[ There will be a day when Dion understands that Clive will never consider his concerns (or himself at all) a burden, but it seems today is not that day, and Clive at least manages to hold back the fond sigh when he reads Dion's message, his brow furrowing in thought before he responds. He isn't a fan of what happened (which, he admits to himself, is putting it very mildly), but... it gave him a wife and son. That much, at least, has been his fantasy since he was a child.
Still, he understands Dion's point. And he won't disagree. ]
I am... well, all things considered. And if it was someone else's fantasy... it will be their final one. I cannot promise you much, but I will promise you that, Dion.
And to your first point, your concerns have never been a burden to me. If they are to you, then share them. A burden shared is made light, after all.
[It seems there shan't be a day that Clive's sincerity does not strike him like a physical blow. He sees all the things he knew were in Joshua, having trusted him so much, but laid bare upon his surface.]
I am glad for it. Though you need promise me nothing, Clive.
I have been following the arrival of the Admiral and his family, as well as listening to the whispers moving among the castle. Even in the city, there are rumours that I find alarming. The sort that would echo what occurred in Twinside.
I am not sure who will claim greater power, or who shall move first. Yet I feel we should be preparing for a coup, and that it may be coming quickly.
Or... perhaps it may end in a visit that is only peaceful, and my fears will be unfounded.
You know as well as I do that among feuding royalty, such an outcome is unlikely.
[ It is well that he's on his own in the Thorne library; his head snaps up in alarm, and he remembers himself, glancing around to make sure he's as alone as one can be in Thorne before returning to the book in front of him, though he is no longer seeing the words written there. An old ache in his chest begins to throb, and he has to take a moment to breathe. ]
You're sure? No, you wouldn't be telling me if you weren't.
Royal visits rarely end in peace, especially if everything I've heard here about the royals is true.
I wish we had more time to ourselves in which to process what has happened, but I do not sense fate shall be so kind.
You know the Admiral Sidwell has come to visit the Queen, along with a retinue. On its surface, the replacement and release of various servants in the castle would not unnerve me. It is that, combined with these... rumours. That the King did not agree with this adjustment. That the Lady Sidwell has private rendezvous with the King, and has brought her children with her to the castle. You, like I, can imagine the woman she might be. I have found it strange for some time that the Queen has no heirs, nor has there been any word of choosing them.
Further, Hayle has apparently closed its borders to travellers.
I am only acting on assumptions, but the people of Thorne have made it clear what the Summoned mean to them, and given these movements are following their negotiations with the people of the Nether, the timing would be impeccable. If there is to be a coup, I suspect we are to be pulled into it. Or worse: forced to choose a side. Long have I noticed the sour opinions of the Queen, especially since her attack on the Free Cities. And, Clive... there are Summoned here that do not know war like we do.
I would prefer to be afraid than correct. But if I am, we need to find a safe place to ensure they are not made collateral.
[ His eyes narrows at the mention of Lady Sidwell, and further still at the news that Hayle has closed it's borders. That itself was a res flag, if anything Dion speaks of is, and Clive glances around at his surroundings again, as if someone might pop out to eavesdrop on what is an internal conversation, somehow. ]
And I am afraid you are correct. What we have here is a powder keg waiting for that spark, and it won't take much to set it alight.
And when it does, we will be used. There is nothing about this place that would ever make me doubt that. It's not just us that would be collateral, either. There are innocents here, people who have no say or stake in their rulers, just trying to make their living.
[ His thoughts travel to the people at the mill he'd saved so long ago, the people of Nott he was working to help now. His fingers tighten their grip on the book in his hands. ]
We'll find one. It will have to be here in Thorne, unless we can somehow manage to smuggle dozens of us across the border to the Free Cities— and there's no promises there that they'd take us, not with the bad blood already present.
[ He huffs a laugh. ]
What do you suppose the chances of us finding an airship ruin are?
I do not intend to assume your actions, but I believe I have learned well the people you and Jill are. Suffice to say, if someone is to come for the Crown, and there are innocents caught in the crossfire... I will remain here, as well, to aid them as much as I can. I fear the castle staff will be the most vulnerable, especially if they are loyalists.
I'm afraid the first issue will be getting out of the castle itself. It would not behoove us to remain here, even if we can find somewhere safe. I would propose out into the city, towards the edge of the walls. There are plentiful forests to the north, but I cannot say how well they would sustain us. There are farms to the south, but I would not rely on their being charitable in such a time.
I wish it were that simple... or we that lucky. Just know you shall have my wings regardless.
Then we are of the same mind. Those that want to flee, we can help, but I won't leave those that wish to stay, whatever their reasons. This is their home, for better or worse. They deserve to live within it.
We'll manage, Dion. This isn't the first time a monarchy has endured a coup, and it won't be the last.
[ He hopes the small, warm, smile he gives to the book in front of him comes across in his words. ]
It may be the first one where three Dominants start planning a third side to it.
Do you know anything of these people coming in? Any rumors?
[He wishes only for Clive's specific brand of... optimism. To be fair, Dion does not fear for the three of them. They haves survived far worse. It is the people who will bear it, and the whims of the winners that follow which decide.]
Only what I have personally overheard in passing. The Lady Sidwell seems to spend much of her time in the city, among the people... aiding them in matters related to the damage from the storm. If anything happens, they may both be culpable, but I hesitate to take my eyes off of her in particular. There is a reason she is ingratiating herself to the people, and it is rarely so done for mere charity, considering no efforts have been made in the past.
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Still, he understands Dion's point. And he won't disagree. ]
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[ It is well that he's on his own in the Thorne library; his head snaps up in alarm, and he remembers himself, glancing around to make sure he's as alone as one can be in Thorne before returning to the book in front of him, though he is no longer seeing the words written there. An old ache in his chest begins to throb, and he has to take a moment to breathe. ]
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[ His thoughts travel to the people at the mill he'd saved so long ago, the people of Nott he was working to help now. His fingers tighten their grip on the book in his hands. ]
[ He huffs a laugh. ]
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[ He hopes the small, warm, smile he gives to the book in front of him comes across in his words. ]
[ 'Are they as bad as Anabella?' ]
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[He wishes only for Clive's specific brand of... optimism. To be fair, Dion does not fear for the three of them. They haves survived far worse. It is the people who will bear it, and the whims of the winners that follow which decide.]
Only what I have personally overheard in passing. The Lady Sidwell seems to spend much of her time in the city, among the people... aiding them in matters related to the damage from the storm. If anything happens, they may both be culpable, but I hesitate to take my eyes off of her in particular. There is a reason she is ingratiating herself to the people, and it is rarely so done for mere charity, considering no efforts have been made in the past.