Nadeline walked through the streets of Bhujerba, her steps were quick and light as her heels clacked against the ground. She inhaled deeply, frustrated that once again, she was ignored. Her aunt, Empress Reia, was full set on way with Archades--it didn't help that they reciprocated the hostility. With Archades' invasion of Dalmasca, things had come to a boil, any small movement would cause the put to overflow, so to speak. One thing was stopping Reia from outright declaring war, and even then it was only a matter of time before she acquired the 'weapon' she kept rambling on and on about. Her father, Lorenzo, tried to shield her from such matters: war was a terrible thing, and so long as she stayed in the capital, she would be safe.

And what of her people? Reia cared only for victory, as anyone who perished was simply not strong enough to live. This of course included civilians and travelers and all who would get caught in between. Dalmasca would turn into a battlefield, just like Nabudis had all those years ago. But no one would listen! No wonder peace so was fragile; everyone insisted on shedding blood rather then try to understand one another. Nadeline huffed rather indignantly, though she brushed a hand through her golden waves, trying to think. Roman said he would consider her words--she didn't doubt that sincerity. However, she feared not that he wouldn't act, but that by the time he did, it would be too late.

The girl paused in her tracks as a young boy blocked her path. He smiled up at her rather innocently, procuring a note for her. "[b]For you.[/b]" He said cheerfully.

It was seeing faces like his that wanted her to prevent the war at all costs. She smiled back, thanking the young boy and watched him run off. She frowned, somewhat; it was awful late for someone so young to be running around so freely. Nadeline unfolded the note, recognizing the handwriting almost immediately. With a cluck of her tongue, she turned around and briskly began to walk the opposite direction. Within minutes she arrived at her destination, a small night cafe by the name of Luna (fitting, she thought). Once there, she spotted two familiar faces, and walked right to them.

"[b]And Her Highness graces us with her presence, the loveliest blossom in the garden.[/b]" Vlyn grinned, motioning to the chair across from his.

Nadeline took a seat next to Aloa, and took the cup of coffee offered to her. "[b][color=fdc68a]What exactly are you doing here, Vlyn?[/color][/b]" She asked rather curtly.

"[b]We should be asking you the same thing.[/b]" Aloa murmured from her own cup, though her eyes were gentle. "[b]Truly you do not wish to trouble your family with your disappearance.[/b]"

Nadeline raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow. "[b][color=fdc68a]And you two are up to no good, I presume.[/color][/b]" She scoffed, a frown on her face. "[b][color=fdc68a]Still tracking down the crazy delusions of my dear aunt? How entertaining, running after an imaginary power that cannot exist.[/color][/b]"

"[b]You wound me with your words.[/b]" Vlyn feigned injury.

"[b]An imaginary power...no, it is very real, Your Highness.[/b]" Aloa sighed, putting down her cup. "[b]We shall be taking it soon.[/b]"

At this, Nadeline was shocked, so to speak. Aloa was never one to agree with the Empress on anything, but at this moment she had confirmed that she was indeed right. Vlyn was quite amused at her expression, chuckling slightly. "[b][color=fdc68a]This cannot be.[/color][/b]" Nadeline actually slumped back in her seat, her heart pounding something fierce. She then sat right back up, glaring at Vlyn. "[b][color=fdc68a]Surely you do not mean to simply hand it over to the Empress, do you?[/color][/b]"

"[b]Lest you forget not many people have your position. We cannot be defiant of our wicked ruler.[/b]" Aloa replied lazily. "[b]To do so would cause Harris much trouble. You know how our loyalties lie simply with him. As such we carry out his commands--even if they are the wishes of that Hume woman.[/b]"

Nnadeline placed her head in her arms. This was unbelievable, truly it was. She could imagine it now, Dalmasca's destruction was imminent. Truly at this moment she indeed felt powerless. There was no way she could stop her aunt should the weapon fall into her hands. She then looked up, a fierce look in her eyes. "[b][color=fdc68a]Give me the weapon.[/color][/b]"

At this, Vlyn suddenly turned very serious. "[b]Forgive me, Your Highness, we can't really do that.[/b]"

"[b][color=fdc68a]Why, exactly? I am your Princess, I have the authority to do so.[/color][/b]"

"[b]He means it in a literal sense. The so called weapon takes the form of a Hume child, much like yourself.[/b]" Aloa gently explained. "[b]Do not worry yourself, you may return with us. Your father will be glad to see you safe.[/b]"

"[b][color=fdc68a]And bear witness to the horrors my aunt will unleash? I think not![/color][/b]" Nadeline stood up. "[b][color=fdc68a]Turn the other way! Pretend you haven't found this--this Hume! Tell me that you will not turn a blind eye to the situation![/color][/b]"

The Viera pair remained silent at this point. Of course they truly agreed with her, but what could they do? As soldiers they were duty bound to their country, sworn to do whatever it took to protect their country. In a twisted way, this would prevent more casualties. But Nadeline was young, she did not understand that sometimes there was little that could be done. Vlyn rubbed his temples, Aloa resumed drinking her coffee. Nadeline was hurt that they would remain silent, and she slowly sat back down. So long as she was powerless, she couldn't change anything.

"[b][color=fdc68a]Where is this person?[/color][/b]" She asked, more for curiosity's sake than anything else.

"[b]In the hands of a Sky Pirate we hired.[/b]" Aloa replied softly. "[b]They're resting at the Armanda at the moment. Tomorrow we will meet in the Lhusu Mines.[/b]"

Nadeline sighed, feeling rather weary at this point. She took a sip of her own drink. "[b][color=fdc68a]Will you two be staying there tonight?[/color][/b]"

"[b]Yes.[/b]"

"[b][color=fdc68a]Will you be going now?[/color][/b]"

"[B]No. Would you like to rest?[/b]"

Nadeline nodded, and Vlyn presented a key to her. "[b]Please go on ahead, Your Highness. We still have some business to take care of.[/b]"

She nodded once more, grasping the key, and excused herself. It pained Aloa to see Her Highness so sad, and she watched her leave. The Viera then looked to Vlyn, a rather serious look on her face. "[b]What will we do about our little problem?[/b]" She asked. "[b]Archades' General is lurking, likely causing trouble.[/b]"

Vlyn leaned back in his own chair, scratching his head. "[b]Things can never go easily, can they?[/b]" He asked rhetorically.

"[b]And what fun would that be?[/b]"

"[b]Oh? Do you know how to have fun?[/b]" He was kicked from under the table. "[b]Ow! It was a joke, woman![/b]"

Aloa finished the rest of her drink, leaving the gil needed to pay. "[b]She is on the move, this Ice General.[/b]" Her ears twitched slightly. "[b]This night will not be quiet, I fear we've run out of time. We should get the girl now and go.[/b]"