[quote=@Krauxis]
Chloe had to think for a moment on her own intentions. "Straight into the hornet's nest, huh..." She wasn't totally set on fighting with this unknown magi, though it seemed that her prospective opponent wanted a fight, or was looking for an excuse. Maybe Chloe was just projecting. In the end, she fell back on the logic that had kept her from death or corruption: [i]What would be the most entertaining option?[/i]

"Ah, so you saw that little bit of work, did you? You guys really do have eyes and ears everywhere... Well, it was made to be found, so I'm happy it could serve its purpose. Glad you liked it. Yeah, I made that 'effigy' as you call it. And... yeah, I'm on my own. Too much responsibility otherwise, y'know? Too much stress. Surely you know what I mean." Chloe was beating around the bush, trying to get a rise out of Eponine, who, while it seemed as though she should be smoldering, seemed to have something of a stone visage. This was entertaining for the carefree girl, though it was possible she was pushing her luck just a little too far in front of this stranger she had never met.

"Right... Anyway, you say your owner wants to talk to me? How unusual. I suppose it wouldn't do for you to go against orders, huh? Yeah, I'll come with. Lead on, though forgive me if I stay transformed. I don't really have any reason to trust you or any number of armed goons you might have waiting in the bleachers. Name's Chloe, by the way. Chloe Hartmann. Don't bother with a background check. I bet you won't find that name in any databases these days. The poor and the downtrodden are so often overlooked by those in power."
[/quote]
During the conversation, Eponine felt a bit twitchy, ready to activate her force field should Chloe make any sudden moves.  It actually flickered on and off a few times, though it wasn't visible.  Though Eponine understood what Chloe meant by responsibilities, she felt that being part of a system was actually more liberating; she didn't have to think for herself or make her own decisions.  Eponine saw the concept of freedom as a trap, and Chloe as one who was foolish enough to fall for it.

Eponine was surprised Chloe would come so easily.  "I expected you would," Eponine said, referring to Chloe's decision to stay in her magical girl state, "and I hope you won't mind if I do the same."

"Chloe Hartmann?  I'll remember it," Eponine said as she pulled her hammer out of the ground and leaned it over her shoulder, as she thought about Chloe's statement about the poor.  She considered her own past and how she gained power.  She thought about the advantages of being among the anonymous masses, letting fate and the greater powers dictate one's life.  How satisfied one would be if one simply accepted their position.  And if one was not satisfied, there were methods to follow, there was service to be rendered, in order to rise in the ranks.  Outside of the system, nothing was guaranteed, there were no steps to follow, and one was forced to live with one's self and one's own decisions, a thought that terrified Eponine for some reason.  Eponine decided to not speak to Chloe.

Eponine headed back towards the border where her jeep waited, expecting Chloe to follow.  She got on and ordered, "Take us back to Lady Maria's estate."