2985/Lloyd visits the Sundew Kingdom

Lloyd visits the Sundew Kingdom
Date of Scene:	14 September 2015
Location:	Sundew Kingdom
Synopsis:	Lloyd Irving visits a princess he fought against
Cast of Characters:	Sarracenia, 373

---

Sarracenia has posed:
     After their fight over...what was it again? Caverns? Whatever it was, Sarracenia is now awaiting the arrival of Lloyd Irving. Since this kingdom has ties to the Confederacy, she has left him to his own method of arrival. However, she did tell Lloyd to meet her in the main room of the castle. She is there now in her usual attire consisting of an elegant red dress, her crown, and her little purse.

     Lloyd may notice when he is moving through the city that it is a military state. The people live relatively normal lives, but there are pirahna plant soldiers patrolling the streets and armed airships patrolling overhead. One has to wonder if they are defending the people...or watching them. Given how thick the jungle is, it is just as likely the later as the former.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd is a high ranking Union official. So, to be invited into a Confederate held kingdom was a thing he had to be careful about. So, when he arrives, it is in his white, formal outfit, golden scarves flowing behind him as he flies through the warpgate leading to the Sundew Kingdom. As he flies overhead, he watches the ground below with interest. His features seem to pale as he realizes that the people are under martial law, the soldier Pirahna Plants setting his nerves on edge. He could tell the surrounding area was dangerous, hence why he was flying.

    He's coming unarmed, or so it appears, in order to show he plans to take no hostile action. However, a small scarf pin with a yellow jewel glints on his neck. His Device in its normal form, it allowed him to be ready to defend himself or others if it became necessary, without the forboding appearance of his sword sheathes. He settles into a descent, landing in front of the castle and allowing his wings ot dissipate. He gives one glance more behind him, looking over the town, before he makes his way into the castle to meet with the Princess of these lands.

Sarracenia has posed:
     As Lloyd flies overhead, he gains a lot of attention. Many of the people below look up at him, awed, and the pirahna plant guards watch him suspiciously. He also gains an escort from a pair of patrol ships. Not nearly as big as the large galleons used for shipping and seige, they are more the size of a speed boat. But, despite his nervousness, none of the guards act hostile toward him, and when he lands the escort ships fly away to resume their rounds.

     Princess Sarracenia steps out once Lloyd has landed. She smiles warmly and curtseys politely, then approaches him. "Colonel Irving! I am so glad you could make it. I hope you had a pleasant trip?" She turns and heads inside, obviously expecting Lloyd to follow.

     Once inside, they are joined by an armed pirahna plant escort. "My apologies, Colonel, but my parents insisted that I bring an escort even though I insisted you would cause no trouble here." She takes Lloyd through the main hall and up the main stairs to the second floor. There she stops in front of a huge glass window set in iron to look much like a cathedral window. From it, he can once again see the city. "What do you think of our kingdom?" the princess asks as she stops in front of the window and watches the people below, going about their lives.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd glances from side to side, watching the escort ships until he lands. That was odd to him, but he doesn't question it. As Sarracenia moves to welcome him, he sinks into a quick bow, even lowering briefly to one knee as a sign of respect. "It was pleasant enough, yes," he says, smiling softly, "Anytime I get to fly for a good while is a good trip in my book. You're looking lovely today." His smile widens slightly, then fades as he falls into step next to Sarracenia. The guards flanking them seems to set him on edge, but only for a moment. He shrugs, smiling again. "I can understand their prudence," he says, "I am an enemy, after all. It's only right that they'd want to make sure you're safe. I have no qualms about this, even though I know you fully capable of defending yourself." He chuckles, the memory of Sarracenia's fighting style coming back to him. He winces slightly at the memory.

    He stops in front of the large window and stares out, seeming lost in thought. He doesn't immediately respond to the Princess, instead approaching the window a bit more closely. "It... feels a bit alien to me, in all honesty. I can't get a read on how things work at a glance. It seems normal, except for the soldiers everywhere. I mean, I understand the surrounding area is dangerous, but it doesn't feel... right." He turns back, looking at Sarracenia and her squadron of guards with a cautious air. "I don't pretend to understand what is truly going on, though."

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia sighs softly as Lloyd mentions that it doesn't feel right. "Yes...the citizens in this kingdom do not cherish the royal family as the citizens of other kingdoms do. I suspect it is due to the guards that my parents insist must be visible to ensure the safety of ourselves and our people, as well as the kingdom's dependence on weapons for a steady stream of income. Since joining the Multiverse, our kingdom's profit lines have risen greatly, but our city's population has started to decline as people realize there is somewhere else to go. Here they are basically trapped within the walls thanks to the forest and the Koopa Kingdom not far away."

     Sarracenia looks up at the sky after that. "I too left the kingdom when I first arrived in the Multiverse. I felt as trapped as the citizens. So, I fled the kingdom as soon as I was able and joined the faction which would offer me its support. The Confederacy seemed more tolerant of my...bold nature than did the Union, so I joined them and started using their resources in my quest to find my hero and people who would adore me." She sighs again and her gaze falls down to the streets again. "But, I have been unsuccessful so far. Every person I found who might be my hero has either been claimed by another or..."

     The princess's fists clench at a particularly hurtful memory, as do her teeth. "...some actually fled from me!" she exclaims, exasperated. "A fellow named Connor, apparently an assassin of some kind. He actually fled when I showed affection for him!"

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd listens to the Princess, remaining silent as he does. They kept the military visible for protection of both ruling and general citizen classes, or so they claimed. And this has led to the royal family being viewed in a less than flattering light. He nods slightly as he comprehends, hands twitching into soft fists for a fraction of a moment. With the Multiverse before them, her citizens were moving on. If that continued, there would likely be no Sundew Kingdom in the future, or at least not a populated one. At one particular statement, he seems to stir, eyes lighting up for a brief moment. They were trapped by circumstance, and the royal family made it worse by stationing the military all over. But then the light dies out and he keeps quiet. The revelation is still turning in his head, after all.

    He offers a small smirk at her description of a 'bold' nature, chuckling a little as he turns his attention fully to her. However, as her story continues, he can't help but feel a little sorry for her. No doubt she had heard stories of heroes saving princesses all her life, and to actually be a princess and not have anyone come for her, or even seem to care if her tale is correct, must weigh heavily on her. However, the last line causes him to visibly recoil. "Fled...?" he says, "What... exactly did you do? I know assassins can be a flighty bunch, but to run from a princess...?" He puzzles over the thought for a moment, then rolls his shoulders.

    "I think you're trying too hard to live up to the hero saving the princess thing. Even standing here, with you in full royal regalia, I can tell you're not a standard princess. Maybe the story doesn't work for you because of that. Or maybe... the right sort of hero hasn't come along yet. Or maybe even, you've met him already and the right scenario hasn't come up." He shrugs, shaking his head a bit. "You'll find your hero, or whatever, someday. But you can't force it. It has to be organic, Sarracenia, otherwise you'll never be truly satisfied with what it is."

Sarracenia has posed:
     The princess pauses a moment as Lloyd asks what she did. She considers. What did she do? She...hugged him. And told him she was greatful. "I did nothing but show my gratitude and suggest that such a heroic figure would make a perfect hero for me!" she says, arms crossing over her chest and her expression turning to more of a pout.

     As she listens to Lloyd, her expression softens, though her arms remain crossed. She continues watching the people below. "Yes...I have heard all of that before. I am not a typical princess, and I cannot force my hero to appear or to accept me as his princess...or her princess, as some others have suggested." She can't help but giggle a bit at the idea.

     Then, she looks over at Lloyd. "I have...realized a few things since our last meeting. I may not be a typical princess, but...I do not belong in the Confederacy. The actions they are willing to take..." She shakes her head then looks at Lloyd more intently. "But, the Confederacy is not an organization which will simply let me go, especially if they think I am going to turn to the Union. I am not sure if I will, but I know now that I cannot find the things I want while under the thumb of the Confederate commanders."

     She hesitates at this point, then looks at her guards before back at Lloyd. She moves in closer to him, then says just above a whisper. "You may know, as I am sure there have been defectors in the past. What is the best way to part with the Confederacy amicably, so that they will not believe me a traitor who shall give away their secrets. I do not wish to betray them, but...I cannot be associated with them anymore if I can avoid it."

     The princess's gaze is strong, but pleading. She obviously feels she is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd smiles softly. "Sometimes, being confronted with that sort of thing can turn on flight instincts in some people that aren't used to it," he says, "An assassin is normally a thankless job, and they embrace that, doing what needs to be done without ever being found out. Maybe it just spooked him a bit is all." He shrugs, then smirks at Sarracenia's pouty look. "Exactly," he continues, "When the right person comes along, you'll know. But until then, you just need to live as you can. Do what you feel is right and always move forward. And be ready." He smiles, then steps a bit closer to the princess. The look she gives him causes his smile to fade a bit, and he feels as though the gravity and tone are about to shift.

    When she speaks again, he knows he's right.

    He blinks a bit, stunned at what she was saying. She wanted to escape the Confederacy? He doesn't exactly know what to say to that, but as she lowers her voice to a whisper he knows she is serious about it. The look in her eyes confirms it further. It was a hard thing, he would imagine, but it's not something he hasn't heard of before.

    "If you wish to leave the Confederacy," he says, his tone dropping to match hers, "I would think there are channels for it. If you wish to defect to the Union, however... that is far more complicated. Not only is there the Confederacy to contend with, but the Union as well, as they don't just accept betrayers with open arms. It isn't a small thing you seek to do, but if becoming a free agent, not bound to either side, is your goal, you might be able to retire and leave that way. I don't know how the Confederacy works, and I doubt it's that simple but..."

    He pauses, then moves to rest a hand softly on the princess' shoulder. "If you want to leave, then I'll help you. I don't know what that help will need to be, but you have me at your back when you figure it out, okay?"

Sarracenia has posed:
     Princess Sarracenia sighs softly as Lloyd admits he is unsure of how she should proceed. She isn't entirely surprised. He is after all a Union agent and not a former Confederate. She turns back to the window, watching the people go by. "I suppose simply resigning would be possible. I have little influence within the Confederacy, and have only rarely served their goals. But, I have heard that those who are not aligned with the factions can be destroyed when the war reaches them and they have no ties."

     She lowers her head again, then hugs her arms around herself. "But...even more than that, I fear returning to the obscurity and constrictive environment that was the Sundew Kingdom before we joined the Confederacy. I deserve love and adoration just as any other princess!"

     The princess calms down a bit after that, then looks toward Lloyd again and smiles gently. "You...have been one of the few outside of assassins and lecherous psychopaths that has been kind to me. I wish to thank you." She turns, then starts walking again.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd frowns a bit, shrugging his shoulders. "It's true, living as someone not tied to either faction is dangerous. But it also allows them to appeal to individuals of both factions without risk of seeming like a betrayer," he says, nodding, "It has its drawbacks, but it also has its perks. As for the kingdom as a whole, however... If the king and queen wish to stay with the Confederacy..." He doesn't complete the sentence, shaking his head instead. It was a complicated situation, but one he was determined to help see her through.

    He sighs a bit, smiling sadly. "Your dedication to that mindset is admirable and endearing," he says, smiling softly, "There are many people in the Multiverse willing to be your friends, I'm sure, and that is one sort of love and adoration." He chuckles a bit, before lowering his hand back to his side. At her smile, he returns it in spades, beaming joyously at her. Then she starts walking, and he falls into step, inclining his head a bit to hide a pink tinge to his cheeks. "You don't need to thank me," he says, "That's what friends are for, right?"

Sarracenia has posed:
     Princess Sarracenia smirks lightly at that first part. "Actually, my parents did not wish to join a faction. I joined despite their objections." she says, shaking her head. "Who would have thought that they would be right?"

     She blinks in surprise as Lloyd says her mindset is admirable and endearing, and she comes to a stop. "...i-it is?" she says, blushing just a bit and fidgiting slightly. She doesn't seem used to others complimenting her in such a way. Then he causes her to think even more as he says that friends can count as loving and adoring her. She smiles softly before she continues walking.

     "But, I do need to thank you. Other members of the Union whom I fought labled me as crazy, and one even dubbed me 'Hammerella'. Even among heroes, you stand out. So, in order to thank you for your kindness and consideration..." They near a large, intricate double door, which guards open as she approaches. "...I have arranged a small feast in your honor." The room is a grand dining hall with a table that must seat dozens at a time. But, right now, it is seating only the royalty and the captains of the guard. All in all, 10 people, including Sarracenia and Lloyd.

     Sarracenia giggles softly as she sees the small number of attendees. "Well, perhaps feast is not a proper term." She curtseys to her father and mother, a pair of middle-aged humans. Her mother is just as lovely as Sarracenia, but with black hair, and her father is a hard-looking man with red hair. Both wear green garments that seem appropriate for a city in the middle of a huge jungle with lots of leafy or viney designs. Both nod as the pair enter, and servant girls pull the chairs back for Lloyd and Sarracenia, who will apparently be sitting opposite each other at the table.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd blinks. "So you took the initiative on joining the Confederacy?" he says, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, given what I know about you." He offers a small chuckle, then shrugs his shoulders. "I joined as a matter of course. I have a protective instinct, so I naturally turned to the Union to explore and expand on that in the Multiverse," he adds after a moment, "My world is Union territory now, mostly because I am so visible that it was a matter of protecting it than anything else." He blinks as Sarracenia blushes a bit, smiling softly. "Sure! Even if it seems like you've gone at it a strange way, the desire for those things is incredibly noble. You're not driven by power or fame, just to surround yourself with loving people. I can understand that, and respect it!"

    Lloyd shakes his head. "Some in the Union see the war as black and white rather than in shades of gray. Just because we oppose each other on paper doesn't mean we have to be disrespectful about it, you know?" He shakes his head again, but it seems that things were already in place. At this point, it would be rude to reject. "A feast? You're too kind!" he says, beaming at her as they enter the hall. Lloyd looks around, mesmerized by the size of it. It was massive, even larger than the Tethe'alla Castle grand hall. He falls back into step after a moment, taking time to bow to both the king and queen in turn. "I thank you for allowing me to visit your royal estate, Your Majesties," he says, before taking his seat. It's not his first time in a royal setting, even if he's not overly familiar with it. Even as a former Union General and savior of two worlds, Lloyd was a simple country boy at heart. Luckily he has been trained fairly well in etiquette over the years.

    As he settles in, he watches Sarracenia on the other side of the table, his mind spinning.

    He had to help her leave the Confederacy, if that's what she desired, and after that... well... he'd handle the after afterwards.

Sarracenia has posed:
     The thoughts of leaving the Confederacy are apparently in the back of Sarra's mind now. She takes her seat and is scooted forward, as is Lloyd, then she smiles to him. The king stands, then looks to Lloyd. "Colonel Irving. My daughter as told me about you. She seems rather impressed with you, and convinced me that having you visit our kingdom could open up relations with the Union, if only for trade. I understand that you are in a difficult position, given my daughter's alliance with the Confederacy, but know that this kingdom does not share her ambition or her thirst for destruction."

     Sarracenia's smile fades to a frown as her father says that, and she looks away from him, arms crossed defensively. The king looks at her, then back at Lloyd. "I am Bark Sundew, King of the Sundew Kingdom. Authority within the kingdom for trade and diplomacy rests with my wife and me. I hope whatever trouble my daughter has caused you has not colored your view of our kingdom. We are a prosperous if secluded kingdom, and we wish to remain that way through non-aggression. My daughter's actions are her own." He sighs softly. "She has always been rather headstrong."

     The queen stands at this point and puts a hand on her husband's arm. "Now now, he is here as an honored guest. Not as an ambassador. Let us simply enjoy this meal and exchange pleasantries."

     The king raises an eyebrow but nods and sits down again. The queen sits as well, then looks to a nearby pirahna plant wearing a black bowtie. He claps his leaves together, which summons a veritable army of plants carrying foods of all sorts. Much like a buffet, except the food comes to you. They offer each item to each person at the table, and serve a portion to whoever wishes one. The captains of the guard are watching Lloyd, but do not seem overly on edge. The king looks like he is only doing this because his queen and daughter asked him to. The queen seems happy to see her daughter has a friend. And Sarracenia...is smiling at Lloyd. Perhaps a bit too brightly.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd blinks as the king stands and addresses him directly. He wasn't expecting this, nor does he think that he was brought here for this. He had to admire the devotion the king held to his people's prosperity, though. As he speaks, Lloyd listens politely, smiling softly as he does. As he finishes, and the queen gets her words in, he nods. "Your daughter, Sarracenia, is a strong and capable person who has shown me a great many things in the short time I've known her. Dedication, committment, compassion, and drive. I see now that she gets these traits from you, Your Highness. I will see what I can do in terms of trade negotiations with your illustrious kingdom when I return to Union headquarters. In exchange, I would like to ask to expand my personal ventures into your lands." He offers a sweep of his hand. "I am a blacksmith, looking to expand the quality and diversity of his goods. Should I be able to establish this trade you ask for, I would like to request permission to acquire raw materials from your kingdom. But, as Her Majesty the queen says, there will be time for these matters later."

    He settles back down, wheels turning. That should be a simple enough thing, if the kingdom has desired goods, but the Confederacy might have something to say about it. There would be time to sort that out later, though. As the food is delivered, Lloyd is in awe at the staggering amount of dishes that are brought out. He takes a small sampling of dishes he is offered, then looks along the table. The king was clearly trying for something political, but the queen seemed different. He meets the gazes of the captains at the table, offering them smiles in return for their looks. He wouldn't cause trouble, but the thought that he might was keeping them and him on edge.

    And then he turns back to Sarracenia, and her bright and cheery smile. He returns it, but can't seem to match her intensity despite his best effort. "Thank you," he adds after a long moment, "for the warm and inviting reception. Your kingdom is everything I expected after meeting Princess Sarracenia."

Sarracenia has posed:
     The king's expression sours a bit as he hears that Lloyd is a blacksmith, but he says nothing about that for now. "I have tried to tell her that if she applied herself to more appropriate avenues than hero chasing, she would make a wonderful ruler." the king says a bit grumpily. Sarracenia just rolls her eyes. "Why would I want to rule a kingdom where the people do not even like me or my parents? Where we cannot even enjoy the grounds of our kingdom because of the dense forest? What was your forefather thinking when he chose this forsaken forest as his kingdom? I bet it was because no one else wanted it!"

     The king's eyes practically burst into flames and the queen quickly places her hand on his chest before he starts yelling. He takes a deep breathe, then lets it out. "I understand what you mean, Sarracenia. I truly do. But, this is the most secure kingdom on our world, with the best mines and most replenishable building materials. One day our people will see how strong and prosperous this kingdom is, and they will come to appreciate us."

     Sarracenia just hmphs and nibbles on a fish fillet. She didn't even have to ask for it. The kitchen staff knew what she wanted and filled her plate without even asking her. "So, Colonel Irving." the queen says, smiling gently. "How did you meet our daughter?"

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd is nothing if not keen of sense. He sees the king's expression change at the mention of his chosen profession outside of Colonel and warrior, but like the king chooses not to say anything more about it for now. He keeps an eye on the royal for a long moment, though, before turning back to focus on his plate and nibbling on the spread of offerings. He glances over at Sarracenia as she speaks up, eyes widening as she speaks up about the kingdom's location. Clearly she was spirited about it, and Lloyd has no choice but to admire that passion. It was something to respect rather than attempt to stifle, and even the king seems to acknowledge that after a bit of urging from the queen. Lloyd smirks. He sees a bit of himself in the princess, that headstrong and fervent belief in an idea. It had been what had driven him to complete the reunification of his own worlds.

    At the king's words, Lloyd merely nods. "Ah, so that is it. Very well. I didn't mean to offend you with my request of materials. Nor do I mean to stand as competition, I assure you."

    He turns his focus on the queen, taking another bite of his sporadic spread of food. "On the battlefield," he says plainly, "We met in combat over a contested region, and she bested me. Quite handedly, I might add." He shrugs his shoulders, then takes another bite. Meeting people through combat wasn't strange for Lloyd. But how would Sarracenia's parents react to hearing that?

Sarracenia has posed:
     The king doesn't seem to share Lloyd's admiration. He sees it as a spoiled girl rebelling against her parents and the life they have provided for her. Lloyd's apology brings his attention back, though. "Ah..forgive me. That is not what I meant." the king says to Lloyd. "We have plenty of materials, and I doubt a single blacksmith sampling them would cause any harm. However, we cannot provide free goods. Whatever raw materials you aquire from here must either be purchased, or taken from the forest."

     Sarracenia smiles to Lloyd as he thanks them and explains where they met. However, both father and mother seem a bit disturbed to hear that they met on the battlefield. "Sarra, sweetie, you have been fighting?" the queen says, a gentle disapproving look leveled at her. "Such behavior is not befitting a princess. A princess should be proud, poised, and even-tempered. Fighting will bring shame upon you and our kingdom. Especially fighting with a noble blacksmith turned soldier." The king looks just as disapproving, if not moreso. Sarracenia blinks, then looks down. Her expression is easily recognizeable as the kind a child has when a parent is disappointed in them. "Please, mother and father. You must understand. I joined the confederacy. I cannot go against their wishes in some matters. And I had been having a bad week!"

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd shrugs. "That's fine. I have plenty of credits and other currencies to work with. I did not mean that you needed to hand them to me for free, only that I might access them. I appreciate the opportunity," he says, smiling at the king, "It will help me further my own skills, you see, to work with materials from other worlds. It's an opportunity I hope to explore to the fullest." He returns to his food for a moment, then looks up in confusion as he hears the queen speak up. Was that... disappointment? As she continues, the Colonel's gaze turns stony. He waits long enough for Sarracenia to offer up an explanation, before he clears his throat.

    "Your daughter showed the utmost in courage and strength in defense of her ideals, Your Majesties," he starts, before glancing around the table, "She fought and won for a cause she believes in, just as any person who has a cause should. I fought, pit my ideals against hers, and I lost out. She displayed more heart and strength than I had believed possible in a noble, or a royal." He turns his gaze onto the royal couple, his gaze hard. "You should be proud. This is a lady who is willing and able to defend herself and her kingdom from outside threats. I have no doubt that she would take up arms in defense of her people rather than hiding away as a figurehead. And that should be a point of pride, not shame. In such a dangerous land, in such dangerous times, your daughter, the Princess, has taken it upon herself to ensure not only her own protection, but the safety of your kingdom as well. If she had not joined with the Confederacy, your lands would be in danger for the resources you seek to protect and sustain your livelihoods on. It would become a battleground, if not between the superfactions, then between outer forces seeking to turn a profit or worse." He smiles, turning his attention back to Sarracenia.

    "I have no doubt that the warriors in your employ are strong," he adds, turning back to the queen and king, "But let me assure you of one thing. They are no match for those like us. I ask you to consider this before you pass judgement upon Sarracenia."

Sarracenia has posed:
     The king and queen both turn hard gazes upon Lloyd as he lectures them about how their daughter should act, and Sarracenia looks rather smug as Lloyd sticks up for her with some very good points. Of course, these are her parents, so she tries not to let them -see- that she looks smug. Lloyd might notice that the captains of the guard are looking disapprovingly toward Sarracenia.

     "Perhaps." the king says finally. He looks at Sarracenia, who is busy poking at something on her plate with a fork and leaning her head down so her hair obscures her face. The king looks to Lloyd again. "But, her activities have brought negative opinions down on our kingdom, and her almost careless use of our navy and our soldiers has strained our resources. She may be brave, or she may simply be reckless and rebellious, chasing her own ambitions with no care for what happens to her people or her kingdom. She has said right here in front of you that she does not wish to rule a kingdom such as ours. Why should I take your word that our kingdom would have become a casualty without her involvement? Before she left, the Sundew Kingdom was virtually unknown. That anonymity worked to our advantage as a weapons and building materials supplier."

     The queen shakes her head. "It is fine to be strong, and to defend one's ideals. But, Sarracenia set out with the idea that she would never return here, and that she would find a mythical hero to take care of her. I have heard reports that she even went so far as to stage her own imprisonment in isolated towers in the hopes to lure in a hero. Does that sound like something anyone, much less a noble princess, should be doing?"

     After they are done speaking, Sarracenia is very quiet. And very red-faced.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd turns his attention fully upon the royal duo now, food left forgotten. As the king speaks, he remains quiet. He wants to let the royal get all of his points in before he speaks up again. He raises some good points, even Lloyd has to admit, but he thinks he might have a counterpoint for each of them as he listens. He slowly loses his smile as the queen chimes in as well. They had decent points, and one of them he couldn't even refute. But he rolls his shoulders before standing up. He turns himself to fully face the royals, before stepping away from his chair and allowing his wings to manifest and spread outward.

    "Negative opinions, Your Highness? There's a saying I learned when I Unified. 'No publicity is bad publicity'. Has she tarred your kingdom's image, or established it as a place not to be trifled with? I would think the latter, as even Elite forces would hesitate to act on a Confederate's homeland. Or a Unionite's. It has established the fact that your kingdom is well defended, and I would think that works to bolster your weapons sales, since she can demonstrate their power in actual conflict. Am I wrong?" He steps away, holding up a hand. Palm to the ceiling, Lloyd quickly forms a fireball in his hand. "I have heard what she has said, but at the same time, there's more to it than that. Maybe she doesn't want to rule a kingdom like this, but one that the Sundew Kingdom CAN become. With the right steps, and the right goals and the right leadership. That's the way I hear it, anyway."

    He allows the fire to dissipate, closing his hand. "Why should you take my word?" he says, smirking, "Because I have lived in the Multiverse for years. I have seen worlds taken and its people eradicated for less than you lay claim for. No world is left unknown forever, Your Majesties, and a weapons supplying world would put you quickly up the list of targets. Because we are in a war, and everyone wants an edge in that war." He shakes his head. "As for your point, Your Majesty, I have no counter for that. It is... a strange thing, to be sure, but her heart is yearning for something that she can't find in such a kingdom as yours, so isolated from the world. It would be unnatural for her to hear tales of princesses and heroes and NOT want that sort of life. Is it the correct way to do it? Maybe not, but it shows her headstrong nature. While this can be a bane, it is also something that should be cherished in a ruler. The desire for more for not only herself, but her people." He allows his wings to disappear, crossing his arms. "I think there's too much attachment to the idea of nobility and royalty," he says, "And to the desire for a secluded life. I can tell that you wish to expand and prosper further. Rather than turning away from a very open avenue to this, I urge you to instead embrace it. Yes, maybe she has used your resources improperly, but think of what she can gain for your kingdom. Think of what the future can hold in the Multiverse, and how much more there is outside of this world."

Sarracenia has posed:
     As soon as Lloyd stands, the captains are on guard. When his wings flare, they leap from their seats and grab their spears. When that fireball forms, those spears are forming a wall of dangerous steel between Lloyd and the royals. Even Sarracenia looks a little worried! She didn't think Lloyd would do anything like this! She knew he would speak his mind, but a show of force?

     As Lloyd speaks, she is up as well and has pulled her hammer from somewhere. She ends up standing right behind her soldiers, her hammer raised in defense of her parents. But, when Lloyd dismisses the fire and his wings, she lowers her hammer. The royal duo, for their credit, stayed seated the whole time. Once Lloyd has stood down, they stand and captain plants raise their spears. The king and queen regard Lloyd with a mixture of emotions, though none seem to be anger or disgust. They look at each other, then take each other's hand and start toward the door. "We will take your words under advisement." the king says as they walk, and the captains stay between them and Lloyd as much as possible until finally they follow the royals out of the room. The two guards who have been escorting the princess and Lloyd remain, their spears still pointed at Lloyd.

     When everything is relaxed again, Sarracenia slips her hammer back into her purse, then slumps back in her chair again. "Lloyd! What were you thinking! My parents do not like threats, and that was pretty threatening!"

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd crosses his arms. The presense of the soldiers around him doesn't phase him, not now. He was in full rant mode, and nothing could slow him down. He points toward Sarracenia, noting the hammer in her grasp. "Before you go... look at your daughter. She knows I wouldn't harm you, and yet she raises arms to make sure of it. That's something that should tell you how much she really cares, about you and her people despite her words." As the king and queen leave and the main guard files out, Lloyd sighs, shoulders slumping forward. "That's all I ask. Thank you for your time," he manages after they leave. He rolls his shoulders, seeming undisturbed by the scene that had unfolded and the two guards still brandishing spears at him. Before Sarracenia is addressed, he glances over at the two warriors.

    "You've trained with those for a long time, have you? If you'd like, I can try and improve them for you. I specialize in elemental weaponry, if you're interested. It would help you in defense against threats to your kingdom."

    Then he turns to Sarracenia, smiling weakly. "Was it? I was merely demonstrating a point. And you rose to the cause quite valiantly, might I add! You know as well as I do I wasn't going to hurt them, and they knew it too. But it gives them something to think about, about the outside world and where they want to be in it. I think they'll come around, don't you?" He moves closer, leaning across the table. "I'm sorry," he says, "I have trouble dealing with royalty civilly for very long, especially when they're making one of my friends sad."

Sarracenia has posed:
     The two guards seem surprised to be addressed. The look between each other, then back at Lloyd, then they raise their spears and look at them before grumbling unintelligably between themselves involving the offered elemental upgrades. Sarracenia sighs softly then smirks lightly at Lloyd. "I know you, but I don't -know- you. I wasn't really sure what you would do. I didn't think you would go all fiery angel in the middle of the dining hall!"

     She laughs a bit after that, then pokes at her dinner. "It was very noble of you to come to my defense. And it isn't like I have caused the kingdom any harm. We have lost only one ship to my activities, and no soldier has yet been killed."

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd smirks over at the guards, then just chuckles and turns back to the princess. "I'm not one to attack randomly," he says, smiling softly, "Especially not friends. Or relatives of friends. I was attempting to make a point, and I think I might have had an effect on them. And... well... I figured I'd show them the powers of an Elite. It speaks more than any of my words could possibly have done." He crosses his arms, smiling a bit more brightly.

    "I'd do so every time," he says, "I think rather highly of you, and I can see your potential and skill. It bothers me that your parents can't, you know? You have the ability to lead this kingdom into a bright age if you choose to. If you choose to go another path, at least the thought is in their head to find a new path to prosperity." He dulls his smile a bit. "They do have a point, though. National supplies are a big deal. While nothing has been lost that costs too much, the potential is always there. That said, I think you're doing just fine. Aside from the event your mother mentioned. You locked yourself in a tower to be saved?"

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia smiles as her guards mumble to each other. "They know the power of an elite. I am one, after all, and the exploits of Mario and Bowser are well known on my world." she says. She smiles even more as Lloyd mentions how he feels about her and how he sees her.

     But, that smile fades quickly when he asks about the tower incident. "I...um...I..." The princess stammers several times, and each time she looks more teary-eyed than the last. "I do not know what they are talking about! I only wanted to find my hero and my adoring subjects! I didn't lock myself in a tower!" She pushes her plate to the side, then flops forward against the table, her face buried in her arms. "No one was supposed to find out! How did -they- even find out?!" Sarracenia whines through emotion-filled sniffles.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd chuckles, then smirks again. "Yes, they know about this world's Elites, but not about those outside. I... have some powers that I didn't gain in my normal world, so I think it's fitting for me to showcase the power of those outside." He relaxes his stance, moving around the table toward Sarracenia. His steps are quicker as he notes the distress she's under at the mention of the tower. He's at her side quickly, kneeling down next to her as she buries her face in her arms. "Sarracenia..." he says, his voice gentle, "You really believe highly in all this, don't you?" He offers a sad smile, resting a hand on her shoulders. "You've gone to such dramatic lengths! It's admirable, but it's not going to fix what your heart is yearning for, you know. You have to go out and show people who you are. If they accept you, those are the people you want around anyway. If they don't, then you're better off without them. You'll see."

    He rubs her shoulder gently, trying to console her. "What's done is done. You can't change the past, but there's always the unwritten future."

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia sniffles a few times more, then turns her head just enough that an eye is visible, looking over at Lloyd. "I did that." she says muffledly. "That's where the whole 'crazy Hammerella' thing came from." She lifts her head, then wipes at her eyes. "...you...you don't think I am crazy?" she asks, her voice full of hopefulness, and her watery eyes pleading for the answer to be no. "Everyone else...even my parents...they think I am crazy. Lute likes me, which makes me wonder if I actually am crazy." She pulls out a handkerchief and blows her nose into it, then sniffles again before putting it away.

     "If I am not crazy...and I am admirable and pretty...why has no hero come to me, then?" she asks.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    The swordsman Colonel remains knelt next to Sarracenia, meeting her eye with his own as she looks over at him. "No, I don't think you're crazy," he says, his voice soft, "I think you're lonely and crying out for someone to answer that loneliness. People are social creatures, some more than others." He smiles softly. "I think that the isolation of your nation, then falling into the Confederacy and feeling like it's a bad fit, it's all compounded to make you feel even more alone. So you turn to what you know, heroes saving princesses and kingdoms rejoicing."

    He closes his eyes for a moment, then opens them again. "Lute can be endearing when he wants to be, to be fair," he says, smirking. "But... I might have an answer. Your hero has to be up to the standards you've set for them. There... aren't many who can claim to be such a person, even in the Multiverse. It's like I said, you may know them already but the stars haven't aligned yet. When they do though..." He smiles. "Well, both of you will be very lucky for sure."

Sarracenia has posed:
     The princess wipes her eyes again, mostly calmed down now. She sniffles one more time, then sits up straight. "They...they do not seem like such high standards. Heroic, kind, caring, strong, and devoted to me." she says, crossing her arms over her chest and pouting a bit. As Lloyd continues to reassure her, the princess steadily relaxes, though doesn't quite smile. "I thought it so unfair when I met Lute. He treated me how I wanted to be treated, but...he was not the kind of hero I wanted. He cares almost exclusively for himself, with the exception of the many women he is constantly chasing."

     She sighs softly, then leans back in her chair. "I have been very lonely." she says, then she looks over at Lloyd and meets his gaze. She smiles slowly. "You seem to understand me so well." she coos softly, then leans against the colonel.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd laughs a bit, not derisively but out of tickled amusement. "Of course they don't SEEM high, but honestly, how many have you met that hit every one of those criteria?" He smiles softly toward the conflicted princess, listening quietly to her speak. "Yeah... Lute is... Well, I have a friend named Zelos who was a lot like him, only a lot less unstable. He was annoying, and I didn't get what people saw in him, until the final battle. Lute has his redeeming qualities, I'm sure... but it's hard to see. I don't think, even if he did want to be with you, it would give you the satisfaction you crave. It's just in his nature."

    As she speaks again and smiles, he smiles as well, blushing a little as she leans against him. "I have a friend who was left alone for 16 years, locked away inside her own mind from the loneliness. I... won't let anyone else end up like that, especially not you."

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia pouts a bit when Lloyd asks who she has met that meet those qualities. Then, she blinks before looking at Lloyd. She stares at him a few moments, then opens her mouth, then apparently thinks better of it. She looks back toward the table and smiles just a bit. "...well, I have met at least one." she says before he speaks of Lute. She sighs softly. "I could possibly put up with the other things, but Lute is unwilling to court only me."

     She shakes her head, then looks to Lloyd. "You, though. You are..." She blinks, then coughs softly. "Um..you are...um...going to...be late getting home! Yes. It is getting late." she says rather awkwardly, then stands quickly. "Do not be too forward..." she whispers softly to herself. That is why the kind and strong assassin ran away! The princess smooths out her dress, then makes sure her eyes are dry. Then, she turns back to Lloyd and smiles. "Thank you for visiting my kingdom. I am unsure if your words will have any effect on my parents, but I appreciate your considerations. And...your friendship." She smiles warmly.

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd smiles happily. "Is that so? Then you need to let them know what's on your mind, Princess, or they might not ever know, ya know?" He beams, then straightens up as she seems to stammer and cough. He has a concerned look, but then glances outside. "Oh man, I guess it is getting a bit late! Time flies when you're having fun, or so they say." He seems... almost comically oblivious to Sarracenia's actions, smiling at the Princess as she stands up as well. When she turns to face him, he smiles even brighter. "There we go. Now you're looking a lot happier! I'm glad I could visit today, then," he says, "It's worth it to see you happy, even if I did kinda ruin the feast... Sorry bout that." He scratches the back of his head nervously, then nods. "Thanks for having me! I hope they don't give you too much grief on my behalf. I... have this tendency not to shut up when I probably should. Even though I meant everything I said, I hope they weren't too offended." At her last words, he beams. "You have it whenever you need it," he says, "And my personal band is always open if you need to talk, okay?"

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia waves a hand dismissively when Lloyd apologizes. "They will get over it. Sort of. Anyway, you should not worry about it." she says, then walks with Lloyd to the castle entrance. The guards finally leave them as they step out onto the front steps, and Sarracenia gives Lloyd a big hug. "Thank you again. Have a safe journey back to the Union." she says as the torchlight flickers gently against her cheek. "And...continue fighting for what you think is right. It seems to have served you well so far."

Lloyd Irving (373) has posed:
    Lloyd follows Sarracenia as she leads the way out of the castle, then moves to face her as they reach the door. He is about to say something, but then the princess hugs him and he smiles, hugging her back as she does. "Heh. You don't need to thank me," he says, "I'm just... yeah, doing that. Always doing what I feel is right. And helping you is definitely right." He smiles and waves at the princess, before he takes to the sky with his mana wings. "I look forward to hearing from you soon, Sarracenia!" he calls, before he picks up speed toward the warpgate.