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[color=D399E0]Location: Queen's Residence, Eldan, Hayll[/color][/center][hr][hr]

Just as she suspected there might be, the Court had much doubt.  She did not blame them.  When was the last time any of the lands, including her own, and provided a bountiful harvest?  It was extremely frustrating as a Queen to see her people and her lands in such a state.  While she loved her mother, she also cursed her irresponsibility.  Fatima rubbed a hand over her tired brow.  [color=D399E0]"Of course.  All people are welcome here and we shall do our best to protect and nourish them."[/color]  It was a whispered statement, one that hinted at the knowledge that too many could mean their downfall.  But Fatima could not bear to see the look on a battered and starving child's face if there was something she could do to help them.

[color=D399E0]"I know my lands are not ideal.  It will take much work."[/color]  She laid her hands on her lap and grasped them tightly together.  Her knuckles turned white and her nails bit into the backs of her palms.  [color=D399E0]"I will use what money I have and will dress the beggar to work in the fields myself if it means that my people should survive one more day."[/color]  The tone was bitter and defeated.  [color=D399E0]"It would not be the first time I have bled for the lands or gone hungry."[/color]  She wondered sometimes if they forgot that she had also been through similar hardships when she had run away for those fifty years.  There were whip marks on her own back, and scars on her hands from having never used farm equipment before.  She had shared in the tears of both the Blood and the landen.  Then, how could they forget?  She was sure she had worried them during that time.

She lifted tired eyes in shock when Jassen mentioned the tangled web.  Her entire body stiffened and she felt the cool caution that filled the room.  Yes.  The tangled web.  She had heard rumors of witches who could weave and read it.  Something so terrifying could be of extreme use to them now.  And she had an idea of someone she might speak to in order to get close to such a woman.

Fatima rose from her seat and approached the drunk.  A slender hand touched his cheek and lifted his face so she could look into his bloodshot eyes.  [color=D399E0]"Jassen, my darling,"[/color] she murmured, her face a concerned frown.  [color=D399E0]"I beg that you never speak those words in the open again."[/color]  She stroked the cheek gently before moving toward her original place at the front of the room.

[color=D399E0]"I think, perhaps I should travel at least once more."[/color]  She folded bleeding hands in front of her as she looked upon her court with an expression she hoped was queenly certainty.  [color=D399E0]"Just once more.  Durik, you are in charge of choosing one to accompany me on this trip.  I hope it should take no more than a couple of weeks.  You and Garren will be in charge of implementing some of the things we have discussed.  I have complete faith that you will know what information will be useful.  You also have my leave to use what is necessary from my coffers to ensure this can be done properly.  I leave you all, much more knowledgeable on these things, to continue this discussion.  I will make preparations for my journey."[/color]  She inclined her head slightly and then swept from the room before they could tell her such a trip was ill-advised.

This she knew.  But not going on this trip would be worse.  As much as Fatima loved to travel, she promised herself it would be the last time she would leave her land until she got it operating in all of the ways she saw fit.  It was not as if she would need much for it.  Perhaps a handful of coin, her old, tattered clothes, and her tent for sleeping out under the stars.  She was practiced in staying under the radar.  Fatima would do anything for her people.