something else.
Something which couldn't be spoken. Not now that her decision had been made.
"Clearly you are Foresaken no longer, Ophelia." His words hung heavily, with thoughts and feelings unspoken. "Now you are amaranthine.." The word made him simultaneously think of worlds which were cold, elusive, and vast, but also warm, light, and somehow delicate. The juxtaposition made his heart heavy, and his lips and eyelashes flutter.
With a last, lingering gaze, the God erupted in a tall spiral of brilliant flames. They gave off no heat, but eclipsed the Flats in a blinding and beautiful light.
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