the most tragic aspect of ailred is that though he forfeited his life in service to dame ruina, it was just years before her death and even within those their intimacy was scant. she was ailing, and had other lovers and prophecies to tend to. he's death's servant and blade with no succor.
she allowed him some privileges others did not have — he was allowed a rougher hand, more severe dominance. she enjoyed his company, but she never loved him the same way he loved her. his obsessions were too singular, and that was something she only reserved for the stars and no one person.
he surrendered himself to something so ephemeral and now is bound eternally. between his familial blood and the pact with death, he is limited in life's splendors. no sunlight, is tethered to a radius where bodies prepared by illsvalian hands are entombed, needs to wet his blade to have a body, etc.
Feb 5, 2026 04:22
