Beyond the Sky - Session 36.7

In the early afternoon, Invesse heads round to where the Queen resides, moving past multiple guards who give her strange looks, eventually making her way to the door.
Invesse raps at the door, running a hand across her forehead nervously.
Queen Rozeal: "Yes, who is it?"
Invesse: "Invesse. One of Adrian's retainers. I understand there was a summons?"
Queen Rozeal: "Ah yes, Freyja, if you could?"
A loud clunking can be heard, and the door unlocks, revealing the face of the General Freyja.
General Freyja moves away from the door, sitting down awkwardly at a seat.
General Freyja: "Do not mind me, I will be leaving soon."
The room is laid out for lunch, a selection of cake and biscuits available, and an ornate tea set out.
Invesse nods, stepping in quietly and bowing to the queen.
Queen Rozeal: "Sorry about this... I was expecting you a little later."
Invesse: "As long as I am not burdening you, Your Eminence."
Queen Rozeal: "Of course not! I wanted to catch up with you with a spot of tea."
General Freyja: "Only security has been rather tight as of late. We have been warned of threats to the crown."
Invesse pours herself a cup, before taking a seat.
Invesse: "I was briefly prompted on that matter. Adrian had mentioned the letter."
General Freyja: "Indeed... it's quite worrying that we know nearly nothing of this "Guile", save for that he visited the Queen on two occasions now."
Invesse: "That is as alarming as the news on the note, isn't it? The individual known as 'Guile'... I have a memory of him. It is hard to determine if he is friend or foe, however."
Queen Rozeal: "Oh! You have a memory too?"
"You wouldn't mind sharing it with us, would you?"
Invesse: "He was questioning me aggressively. Best I can understand, he was trying to find out as much as he could about the upper echelon's of Eribe's regime."
Invesse looks to the side, in thought.
Invesse: "I could recognise his face, if I saw it. Otherwise, further disclosure..."
Queen Rozeal: "Your memory still a bit fuzzy too?"
"It's just one problem after another..."
"First conflict with Ashdale, then Guile, now assassination threats, and in the future... war..."
Invesse: "Not exactly fuzzy, Your Eminence. That memory, at least, is clear as day. But further disclosure of it means explaining myself."
Queen Rozeal: "Ah? Perhaps this would be reserved for a more private conversation."
"Freyja, darling?"
General Freyja: "Of course. I'm overdue to resume my duty."
General Freyja gets up, bowing to Invesse, before, opening the door, taking a huge sword in the corner with her.
Invesse looks up the towering general and bows, watching her depart.
Queen Rozeal: "Ah, this is a lot better. So! Invesse, what is on your mind?"
Invesse looks at the door sheepishly.
Invesse: "With the news of all these threats, and tightened security, I feel I should get make this clear before we continue. Adrian has also asked me to be candid with you."
Queen Rozeal: "Of course. I won't judge you harshly, I can assure you that. But it looks like there's a lot of things on your mind."
Invesse: "My professions prior to becoming Adrian's attendant were Assassin, Spy and Enforcer. All serving Eriban leadership."
"While I bear no allegiance with them any more, it does feel wrong for me to be alone in here with you, Your Eminence."
Queen Rozeal: "Oh, I see... But you now use what you gained to work against them, yes?"
Invesse: "That is correct. What I have witnessed and done... I would like to right those wrongs."
Queen Rozeal sips her tea daintily.
Queen Rozeal: "Would you care to go into more detail of how you... um, did fall into that line of work?"
Invesse: "It is all I have known. My earliest memories are not of my parents, but my first master. He was kind to me and rewarded my studies and work well."
"'twas not until about a month ago had I seen that line of work from the other side."
Queen Rozeal: "A month ago... you mean your boyfriend's child?"
"Adrian's talked a lot about you recently."
Invesse flushes, trying to force away an embarrassed smile.
Invesse: "His values fascinate me."
Queen Rozeal: "No need to be flustered~ I know how it is, and I've seen love change people a great deal."
"Oh?"
Invesse: "He is a pragmatist, and yet, his goals are more utilitarian. He considers what is most right, both out of necessity and method."
Queen Rozeal: "Indeed. He always seems to try and do what's best, even if his methods may be a little... questionable at times."
Invesse: "I don't know, he is always striving to find the right balance."
"Constantly observing and improving oneself. That is the key to brilliance, I was taught."
Queen Rozeal: "Indeed. He seems to follow quite a similar mindset of those who worship The Empty Lord."
Queen Rozeal smiles happily.
Queen Rozeal: "He's also quite the charming and handsome individual, isn't he~?"
Invesse: "He is. He makes me more confident in myself."
Queen Rozeal: "More confident in yourself?"
Invesse: "I used to have my life laid out for me. A simple one. I collect this money or item, or punish this lawbreaker, I get rewarded."
"Then, when I had to evade the empire, I was by myself."
"Adrian helped me find my way."
Queen Rozeal: "And now you've got your own goals, your own ideals and you can act without needing o be commanded?"
Invesse: "That is correct. Thankfully, I can pursue them by his side."
Queen Rozeal: "That's so sweet. I want you to know you two have my blessing~"
Invesse: "Thank you..."
"Hm, Your Eminence, you mentioned Lord Zulio?"
Queen Rozeal: "Ah, yes, what of it?"
Invesse: "It made me think. The recent events and discoveries in my life had led me to lose faith, but... I think I may have more confidence in that too, now."
"I was going to mention that letter. 'Masked Men' would imply Deepborn, would it not?"
Queen Rozeal: "I'm not sure..."
Invesse: "That's the thing. Most Deepborn are quite honourable."
Queen Rozeal: "I'm worried it means that Azzanadra is our assassin... but I've been specifically told by Adrian he's trustworthy."
Invesse: "He is. Azzanadra is someone I would put my life on the line for, even after all I had been through in Eribe."
"As someone who has spent a year and a half under a mask, I can point to another faction."
Queen Rozeal: "Oh, do tell~"
Invesse: "The 'Shadowscales' are the Emperor's highest calibre of assassins and operatives. They wear masks when performing their work."
Queen Rozeal: "Oh, were you one up until recently...?"
Invesse: "Yes. It was shortly after my promotion, when I underwent those tasks, did I begin to doubt the Empire."
Queen Rozeal: "Because of Silske?"
Invesse: "Learning more of the duties, and seeing more into his way of life..."
"He does not see people in the way you do, Your Eminence. To him, they are but assets and playthings."
Queen Rozeal: "He has a literal god complex, you would say? Did you spend much time around him?"
Invesse: "Little bits, here and there. Hard to say about the complex, but he was absolutely above everyone."
"When you have that degree of power... I believe it draws you away from any degree of empathy."
Queen Rozeal: "I see..."
"It's horrible to see what happens to people with too much power..."
"Sometimes I wonder how I haven't fallen under power's spell."
Invesse: "I cannot say I know you well enough to provide much insight. Hmm... what drives you, personally?"
Queen Rozeal: "Hmm..."
"I want to be able to make sure my people are safe and happy."
Invesse smiles.
Queen Rozeal: "I want them to prosper, and do what I can."
Invesse: "Then hold onto that dream. I believe that is what keeps you on your peoples' level."
Queen Rozeal: "Mhm. I try my hardest."
"Hah... Valaire said I was radiant and brilliant... I don't think I'm there just yet, especially not with my leg..."
Invesse: "I think she has a point."
"So long as you continue to fight on in spite of that burden, you will shine."
"A queen with humility and courage is one any commoner can look up to and be proud."
Queen Rozeal: "Heh... I used to be a commoner, you know."
"Just the same as any other ordinary person... I didn't even expect to make my way up to being royal."
Invesse: "Life is not something we can predict, is it?"
Queen Rozeal: "Indeed, it can take you by surprise at the most sudden of times, no?"
Invesse sighs in relief, cutting herself a slice of cake.
Invesse: "I've been pushing to surprise myself whenever I can. Try new things, talk more about myself....
Queen Rozeal: "And it's working, isn't it?"
"You sound like you've benefited a lot from this life change."
Invesse: "I need to. It's my own to take care of, now."
Queen Rozeal: "You even got to take off your mask... and I must say, Adrian's a very lucky man."
Invesse retreats a little.
Invesse: "Hopefully, some of the colour has returned."
Queen Rozeal: "You look a liiiittle more Zeltrian than you did before. You could probably pass for one of us if you wanted~"
Invesse: "...do I need a mirror? Please tell me you jest."
Queen Rozeal: "Well... I guess if you've worn a mask for years... it may make you a bit paler."
"Is this bad?"
Invesse: "Of course. Fitting in with Zeltrian tone is a bit much though, isn't it?"
Queen Rozeal: "I would say you could definitely pass as someone from... say, Adrian's own fiefdom."
Invesse looks down, tapping her chin.
Invesse: "I don't know if Adrian had mentioned to you. We have been contemplating a brief venture into the abyss."
Queen Rozeal: "...metaphorically, or...?"
Invesse: "In a literal sense. To find something to turn the war around."
Queen Rozeal: "Oh! I think Kallian mentioned something about this..."
"It's the plane of magic, no?"
Invesse: "Yes. There are a number of problems ongoing there, but it is becoming a more appealing quarry of late. Exotic powers and slower time progression are both welcome in this time of emergency."
Queen Rozeal: "Especially if you can do something about these frightening beasts..."
Invesse: "Truly, it is a dangerous time to be alive."
"It is good that your land has as warm a public face as you, to rally its people."
Queen Rozeal: "It sometimes makes me feel like I'm a failure as a Queen... I'm capable of leading? But what sort of country would want a leader who can't stand up for them? Fight for them?"
Invesse: "You don't need to. Leave that to us."
"There are many soldiers, and magi, and spies, and what have you. Those are the speciality of the likes of Adrian, or Kallian, or Freyja. But there still needs to be someone to safeguard the hearts and wills of the common people. The farmers, the smiths, the builders, the scribes."
"If you cannot fight with a sword, then fight to strengthen the hearts of the people. For the people are the heart of Zeltria."
Queen Rozeal: "Right... I cover for that where others can't."
"Thanks, Invesse, you're quite motivational!"
Invesse: "One of the things that first got me interested in Adrian were discussions of philosophy."
Queen Rozeal: "Ah! Philosophy! I remember when I talked about that."
"Not so much, anymore..."
Invesse: "A shame. If you feel lacking right now, it would be helpful to reflect on the good you do. ...that's also something I've been making myself do, of late."
Invesse looks to the door, rubbing her head in thought.
Queen Rozeal: "Getting a little restless?"
Invesse: "Open-ended discussion is still a little strange to me. I would not be opposed to future discussions of philosophy, though it may be difficult given my history and our current business."
Queen Rozeal: "I would love to do it with you whenever you're free~"
Invesse: "Perhaps we should. Maybe involve the young Prince, too. I think it would help him lead when the time comes."
Queen Rozeal: "Indeed. Though with the recent advances he's been making... I have high hopes for his rule."
Invesse: "That is good to hear."
Queen Rozeal: "It seems everyone around me is growing and maturing by leaps and bounds."
Invesse: "Hmmm, yes. Valaire and Adrian both seem more tempered, in spite of all the difficulty."
Queen Rozeal: "Adrian... to be fair, hasn't changed much, but ever since Valaire met my son, it's changed him very much for the better. Valaire herself seems to have become a mother, and you, you seem to have become a much less reserved woman to the one I saw at my chambers a mere month ago."
Invesse: "I have managed what I have wanted for some time now. I can't help but feel more free."
Queen Rozeal: "Hopefully, we have some calm before the storm of war..."
Queen Rozeal rests her head on the table.
Queen Rozeal: "I hate to think about it, dread it... but it feels like war with Eribe is inevitable at this point..."
Invesse: "It is likely, yes. I am sure a great many grisly truths will come to light."
Queen Rozeal: "I guess the only thing we can do is prepare..."
Queen Rozeal looks up at the clock.
Queen Rozeal: "Oh! it seems we've been talking for quite some time already!"
"An hour and a half, at that..."
Invesse loosens a little, looking at the clock.
Invesse: "In that case, I should probably be visiting the Greymage again."
"If it does come to war, please remember my words. The public will look to you for guidance. You need to keep the will of Zeltria's people strong."
Queen Rozeal: "And I shall!"
"It's my duty to lead when times are bleakest."
Invesse gives the Queen a salute.
Invesse: "The court may not like the idea of one-on-one philosophy discussions with a former foreign spy. If you'd like another chat, see if you can arrange others to come. That could prove both enlightening and valuable."
Queen Rozeal: "Of course, I'll see you another time, darling Invesse~"
Invesse tilts her head, startled slightly, before shaking it off with a smile.
Invesse: "Until then, Your Eminence."
Queen Rozeal: "No need for any of that. Please, just call me Rozeal~"
Invesse: "I'll try, then. Thanks, Rozeal."
Invesse wraps up another slice of cake and pockets it, noting to make a detour to find Genevieve before regrouping with the others.