Episode 3 Sneak Peek #29

A successful persuasion check during a conversation with Aeran on the Veyer branch. Romance is flagged in this continuity. 

1. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “Not really, no. I don’t know how they found out, but they’re here now. If this plan hinges on the skills of an illusionist, then I’ll accept their help, whether you approve of it or not.”

The lie is easy. Almost tooeasy. In another time or place, it would terrify you how it easy it is to do. But not here. Not now. No matter how guilty you feel for your actions, this is not the time or place to confront them.

Aeran stiffens has he listens to your words, his jaw clenched, and for a moment you’re not sure if he buys the lie. His mouth twists and your heart leaps into your throat, pounding with panic at the oncoming retort—

He stops and closes his eyes, passing a weary hand across his face. “It’s not that I don’t approve,” he says. “It’s that I don’t—I can’t trust them. And you shouldn’t either.”

“Because they’re—what—an imperial Guild mage?” you retort, crossing your arms. “That’s not a good enough reason to throw away their help.”

“Don’t fall for their act, $firstname. You’re smarter than that—”

“And you’re supposed to be a professional. You shouldn’t let your personal feelings get in the way.”

“Not without reason! This is what they’re good at, don’t you see? Reeling people in, using them. Telling them exactly what they want to hear, only to turn it on them for their own gain. They’ve had a lifetime at court to perfect it.”

Discomfort gnaws away at you, a disturbed feeling you can’t quite place. When you think back to your encounter with Veyer last night… They were conveniently placed in the gallery. And their conversation with you had unfolded so naturally, transforming them into exactly what you needed in that moment… Was it nothing more than a tryst between two consenting persons? Or did Veyer have ulterior motives in seeking you out?

You shrug and push the thought from your mind. “I don’t want to talk about Veyer.”

“And I don’t want to argue with you, $nickname.”

“A little late for that, don’t you think?”

He pales and looks away, raking a hand through his hair. The dappled light catches it, turning it a golden brown. “We’re just a pair of fools, aren’t we?” he says quietly. “I fucked up and I am sorry. I really am—”

“Aeran—”

He smiles faintly and takes a step back. “Unfortunately we have a damn Astrial to collect. But I promise, $nickname… afterwards. We have a lot to talk about—if you’ll let me.”