[ 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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[ 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.