"Yes, sir, of course," the messenger agreed quickly, nodding. "But we're aware of his lordship's... displeasure. And hoped to soothe tensions before they rise too far."
"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]
"What does your master fear I'll do if this tension, as you call it, is not eased?"
"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
"We're not trying to make accusations," the messenger said smoothly. "We're simply interested in getting to know you better and understand your desires."
"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]
"I believe I've made my desires clear to the Governor," Gaius replied evenly. "What would you like to know about 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
(What sorts of demands would he have made? Diplomacy brain is not braining this morning)
"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]
(Not demands, just requests for information. He's been building his case and sniffing around.)
"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
"We'd love to know a bit about what drew your interest to Austraka." The messenger offered a polite smile.
"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]
"I heard there were products that had yet to cross my borders," Gaius replied. "It started out as a trade interest but the more I learned the more interested I became in your cultures of customs, especially those of your elites. I found some of those customs to be...troubling. Customs your Taral would be distressed by."
"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 see... well Governor Makata would be delighted to engage in trade with his lordship if that is still something that interests you." Redirect. Maybe if he bribed him enough the man would stop.
"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]
"I will accept your gifts." Gaius continued writing. "And perhaps the Governor may write me a letter with his most pressing concerns. But as a Magistrate of King Harold I do hold a responsibility for making sure our trade agreements are made with reputable individuals. No offense intended toward the Governor, of course, but as I said, the Taral might be disturbed by some of his activities."
"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
Was he trying to get in his head? Seemed like it. And it was slowly starting to work. What was he writing? Why so distant? The messenger watched him, but dipped his head, relieved he was accepting the gifts. "Of course. Thank you for your willingness to speak with us, sir." This was tricky. Figuring out how to tell him to stop tattling to the Taral without actually telling him as much; that would admit guilt. Couldn't do that.
"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]
He gave a small nod, not looking up. "Is that all?"
"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 believe so." The messenger inclined his head. This felt unsatisfying; but he didn't know how to fix it.
"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]
"Give the Governor my gratitude, then. Have a pleasant day." He glanced up, eyes locking on Bay. "Have these gifts brought to me here, please. I'll look them over."
"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
"Good day." The messenger bowed to him and Borrond offered a nod, both of them turning towards the door.
Kaelan had been scheming trying to figure out how to feed the girls once Lieutenant Mikaelson and the messenger had left. If they ate out of his bowl then they'd never notice, right? But the Ash soldiers were still watching them so he couldn't figure out a way to suggest it without raising suspicion. Unfortunately. He'd stopped eating as well, anxiety building in his gut as he realized that the clock was ticking downward toward Talia's abuse.
Gods, why wasn't there a way for him to stop it?
Too bad the man wasn't gay. Kaelan wasn't, either. But he'd offer himself in a heartbeat if it meant keeping Talia away from this brute. Look at how small she was; so young; so... well, she wasn't innocent anymore. But she was so young and small. It hurt his heart.
"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]
