Elizabeth walks forward and then shakes her head. Walking forward following Bearik who puts a loving hand on her shoulder.
"Atalie." An older voice said, cutting the young woman off. An [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/af/21/59/af2159dec5d20d39cfded47e013c85de.jpg]old man, of Tian decent stepped into view holding a tray with some kind of bowl upon it. "That is enough. Head Mistress Húdié explained the problem to us so that we could better protect ourselves from this creature, not so that we could antagonize them nor alert the entire academy." He explained. "Go, bring the tea for the meeting, I shall take them to our Head Mistress." When Atalie was out of ear shot he stepped up to Bearkin. "Head Mistress said that you collapsed yesterday, which is why the meeting had to be delayed. I am Professor Li Gao, I teach here of course. Head Mistress Húdié asked that I prepare this for you. It is a soup from my home country and will help strength you." He explained. Once it was taken Li Gao bowed to Quince. "Forgive an old man for not kneeling or bowing sooner. I did not wish to spill the soup." With that Li Gao lead the group through the academy, up to the office of the Head Mistress. "I ask you forgive Atalie. She holds the Head Mistress very highly, as she saved her from an gang back in Rostov. Hero worship I believe it is called. After hearing what happened, as she couldn't keep it secret not with how she looked upon her return, Atalie was very angry. She is young however, and will learn else it will be the end for her I fear. There is only so much we can do after all." He said simply as they walked, her stroked his beard with one hand while the other held the tray beneath his arm. "I was very disturbed to hear what happened as well. I did not want such a being in the Academy among the vulnerable students, and when I expressed such to Head Mistress she sent for the students to go out today. The rest of the professors are with them. I requested to remain. As an act of good faith the Head Mistress has left her blades, and spellbook in my care and this morning used all of the spells she was able to ensure this would be on complete neutral. However she did not ask that completely from you, thus I remain. Are there any questions before we go in?"
He opened the door and bowed to those inside. Which was Cleonore and Katrina. The whole office was completely pristine, from the far sitting area on the left which held a wall of books behind it, to the right which held a meeting table, to straight ahead which held the large Head Mistress's desk and behind it, Cleonora. Looking much more put together than the last time they had seen her. "Ah, tis that time Katrina." She said as she motioned for the group to take seats at the large conference table to their right. She of course took her own chair, which was easy to see from the large painted butterfly that was at the top of it. "Li Gao, thank you. I take it Atalie.."
"Could not hold her anger. I did not want fighting from words alone." He replied. "I sent her to get the tea." He explained.
"You have my thanks." Cleonora said with a respectful nod. "This meeting was called as I'm sure you all know, to deal with what happened yesterday. As it is obvious the whole town shouldn't be made aware there is a leeching mad woman, else innocent lives could be harmed while hunting her down. So, we shall settle this here today. I shall state for Bearkin that while I admire his wish to protect his daughter, she is obviously no longer a child and as such all acts are her own. You cannot claim them as yours. Saren, I do not condemn you for protecting your sister, I myself have one brother remaining in this world and would fight to the death for him. Even if it meant to do so without or against reason." Cleonora said very simply. She was doing well to keep herself together. "Does anyone else wish to say something before we get to the core of the meeting?" She asked.
"Are there any questions before we go in?"
Quince stepped forward, "Thank you for the gracious hospitality. Give us a moment to speak. If you would before we move into the meeting. Thank you."
Quince looked to Bearik, Saren and Elizabeth, "I wanted to come today because it seemed you all wanted to respond to this invitation. I had not much opportunity to find out how you were doing since the events of yesterday and I wished to speak with you all yesterday but given the strain of the day that was not possible. Bearik have you had the opportunity to speak with your daughter. I know that when I called upon you yesterday you were resting from the strain. Elizabeth, Saren implied that yesterday you were not yourself and that you would be able to better explain things at another time. I hoped to speak with you prior to hashing these issues out further. As I had said to your brother. The fact that you made the offer of repaying 3x over for the hurt done. Is well. The fact that you are here at all shows a willingness to see the matter made right thank you. Can I inquire what this offer is as I am sure it will come up today and I want to understand it fully. Before we are all challenged on it." He looked to all of them. "That you are here shows that you wish this matter settled. Thank you.
"You have my thanks." Cleonora said with a respectful nod. "This meeting was called as I'm sure you all know, to deal with what happened yesterday. As it is obvious the whole town shouldn't be made aware there is a leeching mad woman, else innocent lives could be harmed while hunting her down. So, we shall settle this here today. I shall state for Bearkin that while I admire his wish to protect his daughter, she is obviously no longer a child and as such all acts are her own. You cannot claim them as yours. Saren, I do not condemn you for protecting your sister, I myself have one brother remaining in this world and would fight to the death for him. Even if it meant to do so without or against reason." Cleonora said very simply. She was doing well to keep herself together. "Does anyone else wish to say something before we get to the core of the meeting?" She asked.
Quince looks at Cleo, "This is a mistake. A big one. You burn good will. Rushing this has prevented us from learning all we could. Keeps the matter over the hot coals of rage rather than that of reason. That you would expect members of the council at your beckon call shows a contempt that is hard to put aside. I can't imagine that Katrina did not caution you for some semblance of patience on this. I would have wished to check on you before such a meeting. But you have rushed ahead and not allowed the concern of others be involved. I would have asked what you want, what you are feeling. And if sense and justice would have allowed I might have looked to give it. You chose to rush ahead to this. Beware that the hope of you getting what you want slips from your fingers as you tighten your grip." His tone and measure remain one of concern. Its clear that he fears you are burning bridges that he can't repair.
Tristan approaches as well. He places his sword and shield upon the table before entering. He sits a bit with the others then moves to the meeting room when it is time.
He listens to Cleo's words than that of the Baron's.
"I don't see a problem here nothing has been done that can't be undone. What is hoped to be gained from this meeting exactly?"
As the messenger left Quince rose and went to visit Cleo. He made his way to the academy. He asked the servants if he could see her. After a few minutes he made his way to see Cleo and Katrina. "Forgive me for arriving early. I wished to speak with you before any meeting. I hoped to learn what you hope to achieve from this meeting."
Cleonora stood when Quince entered the room. "Of course." Cleonora said with a nod as she motioned to the smaller sitting area to his left, mostly used for reading. "Please sit, it's perfectly fine to arrive early. Katrina did." She said as she herself moved to sit down. "My hope is to figure as much out as possible. And, with hope, find a... Compromise, that all can at least... Agree upon." She explained. "Katrina has been a good friend, in helping me calm down..."
"As to your main question, I hope for nothing but justice. Though I doubt I'd get it to my own satisfaction, as such I am seeking something that would be acceptable all around. Which of course means in the end no one is happy. That is how compromises work, you get a little, I get a little, neither gets what they want, but neither is completely silenced so we go on." The way she spoke was far calmer than it had been yesterday, to the point that if you didn't know what happened you'd be forgive in thinking nothing happened at all. "From what I remember of the places I've been, theft and assault are dealt with depending upon the severity, but often with the removal of the offending hand and jail time. Yet somehow I doubt any of you would be up for such a thing, plus I am not fully sure that is your laws here. Thus, the meeting. A chance for all who this effects to be heard and an arrangement to be sought." Cleonora shifted to cross her legs and placed one of her hand upon the knee. "What are you hoping Quince? What deal would you be happy with and what deal would you live with?"
He sighs, "Before you came along. We had an issue with werewolves. They had attacked a few of our citizens. Knowing that part of the affliction of lycanthropy is a mindless violent hunger the wardens sought to stop the creatures. But when the time came when we could have RIGHTFULLY put them down. We chained them up put them in a cage transported them at our peril to a place we HOPED might be a cure. If the only solution for you is more bloodshed and death I understand that you won't be happy with this situation. But I fear it means we aren't the allies you want even on a good day."
"As to the lycan problem, when that would have depended upon if they where natural or afflicted lycans. Natural lycans can control themselves, where as those afflicted cannot. Much like those under mind-effecting magic. I'd of supported the idea of curing them, more so if those who had be devastated by them also agreed. The victims of them would have been my first priority. Ensuring they feel safe and respected. I believe this is what is know as, a difference in priority. Those who hunt the innocent, those who harm with no remorse, those who are nothing but a leech upon society, are better off dead in my eyes. So that a child never loses their parent because of a light coin purse, or to a drunken tavern brawl." She stated with a slight take of her head to keep the mask she had made for herself.
"I find your last statement strange." Cleonora said as she leaned her head against her free hand, the other still drapped over her knee. "You believe those who disagree cannot be alias?" She asked. "I cannot agree with such. Katrina is my friend, yet I detest the fact she worships a god, and would argue against anything I'd suggest to get information out of a prisoner. Yet I value our friendship over such petty little things. If she asked me to join her at a mass, because she really wanted me there, I'd go. And not say a single word against it." Cleonora told him, and for the first time some emotion seemed to leak into the conversation. A bit of happiness. "The demands I made where not just for myself Quince. Nothing will ever make up for what she did to me. Scars like that do not heal, even with magic. Yet, you seem so set on keeping her alive, and Katrina of course has tried to steer me towards a compromise for all. Thus, I am willing to listen. What I want will not happen, and I shall make my peace with that. Because I plan to remain, by my friend, and for this academy. I have a promise to keep to these students after all. I will not abandon them. But Quince, I wish to be completely honest and clear with you. Should she be let go after whatever is agreed upon and I find out she's done it again, there will be no deal that does not involve her death. You may believe in second chances Quince, but this world has repeatedly beaten it into me that you shouldn't. I agree to a compromise now, at the request of my friend, and for what respect I have for you and your position here. After all you gave me healing after I was almost killed defending myself from her. You stopped the fight, Tristan removed Saren's blade, and I had a very clear shot at her. But didn't take it. Because you asked me not to. Does that fact mean nothing to you?"
"Yes, I have had time to speak with my children. It is good to have Elizabeth with me again. Thank you for asking Quince." he says hollowly but with happiness in his eyes. In fact a tear slowly begins to run down his cheek.
I shall state for Bearkin that while I admire his wish to protect his daughter, she is obviously no longer a child and as such all acts are her own. You cannot claim them as yours.
"Actually Jorne is working off his debt, and I am offering up compensation for being the instigator in this whole mess. If I had not brought down the prison then none of this would have happened. What Elizabeth did was also by my words, as Cleo was the key more than all of you know. She was able to open the prison and she is the only viable template in leagues. She will have to pay for her own actions."
Quince looked to Bearik, Saren and Elizabeth, "Elizabeth, Saren implied that yesterday you were not yourself and that you would be able to better explain things at another time. I hoped to speak with you prior to hashing these issues out further. As I had said to your brother. The fact that you made the offer of repaying 3x over for the hurt done. Is well. The fact that you are here at all shows a willingness to see the matter made right thank you. Can I inquire what this offer is as I am sure it will come up today and I want to understand it fully. Before we are all challenged on it."
She simply nods in agreement, then adds in a melodious voice, "Yes, I was not myself. I was unstable from the prison. I regret having to take from anyone but it was a necessity, espcially Cleonora's. The ritual would involve the prison to confer the ability to drain and to remove the restraints so she may take more. If does not like that plan there are other things we could do, but that will involve much debate over what is best."
As it is obvious the whole town shouldn't be made aware there is a leeching mad woman, else innocent lives could be harmed while hunting her down.
Saren looks far worse than even Cleo last night, he appears to be a husk of what he was yesterday even after being drained by his sister. He looks pained and angry at these words but stays sitting. Grinding his teeth.
"Yes, I have had time to speak with my children. It is good to have Elizabeth with me again. Thank you for asking Quince." he says hollowly but with happiness in his eyes. In fact a tear slowly begins to run down his cheek.
Quince smiles weakly, "Good. I am sure that others have shared something of the events from yesterday. My hope today as it was yesterday is to move through this as peacefully as possible. Elizabeth offered to repay what was taken. Which in light of the draining experienced I took that to mean healed and perhaps augmentation of some kind. I hoped to understand more before any settlement. To verify my understanding. I also understand a separate offer was made but its details I don't know?"
"I do not see how I am in the wrong for defending myself against that creature. To your demands to be silent I understand as I blantantly ignored them, but my self defense I will not apologize for." She stated with a slight wave if her hand. "It was only Bearkin. He sent a third party to me to, take something from me. Apparently this creature and I are bound in some way or form. He wanted me to pass it off to the third party then beat said third party so that they would feel it. I declined because only those who have wronged me will feel my wrath. All others are safe from me. It will likely come up in the talks yes. I admire that Bearkin wishes to spare his daughter. What parent wouldn't after all? But she is an adult, and as such her actions are her own. She must face what punishment that entails. Also being completely evil, that isn't in the requirements. It was simply her choice that made such a statement. Often I find those who are abusers are evil, but I don't care if they are or not. Their choice of being an abuser brings their death. Though I am curious how you're going to hold the child of a god to whatever settlement is made. I doubt even the power of a Baron has any sway over them" Cleonora shrugged. "They remain because they wish to, the moment that changes, or the moment they wish control, well... They'll have it from you in moments..." She sighed. She chuckled a bit at his statement of how their different views could lead to other problem. "I'm not pleased with the results now, yet here I am and that creature still lives. If I cared for nothing you said then she'd of died during the night. I'm very good at not leaving a trace. As to being the best choice, there is rarely such an option. But as always it comes to choice. You're the one I chose Quince. I could of gone elsewhere, but I, chose, you." Cleonora told him as she slowly took a step closer with each final word. "Are there any other questions you wish to ask? Or have you come to settle on the decision that you hate me?" Cleonora questioned, the latter part seeming more of a tease for his statement of not being able to be allies, for it wasn't the best idea. "After all, you believe in second chances, where as I hold to the tried and true method of, if they're nolonger there they cannot hurt anyone ever again." She said in the same tone. "For what it is worth, I hope you're right. Because if I'm right and it comes back to bite us in the ass, it'll bite hard. And I'll have a lot of clean up to do... Not to mention you'd get tired of me saying I told you so."
Quince looked to Bearik, Saren and Elizabeth, "Elizabeth, Saren implied that yesterday you were not yourself and that you would be able to better explain things at another time. I hoped to speak with you prior to hashing these issues out further. As I had said to your brother. The fact that you made the offer of repaying 3x over for the hurt done. Is well. The fact that you are here at all shows a willingness to see the matter made right thank you. Can I inquire what this offer is as I am sure it will come up today and I want to understand it fully. Before we are all challenged on it."She simply nods in agreement, then adds in a melodious voice, "Yes, I was not myself. I was unstable from the prison. I regret having to take from anyone but it was a necessity, especially Cleonora's. The ritual would involve the prison to confer the ability to drain and to remove the restraints so she may take more. If does not like that plan there are other things we could do, but that will involve much debate over what is best."
Quince puts a hand to his chin in thought. "Can I inquire the nature of the necessity. Necessary for power, in order to live, some compulsion beyond yourself," he shrugs, "to forestall a doom we don't yet understand." He thinks a moment, "Why was it necessary from Cleonara, was it a demand of time. I don't think it would have been impossible to find someone not touched by your father or Sulvanii's magics."
As it is obvious the whole town shouldn't be made aware there is a leeching mad woman, else innocent lives could be harmed while hunting her down.Saren looks far worse than even Cleo last night, he appears to be a husk of what he was yesterday even after being drained by his sister. He looks pained and angry at these words but stays sitting. Grinding his teeth.
"I applaud you on your restraint." Cleonora said calmly. "You'll also be happy to hear that I have relinquished my call for your dear sister's life. You can thank Katrina and Quince for that." She comments. "You also don't look well, do you need some water or maybe some of the soup Gao gave to your father?"
He looks at her somewhat wounded, "You were assaulted I have said as much before and I am not pleased it happened. It does matter that you said no. Which as you say Elizabeth acknowledged. Had your swift response those first seconds proved fatal. It would have been clear that you were defending yourself and this would be a far simply matter to resolve. But you were separated. Someone else stepped in and those who did not wish to see bloodshed stopped further bloodshed. No we weren't going simply let you all kill each other. Over what might still yet prove to be a misunderstanding."
He nods, "I would imagine that if it is going to bite back hard and they are as unstoppable in their terror as can be feared it already would have. Instead. You were offered repayment 3x what was taken. Several others know her touch. Know it not to be fatal. Know it to be something that can be healed. The damage has been offered to be healed and more given in return. That it stirs a connection to you to a past hurt I empathize with. But does not bear standing here. Yes Bearik offered a different settlement of somekind that I don't propose I understand. Though it seemed he thought you wanted to cause some semblance of pain. Is he wrong?"
"I applaud you on your restraint." Cleonora said calmly. "You'll also be happy to hear that I have relinquished my call for your dear sister's life. You can thank Katrina and Quince for that." She comments. "You also don't look well, do you need some water or maybe some of the soup Gao gave to your father?"
Quince looks almost surprised.
As she sits at the table she would look at Cleonora and apologeticly say, "Cleonora I am sorry for assaulting you. I was not in my right mind and I know that doesn't make what I did any better. I am sorry my emotions were not in check and I was rather apathic."
---
"I was unstable from the prison, my being would have become nothing without a template. Yes in order to live. Cleonora was the only viable template being an empowered mortal that was not affected by wish magic or holding a divine spark. She like yourself are empowered mortals. If you were the template I would need to go to the plane where your divine spark or wish magic came from, and as many of you are affected by both I couldn't exist with that template anywhere." She informs.
---
In response to Cleo' words on Saren's condition, she offers, "Saren is in a sorry state. He has allowed my father and I to take more so we could be at this meeting. He should be resting but wouldn't let us come here without him."
Cleonora's eyes had begun to water, her mask was breaking. "There isn't a single thing on this plane, or any other, that she can offer that will return that to me. Save her death. But I have sacrificed that. Sacrificed my peace of mind... For your." She stated, making it as clear as she could. "I wouldn't have cared if she'd suffer before death or if it was quick and painless. All I wanted was my peace of mind back... Something that was taken once, and I restored... And now was taken again... But this time... I have been denied it's return." Cleonora drew in a shaky breath as a year escaped her control. But only one. She'd not let another. "Doesn't bear standing here... You're a fool if you think what happens to people doesn't bear any standing in their lives. That it does form who they are. Our past is as bearing as our present. Many time more so." She explained as he seemed so ignorant in this fact. "You want her alive, so be it. But she will do more then repay it three time over. For to me that is not nearly enough."
"I applaud you on your restraint." Cleonora said calmly. "You'll also be happy to hear that I have relinquished my call for your dear sister's life. You can thank Katrina and Quince for that." She comments. "You also don't look well, do you need some water or maybe some of the soup Gao gave to your father?"Quince looks almost surprised.
"Don't give that look Quince" Cleonora stated with narrow eyes.
As she sits at the table she would look at Cleonora and apologeticly say, "Cleonora I am sorry for assaulting you. I was not in my right mind and I know that doesn't make what I did any better. I am sorry my emotions were not in check and I was rather apathic."
---
In response to Cleo' words on Saren's condition, she offers, "Saren is in a sorry state. He has allowed my father and I to take more so we could be at this meeting. He should be resting but wouldn't let us come here without him."
"Feel like apathetic is an understatement." Cleonora muttered mostly to herself. "I'm sure you understand if your words mean little to me. Actions have always spoken louder, and yours where screams." She spoke very simply and to the point. Being coldly honest. "But that is half of the point for this meeting. We'll see how it goes." She said civilly.
-------
"I can tell." Cleonora said when she mentioned that Saren was in a sorry state. "You do realize that and invitation can be turned down. For health reasons. I'd of gladly made another time and date. This just seemed to be the best idea since everyone wanted this solved as quickly as possible."
"Sacrifices have been made and we are here before you. Let's get this settled." She said not trying to honey her words anymore. Then she continues, "As you have said you have taken my death off the table. What do you want?"
Quince nods "Our host has prepared a place for us let's sit and see this worked out." Quince makes his way to the table and waits as the others find chairs and sits.
Tristan takes a seat curious to see how this all plays out. He remains silent.
"You can deal with actions, you can deal with motives? Then tell me, what is it you cannot deal with Quince?" Cleonora asked. "The burden you carry is the heaviest among us all. The choices you make effect all. You are not ignorant of this as you are other things, but it is something to remember now above all else. You care about her safety, because she is kin to those you know. Bearkin and Saren. Because you wish their happiness. You care about what I want to happen, because you know I was the one wronged and you have a sense of justice." She said, those she did pause from moment to moment to allow him to stop and correct her if he saw fit. "But the very fact of it is this, only one side can be happy here. Either the side of Bearkin and Saren, or myself. I still want her death, that will never change. But I will give that up so that you can please Bearkin and Saren. Why is it you seem displeased by that?" Cleonora asked, a slight look of confusion upon her face. "Is it that you wish me for to forget wishing for her death completely? I can firmly say that will never come to pass. You have already won by getting me to agree to a compromise, are you attempting to take my ire towards her as well?" She added. "If so, I'd be careful. My ire is far more than many can even fathom. But then again, it seems to grow as the world moved on. Every crime I see and punish only makes my disdain deepen. Yet I carry on in the hope that one day, there will no longer be victims. But that is still long away." She sighed. "One act at a time." Cleonora reminded herself. "Nothing can come from this that will make me happy or satisfied, Quince. Only what I can live with. That is how it will be, because that is how you wish it to be. You are Baron, and as such I bend to that will. You, don't have to agree with me Quince. Katrina doesn't. I hope the life you live remains as kind as it has been.... But the world has not been kind to me, and as such I will ensure it remains kind to others. The community will be safe, even if that means my blades must be bloody. It's the surest way... though not the happiest. I have come to accept that. I hope you can accept this part of me, as Katrina did... but I know, many come to fear what I am. They cannot accept it. I will not force it upon you, I just hope... It's all I have left." Cleonora shrugged.
"What will I agree to, you mean." Cleonora said as she leaned back in her chair and place her hands together by the finger tips. "See my want hasn't changed. The only thing that has is what I am willing to accept. I have come to terms with that fact I will not be leaving here satisfied, and the to fact that you will likely remain here and that I will haunt your steps to ensure you never do this again. You see I do not believe people change. At least not as the dear Baron does. I've ended lives of people for less than what you did, and for greater. I am sure your father warned you." Cleonora said as she produced a pendant from her pocket. The very same one that Bearkin had given her. "He was well aware of what I was before I came here. At least to the point he saw it prudent to give me this in fact to hide my nature from those here and more. Not I even required it." She placed it upon the table. "So when he sent a third party to me to try and make this right before anything else could be done I wasn't surprised. He wishes to control things from the shadows. It isn't a bad idea, but it only works if people aren't scared to look into the shadows." She comments. "But that isn't the topic for today."
At this moment Atalie returned to the room, two trays of tea in hand cleverly using mage hand to help her carry the other tray. She set them down, one on Cleonora's end and the other closer to the far end of the table. She didn't go all the way down however. It wasn't hard to tell she didn't want to be anywhere near Elizabeth, even going so far as the glare at her with great contempt. However she returned to Cleonora's side and said not a word.
"You offered up three times what was taken. I will at least be kind enough to allow you to explain what this is. I will also ask something that raised a question in my mind when Journe came to me. He said if I touched him the bond would transfer to him. What is this bond, what is it for?" She asked.
"She isn't responsible?" Cleonora asked, Katrina had calmed her down and her mask had returned. "It was her who attacked me. As you have admitted. The one who broke the peace is the one responsible. As such she is very much responsible for the lack of my peace of mind. After all you plan to keep her here do you not?" She questioned as she crossed her arms. "I won't say my past doesn't have any effect on what happened, that would be stupid, but do not believe I confuse this creature with the man I killed. I am aware they are different, and their crimes run parallel but are not the same. But I'd ask death for both. Death for the murderer, death for the rapist, death for assailant. Those who make the choice, have chosen death." She spoke as she brought her arms down, her hands held together. "I respect your position Quince. Which is why I listen to you. But I ask you not use that word until you mean it." Cleonora requested. "Katrina is the first friend I have allowed myself to have since I was seventeen, I number twenty-four now. I do not take such a thing lightly." She explained.
"You can deal with actions, you can deal with motives? Then tell me, what is it you cannot deal with Quince?" Cleonora asked. "The burden you carry is the heaviest among us all. The choices you make effect all. You are not ignorant of this as you are other things, but it is something to remember now above all else. You care about her safety, because she is kin to those you know. Bearkin and Saren. Because you wish their happiness. You care about what I want to happen, because you know I was the one wronged and you have a sense of justice." She said, those she did pause from moment to moment to allow him to stop and correct her if he saw fit. "But the very fact of it is this, only one side can be happy here. Either the side of Bearkin and Saren, or myself. I still want her death, that will never change. But I will give that up so that you can please Bearkin and Saren. Why is it you seem displeased by that?" Cleonora asked, a slight look of confusion upon her face. "Is it that you wish me for to forget wishing for her death completely? I can firmly say that will never come to pass. You have already won by getting me to agree to a compromise, are you attempting to take my ire towards her as well?" She added. "If so, I'd be careful. My ire is far more than many can even fathom. But then again, it seems to grow as the world moved on. Every crime I see and punish only makes my disdain deepen. Yet I carry on in the hope that one day, there will no longer be victims. But that is still long away." She sighed. "One act at a time." Cleonora reminded herself. "Nothing can come from this that will make me happy or satisfied, Quince. Only what I can live with. That is how it will be, because that is how you wish it to be. You are Baron, and as such I bend to that will. You, don't have to agree with me Quince. Katrina doesn't. I hope the life you live remains as kind as it has been.... But the world has not been kind to me, and as such I will ensure it remains kind to others. The community will be safe, even if that means my blades must be bloody. It's the surest way... though not the happiest. I have come to accept that. I hope you can accept this part of me, as Kat
Quince frowns feeling the two talk past each other. "The fact that you have been willing to compromise is not lost on my. I press because I hope that you will find a perspective that if you asked me would allow for easier healing, but I relent." He pauses a moment, "She is responsible for the assault. As I have said but you are holding her guilty of far more than the assault it appears to have happened. You don't agree. We will see what compromise can be agreed."
During the meeting as Cleo speaks Quince seems surprised at Cleo's candor. He swallows any remarks on it and listens to the responses.
Just before the meeting starts, Kev runs in, "Just in the nick of time. We need to find a faster way to send messages." Kev sits down either next to Katrina or an available seat. And will listen as well.
"You where notified at noon..." Cleonora pointed out. "It's just past three now." However she waved it off and moved to grab a teacup by the saucer and then lifted up the teapot and pour in a respectable amount, she added no cream or honeu. "Please help yourselves to the tea. Atalie has an excellent gift for it." She said before she took a sip.
Her flair of word use and honeyed tongue return as she explains, "The bond that Journe would take is that of the template. Apparently he is an empowered mortal as well. If you keep the bond, as I strengthen you shall as well. In return my form forms to this plane as opposed to a different one. Yes we could have had a mortal be the template but they likely wouldn't survive the process and we didn't want that. Also taking the aspects of an empowered mortal are so much more... advantageous." She ignores the offer of the tea as do her brother and father.
"Speaking of the template let me reiterate what I told Quince earlier. I was unstable from the prison, my being would have become nothing without a template. Yes in order to live. Cleonora was the only viable template being an empowered mortal that was not affected by wish magic or holding a divine spark. She like most of the Wardens are empowered mortals. If Quince were the template I would need to go to the plane where your divine spark or wish magic came from, and as many of you are affected by both I couldn't exist with that template anywhere." She informs.
Changing gears she explains what they propose, "The ritual would involve the prison to confer the ability to drain and to remove the restraints so she may take more. If you do not like that plan there are other things we could do, but that will involve much debate over what is best. Another option would be curing you of your drain and then using my wishes when I find them or equivalent, to increase an ability of your choice by four."
"You mean by six." Cleonora corrected her before taking another drink from her cup before setting it down upon the table. "You offered times three, you took two. Two times three comes to six, not four. I do hope your mistake there was a simple slip of the tongue. Else your inability to do simple math is rather worrying." She stated. "Also honeyed words won't work here sadly. You say advantageous, but truthfully you mean it would give you more power, and you didn't want to be weak."
"Wishes are temperamental at best. The caster of wish has more control then I'd be comfortable with. It isn't unheard of after all, you find it mostly with genie race. You force them or they give you a wish and then twist it. No I trust you not with that power." She gave a small chuckle and said "I trust you not at all."
"Ritual? So then you are not completely free of the prison I so foolishly listened to others to let you out of. Removing the restraints will do what? Allow you to take more from others? Or myself? Or allow my self to take back what you have offered?" She question. She wouldn't let a word fall by.
"Your father apologized for summoning your prison down, and not explaining more." Cleonora said, bringing it back to what Bearkin had said. "While it is true that you called down the prison," She began as she shifted her gaze to Bearkin, "It was not where things went wrong. Thus I hold not animosity towards you. You are not responsible for your grown child's sheer lack of judgement and empathy in that moment. Some just fall further from the tree." Cleonora shrugged. "Though I will say, had you of spoke more of what would happen," She then looked at Saren as well. "None of this would of happened. I wouldn't have opened the prison till something could have been set in place to ensure the safety of all who would of been there. As such, this has come to pass." She agreed with a nod. "What is it they say about hindsight?"
"Though your answer does bring up another question." Cleonora stated before her eyes fell back to Elizabeth. "Why do you still need a template when you already stole such?"
She starts to say something but catches herself then reiterates, "If you want me to pay you four fold, then I shall find a way to increase your ability by six, but healing what you have lost would be part of it as you have already accepted it."
"Is it not advantageous to have more power, advantageous was truthful, you could use it to also say I would gain more power. But that is a mute point when not using a mortal which might die in the process, but apparently you don't care if people die." She replies a bit heatedly.
Taking a few breaths she calms herself and then replies, "I am free of the prison. We can use the prison as a tool before we melt it down, assuming we can even still use it. The idea is to let you use it on me as I did on you and the others. Removing the restraints would let you take more than what is given or at least the ability to take more. We don't know if it will work but it is what we have come up with on short notice."
She says in revilement, "Well I have had enough of your venomous double talk, you presumptuous pup. Heck, I will have this settled soon enough that it never happened with you. We will see how the fates favor these people. I feel that you don't need to have any other answers."
As you focus your words on him his eyes darken and they turn a glowering red he nearly growls out, "F%CK YOU! I TOLD YOU TO MOVE AWAY, BUT NO YOU HAD TO STAND THERE LIKE A PROTECTOR OR SOMETHING! BAH, as if..." then he slumps into his chair as his body goes limp.
He steps up visibly standing between Cleo and Elizabeth, luckily there is a table there to help him and he pleads with Cleo, "Please touch my head or heart and lets get this over with. She will still have to pay you and obviously you want to be rid of her. I feel that if you don't make a decision by the end of this meeting my debt will not be paid.
Quince looks about, "Tensions run high. Perhaps a break would be in order?" He sighs, "We may have cleared some of the air and discovered a few particulars of how things might work, as well as, some of the reasons things occurred when and why they did. There is an offer on the table to see this settled. Such settlements might be bitter, compromises often are."
oh, this suddenly getting good.
Tristan stands and rushes over to him.
"He is alive but very weak. This all needs to come to an end. Cleo you cry and complain with the cares and woes of common folk. I too was once so weak. Now we live among gods and other powerful allies. Not even death is a permanent thing anymore. Get over yourself. People's past do not matter here if you haven't figured that out. We only care about what you are going to do. Elizabeth is was trying to offer you a seat at the table so to speak. Take it or continue to be a magic school teacher. I have given this enough of my attention. There are people with actual problems I need to go help. I will take Saren to his quarters for some rest. Larina my sweet I will see you at dinner. I am off to take care of my duties for now."
He picks Saren up from the chair draping him over his shoulders. He then heads for the exit.
Kev does not respond either verbally or emotionally to Cleo's messenger response. He takes the tea and sits down to listen but does not drink it and places it where the steam will not be inhaled by anyone.
After seeing Saren slumps over, Kev stands up but does not move since Tristan is already responding and has a handle on the situation.
Kev first looks to Quince then everyone, "I agree, if tensions are this high we do need a break or perhaps not invite or excuse those who are still overly emotional and not ready to proceed further?"
He looks at Elizabeth, "Elizabeth, if we can continue, I would like to know more about using the prison as a tool before melting it down? Especially if it can restore all of us back to the way we were or make us better. Perhaps, it will end the current emotional drama we see before us? If it can not, then we or I need to look elsewhere that does not involve Brevoy. Thank you."
"I am fine with continuing but I won't be giving her any more answers. First we need to find out if we can even use it as a prison. It could possibly be used that way." She nods her head at the suggestion.
Cleonora rose from her chair the moment Saren went limp. It was more then obvious that wasn't was she expect. When Tristan moved in to take Saren away Cleonora spoke up. "Tristan, Katrina is right here. She's the best healer this place has. I'd suggest you'd let her look him over before you take him away." She pointed to a door on the far right side. "That leads to a private sitting room attached to my own chambers. [b]"You could lay him in there while Katrina works."
She looked to Katrina. "If that is agreeable to you?" She asked.
"Venomous talk?" Cleonora asked with a raise eyebrow. "I have been nothing if not completely honest in everything I have said. Laid my cards on the table as it was." She added. "I ask so many questions because I don't wish to make an decision until I have all of the facts."
"As for you Jorne, why would the repayment of your debt hold so tightly to this?" Cleonora asked, a bit on concern coming over her face. "What is this bond? And did no one else pick up on the last statement she made?! I mean I understand if you didn't... Saren passing out was... completely not part of the plan." She said, it seemed like she was actually worried about that poor man. At the moment she didn't speak more on Tristan's statement. Too much to unpack there. Like he thought just because there was the power to bring people back that they didn't still feel the pain of death... or that fact that, those last thoughts, last moments, would haunt them even after returning. But the larger problem was, common folk couldn't afford such things! And she was fairly sure this kingdom didn't make enough to bring every soldier back. But that was for another time.
Her eyes narrowed as a thought came into her mind. "A moment." She requested as she moved from the table and went over to her desk. Atalie and Gao watched her closely. Cleonora opened a drawer and took out a letter opener. It was silver from the look of it, and had a flower with a crystal the color of the sky in the middle and had a deeper blue tassel that hung off the end. She did not approach the table, she remained behind the desk, as she drove the letter opener into the palm of her left hand.
She nods and goes with Tristan into the side room. She helps Tristan slowly put Saren on the bed and then begins to analyze Saren. "He will be fine he just needs rest. I will use some spells to help ease him. Go ahead I will be back out in a little bit."
Once she is done casting about 7 spells she returns to the group to sit next to Cleonora sit beside her as a friend as no one else is doing that besides the teachers at the table. Her face tells a lot she is not happy with the situation and sees Elizabeth's final resolution almost a given considering how Cleonora has acted towards her. She whispers to Cleo before she takes her seat again, "If you want her to work with you, then you should be a bit more civil."
As Cleo slams the letter opener into her hand she gasps! And gets up to heal her friend but as the opener is removed there is no sign of pain on Cleo's face or blood on her hand.
His hands were on the table and his left hand spurted blood. He moves his right hand in a magical way and the blood was cleaned from the table as he put his left hand into his lap.
Her face is one of pain as her left hand is bloody at the same time as Bearik's. She pulls it from the table obviously suffering pain. Letting her father clean up the blood with a wave of his hand. Biting on her lip so hard from not trying to scream she draws blood.