Clearing the Air

[Guest]

”And what of Blingworthy?”

”Blingworthy was on vacation, sir. I’m sure he had a splendid time, though.”

”See, Sullivan, I think that man is blessed with luck. First he and two others helped grab us some military technology, and now he managed to avoid a skirmish.” Dietrich chuckles. ”We’ll have to be sure he’s up to par with his abilities when he returns, though.”

”Will do, sir.”

The elevator doors open, and Dietrich and Sullivan begin walking down the hospital corridor. It had been a few days since the RIOTE skirmish in Drachma, but they remained in Amestris. At least until they could safely move their wounded. And until then, he’d be visiting the soldiers, almost all Royal Guards, who’d put themselves in the line of fire for the cause.

”Who’s next on our list?”

”Lady Vivian Duchamp, m’lord.”

”Ah, excellent…” Something had seemed… amiss with Vivian as of late. He was somewhat worried about it, honestly. Still, no better time than now to have some one-on-one time with those that protected him and kept him safe.

Walking slowly through the hallway, Dietrich breathed carefully. Too deep and his wounds would hurt him. Even his bruises were still sore. Then again, he’d taken three shots to the chest… How bothersome. Useful reminders, though. There were many questions to be pondered as a result, though that was for another time.

”This would be the room, Lord Dietrich,” Sullivan says, indicating the door across from them.

”Let us have a moment to talk then. Relax in the meantime. I’m confident nothing drastic will occur in the meantime.”

”As you wish.”

Approaching the door, he knocks twice, waits a moment, and slowly opens the door. ”Good afternoon, Lady Duchamp,” he says, entering the hospital room. A single, which meant they were much less likely to be disturbed. Not the ideal conditions, but he had to take what he could get in instances such as this. ”I’m sorry for the loss of your squad,” he continues after closing the door behind him. ”We lost a lot of men and women in Drachma. Try not to take it so hard.”

[Guest]

The room was quiet except for the occasional sound of someone walking past her room, the curtains by the window flung wide open as sunlight poured into the room. The TV that hung in the corner was off and silent, leaving Vivian to her thoughts as she stared out towards the snowy landscape outside. It really did remind her of Drachma, not that that was hardly surprising. She had no idea what she wanted to do now, her talk with Apos only furthering the dilema that she found herself facing. She hadn't received orders, she couldn't fight for a while much less complete her duties to full capacity, and.... Her lips tightened as her blue gaze cooly looked onward distantly, her long dark hair hanging about her shoulders freely. Her arm remained in its plain blue sling, the bandages freshly replaced and wrapped about her grizzly wounds. For an alchemist, she did end up injuring her arms a lot. That probably wasn't the best of things... Her mother probably wouldn't like all the scars that she had either, it put guests off a bit.

Should she stay? Or should she go? Yes, exactly like that song. She was caught in the middle with no distinct pull one way, or the other as the questions still gnawed determinedly at her mind. If she did go with him, they could both learn more. They could both improve. Maybe she'd discover something helpful for her alchemy! Maybe... maybe she could sort out everything that battled within her. Voices could be heard murmuring on the other side of her door, their close proximity drawing her attention. Her brows furrowed as she listened a bit closer, or at least tried to. The background noise behind even them was drowning out any distinctive features that could identify who it was. Apos certainly wasn't quite in walking condition yet, and she doubted he would come to see her so soon...

There came a knocking at the door, "Good afternoon, Lady Duchamp," She immediately sat up a bit straighter in her bed as her king walked into the room, saluting him with her good hand as the door closed behind him. Jesus... Lord Dietrich, visiting her... Guess she had found him then. Looking him over, she had to ensure her expression didn't change, relaxing so both hands laid in her lap. He was carrying himself differently... Heaven's, had he been shot?! Swallowing slowly, she felt an added weight at the knowledge of her failure to truly protect him even though she hadn't even been near him when it must have occured. She had been carrying out the orders he had given her. "I'm sorry for the loss of your squad. We lost a lot of men and women in Drachma. Try not to take it so hard." She allowed a small grimace to take over her features, bowing her head as she stared at her injury before taking a deep breath. "Thank you sir. I'll try not to." She murmured softly, unease slinking through her skin as the opportunity for her to ask all those questions had now arrived.

He was there to see her, and they were alone. Could she do it? She swallowed again with some difficulty, her blue eyes resting upon her king as she gestured for him to sit by her if he so chose to. "Sir... permission to speak freely?" She asked carefully, unable to dismiss the memory of Aren's reaction to the knowledge that she had worked for Dietrich. Nor could she dismiss the trust that the girl had placed within her. What would he do if he knew where she was? Or that she had met her? Too much hadn't been told to her, and she didn't like it in all honesty. "I have a few questions that I'd like to ask if permitted." That... was as safe a place to begin as any, right? Hell, he'd probably be happy that she was actually talking since she did admit, all of the royal guards were rather stiff around him. How could they not be? He was their superior! Now... it was just a matter of seeing what he'd have to say...

[Guest]

At least she wasn’t taking the situation too bad, considering her reaction. She was tough and resilient, traits that have been running in the Duchamp family for a long time now. She must make her parents very proud.

"Sir... permission to speak freely?"

Dietrich tilted his head slightly. Such a curious question to ask, considering the circumstances. Though, then again, Royal Guards were trained to be formal and proper, so perhaps it was his own fault for setting up some sort of double-standard. He’d have to get around to fixing that eventually…

"I have a few questions that I'd like to ask if permitted."

”By all means, Lady Duchamp,” he says, making his way over to a nearby chair and slowly settling into it. ”You are hereby given permission to speak freely, and ask whatever questions you wish to ask. Neither fret nor fear, as I’m interested in what you have to say.”

[Guest]

He seemed perplexed. Of course he'd seem perplexed.... He always expected his Royal Guards to be so free with him, yet propriety had been drilled to death into their brains. Especially in her case since she had the double whammy of being both a guard, and one of the daughters of a noble family that still answered to him in much the same way. How did she ever manage to relax around him at all? The answer: She didn't fully. Never. Not like with Apos... Though, he... Oh nevermind. Now she was just losing focus because her nerves were lighting up like a bloody firework. God, she could do this! She could face down enemy units no problem, but her king? Goodness no!

”By all means, Lady Duchamp,” He was joining her now, in even closer proximity. She doubted his reaction would be... outwardly strong, but still... When did she become such a ninny? Could she really blame herself though? The things she was asking could end up being considered treason or some such. ”You are hereby given permission to speak freely, and ask whatever questions you wish to ask. Neither fret nor fear, as I’m interested in what you have to say.”

Now her hesitancy was as plain as day upon her creamy features, brows knitting together ever so slightly as she nibbled at her lower lip in thought. Ok... Just how did she... "Why was I never told of another member of the royal family being alive?" Or she could just blurt that out... At least she hadn't said her name. Her blue eyes stared at her king, trying to hold some sort of semblance of calm, her one hand clenching into a fist to hide how it had trembled slightly. "I mean... in the sense that... Well.." Get a grip girl, dear lord! Closing her eyes for a moment, she took a deep breath, and grounded herself. No matter what came of this, it was the right thing to do. She had to get these answers, and she would figure things out from there. No matter what the answers were. No matter if she liked them, disliked them, no matter what. As her sapphire eyes opened, she stared now with a more resolute passivity, clearly sitting up a bit taller. "What I mean is this, I know when I first came to you to be officially debriefed upon acceptance into the Crown Alchemist, and Royal Guard, you told me that our duties were to protect you, and you alone. Before, the Royal Guard's duty was to protect all those of royal blood, not just you m'lord. So what I ask is this, why was I never told of another member of the family being alive? What are your plans towards her? If your plans for the future don't include her at all, thats well and good because..." God... this was the real kicker too..."I've sworn to protect King and Country, I know... But I can't help but feel a bit.. conflicted." Never had she been more serious than this, her heart racing as if it wanted to race right away from this whole business. No. She would stay. She would listen. And she would face it all head on. A Royal Guard didn't back down. And a Duchamp certainly never backed down like some yellow-bellied coward. "I just wish to clear the air, sir." She added quietly, looking at her handsome king that she respected so highly, wondering just what he would answer her now.

[Guest]

Ah, she was probably thinking the same thing he just was. She seemed… hesitant. Caught off-guard, even. Strange, how something takes an unexpected turn. One minute, you’re so confident, and the next…

”Why was I never told of another member of the royal family being alive?”

Dietrich paused, pondering for a moment whether to shoot her or not. Surely, it was a waste of a perfectly good soldier, but then again… How much was she told? How much did she know? And, ultimately, how much was the information corrupted and what was left out?

”I mean... in the sense that... Well..”

Maybe she was already sensing this was a bad idea.

”No, take your time,” he says, rapping his fingers on the top of his cane.

”What I mean is this, I know when I first came to you to be officially debriefed upon acceptance into the Crown Alchemist, and Royal Guard, you told me that our duties were to protect you, and you alone. Before, the Royal Guard's duty was to protect all those of royal blood, not just you m'lord. So what I ask is this, why was I never told of another member of the family being alive? What are your plans towards her? If your plans for the future don't include her at all, thats well and good because I've sworn to protect King and Country, I know... But I can't help but feel a bit... conflicted.”

”I just wish to clear the air, sir.”

Shifting slightly, he reaches under his jacket and pulls out his primary pistol. ”Excellent questions,” he says, ejecting the magazine and lying it down onto a nearby table. Cocking the gun, the bullet in the chamber falls to the floor before he puts it down next to the magazine. ”Now, considering James is exiled – his claim to the throne rightfully stripped from him – and that the previous king and queen are dead, I’ll assume you mean none other than Euphemia.” Having done the same with his backup firearm, he slowly leans forward, mulling over his choice of words. ”The simple answer would be that I don’t like her, and she doesn’t like me. But that’s not a satisfying answer. In reality, I consider herself to be self-exiled – refusing to return to her homeland out of choice, not obligation. And, yes, she’s technically a royal, the next in line after me, to be precise. And she still has that claim.

“But she has no interest in it. Maybe because she thinks I view her as a threat, or perhaps it’s legitimate disinterest in being Queen. But with the Exiled Prince buried in either a ditch or bottle, and as long as I’m childless, she’s still next in line whether she likes it or not. I always assumed that it was expected for her to become obsolete in the longrun anyway, a matter of redundancy just in case the unlikely happened. And, I do have to say, she’s managed to stay off the grid for quite a long time.

“Now, do I have plans for her? Yes, absolutely. But not what she’d expect. Nothing like what she might have told you. If we catch her in this country, we’ll detain her until I get what I want, Lady Duchamp. I wouldn’t keep her a moment longer than was needed, and once done, she could go off to do whatever she felt like. But, again, she’s afraid of me. I doubt she’d believe anything I told her, and would refute even the simplest fact on the notion that it came out of my mouth and not someone else’s.

“I’d also assume that that would explain, at least in part, why you’re only protecting me. The other part is rather simple. When I became king, the Royal Guards did what they’ve done for centuries: they swore their allegiance to me. And my first order was for them to focus on protecting me. I presume you remember the circumstances for me becoming king, right?” He paused for a moment, wondering for himself how quickly the event might’ve faded in the eyes of the people. ”The riots? The mobs of people angry at the nobility? One such group managed to overwhelm the guards, and shot both the King and Queen. In short, there was insufficient protection. Three years later, and things are going better. But this is politics now. Everything I do steps on someone’s toes, and politicians get blamed for everything, even things they didn’t do. And who’s scrutinized the most? Whoever’s in charge. I have too much work left to do, and I’m not going to let it go unfinished due to a psychotic extremist ruin it.”

He pauses, shifting again and gently placing his hand over one of his cracked ribs. Dear lord, he didn’t understand why any Amestrian preferred to lead from the front. It only gave the enemy a high-value target to shoot at…

”I don’t think I’ve ever lied to you about the matter though. I did inform you of your duties, but I did order you to focus only on me. Like I said at the time, the matter is complicated. She’s a member of the royal bloodline that doesn’t wish to be protected out of an irrational fear. Having no jurisdiction outside this country, I cannot operate freely to track her down, nor do I wish to put in the resources to find her. Euphemia, or whatever she’s calling herself, doesn’t wish to be involved with the royal family, and I’m happy to oblige her.” He pauses again, fairly confident he answered everything. Or, at least, gave enough information to satisfy the questions. ”Though I assume that that wasn’t the only thing on your mind.”

[Guest]

God, why was her heart pounding so fast?! Was he going to take her out and shoot her? Or shoot her here and now? No no, he wouldn't do that- no actually he probably would, but still! She was talking of possible TREASON here! As if her question about going off with Apos weren't enough to possibly ruin her career, this wasn't much better either! With possibly more serious results. More... "grim" so to speak. Swallowing, it was like there was a stone lodged in her throat as she tried to appear as resolute and stern as she had when she finally got it all out moments before. Aaargh... he was rapping his fingers... that wasn't a good sign at all... As she sat there, done saying her whole piece, she felt herself tense up at the slightest motion he made as he reached into his coat.

And pulled out his pistol.

Oh god, he was going to shoot her now.. That was it, she was about to die. She knew she was crossing a big fat boundary and there wasn't anything she could do to step back across into the safe zone. ”Excellent questions,” Swallowing with difficulty once more, one could understand the relief (and confusion) as he removed the magazine from his pistol and ultimately ensuring it had no bullets inside of it. He... wasn't going to shoot her? She wasn't about to die? She couldn't let the breath of relief out, so instead her body relaxed ever so slightly, the tenseness remaining in her face. This was so bloody nerve racking...”Now, considering James is exiled – his claim to the throne rightfully stripped from him – and that the previous king and queen are dead, I’ll assume you mean none other than Euphemia.” Another gulp and she looked down at her lap, her eyes darting up as the backup firearm was raised. Was he- He was doing the same thing to it. Ohhhhh thank the lord... She had to raise her gaze! Appearing so demure in front of him of all people was out of the question! She had a backbone, so why was it trying to slip away from her now?

Straightening up slightly, she was quiet as he began to explain. ”The simple answer would be that I don’t like her, and she doesn’t like me. But that’s not a satisfying answer. In reality, I consider herself to be self-exiled – refusing to return to her homeland out of choice, not obligation. And, yes, she’s technically a royal, the next in line after me, to be precise. And she still has that claim." Heh, she certainly was paranoid about him. She remembered how Aren had reacted when she first heard her speak Cretan, or when she found out that she was a Royal Guard. So was he... “But she has no interest in it. Maybe because she thinks I view her as a threat, or perhaps it’s legitimate disinterest in being Queen. But with the Exiled Prince buried in either a ditch or bottle, and as long as I’m childless, she’s still next in line whether she likes it or not. I always assumed that it was expected for her to become obsolete in the longrun anyway, a matter of redundancy just in case the unlikely happened. And, I do have to say, she’s managed to stay off the grid for quite a long time. She found herself relaxing a little further, the seriousness leaving her face ever so slightly. Had she given her friend away? No, she hadn't said any locations so the exiled princess was still safe. Why had she gone and made her life so complicated?

“Now, do I have plans for her? Yes, absolutely. But not what she’d expect. Nothing like what she might have told you. If we catch her in this country, we’ll detain her until I get what I want, Lady Duchamp. I wouldn’t keep her a moment longer than was needed, and once done, she could go off to do whatever she felt like. But, again, she’s afraid of me. I doubt she’d believe anything I told her, and would refute even the simplest fact on the notion that it came out of my mouth and not someone else’s." Now the tension was leaving her face entirely, instead appearing just calm and attentive to his words. “I’d also assume that that would explain, at least in part, why you’re only protecting me. The other part is rather simple. When I became king, the Royal Guards did what they’ve done for centuries: they swore their allegiance to me. And my first order was for them to focus on protecting me. I presume you remember the circumstances for me becoming king, right?” She nodded once at the rhetorical question, and then once more upon his question. Yes... she remembered. And still she had wanted to gain this duty, this post that she treasured so dearly. She would do anything for King and Country so deeply did she love it. ”The riots? The mobs of people angry at the nobility? One such group managed to overwhelm the guards, and shot both the King and Queen. In short, there was insufficient protection. Three years later, and things are going better. But this is politics now. Everything I do steps on someone’s toes, and politicians get blamed for everything, even things they didn’t do. And who’s scrutinized the most? Whoever’s in charge. I have too much work left to do, and I’m not going to let it go unfinished due to a psychotic extremist ruin it.” Her eyes lowered again, knowing she shouldn't let herself drift into thoughtfulness but she couldn't help it anyways. She was just a guard, she didn't know all of the things that he had to deal with. She knew how some people hated him, how other people loved him. He was right. Nobody could please everyone. It was... impossible.

Raising her eyes once more, Vivian's lips pursed slightly, watching the king she loved so dear. ”I don’t think I’ve ever lied to you about the matter though. I did inform you of your duties, but I did order you to focus only on me. Like I said at the time, the matter is complicated. She’s a member of the royal bloodline that doesn’t wish to be protected out of an irrational fear. Having no jurisdiction outside this country, I cannot operate freely to track her down, nor do I wish to put in the resources to find her. Euphemia, or whatever she’s calling herself, doesn’t wish to be involved with the royal family, and I’m happy to oblige her.” There it was. Everything explained to her, and yet still more questions wanted to arise. The important thing was that he didn't have any strong intentions towards her friend, and that was a relief. She felt that she could remain a royal guard for now. There was something about the phrasing of his words upon his rule, she didn't want to abandon him completely. ”Though I assume that that wasn’t the only thing on your mind.”

Aaaaand then there was the other matter... Was she still abandoning him by trying to follow this selfish request? Heh, now she was the one calling it that. "I would never imply that you lied sir. Just... didn't quite give all the details. Forgive me if I have given such an impression." She felt that had to be said. Taking a deep breath, she let her hand relax on the bed, her dark hair spilling in front of her shoulders. "But there is something. I... wish to take an extended leave of absence. However, I wouldn't dare do such a thing without your express consent. I do not wish to abandon my duties either however..." What could she say? If she said that she wished to leave with Apos, how would that sound? "I am compelled to go. What are your thoughts sir?"

[Guest]

“I would never imply that you lied sir. Just... didn't quite give all the details. Forgive me if I have given such an impression.”

”Understandable, Lady Duchamp,” he says simply. He had been honest, and told her what she needed to know. She was a smart one, seeing as most never questioned into the details. He would have to be careful in the future.

”But there is something.”

Dietrich perks his head up. ”And what would that be?”

”I... wish to take an extended leave of absence. However, I wouldn't dare do such a thing without your express consent. I do not wish to abandon my duties either however... I am compelled to go. What are your thoughts sir?”

”For better or worse,” he says, picking the two bullets off the floor and loading them back into their respective magazines, ”I consider you a Crown Alchemist who happens to be a Royal Guard, rather than the other way around. However, regardless of my disposition towards you, you’ve served your country well. Take a few months off, travel around a bit. Learn something. You’ve done some amazing feats over the past few months. Just don’t forget to file your quarterly reports with the Crown Alchemist program.”

Placing his pistols back under his jacket, he carefully stands up. ”You know, I studied alchemy in my youth. Didn’t have the gift, unfortunately, but I know the theory. Equivalent exchange, one for one, ten for ten, etcetera. That’s how the world works, doesn’t it?” He pauses, trying to recall something for a moment. ”You know, back in the 1920’s, this Amestrian would travel through Creta every now-and-then. Blond hair, golden eyes, always described as being a bit on the short side... Couldn’t practice it, but he knew everything about alchemy. But he was… different from the other alchemists, as my grandfather would tell me. He offered his own theory on how the world should work: you get ten, and give back eleven. That’s what we’re striving for. That’s the world I want. I’m given ten, and I can give back out eleven, or fifteen, or twenty. That’s what the Crown Alchemist program is for. Remember that while you’re on vacation.” Shifting slightly, he sighs. ”So, you’re to remain here until you’re discharged, and then you’ll be on vacation. Is there anything else I should be aware of, or shall I be reading over your report in a few months?”

[Guest]

”Understandable, Lady Duchamp.” Oh thank goodness... She had already had enough heart attacks out of nerves and just seeing him pull out his pistols initially. She felt like the situation between them now was a bit more.... strained. There would certainly never be that relaxedness that Dietrich longed for between him and his guards for them. Not with what she had just asked of him. And now she was going to ask even more. She was trying to gauge his reaction as they sat there, failing to notice the added anxiety she had over this whole... issue. For some reason there was an added desire to going off with Apos on his journey. And a fear at the thought of missing this opportunity. How strange that she'd be willing to throw away what she'd worked her whole life to get to on a man that she had only recently met.

”For better or worse,” Her eyes followed his hands as he picked up the bullets to reload his guns, flicking back up to his gaze as the stone in her throat only lodged there more securely. ”I consider you a Crown Alchemist who happens to be a Royal Guard, rather than the other way around." W-wait... She... Her eyes widened slightly as she somehow managed to sit up a little taller than she already was, that stone starting to break free as her mind began to race. "However, regardless of my disposition towards you, you’ve served your country well. Ouch... That.. didn't imply good things... not that she could blame him considering she had just questioned him so. "Take a few months off, travel around a bit. Learn something. You’ve done some amazing feats over the past few months. Just don’t forget to file your quarterly reports with the Crown Alchemist program.” "Of course sir! Absolutely." Oi, it was hard to contain her excitement! Thank god for her soldier training otherwise it would have probably exploded out of her which would be highly inappropriate given the situation.

”You know, I studied alchemy in my youth. Didn’t have the gift, unfortunately, but I know the theory. Equivalent exchange, one for one, ten for ten, etcetera. That’s how the world works, doesn’t it?” She nodded slowly, he was absolutely correct. She hadn't realized he had attempted alchemy though, that was an interesting fact. It also made some added sense considering his disposition towards it. ”You know, back in the 1920’s, this Amestrian would travel through Creta every now-and-then. Blond hair, golden eyes, always described as being a bit on the short side... Couldn’t practice it, but he knew everything about alchemy. But he was… different from the other alchemists, as my grandfather would tell me. He offered his own theory on how the world should work: you get ten, and give back eleven. That’s what we’re striving for. That’s the world I want. I’m given ten, and I can give back out eleven, or fifteen, or twenty. That’s what the Crown Alchemist program is for. Remember that while you’re on vacation.” Blinking, she felt that she might know exactly who he was talking about. Was he referring to the Elric brothers? "I will sir."

”So, you’re to remain here until you’re discharged, and then you’ll be on vacation. Is there anything else I should be aware of, or shall I be reading over your report in a few months?” Now she actually allowed a smile to shine through, however it was reserved. She shouldn't appear too joyous at this news. "Thank you very much for this granted leave sir. I'll be as timely as possible with the reports, though we'll see given where I'm thinking of going." Who knew how the desert would treat such things? It wasn't like there were post offices doting the landscape! "That'll be all sir. Thank you again. I hope your injuries heal up quickly. I'm sure the Duchess of New York will wish to see you once we return hm?" She chuckled a little, though it did pain her arm a little at the motion, wincing slightly as she bowed as much as she could to him. Which was pretty much just her head. Hopefully he wouldn't take that the wrong way.... Now she was probably trying too hard to find that awkward balance between informal and formal that just didn't quite exist. But the important thing was, SHE COULD GO! Lord, she was like a teenage girl who just got permission from her parents to go off on some outing of some sort.... It was... pathetic in a sense. What in the world was going on with her?

[Guest]

”Thank you very much for this granted leave sir. I'll be as timely as possible with the reports, though we'll see given where I'm thinking of going."

”I’m not very concerned. I’m sure you’ll make do where ever you go.” Patting himself down to make sure he didn’t leave anything before standing up as straight as he could manage.

”That'll be all sir. Thank you again. I hope your injuries heal up quickly. I'm sure the Duchess of New York will wish to see you once we return hm?”

”Why yes, excellent idea, Lady Duchamp. I’m sure the duchess would like to know I’m safe… Speaking of which, if you manage to find something she might like, do send it to me. I’ll reimburse you for its cost and your troubles.” Seeing Vivian bow her head, he smirked slightly. ”Do take care on your travels. It’d be a shame to lose someone as valuable as you.” Taking his leave, he quietly exits the room, shutting the door behind him.

”I think that just about covers it for today, Sullivan. Wouldn’t you agree?’

”I suppose so, m’lord.”

Dietrich pauses for a moment, hesitating. Yes, Lady Duchamp would certainly be missed. But until then, he’d just have to make due with the sticks in the mud, and perhaps some visits from the good duchess.

----EXIT THREAD----

[Guest]

”I’m not very concerned. I’m sure you’ll make do where ever you go.”

She nodded once and smiled slightly, observing his movements with some worry since his injuries were of some concern obviously. She had leave to go. She had leave to go. She had leave to go! She had to restrain herself from bounding up once he left and running to Apos' room to tell him the good news for he would want to know as soon as possible. Had she ever been so excited about something? Lord, she was reverting back into a child! What in the world was going on with her hm? This was... highly un-ladylike. Or maybe that was her mother speaking... She didn't know. And really, she didn't care. She was happy, and not dead, which were the things that mattered.

”Why yes, excellent idea, Lady Duchamp. I’m sure the duchess would like to know I’m safe… Speaking of which, if you manage to find something she might like, do send it to me. I’ll reimburse you for its cost and your troubles.” Ah yes of course, she smirked and chuckled a little before nodding again in answer to him. "Of course m'lord." ”Do take care on your travels. It’d be a shame to lose someone as valuable as you.” She felt her cheeks flush slightly, relieved to know that she was valuable. Even if she almost deserved being shot by firing squad moments before. Straightening up as he left, she waited until the door closed to let the grin that wanted to come out take over her features. The only other time that she could think of where she had felt this excited was... well, when she got her post. It was truly surreal to her.

Now... She would wait a few moments and calm down since she didn't want to bump into Dietrich in the hall. That would be a might.... embarrassing. Then she would go down and inform Apos that she could join him on his journey. She could only imagine his reaction after.... Her smile faltered a little as she remembered how he had been once she had given him her answer. Alone... No, no he would not be alone. She would make sure of that. She wouldn't let him feel such things to bring tears to his eyes. It pained her... It really did. She didn't need to know him well to be able to tell that the fact he was so... vulnerable in front of her, was something out of character for him. No... She would brighten his day with the news, and he would shed no tears. So she waited another moment or two before sliding out of her bed and walking carefully over to the door. Peering outside, she saw that Dietrich was indeed gone, and so she hurried down to Apos' room, heart racing in her chest. She was going....

~EXIT THREAD~

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