Cleansed in Lethe Waters [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

‘Just two hours.’


It was what Aemilia kept telling herself as she stood on the darkening field and greeted the woman she knew by sight and name to be Tricia Celer, “Celer,” she greeted politely and inclined her head to the woman. One of her professors had recommended her for the extra training during the brief break that followed the graduation.


“Lapin,” Tricia gave a nod to her, but puzzled over the attire of the brunette before her. “Is this what you fight in?” Tricia herself was in spandex shorts and a crop top, her brown hair pulled up, and tennis shoes on her feet.


The woman before her was in a silk dress of burgundy and heels, of all things. In response, she simply slipped the heels off and stood with her toes in the soil, “One should be able to fight in anything,” was the answer, “it isn’t the best, but I did not have time to change.”


“You wear this to your classes?”


“I had dinner with my mother.” Aemilia always dressed nice for that. Her mother would consider it disrespectful if she didn’t. “I had no classes today. I finished my finals on Wednesday.”


“Ah,” strange girl, Tricia decided, “I won’t mind if you want to go switch out.”


Aemilia shook her head, “The only reason I’m here is because I have no endurance. It isn’t a lack of talent.”


Now Tricia raised her eyebrows at the girl before her, for girl she was in Tricia’s eyes. She spoke with too much confidence to be a woman, in her eyes. She hadn’t yet been cut by the world’s realities. Couldn’t have been. “Very well,” and so, Tricia doubted her in this matter of endurance. “Your preference is the polearm, right?”


Aemilia nodded, and Tricia picked up the wooden polearm she’d brought to the field, and handed it off to Aemilia as the woman let her purse hit the ground as inelegantly as her heels. She accepted the polearm, and watched as Tricia took up a sword instead. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”


Tricia had to resist the urge to smirk. “Yes,” she said with a smile.


Aemilia accepted it. She’d already studied the strategies known of Tricia from her past in the academy, and what Alcina knew of it. They were almost peers, after all, Alcina only a year behind. She wasn’t here to lose. She was here to convince Tricia that the training was unnecessary, because it couldn’t fix her problem.


“When you’re ready,” Tricia said, taking a couple of steps back to be out of immediate range.


Aemilia nodded, “I’m ready,” and she moved the polearm to have the sharp point down towards the ground. She would not move first. She knew better than that, she’d wear herself out against Tricia.


Tricia hesitated a few moments, but then overcame the uneasy way the girl’s eyes were making her as they just watched.


Tricia was fast—faster than most expected her to be. Still, her first assault was evaded, the tip of the polearm just barely lifted out of the ground as Aemilia stepped left. Alcina had also taught her that, with her condition, she needed to avoid anything unnecessary. Efficiency was the way to victory.


Tricia turned the way that Aemilia moved and raised her blade in an upwards, diagonal slash, but it hit the pole of the polearm. Aemilia twirled it, moving Tricia’s arm roughly with the movement, and then twisted the polearm so she could point the blade of it at Tricia’s neck.


There was a beat, as Tricia realized she would have been dead were this actual combat. ‘Oh.’ Well, that’s what she got for underestimating the girl, wasn’t it?


Aemilia lowered the wooden weapon and stared boredly at Tricia. “See?”


“Are you always this arrogant?” She had to ask. She was used to it, but it was rarely backed up.


“Only when I’m doubted.”


“Touche. So, endurance, you said?”


“Yes,” Aemilia nodded.


“All right then. Let’s see how long you can play.” And without warning, Tricia lunged. Now that got a beautiful reaction—blue eyes widening, staggering backwards, and a quick move of the polearm to guard. The wood clashed, but Tricia just moved forward, breaking away before their could be a deadlock and deciding to play full on offensive tactics.


~***~


Corbin Hawke sat in the bottom of the bowl in the lecture hall, feet on the table before him, and a growing pile of papers building. He was paying it almost no attention as he read his book. It was a story of King Arthur, but from Mordred’s perspective. Ever a fan of history, Corbin found himself also drawn to fictionalized histories.


“Mr. Hawke?”


‘Ugh.’ He looked up. “What?”


“When will our grades be finalized?”


‘I already know yours.’ Irksome brat. “All grades will be posted on the 22nd.”


“I know, but when will you have things finished?”


“The 22nd.” His tone said it all. Fuck off.


“Oh…okay, then,” awkward smile, “Have a good break, Mr. Hawke.” Corbin waved them off dismissively, his eyes going back to his book.


He just wanted this to be done with. He was supposed to be monitoring the students to make sure they didn’t cheat, but he clearly wasn’t doing that. He was just a glorified babysitter for this class. He wanted it done, though. Kayden was in town, and he desperately wanted to just flip the table, let the papers spill, tell everyone they were getting ‘C’s, and go see him.


They always had a good time together. Sure, they often got into trouble, but with the friends Kayden had, it never mattered. Connections were everything in this world. Unfortunately, connections also required grooming.


Otherwise, Corbin would have flipped the table, but the actual professor of the course would dismiss him from his services immediately, and then what? Then he’d have to go join the army, and he was not ready for that. Not when he knew Victor was getting ready for a war. Nope. Corbin was a confessed coward and he would stay that way.


‘Come on already.’ He wanted to groan as there were only a few left. One of them was his friend, which made it all the more frustrating. ‘Mik, come on. You know it doesn’t matter.’ Another was the paranoid cat, Brooke, and then there was the ‘beast’, Alcina, so dubbed because apparently her friend Aemilia was the beauty. It was more the fact Alcina couldn’t speak, so many thought her dumb.


Corbin was pretty sure that wasn’t the truth, but he didn’t know. He didn’t know sign language. Everything she did was in writing, and well, at least she was literate. Seemed to be passing. He’d probably grade her fairly; it was just her friend he didn’t care for.


“Would you all hurry up?” He complained aloud.


Alcina looked up and shot him a glare. However, she rose from her seat, took up her paper, and walked to him to turn it in.


~***~


“Atticus.”


The blonde man greeted the other familiarly as he stepped into the office of the philosophy department, where Atticus Lieven was holed up as a logic and rhetoric specialist. He let his back press against the doorway as he looked at the man at his desk, student papers piled up.


‘Oh, Cicero.’ He always saw Cicero there. He delighted in the fact that Cicero was now named Atticus—the name of Cicero’s best friend, once upon a time. He loved these little coincidences.


He loved the way Atticus raked his gaze up Victor’s suited form, as if he was pulling a sword up and through him. His smile was lazy when Atticus finally reached his face, “What are you doing, my friend?” They weren’t friends. They both knew it.


“Unlike you, Consul, I have important things to be doing.”


Victor put a hand over his heart, “You wound me.”


“If you had important things to be doing, you would not be bothering me.”


“Did you forget?” He so often did. For a man who knew so much, it was amazing what he forgot. “You and I have a dinner to attend with Lillian and Seth.”


Atticus blinked, evident confusion crossing his face, before he pulled out his notebook. His task-manager, as he called it, and flipped to the day. “Gods!” He cried out as he realized he did, in fact, have dinner planned.


Victor tried not to laugh. He succeeded in only broadening his smile. “Come on, Atticus,” he offered his hand, “The papers will be there tomorrow.”


“I have to at least finish grading the graduating class ones,” he dismissed Victor’s hand with gesture, “Go wait outside, it won’t take more than half an hour.”


To be kept waiting. This was always his way, though, wasn’t it? One shouldn’t force a consul to wait, but he did not want to leave without Atticus. It would be failing his mission, in some ways, to do so. He needed to talk with Atticus about his plans and convince the man to support them. That was going to be the tricky part. It always was. “Oh, very well,” he pushed away from the doorway, “You’ll owe me one of your teas for this wait, though.”


Atticus just rolled his eyes and then set them back down on the papers before him. He shuffled them, digging through the pile for those he needed to have graded before the graduation ceremony, to ease the minds of those worried graduates. He heard Victor starting to hum out there, and it instantly filled his head with the lyrics to the song.


‘Gods damn you, Victor.’ He grit his teeth, and carried on grading, occasionally hearing Victor call out a question to him, which always disrupted his train of thought. Those accursed dress heels also liked to click whenever they touched tile. Atticus felt so underdressed in his sweatervest.


How he’d love to throttle the Consul, or at least plunge his pen into the man’s neck.


“I don’t understand this joke about Sartre and authenticity.” Victor said as he glanced at a comic on the wall of the department. He did, but—


“For the love of everything, Consul! Let me work!”


It was worth it. Every, single, time. He could hear Atticus muttering under his breath about Sartre’s stupidity, and then heard him break a pen as he slammed it onto his desk.

 

[Burrito Bunny]

So far, today had been extremely dull for Kayden. It was always strange for him to return here, where the people carried on their normal lives and their normal jobs for most of the day. It sure was different than the lifestyle Kayden was familiar with: military life. While he was here it caused him to feel slightly out of place, at least until his friends were freed of their boring day jobs and they were reunited.


However, there was still over an hour before he could met up with Corbin, his best friend. Until then, Kayden just had to find something to do, or surely he would go mad waiting. In an effort to kill time, Kayden decided to go for a stroll through the city.


Garbed in a plain white tee-shirt and some jeans, Kayden set off, not really paying attention to where he was going. Instead, he was planning out how to best spend his free time. If his memory served him well, Kayden suspected those heathens Corbin was stuck baby sitting would be nearing summer vacation, which means Corbin would also be freed up for the most part. This was good, as Kayden wanted to get as much done with him before he was inevitably called back into Consul Victor Nevsky's troop. He knew that the man planned on starting another fight if he could. Kayden sighed. While the military provided the only real career he could fathom, he still missed seeing his friends.


With a scowl Kayden realized he had come up to a building, and the road continued no further. His expression only deepened when he realized that he had absentmindedly brought himself to his old Academy and Corbin's current place of employment. To think, Corbin was undoubtedly having and equally thrilling day supervising those kids. They were so close, yet so far away. With yet another scowl, Kayden redirected his path to send him down a worn trail leading to the back of the school. He knew that cutting across the campus would be much quicker than going back the way he had come.


Suddenly something caught Kayden's eye from the area from which he knew due to his prior experiences was the training field. It looked as though, no, that couldn't be right...was that girl training in a dress? With one eyebrow raised in curiosity, Kayden immediately diverted his path and made way for the training field, watching the two women spar. Yes, one of them was most certainly wearing a dress. This was something Kayden had never seen before. Instantly he assumed that she would be terrible and inexperienced just because of her garb, but as he got closer it became abundantly clear that she did have quite a bit of talent.


With all of his previous boredom forgotten, Kayden stopped a couple feet from the training field, intently watching the match.


***~***


Brooke's eyes snapped up as she heard Mr. Hawke's tone towards one of the other students. His tone carried his message loud and clear: this man did not want to be here. Brooke scowled at him for a second before diverting her eyes back to her paper. 'It's not like I want to be here either,' she thought, an expression of annoyance passing over her face. Pushing down her irritation, Brooke focused her eyes back on the little bubbles which were begging to be chosen. How should she know which one was right!?


Mikayla glanced anxiously at the questions that she had left unanswered. She honestly didn't know the correct answer, but the clock on the wall wall taunting her, and she knew that at this point the answer wouldn't just come naturally. Praying that she was doing the right thing, Mikayla scribbled in the remaining bubbles and looked up hastily. How had so many people finished!? 'Well,' she reasoned, 'at least I felt good about all but a few questions.'





With that thought boosting her confidence Mikayla gently pulled her papers into an organized stack before walking awkwardly up to Mr. Hawke's desk and placing her test packet gingerly on the pile of other student's work. She turned and looked more carefully at who else was still present. there was Alcina, who seemed to have turned her test in not too long before Mikayla, and Brooke, a girl in the graduating year that was known for being shallow and on the paranoid side.


Brooke noticed the movement of her last two peers getting up and completing their tests, which meant that she was the last person with a test. In order to avoid an even more awkward situation, Brooke pressed her pencil hard into the paper, scribbling in answers at random, her marks dark and showing plainly that she was using far more force than necessary to write them in. Once she was done she abruptly stood up, sending she chair squeaking across the floor, and grabbed up her paper before dropping it on the pile with little care.





'Why was I even bothering in the first place?' Brooke thought bitterly. 'This class was stupid. History is stupid. School is stupid.' Though she normally wouldn't act out this much, right now Brooke was irritated that she had known so little, and a bit worried that Mr. Hawke would be taking off points should he be given the chance to grade just because she kept him late. She wouldn't put it past the man. Brooke began to weave her way through the rows of empty desks when suddenly she heard a soft voice call out.





"Brooke?" Mikayla called, her voice lacking confidence, and with good reason. Mikayla didn't even know why she was doing this, but she knew how much she and Aemilia were going to celebrate Alcina's graduation, and she would hate to have Brooke be alone on such a special night. She could at least offer an invitation to Brooke. Besides, what were the chances she would actually accept? This was Brooke after all.





Brooke squinted her eyes at the red headed girl before letting out a curt reply. "What?"


"Would you like to come with us to celebrate the graduating class?" Mikayla asked quickly, just to get it out in the air and over with.


Brooke froze, not quite sure what to do. Her first reaction was to eagerly accept, for she had always wanted to actually go out and celebrate with friends. However, Brooke quickly reminded herself that Mikayla, Aemelia, and 'the beast', were far from her friends. Therefore, the freckled girl must have some dastardly ulterior motive. However, as she opened her mouth to let out a scathing response, she thought better of it. It was the day of her last final exam. She might as well take a chance with this girl and try to enjoy herself. "Ok," she said guardedly. She noticed the flicker of surprise in Mikayla's eyes, which was then followed by what Brooke decided was regret. Then the girl smiled at her.


"Great!" Brooke suspected that the cheer in the other girl's voice was probably false.

 

[Lucyfer]

It was not unusual to have observers on the field. Ever-alert, both of the women noticed it still, and Tricia knew the face. A drop-out, but one that Victor seemed to adore for reasons that were beyond Tricia’s understanding. ‘A bankrupt. A dropout. A gambler.’ Of course, Victor was a drop-out, too, wasn’t he?


Kindred spirits, perhaps.


These thoughts ran through her head quick, and then she was focused again as the polearm made a jab for her face. The girl was no longer playing, either, but Tricia could see the endurance problem plain as day now. The girl was breathing hard under the stress of the combat, and had stifled a few bouts of coughing. Still, she had foresight.


She was reading the flow of the battle well. They had both managed points against the other, Tricia’s claim to fame when she was able to put that blasted polearm into the ground and get her wooden sword against Aemilia’s abdomen. Range seemed to be how Aemilia liked to play best, and at all times, she tried to use the polearm to maintain that range.


There was no denying the talent, but in a war, endurance was necessary. If one couldn’t last five minutes, they’d be dead. What she understood of this girl was that she did want to follow the careers of those great men.


‘Kindred spiri—ah!’ It was a shoe that interrupted her train of thought.


Perhaps not so much kindred spirits. That tactic was quite low.


Aemilia knew when she was done, and knew when she should have quit, but a string of pride always pushed her beyond that. Still, she didn’t want to leave things at a tie. She had stepped herself back to where her heels were, and with the tip of the polearm, she took one up by its strap and then swung it right at Tricia, who was evidently stunned by the tactic.


Aemilia would have laughed, but as it came up, it became a terrible cough. The pain, and the quick closing of her windpipes, caused Aemilia to drop the polearm and crumple, one arm wrapping around her abdomen as the coughing became mute; there wasn’t enough air getting out to make a sound.


Tricia wasn’t hit by the shoe, but it had surprised her. More, was her surprise when her opponent just dropped into a…wait, she wasn’t breathing, was she? “Shit,” Tricia threw her own sword back and hurried quickly to Aemilia’s side. She wasn’t supposed to kill the student. ‘An illness. She has an illness, that’s why, isn’t it?’ “Lapin, do I need to get you to the nurse?”


Aemilia shook her head, and gestured towards the bag that was just out of her reach. Tricia reached quickly and snatched it, then put it in front of Aemilia. She dug through it rapidly, and drew out an inhaler, which she brought to her lips, and then pressed down on.


The mixture within it would help to release the tightness of her throat, and would allow air to start to flow again. Tricia remained sitting with her, though. “You going to be okay?”


Aemilia just nodded. Bitterness ate at her; she detested her own weakness with every fiber of her being.


~***~


With the beast, came all the others, and Corbin gave them all a grateful, if mocking, smile as he swung his legs off the table. He stood, and collected all the papers. Of course he’d be grading them, but they were at least easy exams, not something written. No one needed two and a half hours to fill out such a thing. ‘And if anyone did….’ Oh yes. They’d lose extra points for wasting his time.


He started to put each paper into his bookbag. He’d rush them to his room, meet up with Kayden, and…ah, graduation parties!


Alcina looked at Mikayla with a concerned expression when she called out to Brooke, then looked to Brooke as she was invited along. ‘Um. Are you sure?’ She wanted to ask, but dared not even sign it to her friend, lest Brooke understand what was being said. She wasn’t sure if Brooke understood any of her signing. She’d never taken enough time to notice.


She just knew that Aemilia found Brooke to be annoying. Mikayla, of course, always seemed to think the best of others. Alcina swore in some ways the pair of them were the opposites of each other, and in some ways, balanced for it.


“Best place to go is the Martinus,” Corbin offered to the celebrators. “That’s where I’ll be going, anyway.” Graduation parties were to be lively, and he intended to have fun where they’d be the liveliest.


Alcina gave him a bit of a smile. She wanted to ask if he’d be grading papers tonight, but knew he wouldn’t understand. At least she knew that of him. She looked to Mikayla, and signed, “The Martinus is okay by me,”. They could catch up with Aemilia elsewhere. Aemilia wasn’t a fan of the rowdier bars.


~***~


It did take him a little longer than thirty minutes, but Atticus finished his grading and then stepped out of his office. He locked the door behind him and pulled on a brown coat, “Well, where is it we’re going, Consul?” He inquired as he fell in step with Victor.


“Oh, that place Lillian likes,” he shook his head, “They have good sea food.”


“Everywhere has good sea food around here. Is that all?”


“Nothing to my tastes,” Victor sighed in longing as he pushed the door open and held it for Atticus, the warm air greeting them. “But I am longing for the comfort of grits.”


Atticus wrinkled his nose. ‘Ever a soldier.’ He thought with no humor. Victor’s home was one of lux, and he always served his guests generously, but Atticus had noticed the way he tended towards simpler things himself. Even at his own parties, he did not eat much, nor drink to excess…unlike some of his revelers. No, he was always composed, a man in control of his appetites.


“I’m afraid I need something with a bit more flavor to it. I see I’ll have to ask Lillian about the food.” On they strolled, down the sidewalks filled with the cries—happy and agonized—of the college class.


Atticus tried to hide his annoyance, but it must have shown, for Victor laughed and consoled, “Do not worry. We are not going to a bar or any place most of these revelers will be.”


“Good,” he couldn’t help it, and was pleased when they came upon the building. It did advertise the sea food, for its sign was written on a clam decal, the ‘O’ in its name a shining pearl.


“Consul Nevsky,” the young hostess greeted him warmly, “Oh, and Lieven.” A strained smile came to his lips, “Your table is already set aside. I shall take you to it.”


“Thank you,” Victor said.


“Shall I take your coat, Lieven?”


“No, thank you.” He held it a bit tighter.

 

[Burrito Bunny]

Kayden watched the match, impressed by the dress-clad girl's skill. The other woman looked some what familiar, and he figured he'd seen her around the Academy plenty when he was enrolled, and based on her skill he'd guess that she too had ties to Victor for surely he would know of someone like her. It was clear the battle had ended when the girl in the dress flung one of the discarded heels at her opponent. Kayden chuckled to himself, turning away. That hadn't been the most sportsman like move, but it got the job done, which was the kind of thinking she'd need should that woman venture onto the fields of war.


Just as Kayden was about to continue on his way when he heard the word shit hissed out by one of the women. Instinctually he turned back, wondering what happened. He was sure the shoe hadn't struck the woman, so what was going on. Kayden gazed at the scene before him, his stillness being caused by his need to comprehend what was happening. Dress-girl was bent double, and it looked as tough she couldn't breathe. A strange turn of events...unless she had some medical condition.


That thought spurred Kayden into action, sending him sprinting to the women's sides. He thought he could hear the instructor asking to take the student to the nurse, but the student seemed to merely want the bag. The instructor seemed to have everything under control now, so Kayden stood there, awkward silence ringing for a beat before he gain his bearing back. "Would you like me to get you some water or something?" He asked her, knowing full well that the student had already denied the need for further assisstance. However, he felt like he needed to offer some sort of help after charging into their space.


***~***





Mikayla caught Alcina's look and understood the message behind it. Mikayla sent Alcina in return a discreet nod and a small smile, trying to reassure her. Mikayla was suddenly sure that this was a great idea. Perhaps Brooke just acted the way she did because she had had bad friends in the past. If they could show Brooke that not everyone was out to get her, then she might relax a bit.


Brooke saw the exchange between the two girls and wondered what they were planning. Whatever it was it probably involved her, which also meant it probably wasn't good. However, she felt that she couldn't really back down now. She had already agreed and they would just talk behind her back if she backed out moments after agreeing. 'They're going to do that anyway, well, at least the one that can talk will," her mind whispered to her. Still, even with the whispers of doubt circling in her head, Brooke decided to stay true to her original decision.


Just then Mr. Hawke spoke, instantly drawing Mikayla's attention to him. She looked at her friend Alcina who signed something to her. Brooke couldn't tell what she said though as she didn't understand sign language. A smile graced the redheaded girl's face as she turned back to the assistant teacher. "Would you like that Brooke?"


Again, caught off guard by Mikayla's offer, she just nodded.


With Brooke's agreement, Mikayla turned back to Mr. Hawke. "Thanks for the advice!" She exclaimed enthusiastically. "I think we'll go."


***~***


Lillian closed the door to her book shop and locked it, pulling on the knob just to make sure all was in order. Then she slipped the key into her pocket and set off for her destination. She decided to walk as the restaurant wasn't too far from her shop.


As Lillian approached the door she hissed at her watch as she realized that she was a tad bit late. Cursing the customer who failed to leave her shop by closing time thus causing her to be late, Lillian pushed to door open and stood in the lobby, waiting for the staff to instructor her on where to go.


"Hello, Ms. Leitner," Said a waiter who looked like he had been rushing back and forth in order to complete his job. Just as the young man was about to open his mouth again the door swung open and in strode Seth. "Hello Consul Wendorf. Come right this way please." He smiled before turning and guiding the two politicians behind him.


Seth and Lillian both gave their thanks and followed obediently. Victor and Atticus had already been seated at the table. Lillian and Seth sat down in the two remaining chairs before extending greetings to the other table members.

 

[Lucyfer]

Inhale.


Breathe.


It was the most basic of human things, and yet since Aemilia was an infant it was a difficult task, only exacerbated by exercise of any sort. No matter how much she memorized, no matter how much skill she had, she knew that would forever be her failure. No military was going to respect a leader who couldn’t stay in the battle, and someone who just used ranged weaponry would always be looked down upon.


Alcina tried to tell her otherwise, but Alcina was biased.


Aemilia winced to hear another tone, male this time. Her airways had cleared. Water was a good idea, a dry throat only made the situation worse. Her throat wasn’t dry, of course. The moist air of the locale helped with that. ‘Take it.’ No nurse. Just water and a few moments to gather herself.


“Please, water. Um,” she looked up, but didn’t know him.


“Kayden Whittemore,” Tricia filled in. “Thank you,” she didn’t understand what he was doing here at the academy, but opted not to question it right then. She reached out for Aemilia, for her shoulder, but the girl reacted immediately. She lifted her hand to bar the gesture from reaching her, and so Tricia withdrew. “I’m going to guess this is why endurance is your issue?”


A nod. Tricia sighed. She couldn’t fix that. What the hell was Mohn thinking assigning this girl to her?


~***~


Well, Mikayla seemed to think it would be all right, so Alcina tried to follow in her friend’s lead. It would have to go well. The Mikayla could scold Aemilia for any poor comments she dared make towards Brooke. ‘Maybe she really isn’t so bad.’ Alcina didn’t really know her, after all.


They were all going to go to the Martinus, too. Corbin let out a bit of a sigh, and then rolled his eyes, “Well, if you’re all going, I’ll walk with you,” he had nothing better to do. Literally, nothing better to do. Kayden was going to meet him there, anyway. Perhaps he’d be lucky and Kayden would already be there.


‘Probably not.’


Alcina could not see how that would work out when Aemilia showed up, but bit her tongue. They could find a way to split. Her eyes went back to Mikayla, and she gave an enthusiastic nod, and then took a step in the proper direction, to signal that they should be on their way.


~***~


Victor was often the first to arrive, but considering how long Atticus had kept him, he did find it strange that Pom—Seth, was not there before him. He eased into a seat and ordered a red wine without glancing at the menu, and a cup of water.


“The wine will be for the table,” he noted, and it was brought, with his water, just as his guests arrived.


Victor beamed at both, and he rose to appropriately greet them, much as Atticus did. Lillian always had a slimy feel about her, but Victor had always tried to shake it off. He remembered who she was—Crassus. He had liked Crassus before it all went to hell. He had liked Pompey, too—he had desperately wanted Pompey to surrender, but alas, the fool went and got himself beheaded.


He hoped for a different outcome this time. “Ah, I’ll pour the wine,” he said, and quickly opened the bottle. He started with Lillian and a, “Lady’s first,” comment, before shifting to Seth, then Atticus, and the himself. Even his cup, though, he did not fill much of, and promptly watered down.


Always in control. “How have you two been? Seth, you hardly wrote me when I was away,” he teased, quite informal, but then, he and Seth were both consuls. What formality was needed between them—between anyone at this table?

 

[Burrito Bunny]

Kayden nodded throwing a quick "No problem" in response to the instructor's thanks, and spinning around off in search of a water source. He dug into his memory, trying to remember where things had been when he was a student here. He seemed to remember a vending machine being to too far within this area of the building, so he went straight for the door which lead into his old school. He hesitated slightly, hand hovering over the handle of the door, debating wether or not people would challenge him for entering a building in which he didn't belong. He shrugged, he was already on the Academy's property, and if they threw a fit about him being inside he was sure that someone would get him out of trouble.


Kayden explored the immediate halls at a brisk pace before finding his objective. For a moment the man fished around in his pockets, searching for change, hoping he hadn't thrown it all away the night before betting. To his relief his fingertips brushed past some coins, which he gripped and yanked out of his jeans. With propose and precision, Kayden slide the coins into the slot of the vending machine and punched in the code for water. As the machine rumbled to life and went to retrieve his order Kayden wondered if Corbin had left yet. He probably had. It couldn't possibly take a student this long to finish a test, could it?


The clang of the water bottle falling signaled Kayden to return to his mission. He gripped the water, the bottle slightly cool in his hand, and set off back the way he came (more or less). As Kayden made his way back over to the woman, he was reminded that the instructor had known his name, which confirmed his theory that he should know her. He scrapped his mind for her name. 'Tracy?...no. Tarry?...no. God, what was it?' As he came closer to pair it struck him. 'Tricia! That was her name! Tricia...Celer! Tricia Celer! That was it.' He smiled to himself, glad he was able to finally grasp her name.


Having recovered the instructors name from his memory, Kayden extended the arm with the water bottle towards the student. "Here you are," He said calmly, waiting for her to take it.


*******


"Ok, thanks Mr. Hawke," Mikayla said, though she wasn't quite sure if that was the proper response. Never before had a teacher gone to a bar with her. Mikalya set off after Alcina, leaving the room and starting her way down the twisting halls to the nearest exit.


Brooke followed, though she lagged back. She had no desire to go rushing ahead to the front of the pack, but she also had no desire to stay here in this wretched building. Mikayla had evidently found the door and was now waiting by it, not wanting to get too far ahead of her companions.


Having never really liked the assistant teacher, Brooke was unsure of how she felt about him coming with them. However, she swallowed down her protests for the sake of now causing a fight. Right now she was graduating, there was no reason to give that stupid teacher another reason to arbitrarily mark her grades down literally days before she graduated.


*******


"Thank you," Lillian said, accepting the wine Victor offered her, her tanks mirrored by Seth moments latter. They settled back down again, taking their seats. Lillian drank with very little restriction, while Seth seemed to drink a lot less. He too did not want to loose himself to the alcohol.


"I'm just fine," Lillian said, looking at Victor. "I trust you've returned safely."


"I'm doing well enough," Seth replied, laughing slightly as he recognized Victor's teasing tone. "Victor, both you and I know we have busy lives. Besides, if you were unable to tell me of any heroic tales that occurred along your travels, I'm sure you will be able to catch us all up tonight." Seth looked at the man pointedly.


At that moment a waiter swung by, setting down two additional cups of water for Lillian and Seth. As quickly as the waiter had swooped in, they disappeared, fading back into the atmosphere of the room.

 

[Lucyfer]

Kayden left them, and Tricia rocked back on her feet to give the girl more space, thinking that was what she wanted. “How long has it been this way?”


“I was born like this,” Aemilia answered. It was easier to talk now, and she didn’t puff down the inhaler again, but she kept it close in hand. She was forcing herself to breath as deep as she could, as slow as she could, to drop her own heartrate.


Tricia frowned, “And you’re this interested in combat?”


“No. Honestly I don’t care for it,” Aemilia answered, “but I want to be consul, so….”


“Consul?” Tricia expressed her surprise with wide eyes, and then a laugh. The short glare she received indicated the girl was being quite serious. Consul. “Is that really what you want? Or is that just your family talking?”


“It’s me talking,” she indicated in a dry tone. “Nevsky and Wendorf both have long histories of leadership in the military arena, and all the consuls of our history that we care about were militants.” History was ever a guide. “Even in ancient history, that’s how it usually is.” She could not humor being an exception. She would play by the rules until she was in the position to change them.


“Well then, we’re going to have to figure out what to do about that issue of yours,” Tricia knew there was likely nothing, but perhaps there would be management techniques, or just constant exposure to combat would make it better. ‘Or worse.’ As the thought crossed her mind, the steps of Kayden returned to them, and he had the water.


Aemilia accepted the water, “Thank you, Whittemore,” always cordial. Tricia had revealed this one’s name, after all. She thought she’d heard it before, but couldn’t place where. She stood once she opened the water, and she drank half of it quickly.


Tricia followed suit, standing, noting that was a bottle and not a cup from a fountain, “How much do I owe you?” She decided this was probably her responsibility and not Kayden’s. She should at least pay him back for the bottle, since she was the one not aware of her student’s condition.


~***~


Corbin would usually hang back, but he had a habit of being forgotten when he did that. Usually, it was what he wanted. Then he could sneak off to do anything else. However, this time he stayed alongside the beast and her new beauty. Mikayla would be here another year at least. Alcina and Brooke were off and away. ‘Unless I fail them.’


Which, he did humor. Then he realized he didn’t want to deal with the anger of either of them—well, not Brooke’s. He’d likely face Aemilia on behalf of Alcina.


Brooke, though, he wasn’t certain if she’d respond like a wildcat let out of hell, or if he’d just one day drink something poisoned. He wasn’t sure what it was about her, but her own paranoia made him paranoid of her. What was she hiding, after all?


They almost lost her, too. He was a bit disappointed when Mikayla chose to wait. “Eh?”


Alcina motioned to their missing fourth, and he sighed. It didn’t take her long to round the corner and catch up. He put on a clearly false smile; Alcina’s grin was smaller, but it seemed more sincere, before she pushed out the doors and held it open for the group to pass.


“The Martinus is this way,” Corbin gestured with his head, and then set off to lead, an odd position for him.


~***~


Atticus intended to sip at his own beverage throughout, not a glutton, but he did enjoy wine. He’d likely have at least two cups, especially since he knew he wasn’t paying. Victor would cover everything. He always did, even with Lillian there. ‘I don’t know why he insists on having her around.’ Atticus did eye her over his cup, judging the way she drank so quickly.


In truth, he had no reason to dislike her. She sold books, which was something he’d like ordinarily, but his mind had decided she sold them at too high a price, and many other terrible things about her. He could not explain it, but he believed it. He didn’t like her.


Victor was pleased with both of their answers, and he did chuckle a bit at Seth’s, “Oh, you would have heard of those by now,” he assured. He made no secret of it. When he had heroic exploits, everyone knew, and often, everyone was rewarded. He shared the boons of his triumphs. “Lillian, my travels were safe, and mostly everyone arrived in one piece. I have questions about Kayden, but,” a chuckle.


Kayden.


Antony.


He loved him fiercely even if he was trying to act as if they’d only known each other this one life. He played the understanding card. Both were drop-outs, after all. He would slowly feed Kayden positions of higher office in the military, until it was quite clear that he was his left-hand man. This time, he’d have to figure out a way to get Antony and Octavius reconciled, too. Whenever he found the boy, anyway. He still eluded him like Brutus.


Atticus shook his head in disapproval, “That one’s a bad seed.”


‘And you always did hate him.’ How many things would play out as they had before? It was Victor’s constant fear.


“Maybe,” a wicked gleam, “but that’s the sort you need in war.”


“We’re not at war.”


“Not yet.”


Atticus almost groaned. He almost got up and left so that he didn’t have to humor this post-senate agreement of things, but the waiter showed up then to take their orders, and he decided to endure whatever nonsense Victor was going to try and get the four of them to agree to. This…queer Quadriumvirate, or whatever he wanted to call it.

 

[Burrito Bunny]

"You're welcome," He said, smiling at her out of politeness. As he swung his arm back to his side he discreetly took a look at his watch. He just had to get over to the Martinus. While Corbin may or may not be there yet, he didn't want to waste any time with him. He knew Victor was on the path to war once more, thus his time here would probably be short, unless he was stopped in his tracks by the Senate, which was plausible since they had literally just returned.


Kayden did like the life of a soldier, but he did like time to see his friends as well, and sometimes he needed break. The constant fighting could really wear a man down. And every second spent on the battle field puts both life and body at risk. Kayden had seen people die in horrific ways, and even those who were still breathing pulled from the field with gruesome injuries. It was definitely not an occupation for those who were weak of heart.


Idly, he wondered if the dress clad woman was aiming for getting into the military. She was a skilled fighter, that was for sure. Kayden quickly shook the thought off, no military would accept someone who couldn't go on for even ten minutes. Battle were brutal, and they could last for hours. If she had had this emergency on the fields of war, she would be dead, probably both from her own body's betrayal and by the enemy's weapon plunging into her back.


His thoughts snapped back to the two women in front of him. The one he had determined to be Tricia was asking him if she should pay him back. "Ah, don't worry about it," He said shaking his head. His conscious protested, insisting that every little bit of money was worth something, but Kayden let politeness override all of those feelings. After all, most people wouldn't accept a bet of 75 cents, so there was little point to it, and while he was on duty he wouldn't have to buy anything important for himself most likely. He could live off of rations, not that it would come to that. Besides, he probably had something kicking around in his bank account.


"Well," Kayden started, ready to make his departure, "I hope you're feeling better..." He didn't know the woman's name, so he left a blank pause and moved on with his thoughts. "I must go. I'm meeting someone at the Martinus," He explained, smiling at them both before turning away.


*******


Mikayla followed after Mr. Hawke, trailing not too far behind him, but also not uncomfortably close to him either. She looked over at Alcina, making sure she was still happy with the arrangements. After all, this was to celebrate her graduation. If Alcina wasn't having a good time, then it wasn't worth it.


Brooke stuck closer to the group this time, having seen that they all waited for her. Obviously, they were determined to have her come, or at least one of them was. 'Why could that possibly be?' She thought, trying to fit it together in her head. 'What could they be planning so that even HE was in on it.' After all, that teacher's aid had been the one to pick the location, and now he was leading them there. He must have some connection to what was going on.


Mikayla wondered what Mr. Hawke was doing going to the Martinus. She had never really thought about it, but she supposed that teachers might like to celebrate the ending of school as well. Still, she would have thought Mr. Hawke would have chosen somewhere with less students at it. She shrugged it off, his personal life was none of her business anyway.


*******


Seth chuckled at Victor and Atticus's exchange. Of course Victor would be starting to lobby for another war already. The conversation was put on pause as the waiter came up to the table. As soon as the young man had recorded their requests he faded away again.


"Aye, you've got a great soldier in Kayden. Anyone would want men like him while fighting a war. Atticus, you just dislike him because he dropped out of the school of yours," Seth said, looking pointedly and the older man as he resumed their previous conversation.


"Yes, yes, Kayden might be a good soldier, but he's lacking in many other important traits. However, that's not important right now. Victor, do you really want to start another war so soon? You just got back from the last one." Lillian looked at Victor, not really seeing the point for him heading off again. Lillian thought that the army should focus more internally and crush revolt instead of constantly trying to push their borders out further. She saw it as expanding a business: only expand your chain if you first location has a solid foundation, then move outward from there, stabilizing each addition before moving on.


Seth could understand both sides of the argument. Being a military man himself, he knew the thrill of going to battle to raid and secure himself fame for the people back home. However, he did know Atticus didn't like war all that much, and Lillian seemed to always search for the best opportunity to strike instead of just getting the job done. Seth had the brief thought that he could start his own petition for a war, but he didn't want to undermine Victor's efforts, at least not right now. If he came out in search of a war for him to lead, it would most likely end up getting both of them denied. At least Victor had a chance for permission right now.

 

[Lucyfer]

Martinus. Standard undergraduate fare, drunk and rowdy. Aemilia wanted no part of it, and yet she reconsidered that as Kayden walked off. Not because of him, but because of his type. Unlike Tricia, he was the standard soldier she would need to learn to win the respect of. How? That was the puzzlement.


Her ailment was never going away. She could use a bow, and she could use a gun, but if she could not get down and dirty she would never have her soldier’s respect. When it came to civil war—and it would always come to civil war—she needed to know those she led would not join the other side.


‘How?’


Tricia likely was not the one to be asking, but Tricia was the one here, who looked over Aemilia as she brushed the back of her hand by her lips and then set the water on the ground. “You lead them, don’t you?”


“A regiment,” Tricia acknowledged, “He’s not in it.” But she knew him all the same. “Why?”


“They respect you, and listen to you, because you are knowledgeable and skilled. We both know I’ll never have the endurance necessary, but people can be deceived.”


“I’m not sure I follow.”


“Battles are huge events. Officers tend to get horses, or those rich enough,” she was thinking aloud, but thinking fast, as was standard, “In theory, I could space out the moments I actually engage the enemy, to make it look like I am active in the fray, more than I am. From a horse I can move quickly when I’m near an attack like just now, and I can resume ranged fighting once afar,” and move swiftly through other sections of the battle to see how they were doing. She was much better at strategizing.


“Are you saying you want to train in horse combat?”


“I know that,” Aemilia said, “I’m saying I want to train on maneuvers and switching tactics quickly.”


“We need two horses either way.” Aemilia nodded her consent. “Sunday, then. Unless you’ll be hungover after Saturday?”


“I don’t drink.”


Tricia let a wry grin touch her face, “You might want to work on that, too, if you want to be consul,” she clapped Aemilia on the back and saw the obvious disturbance the gesture caused. All right, the girl didn’t like to be touched. Noted. She let her hand drop away. “Consul Nevsky wines and dines, and he does partake.”


Aemilia let out a frustrated sigh, and shook her head, clearly not as keen on that idea as the other. “Do you want to continue tonight? We have a few more minutes, and I’d like to see what you can do with a sword.”


Aemilia nodded. If nothing else, she was tenacious.


~***~


The Martinus was already full of noise within the black-iron gates that surrounded the building, not tall enough to really block anyone from entering. Corbin could easily step over one, but the drunk people always seemed to get confused over them. Indeed, he saw one girl stumble into one and then start laughing.


“I guess we’re stuck,” she was giggling, and Corbin rolled his eyes. Admittedly, one of the reasons he liked the Martinus was for those sorts. When he wanted a one-night stand, the Martinus was the place to be. Particularly tonight, with all the soldiers back in town, it’d be easy enough. Use Kayden as a wingman, a new soldier back in town and his friend….


He almost lost track of himself, and the other thing that soldiers in town meant. Horses. Horses everywhere. One of them started at sensing him near, and kicked back, surprising those alert enough to notice. Corbin dropped, not hit, and landed on his ass on the cobblestone path towards the Martinus.


Alcina had jumped back and braced, but was not struck either. “Fucking animals,” Corbin muttered his breath as the soldier came forward to quickly get his beast under control, cooing to it as Corbin picked himself up and glared at the fiend from hell.


He gave it, and the others, a wide berth as he walked to the door of the bars. Alcina, hesitantly, followed. She remained tense around the animals, who all seemed unnerved by Corbin.


Tonight, Corbin wouldn’t be on the prowl. Kayden was new in town, and Corbin wasn’t concerned with much else. “What do you all want to drink?” Corbin asked once they were in, “I can get the order in,” he wasn’t paying, but he could get the order in quick, “You all can go find seats,” he didn’t see Kayden anywhere, so he could waste time with them.


Mikayla looked to Mikayla, and signed what she wanted, “Rum and coke,” tonight, it seemed appropriate to drink.


~***~


Atticus glowered, “A non-educated man hardly deserves to be in the military, particularly one not good at taking orders,” that was Atticus’s whole opinion of Kayden.


“He seems fine at that,” Victor said lazily, and made a note to remember that. His past follies had always involved putting Antony in political positions. Antony was a dog; he needed a leader. He was a good and reliable dog, and could lead groups on his own, but in the military. Only ever the military. “As Seth has said, neither here nor there. Every soldier has their flaws, even I,” not that he’d say what his flaw was, as he took a sip of the wine.


Atticus did perk up, though. As if he’d be so foolish, “What we were up to was hardly a war. More of several annoying skirmishes,” he let his eyes settle on Seth, “Our campaign in the north isn’t over. You know that,” those skirmishes hadn’t secured the land at all, just pushed their opponents back. “What we need to do is destroy them, utterly, and settle our veterans out that way,” he had to remind himself to keep using plurals.


“That land is hardly worth it, Nevsky.”


“Perhaps,” and his eyes moved to Atticus, “but the senate promised land to our veterans, didn’t it? Do you know the numbers we have?”


Atticus had an idea, because they kept going to war. He wrinkled his nose in defiance, though, and did not answer. Victor thus turned his attention to Lillian and Seth, “I am open to other ideas, of course, but we have two problems that I see need dealt with quick. Our veterans need land, and we need to make sure our colonies up north have a decent border of protection around them. If there are other things to be doing that are more important than dealing with cheated veterans,” he waved a hand over the table in a silent ‘by all means’ gesture. “Tell me. I’ve been away for a while and I know not the climate of things here in Neira.”

 

[Burrito Bunny]

Mikayla watched the drunks stumbled about, alcohol clouding their minds and sabotaging their movement. Seeing it made her think of Aemilia, because of the distain her friend held for places like this. Mikayla wondered what Aemilia was doing right now. 'Probably still training,' she decided. They could catch up with Aemlia later. Besides, Mikayla was guessing that she and Brooke wouldn't get along so it was probably better that her friend remain absent from this venture.


Suddenly, one of the soldier's horses kicked out, causing both Brooke and Mikayla to jump, startled by the potentially dangerous movement. Mikayla gasped as she saw the teacher's assistant fall to the ground, but sighed in relief as he seemed to be okay. The horse must not have gotten him.


'He deserved it,' Brooke thought, siding with the animal as her teacher got back up. They continued on into the tavern, the man obviously avoiding the horses to the best of his abilities.


After Mr. Hawke asked what they would like, Mikayla looked to Alcina, catching her signing and giving her a nod to show her understanding. "Thank you! Alcina would like some rum and a coke, and I'd like a lemonade please," Mikayla said, turning back to Corbin and smiling at him.


"I'll have just water, please," Brooke said, forcing politeness. There was no need for her to become a blithering idiotic drunk like many other people here.


Mikayla turned around and started to lead the other two through rows of seats, dodging around the intoxicated people until she found and empty both adjacent to a window. She then slid herself onto the seat and shimmed over closer to the window to make room for another person. Brooke took up the seat across from her, at slight awkwardness about the motion, almost as though she was unsure of her place.


*******


Kayden raised his watch arm up to his face, squinting at the little device strapped to it. He was running a bit latter then he had hoped, but he would make due. The Martinus was in the distance, the overly loud voices of its customers barely audible. Hastening his pace, Kayden swerved around the people in his way and approached the door, swinging it open when he got within range.


The din from inside the place hit his ears instantly, causing him to smile. This was a good place to be on a night were people evidently had something to celebrate. Oh right, graduations! Students from the Academy could be a blast when partying. However, that would come later, right now he needed to find Corbin.


Kayden stood in the door way for a minute, his eyes darting from person to person, scanning the crowd for his friend. Then he spotted the man he was looking for. At once he weaved through the crowd, making his way to his side. "Corbin!" He exclaimed as he came up to his side. "There you are!" Kayden smiled in greeting, glad to have finally caught up to the man he had been looking forward to seeing all day.


*******


Seth shifted his stiff leg slightly under the table. Conversations of veterans always made him feel a little uncomfortable as he knew some people would insist that he belong among their numbers. Still, it was necessary, and surely he had proven himself capable by now. He was a Consul now after all. "Victor is right, it would be better to knock our foes out of the picture with one swift blow, instead of dragging it on like this. In the long run we are hurting ourselves by doing this, allowing more damage to be done to us with these short, sporadic attacks and also allowing those northerners to regroup and heal." Seth paused a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "There is growing unrest from homeless veterans and their families, even here in Neira. We need to get more housing out there. While the northern lands might not be rich in resources you can still build houses there, and that is what matters."


Lillian took another sip from her wine glass before speaking. "We could raise the taxes on homes, evicting some of the lower class, thus making room for veterans. Those people would then go join the military out of desperation, resupplying the forces of those they lost."


Seth scowled at her. "Everyone would complain at the increased taxes Lillian, and sending people off to the military in that fashion will only create more casualties and veterans, who we will then still have to house. No, taking more land will actually solve our problems, not create unrest with only a temporary solution that barely does anything. And, evicting the poor from their homes will not solve the problem of the northern peoples who are still willing to attack us, though weak as they may be compared to us."

 

[Lucyfer]

Alcina gave a nod to confirm the words that Mikayla spoke, and noted the others weren’t getting anything alcoholic. Corbin scowled at it. “You all are absolutely no fun. Except maybe you, Beast.”


Alcina narrowed her eyes, but offered no other reaction, uncertain if Corbin meant it as an offensive comment or not. Some didn’t. Most did. Either way, she really did hate that nickname. She was much more than a beast. Still, Corbin walked off to go place the orders, and Alcina turned to join the girls at the table, looking for a clock to figure out how much longer Aemilia would be. ‘Where did we agree to meet?’


It was slipping her mind. Alcina took her seat besides Mikayla, preferring it to the seat by Brooke. Brooke didn’t understand her, after all.


She looked back for Corbin, and canted her head in interest as she watched a scene unfold with him and another man.A glance to Mikayla, and a question signed, "Who is his friend?"


Corbin had waved the bartender down, after sneaking his way to the front, and he placed the orders. He just wanted a simple beer, and he gave a gesture to the table where the others were to indicate who it was all for. Not that they’d be carded. He was drumming his fingers on the counter as the drinks were lining up before him, when he caught sight of the familiar, tanned soldier.


There were few who would have guessed they’d be friends, but Corbin had always felt a kinship with him. Kayden saw him soon enough, and Corbin waited for him to arrive, leaning on the counter with a lazy smile on his lips. “Well, soldier boy, welcome home. How long you staying this time, a weekend?”


He was as aware as Kayden that it wouldn’t last. At times, it did make him consider joining the military, but then…no. He’d die. He looked right back to the bartender again and let out a whistle that clearly hurt a few ears around him, but he didn’t care, “Hey, I’m gonna need one more drink,” no doubt Kayden saw the line of drinks before him. He placed an order for Kayden’s usual, though, certain it hadn’t changed since he’d been away.


~***~


Atticus looked absolutely horrified at what Lillian said, “The last thing we need is more soldiers, or worse, street gangs!”


“No, no, Lillian has a point,” Victor was assessing the words, even though both Seth and Atticus had reacted terribly. They usually did. He wasn’t sure why. “A small tax increase, mind, would give us more soldiers, and if we are going to destroy the north then we will need more people willing to put their lives on the line. We could make promises that while they serve in the military, their property taxes would be paid, and their income would be received by their families.”


Just a little increase would push those desperate young plebs into the ranks of the military. Many would die, which would just clear up more space, too. Their widows would remarry; they always did. “No forceful evictions, but the strain should push some into the military.”


“Do any of you know the words peace treaty?” Atticus hissed from between his teeth.

 

[Burrito Bunny]

Mikayla craned her neck to look at where Mr. Hawke was greeting another man who was well built, probably one of the soldiers who had poured into the city recently if she had to guess. Even though her attention was focused on exchange, she didn't miss Alcina's question. "I don't know. He's probably one of the soldiers," Mikayla voiced her thoughts in the matter, her eyes still watching the teacher's assistant and the newcomer.


Brooke too watched what was going on. 'So, was he was the reason Mr. Hawke wanted to come here in the first place, or is this just a coincidence, a chance meeting?' She thought, her eyes narrowing with the action. "Yeah, probably," Brooke agreed with Mikayla, her voice sounding distracted.


"Who would have thought those two would would be friends?" Mikayla asked absentmindedly. It just didn't strike her likely that the two would get along, mostly because mr. Hawke was far from the soldier type. Brooke shrugged apathetically in response.


"Who knows?" Kayden replied, understanding the question but honestly not having an answer. he slid up against the counter, baring some of his weight against it. "Nevermind that though. How have you been?" Kayden asked, grinning at Corbin, grateful to finally be here.


As Corbin flagged down the bartender in request of another drink, Kayden noticed the line of beverages pilling up in front of his friend and raised an eyebrow. "What are all the drinks for? Did you bring an entire welcoming comity for me?" He laughed, knowing that was probably not the case. Still, he knew that Corbin would never chose the majority of these drinks for himself at this hour or location, so they must be for somebody, or several sombodies judging by the numbers.


*******


Seth resisted the urge to roll his eyes at Atticus. "Those people in the north posse no real threat to us, they are just a nuisance on our border we can easily rid ourselves of. Why ask for peace and solve nothing when we can simply remove them and offer new homes and new lands to our citizens? There is little risk to be found in taking their land. I know you hate the prospect of fighting Atticus, but it is absolutely vital in this world." Seth explained. He then took stock of what Victor had said. Perhaps I shouldn't be so quick to dismiss that foreboding woman's ideas, he resolved, though he still felt as though it wouldn't effectively solve the problem on its own. "When you put it that way, Lillian does have a point. Perhaps a small, SMALL, increase in tax, just enough to overwhelm the plebs, will do us some good. Combined with a bigger forced to get rid of the Northern people once and for all, I think it will work out nicely."


"Hmmm, you are awful determined to fight, aren't you Seth?" Lillian said, eyeing him, not understanding why these military men were so bent on violence so much of the time. "As you just pointed out Seth, going to war causes veterans, veterans which then need to be housed. If we stop fighting, then the problem will go away in time. To speed things up raise the taxes to free up some space. We might have some unemployed kicking around for a bit, but it will sort itself out in time. In fact, we could start a construction project, giving all those plebs we will have just raised the taxes on jobs to help them get cash back for new property and open up more living space for veterans and others alike."


Lillian didn't hate the idea of war like Atticus did, it was just that she didn't see the need for it here. There were better ways to solve the problem than to kill and pillage right now. At least Victor and Seth were trying to think sensibly today. Sometimes they were so bent in their ways that it was impossible for her or Atticus to get it through to them that there are better options. Seth was more guilty of this stubborn streak than Victor, but both could have their moments.

 

[Lucyfer]

Aemilia hated Tricia.


Aemilia liked Tricia.


The conflicting emotions ran the gambit as she found herself on all fours again, in the dirt, gasping but not gagging for air. Her eyes were shut tight against the watering of them and her fists had dug up grass. Dirt buried itself under her painted nails.


Tricia, it seemed, was a good learner. She’d started to recognize some of the symptoms and learned when to back off and wait for Aemilia to recover. The girl was now in the ground from sincere exhaustion and not just asthma. That played a role, of course, or she wouldn’t be breathing so hard and so infrequently, but she hadn’t grasped for the inhaler.


The trim of her dress was ruined, but that was all right. Nothing a needle and a wash wouldn’t fix.


Tricia came to sit in front of her, “I think that’s it for tonight, Lapin. Where are you off to now? I’ll help you get there,” she promised.


“My…friend. Alcina. She’s…she’s graduating.”


“Where is she going to be?”


“Room.” They had shared a dorm, even though it wasn’t necessary for Aemilia. She wanted to live away from her mother, though, and it helped with the expenses for Alcina. They were going to meet up there and head out together.


“All right, c’mon,” Alcina reached for Aemilia, but again was denied. Aemilia struggled to her feet on her own, gave a nod, and started to walk.


Of course, at the room, no Alcina. No Mikayla, either. “Maybe they already went out?” Tricia offered. Aemilia sighed, but agreed. “We can check the Martinus first.”


‘There’s no way…,’ and yet, Aemilia found herself agreeing anyway. “Let me change,” and Tricia stepped out of the room to allow the woman to change in privacy.


~***~


Alcina was tempted to sign ‘Aemilia’ as evidence of unlikely friends, but she did not. It probably wasn’t fair to Aemilia or herself to think of them as unlikely, but so many from the outside thought that way. She wondered if that was always true with Corbin and his friend, or if they had once seemed much more likely, before career paths took them in different routes.


‘At least that will not be so with Ami.’ Aemilia would follow her into the military. She would one day lead, too. Alcina shared her friend’s hopes for political and military conquest.


Corbin wondered if Kayden was anxious to get back, even as his question was dismissed so casually. “Me? Oh, you know, getting fat on the good life here and babysitting,” Kayden’s drink was brought, and he then scooped up his, and the rum. “I’m still babysitting heathens, but at least two of them are graduating. Well, maybe,” a wicked little smirk came to his lips


He had the power to fail them, if he wanted. He didn’t. He wanted them gone. “C’mon, you can help carry the drinks. They’re over there,” he gestured to the table where the girls were, “Only one of them actually drinks,” he said as a complaint, and then started to walk over to the table.


~***~


‘Good.’


As Victor was used to, he was winning. The problem would remain with Atticus, who would find the situation entirely troubling because of war itself. So, as Lillian began to propose a construction idea, Victor had to grit down on his teeth not to deny it.


He was going to need the gangs, as much as he needed the veterans, when he had to make his own moves to claim Neira as his. Yet, to get Atticus to agree with all of this, he would need to give him something. Cease the roving street gang activity, and give soldiers something their strength could help them with.


‘Bread and a show, Caesar.’ He smiled. ‘We need to begin the march to the golden age to greet you.’


Of course, Atticus could only answer derisively, “We can’t just make jobs out of thin air. A construction project is…,” and then the man trailed off, putting the dots together just as Victor did.


Victor decided to voice it for you, “Do you see, Atticus? The Academy has been needing to expand, has it not? I believe the people have also been wanting more theaters, a library open to the public and not just the students, and the senate house needs some reconstruction as well. We can get some of these people trained, and when the north is conquered, we can send them, some farmers, and others up north to teach the veterans these arts while building homes for them, and a road back to Neira. We would not want to deprive them of opportunities to vote and a road makes things much safer.”


No, Victor loved it when the veterans voted. They favored him and Seth, always. So many knew only war, and wanted only more of it, so they voted for those they thought would bring that. “We’ll use the taxes we’ll be raising to fund these projects, and raise it as necessary,” mischief danced in his dark eyes as he looked at Lillian, and raised his glass, tilted it towards her, “Unexpected construction needs occur.”


Atticus was clearly fuming, but now he had little to argue against. He let out a frustrated sigh and pushed his fingers through his silver hair. “Fine, fine. We’ve been needing more roads to branch out as it is. We can start with a road tax and see if that gets you the soldiers you need. I’ll support the motion in the senate on Monday.” He knew that was what Victor was after; his support would garner support of those who disliked Seth and Victor on principal.


“Good. Seth, will you find someone to propose the motion?” He’d ask Lillian, but so many balked at agreeing to anything she said, that he felt it better if Seth did. “It just wouldn’t seem…proper if either of us proposed it.”

 

[Burrito Bunny]

Kayden gave a good natured chuckle at Corbin's comment about failing them and obediently gathered up some of the drinks. "Oh, really!? You couldn't even take the fun ones along with you?" Kayden scowled at their choices of drink, his tone that of mock complaint. True to Corbin's words only one was alcoholic.


With care not to spill the awkwardly balanced beverages in his arms, Kayden weaved between people until he came up to the table full of young women which Corbin had motioned to. "Hello," he said, smiling at them and quickly observing each one. He wondered why exactly Corbin had brought them, but decided he didn't really care as long as they weren't completely and utterly dull.


Carefully he let two of the girls drinks slid onto the table, still upright and with it's contents intact. He then swiped away the beer that Corbin had ordered for him, cracking it open and taking his first gulp.


"Hi," Mikayla said, watching the man. She wasn't quite sure where to go from there, so she remained awkwardly silent, hoping that Mr. Hawke would introduce them to his friend.


Brooke looked up at him, studying him for a moment before returning his greeting, "Hello." She then glanced at the two girls across the table from her, looking to see if they considered this just as awkward as she.


*******


Lillian smiled, glad to have contributed in a meaning ful way. This plan was a good one. That must be why they had these little meetings, to keep everyone sane and to devise the best solutions.


Seth could see no reason to object to this plan. Slowly he nodded his head. "Yeah, I'll find somebody to propose it for us. That shouldn't be too hard." He mentally made a note to remember to find a willing candidate later.


Lillian knew full well why Victor had asked Seth to find someone, and a bit of ill tempered jelasoy rose within her. It wasn't her fault that people fealt uneasy around her. She didn't even really know why that was the case. However, she told herself to let it go and she pushed the feelings aside. There was a moment of silence before Lillian began to speak. "Was that all that was on your, Victor, or is there more?"

 

[Lucyfer]

Corbin didn’t so much as pick them, as invite himself along, but he didn’t tell that to Kayden. He just shrugged his shoulders. As the drinks were set on the table, Alcina reached for hers, and drank down one hearty gulp immediately, to Corbin’s mental approval.


“So, this is Kayden. Kayden, this is Mikayla, Brooke, and her actual name escapes me so I just call her beast,” it didn’t, as he gestured to Alcina, “but she can’t talk, and she’s the only one drinking anything.”


Alcina scowled at Corbin for his introduction, but waved to Kayden, even though she couldn’t alert him to her actual name. She should at least say ‘hello’. At least most people understood that gesture.


“We don’t have to hang with them, though,” Corbin was quite blunt in that, not caring much to hang around with them when Kayden was here, and probably didn’t want to deal with the graduating women and their non-drinking ways.


He was briefly distracted, though, when Beast perked up and waved frantically. He turned to look in the direction and then muttered out an, “Oh, fuck me,” as he caught sight of the Beauty to the Beast, her dark hair down and a black dress on. She noticed, and approached the table, Tricia in tow.


Tricia gave Corbin a familiar nod, and then smiled to Kayden, “Sorry,” in case they were interrupting something.


Corbin frowned, “What are you doing with Beauty, Trish?” He knew her, he had graded her papers once upon a time. He didn’t mind her. He’d told her to watch after Kayden when she went off to the army.


“Beauty?” Trish canted her head, and Corbin thumbed towards Aemilia. “Oh. Training. I wanted to make sure she found her friends safely.” She had looked quite tired earlier, but once she’d changed, she seemed just fine, as if the dress had borne all the exhaustion of the day.


Aemilia ignored Corbin, Kayden, and Brooke entirely, except to pass Brooke a look that indicated she did not think the woman belonged. She had decided a while back that she did not like Brooke, pretty certain she was the sort to put a dagger in someone’s back with little reason. “Why didn’t you wait for me?” She glanced between Mikayla and Alcina for an explanation.


Quick gestured passed. “We finished the test early. We thought you would still be training. I lost track of time.”


~***~


“Thank you,” Victor smiled amicably at Seth’s agreement, and leaned back as the waiter returned with all of their food. His own meal of carbonara pasta with shrimp looked delectable, not the best with red wine, but he did not care about pairings for himself.


It would pair nicely with the steak that was presented before Atticus, at least.


“No, no, there was nothing else that I needed to discuss. I honestly thought we wouldn’t agree on things so quickly,” he chuckled, and stabbed one of the shrimps with his fork and brought it to his lips. When he finished chewing and it swallowed, he asked, “Tell me, what it is you all would like to bring to the table, since we are here? What should we be looking at when this matter with the north is done, or even, immediately?"

 

[Burrito Bunny]

"Her name is Alcina," Mikayla corrected Corbin for her silent friend, in a tone that suggested she was honestly trying to help the man with his memory. However, she doubted the man had truly forgotten. Perhaps he didn't know that Alcina didn't like the nick name and assumed it was ok to use.


The soldier, Kayden, nodded his head, smiling to them all. "Nice to meet you all," he said out of politeness. He turned back to Corbin, acknowledging his statement with a muttered "Good."


Just then, Kayden spun back around to observe the flurry of motion as two of the girls started to wave at something behind him, and the third, Brooke, started to scowl. He heard Corbin's muttered words before spotting the girl from earlier and Tricia. Kayden was about to offer a greeting to the girl, but she quite obviously ignored her, instead focusing on her friends, so he instead redirected his greeting to Tricia.


"Oh, no, it's fine. You weren't interrupting anything, Tricia." He gave her a friendly smile, not really knowing what was going on. That was the problem with going off for long periods of time, you no longer understand people's relationships with each other. For instance, Kayden had not known Corbin and Tricia were familiar. 'It makes sense though,' He thought to himself, observing the student's odd exchanges. 'They do teach at the same place.'


"I'm sorry!" Mikayla said quickly replied to Aemilia. "Ami, we just lost track of time and thought you were still training." She had genuine regret in her eyes. The last thing she wanted Aemilia to think was that they were ditching her for Brooke, which was far from the case.


Brooke stayed quiet, knowing it was not her place to interject into this conversation. Not that she wanted to become involved with their discussion. She was well aware of the fact that Aemilia didn't like her, and therefore she didn't like Aemilia. Now that the woman had shown up Brooke was desperate for a way to sneak off without being totally rude. She didn't want to be with people who didn't want her. Come to think of it, Brooke wasn't even sure why she agreed to this in the first place. She should have known that she would show up.


Brooke then focused her attention on the mix of people gathering besides the table, listening in on their conversation while still staring off in the general direction of the other women. After all, it would never due to have potentially useful information slip by. Not that Brooke needed information for anything, it was just the idea behind it. Knowing secrets that could hold weight over other people, that sort of thing.


*******


"Yes, we usually squabble for longer, don't we?" Seth agreed, chuckling as he accepted his dish of salmon from the waiter with a word of gratitude. Lillian had taken her plate of fettuccine alfredo in much the same matter. He had expected her to get something far more expensive, but he didn't really care. If that's what she wanted to eat he wasn't going to question her about it.


Lillian took another sip of wine while she considered the question. "Atticus," She started, "How is the education system doing? Do we need to buy new materials or anything of that sort for the classrooms?" Lillian believed it was always good to invest into education when things were going smoothly, as they were right now. When serious wars arose it was nearly impossible to pull extra money away from the military in order to fund the schools.


Seth stayed quiet, just listening. He didn't have any major plans at the moment, since they had settled their plans on what to do with the north. Putting money in to education wasn't too bad an idea right now, but sometimes Seth wondered if that department really needed that much money or if they just claimed to need whatever the government offered them. Both options were plausible. However, he never opposed giving money to the education system to fiercely because it seemed that the money did actually go into things, not just into someone's pocket.


Still, instead for refurnishing the schools they could help run internal structure such as law enforcement and hospitals and such. Those systems could always use money.


There was another question, though probably not one he would ask here as it would irritate Atticus and possibly Lillian as well. Where were they going to invade next? It was a fair question for a growing military state. They already had countless enemies, all of which didn't want to speak out their hatred lest the beast that was Neira swing it's attention to them.

 

[Lucyfer]

Aemilia smiled under the explanations and shook her head, not in denial, but an indication of belief and exasperation with how easily the two forgot themselves. “I was in training a while. You’re all right,” she said to them both.


Corbin waved off the actual name of ‘Beast’; it was unimportant, as unimportant as Beauty’s real name. He let his attention stay focused on Tricia and Kayden, glad they seemed to know each other. “Tell me you drink, Trish.”


Tricia all but laughed, “Of course I do,” how could he think otherwise? “Beer, if you’re buying.”


“Suppose I am,” he opted, decided not to be rude, “Beauty, you want a water or something?” There was a scowl in his voice, judgment.


It wasn’t missed. Aemilia had already been two steps ahead, deducing what was appropriate to drink. She detested alcohol, truth told. Were it not for Tricia’s laughter and statement, she would not have cared to humor Corbin. However, there was a world she needed to adjust to and learn. She had to play by the rules. “Wine cooler. Strawberry if they have it, otherwise I do not care what flavor, Hawke.”


Alcina arched an eyebrow. Aemilia didn’t drink—Alcina knew this. Even when she’d turned 18, of age, she hadn’t drunk. A quick gesture from Aemilia answered the unasked. “New rules.” Alcina didn’t fully follow, but understood that Aemilia was trapped in her ever-thinking mind again, adjusting to something new. ‘New rules’ was always the way it was put.


“What do you know,” Corbin mused to himself, “I’ll be back, then we can go play darts or something,” he spoke that to Kayden. It was a good enough reason to escape the growing party of girls and catch up with Kayden.


Aemilia took what room was available on Mikayla’s side of things, and Tricia also decided to sit, taking the seat besides the awkward looking woman. She was sure she’d seen her around campus before she graduated, but Tricia didn’t know her. “You two are free to stay,” Tricia offered to Kayden, “That is, it is okay?”


Aemilia shrugged, “I don’t mind,” it was the only polite answer. She did, however, look pointedly to Brooke. Water. Tension. “Are you all right?” There was no warmth in the question. “You do not look well.” ‘You should go home.’


Tricia immediately looked over at Brooke, concerned, but she didn’t notice any physical indications of an illness, or even tiredness, on Brooke. She wasn’t sure what Aemilia was seeing.


~***~


Food was delivered, and Lillian turned things over to Atticus, who better understood the Academy’s needs. It was a wonder the man wasn’t already Dean, but then, that wasn’t his goal. He liked to teach. He wanted to make others think.


It was such a wonder that such a coldly logical man could thus be detoured from something he would ordinarily want, just by who suggested it. He shook his head, “The Academy is doing fine,” he answered as if insulted that Lillian would ever doubt it, and Victor had to cover his mouth with a napkin to hide the smile that grew on his lips. He pretended to be dabbing sauce off his lips.


“What we need to focus on is farming incentives. We import far too much from that king in Guardia. We need to become self-sufficient.”


“The land up north may give us more,” Victor waved it off dismissively, “It is possible those barbarians simply don’t know how to use it.”


“I doubt that, they’ve survived for a good while up there, you’d think they’d learn how to farm the land if they could.”


“Have you met them?”


“I have a few in my own home.”


“Really?” Victor arched an eyebrow, “And you still think them capable of that?” In truth, he didn’t yet want Neira so sufficient. It would make it all the more difficult to go to war with Guardia later on. “Let us at least see how that goes before we do anything else, Atticus.” He shifted his gaze to Lillian, “If you want to put your own funds into things like that, perhaps you could fund the public library, or a museum?” It would have a similar, educational purpose.

 

[Burrito Bunny]

Mikayla looked up in surprise when she heard what Aemilia had asked for. 'Amelia is going for alcohol?' It was surprising to say the least. Mikayla saw Alcina sign, and for once she felt like she almost understood the phrase.


"All right, sounds good," Kayden said, watching Corbin as he disappeared in search of a drink for the two new arrivals. He turned, accepting Tricia's offer. "Thanks, I think I will until Corbin comes back." He slid onto the end of the booth next to Brooke and Tricia. That's when he heard the woman from training earlier (he still didn't know her name) tell Brooke she looked unwell. He looked at the supposedly ailing woman, though he couldn't see any sign of what the woman was referring to.


Mikayla winced, this was not what was supposed to happen. They were supposed to help Brooke have a good graduation, but apparently Aemilia had other plans. Honestly, Mikayla should have known better; there was no way that the two would get along very well. Perhaps it was better this way, because should Brooke actually take her leave they could focus on giving Alcina a graduation worth remembering.


"You know what, I think Aemilia's right," Brooke said, hissing Aemilia's name subtly in a show of anger. "I am feeling a bit under the weather. Perhaps I should go." She went to get up and realized with annoyance that she was pinned against the wall unless Kayden and Tricia got up.


With a confused glance at Brooke, Kayden got up, giving the other two people sitting at the booth room to do the same. "I hope you feel better soon," He said to her, though his voice wavered because of his disbelief in her illness. It wasn't that he cared about her (he'd known the girl for a total of about 20 seconds after all), it was just that the entire exchange had been odd.


"Thank you," She all but growled at Kayden, which just puzzled him more. There seemed to be a bit more to the picture than he knew.


Brooke was somewhat grateful for Aemilia's ticket out of this situation. She didn't want to sit through an entire night of Aemilia and her gang babble on (or those who could babble at least) about whatever stupid things it was they talked about. This was in many way s a life line. A way to escape peacefully without making a scene.


'Unless she's tricking you,' Her mind whispered to her. Brooke ignored it though. Anything Aemilia could try to do to her would beat having to say with them all night. Besides, if Aemilia was going to stay in here with those people, what's the worst she could do, if she did anything at all?


*******


Lillian nodded to show that she had heard Victor, though she instantly dismissed his idea. There was no way she would be funding libraries or museums right now, at least not with her personal money. "Perhaps," was her dry answer. Truth be told she was a little puzzled why Victor didn't seem to keen on making Neira self sufficient at the moment. "It's probably some long, drawn out plan that he has yet to share with us," Lillian decided. There was no telling how many plans were circling in that man's head at one time.


Seth considered the various points that had been brought up. He had been somewhat surprised at Atticus's reaction to Lillian's proposal of giving money to education. It wasn't typical of people in that field. When the topic of making Neira self sufficient Seth hadn't expected Victor to move away form it so quickly, but he decided the man must have future plans that rested on them still having contact with Guardia regularly.


"We will have to spend some time organizing the northern lans once we acquire them, of course. People don't just make things happen like they should, they always need instructions and cash to do it. However, that's pretty standard by now. Victor does have a point though. Once we get this new land we will have to see if really has as little worth as it looks to. There's a possibility there's unlocked potential hiding up there." Seth contributed into the conversation. "It might not be particularly fertile lands per say, but there could be something else...precious metals, useful resources, who knows? There must be some reason those people choose to stay there."

 

[Lucyfer]

Brooke left without an argument, and Tricia did leave to give her room. Her eyes followed after Brooke, and with some hesitance she said, “I’ll make sure she gets home all right,” she didn’t want to leave, but the situation of Brooke’s ailment made her concerned, especially since she couldn’t see it.


It was on the tip of Aemilia’s tongue to say Brooke would be all right, but she didn’t. She gave a nod, “We may still be here if you want to rejoin,” was all she offered, and then let Tricia go.


Tricia did jog to catch up with Brooke, and once at the much shorter woman’s side, she inquired, “Is it all right if I accompany you?” She asked, hesitantly, “I don’t want you walking alone if you’re not well…,” though it bothered her still that she couldn’t see it, clearly not catching on to the situation between Aemilia and Brooke.


Aemilia’s attention diverted from that, and she smiled to Mikayla, though she felt Alcina’s judging gaze. Her friends knew exactly what she’d done, but it didn’t need to be said. She had her reasons for disliking Brooke. That left Kayden as the odd one out, but Aemilia was not so sure he ought to be chased away.


In truth, she had nothing against Corbin, just his irksome habit of trying to fail her. It had become a game, though, “I’m sorry, I haven’t introduced myself, have I? I’m Aemilia Lapin,” she offered to Kayden, looked to Alcina, “Have you been introduced?”


Alcina nodded, so Aemilia directed her attention back to Kayden, “How is it you know Hawke?” Always surnames with people she did not consider friends.


Hawke returned to the table at that cue, and set Aemilia’s wine cooler down. Strawberry. “Where’s Trish?” He had her beer.


~***~


Education and such things were dismissed. The dry tone of Lillian said enough. ‘Good.’ He could do it himself, later. He let Seth continue on the talk of organizing the north.


Atticus added to it, however grudgingly, “Yes, I suppose there is much we don’t know about that land yet,” he huffed. “We’ll need to have a good proconsul for the land, as well. Someone capable of holding imperium.”


“I have some ideas in mind for that already,” Victor answered, “but we are not yet at that point,” in truth he wanted to send Lillian that way, but it was not a topic to broach with everyone present. Lillian would not be able to hold the soldiers to her own whims, but she would be capable of growing that land and putting it to work for the entire nation.


Sending Seth would be a death wish. He did not want to give him too much control of the legions. Sending himself would be too obvious. Atticus would cry foul. “Someone decent may even present themselves between now and then.”


“Yourself?” Atticus sneered.


Victor just chuckled and shook his head, “No, I’ve missed Neira too much to want to spend so many years away.”


‘Yet off you go to war again.’





Most of Atticus’s plate was emptied, but as per usual, Victor’s was only half-eaten, his wine half-drunk. One would think he detested food with how much he often left behind.

 

[Burrito Bunny]

"All right," Kayden said, nodding good bye to Tricia as he watched her catch up to the smaller woman. He sat back down onto the both, waiting for Corin's return. "Hello Aemilia. I'm Kayden Whittemore." He knew Tricia had introduced him to her earlier, but he restated his name for her out of habit. "Yes, Corbin, introduced us. Well, I guess you'd call him Mr. Hawke, but you get my point." It felt strange referring to Corbin by his surname, but he kept the awkward feeling to himself, not letting it show on his face or in his voice. He firmly believed in staying professional in the presence of strangers.


Mikayla was a bit disappointed. Things could have gone better with Brooke. There was no need for Aemilia to chase her off like that, but that was probably to be expected. Aemilia had never gotten along with Brooke particularly well after all. Soon Mr. Hawke would return and take away Kayden, and then they would be left to their own devices to celebrate Alcina's graduation, as it should be.


Kayden, looked at Aemilia when he heard her question, adverting his gaze from the people mulling about in the center of the building. "Oh. Corbin and I met at the Academy in a history class. We've been friends ever since then," Kayden replied, getting distracted from the abridged story of their friendship by the arrival of that very man. "Speak of the devil!" Kayden said, greeting Corbin once more.


"What's her name...uh....Brooke? Yes Brooke. Well, she wasn't feeling well apparently and Tricia went to go escort her home. She'll probably resurface latter." Kayden had never been the best with remembering names, especially when a bunch were flung at him all at once like this. He actually thought he was doing quite well tonight, actually.


He looked back over at Aemilia briefly. From witnessing her earlier demonstration of skill, he could tell she was an amazing fighter. However, she wouldn't make a good soldier. He kind of wondered what the woman's goals were in life. Did she want to be in the military? Or could she not care less? He shrugged off the questions. He couldn't help her with any of that, so there wasn't much point in bringing it up. Especially when he just wanted to go off with Corbin instead of socialize with his students.


Brooke looked up, a bit startled, not expecting anyone to have followed her. Recognizing Tricia from the table she had just left she immediately went back on guard. She didn't know the woman at all, she had only caught glimpses of her around campus before tonight. "I'll be alright," She said, deciding to continue to play along with this charade of illness. "But I guess so." She reluctantly gave her consent for the other woman to escort her home. She couldn't think of a polite way to decline the offer in time.


Immediately Brooke continued walking, reaching the door and shoving it open. Out of politeness she stopped it from closing in Tricia's face before she continued to make her way towards her house. The air outside was cooler than it had been previously, and the sudden absence of the din made it feel as though something was missing.


Brooke slowed her pace, knowing that she'd have to make small talk. To ignore Tricia the entire trip would be incredibly rude. "Thank you," Brooke said, figuring that would be an appropriate thing to say. Her voice lacked some of the tense energy it had held previously within the tavern.


*******


Seth leaned back in his chair, his food finish and most of his cup drained. He silently nodded along with the conversation. So Victor already had plans for who he thought would runs the new land. Seth wanted to know who, but he knew that if Victor was going to let them know tonight he already would have.Seth toyed with the idea in his head of himself holding imperium over the new lands, and he thought of the power he would gain from it. He would have to think on it some more, but Seth was certainly thinking that offering himself up wouldn't be a bad idea.


Lillian, who had finished everything that had been presented before her, followed along with the conversation. Who it was that got to run the new land didn't matter much to her right now. After all, it wasn't even their land yet, it still belonged to the relatively disorganized northern people. "Well, by the sounds of it you won't be staying long Victor. Enjoy your time here while you can until you go back to the Northern country."

 

[Lucyfer]

Aemilia shook her head at the assumption that she called Corbin, “Mr.”. He was but a mere teaching assistant, and so only ‘Hawke’ to her, although others certainly added the “Mr.” to flatter the man’s ego. Still, she didn’t speak to interrupt, and let Kayden express how he’d met Corbin. “Really?” The way was interesting, if only because, “You don’t seem the sort.”


Blunt. Alcina preferred Aemilia that way, then to her pretend manners, though. Still, she didn’t know this stranger, except to know he was a soldier. That could spell trouble if Aemilia wasn’t careful. Aemilia didn’t seem to notice or care, as she opened the bottle of her drink and took a sip of it, masking her displeasure with its taste easily. ‘Be simple to drink this slow.’ Which was the plan. Too fast and she’d get drunk, then make a fool of herself.


Alcina nodded at the name Brooke to confirm that was, indeed, the girl’s name.


Corbin frowned at Kayden’s answer about Tricia, but then shrugged, “Ah well, more for me,” he’d drink his own beer down soon enough, and he reached for it.


Aemilia was the one to say, “I can babysit them now, Hawke,” very good at dismissing people without letting them be rude about it.


Corbin did like that. “Thanks,” he motioned with his head for Kayden to follow him to one of the dart boards, as Aemilia rose to take Kayden’s seat so that Alcina and Mikayla would have more room on their side of the booth.


“It was good to meet you, Whittemore.”


Alcina also gave a nod to that, and would offer her hand to shake, her way of saying goodbye when she couldn’t to a stranger. She also gave a bit of a strained smile to Corbin to send him on his way.


~***~


Brooke was rather jumpy, it seemed. Tricia wondered at it, but did not question it. She was glad to help the woman get back to her home, even if she found her personality a touch off-putting. She walked along at her side, “You’re welcome,” she said, feeling the awkwardness seep into her very bones.


Still, she tried to shake it off. Small talk was necessary, wasn’t it? She wasn’t the best at it, either, not the skilled and polished diplomat her parents wanted of her. It was impressive that there were people like Seth and Victor who could balance both roles expertly, the soldier and the politician. "I am sorry to intrude,” she said, “I don’t think we were adequately introduced. I’m Tricia Celer,” now was a strange time for introductions, wasn’t it? “Are you a student at the Academy?”


~***~


“Oh, I shall,” Victor promised. He lifted one hand and turned his wrist just a bit to draw the attention of the waiter, and receive the bill. The waiter left without waiting for payment. The consul would pay at the counter on his way out. “Atticus, I suspect you must go home and sleep, prepare for the graduation of many of your fine students, hm?”


Atticus did need to do that, yes. “You are correct. It was a lovely dinner, Nevsky,” Atticus rose from his seat, “A good night to you all, Consul Wendorf, Leitner,” he nodded to both in turn, then gathered himself and made for the exit.


Victor’s lips kept a grin on his face. “Seth, I shall see you at the ceremonies of those graduating under the training for an officer, I suspect,” that was always where Victor went, to locate those he thought would be worthy of bringing into the military under his command. He had found Antony, of course, but there would be others. Agrippa eluded him still, and Agrippa had been brilliant in history, too.


It was also the route he suspected Octavius and Brutus would be drawn to. “Lillian, if you would like, I can see you home?” It wasn’t so much a question as it was an indication there was more to say, but it was for her ears.

 

[Burrito Bunny]

Kayden was a bit surprised by Aemilia's blunt statement. Most town's people wouldn't talk to a soldier like that, though he couldn't say he minded. In fact, he liked the fact that Aemilia seemed to have this edge about her. "That's 'cause I'm not," Kayden replied, hinting to the fact that he had never actually graduated. Aemilia was completely right: he was not the Acadmeic type, not even close. The only good thing school had done for him was introduce him to Corbin. Everything else he could do without.


Mikayla watched the exchange between Aemilia and the soldier, Kayden. She could almost feel the indifference in his words, and she wondered what the meaning was behind them. She watched as the soldier and the teacher's assistant prepared to head off, drinks in hand.


Kayden reached out, grasping Aemilia's hand and giving it a firm shake. "Likewise, Lapin." He said, before turning away. Finally rid of the students, Kayden shuffled off to the dart boards. He walked up to one of the vacant boards and grasped the three metal darts, two of which had been left impaled in the hard material of the game board, the third embedded in the wall.


He swung back around, having procured what he was after, and offered them to Corbin. "Wanna go first?"


*******


Brooke gave Tricia a blank look for a second before answering. "I'm Brooke. Brooke Zelen," she said, giving a slight pause before continuing. "Yeah, I'm a student in the Academy. I'm graduating this year if that..." 'son of a bitch doesn't fail me for no reason.' She abruptly cut herself off, remembering how this woman and the teacher's assistant had seemed friendly with each other. it wouldn't due to insult Tricia's potential friend and definite co-worker. She gave a small cough before starting the thought over again. "...if I pass my final exam."


"You work at the Academy, right?" Brooke said, pulling the conversation away from Corbin Hawke and her final exams. She could at least seem to remember Tricia being around campus, most often on the training grounds.


*******


"Good bye, Lieven," Seth called, mirroring the formal address that Atticus had used on him.


"Safe travels, Atticus." Lillian said to the older man as he departed.


Seth turning to Victor when he heard his name. "Why of course. I'll see you then. Thank you for the wonderful dinner, Victor. Good bye, Lillian, he nodded to them both and took his leave, pushing through the doors of the restaurant and disappearing off into the streets.


Lillian turned to Victor and nodded her consent, aware of the double meaning those words carried. Lillian walked to the door, waiting for Victor to settle the bill with the waitstaff. When it was settled, she pushed the door open, holding if for him, before continuing out. "What's on your mind, Victor?" She asked, looking over at him.

 

[Lucyfer]

There was a glint of surprise that was satisfying, followed by the momentary acceptance. ‘Good.’ Aemilia had read this one right, at least a bit. No doubt, she could still upset him with honesty, but he was more the sort for frankness over lies. A bit like Alcina. Nothing like Brooke.


Perhaps Aemilia really did prefer soldiers to politicians, even if she preferred the arena of the senate to the fields of war. He mimed her formality when they shook, and Aemilia took his seat.


Alcina canted her head. No signs were needed, and Aemilia smiled to her, “What?” She lifted the bottle of strawberry, “I should give you something to remember graduation by, shouldn’t I?” As if the gesture of alcohol were for Alcina.


Alcina knew when Aemilia was lying, and yet she took no offense in this one since Aemilia’s mood had shifted, and she let her disgust be shown quite obviously when she took another sip of the drink.


“Idiot.” Alcina signed.


Aemilia took it as playfully as it was meant. “How do you think you two did on all of your finals?” Not just Corbin’s, but all.


~***~


Corbin would never deny going first. So many preferred to shoot for first, “Sure,” he took the metal darts from Kayden, “Cricket sound all right to you?” That was his preferred game when it came to darts. He usually got beaten at 101, 301, 501, and all the others. Cricket, though…for some reason he seemed able to pull that one off.


He found the line on the floor and stood behind it, as he called back, “So, what do you want to do while you’re in town, anyway?” First dart was let loose. 20. He lined up for the next shot. “Not much has changed here in Neira, unfortunately. Same ol’, same ol’,” but that might be what Kayden wanted, too.


Second dart. 1. Corbin cursed under his breath and threw the third. 20.


~***~


There was an abrupt pause in Brooke’s mannerisms, a nasty expression marring her expression for less than a second. It was all cleared up in an instant, but it still left Tricia feeling quite unsettled. “I’m sure that you will,” Tricia said, for that was how one had to answer.


Then came the query, and Tricia shook her head, “Not exactly. I’m a tutor, but not employed by the Academy. Sort of freelance. Consul Nevsky asked it of me as a favor since there’s no war going on. Lapin’s just one of those who have been sent to me.” She looked over Brooke, “I get the feeling you don’t really need help with combat, do you?”


Though she wasn’t sure it mattered. She asked, “What is your degree in?”


~***~


The consul made sure to settle up and leave a decent tip behind, before he caught up with Lillian and walked out the door she held open, into the pleasant air. Cool, but still moist, with the promise of a beautiful tomorrow hanging on its scent.


Once they were out, Lillian’s question came and Victor strolled alongside her, taking the path he knew would lead her back to her home. “The north. We both know it is going to be a bit of a financially troubling situation once we actually start to settle it, and we run out of northern trinkets to sell or melt down.”


That much would be obvious to her. “You, however, have always seemed to find gold where there is none,” she did have a mind for business, no matter what anyone else said. Crassus always had, though. “I want to ask you to become proconsul of the north, when all is said and done, and make it a viable investment to our country.” He laid out plainly, though he was not sure what her reaction would be.


That was always the trouble. He knew how Crassus would react, but Lillian was still Lillian. She was not Crassus, no matter how much he wished it.

 

[Burrito Bunny]

A look of uncertainty flashed across Mikayla's face. "Umm, I don't know. I think I did well on most of them." Of course every tests had had it's ups and downs. There were all ways some easy questions, and there were always some question that she had absolutely no clue about and she swore they had never learned the answer in class, ever, due to the unfamiliar nature of the question. However, Mikayla had tried her hardest so hopefully some of those random guesses were correct.


"How was training?" Mikayla asked Aemiliea after a break in the conversation. Mikayla really did hope that Ameilia could find a way to get around her asthma problems so that she could accomplish her goals. While Mikayla would never want to be in the military for any reason, she knew that her two friends had aspirations surrounding it, and one of the last things she wanted to see was either of their dreams be crushed, especially not over something they had no control over. Of course she didn't see either of them dead, but a long time ago Mikayla had decided to be supportive in their ventures, though she would stay safe within the walls of a city, given the choice.


Briefly Mikayla wondered if she'd end up like Corbin: waiting for her war bound friends to return, only seeing them once in a while for unknown lengths of time, wondering if this time was the time that the regiment would head out but her friends would not return, their lives taken in battle. Mikayla pushed the thoughts away. This was not the time to ponder things such as that: this was time to catch up with Aemilia and to celebrate Alcina's graduation.


*******


"Sound good to me," Kayden said, removing himself from the zone in which he might be hit by a flying dart. He watched Corbin throw his first dart. Kayden wasn't surprised when it hit its mark. He remembered that Corbin was pretty good at this game from his previous time spent in situations similar to this.


Kayden had to consider Corbin's question for a bit. He didn't know what he really wanted to do, being here in and of itself was a great relief. The fact that Neira hadn't changed much was actually a bit of a comfort, or at least that was how Kayden saw it. He always felt that it was good to have this foundation, to return to. After all, even though he was skilled in battle, it would only take one mistake, one misstep, to turn an easy fight into his last. So in a way, he wanted to do anything and everything while he could! But also, he would be quite content to just embrace what he would have to refer to as 'home.' Soon enough he replied, "I'm up for anything fun."


Kayden went up to the board, retrieving the darts and returning to the throwing line. "Hey," Kayden started, a thought just occurring to him. "Do you have to go to these's people's graduation ceremony?" He tilted his head a bit, gesturing to the student's who were celebrating their upcoming success. He let the dart go, sending it sailing into the 5. He cursed. This was not a good start.


The second dart snagged him 20 points, though the third landed low in the 12 zone, close to the bullseye but not quite in. Corbin had won this round.


*******


Brooke was staring to relax a bit. There weren't many people around, and Tricia didn't seem too threatening. In fact, unlike most people, she hadn't been driven away by Brooke's harsh attitude yet. "Oh, that's cool. No, I don't really need help with combat too much, I mean, I'm not really looking to join the military so I don't need it too much...and I can do it well enough already." Brooke replied. "My degree is in business. I'm hoping to go into politics someday so I'm thinking it will help."


Brooke let a beat of silence pass between them before asking her own question. "So you know Consul Nevsky? What's he like?" It was a question asked out of pure curiosity.


*******


Lillian's interest was perked by Victor's offer. Proconsul of the North? That provided many opportunities. Yes, many opportunities indeed. But then again, as in with most situations, there was risk involved.


Should Lillian be able to shape the new land into a prosperous land, she would get great fame and power from it. Fame and power were two things that Lillian was keen on seeking out. Those, and wealth. However, if there was no way to transfer the land into something useful than just an apartment complex, then she would be stuck in the desolate lands for a few years at least.


In order to make the move to the northern lands she would have to close down her book shop here in Neira, either that or get a manager to tend to it while she was gone. Lillian wasn't sure if she really wanted to leave Niera at all. Yet the call of fame, recognition, and potential wealth beckoned her...


"Victor, surely you do not need an answer tonight? Could I have some time to think on it?" Lillian asked, continuing to juggle thoughts around in her head.

 

[Lucyfer]

Mikayla would doubt. Aemilia crossed her arms over the table and leaned forward, as if to better hear. Her blue eyes focused on the ginger, and then Alcina, as she signed her answer. “I should have done well. I am not worried.” Aemilia then nodded her approval to both of the answers given.


“I am sure that you both did well,” she said, “You had better of done well, Mik. I won’t have you graduating after me.” They were graduating together, if Aemilia had to drag the ginger kicking and screaming.


Then came the anticipated question, but Aemilia still found she didn’t want to answer it. Her eyes moved swiftly away from Mikayla, out to look at the Martinus and its occupants, before it diverted itself down to the table.


Alcina dropped a hand and put it on one of Aemilia’s arms, drawing her eyes up. Her own look was inquisitive, “Well, Celer actually understands the issue,” she wasn’t shouting at Aemilia to just stop being a wuss, as one unfortunate teacher had. “We’re going to do more with mounted combat. That’s easier on me, and we might be able to use that to…well, trick is the wrong word, but to keep me in battle throughout its length without the risk of falling in the mud and dying.”


Alcina winced at the imagery. Aemilia could remind her of how true it was, but to what end? “We’ll see how it goes. I’ll think of something,” she would not rest. She was not leaving the Academy with any degree but one in political science and the certification of an officer. “That’s not important now,” she dismissed it with a gesture. “We have to think of the best way to get Consul Nevsky to notice Alcina tomorrow.”


Alcina’s cheeks darkened in a flush of embarrassment. She was signing, almost frantically, “That’s not necessary! I can just join the army through normal means, I do not need to meet Nevsky tomorrow.”


Aemilia talked over the signing, “Any thoughts, Mik?” A hopeless gesture came from Alcina.


~***~


“Anything fun,” Corbin chuckled a bit, “So, shall we be hitting one of the casinos tomorrow?” He couldn’t help but ask. He knew his friend’s vice, and he did certainly enjoy it. They had good days, and those good days always led to better evenings and wonderful, painful, mornings.


The bad days…well, they always had exciting endings. Occasionally bloody. “I don’t have to attend the graduations,” he said as he took his darts back and walked to the line, “None until my own, which…,” well, Kayden knew he was delaying it, “I still have to write my thesis,” he had his bachelor’s degree in History.


Technically, he was enrolled as a Master’s student in History now, but even his advisor knew it was just for show, so he could stay on as a TA. He had finished up all the classes. He just had to write the thesis. “Divination’s just boring.” Third 20 was hit. He punched a fist in the air, then set his eyes on the 19.


~***~


Business. It wasn’t a bad way to get involved in politics, if Lillian was any example. Though, Lillian bothered Tricia. She was grateful she did not have to spend much time around that woman. No, of those close to Victor, she usually only had to tolerate Seth for any period of time, since Seth was also involved in the military.


She might have to deal with Kayden more, when they got into a true war situation. “That should help indeed.” Tricia agreed.


Of course, Brooke then asked about Victor, and Tricia let out a, “Mmmm,” as she thought of how best to put it. He was so much of what people saw—charismatic, generous, brilliant—but there was more to him, layers of thought that were at once kind and cunning, and a distant air to him. “He’s…he’s the most interesting person I’ve ever met. I cannot put my finger on him. He’s optimistic, and he’s actually very concerned about Neira. More than you’d think of a career politician, anyway. During the skirmishes up north, he was always making sure to send back spoils or money to Neira, rather than let us get it all—not that he forsakes us soldiers.”


No, they were treated far too well to be considered forsaken, “I know one of his goals is to make sure we all are guaranteed decent land, to make sure the senate keeps its promises. Really though, you should meet him. He could tell you a lot about how to be a politician,” he was a genius at that, too, after all.


~***~


Victor let Lillian muse over it in the ticking silence, knowing she was weighing every option. Crassus would have said yes immediately, the thought of imperium fueling his desires to be as famous as Pompey and Caesar.


Victor did not think Lillian was so rash, and her thought was proving that. “Of course. The north is not even secured yet, but I would like an answer before I leave,” he informed her, “That way I may know if I need to be looking among my soldiers for someone to fill the role,” for it would not be Seth, nor anyone else. He would throw one of his trusted veterans into the position, and then know that he held the north through them.


Atticus wouldn’t like it nearly as much, but he’d deal with that in time.