[h2]Do you drink...wine?[/h2] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/nBgNtpQ.png[/img] & [b][s]Knuckles[/s] Dina[/b] [@Ariamis][/center] Dina’s ears twitched, as the rhythmic drums of the cheering crowd reached down below, where the lounges were. The once lady of a territory wondered how little had this kind of event changed through the ages. Bread and circuses were often effective to quell otherwise unfortunate thoughts, but for how long would that last? She served herself a cup of wine… and wondered how such a drink had made its way into the stadium. Probably not Dan’s influence, that was for sure. Sann had managed to scored a victore, and show the crowds Sanctuary had strong moves… and the less she wanted to talk about the Sakura and Tenebra mess, the better. It would benefit her in the end, but she would never admit it. No, for all the joviality present, she required to stack the odds in favour of Dan and Sanctuary as much as possible. Even if it meant talking to unsavoury elements. “Viszeral.” She called for Justine, fresh out of her victory. “Care to join me for a drink before your next match?” Justine had a purple towel draped around her shoulders when she entered the lounge. She had spent a moment talking with Lily, who had complimented her victory in her usual bubbly way. But while she enjoyed her company, she really did need a refreshment, and so promised to meet up with her later. However, it wouldn't be the end of her meetings with people, as she immediately realized. Justine blinked, and bit her lip. It was the caretaker for this place, and one whom she was sure did not appreciate her presence based on first impressions. Maybe she wanted to berate her for defeating Mariette in the ring? In any case, Justine didn't think she'd get many chances to talk peacefully like this, so she nodded. [color=bc8dbf]"Well, if you don't mind, I would be glad to accept the offer."[/color] She poured a glass of water to herself and approached the table Dina was sitting at. She noticed the wine the regal monster girl was having. [color=bc8dbf]"So, you wished to speak with me?"[/color] She asked, sounding nervous, though much better than during the initial party at the lodge's entrance hall. [color=bc8dbf]"I have to say, I didn't expect that."[/color] “So many unexpected things have happened as of late.” Dina would swirl the cup on her hand, her eyes going up and down from Justine’s figure. “Good things. Bad things. And yet, we ourselves can’t catch a break.” “This could have been a time for fun and joy, and instead this is nothing but a mere half-assed effort, a byproduct of several hasty ideas thrown together, in the hopes we avoid tragedy one day more.” Dina then swallowed everything in a big gulp. “I feel tired. Tired and without enough support. Sure, the Queen is strong on her own, but a single keystone a castle does not make.” She waved for Justine to have a seat. “How badly do you seek redemption, Justine?” [color=bc8dbf]"That is certainly true,"[/color] Justine agreed to Dina's initial remark. [color=bc8dbf]"The Ascendancy has interfered with your plans for a peaceful event. At least they have stayed their hands from grasping weapons for now, which is a relief...Though Dan could have chosen a less embarrassing way to go about it."[/color] She took a seat once offered on by Dina, and she sighed at her question, and looked into her glass. [color=bc8dbf]"Well...I don't expect to be redeemed, even if I have abandoned my bloody past. Some burdens never leave you. But I would like to at least start on making amends."[/color] She then lifted her eyes up to Dina. [color=bc8dbf]"What would you have me do?"[/color] “Creatures like you and me… and possibly Rachel are relics of a bygone past. Of the old ways. The ways that gave in the horrors of the Great War.” She poured more wine. “The ways which plunged us into despair, and turned ourselves into monsters.” She sighed. “Tenebra can’t help but fly into a rage upon seeing you. That much you wounded her, almost as if you were squashing a bug.” She paused. “You’ve been a most heinous person, and I do think I cannot help but to feel contempt. But given these circumstances, can I afford to deny you a chance?” Dina then took a sip. “The Twelve Labours. Surely you’ve heard about the myth. A set of feats so impressive that even a murderer might be called a hero.” [color=bc8dbf]"The myth of Heracles,"[/color] Justine spoke up, having reached into her centuries of knowledge. [color=bc8dbf]"In a fit of rage spurred by the Goddess Hera, he slew his wife and daughter. The Twelve Labours were decided by king Eurystheys as recompense, and included quests of near-impossible difficulty, such as slaying ferocious monsters or performing great toils in but a day."[/color] She leaned her head on her hand. [color=bc8dbf]"What would you propose to be the first Labour?"[/color] Dina chuckled. “I’m no Eurystheys. If I do claim to set you a task I might be called arrogant… but that being said… I think that making Beacon stay their hand would be no small feat should the tournament fail.” “Failing that, help me evacuate this dimension.” Dina said. “You may borrow Tenebra or Sann for your help.” Justine furrowed her eyebrows. [color=bc8dbf]"I see. You're afraid of the consequences should Rachel win in the finals."[/color] She put a hand to her chin. [color=bc8dbf]"I'll help you protect this place, Dina. It has helped bring opposing forces together, if only temporarily, and facilitate diplomacy."[/color] She paused. [color=bc8dbf]"...Even I have had the chance to partake in this party, which is something I'm grateful for. It would be a great loss to see this place erased. I'm sure my Mistress would agree to this."[/color] She took a sip. [color=bc8dbf]"Do you have a plan for the evacuation?"[/color] “Gather as many people with teleporting or Overcity Shift as we can. Blanket Rachel on magical attacks while the rest pull out. Still very rough around the edges. Of course if we ever manage to topple her it’d be a better scenario...” Dina admitted as she finished the wine. [color=bc8dbf]"Understood,"[/color] Justine answered. [color=bc8dbf]"I no longer hold the influence I used to, so I can't promise any reinforcements. But I can certainly provide a distraction."[/color] Her eyes briefly glowed red. [color=bc8dbf]"No so-called Inquisitor would resist the chance to go after a former Seventh Sinner if they were to *return to their evil ways*, as it were,"[/color] she said, gesturing quotation marks with her fingers. “You know, even Vlad the Impaler is considered a hero among their folk. Persevere, and if by chance you succeed, I will not have complaints on sharing… my time and my wine.” Dina finally responded. [color=bc8dbf]"Your time is appreciated, but you can keep the wine,"[/color] Justine answered, raising a palm to Dina. [color=bc8dbf]"I don't mind a glass every once in a while, but I've decided to not indulge in it like before."[/color] She sat up from her seat. [color=bc8dbf]"Thank you for reaching out, Dina. I appreciate it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some recuperation to do before the second round. Until next time."[/color] “Hail… and fare thee well. I don’t envy you.” Dina replied.