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<blockquote data-quote="Lylandra" data-source="post: 8169567" data-attributes="member: 6816692"><p><strong>A future uncertain: Gabriel and Auryn</strong></p><p> </p><p>As soon as we return back to Carlyle's house in Stray River, he asks Auryn what's wrong with her as she is clearly not her usual self right now. But she just shakes her head and says that she's worried about Morris Dawkins' health and fears that there might be some truth in what Gabriel said earlier.</p><p></p><p>“I understand.” Gabriel replies, “but that's not all. And I am not the only one who sees that you are acting distant and troubled. Would you tell me about it?”</p><p></p><p>He then leads Auryn to a comfy couch and quickly brews a herbal tea. Auryn stays silent for a few moments, and then explains that to her, everything seems uncertain right now. To such an extend that she fears she cannot paint a clear picture of her future anymore. She states that wherever she may be heading now could lead her to both the brightest happiness and the deepest misery, and this is really frightening to her. She then adds that on top of that, after all that has happened during the last couple of days, she is being torn between “Risur” (or rather King Aodhan and his orders) and Elfaivar (or rather her family).</p><p></p><p>“I already thought it would affect you that way.”</p><p></p><p>“But that's not all. I thought about my stance, and came to the conclusion that my whole existence, the reason why I was born, was to secure our people's survival. It is my duty to give my all for the Eladrin, even if that meant that I have to sacrifice everything. So... under the worst circumstances, we may even find ourselves on different sides, and that thought breaks my heart. Even though I know that this is very unlikely and I do hope that this will never happen as I love Risur and I consider it to be my new home.”</p><p></p><p>Carlyle lets this sink in for a while. Then he replies that he can see where she is coming from and that her arguments are nothing he can dismiss. However, he asks her to consider that as an RHC agent, and sort-of confidant of the King, she has gained insight into some very deep secrets of the state, inside knowledge that would be able to harm Risur should she choose to side with Elfaivar and be in conflict with Risur.</p><p></p><p>“I'd even go so far to say that you could be potentially dangerous for Risur with all that knowledge. I don't see you going there, as not everyone manages to pass the loyalty check of the RHC, but if you really fear that you may break with Risur, you should seriously consider quitting before it is too late.”</p><p></p><p>She takes a heavy breath before directly stating that she doesn't wish to head into that direction and merely trying to assess the extreme possibilities. Which means that she by no means wishes to choose between the two nations. It is just that the last meeting with King Aodhan gave her reasons to think about her own stance. But that, if all was in her own hands, she'd do everything to forge a close bond between Risur and Elfaivar so their nations could stand side by side.</p><p></p><p>“That's at least what I was trying to achieve over the last couple of months.”, she adds with a sad voice. “It wasn't anything official, but I envisioned myself to be an emissary of both nations, to build these bridges you encouraged me to see. But all of this isn't enough. Not with the threat of Crisillyir on the horizon.”</p><p></p><p>“Now that sounds more like you”, Carlyle says and squeezes her hand in encouragement.</p><p></p><p>“Working hard, never giving up, being an example for us all. Not merely a hooded figure pressing a switch on a secret island to reset our world.”</p><p></p><p>“Kasvarina has been walking this 'rocky path' for over 500 years... and I am...”</p><p></p><p>“You are not her. For you, it would still be the easy route. I understand your point, but try to understand where Kasvarina's path has led her. This isn't where yours should end, too.”</p><p></p><p>Auryn nods slowly and sighs. She then adds that, without making a major change, she is very certain that nothing will ever change between Crisillyir and Elfaivar. Not without being able to radically shift the perspective of the people of Crisillyir. Once, she had the hope that after so many human generations the Crisillyiri would have changed. But every person she's met so far had proven that those who remained part of the nation harbored the same hatred and prejudice as the people who caused the Malice. Thus showing little interest in seeing or even understanding the perspective of Elfaivar.</p><p></p><p>Carlyle agrees without hesitation, but he continues that he doesn't believe that even a reset of the world would cause them to change overnight. From his own experience, the Hierarchs of the Clergy have little contact to people outside their spheres, so they have no reason to cease their fanaticism anytime soon, even if they were equipped with the power of empathy.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(Oh my, that would make one terrifying echo chamber...)</span></p><p></p><p>After all, this fanaticism had been the reason why he left Crisillyir behind and became a Risuri. Regarding Elfaivar, he swears that he will protect the land with his life should Crisillyir dare to attack her people ever again and not simply try to settle on empty land. He then muses that after all he has seen in the Crypta, he cannot be sure whether or not the Clergy has already been corrupted by demonic influence or other dark forces as no feeling creature would treat an angel like Linia the way these people did.</p><p></p><p>“And that's only the tip of the iceberg. They experiment with Deva and use them as divine vessels, they summon undead specters from the Bleak Gate, imprison the innocent and infuse the souls of devils into people who simply know too much. Their actions are despicable.”</p><p></p><p>In response, Auryn touches the small fishing hook hanging on the necklace around her neck. She guesses that this corruption might have been the reason why the Hook abandoned the Clergy in the first place. Despite the fact that history claimed it had been stolen, it might even be an expression of Triegenes' rejection of the Crisillyiri teachings.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"></span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(And this is a question we couldn't find an answer to. Did Kasvarina kill the Hierarch who carried it and gave it to Nicodemus? Or was that assassination story a completely made up myth and the Hook chose Nicodemus as he was the only clergyman with a fitting personality?)</span></p><p></p><p>“And isn't it ironic that it came to me? Maybe Triegenes has a twisted sense of humor, but I also feel that it couldn't bear the true nature of Nicodemus and his ideas anymore. “</p><p></p><p>Now Gabriel smiles warmly at her.</p><p></p><p>“I don't know what happened between you, Nicodemus and the Hook, but I see this as a sign that maybe you should continue on your own path. It has chosen you, not him or Kasvarina.”</p><p></p><p>He then continues to discuss Nicodemus and assumes that, as he is most likely a disillusioned Crisillyiri himself, he could give us some pretty interesting insights into both structure and problems of the Clergy. Maybe it was the same reason that drove him and Nicodemus away from the Clergy, so they could even share the same perspective.</p><p></p><p>Auryn chuckles a bit and agrees that this would be quite the experience. Even though she isn't sure whether Nicodemus would consider this proposal as it would mean a risk for him. Gabriel explains that this exchange could be purely conducted by magical message, so no risk involved.</p><p></p><p>"Then, why not? Actually, I've already thought about asking Nicodemus to let go of Andrei via sending. There should be enough Obs who are willing to play their master's host.”</p><p></p><p>“I understand where you are coming from. But I think that we're in a tough situation here, as we also 'got' something that he wants: Kasvarina. And we'll both agree that leading him to her is out of question.”</p><p></p><p>He then takes a deep breath and continues:</p><p></p><p>“Even though... it could be the morally right thing to do. Andrei is an innocent bystander, he is not a part of this conflict. While Kasvarina... well, she somehow brought this upon herself I guess. After all, she is maybe the second or third in the Obscurati hierarchy.”</p><p></p><p>Auryn nods slowly and says that she understands his thought. Even if Kasvarina is a part of her family and maybe the only one who can give them more insight into the Obscurati and their plans. Still it was the issue of Kasvarina that shocked her so much during the meeting with King Aodhan and his entourage.</p><p></p><p>To this, Gabriel raises an eyebrow as he thought she would have been more content with the King's order. Which is why he issued his objection in the first place.</p><p></p><p>“No, why would I?” Auryn responds, really irritated this time. “I just didn't want to cause any more ruckus. It is as I said: All I wish to do is to show Kasvarina that despite everything that has happened and whatever she may have done, she still has a family. And even though she will have more than a fair share of scars, she needs to know that life in all of its facets can still be wonderful and worth living.”</p><p></p><p>“It is indeed. And it seems like you're never too old to learn that important lesson.”</p><p></p><p>He smirks slightly and then adds that there are a lot of issues he himself will have to tackle once the Obscurati threat is dealt with. Starting with Crisillyir and his relationship to the rather disturbing situation in the land that was once his home.</p><p></p><p>Auryn takes this as an unexpected opportunity to ask Gabriel whether these thoughts would include her, too, and whether he has settled on his feelings toward her. Which apparently really takes him by surprise.</p><p></p><p>“It isn't me who regularly questions our relationship or doubts if he's on the right path when there's trouble on the horizon or whenever we don't share the same opinion.”, he says calmly, but with a grain of sadness.</p><p></p><p>Which in turn surprises Auryn as she was previously the one who felt shut off. Nevertheless, she proceeds with her train of thought and explains that her possession of Livia Hatsfield allowed her to peek into the woman's inner working and compare her emotions to her own. Which has led her to the conclusion that she is indeed capable of and currently experiencing the feeling of love for him. As surprising as that may sound for a person who was raised with the notion that love was unnecessary to fulfill your duty.</p><p></p><p>To her continued surprise, Gabriel seems very little surprised by these “news”.</p><p></p><p>“So I hope that realization brought you more clarity.”</p><p></p><p>Auryn nods, but she seems slightly unhappy by his response.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(Again, they are still prone to miscommunication. Of course Auryn loves him, but she is still influenced by the thought that this would be a very daring, almost forbidden move and hopes that he'd encourage her by making a bold move himself.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"></span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">Of course Carlyle loves her, but he has been certain of his commitment for a while and he is prone to being all private about his feelings. So he prefers to make passive statements that indirectly reflect his true thought. He just wished that she was being less turbulent and more stable. Also, he is very much not used to being close and has to remind himself that you'd need a bit more continual closeness in a working relationship.)</span></p><p></p><p>“Please don't think that there is a problem for me with us not having the same opinion. I just... sometimes feel as if there is so much that's more important to you. And that you don't really believe in me or my ideas.”</p><p></p><p>“But this isn't true!”</p><p></p><p>“And then there is the issue of Fordren. I know that he has been quite useful in providing information, and that he helped us all escape from Mutravir. But he's still giving me headaches and now he is taking more and more root in our inner circles. In places where I thought my fiercest allies resided. Like he's slowly unraveling my network of defense. A network that...”</p><p></p><p>“Yes?”</p><p></p><p>“...that first and foremost includes a matriarch's husbands. Or future husband, in my case. As you know, my power and safety depend on others, and the husband is the last and most important part of defense. Only that Fordren doesn't know about your stance towards me. You even preferred him.”</p><p></p><p>This time, it is as if Gabriel is caught completely flat-footed. He takes a few moments to think about the whole issue, and finally signals that he understands Auryn's point.</p><p></p><p>“Ah... I see. So this is still about your power struggles with him? I didn't even know I had a role in all of this. But now it is much clearer to me. Rest assured that I do not prefer him, and my promise towards you still stands. But there is one fact that you're missing in your equation: That he and his power are as dependent on somebody else as you are.”</p><p></p><p>He then explains that, being a dragon, Gradiax was only able to survive because he bowed down before King Boyle and accepted the pact. And in this line, he is still dependent on King Aodhan's good will. Especially if he does want to play a role in the grand conflict of this generation. Still he was as unnerved as Auryn to see him appear in the King's council as even though he is a state secret, he doesn't need to have access to all other secrets of the state.</p><p></p><p>Auryn agrees and is able to see Gabriel's logic. But she also reminds him that despite the recent development, Fordren is still directly responsible for the suffering she had to endure, during what was easily described as the worst time of her life. And this wold in turn be something that Gabriel should be able to relate to, even if his scars stem from a different beast.</p><p></p><p>She then returns back to her traditions and explains that she is treading on completely unknown ground right now which is why she has to be absolutely certain to not follow the wrong path. Especially as she is making big sacrifices for her personal relationship, sacrifices that do not only include her, but her people as well.</p><p></p><p>Now Gabriel squeezes Auryn's hand again as he tries to encourage her to walk further.</p><p></p><p>“And do not believe that you are the only one who is in unknown territory. As you know, I haven't changed that much over centuries. After... well, I made sure to keep people at a safe distance. Change is... scary, I have to admit. But I try to accept changes in my life, I try to change myself and challenge my stances. Like living alone in a home far too big for one person. And now you're living here with me. I even let Teraklir stay despite the fact that I know that she's a brat. And a literal dragon. So in the end I think we both simply need some time. And this is something we both have plenty of.”</p><p></p><p>He then looks straight at her with a gaze both stern and pleading.</p><p></p><p>“Just please don't doubt us every time you're feeling off track. So far, I don't hesitate, but if you keep doubting, then maybe I will someday start having doubts as well. And that is no place I'd want to go.”</p><p></p><p>Auryn shakes her head in response and expresses that she, too, doesn't want to doubt as all she wants is one happy future. She then offers Gabriel to show her a vision of such a possible future and it appears as if he is quite curious to see it.</p><p></p><p>So Auryn concentrates a while on a spell and releases an illusion that fills the whole room. In this vision, an older version of herself is sitting in a room decorated with elfaivaran ornaments and decorum. She is wearing the dress of a matriarch and busy writing notes while sitting next to a stack of various papers. After a while, the door to the room opens and sunlight falls in. Then Gabriel enters the room, holding a small boy in his arms while being accompanied by a slightly older girl. What is quite remarkable is that he is also wearing the insignia of the governor of Flint. He then asks his dearest whether she is ready to depart and then casually talks about his afternoon tea with the Vantrys family. Auryn states that she is indeed ready, as she just finished her big speech for the peace treaty that is to be signed today. So after all this time of hard work, she finally managed to become the architect of peace she always wanted to be. She stresses out that this was only possible due to their combined work and the bold moves of the Alliances of Ber and Risur which made the political pressure on Crisillyir strong enough so they would yield. Auryn then takes her notes and joins her husband while telling her kids that they will be off on an important journey, so they'll have a lot of time to play in the garden of the Dawkins or fly with auntie Gale.</p><p></p><p>“What a wonderful, beautiful vision. I'd even say it was quite humble.” Gabriel comments with a warm voice.</p><p></p><p>Regarding this vision Auryn explains that she wants nothing more than to secure the future of her people. And being the Matriarch of Flint would enable her to be there for both Risur and Elfaivar while being the link that could connect both nations. Her enclave and the covenant enclave would be a good first step towards a better understanding between Risur and Elfaivar. For Gabriel, she says, she could envision him to be the next governor of Flint should this job be vacant any time soon or should the King feel the need for a fresh breeze.</p><p></p><p>Gabriel agrees that he wouldn't reject the offer should King Aodhan ask him eventually. He also encourages Auryn to continue with her enclave plans as this would be a wonderful place where the Risuri could learn more about Elfaivar, a place that would be “just a far off place” for most Risuri right now.</p><p></p><p>“Just promise me to tell me in advance should you feel that your loyalties for Elfaivar and Risur come into conflict. Your knowledge must never be a threat for Risur.”</p><p></p><p>“Agreed. But I will do everything that's in my power to make sure this will never happen. Even if I'll have to butt heads with some higher-ups in the process.”</p><p></p><p>She then chuckles and adds “And even if you are still one tough nut to crack when it comes to showing or even allowing yourself to feel emotions.”</p><p></p><p>To which Gabriel wraps his arms around Auryn and tilts his head to hers.</p><p></p><p>“You know that change needs time. Especially when I am involved. And this tough nut needs the occasional crack, so please feel free to continue cracking.”</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(Yep, this was really just a one and a half hours long dialogue between the two. Which really helped to clean the mess both of them were stuck in after the convocation.)</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lylandra, post: 8169567, member: 6816692"] [B]A future uncertain: Gabriel and Auryn[/B] As soon as we return back to Carlyle's house in Stray River, he asks Auryn what's wrong with her as she is clearly not her usual self right now. But she just shakes her head and says that she's worried about Morris Dawkins' health and fears that there might be some truth in what Gabriel said earlier. “I understand.” Gabriel replies, “but that's not all. And I am not the only one who sees that you are acting distant and troubled. Would you tell me about it?” He then leads Auryn to a comfy couch and quickly brews a herbal tea. Auryn stays silent for a few moments, and then explains that to her, everything seems uncertain right now. To such an extend that she fears she cannot paint a clear picture of her future anymore. She states that wherever she may be heading now could lead her to both the brightest happiness and the deepest misery, and this is really frightening to her. She then adds that on top of that, after all that has happened during the last couple of days, she is being torn between “Risur” (or rather King Aodhan and his orders) and Elfaivar (or rather her family). “I already thought it would affect you that way.” “But that's not all. I thought about my stance, and came to the conclusion that my whole existence, the reason why I was born, was to secure our people's survival. It is my duty to give my all for the Eladrin, even if that meant that I have to sacrifice everything. So... under the worst circumstances, we may even find ourselves on different sides, and that thought breaks my heart. Even though I know that this is very unlikely and I do hope that this will never happen as I love Risur and I consider it to be my new home.” Carlyle lets this sink in for a while. Then he replies that he can see where she is coming from and that her arguments are nothing he can dismiss. However, he asks her to consider that as an RHC agent, and sort-of confidant of the King, she has gained insight into some very deep secrets of the state, inside knowledge that would be able to harm Risur should she choose to side with Elfaivar and be in conflict with Risur. “I'd even go so far to say that you could be potentially dangerous for Risur with all that knowledge. I don't see you going there, as not everyone manages to pass the loyalty check of the RHC, but if you really fear that you may break with Risur, you should seriously consider quitting before it is too late.” She takes a heavy breath before directly stating that she doesn't wish to head into that direction and merely trying to assess the extreme possibilities. Which means that she by no means wishes to choose between the two nations. It is just that the last meeting with King Aodhan gave her reasons to think about her own stance. But that, if all was in her own hands, she'd do everything to forge a close bond between Risur and Elfaivar so their nations could stand side by side. “That's at least what I was trying to achieve over the last couple of months.”, she adds with a sad voice. “It wasn't anything official, but I envisioned myself to be an emissary of both nations, to build these bridges you encouraged me to see. But all of this isn't enough. Not with the threat of Crisillyir on the horizon.” “Now that sounds more like you”, Carlyle says and squeezes her hand in encouragement. “Working hard, never giving up, being an example for us all. Not merely a hooded figure pressing a switch on a secret island to reset our world.” “Kasvarina has been walking this 'rocky path' for over 500 years... and I am...” “You are not her. For you, it would still be the easy route. I understand your point, but try to understand where Kasvarina's path has led her. This isn't where yours should end, too.” Auryn nods slowly and sighs. She then adds that, without making a major change, she is very certain that nothing will ever change between Crisillyir and Elfaivar. Not without being able to radically shift the perspective of the people of Crisillyir. Once, she had the hope that after so many human generations the Crisillyiri would have changed. But every person she's met so far had proven that those who remained part of the nation harbored the same hatred and prejudice as the people who caused the Malice. Thus showing little interest in seeing or even understanding the perspective of Elfaivar. Carlyle agrees without hesitation, but he continues that he doesn't believe that even a reset of the world would cause them to change overnight. From his own experience, the Hierarchs of the Clergy have little contact to people outside their spheres, so they have no reason to cease their fanaticism anytime soon, even if they were equipped with the power of empathy. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](Oh my, that would make one terrifying echo chamber...)[/COLOR] After all, this fanaticism had been the reason why he left Crisillyir behind and became a Risuri. Regarding Elfaivar, he swears that he will protect the land with his life should Crisillyir dare to attack her people ever again and not simply try to settle on empty land. He then muses that after all he has seen in the Crypta, he cannot be sure whether or not the Clergy has already been corrupted by demonic influence or other dark forces as no feeling creature would treat an angel like Linia the way these people did. “And that's only the tip of the iceberg. They experiment with Deva and use them as divine vessels, they summon undead specters from the Bleak Gate, imprison the innocent and infuse the souls of devils into people who simply know too much. Their actions are despicable.” In response, Auryn touches the small fishing hook hanging on the necklace around her neck. She guesses that this corruption might have been the reason why the Hook abandoned the Clergy in the first place. Despite the fact that history claimed it had been stolen, it might even be an expression of Triegenes' rejection of the Crisillyiri teachings. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)] (And this is a question we couldn't find an answer to. Did Kasvarina kill the Hierarch who carried it and gave it to Nicodemus? Or was that assassination story a completely made up myth and the Hook chose Nicodemus as he was the only clergyman with a fitting personality?)[/COLOR] “And isn't it ironic that it came to me? Maybe Triegenes has a twisted sense of humor, but I also feel that it couldn't bear the true nature of Nicodemus and his ideas anymore. “ Now Gabriel smiles warmly at her. “I don't know what happened between you, Nicodemus and the Hook, but I see this as a sign that maybe you should continue on your own path. It has chosen you, not him or Kasvarina.” He then continues to discuss Nicodemus and assumes that, as he is most likely a disillusioned Crisillyiri himself, he could give us some pretty interesting insights into both structure and problems of the Clergy. Maybe it was the same reason that drove him and Nicodemus away from the Clergy, so they could even share the same perspective. Auryn chuckles a bit and agrees that this would be quite the experience. Even though she isn't sure whether Nicodemus would consider this proposal as it would mean a risk for him. Gabriel explains that this exchange could be purely conducted by magical message, so no risk involved. "Then, why not? Actually, I've already thought about asking Nicodemus to let go of Andrei via sending. There should be enough Obs who are willing to play their master's host.” “I understand where you are coming from. But I think that we're in a tough situation here, as we also 'got' something that he wants: Kasvarina. And we'll both agree that leading him to her is out of question.” He then takes a deep breath and continues: “Even though... it could be the morally right thing to do. Andrei is an innocent bystander, he is not a part of this conflict. While Kasvarina... well, she somehow brought this upon herself I guess. After all, she is maybe the second or third in the Obscurati hierarchy.” Auryn nods slowly and says that she understands his thought. Even if Kasvarina is a part of her family and maybe the only one who can give them more insight into the Obscurati and their plans. Still it was the issue of Kasvarina that shocked her so much during the meeting with King Aodhan and his entourage. To this, Gabriel raises an eyebrow as he thought she would have been more content with the King's order. Which is why he issued his objection in the first place. “No, why would I?” Auryn responds, really irritated this time. “I just didn't want to cause any more ruckus. It is as I said: All I wish to do is to show Kasvarina that despite everything that has happened and whatever she may have done, she still has a family. And even though she will have more than a fair share of scars, she needs to know that life in all of its facets can still be wonderful and worth living.” “It is indeed. And it seems like you're never too old to learn that important lesson.” He smirks slightly and then adds that there are a lot of issues he himself will have to tackle once the Obscurati threat is dealt with. Starting with Crisillyir and his relationship to the rather disturbing situation in the land that was once his home. Auryn takes this as an unexpected opportunity to ask Gabriel whether these thoughts would include her, too, and whether he has settled on his feelings toward her. Which apparently really takes him by surprise. “It isn't me who regularly questions our relationship or doubts if he's on the right path when there's trouble on the horizon or whenever we don't share the same opinion.”, he says calmly, but with a grain of sadness. Which in turn surprises Auryn as she was previously the one who felt shut off. Nevertheless, she proceeds with her train of thought and explains that her possession of Livia Hatsfield allowed her to peek into the woman's inner working and compare her emotions to her own. Which has led her to the conclusion that she is indeed capable of and currently experiencing the feeling of love for him. As surprising as that may sound for a person who was raised with the notion that love was unnecessary to fulfill your duty. To her continued surprise, Gabriel seems very little surprised by these “news”. “So I hope that realization brought you more clarity.” Auryn nods, but she seems slightly unhappy by his response. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](Again, they are still prone to miscommunication. Of course Auryn loves him, but she is still influenced by the thought that this would be a very daring, almost forbidden move and hopes that he'd encourage her by making a bold move himself. Of course Carlyle loves her, but he has been certain of his commitment for a while and he is prone to being all private about his feelings. So he prefers to make passive statements that indirectly reflect his true thought. He just wished that she was being less turbulent and more stable. Also, he is very much not used to being close and has to remind himself that you'd need a bit more continual closeness in a working relationship.)[/COLOR] “Please don't think that there is a problem for me with us not having the same opinion. I just... sometimes feel as if there is so much that's more important to you. And that you don't really believe in me or my ideas.” “But this isn't true!” “And then there is the issue of Fordren. I know that he has been quite useful in providing information, and that he helped us all escape from Mutravir. But he's still giving me headaches and now he is taking more and more root in our inner circles. In places where I thought my fiercest allies resided. Like he's slowly unraveling my network of defense. A network that...” “Yes?” “...that first and foremost includes a matriarch's husbands. Or future husband, in my case. As you know, my power and safety depend on others, and the husband is the last and most important part of defense. Only that Fordren doesn't know about your stance towards me. You even preferred him.” This time, it is as if Gabriel is caught completely flat-footed. He takes a few moments to think about the whole issue, and finally signals that he understands Auryn's point. “Ah... I see. So this is still about your power struggles with him? I didn't even know I had a role in all of this. But now it is much clearer to me. Rest assured that I do not prefer him, and my promise towards you still stands. But there is one fact that you're missing in your equation: That he and his power are as dependent on somebody else as you are.” He then explains that, being a dragon, Gradiax was only able to survive because he bowed down before King Boyle and accepted the pact. And in this line, he is still dependent on King Aodhan's good will. Especially if he does want to play a role in the grand conflict of this generation. Still he was as unnerved as Auryn to see him appear in the King's council as even though he is a state secret, he doesn't need to have access to all other secrets of the state. Auryn agrees and is able to see Gabriel's logic. But she also reminds him that despite the recent development, Fordren is still directly responsible for the suffering she had to endure, during what was easily described as the worst time of her life. And this wold in turn be something that Gabriel should be able to relate to, even if his scars stem from a different beast. She then returns back to her traditions and explains that she is treading on completely unknown ground right now which is why she has to be absolutely certain to not follow the wrong path. Especially as she is making big sacrifices for her personal relationship, sacrifices that do not only include her, but her people as well. Now Gabriel squeezes Auryn's hand again as he tries to encourage her to walk further. “And do not believe that you are the only one who is in unknown territory. As you know, I haven't changed that much over centuries. After... well, I made sure to keep people at a safe distance. Change is... scary, I have to admit. But I try to accept changes in my life, I try to change myself and challenge my stances. Like living alone in a home far too big for one person. And now you're living here with me. I even let Teraklir stay despite the fact that I know that she's a brat. And a literal dragon. So in the end I think we both simply need some time. And this is something we both have plenty of.” He then looks straight at her with a gaze both stern and pleading. “Just please don't doubt us every time you're feeling off track. So far, I don't hesitate, but if you keep doubting, then maybe I will someday start having doubts as well. And that is no place I'd want to go.” Auryn shakes her head in response and expresses that she, too, doesn't want to doubt as all she wants is one happy future. She then offers Gabriel to show her a vision of such a possible future and it appears as if he is quite curious to see it. So Auryn concentrates a while on a spell and releases an illusion that fills the whole room. In this vision, an older version of herself is sitting in a room decorated with elfaivaran ornaments and decorum. She is wearing the dress of a matriarch and busy writing notes while sitting next to a stack of various papers. After a while, the door to the room opens and sunlight falls in. Then Gabriel enters the room, holding a small boy in his arms while being accompanied by a slightly older girl. What is quite remarkable is that he is also wearing the insignia of the governor of Flint. He then asks his dearest whether she is ready to depart and then casually talks about his afternoon tea with the Vantrys family. Auryn states that she is indeed ready, as she just finished her big speech for the peace treaty that is to be signed today. So after all this time of hard work, she finally managed to become the architect of peace she always wanted to be. She stresses out that this was only possible due to their combined work and the bold moves of the Alliances of Ber and Risur which made the political pressure on Crisillyir strong enough so they would yield. Auryn then takes her notes and joins her husband while telling her kids that they will be off on an important journey, so they'll have a lot of time to play in the garden of the Dawkins or fly with auntie Gale. “What a wonderful, beautiful vision. I'd even say it was quite humble.” Gabriel comments with a warm voice. Regarding this vision Auryn explains that she wants nothing more than to secure the future of her people. And being the Matriarch of Flint would enable her to be there for both Risur and Elfaivar while being the link that could connect both nations. Her enclave and the covenant enclave would be a good first step towards a better understanding between Risur and Elfaivar. For Gabriel, she says, she could envision him to be the next governor of Flint should this job be vacant any time soon or should the King feel the need for a fresh breeze. Gabriel agrees that he wouldn't reject the offer should King Aodhan ask him eventually. He also encourages Auryn to continue with her enclave plans as this would be a wonderful place where the Risuri could learn more about Elfaivar, a place that would be “just a far off place” for most Risuri right now. “Just promise me to tell me in advance should you feel that your loyalties for Elfaivar and Risur come into conflict. Your knowledge must never be a threat for Risur.” “Agreed. But I will do everything that's in my power to make sure this will never happen. Even if I'll have to butt heads with some higher-ups in the process.” She then chuckles and adds “And even if you are still one tough nut to crack when it comes to showing or even allowing yourself to feel emotions.” To which Gabriel wraps his arms around Auryn and tilts his head to hers. “You know that change needs time. Especially when I am involved. And this tough nut needs the occasional crack, so please feel free to continue cracking.” [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](Yep, this was really just a one and a half hours long dialogue between the two. Which really helped to clean the mess both of them were stuck in after the convocation.)[/COLOR] [/QUOTE]
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