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[Sub].:⋮Diplomatic encounters⋮:.[/Sub]
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Down in the basement section of the Sanctuary was where the cells were located. Though even calling it that was a bit presumptuous. In truth it was more that a few of the potential rooms down here had been converted into detainment rooms. Mainly used to help contain someone who had lost control and needed to be separated so that they could calm down.

The rooms were sturdily built, Penny had made sure that they could stand up to at least a few solid blows of hers, and lined with cold iron to limit magical outbursts. This inadvertently made them a decent faraday cage as well making technological communication out difficult as well. There was a bunk, bolted to the wall with a hinge joint, with a decent pillow and a few blankets. 

The issue using them as cells was the fact that they were made on a budget and not meant to be long term holdings. This meant that while they could hold people, there was an upper limit to which they could reasonably keep someone in.Just about anyone could force their way out, it was just a matter of time really. And anyone decently above average in the strength or magic department could easily exploit the fact that these weren’t designed to be cells in the first place.

The only way to offset that at the moment was to have a guard posted, which seeing as this was their first time with a prisoner Ashlyn had taken that role.

Not that any of that was critical to Penny. She was a shining example of the issues with these cells. To someone in her weight class, they were hardly even considered a road block.

A thought that floated in the back of her mind as she entered the cell that housed their prisoner. It had been a long day, and was shaping up to be longer, first was Beacon’s ultimatum and it's aftermath, and now this.

She carried with her a peace offering, a bowl filled with some oranges and packets of jerky.

Looking at Robert Penny would speak. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I have to ask, how much did you know about us before you came in here to try and talk us into moving out of Penrose?”[/b][/u][/color] She would ask as she walked over and offered him the bowl of food.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Because I have to say, for as out of line as her attack was, I can fully understand why Dina reacted the way she did. And I’m not sure if you can.”[/b][/u][/color]

The Wonderland ambassador sat on the bunk with a slouch, looking pale as a result of Dina vampirically draining him of some blood and weakening him. Penny saw a glimpse of the puncture marks she left on his neck before he glanced over at Penny. He then looked at the bowl offered to him, and rejected it with a turn of his head.

"Why do you think I would tell you anything?" He spoke with a slightly hoarse voice. Even so, his words sounded unusually legitimate.
"You're going to kill me whether I talk or not, so there's no point."

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Actually my plan is to let you leave after we are done here.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would correct him, setting down the offered food on the bunk. [color=9e0039][u][b]“The state in which you leave is up to you as well. If you are wanting it I can get you patched up magically before letting you go but if you don’t want to risk trusting me on that you can leave as you are.”[/b][/u][/color]

She would step back after she had laid the food down, moving so that Robert was well outside of her basic reach. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I asked, because I’m not sure you realize just how hard you were railing on her buttons. You threatened a Builder in their home, with the loss if not destruction of their home, which compounded with the likely long standing trauma of her actually having lost her home to a group that preached freedom for the people even as it massacred them.”[/b][/u][/color] She would explain solemnly. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Intentional or not you were more or less begging for her to be triggered.”[/b][/u][/color]

She gave the ambassador a critical look as she let her words sink in. [color=9e0039][u][b]“That said, her attack was excessive in my opinion.”[/b][/u][/color] She would move to sit, the metal flooring flowing up to form a stool as she did so so she was at eye level with Robert. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I can’t say that I would have reacted with much more grace personally, I don’t handle threats to my home well, but a broken nose would be where I stopped.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Because you have to understand something. Your invitation to join Wonderland, after littering my territory with monsters and killing a half dozen of my subjects, could only be construed as a threat. If not a precursor for war on your own terms.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny's eyes bored into Robert with a chilling intensity. As she said, she understood where Dina was coming from.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“This is your chance to plead your case, to plead Wonderland’s case.”[/b][/u][/color] She would lean forward resting her arms on her knees as she spoke. [color=9e0039][u][b]“But if you want it to end here, I am more than willing to go start prepping for war. It was what I was built for after all.”[/b][/u][/color]

Robert scoffed after Penny voiced her intentions with him. "How kind of you to let me leave. I suppose you've also kindly arranged a firing squad for when I step outside as well." He returned his eyes back to her. "But I suppose I have no other choice now but to believe you won't execute me, so I shall assume to have hope."

He listened as Penny accused him, and then cleared his throat. "First of all, what you perceive to be a threat was none of the sort. I simply gave her, and by association, you, an offering of peace, courtesy of the Queen of Hearts. Second, I do not know about any attacks that supposedly have been made." He then coughed, as his throat was getting sore from extended talking. "To answer your question from earlier, I thought I understood you to be a civilized people. However, it seems I was wrong; I truly didn't know anything at all."

[color=9e0039][u][b]“If I wanted you dead Robert, I would do it myself.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say calmly. [color=9e0039][u][b]“As for the attacks.”[/b][/u][/color] Snoopy would reveal himself with a chirp before dozens of images of the Wendigo attacks would be projected in the air above them. [color=9e0039][u][b]“This happened four days ago.”[/b][/u][/color] She continued to explain calmly, eyes never once leaving Robert. [color=9e0039][u][b]“And in truth I would not have any reason to suspect Wonderland’s involvement. I didn’t even know of your existence before then.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“But three people stumbled across one of your members talking with someone about Penrose. He summoned more beasts and used them to secure his exit. But not before leaving behind a letter.”[/b][/u][/color] Wonderland’s first letter would join the images floating above. [color=9e0039][u][b]“We’ve recovered a bit of magi tech left behind as well, it was recognized to be the same type that this March Hare was using in his communications before he fled.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“We are civilized.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say [color=9e0039][u][b]“But Penrose is under attack by something more often than not and we were already bloodied by your people. Caution keeps us alive at times like this, especially when we have already been forewarned that Wonderland intends to invade, for lack of a better term.”[/b][/u][/color]

Penny would hold up a hand to forestall his immediate response. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Would you like access to a healing artifact before we continue?”[/b][/u][/color] she would ask [color=9e0039][u][b]“You can use it yourself if you are still worried about my intentions.”[/b][/u][/color]

Robert lifted an eyebrow upon seeing the footage of the attack as well as the letter. "The March Hare? Why was he there?" He grimaced. "The letter was supposed to be delivered to the Penrose's ruling agency. Or at least, that was my understanding when I questioned him about it."

He looked aside, biting the inside of his cheek as Penny explained Penrose's violent history, before he blinked at the offer of a healing artifact. He looked at it, visibly hesitating, and then gave in.
"Thank you for the offer. I suppose you are telling the truth after all."

Penny would reach into her leg compartment to draw out her Christmas gift, before handing it over. She kept her actions telegraphed as best she could as well. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I can’t say that the Hare didn’t succeed in that.”[/b][/u][/color] She would reply while Robert healed himself. [color=9e0039][u][b]“For all that Penrose doesn’t have a singular ruler, his method of delivery of that letter made it so that every major faction in the city learned about it within six hours, at most.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Reactions have been mixed, but I can’t say I know how everyone reacted to the news of Wonderland’s intent to move in.”[/b][/u][/color] She would give a shrug. [color=9e0039][u][b]“The fact that you weren’t told of some of this is worrying to me.”[/b][/u][/color] She would go on leaning back on her seat more relaxed in appearance for the first time since she walked in.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“It means either this March Hare lied to you, or to your Queen. At least that is how it sounds to me”[/b][/u][/color] Neither was a good possibility, but they were bad for different reasons. Hare lying could be a lot of reasons, Queen of Hearts lying meant that war was inevitable and that she was simply looking for a convenient excuse. One that Sanctuary had given. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Can you think of a reason why the Hare would lie about this? Or even just explain who the Hare is in relation to your court?”[/b][/u][/color]

Robert clutched the healing artifact, and sighed as he felt its restorative power gradually bring color to his pale complexion. "I don't know. He is but one of many of the Queen's servants. There might have been some sort of misunderstanding here…" His eyes widened. "Or…I was intended to become a martyr."

[color=9e0039][u][b]“That is what I am afraid of.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would acknowledge with a nod. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Especially if you were told to approach Dina first. The entire situation is almost tailor made to see you dead.”[/b][/u][/color] It was, funnily enough, paranoia that saved Robert’s life most likely. Because there was so much that Sanctuary didn’t know about Wonderland. If they had known more it was possible that Dina wouldn’t have cared to keep him alive for questioning. 

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Now comes the question of if there is anything we can do about that.”[/b][/u][/color] Because While Penny would be willing to go to war, that didn’t mean she wanted to get everyone dragged into it as well. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Is there a way for you to check in with Wonderland? Or even the political news at large? I’ll admit that Penrose makes it hard to focus much on things outside its borders.”[/b][/u][/color]

Robert shook his head. "I only have a transmitting camera installed on my person." He showed the badge on his jacket, bearing the Wonderland emblem. "Something I informed the Regent about before she confiscated my watch and had me thrown in the dungeons." He sighed. "My orders were to report back after I had received an answer to the proposal. I suggested if we could arrange any alternative arrangements in case the initial one falls through, but the Queen wasn't particularly receptive to the idea, and deemed them unnecessary."

Penny gave the camera a look for a moment and was very grateful that she already secured the means to move out of the warehouse. The layout of the Sanctuary had never been a close secret, but it still worried her that Wonderland had likely seen a good chunk of the layout because of that camera.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Well if that’s been recording this entire time there is hope”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say after another moment. “How were you originally getting back to Wonderland?” She would go on to ask. [color=9e0039][u][b]“And what was the proposal supposed to be?”[/b][/u][/color]

Robert scoffed. "How do you think anyone moves from one realm to another? By magic, of course." He tapped at his jacket's pocket. "More specifically my pocket watch. It allows me to create spatial burrows and traverse through them."

Then he rolled his eyes. "The regent didn't inform you? The proposal was for the Sanctuary to withdraw their forces and magic away from Penrose and nearby cities. In return, you would be granted mercy by the Queen of Hearts and spared from her wrath. But like I said, Regent Dina had rejected the offer."

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Robert”[/b][/u][/color] Penny’s voice had taken a cool edge to it [color=9e0039][u][b]“Do not take me for a fool.”[/b][/u][/color] She would lean forward, eyes once again sharp as they regarded the ambasador. [color=9e0039][u][b]“My Regent did inform me. I wanted to hear it from you as well. Our refusal to leave stands. Our refusal to join Wonderland stands. If your Queen would so readily chase us from our homes I have no trouble believing that she purposefully sent you here to die. I will not kneel to one such as her.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“If she wishes to take my home from me she will have to pry it from my corpse.”[/b][/u][/color] She simply stared at him for a few moments following that statement, never blinking. [color=9e0039][u][b]“With access to Glimmr networks, would you be able to send a message or call to someone in Wonderland?”[/b][/u][/color] She would ask, her voice once again calm and neutral. But her eyes stayed sharp and she still refused to blink.

Robert grimaced at Penny's threatening manners, and backed down. 
"Excuse me, it seems it was a bit of culture shock. Anyway, the message is quite understood." He then blinked. "Glimmr? Ah, I think I've heard of it. It's a communication system established in the World Wide Web by a company of magicians, correct? The Queen has decreed any technology ran by ignorant slaves to be outlawed in Wonderland, including Glimmr." He then blinked. "Oh, not meaning to offend, mind you."

Penny was starting to put together a picture of Wonderland, and it wasn't pretty. [color=9e0039][u][b]"What is the punishment for breaking that law?"[/b][/u][/color] She would ask, ignoring the incidental slight.

"Losing your head of course," Robert answered as casually as if answering about local delicacies.
"In fact, most crimes are punished by losing your head. The Queen is very dedicated when it comes to upholding the law in Wonderland," he spoke with admiration.

Penny nodded at Robert’s response, she wasn’t surprised. She spent a moment seemingly contemplating what to say next when a portal dropped a letter next to her rather suddenly. Penny would pick up and read it before nodding to herself. She knew enough now.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“You know I have to wonder now what would be kinder.”[/b][/u][/color] She would say returning her gaze to Robert [color=9e0039][u][b]“Killing you now or letting you return to be killed by her. Because you do realize that she will find a reason for you to lose your head when you get back don’t you?”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would ask in the same sort of casual tone that Robert had answered.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“After all I’m sure she also dictates the laws”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would go on tilting her head to the side. [color=9e0039][u][b]“And Mr. White, from what I know of the Queen of Hearts, she was never fond of that color. Nor is she forgiving of failure. But something tells me that you won’t see it that way.”[/b][/u][/color]

Robert's smile faded fast, replaced by shock. "How dare you insult the Queen like that? She is a wise and graceful monarch, and not wont to pettiness as you have described. Besides, even if there were um…unforeseen circumstances, I am confident she understands the value that my role as a loyal ambassador serves."

[color=9e0039][u][b]“I dare simply.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say standing up with a shrug, her stool melding back into the floor as she did. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I dare because I've read her source material. I dare because she restricts everyone who she rules over so that she can hord her power and treat everyone as her own plaything. I dare, because by your admission, I am against her law just by living.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny’s face would split open at that last admission showing her mechanical inner nature for a moment before closing.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“I dare because I am Queen Penny, and if I don’t dare, how can I expect my subject to feel safe in doing so.”[/b][/u][/color] She would reach out a hand to Robert. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Regardless, I’ve learned what I wanted to. Simply return my healing artifact and you are free to leave.”[/b][/u][/color]

Robert gulped, intimidated by Penny, and returned the artifact back to her. "My apologies, I seem to have spoken out of line. Thank you for lending me the runic device, and for allowing me this chance to converse with you."

Rather than let him retract his arm, Penny would snag it and bring him in close. Making sure to lock eyes with him, hers glowing with inner power as she spoke in a low dangerous tone. [color=9e0039][u][b]“One last thing. You leaving alive is by my mercy, remember that, because the next time anyone from Wonderland enters my home, without forewarning, they will not return to your realm alive.”[/b][/u][/color] Her gaze bored into him and he could feel the banked weight of Penny’s aura seeping off of her as she waited just a moment to make sure he understood this warning.

As she stepped away the door out of the containment room would open in the same instance.

Penny could see fear in Robert's eyes, and he slowly nodded, slightly sweating from the brow.
"Yes…Point taken. Thank you for your mercy." Once he was allowed to leave, he stepped out of his cell, and bowed to Penny with his hat in his hands. "I will now return to Wonderland with your message to the Queen. I must admit that I learned a lot. While your lives are challenging due to the Powers, you possess a strong will to move forward. That is truly admirable. Fare thee well."
He then left with a brisk walk, seemingly wishing to escape before Penny changed her mind while still keeping a gentlemanly appearance.

Penny exited slowly, more than willing to let Robert return to his master. Still she stayed next to Ashlyn until she knew that Robert was out of earshot. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I want Tina to shadow him with one of her birds until he gets to either the nearest Overcity passage or he gets picked up by an ally of his.”[/b][/u][/color] She would order softly. [color=9e0039][u][b]“His camera is now my camera, and I want to be sure I get some use out of it.”[/b][/u][/color]

Wonderland wanted to play with its food, fine, Penny was more than willing to take advantage of that.