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[07-30 23:45:18] <Viollca> If you want to find Viollca, she is in her room

[07-30 23:47:09] * Matrim_Argent knocks.

[07-30 23:47:20] <Viollca> "Come in."

[07-30 23:47:43] * Viollca is braiding her hair, leaning against the head of the bed.

[07-30 23:48:09] * Matrim_Argent opens the door and steps just inside, then half-bows.

[07-30 23:49:02] * Viollca nods deeply, "You needn't bow to me, Sir."

[07-30 23:49:16] * Viollca smiles

[07-30 23:50:17] * Matrim_Argent smiles shyly back. "You are a lady. I wished to let you know that, barring further need for my help, I will be departing for the capital soon."

[07-30 23:51:36] * Viollca looks solemn, "Are you sure that is safe?"

[07-30 23:52:04] <Viollca> "You have more serious charges against you than the rest of us, or so the Inquisitor said."

[07-30 23:52:30] <Viollca> "Forgive me, I didn't mean to pry. You needn't tell me a thing."

[07-30 23:52:49] * Matrim_Argent nods. "But it is my duty to attempt to ensure that the Emporer knows what is happening, and if he does, to learn why he does not act."

[07-30 23:53:15] * Viollca nods solemnly

[07-30 23:53:27] <Matrim_Argent> "My safety is of less importance than that of the Empire."

[07-30 23:53:27] <Viollca> "You made a promise, then?"

[07-30 23:54:14] * Matrim_Argent smiles a little. "When I made my vows as a Knight, I swore to see to the well-being of the Empire."

[07-30 23:55:24] <Viollca> "Which do you serve, Matrim, the Empire or the people who make it up? The heart and soul of the Empire lies with the lowest classes, not the Emperors and Empresses."

[07-30 23:56:19] <Viollca> "I've seen whole Roma families sold into slavery. I've seen the Nobles that head the guilds. I--"

[07-30 23:56:23] * Matrim_Argent hesitates, uncertain for a moment how or if to answer, and finally says, "Both."

[07-30 23:57:15] <Matrim_Argent> "The Nobles are supposed... The Nobles /are/ symbols for the people."

[07-30 23:57:29] * Viollca swallows, begins to tear a bit. "You are a good man, I'd hate for either side to loose your support."

[07-30 23:58:02] <Matrim_Argent> "I... thank you..."

[07-30 23:58:18] <Viollca> "The Nobles have the money and the power."

[07-30 23:58:37] <Viollca> "You know what Nobles symbolize to me? Fear."

[07-30 23:58:48] <Viollca> "And now, tyrrany."

[07-30 23:58:52] <Matrim_Argent> "The people... You are right that they are the soul of the Empire. But there would be no Empire without leadership, without rules and focus. Only chaos."

[07-30 23:59:18] * Matrim_Argent bites his lip for a moment before he realizes he's doing it and stops.

[07-30 23:59:39] <Matrim_Argent> "I am sorry that your experiences have been poor. There are Nobles who fail the ideal, but most..."

[07-30 23:59:59] <Matrim_Argent> "My sister suffers nightly that her people might sleep soundly."

[07-31 00:01:25] <Viollca> "I've heard of her, I felt sorry for her then, even th--"

[07-31 00:02:05] <Viollca> "You are prepared to die for your word, and I respect that."

[07-31 00:02:36] <Viollca> "But if the Emperor betrays his people, allows something like that to exist, then who do you serve?"

[07-31 00:03:28] <Matrim_Argent> "I... If that is so, I will have a difficult decision to make. But I cannot believe that it is until I have seen with my own eyes."

[07-31 00:04:46] <Viollca> "If I ahve spoken out of turn, I apologize. I--- I also made a promise, to return with word to Magnus."

[07-31 00:05:18] <Matrim_Argent> "No. You have nothing to apologize for."

[07-31 00:06:28] * Matrim_Argent seems to be trying to figure out how to say something, then shakes his head. "I believe that Albert is also seeking Magnus. He will be travelling towards the capital with me, for a time at least."

[07-31 00:07:32] * Viollca smiles and wipes an eye. "That will be-- Then we will be in good commpany."

[07-31 00:08:43] * Matrim_Argent smiles back. "You will accompany us, then? I am glad."

[07-31 00:09:09] * Matrim_Argent hesitates another moment, then, "I should continue making ready."

[07-31 00:09:17] * Viollca nods

[07-31 00:09:25] <Viollca> as you leave: "I never dreamed that I, someone so low, would have the ear of someone so important. Please Sir, don't forget us."

[07-31 00:10:46] * Matrim_Argent shakes his head. "I am only a Knight. And it is the duty of Nobles to listen to the people as well. But... I will not forget. Thank you for

speaking to me so."

[07-31 00:10:49] * Matrim_Argent departs.