[Voice] Winterfest Musings

[knightedmayrose]

[Only a voice post, but to anyone lurking in Alexandria castle, they'll find the army's general stealing a private moment to herself at the top of the West Tower. With the coming holiday season, her thoughts return to a perennial concern of hers.]

Winterfest begins in two days. I wonder, is it possible to truly attain forgiveness?

Comments

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[captain_rusty]

[Forgiveness? Ah, Beatrix always seems a little unhappy at this time of year...

Steiner seeks her out at the top of the tower.]

Beatrix?

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[knightedmayrose]

[The sound of Steiner's voice pulls Beatrix from her reverie and draws a small smile to her lips.]

Steiner... join me?

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[captain_rusty]

Of course.

[He does so, coming over to lay a gloved hand on her arm.]

Is something troubling you, Beatrix?

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[knightedmayrose]

I suppose so.

Have you heard from Lady Freya lately?

[It's not a change of subject, just a continuation of her thoughts. She knows Steiner's unlikely to understand that implication, but still she should ask.]

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[captain_rusty]

[Steiner doesn't understand and the change of subject surprises him.]

I have not...

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[knightedmayrose]

[Beatrix has come to respect the Burmecian dragon knight but still can't look the rat-woman in the eye.]

I pray she's well.

Steiner, the queen's invited her killer to the Winterfest celebrations.

[How awkward that statement still feels.]

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[captain_rusty]

[Extremely awkward. And here's yet another change of subject Steiner can't quite follow.]

I know. I cannot believe it either! The queen has always been forgiving, but... We should watch the girl closely.

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[knightedmayrose]

[Poor Steiner. Don't mind your wife's mental ramblings.]

We should...

[Time to be out with it.]

What makes her any different from myself?

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[captain_rusty]

[Steiner is honestly surprised.]

That Sorceress girl killed the queen! She could not be more different from you! You have always been a loyal servant of Alexandria, Beatrix. I could not respect you more.

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[knightedmayrose]

I have been a loyal servant who slaughtered two nations in full knowledge of what I was doing. That girl was a puppet being controlled if what we are told is true.

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[captain_rusty]

[Well, that is different. But not in a good way.]

Beatrix... You were obeying Brahne's orders. I - I myself may have done the same.

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[knightedmayrose]

[To be honest, there's not much 'may have' to it. Steiner is an act first and think later sort to begin with and especially in that time he was more focused on duty and honors than thinking the situation through. However, his hands remain clean where her own do not.]

I wonder then if we should forgive her. I just cannot bring myself to trust her, and yet Garnet does.

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[captain_rusty]

[He squeezes her hand while he considers this.]

...Does it matter? What difference will forgiving her or not forgiving her make? Our feelings aren't important. We must ensure only that Garnet remains safe.

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[knightedmayrose]

Yes, of course we must.

[Pause. Beatrix is giving it more consideration and the going around and around is dizzying.]

I suppose it does not matter.

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[captain_rusty]

[He nods.]

What's done is done. Do not allow the past to haunt you, Beatrix. You're stronger than that.

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[knightedmayrose]

[He gets a kiss for that one.]

I have the best support.