1) I always read the "without smiling" as a way of showing Reluius that he isn't trying to mock him, or belittle him, that it's an entirely sincere gesture of his acceptance/appreciation of Relius; showing him that he and Attolia *do* value his service and loyalty. They are two men who both love and serve the queen - and have sacrificed a lot to do so - and Gen has come to accept that.
2) I can't always figure out the relevence of the stories, but I think Eddis' story was about love, and specifically having to chose between love and family. I think Eddis says later in the book how much she is coming to sympathise with Hestia's mother, since she is also placed in the position of letting Gen chose to live with a "monster" far away. Phresine's is more opaque, but I would say it has to do with accepting the gods' gifts and not invalidating the warranty by rejecting them or showing ingratitude - which is why it distresses Gen so much at first, since at this stage he still, really does not want to be king and is terrified the gods will find out.
3) Hmmm. Politics? Any emotional advantage you can possibly use over your 'enemies' is good knowledge to have.
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Date: 6/25/13 01:56 pm (UTC)2) I can't always figure out the relevence of the stories, but I think Eddis' story was about love, and specifically having to chose between love and family. I think Eddis says later in the book how much she is coming to sympathise with Hestia's mother, since she is also placed in the position of letting Gen chose to live with a "monster" far away.
Phresine's is more opaque, but I would say it has to do with accepting the gods' gifts and not invalidating the warranty by rejecting them or showing ingratitude - which is why it distresses Gen so much at first, since at this stage he still, really does not want to be king and is terrified the gods will find out.
3) Hmmm. Politics? Any emotional advantage you can possibly use over your 'enemies' is good knowledge to have.