She's appraising him again. With Padma gone, she knows who she'd turn to for a male figure in Ivan's life. How much talking had the two shared over the years? Aral's male companions hadn't been a secret in the Vor gossip circles and she wonders if he'd given Ivan advice on how to pursue that if he truly didn't want to marry. It would be a choice many would disapprove of in high Vor society even if it was a tolerated dirty secret for many, but this is her son and she wouldn't love him any less.
But how does a Vor lady even ask her son that? Not outright. ]
Is that so. That is your choice. [ The words are said slowly, carefully. A small underlying hint of disappointment thrown in for good measure. There's a pause for good measure and she begins walking again as she turns the conversation down another path. ]
Did you spend much time with your Aunt Cordelia and Uncle Aral over the years?
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She's appraising him again. With Padma gone, she knows who she'd turn to for a male figure in Ivan's life. How much talking had the two shared over the years? Aral's male companions hadn't been a secret in the Vor gossip circles and she wonders if he'd given Ivan advice on how to pursue that if he truly didn't want to marry. It would be a choice many would disapprove of in high Vor society even if it was a tolerated dirty secret for many, but this is her son and she wouldn't love him any less.
But how does a Vor lady even ask her son that? Not outright. ]
Is that so. That is your choice. [ The words are said slowly, carefully. A small underlying hint of disappointment thrown in for good measure. There's a pause for good measure and she begins walking again as she turns the conversation down another path. ]
Did you spend much time with your Aunt Cordelia and Uncle Aral over the years?