Either way, Magnus and Cleo's relationship is going to be tested. But if they make it through this, they can handle anything. Who knows, with Taran entering the picture, perhaps it can help Cleo forgive Magnus wholly and find closure, as well as aid Magnus in forgiving himself. She may possibly even see how Theon's death has silently tortured him for so long now. That he's never felt pride, only guilt and shame.
I was actually talking with @princeofbloodandgold about something similar about Nic telling Taran to pass of as Theon actually. I’m sure that seeing Taran will cause a very emotional reaction in Cleo (I doubt she’ll be able to even face him for a while). In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if she faints from shock. She may think she’s having a nightmare again for a minute. We think it may not happen as Taran may not want to go along with it, and also Cleo is smart and once the shock wears off, she’d notice it’s not the same, and sooner than later she’d see it’s not really Theon. Though I think it would be interesting if that happened.
But I agree, I think the main purpose of Taran at the moment will be to test their relationship. Theon and Magnus killing Theon has been a thorn on their relationship. The times they touch the subject is always during a fight, and his name is thrown as a took to hurt the other.
This has to make them talk about it. I think Cleo has come to understand to a degree that it was something he did in a moment of weakness and cowardice and self defence. But her hearing from Magnus how it affected him and that he was never proud of it, would help her move on. And they need to set things right so they can move forward on their relationship.
I also think Taran will affect Magnus in an emotional level. He did said he would never forget the face of his first kill, and seeing Taran will be shocking. The regret he felt may come back. And I think if there is someone that will really make him insecure about Cleo deciding to leave him for another it will be Taran since it’s identical to the man she loved before him.
