[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/iN4aAHz.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=6f4a50]Event:[/colour][/b] All that Glitters is not Gold [b]|[/b] [b][colour=6f4a50]Location:[/colour][/b] Wánggǎng, ReTan[hr][hr][h3][url=https://youtu.be/KeO12J0d1z8]♫[/url][/h3][/center]
As the others were distracted by the Aftermath of their encounter with a Titan Knower, Maura noticed that they appeared to overlook a very important figure, the Traveller. She moved to where the mysterious figure had fallen, considering her actions such as perhaps attempting to give them cover, shielding the enigmatic figure, or attempt to use her binding to heal them.

Instead, she found nothing.

[colour=FAEBD7]"You were the only one,"[/colour] said a semi-familiar voice from behind her. She whirled on the spot to face it, and it was Jocasta's, only... she was some years older and standing. No, she was [i]not[/i] Jocasta. She was the girl from the picture. [colour=FAEBD7]"The only one who thought about me."[/colour]

Maura was startled, and blinked in surprise as the woman approached her. She had never actually seen the Traveller before, but she recalled Ingrid’s description - someone who looked eerily similar to Jocasta, almost uncannily so. There was no rollerchair, to her disappointment, but she was aware from Abdel that the being was a shape-shifter, so she could adopt any appearance she liked. She did wonder if certain appearances held any special meanings, recalling how the Maestros tended to have particular favourite marionettes they loved the most.

[colour=C0C0C0]“We thought you were injured. You put your life on the line to save us when you didn’t have to, and we wanted to thank you by helping if we could.”[/colour]

She knitted her fingers together as she looked at the Traveller with awe, watching her every movement, no matter how subtle, with great interest.

The Traveler smiled faintly, and perhaps she even grimaced a bit. [colour=FAEBD7]"I would happily take the bouquet you offer me were it true but, as I'm sure you noticed..."[/colour] She scratched at the back of her head. [colour=FAEBD7]"We [i]all[/i] very much had to."[/colour] She sat beside Maura on one of the few patches of grass remaining, pulling her knees up and looping her arms about them. [colour=FAEBD7]"It would've destroyed this whole nation, and perhaps the whole world. Because of us, it didn't."[/colour] She managed an appreciative smile and, while it appeared genuine, she also appeared distracted.

Maura paused as she considered the words and reflected on her own, realizing the misunderstanding. [colour=C0C0C0]“We meant… you stepped in when you didn’t have to.”[/colour] Her voice grew softer and quieter with every word, losing confidence as she might imply further miscommunication.

Here she was, feeling out of her depth compared to the person before her. In some ways, the Traveller had a presence that she both envied and admired, both in competitive spirit and as a role model.

Her fingers continued to knit as she started to feel herself grow anxious. This was a person she had so many words she wanted to share with. She scolded herself mentally, proverbially smacking herself on her cheeks as if to spur herself into motion and snap out of it. This was an opportunity to prove her worth.

[colour=C0C0C0]“The Knowers are the true threat, aren’t they?”[/colour] The comment was a statement rather than a question, reflecting on events with insight, [colour=C0C0C0]“And if it required ‘all’ of us, then being so divided could have put us in great danger. More than this singular encounter.”[/colour]

The Traveler nodded. She smiled supportively up at Maura. [colour=FAEBD7]"They [i]are[/i] a true threat, but also an opportunity, I feel: one to bring us together, because you are right. We must come together. After we win - because we [i]must[/i] - I dream that the change might prove lasting, that it might be the start of a better world."[/colour] She tilted her head as she regarded the girl, so very young, so bright, and... nervous. Did she make people nervous? Sometimes it was a blessing - there were enemies to be cowed. Sometimes, however, it was not. [colour=FAEBD7][i]I'd bet that they don't listen to you very much. I'd bet that they should.[/i][/colour] She resolved to see what Maura Mercador had to say. There might be hidden treasure in her words. The Traveler so loved life's unexpected discoveries.

Maura blushed as she heard the words, considering them carefully before speaking. [colour=C0C0C0]“It would be nice if that were the case. It is true that a common enemy unites us all behind a shared cause.”[/colour] She turned to look toward her, [colour=C0C0C0]“What happens when the enemy is no more? When two squabbling neighbors put aside their differences to prevent a giant tentacle from destroying both their houses, what happens when that threat is gone? Do those neighbors decide to continue, or do their old conflicts become more relevant again? We see this with the great powers – they encourage those within the nation to focus their attention on Perrence, on Revidia. It works as long as there is an enemy, and when there is no enemy, they find or make one.”[/colour]

[colour=C0C0C0]“This is not to say you're wrong, but to say you're right. There needs to be a purpose, there needs to be a shared vision. Something for people to unite behind. It is shown that the best leaders are those who unite people, leading from the front. Yet, we often see nobles ruling who don’t know how to lead.”[/colour]

She found herself biting her tongue, already imagining the faces of the others from earlier – yet another Maura speech. Wu Long rolling his eyes and walked away in that enigmatic manner of his. She paused to allow the Traveller to speak.

Instead, Enna Lantisca smiled. [colour=FAEBD7]"That is precisely it. A common purpose must bind people together. A common enemy is easiest, certainly, but I am greatly concerned with how to maintain that if there is no threat."[/colour] She shook her head. [colour=FAEBD7]"Some among the nobility are not bad people - maybe even good people - and they certainly cannot help the station of their birth. It is as you have said, however. Far too many simply 'do' without knowing what they are doing, much less understanding why they do it aside from it being their prerogative."[/colour] She furrowed her brow, glancing up at the girl again, fondly. [colour=FAEBD7]"I say that it is [i]nobody's[/i] given prerogative. I say, as do you, that one should aim to inspire, not to command. That is my goal."[/colour] She nodded slowly, gaining confidence that here, finally, was a thoughtful young mind with whom she could share in the truest sense. [colour=FAEBD7]"That is why I am an idea instead of a person to most. Such a leader must emerge organically, not be ordained by myself or even [i]be[/i] myself."[/colour]

[colour=C0C0C0]“It's like on the ships, and you can tell the difference almost instantly just from the atmosphere. You have the ship captains who listen to the concerns of the crew, who are supportive and inspiring, who maintain a visible presence and are often well-liked. Then you have the others, often appointed due to rank or privilege, rarely seen on deck, barking orders, dismissing concerns, and then wondering why they struggle to retain sailors – eager to blame everyone but themselves. The first is leading, the latter is ruling. While a noble cannot choose the station of their birth, it does not mean someone of that station is automatically qualified to lead. Leadership is a skill, not one exclusive to the noble class.”[/colour] She paused for a moment, considering whether to share, then decided to. [colour=C0C0C0]“My father is of the first kind, and he tries his hardest. And as for me… we still have much to learn.”[/colour]

With the latter point, she nodded. [colour=C0C0C0]“That was the point we tried to make to Ash when he spoke of his plans for ReTan. He said he opposes tyranny, but one cannot help likening it to a customer complaining at a restaurant. It doesn't mean he would make a gourmet chef if he stepped in.”[/colour] She couldn’t help but smile with some amusement at the parallel she made, but hoped the point was clear. [colour=C0C0C0]“As for you, you see yourself as a source of inspiration, donning the guise of a humble traveller, journeying from village to village, removed and disconnected – an observer or at least an impartial party. Yet, for your sage advice and the wisdom of your travels, you recognize you must not lead, for you would have to relinquish the mantle and role you play. And like the Ópera dos Marionetes, each role is has their vital importance to the play.”[/colour]

[colour=FAEBD7]"Truly. I wonder,"[/colour] Enna admitted, [colour=FAEBD7]"if I would not be tempted to rule, to command."[/colour] She shook her head and rose momentarily, stretching. There were others who seemed to have taken notice of the pair - most pointedly a large reptile that was [i]not[/i] a sirrahi. [colour=FAEBD7]"My nameless name has spread far and wide in so many ways. Some speak of me as a menace, some as a saviour. I have little doubt that I could order some to die not for our common cause but simply for me and they would do it. That..."[/colour] She trailed off. [colour=FAEBD7]"is a frightening thing because it means that, on some level, I am failing. My [i]message[/i] is failing."[/colour] The worry was plainly evident on her face. [colour=FAEBD7]"I am curious. What would you do? How would [i]you[/i] handle this?"[/colour]

Maura paused for thought, as it seemed the Traveller wanted her help, or at least her opinion on something. It was difficult to put herself in those worn-out shoes, but perhaps she could assist the Traveller by playing her role by offering a different perspective. [colour=C0C0C0]“We would suggest sticking to the purpose of the role, maintaining anonymity, and placing emphasis on the 'what' rather than the 'who'. The message is what's important, not who is saying it. Instead of the narrative being 'the Traveller did this' or 'the Traveller did that', focus on the ordinary people involved. You should be the narrator of the story, not the main lead or hero. Shift the attention to the actors.”[/colour] She looked toward the woman, [colour=C0C0C0]“You've signed yourself up for a lonely existence.”[/colour] offering a sad smile as she recognized the challenges involved.

She then focused back on the task, [colour=C0C0C0]“Collaborate with and empower others. The message should be that each of us is the hero in this story. Strengthen the unity among people by showcasing their collective efforts, rather than centring on any one person. So, instead of making you the sole symbol of the movement, develop iconography that represents what it stands for. Promote these symbols through art that captures the essence of your message without featuring you – for instance, associate tyrants or malevolent figures with tentacles, symbolizing that only through collective action can these 'villains' be defeated. Promote these symbols through art and imagery, embedding them in the collective unconsciousness of the audience.”[/colour]

She considered the wording of her last suggestions, [colour=C0C0C0]“Guide and mentor individuals to take on roles that inspire and motivate others. Encourage and support them to independently spread the message. However, always remember the importance of stepping back when you feel you're becoming too central to the narrative. This will allow perceptions and expectations of you to subside, enabling the focus to remain on the message itself.”[/colour]

She gazed toward her companion, hoping her words were useful.

The Traveler rose again, but crouched, reaching for Maura's hands. [colour=FAEBD7]"And just like that, you've distilled it."[/colour] She smiled thoughtfully. [colour=FAEBD7]"Why, though?"[/colour] She tilted her head for a moment and there was none of the shapeshifting that Maura had heard of from Ingrid. [colour=FAEBD7]"Why are you so helpful? At the risk of centering myself once more, what have I done to make myself important enough to you for such consideration?"[/colour] She shook her head. [colour=FAEBD7]"I am not asking for my ego stroked. Truly, I wish to know, for you are [i]exceptional[/i]."[/colour]

Maura's mind raced as the Traveller responded positively to her help and offered a compliment. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of surprise and discomfort. She felt herself on edge, her defences kicking in, her mind whispering that this might be some kind of trick. It drew parallels to the sweet words of unsavoury traders attempting to pour honey in one's ear for a sale, only to turn rude and brash once your back is turned. Maura, whose very existence seemed to offend others, found such words to be almost unnatural.

She looked at the Traveller's hands upon her own, struggling to maintain her composure. Her voice quivered slightly as she spoke. [colour=C0C0C0]"We've always aimed high, tried to make my mark."[/colour] She forced a smile, her eyes not quite meeting the Traveller's gaze.

Feeling the warmth of the hands on hers, her thoughts continued to whirl. She questioned the sincerity of the compliment, wondering if she was being mocked or tested. Yet, there was a part of her that desperately wanted it to be genuine, yearning for those words to be true.

She continued to veil her inner turmoil with her practised facade, eventually settling on something approaching a cautious and tentative acceptance of the intention behind the compliment.

Attempting to focus on the questions she was asked, she found them both humbling and perplexing, momentarily leaving her at a loss for words. Why was the Traveller asking her why she was worthy of consideration? It felt like an unexpected role reversal.

Clearing her throat, she contemplated her response. [colour=C0C0C0]"Well,"[/colour] she began, her tone a touch more earnest than before, [colour=C0C0C0]"We're just trying to contribute in our own way. There's something a friend once said – that we should try to be the change we want to see. Even if we're still trying to find our place in that. It's why we push ourselves so hard and set such idealistic targets. Even if they seem out of reach, we can always look back and see how far we've come. It's always further than we would have been otherwise."[/colour]

With that, the Traveler nodded. The large beast had approached closely. [colour=FAEBD7]"Then it appears that we have much to offer each other."[/colour] She released the girl. [colour=FAEBD7]"We shall speak again, at length, in earnest. For now, know that I consider you a friend worth keeping. I believe that our interests align and that..."[/colour] She trailed off and offered up one final smile. [colour=FAEBD7]"It is good to have friends, is it not?"[/colour]

Maura smiled, giving the hands a gentle squeeze before the Traveller released her own. [colour=C0C0C0]"Sincere friendship is perhaps the greatest gift someone can offer. If that is your intention, then we would be genuinely interested in accepting and reciprocating in kind."[/colour]

She felt a bit star struck, realizing that her attempt to assist the Traveller in what she perceived as their hour of need had resulted in her forming a friendship with them. [colour=C0C0C0]"Abdel informed me about the letters you exchanged with Ash, so don't feel the need to be a stranger when it comes to communicating with me if the need arises."[/colour]

Enna smiled. [color=FAEBD7]"Speak of the devil..."[/color] she replied with a grin. Abdel was rushing after his animals, but it was also, clearly, an excuse to speak with the Traveler. [color=FAEBD7]"I... just may have your address,"[/color] she admitted with a wink. [color=FAEBD7]"Dare I say this is only the start of a long and mutually beneficial partnership."[/color]
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