008 // [video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[Dressed in her freshly pressed SeeD uniform, Quistis can be seen sitting at her desk in her dorm room, a somber expression on her face. There's a moment of silence before she finally speaks, her tone professional as she tries her best to appear confident.]

For those of you who were familiar with Commander Squall Leonhart, I regret to inform you that he has returned back to his home world. With his absence, I, Quistis Trepe, will be taking over the position of Commander of Garden and SeeD. Promoted to Second-in-Command will be SeeD Selphie Tilmitt.

All clients who currently hold active contracts with SeeD will not be affected by the change in leadership, and any future requests for assistance should be directed to my line.

Thank you for your time, and good day.

[She gives the camera a small nod, and the feed cuts.]

Comments

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[Gabranth removes his helmet, setting it aside as he bow his head slightly.]

My sincerest condolences. I am aware of how distressing it can be to both lose someone dear to you and be forced into higher power.

Of course, there is the chance he may return, which is a blessing indeed.

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[She drops the professionalism for a moment, her head lowering slightly as she pinches the bridge of her nose.]

Thank you, Gabranth. Having to deal with both matters... it's definitely overwhelming.

[She sighs before regaining her composure.]

I hope so. The others aren't taking it well, either... we've never been without him before.

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[He frowns at the look she has on her face but he's able to point something out here:]

Quistis, may I remind you... 'twas you that dealt with business concerning my need of hiring others and you've done so frequently in the past with others no doubt.

While I am quite sure you've asked his permission, you have handled much without him. You are more than capable, and were you not an instructor?

[He faintly smiles at her.] 'Tis difficult, but your strength is what they will grasp onto, and you have an abundance.

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[She gives him a small smile, though it falters a bit when he mentions her position as an instructor-- the very one she was fired from due to her inability to lead.]

I was, yes. But not anymore. [She'll keep it at that for now.]

Besides, being able to lead is one thing-- but being able to inspire is another. It may seem unlikely, but Squall had an ability to stir something within all the cadets, to motivate them. It's not a gift that everyone possesses.

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[Well, he didn't know! She never said she'd been fired...]

I am sure you will do a fine job. I would offer my aid, as I have led armies, but it is not my position to fill.

Should you ever require any support, however, I am willing and able. [And no, he's not going to let his mind wander now.]

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[Well, she doesn't particularly like telling people she was fired from her job-- she wants to seem perfectly able and qualified, you know.].

Thank you, Gabranth. I'll keep your offer in mind.

[Time for a change of subject-- she doesn't want to constantly be a downer.]

Anyways, how have you been? Well, I hope?

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[He sighs slightly.]

Well enough. Cold, mostly, if I am honest, though it is expected.

[Gabranth settled down into a chair nearby, casting a glance out of the window at some noise. Bah, children. Get off my lawn! ...after a moment, he returns his gaze to the screen.]

I was able to meet with my brother... though it was an odd experience...

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

Getting tired of seeing the snow every day?

[Seeing as he had settled down in a chair, she sits back slightly in her own, her rigid form relaxing a bit.]

You did? How did it go?

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

Perhaps a little, though it isn't dreadful.

[He sighs, dragging his gloved hand down his face.]

It degraded into a snowball fight. [Look at him lineface.] I think I let my childish behaviour get the better of me.

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[There's a pause as she processes the information... and once it does, Quistis can't help but laugh.]

You... had a snowball fight? I'm sorry, it's just a bit hard to imagine.

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

I did. I even started it, which says very little for my composure...

[He laughs because her laughter is infectious.] I could've explained it away as an act of frustration but he threw a snowball back, so I simply had to keep going.

I expect it is one of those 'twin things' people refer to.

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[Her laughter ceases, but a smile remains on her lips.]

But of course-- you can't start a snowball fight and not see it through until the very end.

At the very least, did it make you feel a little better?

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

I suppose that is quite true.

[He smiles a little more broadly than he had been.]

It did, and being able to discuss thing with him was rather helpful at that.

Enough of me, mind. What does work lead you into now?

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

Nothing like a snowball to the face to ease the tension. Childish antics sometimes do work, apparently. [She's just teasing, really.]

[There's a thoughtful pause as she considers the options. She's not really use to holding the reigns.]

I'm not quite sure. We're stationed right outside of Jidoor now, but there's no business calling us to any specific location at the moment. I don't really want to push anyone right now-- I think we all need a bit of time to adjust to the new situation.

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[He linefaces a that, though it's as playful as his face will allow.]

I see. Well, certainly, it is best you do not upheave everyone when the situation does not strictly call for it.

'Tis like inappropriate to ask, but when do you wish for payment for you aid, Quistis? I will need to request time away from Lord Larsa should I need to make a journey.

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[An idea pops into her head.]

Request time away? Oh, no, that won't be necessary. I don't have anything on my agenda-- why don't I meet you in Narshe? I could get Selphie to take me via Ragnarok.

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[He thinks it over for a moment then nods slightly.]

If you can both suffer the cold, then by all means. I am sure I can find time to rendezvous with you.

[He smirks just a little.]

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

It won't be a problem for Selphie at all-- in fact, I imagine she'd enjoy the trip. She's use to such harsh weather conditions, after all. I, on the other hand... well, I'm sure it's not as bad as you make it sound. [There's a small smile.]

When would be the most convenient time for you?

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

Ah, then I expect she will be in her element. Quite literally, at that.

[He laughs slightly.] 'Tis but my own natural aversion to the cold, I expect. I am more accustomed to warmer climates.

Any time is convenient as I mostly spend my days accompanying Lord Larsa. He will be glad to see you once again, no doubt.

[And maybe they can leave Selphie and Larsa to play while he shows Quistis around Narshe.]

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[Her smile widens a bit.] We'll be glad to see him, as well-- it's been far too long since we've last seen each other.

Then perhaps tomorrow afternoon? Narshe is not far from Jidoor, and the Ragnarok will get us there in no time.

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[He nods slowly.]

Aye, tomorrow afternoon is certainly acceptable.

Would you require a room for the evening or will you be returning the same day? I must inform the staff should you need a room.

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't want to impose on both you and Larsa as well as the staff. The Ragnarok shouldn't take more than a couple hours flight-- I think we can make it to Narshe and back without any problems.

[video]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

Aye, then I shall not inform the staff, but should you change your mind it is no bother.

You are a welcomed guest in House Solidor, Quistis.

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[She smiles a bit at that.]

We'll see how I fair in the cold, then. I wouldn't mind spending some time in Narshe as I haven't explored much of Gaia yet.