"You did 'WONDERFUL' that was my view previously and you have confirmed it here. I ask to lean on the council of dear friends. I spoke at length with her logic is sound, it is deeply supported by her own pain. Its the terms and premises that difference of the matter lie. She needed a friend. She needs a friend. I was arbiter."
"I'm being to crass for the priestess . . . probably so. I am sorry. I back your thinking just pointing out that beauty is discovered sometimes in unlikely places too."
After two weeks, she begins talking with everyone who gave to her. She would ask each of you, "Please don't take this lightly. What is something you would like me to give to you?"
You would notice she has changed her form. She looks almost elven, her features are the same except her ears and she has no tail. Beginning on the 15th month of the Wardens rule she would come to one of you with an offer, "I can give you a blessing of myself so that you choose which ability is blessed or of the ability I took from you." Then each day after that she would continue asking of those she was able to give something to them.
When she comes back I want to increase my charisma.
My three wishes are to increase my cha.
k arc DC 20-11 for bonus= 9 or higher. 12+16
Taking 10 on diplomacy 21
On the third day of her research she returned with news.
Elizabeth with the news from Katrina she walks to each of you with a wand, "Please don't take this lightly. What is something you would like me to give to you? And then I can restore what I took." Once the first is resolved she uses the wand to heal your drain.
Quince would notice Saren's greatsword is still in the ground where he placed it before the meeting.
Quince pulls at the sword casually when it doesn't budge he looks around hoping no one saw. He then takes it with both hands and strains against it. "Well then. I know who my workout partner should be." He moves wondering at the level of strength it took to place there and exactly how strong Saren, Bearik and oh lord, Elizabeth actually are.
STR DC 30 to pull it out.
She would say, "What do you want it to be? I already told you I want you, plaything, friends, friends with benefits, marriage, what do you want?"
She would say, "What do you want it to be? I already told you I want you, plaything, friends, friends with benefits, marriage, what do you want?"
Quince looks at her with a playful smirk, "Well friends I don't kiss my friends the way I kiss you. I don't go in for friends with benefits. The benefits here are beyond what I could have hoped. You indeed are beautiful and . . ." He smiles, "Sorry off topic. We are still getting to know each other but the end of this road for me would be marriage."
"This will be a new venture for both of us. My body is new and rejuvenated, though all of my previous suiters are most likely long dead, the list was long. I used my body for fun and sometimes a tool. You could say leverage. So betrothed then or do you want something less... engaged, or maybe committed? Its up to you all I know is right now I can do this," she kisses you on the lips, slips her tongue slightly between your lips. [B]"We both like it and it won't upset anyone. She was thinking of doing something else but would wait until Quince made the move.
[b]"However we are more than just Elkheart. We have a second town. Soon a third. Farms and citizens work and live between. We will need outriders and more of those who keep the roads safe."
Gao greeted the young Baron with a respectful bow and smile. He walked him down to the living quarters where the professors were set up. The rooms were small, but still liveable, and it seemed that Gao had actually been allowed to decorate his space as he pleased. While the architecture was Brevorian the furniture was all of Tian design. It was only a two room place in total. A small room which had a fireplace, and as such would likely be the sitting room, and then a small door off to the right which was likely the bedroom and bath. The room was set up rather simply at first look, however when looking closer at the furniture it looked of fine make. ”A few of my children sent me a few things when I told them where I would be staying and what I would be doing.” He explained as he let Quince inside. He showed him to the sitting area he had set up. The chairs were lower than Quince was used to for sure, but not all the way to the ground. The table was lower as well. There was a cabinet right next to it displayed a scene of a beautiful bird with a long feathered tail in flight. Gao motioned for Quince to take a seat and took a set across from him.
When he opened the gift, the old man’s eyes began to water. ”Xiulan.” He told him when he looked up and saw the drawing. ”Her name was Xiulan, and she was a wonderful woman who brought joy to my life.”
”I would be honored to share some tea with you Baron. I have a few teas from back home that my children sent me with everything.” Gao said as he slowly stood up and moved to the cabinet, opening it up to show another tea set and a few ornate boxes. ”I have Zhuyeqing, Ruan Zhi, Dianhong, and Shou Mei.” He told him, however he looked back and saw poor Quince didn’t seem to understand. ”Ah… yes these aren’t teas you are used to. Forgive me. I believe here they are known as green tea, oolong tea, black tea, and white tea. Though there are many types of each.” He chuckled as he brought each of the boxes to the table. ”Smell them, see if any catch you taste.” Gao suggested as he slowly moved to pick up a kettle. ”I shall go get some water and send out word for a few more to come and enjoy this with us. Please excuse me.”
With that Gao left the room with the kettle, and something else. A Thin piece of copper wire. Bringing it up to his lips he whispered to it, casting message, and he spoke to Cleonora, Professor Helena G. Bennett, and Professor Joan Harrison. He didn’t tell them who they would be having tea with, just that he would like to.
While Quince waited for Gao to return the door bust open, and there stood Cleonora dressed in a simple outfit all things considered. ”Gao you have no idea how much I needed this! I even brought scones! I’ve been having to deal with these-” Cleonora’s face had been one of happiness, however the moment she noticed Quince the mask went up. ”Oh… Greetings.” Cleonora said with a very basic bow. ”I wasn’t aware you’d be here…” She stated, though it was more like stating the obvious. Before she could say anything else, like say she was going to leave, another voice was heard.
”OUI! Headmistress you blocking the way!” Cleonora moved and in stepped a woman with bright red hair. ”Ah, Professor Helena. Gao invited you too I see.” Cleonora said with a slight shake of her head. It seemed like she was very relieved that she was no longer alone with Quince. ”Duh, owes me a cup ya see.” Helena explained as she moved and took a seat. Then she noticed Quince. ”Oui, who you?”
Cleonora looked mortified at Helena’s question. ”That, is the man who keeps the candles coming!” Cleonora said. ”He is the reason you have a job! The reason this place even exists at all! “ She explained. ”Though… thought that might not happen much longer...” Cleonora muttered the last part to herself most.
”Oooh! So that’s who this lad is. That’s surprising as the lad doesn’t look like much!” Helena said as she looked Quince over. Cleonora just put her face in her hands.
”Forgive her, she never learned to be respectful. Too much time in the trees.” A man’s voice said from the door, which the ladies had left open. There stood a tall handsome man that didn’t really look like a local. ”It is wonderful to meet you Baron Quince, I am Professor Joan Harrison. I teach the class on planes here. I myself am a sorcerer, with the blood of the shadow plane within me.” Joan said with a half smile, yet somehow you didn’t think he really cared about what Quince had to say about it. He was just being respectful.
Then he walked in front of Cleonora and took a seat himself. ”How interested that Gao wanted us here for tea… I wonder what that old fool wants us here for.” Joan said with a smirk.
”You! Will be respectful when you are in someone else’s home!” Cleonora told him very sternly.
”Of course Mistress butterfly.” Joan said simply.
Cleonora sighed and moved to take a seat of her own. Soon enough Gao returned with a full kettle and set it over his fireplace before lighting it up. ”I am glad you all came on your day off.” Gao said with a kind smile. ”Thank you for having us Gao.” Cleonora said as she offered a half kind smile.
It took a few minutes for the water to start boiling. ”Did we settle upon a tea?” He asked.
Quince smiled rather charmed the collection of unusual people. "I am but a man one of several who explored and fought here. Baron is a familiar title in these parts for a principality of our size. Quince is my name. It is good to meet you."
He looks to Cleo "I hope I am not intruding. I stopped by to thank Gao for sharing the journals with me. He is getting tea ready. The scones are good edition to the plan."
Quince smiled and greeted the professors "Well welcome. I hope that you find a pleasant stay in Elkheart. When I first considered the idea of an academy here I figured our frontier city would bring in as many students as are in the room now but this but the faculty. Ambitious." He points out the tea that Gao had laid out.
"I think I will try the oolong."
"Mistress Butterfly." Quince tilts his head clearly curious of the story there.
"Oolong is a wonderful tea." Gao said as he picked up the box which held it and then opened to teapot of the new set. He placed in the amount needed for this size of group then closed the box up and returned it with the others to the cabinet.
"Right, I'm Helena G. Bennette. I teach the courses of nature here." Helena said with a slight smirk. "Though fey are my real understandin' ya see? I can hunt 'em, track 'em, really it all." She added with a shrug.
"Yet she can't seem to take a bath on a regular bases." Joan sarcastically said as he glared at Helena.
"Oui! A healthy helping a dirt ain't a bad thing!" Helena told him.
Joan simply snickered as he shook his head. "Our oh so beloved Headmistress, her family name Petalouda means butterfly. There are only a few students who can pronounce her name properly so she gave them the approval to call her Butterfly instead." He explained. "Didn't want them tripping over their words around her any more then they had to she said."
"And Joan has started calling me that too. Why I do not know. He can pronounce Petalouda just fine." Cleonora said with a slight shake of her head.
"But why would I when I have your permission to call you a butterfly? It's such a rare thing. Though I think you maybe more of a bumblebee" Joan teased.
"Can we not right now please?" Cleonora asked as she set the box of scones down on the table. "We have the Baron here. You should be on your best behavior."
"Oh right, like you where with the creature? Out right lost you mind!" Helena said as she threw up her arms. "I would have let 'em fight it out honestly. Nothin' solves problems faster then duking it out if ya ask me."
Joan sighed at Helena's words. "It is a powerful man's daughter, they'd have never gone for that. The wealthy never get properly punished. It's how we play the system." He smirked as he leaned against the back of the chair. "You have enough power, or know the right people, you'll never be touched."
"Okay!" Cleonora snapped at them. "I don't want to think of that thing while having nice tea! Can we please just focus on the tea?"
"Right... sorry 'bout that. I forgot." Helena said.
"Then maybe you, should choose the subject?" Joan asked.
"Fine..." Cleonora paused as she tried to think of what to talk about. "...What everyone have planned for the weekend?" She asked.
They both just groaned.
Kev smiles, "Yes Quince, Katrina, you, and I need to go hunting sometimes. Bring Stalker along to help us where we are weak. And then we will help Katrina cook since we can not cook to save our lives."
Kev nods, "I am glad Elizabeth is doing better."
Kev laughs, "Look at Quince courting Bearik's daughter! You are going to have to tell him some time. You know how he is. Also, remember what we discussed not too long ago and keep that in the back of your mind for later."
Kev looks at Katrina with love, "Yes, I loved Katrina from the first time I saw her. I could tell we were soul mates from the beginning."
Kev looks at the disgusted Katrina, "No Quince, my love can hunt with us. Remember she is a High Priestess of Erastil and it will be good to give our wooden brothers and sisters of the forest a farewell after we take their lives to support our lives."
Kev squeezes Kat's hand gently
"Oolong is a wonderful tea." Gao said as he picked up the box which held it and then opened to teapot of the new set. He placed in the amount needed for this size of group then closed the box up and returned it with the others to the cabinet.
"Right, I'm Helena G. Bennette. I teach the courses of nature here." Helena said with a slight smirk. "Though fey are my real understandin' ya see? I can hunt 'em, track 'em, really it all." She added with a shrug.
"Yet she can't seem to take a bath on a regular bases." Joan sarcastically said as he glared at Helena.
"Oui! A healthy helping a dirt ain't a bad thing!" Helena told him.
Joan simply snickered as he shook his head. "Our oh so beloved Headmistress, her family name Petalouda means butterfly. There are only a few students who can pronounce her name properly so she gave them the approval to call her Butterfly instead." He explained. "Didn't want them tripping over their words around her any more then they had to she said."
"And Joan has started calling me that too. Why I do not know. He can pronounce Petalouda just fine." Cleonora said with a slight shake of her head.
"But why would I when I have your permission to call you a butterfly? It's such a rare thing. Though I think you maybe more of a bumblebee" Joan teased.
"Can we not right now please?" Cleonora asked as she set the box of scones down on the table. "We have the Baron here. You should be on your best behavior."
"Oh right, like you where with the creature? Out right lost you mind!" Helena said as she threw up her arms. "I would have let 'em fight it out honestly. Nothin' solves problems faster then duking it out if ya ask me."
Joan sighed at Helena's words. "It is a powerful man's daughter, they'd have never gone for that. The wealthy never get properly punished. It's how we play the system." He smirked as he leaned against the back of the chair. "You have enough power,...
He laughed the chiding between the professors, ”So an expert on the Fey and the planes, when he is not throwing shade.” The friendliness of the remark softened some of the exchange as it equated the playful quips between them to the rather stark commentary on Quince. "Well here there are many considerations before wealth or power. Loyalty to allies would be one. Though in many places that run on wealth and power. The rich girl never sees the inside of the dungeon and wouldn't be required to make restitution." He looked to Helena "Letting them duke it out might have been easier."
”So nature and the Fey. I have studied they Fey myself. They can be confusing. Our fledgling nation has a number of connection to good fey in the region and by all accounts a good relationship with them. We were able to help a dryad in the forest to the west. Our current Warden of Scroll, the magister, is himself a sprite. I expect that some of you have met him. He I believe will be moving on to other things.”
”This is already a large team. How many students do you think you will have as things get started? How many do you think would be ideal?”
Kev laughs, "Look at Quince courting Bearik's daughter! You are going to have to tell him some time. You know how he is. Also, remember what we discussed not too long ago and keep that in the back of your mind for later."
Quince noded, "I remember. But look at how Bearik has helped us. We were granted power. He has continued to serve even after sharing his secret. He then trusted us with trying to help his family. I think that if his designs were against our own. Things would have already turned sour. Nor would he have taken the position that took responsibility for what happened when Elizabeth was freed from her prison. He could have well been incensed that we failed to fully protect his daughter, that tolerated a new comer to threaten her and then forced that daughter to honor the settlement . . . well until it was rejected. Bearik seemed to bend backward to fix the strain on the friendship. In the rather hard last few days Bearik seems to want to pull closer to us as ally when he could have responded in rage. Rage that from Saren and his perspective might have been justified. One of those we asked to help save his family not only backed off the last step. But responded with violence and threats."
"I can't make Cleo willing to give of herself to save a stranger. Though if I thought that she would have the reaction she did I wouldn't seek her help. Wow that situation spiraled out of control."
"Why is such a force needed? Has something happened or changed? The way things are being run is fine."
After two weeks, she begins talking with everyone who gave to her. She would ask each of you, "Please don't take this lightly. What is something you would like me to give to you?"
You would notice she has changed her form. She looks almost elven, her features are the same except her ears and she has no tail. Beginning on the 15th month of the Wardens rule she would come to one of you with an offer, "I can give you a blessing of myself so that you choose which ability is blessed or of the ability I took from you." Then each day after that she would continue asking of those she was able to give something to them.
Quince smiles warmly, "It is good to see you up about and looking well. Well is an understatement I suppose beautiful in both your forms. Please restore what you can of the others when you are done I would be happy the ability taken restored."
"Loyalty cannot be counted when one splits it." Joan said with a shrug as he settled back in his chair. "Oh they see the inside of the dungeons, but only long enough for coin to change hands. Or favors. It is often favors. In total I'd bet they never spend more then a night in the dungeon." He added calmly as he turned his head to watch Gao work on the tea. "Restitution is made, though it is more often simply to keep the victim silent. Can't go around sullying the dear nobles good name after all can they?" Joan asked as his eyes moved to glace at Quince. "Not when others see use of them." He was worse then Cleonora when it came to his double talk.
"Well if ya get right at it, there ain't no thing as good fey. They don't see good and evil like we do you see. We always called it Blue and Orange. But I'mma guessin' you high mighty types don't go usin' words like them." Helena said as she crossed her arms. "Helpin' 'em ain't the worst idea. Can go gettin' things from that. But fey don't last." She added. "Come and go, that be the fey."
"The term has already started." Cleonora clarified. "We already have students or did you forget?" She asked with a slightly raised brow. "The number one hundred two. Twenty seven of those are not from these lands. They pay greatly, seventy five are local and a fair amount of those are scholarship students. I had to send them all out during the meeting to do what I could to ensure word of what happened didn't get out. If that happens then it will threaten this academy, and I will do everything I can to stand against that." Cleonora said. "I am the Head Mistress of Scientia Academy and as such my own wish, will, and even dreams do not matter. Only what I must do for those around me." Cleonora looked up to Quince as she said "You understand do you not? As Baron? Your own life is no longer your own... the people must come first. What they feel and think, then yourself. So it is with me that this academy."
"Loyalty cannot be counted when one splits it." Joan said with a shrug as he settled back in his chair. "Oh they see the inside of the dungeons, but only long enough for coin to change hands. Or favors. It is often favors. In total I'd bet they never spend more then a night in the dungeon." He added calmly as he turned his head to watch Gao work on the tea. "Restitution is made, though it is more often simply to keep the victim silent. Can't go around sullying the dear nobles good name after all can they?" Joan asked as his eyes moved to glace at Quince. "Not when others see use of them." He was worse then Cleonora when it came to his double talk.
"Well certainly there has been no consequences for those who are actively sullying 'nobles,' though it should be said those on the Warden council are not traditional aristocracy. Still nothing has been done. Or are you suggesting something be done. I personally don't think that speech or ideas need punishment."
"Well if ya get right at it, there ain't no thing as good fey. They don't see good and evil like we do you see. We always called it Blue and Orange. But I'mma guessin' you high mighty types don't go usin' words like them." Helena said as she crossed her arms. "Helpin' 'em ain't the worst idea. Can go gettin' things from that. But fey don't last." She added. "Come and go, that be the fey."
"Nature certainly does not share our sense of good and evil but dwarves and elves have different enough norms but we are still willing to speak of them in terms of good evil. The pranks of spites and grigs hardly climb to the level of evil. Getting stabbed by a Red Cap would. But yes there are a number of cultural difference still I am comfortable speak of good fey verses evil fey." He frowns, "I had hoped that as one who values education I might have a good relationship with the faculty here. I figured you were the best candidate to help me with my accent in Akko."
"The term has already started." Cleonora clarified. "We already have students or did you forget?" She asked with a slightly raised brow. "The number one hundred two. Twenty seven of those are not from these lands."
"They pay greatly, seventy five are local and a fair amount of those are scholarship students. I had to send them all out during the meeting to do what I could to ensure word of what happened didn't get out. If that happens then it will threaten this academy, and I will do everything I can to stand against that." Cleonora said. "I am the Head Mistress of Scientia Academy and as such my own wish, will, and even dreams do not matter. Only what I must do for those around me." Cleonora looked up to Quince as she said "You understand do you not? As Baron? Your own life is no longer your own... the people must come first. What they feel and think, then yourself. So it is with me that...
Quince nods, "Discretion is wise. As is working to ensure partnership with the government remains open and possible. Am I foolish to think such a possibility remains?"
He looks gao, "Wonderful tea. I can't thank you enough for the glimpse into the life of your wife. There is much there I was able to glean of my own people."
"Why is such a force needed? Has something happened or changed? The way things are being run is fine."
Gregori, and likely others that will soon come to our land to despoil it one way or another. I am just thinking ahead and being prepared, rather than reacting. I would say the best force we have is the Council. But as we are normally busy and around town doing our roles. I was thinking it would be a good asset that, the Spymaster, Marshal, and Warden could use. I myself have a force for my own personal guards, doubtful that I need them but they are useful.
Kev nods to Tristan and Quince, "Subjugation Force sounds like something in Brevoy. I don't mind a Response Team but they are only to be used in an emergency to back up Warden Tristan's city patrol and my rural reeves."
"You can call it what you want but in the end that is what the force would be. This would be a specialized unit that deals with problems under the leadership of their master.
For example you find a smuggling ring and you don't want to tip them off with a dozen guards, you would send in your force to apprehend them as the guards come in as support."
Quince smiles warmly, "It is good to see you up about and looking well. Well is an understatement I suppose beautiful in both your forms. Please restore what you can of the others when you are done I would be happy the ability taken restored."
"But that is not part of the deal, you must ask and I will give you something. Please don't make this hard on me. Ask for a song, a lock of my hair, a kiss, you choose." She states a bit distressed at how trivial he is making this serious matter.
Quince smiles warmly, "It is good to see you up about and looking well. Well is an understatement I suppose beautiful in both your forms. Please restore what you can of the others when you are done I would be happy the ability taken restored.""But that is not part of the deal, you must ask and I will give you something. Please don't make this hard on me. Ask for a song, a lock of my hair, a kiss, you choose." She states a bit distressed at how trivial he is making this serious matter.
Joan gave a small dismissive wave to Quince. "Sadly if you don't understand then you never will." He said simply. "Oh yes Oolong. Why did you invite us again Gao?" Joan asked as he crossed his arms.
"Quince wanted to break in the new year set with other people. I thought it was a good chance for you all to meet him since you where off with the students during the meeting." Gao explained. The kettle began to whistle and Gao moved to get it.
When he came back, Cleonora opened the top of the tea pot for him and got a kind thank you from the elder man as he filled the teapot up. He then returned the kettle to the fire place.
"Aklo." Helena corrected. "Language of them dark fey. Ain't the easiest thing to learn but I've learned worse." She laughed. "I'm workin' the class through Slyven at the moment. Aklo ain't till next semester." Helena told him. "Sit in on the class if ya like."
"What do you mean by that Quince?" Cleonora asked with a slightly confused look. What possibly was he speaking of?
Gao gave Quince a slightly worried look. "Well they are of your kind so I thought it would help with any biological questions you have. However please remember that your people are who you choose. Like how you chose to become the Baron." He explained. "Do not misunderstand, I am very pleased that you have enjoyed the journals my wife wrote, and I am glad that they brought you some sense of self... But I beg you still remember those here are your people too. You are a Medvyed no? Do you not consider them your people too?" Gao asked. "I just don't want you to lose yourself to stories. We cannot choose the race of our birth, but we can choose who we surround ourselves with, which in this old man's opinion is more important."
Quince swoops forward and took Elizabeth by the hands gently. "Shhh. I am not taking this lightly. I care for my people. I was proud of Tristan, of Kevros of Katrina, of Krazok, of Selena and Larina. When they stepped forward for someone who needed help. They made me proud. I wanted to give them first choice." He smiles, "I would ask you to meet my mother."
Joan gave a small dismissive wave to Quince. "Sadly if you don't understand then you never will." He said simply. "Oh yes Oolong. Why did you invite us again Gao?" Joan asked as he crossed his arms.
"I promise I am aware of my motives. You know nothing of them. If you do not wish to live under my justice. I won't require you to stay."
"Aklo." Helena corrected. "Language of them dark fey. Ain't the easiest thing to learn but I've learned worse." She laughed. "I'm workin' the class through Slyven at the moment. Aklo ain't till next semester." Helena told him. "Sit in on the class if ya like."
"Perhaps I will." He looks at the woman quizzically If I am not too high and mighty. He smiled weakly.
"What do you mean by that Quince?" Cleonora asked with a slightly confused look. What possibly was he speaking of?
Quince looks at her with a shocked glare.
Gao gave Quince a slightly worried look. "Well they are of your kind so I thought it would help with any biological questions you have. However please remember that your people are who you choose. Like how you chose to become the Baron." He explained. "Do not misunderstand, I am very pleased that you have enjoyed the journals my wife wrote, and I am glad that they brought you some sense of self... But I beg you still remember those here are your people too. You are a Medvyed no? Do you not consider them your people too?" Gao asked. "I just don't want you to lose yourself to stories. We cannot choose the race of our birth, but we can choose who we surround ourselves with, which in this old man's opinion is more important."
Quince looks at Gao "I am my fathers son. I don't need his blood. I pray I am like him."
"Oh I'm aware. But the job is here." Joan said giving a shrug in return.
Helena gave him a half grin. "Just let me know, so-ins I can have a book ready. It's easier if you've somethin' to look at when ya speak. Well, helps some students anyways." She added.
"Why are you looking at me that way? I simply asked for clarification." Cleonora said calmly as she tilted her head to one side.
"I am glad to hear you say that my lad. I lost many days in those books... I don't want you to do the same." Gao said, offering Quince a soft smile. "Now, I believe the tea is done." He stated as he stood and poured some of the tea into each cup and handed them off. Giving a cup to Helena and Cleonora first, then to Quince and Joan, before finally getting his own. "To a bright future" Gao said as he raise his cup.
"To an easy semester" Joan chuckled
"To fair weather!" Helena stated.
"To a safe community" Cleonora added.
"I disagree. Such a team is living in fear. Things will happen and we will take care of them as we have. I will not empower others to speak or act on our behalf. That has its own problems."
Quince looks at Joan. "Can't tell if your more arrogant or ignorant. I know my motives. Its clear you don't or won't honestly speak of them. If I was the ruler you describe I would have ordered your mistress killed. And you know this. Because you are willing to speak to me trusting there won't be consequences."
He looks at Cleo, "Perhaps another time."
"Helena it was nice to meet you. Gao thank you for your kindness."
He heads out.
"Guilty as charged." Joan said with a grin as he crossed his arms. "Fair well dear Baron."
"Oui, yeah alright." Helena said with a shrug. "Let me know right? If ya wanna sit in on the Aklo class." She added with a smile. "Few of my students would go bonkers havin' one as high and mighty as ya in class!"
"But Quince, you haven't had your tea yet." Gao pointed out
"Leave him be Gao." Cleonora said as she took a drink from her cup then set it down on the table. "I'll walk you out Quince." She states and stand. She walks out with Quince and as they left the room one could hear.
"Oh! You an ass you are! 'Leo told ya to drop it!" Helena chided Joan.
"Oh I was merely being true to my thoughts and self." Joan sarcastically stated.
"Enough you two not in my room please. Enjoy your tea." Gao said in a slightly stern voice.
Cleonora sighed as they walked away. "Don't pay much attention to Joan. He's an ass. We work with him and thus we put up with it." Cleonora said. "He has his own reasons for agreeing with me and I can't say any of them are good ones. If you don't like what he says just be a bit stern with him. He'll walk all over you if you let him. I don't even know why Gao invited him" Cleonora said, obviously annoyed at the fact he had. "But you and Helena hit it off well! I figured she would be the one you liked most. Doesn't have much of a filter but she is always honest and I like that. Plus I got to steal her away from some uppity noble types! You know the ones that give you guys a bad name?" Cleonora asked as she looked at him. "Why didn't you want to stay and try the tea?"
"If I was more stern with him. As I said I would be the evil prick he thinks I am." He shrugs. 'I didn't visit to meet him. I visited to thank Gao. Helena and I would likely have the most to talk about." He smiles. "Perhaps things were overshadowed . . . she seemed nice but at this moment I don't think any of them are terribly thrilled with me. No matter."
"Why didn't I stay." He half smiles and looks away. "Well it felt as if I was doing no good. I hoped to thank Gao. I had asked if you were there and wanted to share a cup of tea we could but when the others joined I didn't much feel welcome. Joan made it clear that you think my motives are something other than what I told you. He had little way of learning what happened other than through you. He thinks he has the only view of it. He's a prick but he has source for his information. You think am being less than honest." He signs "Another pointless discussion. Let me change the subject."
He looks at her. "I know you weren't happy with how I adjudicated the matter with Elizabeth." He sighs "I can't fixt that. Frankly I don't need to. I tried to protect you both after the situation went to crap. Clearly I couldn't. But the situation falls on me. I take responsibility." He looks at her clearly with no anger but with resolve. "I failed to prepare you. I was not sure what exactly was happening. But it was a mission that wasn't understood with vague goals. It was some mix of rescue mission with possibility of threat. When you did not chose to help I did not force it. That is sometimes the way of things perhaps unavoidable. I don't know if we will ever work closely again. I doubt it. I don't think we trust the other's judgement."
"You can call it what you want but in the end that is what the force would be. This would be a specialized unit that deals with problems under the leadership of their master.
For example you find a smuggling ring and you don't want to tip them off with a dozen guards, you would send in your force to apprehend them as the guards come in as support."
Quince looks puzzled. "I figured this was part of what Stalker did or the guards themselves already do. Are we in need of these resources?"
"Quince they hardly know you." Cleonora pointed out. "Believe me if Helena had a problem with you, you'd know. She's the type to not mix words. Gets right to it. It's a little abrasive on the kids but they learn well enough." She shrugged pleased with Helena's work over all, at least for their first month open. "Just talk to her some more, you'll be able to tell how she feels with ease."
"What you did for Gao showed true character. I thank you for helping him feel a little more at home in this place. He's a good man who I've come to respect." Cleonora said, and left the Joan out of the conversation at this point.
"I would have liked to know more about what was going on. I was just whisked away on some emergency, all Selena really told me was that I was the key. I took that to mean I was the only one who could open that thing." Cleonora said with a sigh as she remembered the day. "I too should have asked more questions on the way out there. But hey... The past always teaches you better than the present." Cleonora told him as she kept his gaze. "I thank you for all you tried to do Quince. And I am sorry for how things turned out. Maybe if you knew more about me you'd have understood better in that moment but it has passed so the point is moot."
"Quince of course we don't. We don't talk much, we do not interact. We talk circles around each other instead... Trust cannot be built from afar. It took living in the same building till the academy was finished for me to trust Katrina, and for her to see the worst side of me and accept it. To still wish to be my friend. That is what earned her my absolute trust. I understand if you cannot do the same. It's a tall ladder to climb... But the walls I have built had to be tall..." Cleonora told him. "And once rejected, none to this day have gotten close to them again. It's how I defend myself... The academy is here to serve the people, giving them the knowledge they crave. Since we cannot find common ground else where, may we find common ground in that?" Cleonora asked as she held out her hand for him to shake.
"No they don't know me . . . they know what you have said. You have never hidden your feelings hearing them echoed in the voice of others made me think that this issue was going to fester when I had hoped the fever had broken. That was gross analogy. . .anyway."
"Maybe. There are a lot of maybes. I will think of some you think of some. Perhaps we will both budge a little. Well a little more this is a sign of budging." He closes one eye and looks toward the sun. "Odd word. Budge."
"Well I trust Katrina with my life. So that is something." He shook her hand. "Please thank Gao for me. I suppose if I hear your arguments in Joan's snark. I should see your suggestions in Goa's sharing. . . .I am glad you did not let me leave. Well before. Now I am going to leave. Before we say something. See you soon."
Cleonora shook his hand, giving a nod in agreement. "I've heard worse analogies. I've made worse analogies. Quince my feeling are mine. Something like this doesn't go away in a night. Or a week, or even a month. Changing people's minds isn't as easy as making a choice. Takes longer." Cleonora shrugged as she let his hand go.
"Quince, remember something for me will you?" Cleonora asked as she placed one hand on her hip. "I chose you." She reminded him. "Because I liked what I saw. Deep down."
"Oh and try to see Gao more will you? He likes you. I think you remind him of his sons."
"Well I have more hope than I did a few steps over there." He smiles. When she mentions Gao and reminding him of his son. Quince's eyes move like he is doing math in his head. Goa already told me I wasn't like his wife's child. "I will see him again."