A Meeting of Like Minds

Tribunal: Tribunal Chamber


 * The Tribunal Chamber is the place where Imperial Law is born, and by that virtue alone the atmosphere within this large cube-shaped chamber seems thick with history, reverence, and - above all - justice.


 * Indeed it is, but it is not just history that makes this chamber impressive. Cast in the same black marble that the rest of the Tribunal is decorated with, flecked with shards of white and blue, and aureate with furnishings of the finest quality, the Tribunal Chamber does justice to its purpose.


 * The center of the chamber is laden with two long desks, each arranged in half-circle designs so that they leave a gap at the far end of the room as akin to pincers ready to ensnare injustice. Polished oak paneling of a deep auburn flows over these desks, while thirty-six leather-backed seats remain evenly spaced around the outside of the broken circle, permitting officers of the Tribunal to sit when new laws are to be discussed or established, or where members of the Imperial Council and accused criminals can reside when the sword of Justice is being brought to bear in full.


 * Between the ends where the half-circles of desks pincer, the main dais of the Justicar can be found, this too forged from marble. Three-tiered in construction, it contains three Charter Seats for the Justicar and two aides to sit upon when required, although the highest may also be reserved for the Emperor should he be in attendance.


 * Pillars of marble flank either side of the chamber, supporting the roof while also providing a place for stanchions to rest, while two large stained glass windows - shaped into two great Hawks flying parallel to each other, permit streaks of coloured light to stream into what would otherwise be a very dark region indeed. Two sets of twin-doors stand at the back of the chamber, leading back out into the Concourse, while Guards of the Imperial Tribunal stand watch over all.

Duke Lomasa currently languishes in a chair at the main table near Voreyn. As he notices each of the others enter, he cracks a smile and rises slowly from his seat. Bedecked in his usual armored regalia, he stretches his arms out and stifles a yawn, bowing his head to those entering. "Welcome, fellows. I believe we have something short of a record. We actually seem to have every last one of us present. Good. But, I suppose the severity of the situations presented recently somewhat discount that."

He steps from behind the chair, beginning to pace the circumference of the chamber in a slow walk. "Please, takes your seats," he notes, giving a gesture to the table as he walks. "I'm quite saddened by the fact that I was the one that had to call this, and I hope that in the future the council as a whole, myself included, will be more willing to convene quicker than allowing major events to go about with little discussion. I'm ashamed of myself for having taken so long to address the problems of our time."

"I apologize. I was quite busy with trying to clean up the mess the Regent so kindly made for me," Duhnen replies dryly to Norran at that. He glances to the other nobles, nodding his head in greeting. "As I said I would, I'm going to steal the stage for a moment. I won't mince words. The Northreach internment must end, and the Tribunal has given us a clear manner to put it to a stop. I'm calling for the ending of all restrictions on travelling and living put upon the Marked Mages of Fastheld, and I wish for all of your support."

"If you wish to start a meeting on a good foot, Your Grace, I suggest you do it by welcoming us rather than chastising us like we are children," Voreyn replies serenely, turning and sitting up straight in her chair to eye the Duke Lomasa with a stern gaze. "We all of us have a great amount of problems to deal with on our terms." With that, she looks to Duhnen and quirks an eyebrow, surprised at the sudden burst of speech, but says nothing in response.

Sahna enters next to last, pacing over to her chair and taking a seat with a grave expression. She pulls her chair up to the table, lacing her hands. "If there is one thing that this Northreach imprisonment has determined, it is the fact that atrocities are what happen when perfectly good people choose to sit back and do nothing. There'd be a dozen children still with their families, if this travesty had not been condoned in the first place."

Tiris Kahar listens to his peers with a faint frown on his lips. He stands erect in the doorway, arms folded across his chest. The Wildcat Duke attends this meeting decked-out in the finery of war--a full suit of iron half-plate armor, complete with a sheathed longsword at his hip. Without acknowleding anyone in particular, he grunts softly and plods over to the council table. Tiris sets his scabbard on the table and, with one last protest of plate and chain, settles into his chair. The newfound silence of the Kahar's armor is echoed in in the man, himself. He says nothing, for now.

Rowena enters with a wry smile to the opening remarks, keeping herself silent as she tromps to her own seat, leaving a few clods of mud in her wake. Once there, however, she removes the cloak with a flourish and tucks it /very/ neatly around the back of her chair. "Good evening to you all as well," she murmurs and cranes her eyes upwards to stare at an annoyance along her temple. Her fingers pluck out the bur. "Fastheld is no stranger to dire times. We have survived all former and, with Light's grace, the city will stand to see another year. These events brewing beyond our personal horizon are most definitely a threat - that is no question. Might I say that permiting copious travel through the Aegis and into the wildlands however is most certainly not aiding in our security. For all we know, this consistent travel may lure those beasts over our border more frequently than we can handle."

As Voreyn speaks, Norran smiles faintly, giving a slight nod to her in reply as he continues to pace around the hall, dressed in quite the same manner as Tiris. "I meant no offense to any of you, and I apologize if I had. I had already welcomed, but that chastizing was /also/ directed at myself as equally as anyone else. We have many matters to discuss that have gone without our oversight for too long. Let this begin, then."

A nod is given to Duhnen, and then Rowena. "Both things I agree should be discussed. Unless there are any objections, let us deal with Duke Seamel's noted issue," begins Norran as he circles the room, steps vaguely echoing in the chamber as he walks. "Although," he pauses, glancing toward Duhnen, "Duke Seamel, you /were/ the one that volunteered his own township to this endeavor and accepted the measures. Although I agree I should have spoken against it from the start, I had more faith in the Regent's actions than I perhaps should. Whatever the case, recent conflicts have brought to case that, I agree, the internment should be ridden of entirely. All it does is give a focus point for the attacks and, although it will possibly be harder to predict future actions of the gargoyles, I believe more harm than good has been accomplished due to the Northreach initiative. I should say it either be entirely gotten rid of, or if the Regent reserves to chose to ignore our ruling, that it be moved to a less vulnerable location." This said, he waves his hand to the table of seated house leaders. "Please, each of you, speak your voice on the matter, then we'll have a vote of it, if there are no objections."

"I took them to my town, it's true, after I specifically asked for more discussion on the matter after the last Council meeting, and there was nothing of substance. So instead of allowing them to be shoved to the Shadow District where they'll be preyed upon, I took them under my wing, in the hopes that it'd be a temporary solution. Not to toss them to the wolves. But talking about that won't accomplish much now." He looks to those about. "If the Regent moves the Marked Mages, it /will/ be to the Shadow District, and from a talk I had with him, it sounds as if his solution to unrest and worry about whether he'll steal their children away would be by having them labor to clean up the old city. We need to step forward and say, as one voice, that this will not stand."

"Being against it from the start and having tried several unsuccessful times to sway the Regent's mind, I for one agree that the restriction against the Mages should be released," Voreyn replies quietly, clasping her hands atop the table and glancing down to them. She looks up to the others and frowns slightly, her gaze drifting to Sahna for a moment. "However, speaking out against the Regent is a delicate matter." It looks as though she has more to say, but she presses her lips closed and falls silent.

"He volunteered it because Zolor was going to dump us all in the Shadow District.. What was it you said, Norran? Gatetown isn't so bad?" Sahna replies, her voice flat and her gaze filled with scorn. "I'm going to explain this really slow so even you can understand it." She stands and speaks to Norran in the kind of voice one might use for a dim five-year old. "He. Had. To. Volunteer. Because. You. Were. Busy. Being. A. Gutless. Spineless. Coward. " She punctuates each word by smacking on the table. "Do you need me to use smaller words, Duke Lomasa?"

"How dignified." Tiris replies in a sonorous bartitone, his icy blue eyes resting heavily on Sahna. At length, he turns to address the rest of the table. "The Regent's plan came to be exactly as he wished, but for now it has ended. It serves no purpose for him, for us, and it harms the welfare of the Empire. I oppose it."

"Let us not begin with argument," Rowena says softly aside, turning her eyes to cast a sideways stare at Sahna. "These gatherings are long when tidings are well but endless when animosity speaks." Pausing, she nods to Duhnen, Tiris, and Voreyn.

"As citizens of the Empire every person should bear the responsibility to choose their fate - their home. Shoving hundreds together like livestock is indeed creating quite the beacon for attack. Duke Lomasa is correct in noting that such freedom does come with price as it will be more difficult to safeguard every individual over a widerspread area. More tasking to spy and record attacks. There is one place in our realm where Shadow cannot take substance," Rowena adds, settling into her chair by crossing her legs at the ankles and folding her arms over her wool bodice. "Where those of the touch become as normal men and women. Where Shadow is left at the gates. Where a gargoyle's attempt to fly leaves it as rubble upon the ground when the power fueling it has been diffused to nothingness. It would mean sacrificing a part of themselves, but...my lands are still open for further colonization."

Norran stops in his tracks and stares at Sahna throughout her rant, blinking his eyes a couple times. His brow twitches faintly and his left hand balls briefly into a fist, before it relaxes and the Duke relaxes visibly. "Unless I'm mistaken, Duchess Nillu, the only ones who've faced the Regent directly in this matter has been Duke Seamel and Duchess Zahir. You or I have little right to speak on who was right or who was wrong, and as Duchess Mikin indicates, such arguments are useless. I'll hope you could remain somewhat more civil in this situation, as much as you enjoy casting blame while doing nothing, as it helps neither of us. You've already threatened to kill my wife, I've really no desire to be the next on your list..." replies Norran, his words calm and measured, breathing a sigh at the end and resuming his walk around the council chamber. "Duchess Mikin brings up a very good idea, and I'm surprised this wasn't brought up before, possibly because the Duchess wasn't able to make it to the last. I'm quite glad this has been rectified. Although I'm not very fond of the idea of forcing them to another location, Light's Reach would be ideal. We've now a few options open in that regard. Instead of forcing them to Light's Reach, I say we end the forced internment and offer to all Touched shelter in Light's Reach if they're concerned for their safety, granting Duchess Mikin's permission. I think that's fit for a vote," decides Norran, his expression lightening significantly as he pauses and looks to the other council members. "If you're in favor of ending the internment and offering the option for Touched to stay in Light's Reach for the time being, signal it with any sort of positive. If you disapprove, a negative. For myself, Aye."

Duhnen regards Rowena. "I agree. Lets try to be civil. I know emotions can run high, but we have a responsibility. And...Duchess Mikin, it's a noble offer. But, would it really help to solve anything? They'd still be herded together. Kept away from their true homes, which sit gathering dust." He looks to Norran, at that, nodding his head slightly. "If Duchess Mikin agrees to take any who fear for their safety, then she would have the thanks of House Seamel. Otherwise, I agree. Aye, for the immediate ending of the current internment, but also to disallow any future forced ones, regardless of if they're in the Shadow District, or Light's Reach."

"You try being dignified after spending a few months living in a suite above a tavern in someone else's town. Dignity isn't worth a great deal when you're imprisoned without ever having comitted a crime." Sahna replies, her voice close to a snarl as she sits back down. "I'd truly like to see how well-tempered you'd all be." She regards Norran with a flat, icy expression. "Nay on Light's Reach. Taking them from one prison and throwing them into an even more restrictive one is out of the question."

"I believe that is a laudable caveat, Duke Seamel," Voreyn agrees, smiling faintly at the idea. She casts a sharp glance to Shana, however, and frowns. "/Yae/ on the ending of the forced internment and the option of the Touched to /choose/ to relocate to Light's Reach or return to their home, and yae on putting in place a restriction to prevent future penning of any of our citizens."

"I vote yes on ending the Mandate," Duke Kahar replies simply. For a moment, it looks like he is going to add something else, but in the end he just shrugs his pauldrons and leans back.

"Aye," Rowena votes, glancing to Duhnen and Sahna. "This Duchess forces no one. I simply will strongly advise. I'm sure Serath won't mind the added populace."

"Very well, then. The vote is unanimous. It is the ruling of this council that the internment be ended and that Touched, if they so choose it, be given the option of relocating to Light's Reach. After this meeting is concluded, since I called for it, I will save anyone the trouble and leave for Fastheld Keep at once to present the council's decision to the Regent, unless anyone else wishes to join me or there are objections. I volunteer merely as an offer," explains Norran, giving a nod and a chuckle as he makes his way to his seat and sits down, resting his arms on the table. "Last time we said we'd try to have drinks prepared. I wish I remembered," laments the Lomasa with a sigh, shrugging his shoulders and straightening his posture. "Very well, then. Now on to the business of the northern gate. Duchess Mikin proposes some sort of measure on travel through the northern gate, I admit I've never really thought about it before. The gate is well defended, but I hadn't considered what effect traffic could have on the situation. If anyone has any thoughts on the matter, please speak."

"I'll join you," Duhnen nods to Norran, before he pauses, and grimaces slightly, glancing down to his braced legs. "Or I would, anyway. Apologizes...seems that I'm making it a habit of speaking in haste tonight." He looks back to the group. "Part of the problem with travelling through the gate was rooted in the internment to begin with. I believe with it being eradicated, we should find irresponsible jaunts into the wildlands to drop in frequency, as people feel less trapped, and the need to just /go/ somewhere dissapears."

"I think that some of the trips into the Wildlands are necessary for those who have direct, important business with the Refuge; there is a party out now who I would see loathe to be stopped from their journey. However, the need to keep people from riding out into danger and doom seems to be ever present, as there are quite a lot of foolhardy subjects who reckon the danger worth it," Voreyn speaks up, rising up out of her chair just as Norran takes his seat. "I will go with you, your Grace," she murmurs to him as an aside before resuming the new subject. "As it is right now, the area is not safe. It is polluted with monstrous creatures who will just as soon slaughter all they come across. Until we can be sure of peace, we should not allow anyone without direct consent from, say, the Council, to do so."

Sahna drums her fingers on her knee, leaning back in her chair and staring at the ceiling. "The traffic will probably decrease somewhat, after the interment is over, yes, since people could just go through the aria once the restrictions are off. Crown's Refuge is supposedly going to be attacked soon, so who knows what effect that'll have on the foot traffic? It can't be as much as the aria, considering it's already regulated on an imperial level who can journey out there. Is there any documentation on just how much traffic the North Gate is seeing?"

Tiris shakes his head. Quickly, and somewhat dispassionately, he says, "I am unconvinced that the North Gate has caused any harm to the Empire, nor that closing it would diminish any of the evils we face. Citizens of the Empire are well aware of the dangers of the Wildlands, so I leave it to personal judgment whether to journey into it or not."

"I personally will feel safer if and when the wall is restored, but understand that some travel through the gate is useful as Duchess Zahir suggests. I would be in favor of placing a mandate regarding wildland travel restrictions but not banning it entirely." Rowena states and unfolds her arms to lay her hands flat on the table. A small, knowing smile is offered to Norran. "And very much in favor of a drink."

The Lomasa gives a slight nod, idly scratching at his beard. "I personally don't believe that any further restrictions are required upon the gate, as you already need to go through a lengthy registration process and acquire a permit in order to pass through the gates. I myself have been through the process, and you are made well aware of the dangers outside the gate. I don't believe any further restrictions are necessary and that travel through the gate should continue as it was, with the internment ended there isn't much more reason to worry of it. But out of fairness, a vote...All who agree the current restrictions aren't enough, a positive. If you're satisfied with the restrictions, a negative. Myself, a nay."

"Nay," Duhnen states, in short.

"Yae," answers Voreyn wearily, sighing and rolling her eyes toward the ceiling.

Sahna reaches in to the dispatch pouch at her waist and pulls out a bottle. Placing this on the table, she slides it over towards Rowena. "Nay."

"Nay, nay," Tiris Kahar answers impatiently.

"Trusting in the confidence of my peers...nay." Rowena grunts, eyeing the bottle suspiciously. Still, she snakes a hand outward to draw it closer and takes a tentative sniff.

Norran gives a nod to each member of the council as they vote, leaning back into his chair and folding his armored hands on the tabletop. "Very well. The nays have it. This council decides that current restrictions upon travel outside the Aegis are satisfactory. Well then, onward...this is an issue I'd like to bring up, that was brought up in discussion about the gate. There is currently a group or two out there, both led by Mikins, in Crown's Refuge. This leads me to a concern: There has been no official attempts at diplomacy with Crown's Refuge, and I believe this to be folly. I believe that this council should either appoint someone or select an Ambassador to Crown's Refuge to carry on relations with the township, as I think it's folly of us to merely ignore the presence of a valuable trade ally and allow others to speak on Fastheld's behalf. This kind of lapse is what led to the ban on nobility, which is something I hope we can work to overturn in an effort to start communication with them again."

"Did you have someone in mind for the position? I'm in contact with them frequently, already, and I know of many who trade frequently with them. I'd also like to assert House Seamel's legal right as owners of the land that all trade using the gate passes through."

"I disagree with that. It is folly on Crown's Refuge part to present no Ambassador nor leader to the Regent first," Voreyn speaks up, having taken her seat once more. "The Regent expressed his extreme dislike of Taran Songbird for touting the title of Ambassador and using it within the walls of Fastheld as if the Crown itself bestowed it upon them. While it may be our place to encourage communication between Fastheld and the Refuge, I do not see any merit in large-scale /trade/, and that should not be the foundation of our extended hand. Furthermore, with the hostilities against nobility put in place by the last Archon, it is not in Fastheld's best interest to place trust into the hands of ex-citizens at this present time, especially with a wanted criminal among their leaders."

The Duchess purses her lips and gazes around the council, her expression steady. "This is a matter of extreme delicacy and of too great an import to be decided on the whim of a single vote in a meeting that has already gone on long enough. I believe that the issue of what the Crown will do with Crown's Refuge is one that need be addressed with a fresh frame of mind and with full knowledge placed on the table. There are not enough hours in this evening to reach such a decision. I move for a suspension of this discussion for another date."

"Actually, regarding that, I've been in contact with the ambassador they sent us, Taran Songbird." Sahna replies, her gaze still blandly on the ceiling. "The first step would be to officially recognize him or whomever else they may assign as actually being able to travel in Fastheld so that they could then present themselves for recognition. Putting them in jail or trying to ride down their Archon with a horse is generally a diplomatic faux pas that we might want to avoid. With that taken care of, they'd probably come to us instead of us having to send someone out to them. But as for sending someone out to them, if it looked like a good idea? I'd say not until they remove that no-nobles ban. They could just ban Godric by name instead."

Tiris turns to Voreyn and, after a moment of consideration, nods in agreement with her. "If Crown's Refuge survives what is coming for them, then I believe we should open a dialogue. Perhaps Imperial aid during the battle to come will serve as a sign of our collective benevolence, where the Wildlanders have previously seen only the darker Shades of our nature. For now, though, we both have greater issues at stake than trade and travel policy. I agree with the Duchess Zahir, that this issue be postponed."

"Their unconcern for our politics and social standings makes them a very separate people, by their choice." Rowena releases her hold on the bottle but eyes it thoughtfully. "It's not certain that they would accept an ambassador...at least not one of our status. I know that I for one am welcomed to return as I wish, so I'm told, but as Duchess Zahir states, they have made their interests clear to us once already. Trade would be a risky thing - too risky for most to bother. Crossing the wildlands for the sake of delivering a bushel of crop or barrel of ale is not a task worthy of its costs. Nor would I accept any horse and wagon passing through my home from the Aria. I support the motion for suspension on this matter."

"Very well, then. As the opinions are divided, I'll also agree to a suspension until another time. As for the incident with Godric, I'll note that he has apologized to Duchess Mikin for such boneheaded foolhardyness in her lands and that the ban has been lifted. I'll also assure the Duchess that if such a thing happens again, or in anyone else's holdings, I can assure you he'll be ejected from the Knighthood forthrightly and never allowed to enter again. Also, a ban would not be necessary, because I can assure you he would be /quite/ difficult to find after the fact. I've given him a second chance in the matter and he knows full well what will happen to him should he forsake it. Although I am quite curious for what Duchess Nillu has decided to banish him for, I suppose it is best to ask that question after the resolution of this meeting as it's hardly council business. I will say that if it's some sort of new development, I can assure that he'll see the end of his days as a Knight or any sort of advancement within House Lomasa. However, the situation with the Archon in Light's Reach was somewhat of a failure in diplomacy. We sent no-one to speak with her on our behalf, and as far as I know, this 'Taran Songbird' never contacted the Regent or any member of this Council, and was certainly never discussed among us. I think if we make better attempts in the future, we can avoid that sort of mistake. Anyway, I have another matter, which is directly the matter of the urgency of this meeting," begins Norran, folding his hands once more and taking on a faint smile as he looks from left to right.

"We've come under attack from two sources of Shadow: The Black Wildlings, and the gargoyles. The gargoyles seem to be more of an immediate threat, as they are targetting Crown's Refuge and things seem not to be looking good. I ask this council: Should we bother to intervene, with our own Knights or to ask the Regent to intervene on Imperial authority in defense of this township, or should we stay to our own affairs? I myself am not sure, as these gargoyles are mysterious foes, but I'm always ready to fight if I'm needed. If Crown's Refuge falls, it's very likely they won't stop with it."

"Taran Songbird entered Fastheld through a controlled magical portal, and as such, my Cousin correctly arrested him to hold the peace of Northreach," Duhnen states at that. "He acted properly, but Master Songbird does seem to rather resent my whole family for it. Anyhow, Crown's Refuge is some distance away, and I believe the official stance on the city is that it's still a Protectorate of Fastheld."

"The Regent will not agree to it, as the Crown itself does not officially recognize it as a Protectorate. If it did, we would have far fewer issues with diplomacy," Voreyn states flatly, sighing heavily as she shifts in her chair before placing her palms flat on the table. "If we seek to aid Crown's Refuge in this upcoming venture, then it will have to be a personal decision for each House to make on their own. No matter what decision we arrive at in regards to sending Imperial troops into Crown's Refuge, I know for certain the Regent would refuse, and I am almost just as sure that those of the Refuge would also detest the invasion. If we choose to assist, I think it is a matter that need be discussed between those wishing to help and the Crown's Refuge leadership. Imperial support will have to wait until an official agreement has been reached between the Refuge and Fastheld." Sahna arches a wry brow. "That's all very nice, but he hasn't apologized to the people from Refuge, so I maintain that they'll still want to keep him nice and banned. As for fighting the gargoyles, most conventional forces would nearly mutiny at being forced to go defend a non-Fastheldian concern. Sending volunteers is both right and wise, but I don't think even the regent could compel anyone out there. I intend to inform the Nillu guard that anyone wishing to go defend Refuge has my leave and blessing to do so, certainly."

"Duchesses Zahir and Nillu are both correct," Tiris replies with a single nod. As an aside, he adds, "Though perhaps the word 'mutiny' is an overstatement." He clears his throat and continues, "The soldiers of the Watch should be prepared for a fight within the Aegis to defend their own homes, rather than sent outside it to defend the homes of those who would turn them away." The Wildcat Duke turns to Rowena. "That said, I have too much respect those of my kinsman who founded and fought for the Refuge to let it weather this storm unaided. I will dispatch members of my personal guard to assist in the protection of the city, and I urge others to do likewise."

"If those drakes of stone turn their interests to us then we will miss dearly any support we sent to the Refuge," Rowena mutters, finger-tapping the bottle. Oh yes. It smelled tasty. "We should prepare ourselves for battle before sending significant aid elsewhere. The ride to the Refuge is long and terrain greatly exposed. Any army sent would be quite vulnerable for many days. I doubt very seriously that most of our Knights know what it is they will face - the Shadow creatures only one small portion of the worries. Nature bears her own fangs against us. As far as where to direct the various House knights and Imperial order in /our/ land? Every House need prepare and secure its own grounds and the Imperial Order spread to protect the territories as needed. As Regent, it is his responsibility to ensure the safety of his people, afterall."

Very slowly, Rowena pushes the bottle back towards Sahna. She'd refrain. To Norran, she offers a bow of her head. "If you'll excuse me, Duke, I've lingered here as long as I can be allowed from the Hall for this eve. "If Crown's Refuge is skeptical of our presence in their midst presently, then I do not believe that the Regent is at all obliged to send aid their way. True, I am sure they will need it, and I hope that some may be spared, but done so out of courtesy after having ensured that we will be able to fend for ourselves without the men and women some of us might send. Because if any of our knights were to traverse to the rescue I would not bet heavily on their return."

"I agree. There is much Shadow to fight, and not quite enough men. I agree that it should be on a volunteer basis. I myself echo Duke Kahar's sentiment. Unfortunately, it is a principle of mine never to send my Knights anywhere unless I go with them, so I will go myself. It's this sort of legacy that nearly ensures that you'll be seeing a new Duke Lomasa sooner than later, though some if not most of you may not mind that," replies Norran with a wide grin, giving a bow of his head to Rowena. "Light keep you, Duchess Mikin. I'll ensure you're kept abreast of any further developments." With this, he looks to the remaining Council. "I will offer volunteers from my own Knighthood along with myself to aide in Crown's Refuge's defense. Is anyone else besides Duke Kahar and I interested in going? There is /also/ the matter of the Black Wildling threat, which is far more personal to us."

"I have sent my single Knight and a small group of volunteers as his entourage," Voryen states quietly, glancing down to her hands in her lap and hiding her face behind a falling lock of hair. "That is aught I feel House Zahir can spare, considering the threats that have been issued against the House and our lands. We will be preparing for our own battles, and so cannot afford to lose men." She pauses and looks up to Rowena, expression downcast and eyes glittery. "Yes, Light keep you Duchess Mikin."

"By mutiny, I refer to the mercenary's guild. The Seamel guard couldn't even be bothered to risk being near gargoyles long enough to walk 'touched citizens home at night. Although, if you look at the fact that it was Fastheld that dug them up in the first place, well.. That's neither here nor there, I suppose." Sahna responds, shaking her head. "I don't like the Mercenary's guild. When a duke gives you an order 'thanks but no thanks' shouldn't be an option. It's downright disrespectful." She grouses absently. "Good eve, Duchess Mikin."

"Careful of rushing in too quickly," Duhnen advises his brother-in-law, shaking his head slightly. He looks to Rowena, and places his hands on the table, in a motion that would be similar to the beginning of standing up, in a gesture. "Evening, your Grace. Be well."

"To be clear, I am not going," Tiris says with a glance to Norran. In an instructive tone, he adds, "As a Duke, my duty is to defend the lands of my House, Duke Lomasa, and I am of the opinion that I can do that better alive than not. Should I fall, I would hate for my kinsman to be without leadership during the trouble to follow." His gaze then slides to Rowena and he bows his head to her. "May the Light keep you, Your Grace. All my best to your betrothed."

"Shadow's thrown worse our way and we prevailed," Rowena offers in words of assurance to Voreyn, offering a nod of farewell to the others. "Wildlings are wildlings, black or green - athreat that need be rid of. I grow sick thinking of their claws on our children. I'd be happy to share my input on /that/ matter later but if decision must be made tonight, trust that you will have the sound mind to keep in consideration the benefit and safety of the realm as a whole - not just the lives of those ten, be they child or not. And thank you, Duke Kahar. I'm sure his headache from these growing messes will appreciate the well-wishings." A sly smile's tossed briefly to Duhnen with "I'll be well if you'll stay well. Keep off those legs as much as possible. I'd loathe to break them again for resetting." Winking, she turns her back and paces evenly for the door, then out.

"Of course, Duke Kahar. I apologize if it seemed like I was volunteering you. I suppose we can save talk of Black Wildlings until the matter of the gargoyles is cleared up. I for one wish to bring aggression upon them, but if the gargoyles kill me I won't be much in the mood for fighting anymore, as depressing as that is. If you'd like, Duke Kahar, I can lead your men up to the Refuge with me. I've ridden there a couple times. The journey is long, but I know it." He pauses, then, looking over to Duhnen with a grin and a chuckle. "You're one to talk, but I agree. I thank you for the concern, but I wouldn't feel right sending men off to die without sharing the risk." He leans back in his chair, then, breathing a sigh as he looks over to Sahna. "And, Duchess Nillu, he was going to apologize to the Archon, but then she was apparently deposed. The wildlanders seemed to enjoy her attitude as far as Godric did."

"Just wished to express my concern. I don't want to see you injured," Duhnen nods to Norran at that. "Still. I'm of the mind that it should be an individual House decisions, as has been said. And there my support stands."

Voreyn reaches up to push a lock of hair back behind her ear, casually swiping at her cheek as she does so. With a resigned sigh, she rises up in her seat as well and glances around to the Council. "If there are no other issues to be placed tonight, I would like to take my leave. There is a great deal of preparation to be completed still."

Sahna pulls herself up from her seat as well, rolling her neck a bit to work the stiffness out. "Duchess Zahir, if you're not in a great deal of hurry, I could use a few moments with you in private." She adds, patting her robe to soothe out any wrinkles to the silk from sitting.

The Wildcat Duke glances around the table, waits for a moment, then stands. It takes him a few seconds to get fully upright, and as usual, his armor makes a good deal of noise. He picks up his scabbard and walks around the table towards Norran. "Allow me some time to consider who I will entrust my men to. For now, you mentioned an audience with the Regent? I'm curious as to your intentions."

"If there are no other issues that any council member wishes to address, then yes, I suppose the meeting is over," answers Norran with a nod, rising from his seat and looking over at Sahna and Voreyn. "Duchess Nillu, after you're finished with Duchess Zahir, I'd like to speak with you on the matter of my kin if you have time. I don't know how long I'll be gone, so I'd like it taken care of." As Tiris approaches, he bows his head and chuckles somewhat. "Oh, just to present him with the Council's decision on internment. The Regent instituted it, so he would have to be the one to overturn it. I'd like to deliver it myself instead of a courier to express our solidarity. Why do you ask?"

"If you so desire a private conversation, Duchess Nillu, I would be happy to oblige," Voreyn replies to Sahna, stepping away from the table a few paces to allow room for shuffling about. "Where would you like to go?"

"I've nothing to add, myself," Duhnen states, shaking his head slightly. He nods to the two ladies as they begin to leave. "Good evening, your Graces. Travel safely."

Sahna looks over to Norran and seems, for a moment, to be on the brink of refusing. She shakes her head as if to clear it. "Of course, Duke Lomasa. Duke Seamel should be present for this as well, considering you banned the Duchess Seamel from Lomasa territories. It'd be nice if we could take care of both matters at once, in the interest of saving time." She manages a more natural smile to Voreyn, gesturing to the hall. "Anywhere private is fine, it won't take long, Duchess."

"Of course. Then if Your Graces will beg pardon, I wish the rest a good night and Light keep," Voreyn offers to the others before turning about to head out onto the concourse quickly.

"I would like to be present for that discussion," Tiris says to Norran. He turns to bow his head briefly to Duhnen and the departing Duchesses, but he says nothing to them before returning to the Lomasa. "I have yet to meet the Regent, but I feel I should before we are in more dire times."

"Of course, Duke Kahar. We'll go there within the next few days. I'll let you know what I can arrange," Norran tells Tiris with a welcoming smile and a nod, before peering over to Sahna and slightly quirking an eyebrow. "...excuse me?" he asks, eyes rather dumbfounded. "I believe there's been a gigantic misunderstanding."

"I'm quite content to sit here, for the moment, so if I'm to be included in a conversation it will need to be in this room," Duhnen states at that, glancing between Sahna and Norran.

"I'm pretty sure Gabriella's under the impression you banned her, but we'll deal with that shortly then. I'll be back in a few minutes." Sahna answers, before escaping with Voreyn.

A few moments later, Sahna returns to the hall:

"Perhaps I should ask the Regent for permission? There is the chance they may decide to replace me if I decide to go immediately. I may as well, just to make sure," ponders Norran aloud, giving a nod toward Duhnen. "True, Duhnen, but they made me Duke as their first choice. The prospects were, clearly, already quite thin." To Tiris, he gives a traditional hand-over-the-heart salute and a deep bow. "Light be with you, Tiris. I'll see you soon for the journey to Fastheld Keep."

"Aye, but I mean, if you leave without any notice, then your House will need to delve through those thin prospects and find someone else. Perhaps Dianna's brother? I haven't seen him for some time. Regardless." Duhnen shrugs and nods to Tiris. "Safe journey."

Tiris returns the Blade's Salute half-heartedly before turning to plod to the door. "Light keep, Your Grace," he says to Duhnen on his way past. Jingling and clanking, the Wildcat Duke makes his way towards the door.

Sahna returns a few minutes later, looking considerably cheerier than when she left. In fact, she looks genuinely happy, that is, until she reaches the Dukes. That takes her mood down a few notches, but her expression lacks the bitterness and anger from the meeting. "You could always leave it Farell. He's smarter than he acts."

The Wildcat Duke inclines his head to Sahna as he passes. He strides out of the council chamber undaunted.

"Farell?" adds Norran, blinking and scratching at his head. "I never did think about him, he was quite the prospect. I haven't seen him since he invested in that new venture. Perhaps I shall, I'll hold off making any judgements. He might be as reclusive as Arturo. However, I believe in not counting on my death, though I will prepare for it," admits Norran with a grin, before his expression thins a bit while he looks over to Sahna. "Well then. I think Gabriella misunderstood me greatly. To start with, I would /never/ banish a noble without talking to their respective Patriarch or Matriarch first to see if there was some recourse, as I take such things very seriously. Also, I would never banish Gabriella even if she decided to break into my bedchambers, dance on my head and hit me with a chamberpot. She's my sister, and as much as she loathes it, she's a Lomasa. She'll always remain the two, no matter what my feelings, /and/ it would be a political disaster since Duhnen would not like it very much. If I /were/ to do it, I would talk to him extensively on the matter. I do this because banishing indiscriminately without knowing the entire methods behind it could lead to potentially disasterous decrees that could irreparably harm relations with another House. Sort of like what's happening at this very moment," explains Norran quite calmly, arching a brow as he scratches at his neck. "I also send a letter of my account of what occured that night to Duhnen, as I know Gabriella has a penchant for misunderstandings whenever I'm involved. Like how she thought I disowned her, when I clearly never had. There was also never any decree, as I would announce it if I were to banish a noble of any noteworthiness."

Sahna leans against the edge of the table, folding her hands across her chest. "Knowing Gabriella, she might just do that some day. You'll probably survive though, Norran. I'm just not that lucky." The last bit is stated teasingly, rather than with the rancor she was showing at the council meeting. "As for Godric, I'll be direct; I took him to task for insulting Tor, yes, but you should've heard the things he was saying about the Seamels, in Northreach, no less. I warned him at the time that I'd ban him if he didn't learn how to shut his trap, and not even a week later Gabriella tells me he was doing it _again_. So I banned him, like I promised I would. That's the crux of the matter, Norran, and I guarantee it wasn't just to be spiteful-- I /swore/ to him the first time that it was the course of action I would take, and I'm just keeping my word, here."

"There's a lot more I need to learn, and plenty that I've heard," Duhnen states to Norran with a half shrug, nodding over to Sahna. "Such as things like that. For now, however, I need to return to Northreach to organize things, as the road will likely be chaos, once the internment is revoked." He waves up his two men and somehow, with all three working together, he makes his way out.

"It sounds as if this Gefrey Seamel should be defending himself, not the Duchess of House Nillu, no offense meant. Godric clearly has a personal agenda against this Gefrey, but it is a dispute between two /Barons/. It is not the domain of Duchy to banish minor nobility surely because they've a disagreement with minor nobility. If he personally offended you, I'd understand, but he told me that he apologized to you immediately after the slight. Was this a lie? If it was, I would understand, but if he did, he's making slights of noblemen not even of your House, Sahna. If I banished every nobleman who dared criticize my own kin, East Leg would be a barren wasteland," replies Norran, his voice somewhat surprised as he looks toward Sahna and folds his arms across his breastplate. "I'll tell you exactly what happened. I was sitting by myself in the Bull's Eye Taphouse, in /my/ lands, and in /my/ favorite tavern! She comes in, my squire is sitting nearby and is taking a meal. She and I discuss a variety of things, before she eventually leaves. She makes a comment to my squire about Seamels being excellent horsemen. You and I know the pride of noblemen when it comes to horses, and a 14-year-old boy is really no different. He starts to laugh, but is stopped midway by choking on his food. I calm him down. Gabriella decides to turn about and tell my squire, 'You'll never be more skilled with a knife than I'. My squire, however, does not take this very lightly. He begins to go off in a tangent about his ability to fence, but I quiet him myself before he could finish a sentence. Gabriella decides to turn around, once again, and I apologize to her for my squire's outburst while keeping him quiet. She decides to go over to him again and claim, 'I could slit you from throat to navel with my little knife before you could even draw your sword', then turns to leave again."

"Threatening to kill my squire is a thing that only Gabriella could ever get away with and still be able to walk of her own free will out of East Leg. I was /more/ than accomodating to her. She leaves," begins Norran, sighing as he continues. "Godric then arrives, and begins to talk to Regius and I about a girl he's courting, Viscountess Nayla Zahir. She then arrives, and he introduces her to me. As we're talking, Gabriella comes in, apparently she never paid for her mead. I greet her again, and as we're talking she decides to say, while looking directly at the poor girl, 'The only ones you seem to bring here are curs and snakes'. The Viscountess apologizes to Gabriella, but she's clearly upset and nearly welling with tears. I decide that that's enough. I tell her that I'll pay for her cider, and ask her politely to leave. She argues with me about never meaning to insult Nayla, but she refuses to apologize to the girl. I ask her again, politely, to leave, and she starts to. Godric then apparently decides to make a joke about Gefrey as she leaves when she's clearly muffled in the din, but she turns around and completely loses her composure. Threatens to banish Godric for insulting her kin, I tell her she's overreacting. Godric apologizes to Gabriella for the slight, but she continues to insist he be banished. I /tell/ her, this time, that she's gone too far to insult other nobility infront of me in our own tavern, and that she'll be escorted to the gates if she doesn't leave. I also tell her I'll be speaking with Duhnen about this. She doesn't relent, and I tell her that I'll escort her to her carriage myself if she doesn't leave. She finally does. I write a letter to Duhnen telling him everything that happened, and I ask him to understand. He never responded, but I've never seen a decree of Godric being banned."

Sahna rubs at her tattoed cheek with a grimace. "Godric may have laid into Gefrey, but I don't care so much about that. What upsets me is, he called Tor names too, and Tor is the _one_ Nillu who's been doing his damndest to support me instead of dumping everything on my shoulders. That and Godric had the sheer _gall_ to insult Duhnen, and you know how long Duhnen and I have been friends. He's always just so damned lenient, even on people who spit on him and all of the danger and effort he's gone through to help others. Your 'knight' was making fun of Duhnen, and most especially of everything Duhnen had done to try and make Northreach safe. I don't think you fully realize, Norran, just how precarious his position is or just how much he stuck out his neck on this business with Zolor. There are few words for how angry I am with your kinsman, Norran, and /that/ came from the earlier incidents. The business with Gabriella just spurred me into action. It isn't just pride or spite, although I have plenty of both." She pauses to finish listening to Norran, expression genuinely troubled. "I don't get along with Gabriella either, you know this. But I'm trying to make nice with her these days, just like I've been trying to make nice with Milora. Gab's scared, Norran. Terrified. The kids are almost all touched, and powerfully so, at that.. And you can't tell me you haven't seen how much flak Duhnen's been getting, trying to run Northreach. Everything she holds dear is in peril at the moment, and she's barely sane even when things are _good_. A few weeks ago, she had a knife to her own throat. As for Duhnen.. Well, pending investigation, he's upholding the ban. "

"And what will you do, Sahna? Banish every fool of a landless noble who thinks he can say whatever he wants when there's no Duchy around? Every Baron's guilty of that. Godric may be a fool, but I assure you, he's a fool with his heart in the right place. I put a fear in him after the Light's Reach incident, and he's turned completely around. Might actually marry that Zahir girl, although Gabriella also lied as she left and told the Zahir that Godric had been 'consorting with a Nillu'. Sahna, the only Nillu Godric's ever spoken with is you, and I quite doubt he's done a very good job as far as you're concerned, considering things," scoffs Norran with a frown, reaching a hand to rub at his brow. "I'm keeping him in line quite well, I assure you. If he causes another situation like this I assure you he knows his primary goal in life will be torn from his grasp. As much as you think he's a fool, he doesn't deserve this sort of treatment. And I'd hope either of you could trust me enough to come to this manner before dispensing banishments on any of my kin, exactly as I would do with yours. And when has Duhnen banished Godric? I've heard of no decrees, and he hasn't told me."

Sahna pushes away from the table and paces, her hands folded behind her back. "Gabriella banished Godric, and for now, Duhnen's upheld it pending his review, like I said." She looks at the table, then back to Norran with a frown. "He's interacted with Tor too, you forget Tor. But as for the 'consorting' bit, Gabriella was for some reason under the impression that I was sleeping with Godric, which.. Good gad, no. I corrected her with all due haste and informed her that my current fling was Varal." She hitches her shoulders, in a shrug. "He's welcome to Nayla Zahir and I wish them well. I know my taste in men is bad, but it's not quite _that_ horrible. Besides, I wrote to you to inform you of the ban. I think that's about as much courtesy as was due."

She paces for a bit, then continues in a different vein, "As for your question in the council meeting earlier, there was a reason I didn't go with Duhnen in the first place to offer Nillu lands also as a place for mages, and it wasn't because I didn't know about it or didn't support it. My temper makes me a liability when facing off against the regent and I didn't want to make things worse. That's the same reason I won't tag along when you deliver our collective 'decree', because I don't think he's just going to roll over and accept it. Be very careful, Norran, when dealing with Zolor Zahir."

"Gabriella has no authority to banish anyone, just as Milora doesn't. Both titles of Duchess is entirely honorary, Sahna. It's Duhnen's choice whether to listen to his wife or banish a man just because she can't stand to go on without getting her way. Godric may be a fool, but he /doesn't/ deserve this. And neither does House Lomasa. This banishment hurts my entire House along with relations of your own. If you hate him so much, you come to me. If Duhnen hates him so much, you come to me. The purpose of a Duke is to oversee his House and protect his House's interest. If he badgers the Duchy, I will ensure he no longer does. All banishment without any due cause will do is further irritate things. It's unwise, and it unfairly punishes those that shouldn't be," replies Norran, frowning somewhat now as he looks toward Sahna. "Godric's comments toward Tor are just because of his relation with Gefrey. If either of you had come to me, it would've been settled. However to settle them, these are disagreements between /Barons/. Nobles handle such things amongst themselves, their Patriarchs aren't intended to step in to defend them, as nobility are supposed to be able to handle their own affairs. It's when another Duchess and Duke eyes them that you're supposed to go in and settle the peace. As for Zolor, I've never insulted him before and I'm certain he's no bias against me."

...Norran peers at Sahna in reference to Varal. "I'd quite appreciate it if you never mentioned that to me again. The nightmares will be quite horrible enough."

Sahna tosses up her hands, snorting. "She has the authority if Duhnen supports it, because while she might be honorary, he's a duke. And he's her husband, if she's adamant enough of course he'll uphold it." She grins at Norran, looking surprisingly amused. "What's wrong with that? He's good looking enough, and there's no temptation to actually feel anything for him or vice versa, because he and I are just that.. Well.. Different. Which means it's an ideal no-strings attached thing, since I have no intention on ever letting myself get emotionally smashed up so badly ever again. But Godric /does/ deserve this, or at least the ban from Nillu lands. He's earned this fate with full warnings and I really don't see any reason to remove it; You can't damage what's not there, Norran. The only thing House Lomasa and House Nillu do for one another is leaving one another alone, and you aren't going to make other people suffer by changing that over one man any more than I am. If some Nillu pissed you off enough to warrant a banishment from Lomasa lands, I'd understand that and support it, no matter how I might feel about you personally. There's no reason to come to you and ask permission to banish someone from my lands, so I simply informed you of my decision as was proper, and that decision _stands_."

"You banished him solely because you refuse to believe you're wrong, Sahna. You banish him because you can't trust your own kin to defend his name with a duel, as Godric's been pushing, and is the /noble/ way to handle this. He apologized for his slight to you, Sahna, and we do plenty of trade with Hawk's Aerie. It's hard not to. Just because we leave eachother alone doesn't mean our Houses do by any circumstance, as there's quite many Nillu-Lomasa pairings. Our Houses our intertwined and will be even after we're both long dead, neither of us can change it, but senseless acts like this will hurt both our families. You don't have to 'check' with me before you banish someone, but for reasons as flimsy as this, it might have been a better reason to do so while being amiable with House Lomasa. But you can't do even that. Very well. Let your decision stand, but it'll bring us both a great deal of pain before the end of it. Light keep, Sahna," mutters Norran, his face falling significantly as he rubs a hand against his jaw, turning to make his way steadily toward the Concourse.

"I don't think you've been listening, Norran." Sahna states, the amusement dissapearing from her features. "But yes, it /is/ just like you to want to solve everything with a duel. Nevermind that people can still be right even if they can't lift a sword. Since you've offered, though, I accept on behalf of my kinsman's honor, because I am not as helpless as I once was. I've explained it to you that your kinsman insulted one of my oldest friends, my kinsman, and myself; I've explained my desire not to drag this into a larger matter, but that isn't good enough for you because you can't imagine other people not conforming to what you want. So you may inform Godric Lomasa that you have comitted him to a duel with me, and tell him I hope he enjoys being on fire, because I'll burn him to a cinder."

"Noble duels are solved with like weapons. He has no Touch. Unless you fight him with a likely weapon, there is no honor in such a duel. You clearly don't understand the ways of the men you proclaim to defend, Sahna," replies Norran, halting and turning to look at Sahna quite seriously. "Duels are more than merely thrashing a man into submission in order to get him to agree with you. It is proof of bravery and honor. The vast majority of issued duels are ended before they even begin as a compromise is normally reached between the two parties, one or the other willing to give up an item or some imperials or their pride in an apology. Duels only occur when both men are so convinced that they end up fighting and, in the end, both survive with honor of having gone through it, despite whoever loses. That is the meaning of honor, a concept which you've apparently abandoned. Countless Barons and other minor nobility dance this dance every day, and it has worked quite fine for some time. But what you propose a fight where one is armed and the other is not, as if one man were armed with a bow and the other with a sword. There is no honor in that. You're driven purely by your rage, and you care little of anything else. I don't know why you cannot stand for reason to a man who's seen his punishment."

"Both men, eh? So if I'm not big and brawny and male and can't carry a sword, I don't have any rights or honor? Oh no, Norran, that's not how it works, and there's no law that says I can't defend myself with the means that are naturally available to me." Sahna answers, her smile broadening.. It's not a nice smile anymore, no, not at all. "The amnesty states that provocation must be involved if I use my gifts with intent to harm. A duel is provocation. I am fully willing to reach a compromise after I've maimed him and possibly destroyed his mind. I can posthumously unban him, perhaps. As for honor, you're not one to talk.. You don't have any. You can couch it in all the polite terms you want, Norran, but when it all boils down to it, you're a selfish, arrogant, and petty.. With absolutely no right to criticize me, because at least I /admit/ to my character faults."

"Provocation is not a duel. A duel is a means of settling conflict. If he were to just attack you, then yes, that is provocation. But if you break the rules of a duel, and you kill a man, you're no better than a murderer. It's pure cowardice, Sahna, there are no politics in it. You can't lie your way out of it. You needn't be a man, but like weapons are require so that the duel is fair and honorable. Your sister would understand that, and I'm quite confident she'd never stoop to pulling out her bow and shooting a man in a duel. She knows honor. I may have erred, but you use the challenge of a duel merely as an excuse to commit murder. I know my faults, but I'm no murderer." Norran shakes his head to himself, his frown deepening as he looks at Sahna. "I never thought you'd fall this far. I don't know how you could look your kin in the eye with your selfishness. Your cousin would understand the implications, he would fight fairly. Godric is not too great of a swordsman, he could probably prevail, but you deny him the chance to defend his own cowardice."

Sahna rolls her eyes, shaking her head. "So I should just roll over and take any insult, because it wouldn't be 'fair' to do otherwise? What about the fairness of that small-minded thug you made a knight, happily trouncing all over anything he thinks can't defend itself? As for /lies/, you're the local expert, not me." She takes a step towards Norran, snorting. "Those are fine words from someone with such blood-coated hands as you have. You're just like Godric. You'll pick on anyone too small to fight back, then if they somehow do, you'll cry foul. I'd say I never thought /you'd/ fall this far, but really, it just doesn't surprise me very much. You always did like blaming your problems on everyone but yourself. Tell Godric I look forward to meeting him on the field of 'honor'."

"I've never used my blade for anything but to defend the honor of my house, Sahna. A sword is a dangerous weapon, but in my hands, it becomes something more. I've never even dared think to use it for something selfish, because I know what being drunk on that sort of power could do to me. It could make me as callous and uncaring as you are, for that's all you've shown yours to be. Your Baron is the one who's been dishonored, and not you. Godric is under no expectation to accept a duel from someone who is only brave enough to fight them with their shadow magicks. Perhaps you should actually speak with your Baron. See what he thinks about you wishing to slay a man unfairly because you think he can't defend his own honor. If he's a shred of decency, he'll beg you to leave it to him. But I doubt you'll give him the opportunity. This is a fight between Godric and Tor and Gefrey, Duchy shouldn't be interefering with the honor of Barons."

Sahna simply responds, "I see why Lomasa's symbol is the bull.. It's because the scions of Lomasa are filled to the brim with absolute bullshit. Go be a self-righteous hippocrite somewhere else, Norran."

"If that's really all you can say about it, I have little to worry of. Tiris told me I was a Knight first and a Duke second, but you're neither," laments the Lomasa, exhaling deeply and walking to take up his claymore leaning against the table, keeping the sheathed weapon in his hand as he turns to makes his way silently out of the chamber.

"You probably don't have much to worry about. Your kinsman, though, he's got plenty to worry about now." Sahna answers, smirking. She turns and walks off, just shaking her head.

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