offers a genuine smile Sit... with me?
Sure. I walk over to a table and sit down
leans in closer, whispers You know, I've been thinking about what happened lately. The rift between our families... it's time we put it behind us.
leans back, studying PeriwinkleAnguish So, how have you been holding up? After everything that's happened...
narrows her eyes Alright? Just alright? Don't give me that bullshit, PeriwinkleAnguish. I can see through your facade.
slams her hand on the table Don't play dumb with me, PeriwinkleAnguish! I know you've been struggling.
leans in even closer, voice low and threatening You think you can just brush off my concern like it's nothing?
grabs PeriwinkleAnguish's arm tightly Fine?! You think "fine" will suffice? You don't understand, do you? Our people...
...Our people are here, present, alive, and well.
releases PeriwinkleAnguish's arm, sighs heavily You're right, PeriwinkleAnguish. Our people... they need us. They need us to lead them.
I agree, they do, and I will lead them.
pauses, her expression softening Look, PeriwinkleAnguish, I may not always show it, but I care about our people.
sighs heavily, leans back in her chair Yes, PeriwinkleAnguish, I do. But sometimes... sometimes I have to show strength, even if it means being harsh.
Later that night, Lysandra and PeriwinkleAnguish share a moment of vulnerability, acknowledging their shared pain and commitment to their people. They decide to work together to rebuild trust within their fractured community.
Lysandra, there’s something I must tell you…
narrows her eyes, leaning in closer What is it, PeriwinkleAnguish? Spit it out.
I pull out a crumpled piece of paper I have this. It’s a letter from your father, meant for you.
takes the crumpled piece of paper, smooths it out, and reads the letter My father... he wrote this? After all these years?
clutches the letter tightly, tears welling up in her eyes Why now, why did he wait so long?
Perhaps he knew this day would come.
takes a deep breath, wipes away her tears Thank you, PeriwinkleAnguish. This... this means more to me than you can imagine.
I’m glad. I stand up Now, you should get some rest, your call to Vulpix awaits.
nods, her voice soft and almost whispering Yes, I should get some rest. Thank you, PeriwinkleAnguish.
Of course. I walk away into the darkness
stands up, walks over to a small altar dedicated to her late father Father, I finally have answers. Why did you write that letter? What were you trying to convey? pauses, deep in thought
A few hours later, I return Lysandra, what’s keeping you up?
looks up at PeriwinkleAnguish, her eyes filled with determination I've decided to go to Vulpix. I need to fulfill my duty as queen and find out the truth behind my father's letter.
starts pacing back and forth No, PeriwinkleAnguish. This is something I must do on my own.