[That much she appreciates and so she nods her head in gratitude. Then, once she's certain that there aren't any servers or patrons walking too close to their table, she explains rather easily and all at once:]
I introduced myself to you as Princess Natalia.
Now, much as I hate to shed an integral part of my identity.... I was hoping you would be willing to understand if I ask you to keep my heritage a secret.
I couldn't refuse a request made with such seriousness.
[That Elza doesn't hesitate to say, not a whit.] It should be up to ourselves whether or not to disclose our ranks or heritage, right? [But that being said.]
Can I ask why you want to keep it a secret? Maa, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, though.
[ . . . . . hm. She takes a moment to consider her words seriously, though in the end they just come out in a sigh.]
Well, it's a bit too late for me to avoid being kidnapped. [She says it with a smile.] But such things have happened before - and I would rather err on the side of caution than be used to bargain against my country again.
[Though it seems she has more to say. She hesitates for a fraction of a second before she just continues on-]
.... and people treat me differently. I know they probably don't mean to, but... it's nice being treated as Natalia for once and judged on my own merit than my birth.
[Hmm. Well, that answers why she only wants him to call her by her name. He's more comfortable being polite to young ladies, but...]
I understand.
You can count on me to not say anything.
Though, aaah, what to do. Here I'd say that I'm used to treating most ladies like princesses... [But after his melodramatic sigh, he peeks her way, his tail swishing next to his chair.]
[Oh.... if anything, the mention of her country manages to get her to cheer up even more, a light returning to her eyes.
Conveniently, with splendid timing, their tea and biscuits arrive just as their serious conversation finishes. How neat. Natalia nods her gratitude to the server before turning her attention back to Elza.]
You will find it difficult to locate a day when I am not willing to talk about Kimlasca. Is there anything specific that you'd like to know?
Hmm-- not specifically, I'd be happy hearing about any of it.
[He reaches out a hand to his teacup, twisting it lightly to face him before picking it up by the handle. You'd think a guy with long, claw-like nails might have trouble but he doesn't at all...]
[ . . . . well, she is mildly impressed by that. Though she plays it off as a moment of thought ass he tries to recall-]
It spans half of the current global geography. There are only two prominent kingdoms within my world and Kimlasca is the largest - likely due to the fact that it was conjoined between two nations, Kimlasca and Lanvaldear. According to the recent census, I believe our numbers average to approximately 900,000.
[She takes a moment to sip her tea. Rattling off facts about her country is easy. As for the people....]
That said, my people are wonderful. They span all walks of life - plenty of mechanics, craftsmen, knights, and working class folk. I spend most of my days in the Upper Quarter, however I still try to venture to the lower sectors to see what my people need. Their requests are simple, mostly jobs and good health, so opening up a port and hospital were my projects up until recently.
[ . . . . and then she pauses, frowning faintly.] Goodness, am I talking too much?
[Elza hums with wonder. Half the geography... He sips from his cup, his ears twitching lightly. He isn't certain how large the population of Weblin is off-hand, but he's quite certain it isn't as large as that.]
Not at all.
[He grins, leans forward slightly.] It's interesting. My home, Weblin, isn't as large as your kingdom is. Is it peaceful there? [It sounds it, if there were times for projects like hers.]
[ . . . hm. She's thoughtful, trying to figure out how to answer that.]
Both... yes and no.
With only two kingdoms, it's rather unsurprising that there would be rising tensions in hopes that the defeat of one would result in being able to rule the entire globe.
Yet it's only especially clear at the border lines. My people otherwise go about their daily jobs and enjoy life as anyone else would. They're truly amazing.
[Elza nods slowly, his arms folding over his chest. Two large countries on such a scale...]
I see. That is amazing. There are many dukedoms in Weblin and other countries, but...
Even within Weblin, it's not peaceful. I'm often sent to the villages or otherwise that get the most damage, though. So I might not get to see peace as much.
[That alone is enough to manage to earn her immediate concern. Even for a country that isn't hers, the idea of a lack of peace or villages suffering prompts her to lay a hand gently over her own chest, as if her heart aches at the notion.]
I'm so sorry....
If I may ask, what could the cause for that be? Inner disarray?
[Her noticeable concern... is warming. Elza smiles a bit but it falls as he dips back into a more thoughtful look. His hand lifts to his chin, fingers curling just under it. There's no good way to phrase this.]
Something like it. There's a disease, actually, that's become more prevalent in the country, called Zodiva.
--and then, as part of it, there are the wolf hunts. The wolves are another people like I or Zara, but for ten years now they've been hunted due to an order from the King.
[PAUSE. EVERYTHING. Perhaps she would understand if they were monsters and were terrorizing a land - that's not unheard of so long as the population is controlled and they are repelled from a location.
But they're people like Elza and Zara?]
What- [Er. Her volume is a bit loud and she catches herself half a second later before taking a breath and quieting.] What kind of order is that...?
[Elza's ears twitch at the volume and he grimaces slightly-- it's an apologetic kind of grimace.] We've been taught for a time that they're the cause of the sickness.
Ten years ago, they're said to have rebelled against the king. Ever since then, they've been attacking villages.
[This really isn't a pleasant conversation to be having over tea but he continues on nevertheless.]
...But, while I was at the border, Nesso got in contact with the wolves. He found out they're afflicted just as much by the disease. No, more so... And that order put out ten years ago may've just been a ploy by the princes to try and wipe out the wolves. Where the truth is that they may already have a cure for Zodiva, they just won't give it to their people.
[ . . . . . ugh. She's not quite lost her temper enough to make the disgusted noise out loud but judging by the way her face crinkles, she's utterly displeased by what she's hearing.]
Without a doubt, I can understand now why you have such a distaste for your royals - if they can even be called that.
Such behavior is more closely aligned to that of villains and despots.
[In which Natalia continues to completely forget her diplomacy lessons.]
My deepest condolences for your country to be in the hands of such contemptible individuals.
[Elza laces his fingers together, resting his hands on the table in front of him. He smiles at her wryly.]
I think so as well. I mean, I trust Nesso's word, but... when I heard they'd gone this far for the sake of some agenda of theirs, I could hardly believe it.
We were in the middle of leaving the country, actually. I was waiting for Nesso and the others and then suddenly...
[He waves one hand to indicate around them.] Here I was.
I love Weblin. It's always been my home. I aspired to be one of the knights since I was young. However, I can't stay there any longer.
[He rubs his hand along his jaw, exhaling thoughtfully as his gaze wanders off to one side. Like he's seeing something else. The rioting people in Scharlmessen attacking those who'd always protected them, the torches, stones and glass and those ridiculous accusations.]
I've about committed treason by now. Nesso's sister was accused of being a witch and controlling the wolves somehow... all because she'd lived her life in a tower due to having a very weak constitution. They had her come to the castle and confined her there until it could be 'proven' she wasn't a witch.
Nesso couldn't take that, of course, so he broke her out. And I'll follow and support that.
He says it so simply and in truth, she can't quite understand. Perhaps it's because he's so dedicated to Nesso and she can vaguely follow that form of camaraderie. Guy took care of Luke for years, after all, and chooses to believe in him above all else. Perhaps it's that.
Though she still looks rather displeased. Two knights - particularly level-headed ones - are choosing to abandon their country in favor of saving their own skin.]
And what will likely become of the people left in Weblin once you all leave?
[That's right they're choosing to abandon the country. Elza turns his gaze back to her and notices the displeased expression. He thinks he can guess at and understand the reason for it, but nevertheless his own expression is unwavering.]
I don't know.
...But, even if we wanted to, there would be little we could do for Weblin.
[Natalia's not the type to try to force her opinions on others - except for when it comes to a state of a country. It's not so much that she thinks less of Elza choosing to abandon his country but infinitely more so that the fate of the people still residing within it is left so uncertain.
So as she gathers her thoughts, she sips her tea. Hm. For now, she'll bite her tongue on what she thinks of deserters.]
What makes you so certain?
[She's trying to use what little information she has to consider possible outcomes. Other kingdoms intervening and hopefully overthrowing the awful monarchs in order to salvage the future of the people? Or are they doomed to ruin?
She certainly hopes it's not the latter, but she's also not one to believe in absolute futures anymore.]
Since we've gone against the crown princes with taking Nesso's sister from the castle, we're already wanted for treason. Even with Nesso and I gone from the castle, that's only one of their company--the castle still has plenty of knights to fight for them.
We'd most likely be put to death and Nesso's sister taken back into their castle before we could so much as try anything.
[Trying to save the country on their own just... isn't feasible. Elza isn't naive. He knows full well what those princes are capable of by now, and with the revolting of the villagers of Scharlmessen... Well.]
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I am curious about that.
[But he hasn't been pressing, letting her get to it on her own time and lightening up the atmosphere.]
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I introduced myself to you as Princess Natalia.
Now, much as I hate to shed an integral part of my identity.... I was hoping you would be willing to understand if I ask you to keep my heritage a secret.
[undercover princess trope activated]
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[That Elza doesn't hesitate to say, not a whit.] It should be up to ourselves whether or not to disclose our ranks or heritage, right? [But that being said.]
Can I ask why you want to keep it a secret? Maa, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, though.
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Well, it's a bit too late for me to avoid being kidnapped. [She says it with a smile.] But such things have happened before - and I would rather err on the side of caution than be used to bargain against my country again.
[Though it seems she has more to say. She hesitates for a fraction of a second before she just continues on-]
.... and people treat me differently. I know they probably don't mean to, but... it's nice being treated as Natalia for once and judged on my own merit than my birth.
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I understand.
You can count on me to not say anything.
Though, aaah, what to do. Here I'd say that I'm used to treating most ladies like princesses... [But after his melodramatic sigh, he peeks her way, his tail swishing next to his chair.]
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If nothing else, it manages to get her to laugh. It's.... It's so cheesy to the point that she's a little past the point of being charmed.
At the very least, she's still endeared.]
I believe part of the point is that I do hope you'd treat me like anyone else, Elza.... though I suppose I could just as well do without the flattery.
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Then... I'll try to tone down the flattery, Natalia. Try.
Will you still tell me some more about your country? I'm interested in hearing more about it from you.
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Conveniently, with splendid timing, their tea and biscuits arrive just as their serious conversation finishes. How neat. Natalia nods her gratitude to the server before turning her attention back to Elza.]
You will find it difficult to locate a day when I am not willing to talk about Kimlasca. Is there anything specific that you'd like to know?
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[He reaches out a hand to his teacup, twisting it lightly to face him before picking it up by the handle. You'd think a guy with long, claw-like nails might have trouble but he doesn't at all...]
What are the people like? How large is it?
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It spans half of the current global geography. There are only two prominent kingdoms within my world and Kimlasca is the largest - likely due to the fact that it was conjoined between two nations, Kimlasca and Lanvaldear. According to the recent census, I believe our numbers average to approximately 900,000.
[She takes a moment to sip her tea. Rattling off facts about her country is easy. As for the people....]
That said, my people are wonderful. They span all walks of life - plenty of mechanics, craftsmen, knights, and working class folk. I spend most of my days in the Upper Quarter, however I still try to venture to the lower sectors to see what my people need. Their requests are simple, mostly jobs and good health, so opening up a port and hospital were my projects up until recently.
[ . . . . and then she pauses, frowning faintly.] Goodness, am I talking too much?
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Not at all.
[He grins, leans forward slightly.] It's interesting. My home, Weblin, isn't as large as your kingdom is. Is it peaceful there? [It sounds it, if there were times for projects like hers.]
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Both... yes and no.
With only two kingdoms, it's rather unsurprising that there would be rising tensions in hopes that the defeat of one would result in being able to rule the entire globe.
Yet it's only especially clear at the border lines. My people otherwise go about their daily jobs and enjoy life as anyone else would. They're truly amazing.
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I see. That is amazing. There are many dukedoms in Weblin and other countries, but...
Even within Weblin, it's not peaceful. I'm often sent to the villages or otherwise that get the most damage, though. So I might not get to see peace as much.
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I'm so sorry....
If I may ask, what could the cause for that be? Inner disarray?
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Something like it. There's a disease, actually, that's become more prevalent in the country, called Zodiva.
--and then, as part of it, there are the wolf hunts. The wolves are another people like I or Zara, but for ten years now they've been hunted due to an order from the King.
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[PAUSE. EVERYTHING. Perhaps she would understand if they were monsters and were terrorizing a land - that's not unheard of so long as the population is controlled and they are repelled from a location.
But they're people like Elza and Zara?]
What- [Er. Her volume is a bit loud and she catches herself half a second later before taking a breath and quieting.] What kind of order is that...?
[as if disease is not bad enough????]
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Ten years ago, they're said to have rebelled against the king. Ever since then, they've been attacking villages.
[This really isn't a pleasant conversation to be having over tea but he continues on nevertheless.]
...But, while I was at the border, Nesso got in contact with the wolves. He found out they're afflicted just as much by the disease. No, more so... And that order put out ten years ago may've just been a ploy by the princes to try and wipe out the wolves. Where the truth is that they may already have a cure for Zodiva, they just won't give it to their people.
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Without a doubt, I can understand now why you have such a distaste for your royals - if they can even be called that.
Such behavior is more closely aligned to that of villains and despots.
[In which Natalia continues to completely forget her diplomacy lessons.]
My deepest condolences for your country to be in the hands of such contemptible individuals.
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I think so as well. I mean, I trust Nesso's word, but... when I heard they'd gone this far for the sake of some agenda of theirs, I could hardly believe it.
We were in the middle of leaving the country, actually. I was waiting for Nesso and the others and then suddenly...
[He waves one hand to indicate around them.] Here I was.
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You intend to abandon your country?
[.... 'abandon' is a bit of a strong word - probably stronger than she intends - but it's the first one that came to mind]
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I love Weblin. It's always been my home. I aspired to be one of the knights since I was young. However, I can't stay there any longer.
[He rubs his hand along his jaw, exhaling thoughtfully as his gaze wanders off to one side. Like he's seeing something else. The rioting people in Scharlmessen attacking those who'd always protected them, the torches, stones and glass and those ridiculous accusations.]
I've about committed treason by now. Nesso's sister was accused of being a witch and controlling the wolves somehow... all because she'd lived her life in a tower due to having a very weak constitution. They had her come to the castle and confined her there until it could be 'proven' she wasn't a witch.
Nesso couldn't take that, of course, so he broke her out. And I'll follow and support that.
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He says it so simply and in truth, she can't quite understand. Perhaps it's because he's so dedicated to Nesso and she can vaguely follow that form of camaraderie. Guy took care of Luke for years, after all, and chooses to believe in him above all else. Perhaps it's that.
Though she still looks rather displeased. Two knights - particularly level-headed ones - are choosing to abandon their country in favor of saving their own skin.]
And what will likely become of the people left in Weblin once you all leave?
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I don't know.
...But, even if we wanted to, there would be little we could do for Weblin.
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So as she gathers her thoughts, she sips her tea. Hm. For now, she'll bite her tongue on what she thinks of deserters.]
What makes you so certain?
[She's trying to use what little information she has to consider possible outcomes. Other kingdoms intervening and hopefully overthrowing the awful monarchs in order to salvage the future of the people? Or are they doomed to ruin?
She certainly hopes it's not the latter, but she's also not one to believe in absolute futures anymore.]
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We'd most likely be put to death and Nesso's sister taken back into their castle before we could so much as try anything.
[Trying to save the country on their own just... isn't feasible. Elza isn't naive. He knows full well what those princes are capable of by now, and with the revolting of the villagers of Scharlmessen... Well.]
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