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Ella Brie
Location: Palace --> The Prince's Sanctuary
Tags: Alastair
Date: Day After Fivana Fiasco
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Ella smiled a little at the way the tone of Alastair's words turned into that of a storyteller, even while his voice went hushed and secretive. "The story began..." She once more had to focus upon maintaining a neutral expression when Hope was mentioned. Of course she had known, or apparently falsely believed, that he had been captured in Thrinton but to have him here in the Palace... Well, there would be no doubt that had they come into contact Hope would recognise her, and who knew what his time in the more brutal province could have done to his ability to keep quiet. Her entire cover could have been blown and she would be executed, or worse. A traitor so close to the heart of the royal family would have to be given some sort of special treatment, some horrible death. Perhaps they would hand her over to Thrinton, subjecting her to that ‘diversity of inhumane atrocities’ that Alastair was referring to. Would Alastair still be so disappointed in their methods if the person being tortured had betrayed him so personally?
She nodded in understanding as the Prince spoke of the Onetians calling for Hope’s execution. He talked as if it was moral to call for a life to be ended to save it from torture, rather than just calling for the torture to be stopped. Perhaps killing was kinder than torture, but it was still murder, it was still evil, and once Hope had been executed he was beyond saving. An execution would have meant Arrietta had no chance of getting her father back and Sam would have lost a son. It would have protected the rebels though, and she supposed the Onetians had no choice but to condemn the traitor or become one themselves.
As Alastair described how he had essentially tricked the Emperor, Ella couldn't help but forget her horror at the fact they were discussing someone so close to her role as a rebel and instead feel impressed and then, of course, guilty once more. She reminded herself carefully that she couldn’t show either of those emotions. His efforts made sense to her as a rebel, but to the law-abiding seamstress turned princess they could not. She had to stick to her role for just a short while more.
”That seems very chivalrous, and I’m truly glad that I don’t have to watch an execution today.” She didn’t have to disguise how horrible she found executions, it was reasonable for anyone to dislike watching someone lose their head. ”But I don’t understand. He was a traitor. Why not just let him get executed? Why save this specific one?”
She was desperately snatching at anything, trying to suss out the Prince’s motivation. It wouldn’t be long until she was freed from the palace, she’d return home and be able to see her family and her friends for more than a quick status report and that was all she had wanted from the moment she stepped into the Palace of Swords. But she’d lose her chance to figure out this unfathomable Prince, to work out whether she should feel guilty for this betrayal.
As she asked these questions they reached the waterfall, a beautiful feat of nature that served as the Prince’s sanctuary and would hopefully also serve to drown out the footsteps of her rebel friends approaching. Carefully Ella shook out the fabric at the top of the basket and laid it on the ground in front of where Alastair had already sat on the grass. She sat on the picnic blanket with her legs tucked beneath her, this would probably be her last taste of Onetian finery for a while and even with her thoughts taken up with worry over the next few hours there was no way she was getting it grass-stained and ruined. As she laid the food out in front of them she glanced round at the trees surrounding the clearing where, all going well, the Phoenix squad would eventually be hidden. She gave herself just a moment to worry about the safety of Lanette and the other young rebels before turning and smiling at Alastair. ”The food’s all ready!” And with that her wait began.
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Brenn Lucasta
Location: Oneta
Tags: Team Alpha, Team Beta, Gavotte, Sonata
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After a good night’s sleep and a great number of hugs from Onyx, Brenn had mostly recovered from the ordeal of their first mission. Now he could worry about the mission they were heading to now. It had been a fair shock to him to find out that the ‘important mission’ Atlanta had referred to was capturing the Prince of Delra. It wasn’t exactly what the ice-wielder had expected from his second ever mission but he supposed the rebels living underground had waited 18 years for the Phoenix Squad to be ready to free Delra, Brenn could hardly expect them to wait until he was no longer terrified.
As they journeyed towards Oneta on the train, the squad organised themselves into groups. Alpha to attack, Beta to capture and Omega to help smuggle the Prince away. Fear of this royal with some unknown power guided him towards Team Omega but, as usual, his mother’s lessons rang in his mind as if she were next to him. “A true and honourable rebel can always be found at the front lines. You must never hide away behind your comrades. Be happy to face danger, my little fireballs, knowing that you’ll be helping to save Delra.” Brenn sighed and steeled himself to join team Alpha before recalling something else from his lesson that day. His father was a Fivanian, but though happy to talk non-stop Aiden Lucasta shied away from conflict. Though it was always clear that he disapproved of Ceri teaching their two young children the way of ‘a true and honourable rebel’ he rarely spoke up against it, but that lesson he had disagreed. ”They’re not going to be saving anyone if they go where they’re not helpful.” He’d told their mother, sounding frustrated. Turning to Brenn and Seren he continued to speak, more gently. ”Don’t go charging in without thinking, find the place you can be of most use and stay there. If you know your strengths and your limits you can help no matter how far from the danger you are.”
It was a lesson his mother never did learn. Had she listened perhaps she wouldn’t have ended with her head on the chopping block, but now it brought Brenn to think carefully. He was pitiful at melee fighting and hardly very intimidating but his ice-powers would be able to do much to help smuggle the Prince onto a train. No, it would have to be Team Beta. Gavotte had chosen the same, and though they weren't neccessarily friends their complementary powers certainly made them into excellent fighting companions. He was pleased to find that Onyx would also be joining them, where they could have each others backs. Brenn trusted his friend and roommate with his life, and would unthinkingly defend them with it too.
They arrived at the station, and once again Brenn was in awe. Oneta was starkly different from Fivana, all white marble and peace where he’d previously stepped into bright neon light and excitement. It was no less beautiful, if perhaps a little more boring. When Atlanta offered out the walkie-talkies after leading them into a dense forest, Brenn shrugged his shoulders. ”I can take it if nobody else wants to.” He said, glancing round at the rest of Team Beta. ”But I’ll probably be better off if I don’t have to worry about fiddling around with it.” He knew that if he used his ability for more than a short period of time he’d probably end up with numb hands and using a walkie-talkie when he couldn’t feel his fingers didn’t sound like the easiest of tasks. He listened carefully as Atlanta gave them a refresher as to each Team’s role. Brenn’s pair of power cancelling handcuffs hung from his belt and he once again wondered what the Prince’s powers actually were. It was odd that the intelligence department hadn't even found a single clue, surely the royal family’s abilities would be even stronger than normal, or at least what would be normal, and they'd flaunt them to show their strength. But no, no one truly had any idea just how dangerous this mission could be.
A quick glance at the map Atlanta brought out was enough to remind him of the sequence of steps he’d managed to memorise, after studying it over and over with everyone else on the train. When both Sonata and Gavotte came up with extra methods of navigation Brenn nodded earnestly, looking impressed.
”That’ll be way easier than just trying to remember which direction we’re facing.” He was looking at Sonata’s little sunflower as he spoke before turning to Gavotte. The water-wielder had only mumbled his idea, but since Brenn was standing with the majority of Team Beta he had heard it. ”And that means we’ll be able to make sure we’re on the right track.” Though nervous himself, Brenn wanted to encourage his squad mates. Especially Gavotte, who seemed to have dipped in confidence, the complete opposite of Sonata. Onyx rapidly spotted the first marker on their path, allowing their walk to begin, and Brenn moved over to intentionally bump into them. "Quick eyes there, Onyx!"
Ella Brie
Location: Palace --> The Prince's Sanctuary
Tags: Alastair
Date: Day After Fivana Fiasco
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Ella smiled a little at the way the tone of Alastair's words turned into that of a storyteller, even while his voice went hushed and secretive. "The story began..." She once more had to focus upon maintaining a neutral expression when Hope was mentioned. Of course she had known, or apparently falsely believed, that he had been captured in Thrinton but to have him here in the Palace... Well, there would be no doubt that had they come into contact Hope would recognise her, and who knew what his time in the more brutal province could have done to his ability to keep quiet. Her entire cover could have been blown and she would be executed, or worse. A traitor so close to the heart of the royal family would have to be given some sort of special treatment, some horrible death. Perhaps they would hand her over to Thrinton, subjecting her to that ‘diversity of inhumane atrocities’ that Alastair was referring to. Would Alastair still be so disappointed in their methods if the person being tortured had betrayed him so personally?
She nodded in understanding as the Prince spoke of the Onetians calling for Hope’s execution. He talked as if it was moral to call for a life to be ended to save it from torture, rather than just calling for the torture to be stopped. Perhaps killing was kinder than torture, but it was still murder, it was still evil, and once Hope had been executed he was beyond saving. An execution would have meant Arrietta had no chance of getting her father back and Sam would have lost a son. It would have protected the rebels though, and she supposed the Onetians had no choice but to condemn the traitor or become one themselves.
As Alastair described how he had essentially tricked the Emperor, Ella couldn't help but forget her horror at the fact they were discussing someone so close to her role as a rebel and instead feel impressed and then, of course, guilty once more. She reminded herself carefully that she couldn’t show either of those emotions. His efforts made sense to her as a rebel, but to the law-abiding seamstress turned princess they could not. She had to stick to her role for just a short while more.
”That seems very chivalrous, and I’m truly glad that I don’t have to watch an execution today.” She didn’t have to disguise how horrible she found executions, it was reasonable for anyone to dislike watching someone lose their head. ”But I don’t understand. He was a traitor. Why not just let him get executed? Why save this specific one?”
She was desperately snatching at anything, trying to suss out the Prince’s motivation. It wouldn’t be long until she was freed from the palace, she’d return home and be able to see her family and her friends for more than a quick status report and that was all she had wanted from the moment she stepped into the Palace of Swords. But she’d lose her chance to figure out this unfathomable Prince, to work out whether she should feel guilty for this betrayal.
As she asked these questions they reached the waterfall, a beautiful feat of nature that served as the Prince’s sanctuary and would hopefully also serve to drown out the footsteps of her rebel friends approaching. Carefully Ella shook out the fabric at the top of the basket and laid it on the ground in front of where Alastair had already sat on the grass. She sat on the picnic blanket with her legs tucked beneath her, this would probably be her last taste of Onetian finery for a while and even with her thoughts taken up with worry over the next few hours there was no way she was getting it grass-stained and ruined. As she laid the food out in front of them she glanced round at the trees surrounding the clearing where, all going well, the Phoenix squad would eventually be hidden. She gave herself just a moment to worry about the safety of Lanette and the other young rebels before turning and smiling at Alastair. ”The food’s all ready!” And with that her wait began.
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Brenn Lucasta
Location: Oneta
Tags: Team Alpha, Team Beta, Gavotte, Sonata
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After a good night’s sleep and a great number of hugs from Onyx, Brenn had mostly recovered from the ordeal of their first mission. Now he could worry about the mission they were heading to now. It had been a fair shock to him to find out that the ‘important mission’ Atlanta had referred to was capturing the Prince of Delra. It wasn’t exactly what the ice-wielder had expected from his second ever mission but he supposed the rebels living underground had waited 18 years for the Phoenix Squad to be ready to free Delra, Brenn could hardly expect them to wait until he was no longer terrified.
As they journeyed towards Oneta on the train, the squad organised themselves into groups. Alpha to attack, Beta to capture and Omega to help smuggle the Prince away. Fear of this royal with some unknown power guided him towards Team Omega but, as usual, his mother’s lessons rang in his mind as if she were next to him. “A true and honourable rebel can always be found at the front lines. You must never hide away behind your comrades. Be happy to face danger, my little fireballs, knowing that you’ll be helping to save Delra.” Brenn sighed and steeled himself to join team Alpha before recalling something else from his lesson that day. His father was a Fivanian, but though happy to talk non-stop Aiden Lucasta shied away from conflict. Though it was always clear that he disapproved of Ceri teaching their two young children the way of ‘a true and honourable rebel’ he rarely spoke up against it, but that lesson he had disagreed. ”They’re not going to be saving anyone if they go where they’re not helpful.” He’d told their mother, sounding frustrated. Turning to Brenn and Seren he continued to speak, more gently. ”Don’t go charging in without thinking, find the place you can be of most use and stay there. If you know your strengths and your limits you can help no matter how far from the danger you are.”
It was a lesson his mother never did learn. Had she listened perhaps she wouldn’t have ended with her head on the chopping block, but now it brought Brenn to think carefully. He was pitiful at melee fighting and hardly very intimidating but his ice-powers would be able to do much to help smuggle the Prince onto a train. No, it would have to be Team Beta. Gavotte had chosen the same, and though they weren't neccessarily friends their complementary powers certainly made them into excellent fighting companions. He was pleased to find that Onyx would also be joining them, where they could have each others backs. Brenn trusted his friend and roommate with his life, and would unthinkingly defend them with it too.
They arrived at the station, and once again Brenn was in awe. Oneta was starkly different from Fivana, all white marble and peace where he’d previously stepped into bright neon light and excitement. It was no less beautiful, if perhaps a little more boring. When Atlanta offered out the walkie-talkies after leading them into a dense forest, Brenn shrugged his shoulders. ”I can take it if nobody else wants to.” He said, glancing round at the rest of Team Beta. ”But I’ll probably be better off if I don’t have to worry about fiddling around with it.” He knew that if he used his ability for more than a short period of time he’d probably end up with numb hands and using a walkie-talkie when he couldn’t feel his fingers didn’t sound like the easiest of tasks. He listened carefully as Atlanta gave them a refresher as to each Team’s role. Brenn’s pair of power cancelling handcuffs hung from his belt and he once again wondered what the Prince’s powers actually were. It was odd that the intelligence department hadn't even found a single clue, surely the royal family’s abilities would be even stronger than normal, or at least what would be normal, and they'd flaunt them to show their strength. But no, no one truly had any idea just how dangerous this mission could be.
A quick glance at the map Atlanta brought out was enough to remind him of the sequence of steps he’d managed to memorise, after studying it over and over with everyone else on the train. When both Sonata and Gavotte came up with extra methods of navigation Brenn nodded earnestly, looking impressed.
”That’ll be way easier than just trying to remember which direction we’re facing.” He was looking at Sonata’s little sunflower as he spoke before turning to Gavotte. The water-wielder had only mumbled his idea, but since Brenn was standing with the majority of Team Beta he had heard it. ”And that means we’ll be able to make sure we’re on the right track.” Though nervous himself, Brenn wanted to encourage his squad mates. Especially Gavotte, who seemed to have dipped in confidence, the complete opposite of Sonata. Onyx rapidly spotted the first marker on their path, allowing their walk to begin, and Brenn moved over to intentionally bump into them. "Quick eyes there, Onyx!"
