#and the second to last chapter is always Cirys raging at Illario about his deception of them

[zwitter-iconic]

Something that I really like about my fic with Illario and Cirys is that I cannot imagine them falling in love under any other circumstances. One of them has to be completely honest order for the other to open themselves up in kind.

In no world can I imagine that being Illario.

It always has to be Cirys torn open and raw from Lace's death. They turn to Illario with that same intention to disturb people that everyone with a grotesque, fresh wound gets now and again. (See, me still keeping my elbow dislocation x-rays because I think they're neat). Except Illario doesn't flinch. He's an Antivan Crow, he might not like the gore but he's accustomed to it. So Cirys shows him more.

And more.

And more.

Until they have shown him the whole of themselves. They should feel exposed, bare. Except Illario keeps their true self to himself covetously. He's been so rarely given anything so precious and doesn't intend to lose it.

So Cirys trusts him. Trusts his selfishness.

And that's why he's the perfect bait to the trap the others' spring. Cirys knew he was selfish with knowing them. They didn't understand how selfish he could be to keep them.