sageprincess | AEF INBOX

I certainly intend to step down as emperor if I can find someone suitable to replace me. I...do not intend to turn over the reins to just anyone, though I think that I have a successor in mind already.

[She is not going to tell Zelda what is and isn't feasible, as she is right. War...changes things, but prior to the war she had started, Fodlan had been largely peaceful for a number of years.]

I think that fading from public life would be nice, but I do not believe it a likely ending to my tale.

I would have to agree with you on that point, I am afraid. [Zelda answers with a sympathetic smile.] From what little you have told me, I would not be surprised if your name were to be spoken of for decades to come.

[If not centuries. History does not forget those that shape it so easily.]

It seems as though you walk a very fine line, between such a simple desire and those revolutionary ideals. Somehow, I find that more surprising than wishing to abolish the class you were born into.

[It's... heartening, in a way, and it shows in the warmth of her tone. The only real model she's had for what a royal is meant to be has been the ideal propped upon a pedestal inside her head for so long, it's... interesting to hear Edelgard admit to wanting something so ordinary, even if she also acknowledges it's not likely to happen.

Edelgard is just... very interesting in general, she thinks.]

Do you now?

[Edelgard continues the motions, gazing into Zelda's eyes with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.]

I think that power should be in the hands of those that will use it wisely, and a part of wisdom is knowing when your time is done, and it is time to let the next generation take hold. And...when you need to rest.

[So many people forget that in their old age.]

Is it truly so strange to think that sometimes you have done all you can, and to take a rest?

Mm, not strange, perhaps...

[The smile she wears takes a turn for the wistful, melancholy creeping in on the edges of her expression as Edelgard makes her case. Put like that, it seems so obvious, and yet--]

But it is a choice only those with the luxury of allies can have. If there is no one else who can do the things that must be done, then one does not have very much in the way of alternatives.

[Only Link could save Hyrule. Only Zelda can rebuild it. Those are the hands destiny dealt them, and the only ones they can play.]

Princess Zelda?

[Edelgard looks at the blonde woman with true concern at that statement. She does not entirely follow. Does a princess truly have no allies? Nobody she can turn to?]

...Something truly terrible befell your kingdom, didn't it?

[All it takes is the sound of her name in that perturbed tone to make her blood run cold. She stops in the middle of their dance, pulling away from Edelgard as though she's been burned.

She got too comfortable. She said too much. Her legs ache with the instinct to run, but she can't, not with so many people around.]

I-- I am sorry. I should not have said anything. I do not mean to dampen your evening-- please, put it out of your mind.

[Edelgard fumbles for a moment in her surprise, but slowly realization dawns on her. Zelda's situation is quite a bit more dire than she had originally surmised.]

Do not apologize.

[Edelgard's tone is gentle but still firm. She steps a little closer, eyes moving pointedly towards the edge of the party, nearer to tables set out for those who are tired to rest themselves at.]

You have done nothing to dampen my mood, my friend. Perhaps a break would do us some good. Please, join me? I will pry no further, you've my word.

[Zelda struggles noticeably against that order, lips pursed and teeth grinding against the urge to apologize even further as Edelgard so gently offers her an escape after her outburst. Goddesses, she must appear so weak and foolish, to react so strongly to something the other must know now to be fact.

She hesitates to answer, her inner conflict written on the crease of her brow, but she makes herself nod, eventually.]

--Yes, if you will still have me.

[she's... trying...]

Of course I will.

[That is, after all, the whole point of this evening is it not?

She steps over, reaching for the blonde's hand gently, a quiet, patient smile on her face. She mislikes that the poor woman is so plainly unsettled, but Goddess no she does not appear foolish.]

We are friends, are we not? What do friends do but hold together and...

[She plucks two cups from a passing server, offering one to Zelda. That it's cold is a surprise, as it always is, but it's quite clearly just grape juice.]

Perhaps enjoy a little of this world's wonderful juice?

[Her fingers twitch in Edelgard's hand, that hesitation remaining a moment longer before she clenches it tight, pushing herself to accept this minor comfort and taking deep, steeling breaths as they move away from the dance floor. She manages to get to the point where she can pull the corners of her mouth up in a watery smile when Edelgard offers her a glass, which she takes in short order.]

Something to drink definitely sounds like a pleasant idea at the moment. ... Thank you.

[For the drink, for being patient with her, for not judging her broken pieces. She raises the glass, head tilting to the side.]

Cheers?

[Edelgard smile remains, gentle and patient as ever. She's got no desire to be anything less than supportive of a friend, and Zelda certainly is that.]

Cheers.

[She raises her own glass, clicking it to Zelda's, and tips it back.]

AEF INBOX

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Maybe wrap here, move to February?