WESSEX
after all is said and done
you're just a carnivore let you in and drink my blood
you're nothing but a monster Laughing a bit, the Wraith finds herself thoroughly amused at what the diplomat doesn’t know. “I have,” she replies easily. “To multiple people. Just because you don’t know about it doesn’t mean I haven’t done it.” Raising a brow in an expression that is thoroughly meant to be a challenge, the Queen continues. “In fact, I’d say that your track record in shows you know very little about me.” What’s the phrase, keep your friends close and your enemies closer? While Wessex’s information may be a bit outdated, it’s becoming clear to her who might have the upper hand in that regard. Settling back in her chair again, the blonde woman finds herself actually enjoying this banter, perverse as it might be. It’s an opportunity to win, and winning has been in such short supply recently. “Take it as you will. Here's how I see it:Anyone at any time could have said anything. No one did. Long lifespan or no, there’s a time and place to say that something is either too much and not enough and where do we draw the line? How many other problems do we as a world open ourselves up to if we say, Yes, you can punish people twice, and Yes, you can wait two years to air a grievance. Everyone with a grudge would want to do it.” Pausing briefly to collect her thoughts, the Wraith continues. “You want to create something out of thin air, an interregional trial, but refuse to accept other ideas, oh let’s call mine a time limit, that are also being pulled out of thin air. You want cooperation, but on your terms.” Her head tilts to one side, considering that vein of thought, and whether to continue it. “And then there’s the issue of the attack on an Ascended in Torchline, the Ascended parts in boxes… both presumably done by the Fae. You want to heal this wound, yet speak nothing of vengeance already taken. Or the anti-Ascended forces massing in the Greatwood.” |
fragile creatures on collision with our judgement days
|
|||||
the Wraith
General of the Hollowed Grounds
Age: 47 | Height: 5'8'' | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds Level: 12 - Strg: 61 - Dext: 60 - Endr: 61 - Luck: 58 - Int: 2 LOKI - Mythical - Dragon (Energy Blast)
Played by: Astor
Change author: Posts: 3,156 | Total: 4,350 MP: 0
12-10-2020, 07:02 PM
the Amberwing
Diplomat ✓
Age: 57 | Height: 4'8 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood Level: 3 - Strg: 13 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 12 - Luck: 15 - Int:
Played by: Bees
Change author: Posts: 417 | Total: 1,206 MP: 1749 JUNIPER you think i'm happy because i'm smiling, Presumably Juniper was meant to be intimidated by the laugh, by Wessex's note of condescension. She wasn't, though, simply stating, "You're right. I don't know very much about you. I'm here to learn."but it's the easiest thing to do Juniper raised her eyebrows as Wessex continued. "Where do we draw the line? That is, I suppose, a matter of debate, but there is a line to be drawn -- a distinction to be made between any grudge, any time and punishing multiple murders and deicide after two years. Queen Wessex, I am willing to consider other ideas, but not those that completely shut down my people's desire for closure for reasons you admit are 'pulled out of thin air.' That is not cooperation. But if you are interested in cooperation, then tell me: What alternative, what compromise, would you offer?" Taking a breath, Juniper realized that this was a good moment to transition to address Wessex's next statement. "I would not describe my concept of a trial as 'pulled out of thin air,' either. It was conceived as an alternative to needless bloodshed and revenge -- and the attacks on Ascended are part of what I'm trying to prevent, by slaking my people's thirst for justice. I don't condone attacks on the Ascended any more than I do the Ascended's attacks on the Fae, and I am committed to investigating those attacks. If I -- or anyone else -- discovers the culprit, they too will be held accountable." As for the anti-Ascended forces massing in the Greatwood, Juniper said nothing. She would address that question if Wessex pushed the matter, but she didn't intend to volunteer information on that front. if you looked a little closer, you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too. the Wraith
General of the Hollowed Grounds
Age: 47 | Height: 5'8'' | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds Level: 12 - Strg: 61 - Dext: 60 - Endr: 61 - Luck: 58 - Int: 2 LOKI - Mythical - Dragon (Energy Blast)
Played by: Astor
Change author: Posts: 3,156 | Total: 4,350 MP: 0
12-17-2020, 02:37 AM
the Amberwing
Diplomat ✓
Age: 57 | Height: 4'8 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood Level: 3 - Strg: 13 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 12 - Luck: 15 - Int:
Played by: Bees
Change author: Posts: 417 | Total: 1,206 MP: 1749
12-17-2020, 11:18 PM
JUNIPER you think i'm happy because i'm smiling, Juniper almost let out a sigh of relief as Wessex spoke. Oh, Wessex might not be agreeing with her in any way, but now she was bringing up real obstacles, real questions for them to debate and work through, rather than trying to speciously shut Juniper down. That was a step forward, an important one.but it's the easiest thing to do "Our customs are similar," Juniper admitted. "The criminal may be brought before the queen to decide their fate, but more often, those wronged simply take revenge. The queen's role, the government's power, then rests in telling the victims when their revenge is enough -- when they go from punishing a crime to committing one themselves." For a moment, Juniper considered this in the context of these specific events, of the Ascended's specific crime. "You and your comrades attacked the Fae as a people -- our guards in their official duties, our goddess. If you were Fae, the queen would have passed down sentence -- likely execution -- and any Fae would have been authorized to carry it out on sight if you resisted. "Because you acted as a group, on behalf of the Voice, many among my people consider the Ascended as a group guilty. And, as you know, some have tried to enforce that judgment." Juniper sighed a little, then looked up with renewed determination. "I know the exact method of such a trial would need a lot of hammering out. We would need to find a trial method that both sides could agree to as fair -- the number of judges, their identities: I know these would be hotly debated. But it is something I am willing to debate." Juniper's eyes widened a little as Wessex described the recent murder, and she spoke sincerely when she said, "I am sorry for your loss, and I understand your grief -- and your worry. I hope you find the killer." For a moment she let that sentiment rest, then continued, "While my personal inclination is to avoid removing imprisonment from the list of possibilities, I understand your need to protect your people. The potential punishment, like the makeup of the trial itself, would need to be carefully negotiated." And all of that might be moot, if Wessex's proposed compromise was workable -- though Juniper felt a certain degree of doubt that it would be. Still, she had come here to talk, to negotiate, to compromise; she would at least listen to any idea Wessex put forward. "I would like to hear your alternative," Juniper said. "I admit that a trial is only one of many potential solutions, and I am open to others." if you looked a little closer, you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too. the Wraith
General of the Hollowed Grounds
Age: 47 | Height: 5'8'' | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds Level: 12 - Strg: 61 - Dext: 60 - Endr: 61 - Luck: 58 - Int: 2 LOKI - Mythical - Dragon (Energy Blast)
Played by: Astor
Change author: Posts: 3,156 | Total: 4,350 MP: 0
12-18-2020, 01:27 AM
the Amberwing
Diplomat ✓
Age: 57 | Height: 4'8 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood Level: 3 - Strg: 13 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 12 - Luck: 15 - Int:
Played by: Bees
Change author: Posts: 417 | Total: 1,206 MP: 1749
12-18-2020, 02:20 AM
JUNIPER you think i'm happy because i'm smiling, Juniper took a long, long moment to let Wessex's words sink in. It was a decent counteroffer, and Juniper appreciated that Wessex was willing to make a real offer, though she couldn't help but notice the self-sacrificial tenor of the Wraith's suggestion. I'll submit myself to whatever punishment, without any word on the other two Ascended who had been involved in the attack.but it's the easiest thing to do The thing was, Juniper was starting to realize that she was a bit further out of her depth than she'd believed herself to be -- and she'd walked in here knowing that she was treading water. Though she didn't intend to tell Wessex as much, she hadn't known that the Order sought the destruction of all the Ascended, just that they were handling the "offensive" part of the war likely to come ... Which would logically include attacking the Ascended, but Juniper had assumed that was a contingency, not the entire plan -- that they would attack only if the Ascended struck first. She didn't know anything about this compass that Wessex described, and thus had no idea how important the intelligence Wessex was asking for might be, though she assumed it was pretty major, given how much the Wraith was willing to offer for it. Wetting her lips slightly, Juniper said, "I can understand why the Order is your primary concern, yes. I have questions about your proposal, however. I think the 'small caveats' to your punishment might be significant, so I'd like more details on those. And I would ask if it's possible to bring the other two Ascended who participated in the attack in as well, though I understand that that's a taller order. No pun intended." Pausing, Juniper added, "Even I thought this were a wonderful idea -- and I am frankly undecided on that -- I couldn't say yes to you here, today, alone. But I can certainly carry word of your offer back to the Greatwood." Was that a good thing, or would Wessex view it as a threat? Juniper certainly didn't intend to try to sneak Wessex a glimpse of a compass without the Order's permission -- not when she had no idea what that glimpse might actually mean for the future. if you looked a little closer, you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too. the Wraith
General of the Hollowed Grounds
Age: 47 | Height: 5'8'' | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds Level: 12 - Strg: 61 - Dext: 60 - Endr: 61 - Luck: 58 - Int: 2 LOKI - Mythical - Dragon (Energy Blast)
Played by: Astor
Change author: Posts: 3,156 | Total: 4,350 MP: 0
12-18-2020, 03:00 AM
the Amberwing
Diplomat ✓
Age: 57 | Height: 4'8 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood Level: 3 - Strg: 13 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 12 - Luck: 15 - Int:
Played by: Bees
Change author: Posts: 417 | Total: 1,206 MP: 1749
12-18-2020, 06:15 PM
JUNIPER you think i'm happy because i'm smiling, Juniper sighed as Wessex spoke, then shook her head with a rueful smile. "I hoped you wouldn't say that. This plan depends on the Order's cooperation -- I don't intend to try to deceive them -- and I can't promise you that without consulting them."but it's the easiest thing to do Not that Juniper actually personally knew any Order members to consult. (At least, not to her knowledge.) But she imagined that if she brought the problem to Remi, or perhaps Gideon, they would have input -- and would know better than Juniper did just how much Wessex was asking. What would seeing a compass in use enable Wessex to do? It seemed like such a small request, insignificant, but that apparent insignificance only made Juniper more wary. This offer felt like a trap. Maybe she should just be upfront with Wessex about her reservations. Though she didn't really expect Wessex to answer -- or know if she could believe the Wraith's words if she did -- Juniper added, "How will seeing an Order member use their compass help you protect the Grounds?" if you looked a little closer, you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too. the Wraith
General of the Hollowed Grounds
Age: 47 | Height: 5'8'' | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds Level: 12 - Strg: 61 - Dext: 60 - Endr: 61 - Luck: 58 - Int: 2 LOKI - Mythical - Dragon (Energy Blast)
Played by: Astor
Change author: Posts: 3,156 | Total: 4,350 MP: 0
12-19-2020, 05:30 PM
the Amberwing
Diplomat ✓
Age: 57 | Height: 4'8 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood Level: 3 - Strg: 13 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 12 - Luck: 15 - Int:
Played by: Bees
Change author: Posts: 417 | Total: 1,206 MP: 1749
12-19-2020, 06:15 PM
JUNIPER you think i'm happy because i'm smiling, "I don't think all Ascended should be killed," Juniper acknowledged. That was easy enough for her to say. But as for the rest ... Juniper bit her lip, thinking of how much easier this conversation would be if Wessex were Fae. Not in a big way, not because their entire conflict would be different if Wessex were Fae, but because Fae could not lie, and outsiders could. She kept having to remind herself that Wessex could lie -- not just mislead and omit, but outright lie. And this seemed like the moment for a lie, for an obfuscation: telling Juniper that her part of the bargain would be harmless, would only protect the Grounds, when it might actually have much further-reaching consequences. but it's the easiest thing to do Juniper did consider it, for a long moment. She would never betray her people, but the Order weren't Fae; deceiving them wasn't quite the same, especially if they truly sought the Ascended's total destruction -- but Juniper had only Wessex's word to trust on that too. Although Gideon had spoken against the Ascended in awfully harsh terms ... It was still more of a betrayal than she could stomach. And something about Wessex's offer felt wrong to her. The Wraith submitting herself alone to any punishment the Fae desired -- as if she expected to be tortured, as if torturing her would make the Fae feel better -- did not strike Juniper as justice. "I'm sorry," Juniper said, sincerely. Then she decided to be totally frank, even at her own disadvantage: "The truth is, I don't have enough information about the Order to make these promises. If I knew beyond a doubt that the only outcome of my actions would be to protect the Grounds ... I hope it's not insulting to say that I can't act on your word alone." She hesitated. Should she offer to get more information and return to Wessex? Or would quietly evaluating the Order on Wessex's behalf compromise her too much? No, she decided, she wouldn't make that offer. But if she learned more about the Order -- if they told her in their own words that they sought the destruction of all Ascended, even the innocent -- well, her conscience might demand that she act. And she could always write to Wessex. if you looked a little closer, you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too. the Wraith
General of the Hollowed Grounds
Age: 47 | Height: 5'8'' | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds Level: 12 - Strg: 61 - Dext: 60 - Endr: 61 - Luck: 58 - Int: 2 LOKI - Mythical - Dragon (Energy Blast)
Played by: Astor
Change author: Posts: 3,156 | Total: 4,350 MP: 0
12-19-2020, 07:42 PM
the Amberwing
Diplomat ✓
Age: 57 | Height: 4'8 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood Level: 3 - Strg: 13 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 12 - Luck: 15 - Int:
Played by: Bees
Change author: Posts: 417 | Total: 1,206 MP: 1749
12-20-2020, 09:26 PM
JUNIPER you think i'm happy because i'm smiling, Juniper rose when Wessex did, knowing that the meeting had reached its natural conclusion. Not the conclusion she had hoped for, perhaps, but it could have gone at lot worse (hence those just-in-case letters left with Alina).but it's the easiest thing to do "Thank you for meeting me," Juniper said. "You've given me a lot to think about." That was her biggest takeaway from their encounter, really. While Juniper might not have agreed to Wessex's requests, Wessex's words had impacted her, had taken root in her mind and given her doubts about the Order. Doubts about the war that everyone seemed to think was inevitable ... Juniper was starting to realize that avenging past wrongs might be less important than preventing future ones. If there was a way to keep Caido out of war -- or just to keep the Greatwood out of war -- Juniper intended to find it. "I hope we'll speak again," Juniper added -- truthfully, of course. Because as long as she and Wessex had things to talk about, negotiations to make, then the Fae and the Ascended weren't at total kill-each-other-on-sight war. No, they hadn't come to an agreement, but if Wessex could have read Juniper's mind, she might not be too disappointed with today's outcome. {FIN} if you looked a little closer, you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too. | |||||
« Next Oldest | Next Newest »
|
Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)