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[ Hermione is quick to show him to the little seating area of her office, to let him take a seat as he pleases and to give him the room to make himself comfortable. Being new means that new people, especially people with authority, can be quite daunting, but she hopes she makes things a little more comfortable. ]

It's no trouble at all. I try my best to help newcomers whenever I can - I know how it feels to wake up here and not be sure what to do, so if I can help then I'm more than happy.

[ And she means it, too, moving to settle in her armchair.

Carefully, she lifts her head and smiles, pushing a teacup towards him as she takes her own, pouring tea in both. ]

Of course I will. I have biscuits, too, if you're peckish.

[He laughs once before shaking his head "no" at the offer of biscuits. The milk and honey is carefully poured and stirred into the tea. No wonder that they gave her such a title -- he continues to think on these things and wonder if it is right. It feels almost like weighing a person's worth even though he thinks only well.

Somehow, he worried that this meeting would feel cold and he would meet a brick wall despite his hope. He wraps his fingers around the cup first, as he falls into a more serious of expression. His eyes scan the seating area as he gathers his thoughts.]

Thank you. [Larsa says once more.] You are more than I could hope for as one who has such a title. I feel I said something similar, but I must say it again. [His eyes close as he brings the cup up to take a careful sip. Opening his eyes, he does feel some joy over how delicious it is.] You are able to speak to the one who rules over our court, are you not? I am aware there are also audiences, but I worry when they will come.

[ She can feel the gentle flush of red on her cheeks and her eyes dance over his features before they flick away. She isn't embarrassed, not really, but she is touched, a warmth in her chest she can't deny. Sometimes she still feels as though she's on shaken legs when it comes to being a Marchioness, but moments like this make her feel like she's doing a good job.

Finally, she takes her own tea, with a little honey, and she settles back, sipping it before she places it on the small table at her side. Her full attention is on the boy before her and nothing is going to distract her from that, not even a good cup of tea. ]

You're flattering me. [ She says it gently, though, to let him know that she's teasing, before she continues. ] All of us are, but I can talk to Solais privately - or I have done, in the past. If you'd like to speak to her she's incredibly open at audiences... Is there something wrong?

[There is another smile that he offers at the light teasing, but it does not last as long as he would like. A cold feeling once more feels like it crawls up his back -- more awkward than he usually feels.]

This war is wrong.

[It feels like that statement hangs in the air as he decides to drink more of his tea to continue to gather his thoughts.] The Seelie and Unseelie shardbearers are both from other worlds. We're both trying to protect that which is important to us. Surely, there is a way to speak of peace with Her Majesty. It seems as though we have a common enemy though I do not know much ... I know that there is only destruction in the coveting and desire of power to ward off the dark.

[He is able to hold his gaze with hers for a time before he returns to the tea. Needing something to occupy himself with to drink and feel like he need not say more than he should. Gabranth may grow to be very upset with him for having not fully taken his advice in keeping his doubts quiet.

I do not only endanger myself, but my world... and yet without some bold move, nothing may be changed.]

[ Hermione closes her eyes, breathing out for a moment. It's lucky that he hadn't mentioned this to Solais - with the loss of her husband who knows how she would have taken it. ]

We all know that. A lot of us want peace, honestly, and we'd take it if it was a viable option - if it was something we could actually do. When the king was still alive I asked him if it was possible, if there was some way of working things out... He told me that they had been fighting this war for thousands of years, centuries upon centuries. For the natives, this war is a kind of endless existence and they're waiting for someone to win, for one side or the other to come out victorious, and that's why some of them hate us.

[ Her eyes drop and she looks at her fingers, lifts her hand to brush against the silver scar across her face before she turns back to look at the young man before her, her heart heavy. ]

I wish I could tell you that there was a way to broker peace, that there was a way for us to find it, especially with Solais' help. The Unseelie murdered her husband and celebrated the loss, they've come and they've invaded our Citadel, our lands, and hurt our friends. It's not a matter of trying to find peace now, even if we want it. It's... Trying to survive and protect the people we love.

Once more ... we are in this position. Once more it feels like we are too late.

[He leans back in the chair with his hands around the cup. Larsa says 'we' because it would be cruel and over presumptuous to think that it is all upon him that peace is lost. The weight on his shoulders feel that much heavier as he recalls what Asami said about cycles and how he has found himself back into a similar one.

But ... ]

We should not give into revenge. This war has seemingly taken a lot from you all and I am someone new to it. I presume overmuch and speak out of turn, but still ... I cannot believe that we should give up on peace. The Unseelie are here in this world as well. They feel probably the same as we all do. That this is an endless existence and that may have been what tips things into their favor, to finally make it stop.

[Is that what his father, what his brother thought? He wonders. He will never really know.] We cannot give into revenge and cease to think that peace is possible.

[ She nods her head, some of the weight that settled around her lift away before she leans forward. ]

I don't think peace is impossible. I just think it would be... Ignorant, maybe, not to defend ourselves when we're attacked, or prepared for it when it happens. I'm no soldier, and I've always known that, but I've been learning everything I can so I can make sure the people that I care about are happy, that they live, and find something here to hold on to. I know it sounds a little foolish, to want that in the middle of a war, but I've been here two and a half years now. I have to adapt to what is in front of me.

[ Leaning back, she rests her hands on her lap, her eyes flicking over him. ]

You'll find that some Seelie are as vicious and determined about this war as some of the Unseelie are - and you'll also find out that some people want what you want, just peace and to go home. All of us find a place here, if we want it or not, and there's no one that says you have to fight if you don't want to.

[ Hermione herself fights because it's her friends, her family, the people she loves that are on the battlefield; she fights because she's a Marchioness, a Sorceress, and she will rise up as the Lioness Courant and protect those that stand before her. ]

But there are some people that would happily kill you where you stand and take your shard to Morla or Reul. You can't forget that, either.

Defending ourselves from attack is one thing, and I agree with it. We should still continue to reach out to find some means of ensuring that the aggression ends. Those that we love and those that we wish to protect ... it is not foolish to want to have those things, but if things continue to escalate, you must know there will be nothing to ensure their safety. Despite what it is that we learn.

[The tea has to be set aside now as he finds that the sweet flavor will taste differently to him now.]

It is not about going home. It is about the state of this world and its people. To have to continue to be at each others' throats ... it is no wonder that they are the way that they are. There has to be some light at the end of the tunnel that is beyond the thought of the other side being beaten so, or dead. And it feels like what you said ... they would rather have it be the latter than the former.

[The Queen's pride and love would be asked to be on the test. He understands that much and closes his eyes at the thought that people would be happy to kill him just for the shard.]

I will not.

We're doing all we can, I can promise you that. There are people that want to do that, that want to be neutral, but you have to understand that - that it's not something I can do, or talk about, given my position here. I am doing everything I can to protect and care for the people of this world, to provide them with anything they need, but there are forces working against me. It wasn't that long ago that the Unseelie attacked grain leaving one of the towns that I was trying to protect... It's not always possible to do what I want.

[ She squeezes her fingers around nothing, tight and clenched, before she breathes out. ]

You have to understand some other things, too. The natvies on Leathann hated the Seelie because of the fact that we were defending ourselves, and they wanted the Unseelie to win, to reign victorious. Some of them will work for us, with us, but others refuse and will choose the other side. Beyond that there's also a Cult, people that want to assassinate us, and - and there's nothing we can do but try to protect ourselves.

[ Leaning forward, Hermione looks at him, trying to be as gentle as she can. ]

I don't want to fight. I want peace. But... I have to protect the people I love.

I understand that to speak on such things would be considered traitorous, and would have you unable to protect the people that you care about if you should lose your position. But this goes beyond being neutral. The people of the Unseelie are people as well. They are brought here, too, and this war is also their own. They are forced to fight and placed in the same position as ourselves. While they may have celebrated the death of our queen's love and king, I would like to believe they were also celebrating a hope for a way to end the war, as well. A gambit.

[He lowers his gaze.]

I have said something harmful all the same to you. That you have lost and have people who have been harmed. Towns that are under your protection ... I am sorry that you had to suffer in that way. [Larsa reaches out to set his hand onto hers and looks up into her eyes.]

You want to protect the people that you love, I understand that well. But do not let that cloud you from everything else and feel daunted. I see that you are chained in your position and your responsibilities. It is unfair of me to ask you of your help at this time. I like to believe there is more than just hate in all these races and people here... and I will look for it.

The people of the Unseelie came into my town and attacked my people, turning them into monsters. The Unseelie created giant, undead horses and tried to destroy my Citadel. My friend on the Unseelie side broke into my office and tried to steal my notes, my documents, to use it against me, barely weeks after telling me that she would kill me if she had to. Does that sound like people that are like me? That have chosen not to fight? They believe in their cause just as much as you don't believe in the Seelie one. That's the problem we have to face.

[ Hermione swallows, turning her head away. ]

It's not - I was asleep. An enchanted one, that lasted two weeks, so there was nothing I could do. I know that, but... But they're my people, as much as they're native to the Drabwurld itself. I care about them and I hate that I wasn't there for them. Protecting them is my priority.

[ Her hand turns, fingers brushing against his gently before she breathes out. ]

I will help you, I promise, I'll do whatever I can. I'm going to protect my friends and my people, and if that means fighting against the Unseelie then... Then I'll do it. I believe in a future for my world, for it to continue... And I believe in protecting everyone I can.

As I said, things will escalate the longer the war continues as the other wishes to bring it to an end. Do I find their methods horrifying? Yes. Even as a person who has not witnessed them, I do. But I want you to understand that I do not believe in the Unseelie goal or way, either. You have been fighting for a long time and ... anything else I say will sound cruel at worst, and ignorant at best.

[It is good that she is capable of having an aura that bring peace to others but he can also tell a bitterness in her toward the other side. Peace will not be found easily here. It reminds him some of Asche and he looks away once more. Cycles.]

I say once more that I am sorry. The sleep is an unfortunate one to say the least and I am happy to hear that you wish to protect the Seelie people here, that you have grown to love them even though this is not your world. It shows that you have a kind heart, if not a little wounded.

[His smile is sad.] What I want is to find a way for peace... not fight others. But please, continue to protect the people here. They need you, even I can see that much.

There's only so much that we can do, and I wish that I could bring peace. If there was a way, if there was something I could do, then I would do it, without hesitation. I know I won't be going home, I know that I probably won't see half of my friends again, and I hope they never have to come here, but... At least we understand one another. I want us to be happy, and that's the hardest part of all of this.

[ Her fingers brush against his again before she swallows, leaning back a little and trying to sit up a little taller, her heart thudding in her chest. ]

You don't have to apologise. I've been hear two and a half years now - it's not something that I could expect anyone who had just arrived to accept or understand straight away. That's why there are quests, there are missions and things you can do to help and learn. If there's anything I can to do help with that then, please, let me know.

[ Leaning forward, she closes her eyes and bows her head. ]

I'll protect you as well. No matter what.

If there is a way.

[Yes, he will have to see if there is a way. With knowing only rudimentary information on both courts, he is foolish to think to ask either to speak to the other without some sort of give-and-take. As for the way things sound, he is more in the position of Dalmasca than Arcadia. He will, perhaps, have to take some quests to learn more and see if there is something that he can see.]

That is a long time to be in this world. But it seems as though you have grown strong in it. You have found yourself friends and loved ones. You've found your place and your people. You also wish for the happiness of others. I think that is miraculous in and of itself due to the state of things as I understand them at this moment.

[A beat.]

I should expect nothing less from one like yourself, and did not doubt that you would. I thank you for thinking of me, too, and hope that these words did not trouble too much. [She probably did not expect a conversation of this kind and thought of what help he would have would not be a task so daunting for them both. But he still can offer the same smile to her.]

I shall hope to be able to one day be able to do the same for you -- protect and help you, that is.

Then we'll do our best, right?

[ It'll take a little bit of time for anyone to get comfortable, but Hermione hopes that he'll adjust. It takes time, a long time, even if you're from a world where this sort of medieval warfare is normal, and it's taken Hermione longer than she'd like. She's adjusted, though, and she knows from talking to her father that she doesn't have a choice anymore. She'll do what she has to do. ]

Thank you - that's really nice of you to say. I... I just want to do the best I can. It might sound a little silly to say something like that, but I'm used to being the best, to - to knowing what to do and finding the answers. Not being able to do that here has been a bit of a struggle, but I'm learning. We all have to learn, no matter where we come from.

[ Her cheeks pink a little and she smiles. ]

No, they're no trouble. I know that I might not have given you the answers that you wanted, but - I hope I've done something to help reassure you. [ She sits up a little taller, her head smiles relaxes. ]

I'm sure you will - I've no doubt about that. Thank you.

That shall be the plan.

[He lightly shakes his head at the idea of what she believes is "silly." It is difficult to be in a position to no longer know what to do. Larsa understands it well. Sometimes, sometimes, all a person can do is to pick up a sword and fight. Yes, he has forgotten that -- or maybe, it is that he would like to believe that there is a way to stop things from progressing.]

To remain in the dark would be foolish. To only be an observer would be a kindness, but only kind to the state of the body rather than that of the mind. When a person thinks they are not part of the world ... that is a sadder state to be in. [...] It would be silly of me to think that it would be so easy. No one wants war and no one wants to hate one another. Not really.

You have done something to reassure me, though. A person in power should be one who is kind but also capable of sitting where they are. You have proven that, even though you may feel like you are unsteady with the not-knowing. [Larsa stands, then. He offers a bow to her, because she is one of higher status and deserving of such.]

Thank you for your belief in me.

[ When Gabranth had told her about this young man she hadn't been told about just how young he is - and she's sad that he's been brought here, that he has to fight, just like all the other young people that had been brought here. She wants to help - which is good enough for now. It has to be. ]

When I first came here I thought that we would be able to avoid it, that there wouldn't be any need to become soldiers or fighters. I was wrong, and now almost three years have gone by and I've learned that sometimes you have to make the worst choices in order to survive.

[ Lifting her head, she rubs her eyes and breathes out, softening herself. ]

Thank you very much - I do appreciate it. [ She stands too, offering him a bow in return. ] Please remember that I'm here to help you, that - that I'm going to do what I can to offer you the help and assistance you need. I'll always be here, as a friend and a Marchioness.

[He grows quiet at the idea of the statement of needing to make the worst choices to survive, but decides better on responding to it. On all accounts, he all but side-lined Lady Granger with his statements and a wish that she could not fulfill. It has been a trying time and no need to make the situation worse.

Instead, her offers a kind smile in response this time to the bow and offering.]

You are welcome. I am grateful that you are willing to think of us as friends, and always willing to offer your assistance. I shall hope that the next that I shall need will be needing someone to join for tea or something equally enjoyable in these times.

Thank you once more for seeing me, Lady Granger.

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