[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/ubDydDb.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/JfZ3LOa.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=006633]Event:[/colour][/b] Final Chapter: Last Chances [b]|[/b] [b][colour=006633]Location:[/colour][/b] Mandelein, Kerremand[hr][hr][/center]

Ashon and Taleja looked at each other, clearly having opposite views on the debate. Now, they were being greeted by a Royal Sand Wyrm by the name of Conde Juan Antonio Mendoza-Cardenas, who was dressed in fancy clothes and a wig. Taleja placed a hand on her face and muttered, [colour=006633]“What's next, Skuggvars wearing monocles?”[/colour]

She waved her hand as she sought clarification, [colour=006633]“What is an Original and what makes Father Jacques so special?”[/colour]

Ashon gazed at the creature and scratched his head, saying, [colour=FF3131]“An offer of sanctuary by a Royal Sand Wyrm, it’s an intriguing proposition.”[/colour] He considered whether he might be asleep or not, pinching Cal to make sure. [colour=FF3131]“Tantas Empire? Huh, the Tarlonese are certainly adopting Yanii titles now.”[/colour]

He looked at the others and continued, [colour=FF3131]“It's true, the Quentic church would be the least of their worries there. You just need to be careful of the wildlife, the trees, and the Tarlonese Yasoi themselves.”[/colour] Spinning on the spot to face the Conde, he asked, [colour=FF3131]“Those smugglers have been to Tarlon recently. What guarantees of protection can you offer these villagers, and what's your involvement in this operation?”[/colour]

Taleja raised an eyebrow as Ashon appeared critical of the proposal, [colour=006633]“The merit of a remote location away from human settlements could offer solace and safety to those afflicted. Given their strength, they should be able to defend themselves.”[/colour] She offered a hand to the Royal Sand Wyrm, [colour=006633]“He is offering protection as well.”[/colour]

She reminded the group, [colour=006633]“Ultimately, if we are going with sparing these villagers, we are morally responsible for their actions. If they go to Tarlon, they are no longer our problem. We are absolved from the matter, and it becomes his problem.”[/colour]

Ashon frowned at the response. [colour=FF3131]“While the idea of this refuge is appealing, is it really in the best interest of everyone involved?”[/colour] He grabbed one of the Mandelein purple bananas and pointed it at Taleja. [colour=FF3131]“What does our Conde want in return? Are we simply putting them in another situation by replacing the smugglers with the Conde and his Emperor? What if Tarlon gets grand ideas and begins attacking the human colonies around Tarlon? Have we just conscripted these good folks into their army and the resulting deaths?”[/colour]

Taleja paused as she bit her lip. The man who called himself a Monkey King did raise a point, but it was not his choice to make. [colour=006633]“Then why don’t you ask Father Jacques to consider the proposal and allow the people of Mandelein to make that decision for themselves? Perhaps he may want to trade one prison for another. A gilded cage is a preferred alternative to death.”[/colour]

Ashon snorted at the comment about cages, [colour=FF3131]“Spoken by someone who has no experience of such a thing.”[/colour] He gestured to the others, [colour=FF3131]“We should seek to understand the Conde’s intentions, the nature of this sanctuary, and the implications of this decision. We could be walking in blind.”[/colour]

Taleja examined her pocket-watch, closed it, and placed it in her pocket. [colour=006633]“As much as we would all love a holiday to Tarlon, there isn't time to delay this decision. If you truly want to prioritize the well-being of those involved, this solution can be both practical and sustainable on paper.”[/colour]

Her green eyes gazed toward the Sand Wyrm. [colour=006633]“Baudile, wake your brother and allow him to listen to the Conde’s answers. It is a decision he should be making. He should not be denied the opportunity when the alternative is certain death.”[/colour]

Ashon perched himself on a branch, peeled the banana, and took a bite as he waited for the Conde’s responses to the questions and points they both made, though he sighed reluctantly at Taleja’s suggestion. [colour=FF3131]“We have agreed to spare him. Let’s all listen to the Conde.”[/colour]


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