Role

Chapter 3

I've only ever been really, really afraid once before, and that was when
I was fourteen and a band of bounty hunters were tearing through the caravan
I used to call home and lopping the heads off my friends and family. Back
then I thought, this is the end and I've got nothing left. But it wasn't,
and here I am still.

I'm afraid again. I'm afraid for Iunna. I'm afraid for Iktul. I'm afraid
of what's going to happen to them and to me.

Iunna's always taken it real hard when her kids pass on. I saw how she was
after Hayim and Grawshen died. She just wasn't herself at all for a while,
but now that Goroel's gone, it's even worse. I've tried to help her cheer
up. I feel like kind of an idiot telling her all this stuff I know she
already knows, but she just doesn't wanna tell him goodbye, and I don't know
what else to do but be there for her. I think Haidoril's pretty pissed at
her for clinging to her sorrow like she is. I can't be. I think she's mad
enough at herself for falling for Goroel in the first place. Just 'cause
she's a goddess doesn't mean she feels anything any less than mortals do. I
just hope she comes around. She's got to, she's just got to.

And Iktul, oh Iktul. We're married now. Who'd have thought I'd be Mrs.
Slink? He's old, so old. So am I. His whole life he's been plotting not
to die, and now he has the chance, but it will probably kill him anyway.
Enlilth brought me his potion, I don't know why. Maybe for a laugh? Maybe
he thought he'd get kicks out of making it be up to me whether Iktul has his
chance or not? I don't care. It's out of my paws now anyway. I've heard
my whole life that I won't keep Iktul from what he wants. I don't *want* to
keep him from what he wants, so I gave it to him. He hasn't drunk of it yet,
but I think his lust for immortality will get the better of him soon. I am
really, really not prepared for any of what could follow.

I love them both and I feel like they're trying to slip away. I know I have
to try and be strong even if fear is eating me up inside.