mooglenet_backup | [Action] Post Heads of State Meeting

[~~Rosa is one of the most beautiful women in their world! It's no surprise that she's still hot even at age forty-something.~~]

Oh, yes! [He nods in agreement.] Garland cannot defeat us if we stand before him as a united force. Amongst his minions, Garland lacks such unity with both Kuja and Lufene.

Those two aren't very fond of him from what I know, but they begrudgingly follow his orders nonetheless. While one has suggested before that driving a wedge between Garland and Kuja may work, I doubt such an opportunity shall arrive to do so.

Thus we must stand united against this foe while we still can.

[It's better than 'The Island Closest to Hell'?]

You'll have everything the Garden has. Even if I have to get into our histories to find it.

[He nods slowly, genuinely taking that in.]

I'm not sure who I am either. But... I will find out.

[And there's that dead earnest look that ends up having him pegged for his father.]

Edward? Can I ask you something?

[...Ondore wouldn't like that island, I'm sure.]

Many thanks, my friend! Hopefully all of our work will pay off, and that foul device will be sunk within the nearest sea.

As long as that isn't where it resonates, I'm fine with it.

[And yes, that might just have been a flicker of a sense of humor.]

[As much as Ceodore dislikes being compared to his father, the youth fails to realize just how similar he is to Cecil in both appearance and personality.]

Oh?

[Edward blinked his eyes owlishly.]

Yes, ask me anything!

[Cecil gives him a long, searching look. He knows Ceodore is being sincere in his apology, but it doesn't undo the fact that it should have been Ceodore volunteering himself, not shirking his duties. At least Ursula accepted it with good grace.]

I'm sure you know this already, but your knight trial did not end on the Adamant Isle. Knighthood is an ongoing path to be followed, and part of that includes accepting duties required of you, of putting others before yourself.

[He pauses, and his voice drops.]

One day I will be gone, my son, and the throne of Baron will be left to you. I hope you will accept that, when the time comes.

You didn't want to rule, did you?

[At least, that's what Ceodore had heard once in the grand tale of his parents' journey.]

[Congratulations, Leonhart. You've won a chuckle from the elderly marquis.]

We'll take the necessary precautions before sinking it, I can assure you.

Until next time, Commander Leonhart.

Yeah.

[There's one last nod, and that's it from him.]

[Or sooner than Cecil thinks if he doesn't snap out of that zombie state he's in at home. Ceodore looks down and stares at the ground. He'd told Rosa once that he didn't want it... and it made her angry. He still doesn't want it, but he just got a fresh reminder about putting duty before self. At first the nod is slow and reluctant, but changes to a firm one and no more looking away.]

I will. I know what I have to do.

[A brief look of surprise settled within the bard gaze, but soon it faded and was replaced by hints of shame.]

...Yes, I suppose you could say that.

Why did you decide to?

[Edward let out a deep sigh once Ceodore asked that.]

In all truth, I'm not too sure of it myself. I guess I got tired of running away from my responsibilities or maybe I just couldn't run anymore.

[A pensive smile settled on his lips.]

When Damcyan was attacked, I lost everything. My kingdom was in ruins, the Crystal of Fire was stolen, and my beloved died. Walking amongst those ruins on that day roused me, pushed me to act.

I had to lose everything in order to gain the clarity I needed. I had to lose everything I once cherished in order for me to realize how much I yearn to protect it.

[Ursula seems pensive at that, but there's something else on her mind, something more pressing.]

...and because you didn't want it.

[Ursula is a bit pensive herself, though she's doing her best not to let that show, either. The last thing she wants is to undermine the faith shown in her. So, when Cecil approaches, Ursula smiles and nods to him.]

Hello, sir. Thank you again for that vote of confidence.

Celes, then.

[She took a moment, gathering her thoughts. Perhaps it was best to pick a safer topic, first.]

I heard that Narshe is of your world. If you could spare a moment, I wish to learn about it, that I may not enter into this situation ignorant.

I... um... Well, no.

But I swear that's not why! I didn't even think it. [At that particular moment anyway.]

But why do you say I deserve it? I have no more experience than you. Nothing I have done stems from skill that you do not also possess.

[She nods, body language turning more inviting.]

I can respect that. It wouldn't do for anyone to attempt to govern a place without understanding the people. [Oh hai there, Empire.] What would you like to know bout it? Its history or more of its trade?

[Ursula begins to relax slightly, though she still prefers to err on the side of formal.]

Both, if you would. Trade is understandably important, but I wish to know of Narshe's people as well. If there are issues of which I must be aware, I would prefer to know beforehand.

[Formalities make this one uneasy, but she hides it well.]

When I first knew Narshe, it was a calm, neutral town. As far as I know, they like to remain that way. You shouldn't have much trouble with uprisings there. At home, Narshe eventually sided with the Returners against the Empire, or so I heard, but neutrality seems to be their favored way. I... haven't actually been to visit since I arrived here on Gaia. [But maybe she'll change this now.]

I hope you're prepared for winter. Narshe thrives on snow and ice. Most of its people are used to snow being on the ground most days of the year. I think they'd be shocked if it ever got warm. Trade deals in winter things, such as furs and the like. I'd be careful of Lobos and Bunnies outside town.

[She pauses, trying to dredge up what else she knew of the town from her days at home, both in the Empire's ranks and after.]

I never had much to do with the town, not even in my military days. They were... kind enough and grateful for any help when Kefka attacked. [But she's more than certain they didn't trust her and she's not entirely sure she wants to go back for that reason.] But they don't want war. Never have.

[Garnet sits to the side, looking miserable, bundled up for winter in loose dress and heavy fur-trimmed cloak. She's ashamed of her silence during the meeting, but she could not bring herself to speak. Alexandria could not be a leader, when it's ruler lost focus and struggled just to maintain order... Some Queen she was...]

Ah, Ursula. [Cecil regards her with a warm smile in return.] I admit, that meeting took a turn for the unexpected... Have you had time to think your decision over?

[But he can't see any skill in himself. He's still working on that.]

I thought it'd make you happy.

Everyone deserves their chance, Ursula.

[Action] Post Heads of State Meeting

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