[Location: Realm of Iofiel]
("This is far more exhausting than I initially anticipated.") For what felt like the hundredth time since this conversation began, Iofiel had to resist the urge to sigh aloud. A Goddess should not sigh in exasperation. A Goddess should not allow irritation to crease her expression. A Goddess, especially one of her stature, should remain composed and radiant.
Maintaining that composure was becoming increasingly difficult with this man standing before her.
("Even so, he is necessary.") Her thoughts remained orderly despite the tension tightening her jaw. ("With the power he holds, and his exemption from fate itself… he is too valuable to mishandle.") Now that she had formalized an 'alliance' with him, she would have to tread carefully.
"I suppose," Iofiel began, her tone returning to that warm one, "that I cannot fault you for pursuing only what you find interesting. Curiosity and personal conviction are, in their own way, admirable qualities."
