"[color=darkorange]I really hate this crap,[/color]" Lorenzo stated as he threw himself back into his seat, staring at the ceiling. "[color=darkorange]I really hate that he listened to you, too.[/color]"

Reia huffed at him. "[color=turquoise]Says the man who used his wife specifically to get out of these types of situations. Clearly, Lorenzo, you have no shame, do you?[/color]" She couldn't help but snap back at him. "[color=turquoise]The only reason you're upset is because I'm right.[/color]"

"[color=darkorange]I didn't say that. You're a hundred percent right. So right. All right. So fucking right it drives me crazy![/color]" Lorenzo replied. "[color=darkorange]But this world of politics and shit eats a person up, it makes them forget about what's important. You gotta think of the whole fucking country, and for what? So they can turn into unappreciative bastards when you do one thing they don't like? It sucks. And now imagine all that in a twenty-something year old that's just barely starting to live life. There's a reason our councils and senates love younger rulers--they know precisely that they can't handle the pressure, pulling their strings so they can do what [i]they[/i] want without giving a shit about what they're doing to their puppet![/color]"

He let out a yell of frustration, though he sat up properly, hands on his knees. Reia scoffed, though she understood his frustration.  "[color=turquoise]We don't get that luxury of choice. He wanted the treaty, so he needs to grow up and realize the ramifications of what it is that means. And if that means having to give up something...then that's just the reality of the situation.[/color]"

[hr]

"[color=coral]Friends, indeed. That is, they should think of themselves as much should they want to keep their pointless lives.[/color]"

The threat was uncharacteristic, but something had clicked in her mind. There they were, right in front of her, fresh for the picking. Ultima's small crown had already formed on her head, her grip on her rapier steadier than before. She took note of their appearances, how they had changed, but the bad news for them was that she was not the same person she was before, either. She raised her rapier, one hand on her waist as she looked at them curiously. "[color=coral]Oh, I have to thank you for that departing gift. Unfortunately, it left me wanting for more. So this is how it'll happen--either tell me where Sylvester is, or I'll beat it out of you. I haven't gotten the patience for our usual chats, so do make your choice quickly. Of course, if that chat results in Sylvester's location, then by all means, do tell.[/color]" Her voice was loud, though it was obvious she was completely serious.

[hr]

[color=pink][i]Arrogant, stuck up, narcissistic, damn bitch![/i][/color]

Emiri let out a very long, slow breath, crossing her arms tightly. She should've just grabbed that smug woman by those tassles she called hair and forced her to call off the attack. But she couldn't bear to ruin Jaakuna's plan. The marks had all but vanished on her, though she still felt some soreness. Keiran, on the other hand, looked completely branded, though he didn't seem to mind. Letting out a frustrated grunt, Emiri eyed the guard, narrowing her eyes. Grant gave her a look, but she ignored him. She didn't do well being locked up, and she had it with people thinking they had authority over her. She let out a sigh, though in the silence the two noticed they could hear talking.

Pressing themselves against the wall rather comically, they tried to stay quiet to hear what was happening. It was muffled, but it was clear it was Cassandra and Jaakuna speaking. Emiri clucked her tongue in disappointment, straining to listen. Jaakuna was talking a lot, a more serious tone. She needed to concentrate, she had to hear what they were saying. Grant seemed to have better luck, though he wasn't going to relay until he had heard the entire conversation. But it was then that he listened to Cassandra's counter proposal. He took a step back in shock, and Emiri gave him a curious look.

"[color=pink]What is it? Are we in trouble?[/color]" She asked him, not liking the look on his face.

Well, trouble wasn't exactly the right word. "[color=darkorchid]If I heard correctly, Cassandra may or may not have just...proposed marriage to Jaakuna. To...unite Dalmasca and Archadia. Hm. That can't be right.[/color]"

"[color=pink]Are you sure?[/color]" Her voice squeaked unintentionally, though she had reason for it. "[color=pink]Of all the things she could ask, why that?![/color]"

Grant shook his head, instead choosing to focus on Wesley. He had handled that poorly--Wesley and Nadeline were the ones with more tact, he probably shouldn't have said anything. He watched Wesley's chest rise, feeling Emiri's hand on him, though to his horror, Wesley's breathing stopped. His eyes widened, and he made to back away, but Emiri kept her grip firm on him. Wait, the guard was frozen, too. Keiran chuckled, motioning towards Emiri.

"[color=darkorchid]What are you doing? Do you [i]want[/i] to anger Cassandra further?![/color]" He couldn't help but exclaim, making to take her hand off him.

"[color=pink]Don't, you'll get frozen like everything else,[/color]" She warned him, motioning towards the guard. "[color=pink]This is the only way we can speak without being heard.[/color]"

"[color=darkorchid]Then how is Keiran able to move?[/color]"

"[color=gray]I suppose no one truly understands our special relationship,[/color]" Keiran sighed, placing his elbow on Emiri's shoulder, only for her to whack him with her free hand.

"[color=pink]I don't like where this is going, and we need help. Keiran, I rememeber what you did in Stigma Castle--you can go through walls, can't you?[/color]" She asked him. When he nodded, she continued, "[color=pink]Then get help. Nadeline, Savayna, Aloa--anyone. I'm more than certain Jaakuna was the one who asked for Cassandra, so not him.[/color]"

"[color=gray]They'll notice I'm gone,[/color]" He frowned.

"[color=pink]Then godspeed. I'm leaving myself in your hands.[/color]"

Grant looked between the pair, unsure if this was the right course of action. Still, Keiran nodded, walking right past the guard to the door. Darkness would form an aura around him, and he would walk right through. Emiri turned to Grant, and time would resume, no doubt the guard noticing that Keiran was gone. 

[hr]

"[color=plum]A dormant blade.[/color]"

Aloa found herself disappointed in the Treaty Blade that lay in the treasury. The guards paid her no mind as she held the sword to herself, though they let her be free as she would make to leave the castle. The sword in her hands was not awake--why would Shion have her get it? As she walked, she noticed a blue petal on the ground. It would seem the answer to her question would come sooner rather than later. Letting out a sigh, she would turn the corner to find Shion waiting for her there, leaning against the wall as she looked out the window. "[color=plum]Send me on an errand, only for you to come yourself,[/color]" Aloa noted, clearly annoyed.

"[color=deepskyblue]The sword must be taken earnestly or it won't respond,[/color]" Shion stated, taking the sword from her. "[color=deepskyblue]With this, I can move forward. Forgive the inconvenience. Will you go to the prince now?[/color]"

"[color=plum]It was the deal we struck. Though I won't say it will be so simple, Wesley is in a trance that runs deep into his own heart. I would ask my princess to assist me, but it would seem she is gone from here,[/color]" Aloa shook her head. "[color=plum]Nothing is stronger than love, but love makes one's thoughts get thrown into the wind. I can only hope that she comes back in one piece.[/color]"

"[color=deepskyblue]I see,[/color]" Shion nodded, taking a step back into the shadows. "[color=deepskyblue]I will let you handle your business, then. Thank you, my friend.[/color]" Her voice seemed to echo as she vanished without a trace.

Oh, were they friends now? That brought an amused smile to her face, although she would turn her attention back to the castle. Her ear twitched--Keiran was searching for her, was he? Using such magicks...what was he planning? Deciding she didn't need to keep him waiting, she would walk back in.