Fiona,
One of the lessons I had to learn growing up was that a woman's greatest strength was her mind. Yes, coming from me (a woman know to be as vain or more-so than the peacocks that strut through the gardens) this seems odd, but it's a lesson you'll need to learn to survive. You are a quarter Sidhe so you'll find that you have a ....knack to blend into any gathering, any event. This applies to lovers, friends, and negotiations as well. Perhaps you won't have the impulse as strong as I do, but it's there and you need to master it.
When I was young, Anna fostered me. Oepdial complexes aside, she molded my impulsive, fickle nature into a weapon that could be used anywhere. When I sat as the Queen's lady-in-waiting, I was the perfect example of a young girl. When I was set with the sprites of the valley, I was a fickle spring breeze. When I was expected to be someone, I became that someone. Anann sharpened that wit further and I use it now knowing that where others are great with spear or sword, I excel at being whatever they want me to be.
When I needed Benjamin to listen to the plans that Anna wanted us to go towards, I knew that seducing him into agreement wouldn't work. Despite his misogyny, he listens to Tal. So I turned to her, I smiled, I flirted, I batted my eyes and used the blood orgies of Sekhmet to draw her in like a moth to a flame. She dangles now by a thin thread to become mine as I please and that ...threat spurs Benjamin to finally take action. We will finish our tasks in Cairo and then continue on our plans to contact Sinmore or the Agents of Gaia.
Where I am the cherished friend to Tal who could be so much more if I crook my finger just so, I am the new companion of Sekhmet. Something's wrong with her, the ritual of Isis must have drained her of her legend somehow; but she favors me and that works in our favor. If I remain the perfect companion, I will have a deadly ally to use in whatever war I see fit. I charmed her after the fight in the sewers, and I will continue to charm her for as long as it's needed.
This comes with drawbacks. I hurt Wuyi, scared her when Sekhmet and I orchestrated our own version of a Wild Hunt and fell into a sexual frenzy after the slaughter but Wuyi stepped up to the plate and molded herself to the situation, to be what she needed to be, knowing it was the best way to get what she wants in the end. I shattered some of her innocence that night, but she stepped right past the broken pieces on the road to being such a dangerous and mature woman.
During this hazy, nebulous time in Iteru where a day feels like a week and an hour all wrapped up into one, Anna expanded my mind until my Sidhe nature grew and stretched and was given an endless mental playground to sate my curiosity -- much like she'll teach you. Now I can focus on six different things all at once and not have to worry about losing track of whatever is set before me. She also drew you away from the front lines of the war, and assured that our plans did not harm you.
Rhiannon
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