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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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