Romani Montclaire - A plan made (5/14)

[02:52] Romani opens his eyes because i guess he's here now?
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[02:53] Regulus' words brought a bored sigh that came from Ophelia as she rolled her eyes as his goading. Yes yes - his remarks regarding Nebula had simply proven true, but not for the reasons he suspected.

"Regulus." She spoke up, holding up the cup of tea as she inspected it for some time. "I don't care if the King married a commoner. That could have been myself instead of Nebula, would you have said the same things about me?" She questioned, her head tilted curiously.

"... But that isn't--" Then he mentioned the rumors of witchcraft and that garnered a hard gaze from the woman now, eyes narrowing. "What rumors have you heard? What makes those in Myllenoris suspect Nebula of such a thing?" She asked, a tone betraying shock coming through. "That's a serious accusation, Regulus."

At first, she doesn't notice Romani, as her attention was solely upon Regulus.
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[02:59] It had just gotten... increasingly weirder- the Lightbringer, Stellus, former spymaster/diplomat, and diplomat snow girl- all gathered. How had this come to happen?

Nonetheless, Serea focused upon the subject at hand, nodding in agreement with Ophelia's words. No reason to disagree, given the circumstances.

"It wasn't just you, Regulus, but Alexander also betrayed me. He sided with his wife over me, going so far as to attempting to remove me from my position of Lightbringer... Threatening me."

A shake of her head, the memories not fond to recall.

"The Radiants voted against it, however, and I remained in my position. Regardless-"

Her gaze flickered from Romani to Ophelia, before shifting back to Regulus.

"As Ophelia says, there is some slight suspicion regarding Nebula... Witchcraft and the like. While we had our suspicions, the Stellus and myself, we-"

A shake of her head.

"We are both here, imprisoned, and now we suddenly can't perform the investigation we planned on doing. Convenient for her, I suppose."
(Serea lux Astor)
[03:07] Regulus shook his head.

"Its not that she was a commoner. She had no reputation amongst the nobility. When Alexander informed me he was seeing her, I spoke not against it, but instead encouraged him to ennoble her, marry her, and produce an heir. To avoid a succession crisis given Alice's decision to marry a Rhoynishman, as little issue as I have with Kofe personally. You, Serea, surely understand me in this."

"But, he snubbed me thrice about this, despite the risk it'd lead to a reception of his children having a poorer claim, and start a succession crisis after his death. Twice before he married her I advised him -seemed to think being a royal courtier made it a non issue, incorrectly- and then just before the Reception, when I publically sponsored her for nobility because by then he'd forced my hand. I was a loyalist up until the point that Alexander betrayed me."

His frustration was kept very carefully controlled, though there was sympathetic frustration in Serea's account. The Queen-Consort had no role in First Light internal politics or leadership.

"There were suspicions, yes. Alexander's frankly out-of-character behaviour. An encounter with one of the Therians, recently. A few other things I've only heard secondhand. Not been able to visit, as you may recall."

Still, he shook his head.

"Ultimately, it will not matter much longer. She'll be removed from power shortly, and Osrona can finally get back to what it should have been doing all along; peacefully coexisting with its neighbours. If it doesn't...the conclusion of this war will be a second chance. There will not be a third."

He gestured to the Stellus a moment later. A request had been passed to bring him here. "A reunion, as promised."
(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[03:16] The Stellus had been laying on the table, resting for quite a while. Sleepless days, sleepless nights, having all ended in his capture, and soon thereafter an almost hibernation-like depression in which most of his time had been consumed by sleep. But slowly his gaze would rise, glancing around the table in silence towards that which was around him.

A small nod was given towards Regulus. "A man of your word." The Stellus admitted, moving a hand to the side if only to hold Ophelia's hand, and give it a gentle squeeze. With that, he would have fallen silently, slowly gathering his thoughts.

Ideas, thoughts, the majority as for a few moments he would just offer a couple of blinks and listen.

"For a while, I did not believe Nebula is a Witch. Honestly, I am still unconvinced, and were I not here? I do not think I would attempt to check. Something like that would be either proving that she was a Witch, or dying in turn. So even if I hold my doubts, there is something to keep me for instantly acting on it for the most part."

His eyes glance towards Regulus, then Serea.

"If what we wish is to discuss that possibly, do we want to talk about all proof?"

There was not a lot he felt as if he could instantly do, so his attention honed on the one thing that he might have ideas over.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[03:18] "Regulus you have to tell us in specifics what those suspicions were. What encounter with a Therian?" She questioned now. Every single shred of evidence was important. Especially so for their survival - or rather, the others.

As he gestured to Romani there was a pause as Ophelia turned her head to stare at him. Her gaze widened, and even though she wanted to leap at him immediately she knew it wouldn't be... Right to do so. As he moved to hold her hand she took it, greedily, and even scooted a little bit closer. There was a whisper given to him before her attention fell back upon Regulus and Serea in turn.
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[03:18] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: ... I'm sorry. This is my fault. Please forgive me.
[03:19] Romani cos Montclaire whispers to Ophelia cos Montclaire: You were captured. I can not fault you. I heard that you would be sacrificed, so I came runnig.
[03:20] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: ... It's my fault, Romani. If I hadn't... Tried to do what I did, we wouldn't be here. You wouldn't have had to worry about me - and... I'm sorry. I missed you.
[03:22] "As it stands we have words from Kofe which can be potentially seen as credible, if we rust his word anyways. Regardless of just that, he has turned on me, turned on you, and turned on Marie..."

Serea shook her head, before continuing.

"All three people he once respected, he once loved to some degree... Yet decided to side with his wife, which proved to be... unnatural, at least from my perspective."

As it stood the Lightbringer believed there was at least reason to be suspicious. Abandoning it altogether, as well as the recent Marie incident... would be foolish, truly.

Especially now when every piece of information was vital to their survival. Serea would be executed before them all, obviously, and as much as she didn't fear death-

She still had her family to protect, she still had her young children. All of which she could never defend while dead, a fact she only realized recently.

"You say that Osrona will be given another chance, Regulus. But if Alexander does not step down, or if we can't prove he was manipulated.. I will be executed at the hands of Myllenoris."

"Not that I expect you to care, but it's something I'd rather avoid if it can be helped."

A nod to Ophelia, before glancing back to Regulus, awaiting his answer.
(Serea lux Astor)
[03:22] Romani cos Montclaire whispers to Ophelia cos Montclaire: I have missed you as well. But you can not bare all the blame. You are my wife. I swore to protect you in sickness and in health. You are more important to me then my life itself, so if there was any chance I could protect you, or save you, I would take it in a heartbeat.
[03:24] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: .... Are you sure you're not a Knight in shining armor, Romani? Because my existance here for these past few months has been hellish. I was only allowed outside recently.
[03:24] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: That's -so- incredibly brave and I can't - ....
[03:26] Romani cos Montclaire whispers to Ophelia cos Montclaire: I am no Knight. Knights.. have an ability to save lives, and suceed. I have almost never done so in my life. If all I can be is someone to support you and support others? I will be that person with all my heart and all my being, even if all else I do is a failure.
[03:26] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: Don't sound so down. You came after me, and to me? That's all that matters, Romani. You -came-.
[03:28] A hand rose up to place itself on her forehead, that detachment she held earlier breaking briefly. There was a deep inhale, Ophelia allowing Serea to speak because honestly? Her mind was elsewhere.

"... It's unfair... For prisoners to be executed if a witch is behind these deeds, Regulus..." She finally managed out after a long silence. She squeezed Romani's hand tighter and tighter. If she had the physical strength she may have even almost broken it.

"Serea is doing her duty, as a Lightbringer. She works to defend the city, the Crown. To protect it from danger. That's what she did in the battle and that's what she's doing now." Ophelia added as she'd look from Romani to Regulus.

"What I'd like to ask you is to speak with Asta about this. We don't need another holy war as we had against Ilburg. Something more discrete. Because the faster we investigate and we strike, we can catch her offguard. If it's publicly announced then she'll have time to muster up defenses."
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[03:28] Romani cos Montclaire whispers to Ophelia cos Montclaire: I wish I could have done more. I have come after you, and I have found you. I love you. But all the same, I wish I could have saved you. I wish I could have found a way to get you out of here, and safe.
[03:29] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: I'm... I'm not injured, Romani. Bruised, battered, but not injured. I'll... I'll explain more once we're through here.
[03:39] It was the talk of execution that makes the Stellus look up a bit more. A bleak reality staring them all in the face.

"The words of Kofe, and I have had another who does not wish to be named bring it up to me as a possibly. Aside from that, I had plans to ask Marie her thoughts. I heard that Nebula wished to have her executed, and that an anger unlike any other did bloom from Marie towards Nebula. And that Nebula would have struck her down if Marie struck first."

His eyes do close, if only for a moment as he is in silence.

"I bear an ability to check for Witchdom in a manner that, while very painful, is inherently effective and does find Witches. If the situation calls for it, I can use the ability to check, and will do so. I would hope to use this ability to prevent any and all executions. As little blood as possible, both from the captives, and to prevent any future attacks between Orsona and Myllenoris."

"I do not want people to die if they do not have to."

Again, it was what he saw he could do to prevent the loss of life, perhaps the only thing he could do or offer up.

"In return, if possible, I would ask for the lives of Sera, Ophelia, and as many captives as possible spared, and if that is not possible, I would ask only to be executed before my wife is, in hopes of anything rescuing her from such a fate."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[03:40] Ophelia cos Montclaire says, "...."
[03:41] Romani cos Montclaire whispers to Ophelia cos Montclaire: I am glad you are uninjured. And if you are, I hope to tend to it. I find my own self to be still ever bearing a shattered pair of ribs.
[03:41] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: .... Your ribs...? Oh, Romani....
[03:41] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: I should have learned medicine. I'd be able to help you.
[03:42] Romani cos Montclaire whispers to Ophelia cos Montclaire: It is fine. Combat was never my forte in the first place.
[03:42] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: I don't think I'm included in those executions, by the way... Sythaeryn won't let them kill me.
[03:42] Romani cos Montclaire whispers to Ophelia cos Montclaire: While that may be the case, I would rather be set first in the way of execution before you all the same, just in case he would be unable to prevent it.
[03:42] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: Please. Don't say that.
[03:44] Romani cos Montclaire whispers to Ophelia cos Montclaire: I will try to keep my mouth shut.
[03:44] Ophelia cos Montclaire whispers to Romani cos Montclaire: ... Dramatic, Romani.
[03:49] Regulus genuinely looked a bit hurt at Serea's assertion he wouldn't care if she was executed.

"Serea Astor, we've known each other...what, twenty years now, at least? Granted, I was a child for much of that, but even so, while we may have disagreed, been on opposite sides, I have never wanted you dead. I don't even want Alexander dead, even if he's forcing that to be the only way this ends."

He paused a moment, shoulder sinking slightly before he rallied himself.

"Caila Kriemheld singlehandedly defeated both Alexander and Nebula, and apparently had a chance to escape with the so called 'Queen'. And yet, despite being half of the wargoal, she released her. To say I see that as suspicious is an understatement."

To see three important Osronans concurring with these suspicions, however... that was unexpected, but not unwelcome. A quick message was sent through the bond, before he reluctantly shook his head.

"I don't want you executed, Serea. Or any of the prisoners. But now the threat has been made, it cannot be revoked. There cannot be any perception that Myllenoris cannot keep to its word, and we have given it. If we are fortunate, it'll break Osrona's resolve to simply be threatened, and this can end. If not...it'll be quick, and as painless as is possible. I will promise you that."

His voice was grave, graver that it had been in quite some time.
(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[03:53] The figure of the High Lady appears beside Regulus, seated on the pillow next to him. It was strange. Her eyes were pure white. Transparent, with a slightly blue outline. Her shoulder-length hair floating up into the air as if she were underwater.

As she fades into existence, she appears to become more... solid. The pillow she sat on sunk with new weight.

She held a cup of tea in her hands. Fresh, and hot. She sips rather loudly, probably interrupting the latter end of what Regulus said.

As eyes undoubtedly fall to her, she waves a hand dismissively with a small, childish grin.

"Don't mind me," she says. "Continue."

She raises the cup up to her lips, but intently observes.


Has she been here the entire time?
(Asta Hargrave)
[04:00] The words of Regulus were heard, though they left a rather poor taste in Serea's mouth. It seemed to just.. brush it over, really. Just a sacrifice she'd have to make.

Who in their right mind would agree to it? Especially with recent revelations...

"You're telling me that you'd still kill me even with suspicions of Nebula being a witch? Do you realize that I have been and was a huge threat to her...."

"You'd only be doing a member of Elaide's ilk a favor, removing me from the equation."

As things were before, Serea had no problem with dying and accepted that fate. But dying... as a result of manipulation by a potential witch? It wasn't something she'd roll over and accept.

"I have always done my duty, you all know this. None would mourn my death, at least not Osrona side. You greatly overestimate my value to Alexander, especially with Nebula in his ear."
(Serea lux Astor)
[04:05] She had heard of Nebula's 'kidnapping' from Alexander himself, and at the time? She had thought nothing of it; that Caila simply felt bad. But... Regulus had the right of it. For once since she had been brought to Myllenoris, she seemed at ease with Romani at her side.

But then came the doubling down of Serea being executed and she stared, unbelieving towards Regulus now, even as Asta appeared with her glowing white eyes.

"Regulus. You're talking about executing someone who has only done their duty. I know we're at war, I get it, okay? I understand it. But for all intents and purposes if we really are dealing with a w-" She paused sparing a glance to Asta before continuing, "A witch, then you're executing an innocent person. You're sacrificing them in the vain hope that it'll cause them to back down." She said.

"He wanted to strip Serea of her position as Lightbringer! You'd be doing him a favour - or rather, Nebula a favour - because then what Radiant is going to outvote the King, who by the way is the sole leader of Osrona LEFT in the city." She warned, getting just a tiny bit worked up. But of course it was understandable.

"If Nebula truly is what people suspect, and she's been manipulating Alexander you executing his mother just falls right into her hands. She will twist this that you executed a hero of the people. A Lightbringer. Could you imagine the outrage if someone captured my Grandfather and had him executed just to threaten someone on a throne?"
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[04:11] The Stellus' gaze would look towards Regulus in silence, listening to what he would say and trying to come up with an argument that had not already been used. His hand would once more give Ophelia's a small squeeze, considering everything.

"I am uncertain if it will. I believe that many who before would speak up may be captured. That means that it is more difficult to create the loss of will you may wish to foster."

For a moment, he is but silent, considering all things.

"If you want to break their belief in their queen, would it not be better to instead publicize the beliefs of the captured who are against them? Serea has done her duty, but like she said, we have before begun to question if Nebula is a Witch."

"If you publicize that as an idea, it may cause a more peaceful end to the war, perhaps."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[04:16] "You are all talking about Nebula being a witch as if it is... absolute," Asta says, lowering her cup of tea just under her chin.

"It's not something I'm going to take for fact without concrete proof. The account of Caila defeating both of them and then leaving without incident isn't quite enough proof.

If anything, that is proof of Caila being a bit of an idiot, yes?"

She chuckles. A quick sip of her hot tea, before she continues.

"Look. I don't want to be executing anyone. But Alexander had many, many opportunities to sue for peace. The stakes have to raise. They are raising for us, too. It is my hope that he realizes just how grave things are. And how... fucked Osrona is, for lack of better words."

She sighs, and sets the tea down. A quick look at Regulus. There's some intense look in her face. Silence, for a few moments.

"The decision is ultimatelymine. Regulus is just repeating my own decision. If I were convinced that Nebula could be a witch, I wouldn't be executing anyone. I'd be conscripting you all to help us bring down this enemy of all Esshar."

"Is... there anything to convince me?" Her question is genuine. Curious. Her face eases up, some.
(Asta Hargrave)
[04:23] He does appear sympathetic. Regulus knew all of these people personally, he didn't want any of them dead, despite their quarrels. Even so, he nodded in response to Asta's words.

"I advise, Serea. Always have. It is not mine to rule, and I am content with that. I don't want you dead. I'd rather not make your child motherless. Any of your children. But it is ultimately my wife's decision."

Even as he says that, however, he's communicating with Asta mentally.

"We can spin mercy into appearing a greater tactic, you know. A way of publically proving that Alexander doesn't care about even his closest friends and allies. Or fake it, publicise their death and keep them until the end of the war. I just...I don't want them to die over Alexander's tyranny. They were my friends, once."

No sign of this shows on his face.

"We lost the ability to be seen as credible when declaring someone a witch after the Ilburg debacle. Doing so for Nebula would be seen a an attempt at justifying the war, and given we already have such strong justification, it'd weaken our position among those at home. Asta learns from her mistakes."
(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[04:31] "This is the situation-"

Serea's voice was formal, apathetic and professional as always. Her posture straightened slightly, and for a single moment it reminded her of old times.. When things were different, back when she could speak with Asta about common interests rather than her impending execution.

Odd, war, even if it was necessary at times.

"There have been numerous different things which... prove odd, to say the least. Alexander so easily turned on those whom he respected in the past, who he loved. Myself, Regulus, and Marie all- when Nebula was involved in the situation."

"He chose her over us, time and time again, when we have been nothing but his biggest supporters... Yet at the same time we could be viewed as threats, if you look at it that way."

A nod, her gaze shifting from Regulus to Asta, as she continued.

"Not only that, but Kofe reported to us a story regarding her not long ago. He told us that he is aware of a real witch, though is unwilling to state who they are exactly."

"Said that the first time they met Nebula was through that witch, also that on their first meeting Nebula had put a strange mark on him. I am unsure how credible he is, but it is worth bringing up all the same."

A shake of her head.

"Even if this isn't proof, it is clear to all of us that he has been manipulated by her. At least to me, at least in that situation where he tried to remove me from power."

"I am a threat to her rule all the same, and removing me would give her propaganda, as well as doing her a favor. We don't have to make it a huge deal, the Stellus has said he would be willing to do the test on her."

Even if there wasn't tons of credible evidence, if it was a way to save the prisoners, to live another day, was she so wrong for attempting it? Abnormalities had occurred, so it wasn't entirely out of the realm of possibility.
(Serea lux Astor)
[04:38] "Furthermore, a few days ago in the castle, Marie and Nebula had an argument. Alice was questioning Marie on why Myllenoris would want her to be Queen, and Marie assured Alice that she.... Had no secret backroom deal with you all," Ophelia added to follow up with Serea's own thoughts and words.

"Nebula appeared, and immediately acted... Threatened, by the possibility of Marie becoming Queen. She told her she'd never become Queen. Marie fired back that she loved Alexander more than Nebula did and Nebula countered that she was wrong, given she was the one who had his children. Then she insulted Marie's inability to have children given who her partner is," She'd offer a minor shrug.

"Something snapped in Marie. You've both spoken with her - she's incredibly sweet. Protective. Loyal. But she's never truly been angry... That day? She was filled with rage the likes I've never seen before. She was getting ready to hit Nebula, but fought against the urge and had Lloyd and I pull her away. She swore it wasn't her - that anger, I mean." She fell silent, staring between Asta and Regulus for some time. There was another appreciative squeeze to Romani's hand, tight.

"As I said, you shouldn't publicize it. If you do, it'll give Nebula ammunition, and time to build up a defense against it. She has to be caught off guard. She has to be caught in the act."
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[04:40] "I would not take it for fact." Romani would say simply.

"Your aim is to demoralize. Your aim is to make people question. If someone refuses to abdicate the throne, you create a situation in which people lose faith." The loss of life was something he ultimately wanted to prevent, so as much as those thoughts bothered him..

"I would not say for you to proclaim Nebula is a Witch. What I would say is to have Serea proclaim it. It would not put your word at risk. Those who follow Serea would question more. Maybe nothing would happen. Or enough people would lose faith enough to test. Because if we believed that such might be the case? Others might as well. And words brought from Serea could raise those thoughts to the forefront."

"It would not harm the credibility of Myllenoris. You could postpone the execution for a bit to see if anything would happen from it. And if it does nothing, nothing is lost. If it works, you may have people test. If they test, it shows that there is enough doubt in the monarch that they would take action, whether or not she is a Witch."

"In addition, if she is a Witch, I am willing to assist in the test, so long as I can prevent Ophelia from coming to harm as long as possible."

His hand would give Ophelia's a squeeze in return.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[04:43] A memory surfaces in Regulus' mind, all on its own. A recollection from that dreaded night.

'I... killed... Hrist.'
'Don't know why. Because she swore herself to Regulus as a Retainer and then immediately turned against us? Because she... just stood in my way? No... I-'
'I don't know.'

His eyes slowly turn to meet Asta's. Alone, it was nothing, but with all of this....surely it was at least a possibility?
(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[04:52] Asta looks to Serea for a moment, pausing for thought as the others around her spoke to her.

She remembers Elizabeth trying to arrange some kind of 'tea date' with her. She remembers their wedding party. Better times.

Asta didn't believe herself to be evil, or a bad person. But she was more than willing to get her hands dirty to prove a point. She was more than willing to kill for what she believed in. As was Serea. As were most of the Knights of the Order.

The High Lady's hands clench into fists.

"Kofe claims he knows a real witch? I think I've heard this story before. I've not given it any real credence, but with this..." Her words stray, and she looks away.

"Perhaps it's worth investigating."

A finger wanders up to her purple lips, as she directs her attention to Ophelia. She didn't know Marie enough to judge her character, but she knew that a lot of these stories revolving Nebula seemed to involve people acting out of character.

Alexander. Marie. Caila.

Herself, as she remembers, from Regulus' own thoughts.

"... Perhaps," she says quietly.

"It is worth investigating Nebula. I will await Alexander's response to the threat I have publicly made. If he refuses to surrender, even with the life of his mother and his people on the line, I think it may be in our best interests if Serea herself accuses Nebula.

No false executions, no deceptions.

Just the truth. The suspicions.

Nebula will surely resist. So you'll be faced with the unfortunate reality of having to choose between your oaths, and the safety of Esshar."

She shakes her head.

"Granted, all of this falls apart if she agrees to be 'tested' by the Stellus. But, I suppose, that would be a relief."
(Asta Hargrave)
[04:56] "There's one more thing." She said suddenly. Even with Asta agreeing to such an idea, that Nebula was worth investigating. That she'd allow Serea to accuse the woman, one thing hung over her head.

A lingering stare was offered to her husband now. This entire time, his thoughts had been focused upon keeping her safe. To make sure she didn't die, be executed, sacrificed. He raced from home all the way here. For her. She didn't care if he lost, it was the thought that counted.

"... If..." Her words are shaky, and she blinks several times, brows furrowing before she directs her gaze to Asta now. "If you start... Doing that - um... Executing people, I mean." She swallowed. "Please don't kill Romani. That's all I'm asking, Asta." She said quietly.

While their plan was a minor cause for celebration, Ophelia didn't feel satisfied. Not yet, anyway.
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[04:58] "Nowhere in my oaths have I sworn to protect Nebula of house Winterbourne. There are suspicions, there is... abnormalities which can't be explained. If it comes down to it I will publically accuse the woman in order to keep my people safe."

The prisoners, even if it could stop their executions... Perhaps, to some degree, it could even absolve Alexander of guilt, Nebula having manipulated him if she truly was a witch.

The Petrakis dynasty would remain on the throne regardless of what transpired, a dynasty which Alexander wasn't the sole member of. She had more children, more nieces and nephews, and as it stood Serea wasn't confident Alexander was a competent ruler.

Not to mention his wife...

"I am not in the position to bargain at all whatsoever, but I just ask that none of the Osronan prisoners are harmed... Or killed. Not now, not when we have suspicions."

"I don't want to be remembered as someone who died because of a witch's deception, and I don't think it would look good for you all to kill us and play into a witch's hands either."

It was a delicate situation, but Serea knew what she had to do, who she had to protect. The lives of thousands far outweighed Alexander's reign. At least with the suspicions and news she had now.

"I also ask that I not be put in a cave or... Vale, or whatever else. I am not the sort of woman to scheme or try and run away. I'm not that stupid."

"I think I can do more good wandering and talking, just as I am now."
(Serea lux Astor)
[05:03] The topic of the Witch Kofe claimed to know came up.

"I spoke to him previously, but was not given a name of the one. I imagine he would refuse to reveal it, and I do not know how such would be forced. I would like to be a part of any group that stops Witches, however."

His hands come together as the Stellus' eyes would close for a few moments, considering all things.

"Of course. All I can say is I believe it would be best to see, observe, and if the situation does not change, then try. I agree with no lies, no deceptions. It is better to be truthful."

His eyes would open.

"I fought at Starfall to potentially protect the lives of the Faithful in the city. And I will continue to fight to save as much life as I can. Not physically, I have seen far enough that I do not think I can ever do anything in that arena. But I will ever strive to protect life."

"I believe that to be my oath. And it would only fall appart if she agreed to be tested, and was not a Witch, but,"

"In that case, I can be executed knowing that any fall of Orsona was not because of the dark lord, or the mortal enemy of church and men. To me, that would be enough."

A slight pause as Ophelia came up. "If I am to die, then I am to die. That is all I see to it. I was able to see my wife again, and I just want to be executed before her, to possibly give her more time, if I can. If that is what I can do, that is what I can do." He said, ever with acceptance in his tone. Acceptance of the pain of the world.

The words of Serea draw interest and he does listen, but does not comment, only watching.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[05:10] "If she is not a witch, she is a snake. Either way, she dies. If Alexander is not being influenced by supernatural means, him too, if we're forced to take the city. Otherwise, he'll be exiled. If his child are blood of a witch..." He stopped himself, unwilling to finish the thought. He would never be comfortable with the idea of killing children.

"She won't agree without concessions, if at all, and we are in too favourable a position to back down now. And...the Lightbringer is one thing; this is war. To execute the head of the Essharan faith would bring the fury of the entire Celestialist population on us. We'd likely end up looking at a crusade. Not ideal. Besides, I'd really rather not prove we're the monsters they claim us to be."

Even if it was a tense personal truce...it felt good to be back on the same side. Sort of.

"I'd suggest you all spend some time escorted inthe Vale, if you've never been. Its a beautiful place; might help dispel some of that rubbish about Aschea's faith being monstrous. Speaking of which, Stellus, I believe you might need to excommunicate me. Kind of surprised you hadn't years ago, frankly, although now there is a legitimate reason."

Well, that was a way of mentioning he'd converted.
(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[05:20] Spare the prisoners?

Well, of course, she didn't want to kill them in the first place. A terrible waste, it would be. To her.

"Ophelia. Serea," she says. She'll respond to both of their concerns at once. "If you work with me to investigate this, then you have my guarantee that none of the prisoners shall be put to death. If it turns out that we are dealing with a true, bona-fide descendant of Amalia Elaide, then we'll need all of their-- your-- help."

She sighs and messes with her bangs for a moment.

"I find no joy in separating husbands and wives. Killing them."

She looks over to Regulus with blank stoicism.

"And you may not believe this, but he's been imploring me, through the bond of my Teraphim magic, to not execute any of you because of your past friendships. Or..." she squints at her husband. "Maybe he believes you're still friends."

There wasn't ever a situation where Asta had violated the privacy of their shared bond and aired out his most personal thoughts to others. Here she was, now, sharing his thoughts freely with them with no regard over how he'd feel.

"So it shall be: you will help me get to the bottom of this. And, if it comes down to it? Help me put an end to this. I'm reluctant to begin another witch hunt, but with two of Osrona's Triumvirate backing it, I would feel a bit more comfortable."

Asta leans against Regulus and cups his face with her hand. A silent apology, for revealing his private thoughts. She looks up at him. Still stoic on the outside, but the emotions dwelling within her were evident enough for Regulus to see.

"And you'll be allowed to roam, that is fine. I'm only wary because someone has already attempted escape, and they had to be put to death. You may know them. Betelgueze?"
(Asta Hargrave)
[05:27] There was nothing wrong with investigating the possibility, especially with all the odd situations surrounding Nebula. And it was most certainly a way to ensure the safety of her people...

No downsides, especially when she didn't care much for the beggar Queen to begin with.

"That sounds like a deal, one I will uphold."

A firm nod, Serea especially appreciating the freedom around Myllenoris. It would give her an opportunity to send letters and perhaps even speak with people in Osrona, if only to investigate all these claims.

She knew Kofe had fought with Osrona.. but he could potentially hold many answers.

"Oh?"

Serea quirked a brow, her gaze shifting over to Regulus then. Contemplating her words, as well as observing the man. It was odd to think that half a decade ago they were having a dance off.

Now discussing death, executions.

"We haven't always seen eye to eye on how things should be done, Regulus, but I can respect your position. If Nebula turns out to be a true witch... Then I even think it wouldn't be far from possibility to bring you back as a noble."

"We just have to see how this investigation unfolds. I'll try to gather more evidence, more testimony."

Mention of Betelgueze causes her to shake her head.

"I wasn't personally familiar, but I have heard the name, yes. Mm."

Serea paused, before shaking her head.

"I have nothing further to add in this moment. I am getting quite tired, so I'll get some rest... Erm, I'll find a place."

A nod, before coming to a stand, yawning.
(Serea lux Astor)
[05:29] Ophelia paused, staring at Romani as he seemed so accepting of death. If I am to die, then I am to die. It was cruel almost in a way. Her lips part to speak before she just grows completely silent. What could one say in the face of that? That was talk for later, not now.

Her focus moved onto to Asta, and while the Teraphim certainly answered her own concerns over executions of prisoners and Ophelia would offer a small nod.

"I'll try my best." She answered, "Given my current situation I'm unsure what all I'd be capable of helping with, but I'll see." It was the truth. Her future? Unknown. With everything said and done, she'd look towards Serea and offer another nod.

"I also don't have anything further to add. Thank you for at least speaking with us. Really."
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[05:34] Romani would actually blink a couple of times when it was spoken that he was less likely to be executed as the head of the Faith. There was a soft exhale almost, but all the same, his hand would offer a squeeze to Ophelia's.

"I see." A pause. "I have not seen it yet. And I do not see the need to excommunicate you. The talks of such have come up for years, in all honesty. But you have not worked, nor insulted the Faith of Esshar to my knowledge. I do not believe it is right to excommunicate someone who has not personally antagonized the Faith. As such, I shut it down every time it came up."

A small nod would be given when it is spoken about the perspective Witch Hunt. There was still a lot of questioning over what may happen, but over all?

"If there is a chance for a peaceful solution, or a less bloody, violent one, I would like to see that I assist in it as much as possible. As little loss of life and bloodshed as could happen."

With that, he falls silent, also not having more in particular to say at the moment, his eyes ever casting downwards, then closing before exhaling.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[05:41] Regulus' eyes flickered over to Asta as she aired the content of their mental communication. In most circumstances, yes, it'd be a violation of privacy. In this, however...he'd kept it mental for Asta's sake, not his own. The apology was appreciated, but in this case unnecessary. After all, he'd accidentally let slip some potentially important information in the past, it'd be hypocritical to grow angry at Asta for something similar.

Serea's words are met with a shake of the head.

"My titles being restored is a condition of peace. But I'll never return to Osrona as anything other than an occasional visitor, or in my position as Asta's envoy. Osrona showed how much it valued my skills when I was declared a traitor for refusing to start a war. As soon as I am once more a Lord of Osrona, I intend to abdicate to my daughter. I'll rule in her stead until she's old enough, but no longer."

He doubted that the Osronan populace would ever accept him again, anyways. He'd fought against them in a war. He simply nodded to Ophelia, his attention shifting to Romani.

"You're a good man, Romani. Of everyone opposing us in this war, I can believe you're one of those who truly bears no fault. Just make sure to get your Archpriest in check after this conflict is over."


(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[05:49] Asta closes her eyes and clasps her hands together. There wasn't much else to be said on the matter that hasn't already been said.

"Regulus' titles returned, yes, would only be desired to restore our daughter, Eurydice Grimmore's, birthright," she says.

"But, with that said, I don't believe there is much else left to discuss. Other than... well, the current clergy of the Celestial Faith may make things difficult for a peaceful resolution. The Archpriest Del, among others, are apparently all too happy repeating the 'demon' idea. That I am a demon. That we are all demon-worshipers, etcetera."

She shrugs. "But, I suppose that is a problem to address after the war's resolution."

She gives the group a gesture that suggests finality. "We're done, and I too, am ready to retire."
(Asta Hargrave)
[05:52] The Stellus' eyes would once again open.

"Thank you. And I do intend to speak to Del after this is over. I will admit, I was uncertain as to the truth of their claims when they first said it, the intention of human sacrifice, but no such human sacrifices have occurred, and I can see none are planned."

"If people are not being used that way, it is not a dark religion. That is what I believe. And so I will correct what is misunderstood and fix the stance once the conflict is over indeed." Another nod.

"You do not appear to be demons. And I would prefer to wash away lies." And with that, was the finality of what he had to say on the matter.
(Romani cos Montclaire)