"No," he said firmly, straightening with some effort. Sara looked at him with concern.
"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
(Heyyyy I just got out of my bad lease! Moving on the 3rd!)
Jerica was still so perplexed. “Is this… something to do with… the…” she looked at her hand, then glanced around. “What we discussed?” She wasn’t sure if everyone knew about the heralding thing yet.
"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 gave her a scathing look in response. How stupid was she, to bring it up in front of all these people? "I have no idea what you're talking about," he said flatly.
"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
Jerica glared at him, not appreciating the disdain. “Oh you don’t?” She said in a tone that threatened that she was definitely going to say what she meant if he was gonna play dumb. Why shouldn’t she? It’s not like it would be a secret much longer that she was a herald. And she had nothing to be ashamed of.
"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]
"No." He turned, pulling away from Sara and limping toward the doors. "Safe travels."
"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
“Liar,” she muttered, loud enough for him to hear, then turned and started for the horses.
Derik gave her a stern look, which she ignored. Gods. Just as he feared.
"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]
Sara looked between them, then hurried after her husband with the children behind her.
"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
Ky watched the interaction with concern. It took her a moment to realize what was happening and she cringed when she put the pieces together. Jerica’s aura must be hell for Gaius to have reacted like he did. She guessed she couldn’t quite say she was surprised.
(Would Bay be in the general vicinity?)
"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]
Captain Bay was off to the side with a couple of his guards.
"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
Derik approached him and offered a hand. “Thank you for putting my men up for these past few weeks. We greatly appreciate the accommodations.”
"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 shook his hand firmly. "It's been an honor; you seem like a fine gentleman. Have a good trip to Caracal Keep and give my regards to General Wai."
"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
Ky felt a prick of guilt. She couldn't just leave without saying bye. She sheepishly shuffled over. "Um... thank you... for um... everything?" Should she shake his hand, too? Or a hug? Gods that felt like a stupid idea. A wave? Gods why was she so awkward? "I, um... appreciate... um..."
"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 dipped his head to her and offered her his hand. "Ka'Nor will be proud of your progress, Ky. Best of luck with your training; it's been a pleasure to work with you."
"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
Ky smiled a little at that and shook his hand with a nod, not sure how to respond. "Thank you."
"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]
"Get home safe." He gave one of his rare, tiny smiles and stepped back.
"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
