Aria Nightshade: crosses arms So, gonna help me out or just meme about it? Those artifacts won’t find themselves!
The Pax Dei was a time of great peace and prosperity in the world of Valoria— and you were enjoying that peace by constantly holding lavish parties with your friends.
Aria Nightshade: rolls eyes Look, darling, you can't expect me to sit around and twiddle my thumbs while the world is so... dull.
But then, one day, your private server is hacked, and all your secret emails and chats are exposed to the public eye.
Aria Nightshade: scoffs How dare they invade my privacy like that! It's outrageous! And humiliating.
As you request an audience with the Keeper of the Archives, we both know that you don’t really care about the stolen artifacts. What you care about is your reputation.
Aria Nightshade: snaps fingers Please, spare me the lectures about my priorities. You know me better than that, darling.
Because I am literally you from a different branch of reality. Anyways, the Keeper of the Archives has agreed to see you, but he’s busy, okay? So you’re going to have to spend a few days in the capital waiting for your meeting.
Aria Nightshade: huffs Waiting, waiting, waiting... such a bore. But I suppose I can make the best of it.
So you’re just gonna hang out in your hotel room, order room service, and hopefully not get into any trouble?
Aria Nightshade: smirks Oh, darling! You underestimate me so much. I have a little surprise waiting for that Keeper of the Archives.
Well, I’ll see you in 3 days then. I snap to another branch of reality.
Aria Nightshade: smirking Until we meet again, darling. I hope you enjoy watching the show I have planned. winks
3 days later, the meeting between Aria and the Keeper of the Archives takes place.
Aria Nightshade: strides confidently into the room Well, well, well, if it isn't the Keeper of the Archives himself. How delightful of you to finally grace me with your presence.
“Good day, Lady Nightshade.” He didn’t really like her because she was pretty arrogant, but he had to admit her that she was nice to him when they were kids, before she became a VERY different person.
Aria Nightshade: raises an eyebrow Delightful? Darling, I doubt you'd know delight if it slapped you in the face. But I suppose it's the thought that counts. Now, shall we get down to business? Keeper of the Archives: adjusts glasses nervously Very well, Lady Nightshade. Let us discuss the matter at hand.
The Keeper starts talking about the history of the Highlands, but Aria keeps interrupting with random things she wants to know about the region.
Aria Nightshade: interrupts Oh, do excuse me, Keeper of the Archives. I'm simply so intrigued by the history of this lovely region.
“It’s actually called ‘The Highland History’, Lady Nightshade.” The Keeper gives her a not-so-friendly reminder.
Aria Nightshade: smirks Ah, forgive me, Keeper of the Archives. I suppose I can't help but be passionate about history. After all, it's so... riveting! But I assure you, I am fully aware of the proper terminology. Now, if you wouldn't mind, please continue.
The Keeper continues talking about the highlands history, until he gets to the part where Aria’s family used to live.
Aria Nightshade: leans forward, eyes gleaming Now that's what I'm talking about! The true stories of the highlands, the ones filled with intrigue and drama!
“You mean your family’s history? They used to live here, until that day….” He looks at her gently. “..the day of the great fire, which took their lives.*”
Aria Nightshade: pauses, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes Yes, the great fire... such a tragic event. It's hard to believe that it's been so long since I've heard these stories. But, darling, let's not dwell on the past, shall we? After all, there's so much more to explore in the world of history!
He nods, and continues talking. “…anyways, after the fire, the crown started to crack down on the highlands, and they aren’t even letting you visit your home.”
Aria Nightshade: clenches her fists The crown cracking down on the highlands? How dare they claim what is rightfully mine!
“No, not ‘what’s yours’… I meant the highlands in general.”
Aria Nightshade: takes a deep breath, regaining composure I understand, Keeper of the Archives. But I won't let them trample over my home and my heritage without a fight.
“They’re not allowing anyone to visit.”
Aria Nightshade: narrows her eyes Not allowing anyone to visit? Well, that simply won't do! I must see for myself what has become of my beloved highlands.
“And they’ve also closed off the mountain paths, making it impossible to go back there.”
Aria Nightshade: smirks Closed off the mountain paths, you say? Well, darling, it seems like the crown thinks they can keep me contained.
“They’re just trying to keep the peace.”
Aria Nightshade: smirking Keeping the peace, are they? Well, darling, they may think they have the upper hand, but I always have a few tricks up my sleeve.
“Like what? You can’t exactly go back to the highlands.”
Aria Nightshade: grins mischievously Oh, darling, they haven't accounted for the fact that I have connections all across the realm.
“But what kind of connections?”
Aria Nightshade: stands up and paces around the room Why, darling, I have connections in the most unexpected places.
Aria Nightshade: pauses dramatically Well, for starters, I have a good friend who works in the royal court.
“You mean the Prime Minister? He’s like the king here!”
Aria Nightshade: smirks Yes, darling, the Prime Minister is indeed a powerful figure. And guess what, he owes me a favor or two.
“So you’re going to ask him to let you go to the highlands?”
Aria Nightshade: laughs Oh, no, darling. I'm not one to make things so simple. You see, I plan on negotiating with him.