QofA Question: Why was Eugenides moody on the mountain?

[cherryblosomjen.livejournal.com]

I'm rereading QofA for the millionth time, and stumbled on a question (as I usually do--it's why these books are so rich and lovely--they never stop giving, no matter how many times you read them).

You know that iconic scene from chapter 9, where Eddis arranges for a picnic on the mountain with Eugenedes and the Magus? It's an opportunity to send multiple messages to Sounis and Attolia (1. It was the Eddisians who stole the Magus and 2. To suggest something amorous between Eddis and Eugenedes).

For the entire picnic, Eugenedes is in a sour mood. On my previous reads, I didn't think much of it  because he was so often moody (and understandably so, considering all the trauma and ptsd and general mass of emotions). But Eddis seems to emphasize that she "knew the Magus wondered at [Gen's] bad temper." And, then, in the very next line, she explains: "We are sending a message to the QUeen of Attolia [about a supposed love affair between them]."

Is Eugenedes in a bad mood because he loves Attolia and doesn't want to send that message?

I'm asking because all the other reasons  (like being considered useless etc, and having to live with the reputation that he creates for himself) are discussed much earlier in the passage and therefore not seemingly relevant....

Comments

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

Hi Jen! I think that's exactly right. And maybe all that feeling useless, etc. things mentioned earlier. Plus, he was already grumpy about being on a horse and being looked at. He cheers right up when he gets a rise out of Helen and the Magus, however.

[cherryblosomjen.livejournal.com]

haha I hate to say it but that terrible streak of his is why I love him so much (and I'm sure I'm not alone X)

[freenarnian.livejournal.com]

I think you're right — a lot of Gen's moods and reactions in QoA can be explained in light of the fact that he loves Attolia — though I've never fully understood why they wanted it rumored that they were romantically involved. Even after many rereads, I always feel like I'm missing something there.

[manderelee.livejournal.com]

Yes, same here.

[cherryblosomjen.livejournal.com]

Funny thing is I'm reading it now and I also can't completely explain haha.
Wasn't it something like, better to encourage that rumor as first implied the philanderer than to suggest the real nature of their plot? (But, the difficulty here is that technically, they'd already stolen the magus and what danger would there be in people knowing that truth now??)
Hah. Left with more questions than I started with

[cherryblosomjen.livejournal.com]

I will say, that it does defintely seem more like Eddis is pushing for that rumor much more than Eugenedes (who doesn't seem to like it, but goes along)

On that same note: I noticed Eugenedes genuine spite over being pushed towards Agape more readily on this read. (Eg: That comment where he tells the Magus that Sounis should marry Agape. And meant it)

Is it a stretch to wonder if maybe this ploy is Eddis trying to discourage a union between Attolia and Eugenedes? We learn later that she knows of the torch he carries for Attolia... and has been plotting to get him married off to someone

Moody

[lady_ruthless]

Wasn't he moody the entire book?