#FreeBianca

[11:08] Seifer walks up to the Stellus.

"Can we speak about something?"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[11:09] Rhesus DeLaurentis asks, "Yes. What is it?"
[11:14] A quiet wave of her hand follows soon by a smaller giggle! Her shoulders rise in a little shrug afterwards however! With one hand soon falling to her hip while she lets out a soft little puffing sound.

"I'm not sure... I wish I could remember it- I just know, that it was a good dream." Curtsy of a good luck Teraphim, no doubt! She doesn't say that though, instead opting to hop from one foot to the other in her. Even while waking up, she was still surprisingly animated in her motions.

"Hmm uhmm hum.. Maybe you could help me remember it." A tap of her finger against her forehead before she slides her hands behind her back, wobbling back and fourth while she does as such. "Meditation and warm thoughts, may call the dream back."
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[11:15] Seifer decided that the best way to approach something like this may just be to be open. To be honest. If they were to speak in public, then so be it. A deep breath was drawn as he built up some courage.

"I've heard Achyon was not willing to negotiate for Bianca's freedom." He states, looking over to the woman for a brief moment before his attention shifts back towards the Stellus.

"No matter what happens, I don't think taking her life is the right way to go, ultimately. It's far from being my place to... tell you - or this city - what to do, but..."

He pushed his glasses over his nose, readjusting them. Emerald hues peer towards the taller man.

"I believe she can still bring joy to the world. It'd be a waste to prevent that."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[11:16] Bianca was listening, of course. Finding herself in the vicinities as this conversation took place, glancing to the side and towards both Seifer and Rhesus alike.

"..."
(Bianca Ignacio)
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[11:17] Dreams were finnicky things by nature, weren't they? It wasn't much of a surprise when she stated she was unable to remember, if anything? That was what had been expected for a reply. "How could I do that?" She inquires, curious.

"I don't know how productive I could be to your meditation, I would probably just get in he way." She teases, a glance paid to the over conversation occurring.. Paying attention while still keeping some measure of her focus upon her own conversation.
(Alice Brasti)
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[11:31] "No, you'd be the inspiration, silly..!" Yet there was a pause with the ongoing conversation, she glances at Alice before humming to herself with a nod, tapping the back of her foot against the cobblestones beneath her.

"I know my word holds no weight, Stellus… But I agree. Most deserve a second chance, regardless of the acts of their nation... I too, think she can bring much to the world." She did not know Bianca very well, if at all. But...

She remembered Seifer and his approach to her Chieftain. How he could have chose violence, and instead did not. Thus a semblance of faith was given to the young man in his beliefs.

Rehabilitation, to help people become better people. Least, that is how Tah saw it. The swaying dancer may have interrupted but? She would dip her head respectively towards Rhesus and Seifer.

"I just wished for my thoughts to be known. I won't interrupt further." Her golden eyed gaze slowly sways away. Turning from Rhesus and Seifer, and instead? Looking off towards Bianca.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[11:35] As long as Bianca was one to show initiative in reclaiming her free will from the Machine, she too would prefer if the girl was given a chance. "I agree as well, if she's willing to prove she realizes the evils of the Empire and a desire to change for the better." Though would she, truly?

A bit of pink finding it's way to her face as Tah's first words seem to finally set in. "..I doubt I would be much in that regard either, but.. if you say so."
(Alice Brasti)
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[11:40] "Yes, it would be a shame to see her life ended, Meister Gardios. I believe a long time ago, I told you that through diplomacy, we can achieve different avenues to a finality that all are pleased with," he said.

He waves his hand from one side to another.

"Taking somebody's life is never the right way to go, Seifer. People whose lives are snuffed out before they have a chance to see a point in which their potential can fully be realized is a tragedy and sin we are forced to bear.

But even so.

In this moment, I think not of my own selfishness. I think in the same breath, if and when we are stormed at our gates, when we bear witness to those dogs in matching suits trying to claim they're honest people slaughtering innocents. Slaughtering men and women that are fighting only in sake of the defense of their home, and not to trample, I think to myself..

What kind of man would I be if I do not grant them the justice they deserved? When they mercilessly cut us down, will your heart still be able to easily grant them the same kind of mercy that you cry for?"

Achyon wasn't playing to be fair and kind anymore. They were coming to kill them all, and he knew that.

"This isn't a war of differing ideals anymore.

This is a war to conquer. To wipe us out for good.

That's what they're fighting to do."

.. He sucks in a breath.

"And yet, I feel but an iota of understanding in what you're trying to convey to me. I was a priest, meant to preach good virtues. Mercy, honesty and good will.

If you think you can offer me a worthy alternative-- one that isn't simply 'convert and bring her to your side', then please tell me them now."
(Rhesus DeLaurentis)
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[11:47] Justice always felt like Vengeance for her. Yet she was both naïve and sheltered from the more painful experiences the world outside of her home had experienced. But, if there was one thing she could at least feel a iota of peace about?

It was that Rhesus spoke without venom or hate. Merely matter-of-factly. He wasn't wrong, either, the Moxtli dancer swaying to and froe while she thought on the matter.

"To act, and seek to be better. To do better.."

Would Osrona or Moxtli slaughter innocents if it was a war of conquest? Possibly, possibly not. But her views were different. Stand upon the pedestal, and maintain it. Even if the enemy would never give such mercy nor kindness. She would try to.

A low sigh escapes her lungs, which she shakes off with a roll of her shoulder. One day her naivety would get her killed...

"Hey- Ali, think we can.. Walk for a bit." It was an act of selfishness, intermingled in a sliver of respect. She didn't think she would be capable of holding her tongue for too long if she stuck around.

Even though Rhesus wasn't wrong.
(T'ahrah Tahl)
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[11:50] Even if she wasn't so much offered a glance by the Stellus, she would just have to hope she was heard.. After all, when had any of her attempts to speak with the leadership met with anything else?

Save for Radiant Alankrantz, sadly.

She understood the dilemma at hand, but that didn't mean they had to kill each and every foe they came across. Otherwise? They would be no better, by the end.

Her expression didn't shift, garnet orbs settling upon Tah once more. "Mhm, sounds good to me." She replies, motioning for the other girl to take the lead.
(Alice Brasti)
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[11:59] It was never easy to deal with politics on such a high level. And while many others seemed to think along the lines of Seifer's own words - even the Stellus - it remained evident that Achyon was not going to cease their advance upon Esshar. They sought to conquer, after all.

The young man peered up to the skies, squinting a bit before the sunlight that hit his glasses while he spoke.

"An advance in full black is a dreadful scenario, one that'll harm innocent lives and the lives of those who believe in this city. It's... inevitable. I can only think of one thing that would solve all of our issues."

His gaze shifted back down towards Rhesus, and a daring smile settled upon Seifer's lips.

"The only thing that'll get through the dark garbs they all wear is a light that comes not from the outside, but from within. Bianca's not going to betray her home; but I don't think she's a bad person for iteither.

If all they bring to the table is how merciless they are, then I suggest becoming their antithesis. To be... more merciful than they can handle."

There was a reason that smile remained upon Seifer's lips, after all the suggestion he had in mind was something crazier than anything anyone may have suggested before.

"They're coming for her? Then just give them what they want.

Free her.

And... trust that this gesture, that this good faith, that doing the right thing will cast light over the shadows of their hearts. It won't reach all of them— I'm not that much of an idiot to believe that, but...

As crazy as it sounds to offer mercy to your enemy, it's even crazier to trust them to do the right thing.

You shouldn't try to change people who don't want to change. You shouldn't try to change people who are happy with who they are. But if you can help those who need a change - if you can help the people who'll hold onto whatever you give them, then... I think it's worth a shot."

Too crazy, definitely. Seifer couldn't help but keep that smile - what else could he express after such an outlandish idea, after all.

"Plus, imagine the look on their faces when all they see on the battlefield is the person they're coming for."

Maybe there was more to it than mere kindness. Maybe there was some strategic, tactical idea. A foundation built upon the teaching of people who were much, much older and more experienced than the young one himself. Whether Seifer saw this attempt at twisting conversion right onto its head or not was a mystery.

The young man even went as far as lowering his head a bit, perhaps... pleading to the cause.

"People smile when they see apples having grown on trees, but it's the blooming cherry blossoms that happen all at once that truly bring joy in their hearts. Even... if you're left with far less food in the end."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[12:01] Rhesus stares at Seifer for a time.

It's a long, and focused gaze.
(Rhesus DeLaurentis)
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[12:12] A sigh releases from him.

".. An idea I considered early on."

".. But not one I can fulfill without a tinge of doubt in my mind. Bianca was a captive of the Moxtli that was transferred here for better holding. While we have some jurisdiction over her, how do you think my allies would feel if I were to just let go of a prisoner they risked life and limb to release?

Moreover, what about when Bianca returns to the field and potentially captures ours? When their commanders are not ones to care for our mercies? It may make a difference in the later years, but what about now, when everything really matters?

I will remind you again that this is not a pilgrim's journey, Mister Gardios. This is a war campaign.

Releasing her will earn you no accolades, no love or mercy from them. It is simply a selfishness that we cannot afford to indulge in.

Now.

Do you have anything else? If not, then I believe this conversation is done."
(Rhesus DeLaurentis)
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[12:17] Reality, rationality, and mercy. They all were linked in this moment and while the high road, the kind road was one Seifer suggested there was much, much more at stake than that.

Perhaps if Moxtli truly cared about their prisoner they would aid Osrona in protecting that interest. Perhaps if Achyon was kinder they would accept such a gambit. There were many, many maybe in this situation but none of them were ideal.

"I.. understand."

He didn't agree with it. He didn't want to agree with it, at least, but it was not his place to make that call. It wasn't his role. Not yet, anyway.

"I don't think I have anything else to add, I don't think."

Even so, perhaps speaking up alone with this idea would change things. Perhaps his efforts were not in vain.

He hoped so.

"Thank you for your time."
(Seifer Gardios)