December 26th, 2880
Mulian Hanging Gardens
8:00 AM
"I won't accept this!"
The shout echoed all across the courtyard, with such force that it sent the birds scattering to the skies. Nestled amongst picturesque trees, fountains, and smooth marble, Tasha couldn' help but wince at the outpouring of emotion... but offered not a word of support. The Alchemist's shoulders shook as she advanced on the throne, voice hoarse and trembling, somewhere between begging and threatening.
"I did as I was told! I brought him, the Xephon, AND a Britannian Prince - all back into our fold! I've EARNED this! He's mine-"
The Governor, seated on her throne, merely stared. Elen followed her gaze - and noticed her foot touching the foot of the great marble seat. The two Dotems on either side watched her with renewed interest, their red and blue forms moving slightly inward, like the jaws of a vice. Instantly, Elen stepped back as though she had been burned, her features flushing a pale white as she dropped to one knee, beads of cold sweat popping on her forehead.
"I-I apologize, great one. I spoke out of-"
"Elen."
The governor pinched her brow, and gave a long, slow sigh. It had been a day of surprises... joys... and at the same time, disappointments.
"As welcome as this development is... the state in which Raldon has returned is less so. I dare say you have inflicted more harm upon him than the outsiders. What reason does he have to trust us now, compared to them?"
Still not daring to raise her eyes, Elen spoke hurriedly.
"I can correct it. Please, just give me a chance. One night. None of it will be-"
"And you think you can merely tear out his memories, like so many ribbons, until nothing but adoration for you is left?"
It felt as if a knife was being twisted slowly in her stomach. She could feel Tasha's contempt on her back. Pride and certainty were fading, being replaced with shame and disgrace. How could this have happened?
"You know full well the limits of our craft. Were you not the one advising me against such drastic alterations?"
As her own words came back to bite her, Elen swallowed her tongue. The Governor continued, smooth and steady as ever. It was a confidence, a certainty that she'd never had, which only further rubbed salt in the wound.
"To invite one under the foul curse of the Geass into our land threatens disaster. I must meditate on how we are to proceed. You are to keep your distance from Raldon."
"But-!"
"You are far too invested in this, Elen. To delve into the mind of another is a dangerous art. One can lose themselves with surprising ease."
The accusation hung in the air over her head, like the sword of Damocles. Even Tasha raised an eyebrow, not having been privy to such information before. There was the sound of footsteps, and eventually, the tip of a staff touched Elen's chin, tilting it back up towards the light. The Governor extended a hand, helping the girl to her feet.
"You have been made to shoulder this burden alone for far too long. For now, rest. I shall handle this matter personally in your stead."
Elen blinked slowly, as their regent seamlessly shifted the blame onto her own shoulders and pardoned her insolence, all in one fell swoop. Perhaps she was right. She wasn't acting like herself. Some time to rest... might be just what she needed.
The Alchemist bent, and kissed the ring on the Governor's finger, feeling it brush her forehead gently as it was pulled away, and back into the light.
"...I understand."
Mulian Hanging Gardens
8:00 AM
"I won't accept this!"
The shout echoed all across the courtyard, with such force that it sent the birds scattering to the skies. Nestled amongst picturesque trees, fountains, and smooth marble, Tasha couldn' help but wince at the outpouring of emotion... but offered not a word of support. The Alchemist's shoulders shook as she advanced on the throne, voice hoarse and trembling, somewhere between begging and threatening.
"I did as I was told! I brought him, the Xephon, AND a Britannian Prince - all back into our fold! I've EARNED this! He's mine-"
The Governor, seated on her throne, merely stared. Elen followed her gaze - and noticed her foot touching the foot of the great marble seat. The two Dotems on either side watched her with renewed interest, their red and blue forms moving slightly inward, like the jaws of a vice. Instantly, Elen stepped back as though she had been burned, her features flushing a pale white as she dropped to one knee, beads of cold sweat popping on her forehead.
"I-I apologize, great one. I spoke out of-"
"Elen."
The governor pinched her brow, and gave a long, slow sigh. It had been a day of surprises... joys... and at the same time, disappointments.
"As welcome as this development is... the state in which Raldon has returned is less so. I dare say you have inflicted more harm upon him than the outsiders. What reason does he have to trust us now, compared to them?"
Still not daring to raise her eyes, Elen spoke hurriedly.
"I can correct it. Please, just give me a chance. One night. None of it will be-"
"And you think you can merely tear out his memories, like so many ribbons, until nothing but adoration for you is left?"
It felt as if a knife was being twisted slowly in her stomach. She could feel Tasha's contempt on her back. Pride and certainty were fading, being replaced with shame and disgrace. How could this have happened?
"You know full well the limits of our craft. Were you not the one advising me against such drastic alterations?"
As her own words came back to bite her, Elen swallowed her tongue. The Governor continued, smooth and steady as ever. It was a confidence, a certainty that she'd never had, which only further rubbed salt in the wound.
"To invite one under the foul curse of the Geass into our land threatens disaster. I must meditate on how we are to proceed. You are to keep your distance from Raldon."
"But-!"
"You are far too invested in this, Elen. To delve into the mind of another is a dangerous art. One can lose themselves with surprising ease."
The accusation hung in the air over her head, like the sword of Damocles. Even Tasha raised an eyebrow, not having been privy to such information before. There was the sound of footsteps, and eventually, the tip of a staff touched Elen's chin, tilting it back up towards the light. The Governor extended a hand, helping the girl to her feet.
"You have been made to shoulder this burden alone for far too long. For now, rest. I shall handle this matter personally in your stead."
Elen blinked slowly, as their regent seamlessly shifted the blame onto her own shoulders and pardoned her insolence, all in one fell swoop. Perhaps she was right. She wasn't acting like herself. Some time to rest... might be just what she needed.
The Alchemist bent, and kissed the ring on the Governor's finger, feeling it brush her forehead gently as it was pulled away, and back into the light.
"...I understand."