Table Talk

While Michael was waiting for his target to finally arrive in Tristania, other parts of the world were also moving... With news of Tristain's civil war finally reaching other countries ears, Gallia finally decides to make its first move.

Instead of employing its troops to attack Albion as their plans might suggest, they instead direct all of their men to begin encroaching into Tristain's territory... King Joseph sites the country's attempt to take Princess Charlotte hostage as the main reason for this, but it is well known that the King cares nothing for his niece, and might've actually celebrated her death if it'd occurred.

Germania on the other hand, began its invasion of Albion, and while it might still be winter, they believed that their excess of Fire Mages made it more than plausible for them to conquer the land.

Romalia, watching all of this unfold, is unable to do anything but watch. Their military was far, far too weak to force peace, and neither Albion nor Tristain was in any state to actually defend themselves. Making it all seem as if any intervention would be pointless in the end.

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Princess Henrietta looks over these reports from within the Valliere estate and anxiously chews her lip, she looks up at Karin Valliere who'd been discussing their possible actions, or lack thereof, "Do you believe we have any chance to win this?"

Karin shakes her head, "No. Not even if we employ my daughter, perhaps if she had more time to master her magic it might be possible. But for now, it is very unlikely."

Henrietta nods and stands for her seat, "We need to return to Tristania and gather what support we can. The west is already lost, but if we can fortify the capital, perhaps we could wait out the storm until Albion or Germania decide to get involved." she says, too focussed on her own kingdom to actually worry about Prince Wales right now.

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Three more days pass, with Michael, Tiffania, and Ralf waiting within a large crowd on the streets of Tristania for Princess Henrietta's 'triumphant' arrival. The crowd around them were incredibly cheerful despite the rather dour news of Gallia's invasion. Still, most of them believed that their rightful ruler would be able to do something about it... Even if those in the know knew just how screwed they really were.

A horn sounds out, and the city gates open to reveal a large procession, with Princess Henrietta sitting in the middle of it, easily visible for all to see no matter where they were located in the crowd.

Many decoratively armoured knights, dragon knights, and manticore knights ride out in front and around the Princess as the procession slowly makes its way through the street. The atmosphere itself was more like a parade than the return of a monarch, especially one who was not all that popular like Henrietta, due to the fact that it was her actions that'd begun the civil war in the first place.

Just behind the Princess, was a flash of pink hair that quickly draws Michael's attention... Louise. He stares at her, Tiffania and Ralf following his gaze. But just as they stare at her, Louise notices and stares back, her eyes widening as she spots her long lost familiar.

She sends a cautious smile at him, and Michael smiles back, hiding his true intentions of stealing the prayer book in her possession.

And just like that, the procession continues unto the royal palace. Michael glances at his two companions, "Looks like meeting up with her won't be that hard after all."

Ralf nods but Tiffania pauses, "Do we have to steal from her? Can't we just work with them? Or maybe borrow the book?"

Michael shakes his head, "I doubt it. The thing is like a national treasure, and they'd want to meet whoever the other Void Mage is... Do you think they'd show an 'Elf' any more mercy than Cendri or Albion did?"

Tiffania pouts, obviously aware that she'd be hunted like an animal if they found out that a Half-Elf was a Void Mage. The fact that an Elf was capable of inheriting Brimir's legacy would send ripples through the world, not good ones either. As there were only two real conclusions that could be made from it.

The first, that Elves weren't the demons people thought they were, and that they thought, felt, and acted as humans did.

And the second, that the elves were able to steal the legacies of Brimir, which would almost instantly spark another war between humanity and what remained of the elves.

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The procession quickly comes to an end, but celebrations continue throughout the city. Not that Michael was taking part, of course, he had a different objective entirely.

He slips one of the palace guards a note and asks them to hand it to Louise, paying them a couple of gold coins to make sure it gets where it needs to be.

Two hours later, two figures enter the booked bar room Michael was waiting in. His brows raise when they lower their hoods to reveal not only Louise, but Princess Henrietta as well.

"Huh, didn't expect to be greeted by royalty when I set this up." he mutters as he gestures towards the chair opposite him.

Henrietta shakes her head, "And I did not expect for my attendant to be contacted by her long lost familiar. But it seems surprises are many these days." she pauses, "If it isn't obvious enough, Louise received your message."

"And? What do you make of it?" Michael asks, wondering what they thought he wanted from them.

Henrietta shakes her head, "I am wondering why you would risk entering this city, you say you need to speak with Louise, but you have never gone anywhere without a goal in mind." she states, her tone sounding accusatory.

Michael shrugs, "You don't know me well enough to say that." he says, ignoring the many cities he'd had a hand in destroying.