"We have other food than oatmeal," Bay said after a pause, clearing his throat awkwardly. "I apologize if it isn't what one might expect to be served. It seemed the best thing after a cold journey."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Talia looked up guiltily, blushing, and looked to the messenger for help. The other girls blushed profusely and kept their eyes fixed on their bowls.
"This is wonderful, thank you," the messenger said with a shake of his head, glancing at Bay, then over at Talia, and realizing what the issue was. "The girls just ate shortly before we got here. I don't imagine they're very hungry yet; I apologize if it seems rude. We wanted to be sure they were ready to go."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
Bay hesitated, then dipped his head. "Ladies, feel free to help yourselves if you do still have an appetite."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"Thank you, sir," Talia said quietly, offering a little smile and dip of her head. "We appreciate the kindness." Even if they weren't allowed to accept it. Her stomach ached.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
(Let's go with freshly 15 for Talia and maybe 16 for the others? They're NPCs for now unless I get an idea lol but Young. But wearing gobs of makeup so it may be hard to guesstimate accurately)
Kaelan watched her in concern, his own stomach turning. He slowly swallowed, losing his own appetite as he realized the girls weren't allowed to eat. What kind of a shit brother was he? Sitting here eating while Talia was starving. He wished he could sneak her food, but he didn't see a way.
(We'll say he's 17)
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"The message will be delivered first," Bay said after another few minutes. "Then Lord Ash will see these gifts you've brought him." His face betrayed absolutely no emotion.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"Sounds good." The messenger dipped his head, finishing up his own bowl of oatmeal. There was none left. He finished off his tea and glanced at Captain Bay. "I'm ready whenever his lordship is."
Lieutenant Mikaelson finished as well, planning to accompany them.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"Very well." He rose. There were a few guards at the door. "Follow me."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
The messenger and Borrond both stood and followed him toward the door.
(Okay his name is Lieutenant Borrond Mikaelson and I was trying to go with Mikaelson but it feels unnatural lol Ky usually thinks of him as Borrond so we switching over)
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
Bay led them up the stairs in silence to Gaius's office and knocked. "Enter." Bay opened the door for them. Gaius was seated at his desk, pen in hand. He had a blank sheet of paper in front of him.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
The messenger walked in first, Borrond close behind. The messenger spoke first. "Hello, sir! I'm a messenger here on behalf of Governor Makata."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"So I heard." Gaius sat up straighter. "Deliever your message."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Well, that wasn't very friendly. Very well. "Governor Makata desires peace with his lordship. We've brought gifts as good-will offerings and are very interested to know how we may move forward with a pleasant relationship with his lordship in the future."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
Gaius had begun writing. He continued as he spoke. "I have made no violent acts against the Governor; as far as I'm aware we are currently at peace."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
I only know that learning to believe in the power of my own words has been the most freeing experience of my life. It has brought me the most light. And isn't that what a poem is? A lantern glowing in the dark. — Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
