Snippet #2646058

The MacSweet's issues, while grave, were not difficult to resolve. Nothing much really was difficult for Klethi, least of all when it concerned her home territory; as much as little threatened her, she was invulnerable at the seat of her power.

"Thank you, Klethi." They were halfway back down the twisted hill-road. Fenris was cold, and a touch peckish. Klethi was smiles and radiance. "It's what I agreed to," she replied. "Don't think I'd be remiss to see the MacSweets ruined, Fenris. That's life for you mortals. Especially in Aerth. This city-my city-is not a land of safety. It is a perpetual reminder of the unpredictability of existence, the rewards of harnessing that fact, and-most importantly-the consequences of trying to cheat fate."
"Well, I'm glad they're better now."
"I am as well, as a friend; as the goddess of misfortunes, it's my solemn duty to maintain an Armoth that always fears my hand, whether I've sworn myself from the direct intervention of innocent mortals or otherwise."
"I've known you to be a kind goddess."
"But you've known me for but the years you've breathed, elf. While those are more in number than that of most humans, it's few in my own eyes. Fate can be a cruel mistress, Fenris. Be always mindful of that."
"Things have always worked themselves out, in the end."
"For you, maybe, Fenris. But what of those that have waylaid you, and suffered dearly for it? In your many travels, with the many adversaries you've faced, haven't you considered what cost they paid?"
"They were evil, terrible, cruel people, Klethi. That's the order of the universe."
Klethi snorted, then laughed. "You honestly believe that Armoth has some divine rule that dictates good shall always conquer evil, Fenris? It has been my influence, elf. I happen to like you more than most mortals. That's the only reason so many outcomes are found in your favor."

Coming from the bottom of the road, a man with a letter struggled to jog the steep path towards them. "Run along, Fenris. Clean, bathe, feed, and rest yourself; I have goddessly matters to attend to."
Fenris nodded sagically, leaving when she stopped to receive the messenger. With a huff, the man told her the origin of the letter; he was thanked, and left to return to his post. Klethi, who no longer had need to entertain the need of a bipedal mortal, floated her way down.
"And so the tragic daughter calls on the maniac to slay death... damn, I had something more clever than that prepared."

Klethi was torn. She sat on her little wood throne-chair with her cheek on his fist and the letter in her hand. She weighed her options carefully. She could go to Rasoc, warn him of the plot, and watch Pyrexus be destroyed, or join forces with the daughter. She considered what she'd gain from either plot. Rasoc, she suspected, would be lethargic, but would ultimately succeed in a fair fight. Pyrexus's death would be quick, and Klethi's reward would be-at best-empty praise.
But Pyrexus? She was young, rash, volatile, angry-exactly the kinds of emotions Klethi had seen undo generations of mortals' hard work. Like a fire, it could wither and die before anything came of it, or she could be burning her own house down. The kindle had been laid, but Klethi didn't think it was resting in a safe fire pit. Tiptoeing and planning would be necessary to see the defeat of Rasoc to the hilt, and guarantee Klethi benefited from the expedition.
"I could have a portion of Rasoc's lands," Klethi mumbled to herself. "A share of his wealth, a division of his power. The other gods would be upset, certainly, but what would be the consequence in that?" But it was too soon. If Klethi engaged Pyrexus, it would be, no doubt, to the immediate pursuit of Rasoc's death, or entrapment, or whatever Pyrexus saw suitable. Klethi thought Rasoc's power measurable, and his nature amiable, enough that he could have been a valuable asset in the the overthrow of the Primordials, an conquest of far more importance than that of a single god!
No doubt some scenario could be envisioned that would have Rasoc remain potent to assist, but betrayed and defeated before he could benefit from the death of the Primordials. With the right timing, Klethi thought, I could seize both his, and Pyrexus's, powers. I would make myself queen of Armoth, and there would be nothing to prevent it. Thank you, Pyrexus: This letter may be the beginning of the defeat of everyone.

Klethi needed an expert's opinion. She knew her own mercurial nature was ill-suited to such activities, and the fervor and anger Pyrexus offered would only exacerbate the problem. "I will see Zeralt," she decided.