[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/iN4aAHz.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=6f4a50]Event:[/colour][/b] The Twin Emperors, Metropolis [b]|[/b] [b][colour=6f4a50]Location:[/colour][/b] Wánggǎng, ReTan[hr][hr][h3][url=https://youtu.be/DgZcQHYRiW4]♫[/url][/h3][/center]
For once, Maura found herself sitting eye to eye with someone. Yawen was not floating in the air as Jocasta so often did but, rather, wheeling along beside her, long black hair spilling down her back and shoulders, skin porcelain white. She looked every bit the imperial princess that she was. [colour=yellow]"It's just a bit ahead,"[/colour] she threw over her shoulder. There was a large chicken on her lap: the same distinctly reddish one that Maura had seen yesterday in the courtyard of the inn.

They were all headed for one of the side pavilions, a cool evening breeze rippling their hair as they glided along the smooth flagstones. [colour=yellow]"I'm glad you're okay, you know."[/colour] Yawen turned gracefully on the spot, the chicken flapping free and clucking as it alighted softly on the ground. She seemed to be hiding some distress. [colour=yellow]"I'm... very sorry for how it ended between whispering dragon squad and yourselves."[/colour] She rolled forward and reached out to take Maura's hands.

Maura gently grasped Yawen's hands, returning the warm gesture with a heartfelt squeeze. She still wore the knot ornament she had purchased the previous day, a matching present to the one she had given to Yawen.

[colour=C0C0C0]"We’re relieved to see that you're well, too. You had me worried when you fainted yesterday. We're glad you were granted permission to join us,"[/colour] Maura expressed her concern with a nod. [colour=C0C0C0]"No need to worry about that. It's important to look out for your friends, even if it means appearing a little foolish. Doing what's right often requires ruffling a few feathers,"[/colour] she playfully added, glancing down at the red chicken. Maura couldn't help but let out a giggle. [colour=C0C0C0]"No offence intended,"[/colour] she reassured the chicken. [colour=C0C0C0]"We would have done the same for you if the situation called for it,"[/colour] as she gave a warm smile to Yawen.

The tethered girl smiled, reassured and - hopefully - reassuring. She took and released a deep breath, eyes momentarily finding the chicken, who was now meandering along in a sloppy circle, pecking at the ground every so often. [colour=yellow]"Yes, right,"[/colour] she breathed. [colour=yellow]"I know and I appreciate it."[/colour] She squeezed Maura's hands back before releasing them. [colour=yellow]"Walk with me a bit?"[/colour] she asked, [colour=yellow]"Or roll, I suppose, in our case."[/colour] She rolled her eyes playfully and set hands to wheels, but they may have trembled slightly in the act. [colour=yellow]"Funny how we have our patterns of speech, isn't it? How we say things or use turns of phrase without even thinking?"[/colour] She began moving, gliding across the stone slabs. [colour=yellow]"Anyhow, I'd rather be moving for this next bit. I have bad news, as you might imagine, and good news, I think."[/colour]

Maura nodded, her smirk revealing a touch of playful sarcasm. [colour=C0C0C0]"Ah, so the bad news is that you have to kill me, but the good news is that it'll be quick and painless, a sign of our friendship? We appreciate the consideration,"[/colour] she quipped, mixing humour with a hint of truth. Her tone then grew more serious as she continued. [colour=C0C0C0]"We couldn't help but notice where we were seated, right next to that Nikanese lady who tried to kill us yesterday, who was meant to be dead, happily enjoying her bowl of rice. Guess that man who came wasn't a Black Guard, the one that went by... Prometheus? Progenitor? Something along those lines,"[/colour] she sighed, reflecting on the events.

[colour=yellow]"I could tell you,"[/colour] she quipped in return, [colour=yellow]"but then I'd have to kill you."[/colour] There was a soft, mischievous smile to accompany it. They continued in a silence both good-natured and uneasy for a moment longer, warmed by the sinking sun, before Maura continued, her tone and subject matter both considerably more serious now.
 
Yawen listened. [colour=yellow]"He is..."[/colour] She trailed off, body language becoming tight as they approached the water. She turned in a lazy J-arc and regarded Maura evenly. She sighed. [colour=yellow]"He is someone even my father fears, and he is not to be spoken of. That is what I have been told."[/colour] Her voice lowered and Maura could feel her momentum artificially slow as kinetic energy was siphoned away. A sonic bubble lowered over the pair. [colour=yellow]"Maura, I say this as a friend and as one who would never harm you, no matter what: you're smart, you've got spunk. You're..."[/colour] She shook her head and smiled. [colour=yellow]"You know, I'm a little jealous. You've lived so much, while my life has been a linear path. You've [i]done[/i] things and taken risks, and they've... well, [i]mostly[/i] paid off, from what I gather. This, though -"[/colour] She shook her head. [colour=yellow]"This is way beyond either of us. Learn from Yǔmáo rén. Don't fly too close to the sun. It will burn you."[/colour]

She managed a small, brave, apologetic smile and set hands to wheels, turning to face the pond. She rolled up to the edge and locked her brakes into place, letting out a sigh. She glanced over her shoulder. [colour=yellow]"They were going to do away with you: with all of you save a select few."[/colour] Turning back, she bent over and plucked a dandelion that grew between the cracks. [colour=yellow]"They're not like us,"[/colour] she promised. [colour=yellow]"They're hard and vicious men. The world has made them that way. A millennium of life has made them that way. I wish I'd known my father as he once was."[/colour] She twirled the little flower - or weed, in some people's minds - between her fingertips. [colour=yellow]"I told him and the Ten-Re Emperor about you, though. I spoke at length and I think I got through to them."[/colour] She found Maura out of the corners of her eyes. [colour=yellow]"It's tenuous, though. They're wary and sceptical, but willing. They've asked me to deliver you an offer."[/colour]

Maura nodded pensively, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and resignation. [colour=C0C0C0]"It's no surprise that they see the girl in the rollerchair as expendable,"[/colour] she remarked with a tinge of bitterness in her voice. She sighed and turned her gaze to the side. [colour=C0C0C0]"Isn't it funny how people always underestimate us? We were brought to a foreign country to handle a revolution on behalf of the emperors, and within a few days, we've managed to infiltrate the rebellion, meet its leaders through my own skills. The both of us helped repel a Nikanese attack, uncover the embassy secrets, identify Wu Long's conspirators. Last night, my cunning even fished out the elusive Hui before Wu Long made him sleep at the bottom of the sea. The only ones left are sitting in that room over there,"[/colour] she gestured toward the room they had left behind. [colour=C0C0C0]"And in return for my loyalty and hard work in this task, they've considered sparing my life after your plea on my behalf."[/colour] She offered Yawen a strained smile, conveying the weight of her emotions. [colour=C0C0C0]“It wouldn’t be a surprise if they are rolled out the red carpet for the Nobles we travelled with, due to their high RAS, even though they were unproductive in the task. Rewarding incompetence is common in the Twin Continents as well. It is why the Traveller’s message has gained such traction there.”[/colour]

She reached out and placed her hand on Yawen's arm, expressing gratitude. [colour=C0C0C0]"Thank you for letting me vent my frustrations. This situation isn't your doing. Please, continue with the gif- offer."[/colour]

Yawen blinked, either not quite following or sceptical, perhaps in the fashion of her superiors. [colour=yellow]"So... none of it was genuine, then?"[/colour] She arched an eyebrow in surprise, but then relented. She smiled. [colour=yellow]"Truly, you [i]are[/i] a good actress, and a loyal friend of the crown as well."[/colour] She glanced out at the sunset pond for a moment. [colour=yellow]"They're looking for mutual benefit. They seek to marry Jiang Xiulan to my father and join the dynasties."[/colour] She sighed in a resigned sort of relief and flashed a small smile. [colour=yellow]"Your friend will be safe. She'll use magic. She'll have influence as, perhaps, she deserves."[/colour]

There were few crickets - it was too cold now - but the evening symphony of bullfrogs had begun in earnest. [colour=yellow]"There are two more things and - you'll have to forgive me - I'm not going to negotiate with you on them. This is a take it or leave it sort of thing. I'm neither authorized to nor much good at it."[/colour] She offered up a self-deprecating grimace. [colour=yellow]"The first has to do with you. I sold them on you because, to be honest, [i]I[/i] believe in you, and it's what you were saying earlier: I'm tired of people like us never getting our due."[/colour] She shook her head, a bit of steel in her spine for the moment. [colour=yellow]"They want to work with you. Your family's company gets tariff-free access to Wanggang. It's a good faith gesture and an experiment, I think. They're likely to give you manifests of preferred goods. There are certain things they'd like that are hard to come by in Retan."[/colour] She shrugged. [colour=yellow]"Truth be told, I'm not as well versed in matters of trade as I probably should be."[/colour]

In the distance, a turtle slid into the water from atop a stone with a small 'splosh'. The odd chicken continued to wander about, pecking occasionally at something that neither girl could quite make out. [colour=yellow]"The last is Longwan. They want to make it an experiment in free trade and liberalization. I'll be honest: they're not convinced, but if it fails, they figure they don't have much to lose and the damage will be limited. If it succeeds, they'll scale it up."[/colour] She took a moment to adjust how she was seated and smooth her dress out. [colour=yellow]"They'll provide a stipend to get you started."[/colour] She regarded Maura fondly. [colour=yellow]"You're a useful person with good ideas, and a decent one too. I made sure that they saw that."[/colour] She snorted into the cooling air. [colour=yellow]"Most I've ever really [i]gone[/i] for something, and it felt good, in a way."[/colour]

Maura paused, her expression reflecting a mix of confusion and earnestness. [colour=C0C0C0]"Not genuine…? No, we've been genuine,"[/colour] she said, wrinkling her nose slightly as she tried to comprehend what Yawen was referring to specifically. [colour=C0C0C0]"It can be confirmation bias, where people see what they want from your actions. Truth is, when we were summoned here, it was to uncover the revolution and establish trade links between ReTan and Ersand'Enise. True, the initial assumption was that the Traveller was behind it all, but we quickly realized it wasn't the case, unless that chicken over there is the Traveller in disguise,"[/colour] she added with a hint of humour, glancing briefly at the peculiar chicken, as if it was about to transform and declare that nobody expects the Traveller revolution.

[colour=C0C0C0]"We were simply an outsider with an active curiosity, and we managed to complete the task set before us with our own skills,"[/colour] she continued, her tone becoming more serious. [colour=C0C0C0]"We didn't feel the need to swear loyalty to the Emperor or anyone else. We acted in good faith throughout to complete our mission."[/colour]

Maura then presented a sash from her outfit, explaining that it had been poisoned with a plant called Plushtail and recommending her not to touch it. [colour=C0C0C0]"[b]My[/b] actions were in good faith,"[/colour] she emphasized, gesturing toward the sash as evidence, disappointed.

[colour=C0C0C0]"As a merchant, my word is my bond,"[/colour] she continued, a touch of pride evident in her voice. [colour=C0C0C0]"We don't make deals we don't intend to honour, and we don't accept deals made under duress. That applies to both business and friendship."[/colour] She reached out and gently placed her hand on Yawen's arm, offering a reassuring squeeze. [colour=C0C0C0]"You are my friend, and our bond has only grown stronger through our experiences together. That's why we feel comfortable speaking so openly with you, trusting that you understand us."[/colour]

When Yawen mentioned Xiulan's potential fate as the Empress of ReTan, Maura looked concerned. [colour=C0C0C0]"What does Xiulan think about this arrangement?"[/colour] she asked sincerely. [colour=C0C0C0]"We did offer to bring her back to Longwan, but that was in the heat of the moment. It's true that the palace and becoming Empress of ReTan would provide her with much more than we can offer, but it would give me peace of mind knowing that it's her choice."[/colour]

She listened attentively to the trade offer and nodded.[colour=C0C0C0] "That sounds fair, and I don't foresee any difficulties with that arrangement, can review the logistics to see how to make it profitable"[/colour] she said, her merchant instincts kicking in.

As for the proposal of Longwan being an open market, [colour=C0C0C0]“Turning the Island into a Special Administrative Region could do wonders,”[/colour] Maura's eyes lit up with excitement. [colour=C0C0C0]"If we use that status to convince Ersand'Enise to set up a trade portal there too, the possibilities could be endless,"[/colour] she exclaimed playfully. [colour=C0C0C0]"It could become not only the Jewel of ReTan, but even East Callanst,"[/colour] she added, her imagination running wild.

Maura then pulled Yawen into a warm hug as a sign of gratitude. [colour=C0C0C0]"The fact that you went to such lengths for us warms my heart,"[/colour] she said genuinely. After the embrace, she straightened herself and shared a whimsical thought. [colour=C0C0C0]"It's a shame your father isn't an Avincian Emperor,"[/colour] she said with a playful smile. [colour=C0C0C0]"The Avincian’s had an interesting way of grooming exceptional individuals, as patrons used to adopt promising candidates. Never know, in another timeline, we'd be appreciated for our talents and both gained a sister,"[/colour] she added with a hint of whimsy.

[colour=C0C0C0]"But the truth is, we'd never hurt our friends, no matter what we're offered, even if it is the entire riches of ReTan"[/colour] she said firmly, her voice resolute. [colour=C0C0C0]"Abdel, Kaureerah, Xiulan, and [b]you[/b]. Each means a lot to me, and we won't betray that trust."[/colour]

Maura then took a moment to reflect on their journey so far. [colour=C0C0C0]"We're not a revolutionary. We're simply a merchant girl who's very good at what she does and wants to be recognized for her skills and efforts,"[/colour] she said sincerely. [colour=C0C0C0]"We believe trade can make our world better by allowing access to goods and services that can enrich everyone's lives, even that of Emperors. We want to share that vision with our friends, and for each of us to be happy,"[/colour] she said, a touch of vulnerability in her voice. [colour=C0C0C0]"Maybe it's a fairy tale, but we're allowed to dream a little from time to time, right?"[/colour] She tried to lighten the mood to break the tension, [colour=C0C0C0]"Besides, we don’t think anyone would choose me as the first pick when it comes to selecting sides. A 200ft long dragon that explodes mountains versus a frail girl in a rollerchair? We would kick his ass if it came to accounting ledgers, though."[/colour]

Her gaze locked with Yawen's, her voice steady. [colour=C0C0C0]"As my friend, not as a messenger or your father's envoy, what do you think we should do?"[/colour] she asked sincerely.

Yawen breathed in and out, expression inscrutable. [colour=yellow]"I..."[/colour] She paused almost as soon as she had started. [colour=yellow]"In truth..."[/colour] She trailed off, folding and unfolding her hands in her lap. [colour=yellow]"The Twin Emperors are tyrants."[/colour] Her voice lowered in either guilt, caution, or both, and she glanced up and about surreptitiously. [colour=yellow]"Blood-soaked tyrants."[/colour] She shook her head. [colour=yellow]"Thing is, I don't see any good evidence that the others will be any better, so all that they really represent to me is fighting, a centuries-old grudge, and a risk that may not pay off. With my father and uncle, we may have to swallow our morals. We may have to accept some harms, but they're known quantities, and we have a chance to effect change. The stumbling block is magic for all and people's right to exercise it: how much is that worth?"[/colour] She shrugged. [colour=yellow]"That, I think, is what this really comes down to."[/colour] She took a moment to swallow. [colour=yellow]"Whatever you decide, I will honour it in good faith."[/colour]

Maura nodded as she listened to Yawen's words, considering the possibility of Xiulan and Yawen taking over the throne to bring about positive change. [colour=C0C0C0]"You know, we did propose that Xiulan and yourself should replace the Twin Emperors,"[/colour] she said, her tone serious. [colour=C0C0C0]"Not that we wish them harm, but perhaps they could step back from the spotlight for a while, allowing an opportunity for a new ReTan to arise, uniting the old and new to create something better."[/colour] She paused, choosing her words carefully. [colour=C0C0C0]"There's a saying in the Twin Continents: 'Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' Your father and uncle might have started as good men, doing what was needed for the nation when they took the reins. And for many years, they did their best. But the burdens of power can lead one astray, and you mentioned that they have been ruling for hundreds of years. Perhaps stepping back would allow them to rest while still safeguarding their own and the nation's future, without resorting to the bloodshed that threatens to destroy everything they once held dear. It's a compromise, of course, and obviously only a pipe dream."[/colour]

Maura recognized the Twin's stepping back as a pipe dream, but she had still mentioned it and, if she had, it was something she might aim for in the future. In truth, Yawen had no true desire to rule - not everyone needed to be possessed of the highest ambitions - and, much as she appreciated Xiulan, she did not think the translator a good candidate. Was it truly just royal blood that qualified one for the position? No. She needed to read between the lines with her friend. She was starting to learn that Maura had a way of mixing good intentions with self-interest. She was, in many regards, a natural ruler. She knew it, too, and the ambition might doom her or those connected to her. But might it not be better? What if she succeeded? [colour=yellow]"You will have to pry it from their cold dead hands, I fear,"[/colour] she agreed after a pause that had carried for just a moment too long.

[colour=C0C0C0]"Doubt the Rigor mortis would let it,"[/colour] Maura replied, already having dropped her hook in the water and moved on. She then moved on to talk about the concept of gifts in ReTannese culture. [colour=C0C0C0]"You may have noticed that we studied ReTannese customs and traditions in Ersand'Enise,"[/colour] she began. [colour=C0C0C0]"One thing they say is that it is customary to give a gift, and in return, a gift is bestowed upon you."[/colour] She paused for a moment. [colour=C0C0C0]"The words you used were 'presenting an offer.' A deal, not a gift. While we would love to accept what they have brought as a generous gift in appreciation for my efforts, we can't help but wonder what they desire in return,"[/colour] she inquired with genuine curiosity.

[colour=yellow]"They frame it as 'you can help us prevent more bloodshed."[/colour] She rolled her eyes. [colour=yellow]"It serves that end, and it serves them."[/colour] The gesture found itself paired with a shrug. [colour=yellow]"They know you're not much of a fighter, even if I know better."[/colour] She smiled softly. [colour=yellow]"They want you to keep Abdel out of the fighting - to make him reconsider. If possible, they want you to neutralize Jocasta: most likely with words but possibly with poison."[/colour] She looked uneasy about this last part and her voice was apologetic. [colour=yellow]"They're scared of her, for what it's worth."[/colour] She shook her head and snorted. [colour=yellow]"Scared of someone like us."[/colour]

Maura smiled weakly, [colour=C0C0C0]"Jocasta hates me, so that's a non-starter. She didn't like the fact that we didn't believe her when she referred to herself as the 'Mistress of Time and Space' and then flung me out through a portal into the middle of the desert in my best dress. How were we supposed to know about forbidden magic schools where people can pull off miracles like that? So persuasion seems hopeless. I'm not even sure how one can even approach to even attempt to poison her,"[/colour] she said, a tinge of frustration in her voice, though a memory crossed her mind as she recalled it with a proud smile, [colour=C0C0C0]“Beat her in a Rollerchair race though, and in the Trials. She was after the Governorship of Longwan for herself.”[/colour] She acknowledged the last statement, [colour=C0C0C0]"Jocasta is probably the scariest person we know. We admire that fact she is like us, gives me inspiration."[/colour]

Yawen grimaced as her friend spoke of Jocasta, and then she balled her fists. [colour=yellow]"Ugh. What a bitch!"[/colour] she hissed, unballing them after a moment and taking a deep breath. She placed a reassuring hand on Maura's arm. [colour=yellow]"She sounds genuinely [i]awful[/i]." [i]Though is temporal magic truly [b]that[/b] obscure?[/i][/colour] She dismissed the thought. Her friend was right, of course.

Maura is glad Yawen agreed about Jocasta. [colour=C0C0C0]"We even found a really heartfelt gift for her when shopping once. A local talented artist from her hometown did a beautiful painting of a girl with blonde hair in a rollerchair from behind, looking out at a beautiful scenic landmark. You would think it was Jocasta herself. So, as a nice gesture, we bought it and saved it for an appropriate time as a lovely gift, perhaps even to try to earn some goodwill with her. Want to know what she did? She said, 'It would look great in my drawing room.' The accommodations at Ersand’Enise don’t have drawing rooms, she dumped it. No interest in sincere heart-felt gestures. Naturally, she loved the expensive stuff, she flogged those at the nearest market."[/colour]

She paused to think for a moment before continuing, [colour=C0C0C0]"If you want to take Jocasta out of the picture, you'll have to go through Yalen. She's smitten with him, and he is a real Menana thumper. Just say you'll allow Quentic missionaries to practice freely, or even build them a temple or something. You can appeal personally by offering any intel on the Traveller, and apparently there was real bad blood between Hui and him, so handing over any intel on him probably works as well. Perhaps even sweeten a deal with Jocasta herself."[/colour]

Still, Jocasta was a problem that would need to be dealt with, and Maura proceeded to provide an excellent means of doing so. [colour=yellow]"Yes,"[/colour] she replied excitedly. [colour=yellow]"I think Yalen is the key. Whichever way [i]he[/i] swings, so will [i]she[/i]."[/colour]

Her expression softened as she spoke about Abdel, [colour=C0C0C0]"Of course, we don't want him fighting. He's my boyfriend... and he's always been so nice and sweet to me, you know?"[/colour] Her mind drifted to him for a moment, lost in thought. [colour=C0C0C0]"He was the first person who never looked away when he saw me, and that... never happens. His gaze lingered, and I could see a light blush on his cheeks. It was as if he was instantly smitten with me,"[/colour] she said with a dreamy sigh. [colour=C0C0C0]"He's ever so sweet, and he even puts up with my bad side. Even when we disagree, we know he always has my back and is there for me. He is truly great,"[/colour] she added with a fond smile.

Maura thought about another matter for a moment, approaching it delicately, [colour=C0C0C0]"The others mentioned last night that there are people with a Mana type called Sanguinaire, and those with it experience a long lifespan. They said the Twin Emperors are Sanguinares, and you told me your father has lived for over a thousand years."[/colour] She moved her hand to hold Yawen's in a comforting manner, [colour=C0C0C0]"Are you a Sanguinaire too?"[/colour]

Finally, after gushing about Abdel for some time - and Yawen was not averse to a bit of strictly non-jealous co-gushing - Maura got to her point: what the tethered could sense she would arrow in on as a demand. She took in and expelled a deep breath, momentarily squeezing the proffered hand before releasing it.

She swung her legs off of their footrest and placed her feet on the ground. Her face was a mask of concentration. Unsteadily, she rose, and stood there.  [colour=yellow]"Until yesterday, when they fed me two grey aberrations, I hadn't walked in four years."[/colour] She swayed slightly where she stood, perhaps still getting re-accustomed to the feeling after only a day. She twisted in Maura's direction and reached down to pull her up as well if she so wished.  [colour=yellow]"That wasn't the only thing that I gained yesterday, or lost, depending on how one looks at it."[/colour] Yawen nodded. [colour=yellow]"I [i]am[/i] one of them now, as I was always intended to be."[/colour] She shielded her eyes from the glare with her free hand as she looked out across the lake and the setting sun. [colour=yellow]"I shall miss the feeling of it on my skin."[/colour]

Maura accepted the hand as she was supported up on her own feet. Shifting her weight during transfers has always proven to be problematic for her, but she was standing next to Yawen. She continued to hold her hand, leaning against her as they looked toward the sunset. She sighed as she knew what that signified. They already said Sanguinaire’s were powerful night creatures, and if they had been eating aberrations and growing their numbers, they were prepared for this fight, and they have created the perfect trap for them. Her own words went unheard as she forewarned about this, but what is done, is done. Wu Long’s words rang in her ears as she looked toward Yawen, [colour=C0C0C0]“Do me a favour, and stay away from Wu Long”,[/colour] she frowned for a moment, [colour=C0C0C0]“Heavily paraphrased, Sanguinaires are not welcome in ReTan,”[/colour] hoping the meaning is clear without having to repeat the more unpleasant version.

She squeezed Yawen’s hand, [colour=C0C0C0]“Could you… direct us to the vanity area?”[/colour] as she motioned applying make-up, and after simple directions made her way walking slowly, finding the room, then closing it behind her. She went over to the bowl of water as she splashed her face, removing the streaks that the tears were leaving behind. Everything about this was wrong. All she wanted to do was impress some people, get some trade deals, some recognition, and then she was happy. Now they are in the middle of a trap with no way out, with so-called revolutionaries who haven’t cared the least about them, nor even cared to listen to what they had to say. A mixture which they didn’t even have their support. Because of them, not only her life is in danger, but that of Abdel, Kaureerah, and her new friends Xiulan and Yawen. Maybe if she was strong like Jocasta, she would be able to do some good from this situation, but she is not. They simply see her as useless. Might as well be RAS-less when it came to her position. She looked up into the mirror as she looked at her own reflection. [colour=C0C0C0]“This is your fault, Traveller. You’re a coward who got kicked out of your own game. You play with people's hearts and leave them to die for your amusement, excusing yourself. We’re here, and you’re not. You don’t care about the people who get hurt. We are only a statistic in your game, and my friends pay the price.”[/colour] She continued to wipe away the tears as the new flood came. As her hand moved to her pocket, she felt the primordial egg she got earlier. Niallus mentioned something about how when angels ascend after completing a great deed, they leave these behind as an offering. She had no idea of the truth of this, but maybe holding it as she prayed for the safety of her friends might mean the prayers get answered.

Maura returned, possibly taking longer than intended, as she made her way to Yawen. Her make-up had been reapplied, and she had freshened up. She moved more confidently in her stride as she held Yawen’s hand again. [colour=C0C0C0]“We want to present you with an offer…”[/colour] she gazed straight into Yawen’s eyes as she squeezed the hand. [colour=C0C0C0]“Give us what was in the offer, give Abdel and Kaureerah what was in theirs, bring Xiulan with us, as all of us leave here together.”[/colour] With the mention of us, she squeezed Yawen’s hand to clearly indicate her as well. [colour=C0C0C0]“We will go back to that Tea House we went to yesterday, have some Mooncakes, and wait for this to all blow over.”[/colour] She nodded affirmatively and with encouragement, [colour=C0C0C0]“We are not here to make enemies. We just want to spend this night together with my friends, safe.”[/colour]

Yawen shook her head sadly, bravely. [colour=yellow]"I would like to. I would like nothing more than that, [i]truly[/i] and without deceit,"[/colour] She sniffed and, both unbidden and unexpected, felt the heaviness of tears laying ripe on her eyelashes. She blinked and one trickled down her cheek. In a single, rapid motion, she turned to regard her friend.

[colour=yellow]"I'm sorry."[/colour] More tears came now. [colour=yellow]"I'm sorry I got you involved in any of this."[/colour] She shook her head. [colour=yellow]"Nobody deserves to be caught in this mess. Nobody deserves to die. [i]Paragons[/i] I hate fighting, even if it's been half my life."[/colour] She took out a kerchief and dabbed at them, taking a couple of deep breaths to gather herself. Her breathing settled and so did her heaving emotions. She regarded Maura steadily. [colour=yellow]"But I have neither the authority - not [i]yet[/i] -"[/colour] she amended,  [colour=yellow]"- nor the desire to change the deal or step back from what I must do."[/colour]

She shook her head once more, and there was something resigned and determined about the gesture now. [colour=yellow]"You warned me about Wu Long."[/colour] She nodded and narrowed her eyes. [colour=yellow]"And you were right."[/colour] The flashed dangerously. [colour=yellow]"If we do nothing, there is a chance he wins. He wins and commits [i]genocide.[/i]"[/colour] Her voice was bitter and determined. [colour=yellow]"He kills my father. He kills Whispering Dragon Squad. He kills my uncle and thousand others without hesitation."[/colour] She clenched and unclenched her fists. They were trembling and she hated the weakness. She was the daughter of an emperor. She was a sanguinaire. She was a [i]White Knight[/i]... but had she ever truly [i]wanted[/i] any of it?

[colour=yellow]"Then, he comes for me."[/colour] she offered by way of conclusion. [colour=yellow]"He is a madman, Maura."[/colour] She grabbed her friend's hands with surprising vigor, and her face was fearful and earnest and fiery. [colour=yellow]"A mad [i]dragon[/i] and he needs to be stopped. He lives in some idealized version of the past where everything was perfect and harmonious under his wise stewardship and nurses a three hundred-year-old grudge that he would see this entire peaceful nation and its people burn for."[/colour] She smiled at the end - sadly and bravely - [colour=yellow]"I am so very sorry, my friend of a deeply meaningful week. I cannot sit aside. I have some power, what little I do. Much as I wish it were not so, I have to fight."[/colour]

Maura was there for Yawen, holding her within her arms if needed. It seemed like Yawen had made her decision, and now it was Maura's turn. [colour=C0C0C0]“It has been a deeply meaningful week, and we loved our day together,”[/colour] she said warmly.

Part of her wanted to be like Ayla, hugging everyone until the situation resolved itself, standing resolute in the face of the odds and appearing to pull off a miracle. But she knew she wasn't Ayla, and she couldn't rely on comforts like a plush bed full of cushions. She had to work for everything she achieved.

Maura considered taking an ideological view of the situation, imagining herself riding a massive dragon named Wu Long into battle, overthrowing tyrants, and being crowned the saviour of ReTan. However, she knew that scenario was far from the truth. She didn't feel any real ideological kinship with the revolutionary factions, and even the alternative options they presented to her had their flaws and failings. As Yawen said, sometimes it is better the evil you know. They all looked down on her, each one of them, none could see past their noses, blinded by their own desires. Not even the Traveller deigned her worthy enough of an audience.

She looked at Yawen, and smiled. The girl before her is a fruit of her efforts. She had an eye for people, and here she had the daughter of an Emperor in front of her.

She smiled at Yawen, remembering their time together. [colour=C0C0C0]“It still surprises me how a Princess like you could amuse me for so long,”[/colour] she said fondly. [colour=C0C0C0]“It reminded me of the times we spent with my friend, Ayla. They nickname her the Princesa of Varrahasta because she's pretty, petite, a high noble who radiates welcoming warmth.”[/colour]

She paused for a moment and smiled widely. [colour=C0C0C0]“We need to do a beach holiday on Longwan, and we will invite her, along with my other friends like Penny and her boyfriend Ashon! Obviously, Abdel and Kaureerah would be there too…”[/colour] She paused slightly when mentioning their names, her tone shifted due to the current circumstance, she continued with a smile, [colour=C0C0C0]“We will have to make sure we get an extra-large umbrella, so you can join in.”[/colour] Despite her tone, she managed to let out a giggle, trying to keep the mood light-hearted.

Maura's expression turned serious as she shifted the conversation. [colour=C0C0C0]"You mean a lot to me, Yawen, and so do my other friends. We feel deeply and sincerely, even if some don’t understand"[/colour] she said earnestly.

She decided to open up about her background, going on a slight tangent. [colour=C0C0C0]“Not sure what you know about me, you probably saw a file, and it says we are Torragonese. It is not entirely accurate; my father is, but my mother was Segonian, giving me mixed heritage. Mercador is a Segonian name for Merchant. If we were born here, I would have been named something like Shāngrén.”[/colour] She flicked her hair to the side. [colour=C0C0C0]“You might have noticed, we are not Tethered either, though people tend to automatically assume. I have a condition that doesn’t even have a name; it is referred to simply as a ‘blood disorder.’ It causes me to bruise easily, have stretchy skin, and my joints pop out when things get too rough. Needless to say, I'm seen as anything but special.”[/colour]

She paused as she gathered her strength and confidence, looking Yawen in her eyes. [colour=C0C0C0]“But we want more, we are ambitious, we are going to show the world what a girl like me can do. We will defy everyone's expectations, their attempts to belittle me, and make something grand of myself.”[/colour] and with emphasis, [colour=C0C0C0]“We are the [b]Governor of Longwan[/b].”[/colour]

Looking out toward the sunset, she proclaimed her determination, her eyes sparkling brightly. [colour=C0C0C0]“Longwan is erroneously viewed as a remote province of questionable worth, and like me, greatly undervalued. It is their mistake. Even if the journey for greatness is a thousand miles, it begins with a single step, and we will make each one of them.”[/colour]

Here she was, vastly outnumbered with enemies on all sides, but she would make it through. There is an expression, "you reap what you sow," but Maura is no farmer; her family descends from fishermen, and for them, you cast the bait and the fish come. It is time to reel in the catch.

[colour=C0C0C0]“We do not hold love for your father; he treats me with a blade to my throat. However, we do hold love for you. While you act as his envoy, this is a deal between you and me. Unlike him, you believe in me. We will take this journey together.”[/colour] She takes a hold of Yawen’s hands. [colour=C0C0C0]“Tell your father that the Governor of Longwan has accepted.”[/colour]

The prize is not the Emperor, nor the trade deal; it is Yawen herself. Back when they were assigning escorts, she spotted her and those tell-tale signs, and she laid the lure. What people forget is that there is a more powerful weapon than deceit—the truth—a weapon so revolutionary that people often forget it exists. She is not like the Perrench who lie through their teeth, or slippery like a Revidian, or barbaric like an Eskandr, or zealous like a Torragonese… She is a Segonian, the land of the maestros and their marionettes. The most precious thing to a Maestro is their puppets; they are loved, cherished, and so very precious. Her smile beamed as she stroked her hand upon the porcelain features of the girl's face, the pair wearing their friendship knots, the string that binds them together.

[colour=C0C0C0]“However, there is one condition, and we insist on it.”[/colour] Her hand squeezed Yawen's own for emphasis. [colour=C0C0C0]"If it comes to fighting and the need arises, Abdel and Kaureerah are mine to deal with, and their fates belong to me. Nothing will stop me when it comes to saving my precious friends, not your father, or even a deranged dragon."[/colour] Her eyes twinkled with the last remark, [colour=C0C0C0]"If your father has a good conscience, he will accept this."[/colour] She moved to wrap her arms around the other girl, embracing her tightly, a prolonged hug before they separated, moving to sit back down on her chair.

[colour=C0C0C0]"What happens now?"[/colour] Maura asked as they sat back down.

Yawen sat back down as well. [colour=yellow]"In truth, I don't know. We'll have to see if our other friends took their offers. Then, we'll have to defeat the rebels first. Then, finally, Retan can be at peace and my father and uncle can start instituting the reforms they have planned."[/colour] She let out a long sigh and glanced over at Maura with a smile. [colour=yellow]"Thank you for believing in me right back. Thank you for..."[/colour] She let out a sniff of mirth. [colour=yellow]"For being you, I guess, and for being good. For now, we head back. We play it close to the vest, I think. we wait and hear what the others have to say."[/colour] She suited words to action, releasing the catches on her wheels and turning on the spot. [colour=yellow]"Are you coming?"[/colour]

[colour=C0C0C0]“Naturally,”[/colour] she smiled as she followed. [colour=C0C0C0]“Time to face the music. Where is a violin when you need one…”[/colour]

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