the child I wrought

[Firynmara]

i am the mosquito; your wound will be sucked like a mosquito. Love me, love me, love me, love me, somehow my body gets hotter and hotter

Inessa

Ah, moving along to her destination was... well tiring. Perhaps because she was alone? The blonde had felt a sadness, perhaps because she missed the child, @inbessa. After all, that child was neither the first nor the last person that Firynmara had converted, but the quiet royal had hedged herself a little room within the childish woman. Both were... similar in a lot of ways. For Firynmara had not always been the loud, confident woman she was now, no that had come with age and understanding of her power. This child was like her, floundering for a place in the world. Although for Firynmara, that place at always been at that friend's side, no matter where they were now. Whichever it was the case, the once priestess candidate had found herself fond of the girl.

The same shut in innocence, the same desire to feel the world. That's why she had sent a subterfuge of a note, asking the girl to come here. Perhaps, if the time was right, she could even convince the girl to make a bolder move. Such as appointing her as her confidante, and allow her access into the castle, so that they did not have to meet covertly such as this. After all, it wasn't known that Firynmara was a follower of the Grimleal, despite her preaching. Why? Simple, she disguised herself when she traveled. Donning a flash robe and hiding all trace of her hair, all that remains is her violet eyes. By comparison, these gentle tactician robes were nothing.

But she did hope the girl would arrive soon, for it had been about four days now. The message, sent on a sturdy pigeon, should have arrived at their place within the first day. The rest was traveling by foot, and perhaps it was difficult for the archer to gain permission to leave... well no matter. Firynmara would have to continue soon, but with her, dare she, small protégé at her side would have given her peace of mind. Perhaps, once they both arrived at the capital, the woman could work on resurrecting the Risen. After all, she had an idea of the research, she had been part of the division before, but how much since she had gone?

After all, her call must have been due to all of the prominent researchers dying. She was the next one in line after two before her, and for them to have expired that fast... it was troublesome to think so. But perhaps it was something of a code, and Firynmara had always enjoyed those. Still, her steps led her to wander through the town, taking a walk whilst waiting for the young fledgling that she surely hoped would arrive shortly.

(C) ELLIE @ GANGNAM STYLE

[Inessa]

THE VERY WORST PART OF YOU IS ME

When Inessa was interrupted by one of the castle's guards, mumbling and muttering about how there was a message sent for her, her first instinct had been annoyance. Likely it was some droll, useless business - it was either that, or the grimleal getting in contact with her, and messages carried with them so much risk of prying eyes that Inessa couldn't believe that it could truly be the latter. However, when she actually got the letter in hand - unsealed, undisturbed - and squirreled herself away in private to read it, she dropped all of her annoyance in one fell swoop, and nearly crumpled the paper in her surprise. It was... that woman. It had to be. Though Inessa didn't recognize the handwriting, she recognized the name, signed neatly, and she recognized the tone - that characteristic way of speaking that she knew could only be her, the woman that stopped, the woman that noticed her, the woman that reached into her darkness and offered Inessa a warm, inviting hand. It couldn't be anyone else - and she wanted to meet once more, in the cities of Grust. It was a long walk from the castle, Inessa knew it. Honestly, she fretted that perhaps she woke up too late, or the pigeon wasn't quite fast enough, and she'd miss the chance to meet with Firynmara once more. Worries of it being a betrayal of some sort were far from Inessa's mind - but had they been in there, she simply would have brushed it away as a risk she had to take, for the chance to speak with this person again. The third princess had enough sense to take off her tiara and stuff it into her bags, but outside of that she wore her usual outfit, in too much of a rush to change clothes and agonize over bringing her armor with her or not. It was Grust, so the ability to defend herself was a requirement, so even though she wished otherwise, she brought a healthy set of arrows and her bow with her before she ventured forth from the castle, making the (true) excuse of meeting with a friend. She made good time. Thankfully for her, there was a cavalier already traveling to Grust - one willing to share his mount for a wayward princess. Within two days - or more, two days and a half - Inessa arrived in Grust. But where to start looking for the person she was supposed to meet? It wasn't too late when she parted with the cavalier, so maybe the woman was still wandering the streets - or perhaps she had gotten herself a room to stay at at some tavern, or she was eating someplace, or...? Oh, the endless possibilities. Inessa took out the letter once more, pouring over it, and then looked up and about, settling for wandering the city and asking about. She had time to kill, after all. As luck would have it, Inessa had only just approached the first person she figured might have an idea as to where a tall, purple-eyed woman might be when Inessa caught sight of her out of the corner of her eye, and then turned to see her. "F..." no, she was still too far away to be heard, even if she shouted. Inessa closed the distance between them, dropping the half-attempt at a conversation with the other man, and stopped in front of Firyn, searching the other's eyes - she recognized her! Hopefully, though it'd been some time, the feeling was mutual. "Firynmara..." she said, sounding out the name carefully, as if messing up the pronunciation could deny them their meeting. Then, Inessa smiled, softly, genuinely - and then her smile grew wider, happier. "You called me here, right...? It was you..." With an impressive show of self discipline, Inessa resisted the urge to throw her arms around her savior and hug her. "" Firynmara, code by katya

[Firynmara]

i am the mosquito; your wound will be sucked like a mosquito. Love me, love me, love me, love me, somehow my body gets hotter and hotter

Inessa

Ah, wandering had brought her a fruitful venture. Although it would take some time on foot, a little less on horse, the woman didn't expect the girl to actually come. But here she was, rushing to the woman, as if breathless in some way. Yes, perhaps, just perhaps this child had wormed her way into her heart, not that the Grimleal woman would admit to it in public. The child called her name, and then continued on. ''Yes, of course, Your Highness.'' she said quietly, as to not draw attention to them. Well, Inessa's garb was more then enough for that, and the woman had noticed the flickering, almost hungry gazes of some. That would not do, for this child was hers and nobody took what belonged to her.

Not even the Grimleal, as the woman could see the child almost leaning forward... and without hesitation, she extended one pale arm, and pulled the child into a soft hug. ''Now, this isn't the place to talk freely firstly, a lot of people are staring. I'm assuming you forgot to change your clothes from the palace?'' the woman asked, soft and gentle toned to the girl. Her voice was but a whisper and even though they were amongst countrymen, time had been hard... and a vulnerable Princess would make the day of several, despite the bow she sported. The clothes themselves were attention grabbing enough, but wasn't something the woman couldn't deal with. She had spare cloaks and even a change of clothes for such an event.

One could not call Firynmara unprepared after all. She was dealing with a child in her mind, therefore one had to be prepared to provide of course. ''Come, are you hungry? I have the feeling you didn't really eat much during your travels.'' the woman said, gently shifting her arms around the smaller girl's shoulders. After all, Firynmara had always been... unusually tall for a female. Letting her cloak cover some of the princess' clothes, she began to lead them to the room she had rented at the inn. It would be easier to discuss there and barring any sort of... funny business, everything should be fine. But of course, there was always room for error in all plans.. and Firynmara's wind tome was snug in her other hand, the limb resting on it when she pulled from the hug,

Caution was better advised unless one knew they were safe, that much the woman knew from her extensive travels across Plegia.

(C) ELLIE @ GANGNAM STYLE

[Inessa]

THE VERY WORST PART OF YOU IS ME

Yes, of course, your highness, came the easy, warm response, and if Inessa smiled any wider she'd probably break her own face. She stepped a little closer, but still didn't hug the woman - at least, until Firynmara took the initiative upon herself to reach out and pull Inessa into a hug. It was little things like that, honestly. Firynmara was warm - not necessarily familiar, but Inessa completely didn't mind the embrace, hugging back in swift order, resting her cheek against the older woman's chest. Now, this isn't the place to talk freely firstly, a lot of people are staring. I'm assuming you forgot to change your clothes from the palace? ...Oh. In truth, the princess hadn't even noticed that others were looking, so focused upon her quest to find her old friend. That was... rather foolish of her, honestly. She was grateful that her company didn't seem obviously and wholly grimleal, otherwise the rumors that could start would be an issue. All the same... "Sorry," she said, sheepishly, and then shyly looked up into Firynmara's face, as if fearing her disapproval - "I got a little ahead of myself." A little. One of the biggest understatements of the year, that - but Inessa wasn't willing to divulge just how much she wanted to meet Firynmara again. It was... embarrassing, after all! But how could she not like the tactician? She had nothing to fear from her and no secrets to keep. Beyond that, Firynmara took care of her - legitimately took care of her - and actually seemed to care, to give her more thought and recognition past a half-assed 'how are you' and brushing the answer aside, no matter what it was or what context it came from. Inessa really wished that her family was more like her. The older woman moved and questioned Inessa, and she paused. "Oh... I could have something to eat," Firyn was right - she didn't eat much on the way over, so caught up in everything else. How was she so consistently right about everything? "I can buy it, though. I am a princess, after all..." A lunch or a stay at an inn was absolutely no problem for her to cover. Sometimes, she didn't even need to pay at all - if they recognized her, that was. Firynmara finally pulled her arms away from Inessa, and the young princess found herself missing the older woman's embrace - but she settled for sticking close to the other, pulling the cloak that was already halfway on her closer to herself. "I hope you haven't been waiting for me too long," Inessa thought to say - not even able to wait until they got to privacy to begin speaking. "I really did come as soon as I could." A sheepish, embarrassed laugh. For a moment, Inessa toyed with asking where they were headed first - to an inn? To a stall full of food? To a room or something? - but Firynmara seemed to have a place in mind, and Inessa would be damned before she questioned the older woman. "" Firynmara, code by katya

[Firynmara]

i am the mosquito; your wound will be sucked like a mosquito. Love me, love me, love me, love me, somehow my body gets hotter and hotter

Inessa

Ah, there was just something about this child. So earnest, so content. Firynmara had, surprisingly, not wanted to manipulate her at the start, as the woman had often done so for recruits. Even unaware of her princess status. Firynmara just wanted to stop a child from crying... and for some reason, her family didn't do so. Firynmara wondered just what did the Former Queen think she was doing, but it wasn't the blonde's place to criticize a mother. She was no better then a child herself in many ways, and despite intellectually knowing this, she couldn't really feel it. Perhaps Inessa had been good in many ways to Firynmara's mind. It seemed like the child wanted to apologize and the woman shook her head, smiling.

''No, no don't apologize your highness. After all, it makes quite an honour that you come for me without a thought.'' she said kindly. Yes, let the others around them feel as if the Tactician was a close friend of the Royal. That way, their hungry eyes abated, for even in Plegia it had been heard. It was a tactician that had lead the army to fight against their beloved Fell Dragon, bonding the entirety of them to their goal. Of course, that Tactician had expired, but it made the Tactician's appear... more valid. Even before that, people respected them for their battling smarts and such. Armies were well kept with at least one in retinue yes? And a princess was keeping company with one, which made it all the more easier to believe that this tactician was skilled.

Perhaps it would be enough to give Inessa a reason to include Firynmara in her entourage at the castle. That way the girl would not be without. ''Oh my, if you wish so. Although I do have to treat you sometimes dear.'' she said to the girl, giving her a unique smile. Indeed, Firynmara might be jockeying for a position, but she did not wish harm on the child. In fact, perhaps she was one of the only ones that truly wished her good. Giving a soft laugh, she kissed the girl's head, as if to comfort her, as she seemed to apologize. ''It's fine, I didn't wait very long dear one.'' she said.

Oh of course she had waited longer then if she hadn't called on the child, but perhaps the wait had been something Firynmara enjoyed. She had plenty to think of, and of course, none of her devotion to the Grimleal was shaken. But she had taken time to look at things differently, and perhaps grow a little? Ha, what a funny idea! The woman took the child to her room, as they entered the tavern. She guided the girl to the room the blonde had taken that, and then took out some spare clothes. ''I shall leave you to change as I arrange lunch yes? Luckily enough I have spare clothes for you, and thus you can relax and not worry about your siblings for a while hm? I'm sure you have much to tell me.'' she said.

Of course, she would then smile and close the door, leaving the girl to her thoughts for a few moments, as the tactician went down and organized lunch. She did remember some discussions, and took new foods that Inessa had probably not yet eaten, along with some she liked along.

(C) ELLIE @ GANGNAM STYLE

[Inessa]

THE VERY WORST PART OF YOU IS ME

Left to herself with Firynmara's words and a change of clothes, Inessa began the process of removing the golden armor she wore - it was a pain to pull any sort of clothes over her head with that thing on - and then to the rest of her outfit, carefully and neatly folding each piece as she managed to get it off. Man, why were outfits so complicated? Moreover, why didn't she think to change before she ran out to meet Firynmara? Stupid, stupid. The older woman was warm and supportive and kind as always - even referring to Inessa as 'dear one' (a fact that guiltily made the princess rather happy.) and bringing changes of clothes and organizing lunch... Inessa felt far more spoiled by her than by her considerably more affluent parents. Well. You could say that Inessa was more than a bit biased on the subject, though. Why had Firynmara upped and disappeared for so long? Why was she back? Those questions gnawed at Inessa, but then again... she almost didn't want to ruin the happiness by asking them. She finished changing clothes, twisting to give herself a good look and make sure nothing was out of place, before she instantly began to walk to the door, reaching to open it and go after Firynmara. But then she paused. Where did her companion go, exactly? Inessa didn't know the layout of this tavern, and the last thing she wanted was to up and disappear while wandering about looking for a friend. She retreated to the bed she laid her clothes on, sitting there, and after a few moments of her own thoughts and silence, the door opened to hail Firynmara's return with quite a bit of food. "Welcome back!" Inessa said with a smile, and then moved her clothes to give her company space to sit next to Inessa, if they wanted. "...Hehe, you got a lot of food." But more importantly, she needed to ask ... "...Where to begin? How much do you know about..." About Ascher's exile, of Maeve's rise to power, of the civil war? "...current events?" That was easier for Inessa to confront. "Current events." "About the civil war... and about my family, as well," she clarified after a moment, lying her hands in her lap and trying not to fidget - it was an awful habit of Inessas' her parents hadn't quite managed to get her to break. "" Firynmara, code by katya

[Firynmara]

i am the mosquito; your wound will be sucked like a mosquito. Love me, love me, love me, love me, somehow my body gets hotter and hotter

Inessa

The blonde woman smiled, happy that the girl had found the clothes the right size. It was less flashy then her royal ones, but still quite distinguished. After all, she was a Lord by birthright. It would give quite the impression, the Lord clothes and the Tactician robes, and most people would not bother the two because of it. It would reinforce the image, and... perhaps she was still hoping for that scenerio. Ah, it was a scenario that she dearly wanted, perhaps, because it would put her always within Inessa's range, and would allow Firynmara to help the girl even with her family if she should need it. After all, that had been a source of stress and worry for the child. Of course, the blonde grimleal could cover that reason with many others.

But that was the main reason, aware of it or not. Inessa's enthusiasm and moving of her close made the priestess smile, as she brought a table and set the tray on it, sorting out the foods. ''Thank you dear one, I made sure to get plenty of your favourites along with some new foods for you to try. Do not worry if you can't eat all of it, I'm sure I can aid in just a moment.'' the woman said, gently taking Inessa's clothes, and gently packing them into a bag, making it easier to carry and less bulky in general, as she softly put it to the side of the room. Packed, it would not get dirty, and wrinkled unless the woman threw the bag around.

Which was a loathsome manner to treat one's possessions. Taking the offered seat, the woman listened to the girl's words and chuckled softly. ''I know of a few things here and there, but mostly the mutterings of the people. I have been among them, helping and accepting more into the fold. I was trying to ease them to peace within these dangerous times, but the civil war is taxing on all, most of all faith. But perhaps it would be best if you caught me up, dear one. After all, I have quite a suggestion to propose that hinges on this.'' the woman said, smiling mysteriously at the nature of her purposed suggestion.

Well Firynmara was no coward, as she quietly made sure the princess ate before she spoke too long, relaxing tea for the both of them to drink. After all, speaking on an empty stomach made a poor memory recall yes? The brain needed food to operate fully, and Firynmara would not let the child neglect herself for the sake of relaying information. That would not do, as long as she was here to stop such a destructive habit. But softly, gently, the woman took one of the girl's hands, and squeezed it in comfort. This child, her emotions, her nature... Firynmara wanted to make sure they had a place to bloom, and if the Grimleal turned to make the child into something she herself didn't approve of, the woman wouldn't think twice.

For slowly, but surely, this child was becoming more important then her sect. Her faith could be practiced anywhere. but if the sect dared to threaten the young one she had taken in... it was a fight that they would begin to lose, and horribly.

(C) ELLIE @ GANGNAM STYLE

[Inessa]

holy shit long post im sorry

THE VERY WORST PART OF YOU IS ME

With all of Inessa's misfortunes, her poor luck, her unfortunate family situation, her unfortunate general situation, she could say with no internal hesitation that she was very, very lucky to have Firynmara. The older woman was... always a way out. An escape. A momentary release from everything, and Inessa was glad to be in her comforting presence. Obediently, Inessa took a few bites of the food before speaking, even sipping at the tea - it was all delicious. In fact, the princess was entirely baffled as to how Firynmara managed to remember her favorites, but there they were, sitting on the table, a testament to how much the older woman cared. A suggestion... what could it be? Whatever it was, Inessa likely would say yes - in all honesty, she was biased. She swallowed a bit of her sandwich, and then began, smiling a bit even as Firynmara squeezed her hand affectionately. "...My eldest brother, Ascher... did I tell you about him?" Inessa couldn't remember, but she supposed the details of her brother weren't so important. "He was... exiled... after my father was assassinated." Inessa didn't know who did the deed. If it was Grimleal, a Ylissean, or perhaps simply someone wanting to start things between the grimleal and the royal family... she thought long and hard about it, but came to no likely answer. She hoped that it hadn't been the grimleal, but if it had... it was a sad, sad thing. "He..." She paused. Hesitated. Lingered. And begrudgingly, as if pulling out the truth came with difficulty, she spoke. "...I'm sure he wasn't a grimleal. But he was exiled, because Maeve thought he was one. Because of me," Inessa sighed, looking downcast - "It's my fault. I really should have been more careful. But at the same time... I guess I'm... angry at Maeve." No, that wasn't right. "I'm furious with her... because she's continuing this civil war by blindly hating people that don't even deserve it! She's throwing bits and pieces of what little family we have left away, because she thinks they're Grimleal, and..." "...and I know for sure, she'd hate me if I ever told her the truth. If I ever told her anything, she'd..." Inessa moved a hand to a ponytail of hers, playing with it. She'd likely end up exiled, like Ascher. Or executed. "I didn't start off... wanting to lie and keep secrets and... betray my family, but they give me no choice. It's... like I lie, or I lose them entirely. And..." She was wondering how long it would take before she had to do something. "...Beatrice is the same way. She and Maeve... Maeve actually believes in her, and she's the same. Hates the grimleal and wants to stop them and doesn't care enough to know... or care to learn..." The princess gritted her teeth. "God, I just hate them! They're terrible. They never listen. They're so wrapped up in themselves, they never care about me at all, and they're hurting my friends and their own family with their... stupid, selfish, high-horse business, when... when..." Tears welled up in Inessa's eyes, and she sniffled, rubbing at them with a sleeve. She hadn't actually meant to suddenly dump all of this on Firynmara, but... she could trust that at least the blonde-haired woman would care. Other people might not, but she would. Inessa believed that. "Grima... is what is best. The grimleal don't blindly serve... and nobody wants to give us a chance, because they hear 'dark lord', and they assume it's evil." It was a sad truth. Inessa only wished the rest of the world could accept the cult, like she had found acceptance within its ranks. "...Sorry, I didn't mean to go off on a tangent." Inessa finally said, frowning. "...I think Maeve's starting to work to stop the grimleal now. She even sent me on a dead-end ambassador mission to Ferox." Inessa said it with distaste, though she didn't elaborate. "... I think..." Hah. Inessa stopped here, and then lifted her gaze to Firynmara's face. "Actually, you... should tell me your suggestion before I continue." After all, what Inessa was about to admit to considering was probably far worse than anything Firynmara would suggest. "" Firynmara, code by katya

[Firynmara]

i am the mosquito; your wound will be sucked like a mosquito. Love me, love me, love me, love me, somehow my body gets hotter and hotter

Inessa

Gently but then in a rush, Inessa's words came out. First soft, first regret, then deeper and deeper. The woman could see something, that perhaps Inessa could be pushed to even murdering her siblings. But Firynmara was not the one to want to push that, as she squeezed the girl's hand in comfort. The woman did not want this child to bear such feelings to her family, despite their contrasting ideals. At least she had a family, as Firynmara was found in a basket in the river water near a Grimleal temple. She has no idea of what her bloodline is, or anything, all she knows is that she was raised by the Grimleal and thus naturally she gives her allegiance to them. It was simple as two plus two.

The child's anger, and her need for someone was clear to Firynmara. It had always been clear, and at first easily it had been to gain a useful contact. The blonde woman gently pulled the girl into her arms, holding her. That was something the woman wouldn't have done with anyone before, and the most observant of the grimleal often noticed how special she treated Inessa. To Firynmara, this girl was something more special then any of the others. Was it a family feeling or something else? The woman had no idea, never having to deal with such a strong need to just be there, to hold, to protect, to everything that normal people did and assumed the grimleal knew not.

''It is alright dear one.'' she said, soothingly, before gently shifting her weight closer, and angling so that Inessa could do what she wanted with the woman. As she seemed to be at the end, Firynmara smiled, and gently ran her fingers though the girl's hair. ''My suggestion was simply to make me your confidant in royal terms. In so far as I know, you are allowed an adviser as a princess, and a confidant. And I'm not sure you have picked one, so you could select me, and that way I wouldn't have to leave your side unless I'm dealing with grimleal business or doing things in your name. It also means I get to go wherever you go, if you get sent off.'' the woman said.

Part of her felt this was quite a good offer to advance the Grimleal, but in majority, Firynmara was hoping Inessa would accept for her own sake. After all, this meant the blonde would always be in reach and never again would the ashen haired girl ever be alone in her own home, cast aside and ignored. For she would always be there to care, to pick up the pieces, and even more so gather what she needed to aid the girl in her growth. Surely, Firynmara knew that the Grimleal's worship of Grima was only so good, but they were not bad people. They just believed in something most people didn't, although their belief kind of had a side effect of releasing a creature powerful enough to harm the way of life of others.

Although to Firynmara, that was much less stupid then say, succession squabbles and what not amongst just their own race. At least if it's an ulterior presence, one can go in style, and the cult wasn't bad within itself. Sure there was a lot of questionable people, but that was true of anywhere. And Inessa realized that, understood that, and Firynmara had half a mind to see if she could push the girl into becoming Queen. But no, that would not help the precious child at all, as the priestess let her suggestion still float around in the air. A soft smile was settled on her lips, and purple eyes watched her charge carefully, making sure to note any chances.

She didn't want to hurt the girl after all.

(C) ELLIE @ GANGNAM STYLE

[Inessa]

THE VERY WORST PART OF YOU IS ME

Inessa willingly hugged Firynmara back, grateful for the comfort beyond words. What could be said, past 'you're more supportive of me than my own family'? Or maybe, 'I owe you everything'? It is alright, dear one. Firynmara said, and for once, Inessa could believe it. Maybe everything would turn out alright - maybe things could be alright - she wouldn't have to live in fear and hate and the desire to run but nowhere to run to. Maybe she could be surrounded by friends that actually cared, family that actually cared, people that were kind to her and paid attention. Maybe, maybe, maybe... To make Firynmara her confidant, her adviser... Inessa had always procrastinated on that decision, never needing one. But... the idea was a good one. She'd always have Firynmara within arm's reach- to cry on, to confess to, to just spend time around. That in itself was enough to make the girl want to say yes, but then she hesitated. "...Won't they recognize you? What if they recognize you...?" She asked, fearfully, grasping Firynmara's robes and looking into her eyes. "I don't want to put you in danger for my sake." It was true. It was one hundred percent true. Inessa dropped her gaze, guiltily, and then frowned. "Though... it also works out perfectly for what I was going to ask..." she paused. Did she even want to continue? "...I might... need to kill Maeve. Maybe Beatrice, too. ...If it comes down to... something like that, would you... stay by my side?" Of course, she didn't want to. There was that part of her that still hoped for that perfect world, for the world where she didn't have to lie and hide and contemplate familicide. But a more realistic part of her wondered if she could ever have that world, at least, without eliminating the more contentious people in the family. Namely, Maeve. How many lives would be saved if she sacrificed one? Certainly plenty upon plenty of Grimleal. And if she sacrificed two, considering Beatrice wanted the throne, considering that she wanted to continue Maeve's persecution of the Grimleal, even if she also wanted to forgive Ascher for the crime he didn't commit... Then how much good could come out of it? Could she steel herself and do something like that? How would she hide it from the rest of the world, so people still liked her? Too many questions. "You don't think I'm terrible for thinking about it, right...?" It was a pointless question - an obvious plea for more comfort. If Firynmara thought it was bad, then Inessa had no reason to think about it any more. If she didn't, then... maybe the princess should commit more thought to the idea. "" Firynmara, code by katya

[Firynmara]

i am the mosquito; your wound will be sucked like a mosquito. Love me, love me, love me, love me, somehow my body gets hotter and hotter

Inessa

Firynmara smiled, as the girl was worried about her. ''How would they recognize a traveling priestess that wears flashy clothing and a hat that hides not only her hair, but quite often a hood to shade her face?'' the woman asked. Gently, her fingers stroked the top of the girl's hands, and then slowly undid her grasp, pulling the girl's hands around her form, letting the child hug her once more. Firynmara had never been touch oriented, but she often found herself just touching this child. A hand squeeze, a shoulder squeeze, brushing hair from the other's face. Somehow, the blonde always found a way to be in contact with the girl, to offer them both a physical connection, a comfort that Firynmara realized the girl craved, and she herself had lacked her whole life.

''Dear one, I would not mind any danger for your sake.'' she softly added, as the girl seemed to still hold on that hesitation. Firynmara knew how dangerous that was, and yet she didn't care. She wanted to be there for the young girl, to guide her and keep her safe in her own way. Danger aside, there was more of an advantage being there with Inessa. The fact that the girl could solidify herself, and not have to always be in such an environment by herself. But the child seemed to be gathering something, was it courage? Something weighed on her mind, and gently, Firynmara's fingers tucked strands of hair behind Inessa's ear, trailing her fingers gently.

Almost lovingly even. Which was a weird concept to think for her, but she cared not. ''Inessa, dear one, I will promise you an oath.'' the woman said. The child probably knew what oaths meant to the priestess, having taken only two in her life. One, to worship Grima. Two, her position within the Grimleal. Oaths to Firynmara were sacred, as she lifted the girl's eyes to meet her own. ''I swear to you, that I shall never leave you. No matter what happens, I will always come back to you.'' she said quietly. A promise, an oath for just the two of them. Firynmara had, sadly already considered the murder of Inessa's siblings. It was probably a step that had to be taken at some point.

Unless they found some way to reason and work together like royalty and grimleal have in the past. The blonde didn't necessarily feel comfortable with killing the siblings and then placing Inessa on the throne to facilitate Grimleal activities, although that would be logical for them to do. However, Firynmara had the feeling that the former Queen wouldn't let this go on for too long at that rate, and it would be difficult. The woman smiled at the child and then leaned her forehead against herself. ''Inessa, no, I don't think you are terrible. It's terrible that your family is unable to be understanding. That is not your fault, but their own. I do not wish for you to stain your hands with such things however, so I will try to find a way. A way to convince them, a way to perhaps resolve this without death. If that is what you wish.'' the woman would answer softly.

She wanted Inessa happy, and perhaps that was strange to her, but it was very important for Firynmara for this child to be truly happy some how.

(C) ELLIE @ GANGNAM STYLE

[Inessa]

THE VERY WORST PART OF YOU IS ME

Well, Firynmara was right - she did often travel with that hood of hers, and in a totally different outfit. For all of Inessa's fears, the chances of a random Grimleal priestess being recognized was actually quite slim. It was... such a relief. No - not just that. Not even the idea of having someone so close to her around at all times. It was that... Firynmara could say something, and Inessa could believe it. She could allow her skepticism to fall, her guard to fall, all of the things that she kept close to her, she could let go of for a little bit. The blonde-haired woman said that she wouldn't mind the danger, so even if Inessa still didn't want her to be in danger, she could trust that Firynmara would be okay. And if not, well... Inessa would do everything in her power to protect her friend. Firynmara promised her that she wouldn't leave, and Inessa could trust that she wouldn't. There was the fear in the back of her mind, wondering what would happen if she direly messed up, if she messed up so badly that even Firynmara would be disgusted with her - but the blonde had arguably seen Inessa at her worst. She didn't know what she would or could do to make Firynmara hate her - it almost wasn't a possibility. Everyone else, she had something to fear from, but not so with her. "Okay," Inessa responded, quietly - but she left it at that, giving Firynmara a grateful squeeze in the hug. And true to form, when asked for comfort, Firynmara gave it gladly, assuring Inessa that she wasn't in the wrong, and even worrying for her sake. It was funny that Firynmara didn't want Inessa to sully her hands with it - surely if Maeve was sullying her hands with Grimleal blood, someone had to stop her. That said, it was something of a terrifying thing to consider - not optimal at all. It was like Firynmara read her mind, her unstated hesitations, and came to a conclusion that would be ideal - her helping them reach a peaceful solution. And you know what? Maybe they could just throw Maeve in jail instead of killing her. It would be terrible. But they could. If it came to that, of course. "We'll see," She said, closing her eyes. "...I'd definitely love for you to be my adviser, though. And... thank you. For everything." Those words didn't seem enough to cover the scope of her emotions, but it would have to do. For now. "Hehe, was that what you wanted to talk about, or was there something else...? What have you been doing all of this time?" That was a point of interest that Inessa almost forgot to ask about. Where did Firynmara go? What was she doing? Inessa had missed her terribly, after all. "" Firynmara, code by katya