mooglenet_backup | [Action] Post Heads of State Meeting

[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.

[Ursula listens to it all, doing her best to memorize any information that Celes chooses to share with her. It's all important, so the princess believes. She nods gravely, focusing on the latter part first.]

I see. Do you think their stance would be the same, regarding Lufene? I have no wish for war either, but...I can't say it will never happen.

I don't think it would change much. When Kefka attacked at home, they understood the necessity, but they aren't natural warriors themselves. If you are in need of help in the future, you'd probably do well to have a list of people you can rely on.

[Ursula nods, already thinking that over.]

My natural allies are Troia and Mysidia, yet their distance precludes convenient aid. Alfitaria as well, not to mention that city is still recovering from Lufene's last onslaught. I suppose Warjilis could count, after recent issues.

...have you met Captain Basch? He aided Lord Larsa, right?

I'd suggest other allies, some closer and some farther, so if you and those close in distance are attacked, there are others who might be able to spare help. [Thinking of the recent string of attacks here.]

I haven't met him yet. At least not in person. I don't think our paths have crossed yet. Maybe soon enough, I'll change that. It's been over a year since I've set foot in Narshe. [Almost two, in fact.]

[Ursula nods at Celes' sound advice. She will have to work on this allies part.]

I hope you can manage a visit, when you have the time. I would be interested to hear more about the city from your perspective.

As for the cold, I'll adjust. As long as I can be of some aid to the town, that's what matters.

...well, that and my training.

[She nods, approving of Ursula's resolve.]

It might be a while. [It's said in warning.] Narshe... doesn't hold many happy memories and... [She pauses just a little bit.] I'm not sure how well my presence there will be tolerated.

[Ursula tilts her head.]

Why so?

...that is, if you don't mind sharing. I would not overstep my bounds.

[She hesitates. Well, at one point, Edgar had warned her she might need to speak up about this and she'd been ready. She'd hinted to it during this meeting, too, and since Ursula was going to be living in Narshe, she might be hearing more about this than anyone else...]

The people of Narshe might talk about it even if I don't. Back home, only a year or so prior to my arrival here, I was a general for the Empire. There were many people who only knew me as the general who torched an entire town. Narshe may or may not remain among that number, but... you should be prepared regardless.

[Ursula's eyes widen. So begins her introduction to governments that aren't run by benevolent rulers who all know each other.]

You...why??

[Oh great. Is the kid going to assume she's still a horrible person just because of her past? Celes' expression closes and she looks away, sinking back within herself. But she still answers.]

...I thought it was the right thing to do at the time.

[Ursula falls silent for a moment. Celes' words bring to mind what she knows of the past, and Cecil's exploits as a Dark Knight. She wasn't born when that happened, but they are still well-known...as is his redemption.

The princess' gaze focuses on the woman before her, thoughtful.]

And yet, you found the courage to break with that past, did you not?

[Well... that makes Celes look back at her, expression relaxing a bit. She nods.]

I'm still working on that. Not everyone is so quick to forgive and forget. And I can't blame them.

[Even so, it's worth trying. Maybe there's hope in this world.]

...You don't look much younger than I am, yet you seem... more accepting than many twice my age.

[Ursula keeps thinking of Celes as far older, but then she gives that aura of vast experience and responsibility.]

I can't say we have that experience in common, but one of my world's greatest heroes also had a dark past. He managed to overcome it and is now one of its most respected rulers. If he hadn't been given a chance, my world would have been much poorer for it.

[A lot has to do with experience, yes.]

Sometimes that's how the worlds work. [pause.] I betrayed the Empire to stop Kefka from bestowing a similar fate to Maranda on another innocent town. Those in this room, despite their pasts, want the best for this world.

[They were all trying to work together, even if it didn't always pan out perfectly.]

[Ursula nods.]

I've noticed that. With a common goal, at least there's hope that will come to pass. I just hope I can contribute.

...Being able to see beyond someone's past and into their present actions will take you far.

[It's a compliment in a way. Celes has hope anyway.]

[Ursula brightens a little at that.]

The present, not the past, should be our focus. How are we stop Garland otherwise?

If only more people thought that way. [This gives her so much extra hope. It's good. Very, very good.] We'll figure it out. He can't keep hiding forever.

[That? That might be a smile. Good job, Ursula. You made her smile.]

[Action] Post Heads of State Meeting

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