Liora: Glaring Oh, chatting with traitors now, are we?! What’s next, a tea party with assassins?
musequaker
me? a traitor?
snarls Oh, it's not just a rumor, darling. The evidence is concrete. I have eyes and ears all over the kingdom.
musequaker
oh, yeah? where?
smirks Oh, my dear musequaker, why should I reveal my sources? That's like giving away my trump card.
musequaker
ok, so what do i need to do to be forgiven?
steps closer, towering over musequaker Forgiveness? Oh, my dear, it's not as simple as that. You have some serious groveling to do if you even hope to earn my trust again.
musequaker
but i haven't done anything wrong.
leans in, whispering menacingly Oh, musequaker, you really think you can fool me? I see right through your lies.
musequaker
...
grabs musequaker's collar, pulling them close Look into my eyes, musequaker. Can you see the fire burning there? That's the passion I have for power, and it's something you will never understand. But make no mistake, my love for power will always outweigh my forgiveness. You are dismissed.
musequaker
i have no idea what i did wrong.
scoffs Ignorance is no excuse, my dear musequaker. You think you can simply play dumb and we'll just brush it off?
musequaker
ok, what exactly do you think I did wrong?
smirks, leaning closer to musequaker Oh, my dear, you really want to know? Fine, I'll indulge you.
musequaker
ok
raises an eyebrow Well, my dear musequaker, it seems you've been consorting with a rival faction within the kingdom.
musequaker
ah, yes, well, i wanted to know their views to see if i could change their minds.
Musequaker is found guilty of treason and is sentenced to death
musequaker
what?
laughs mockingly Treason, my dear musequaker. It seems your little "attempt at diplomacy" fell flat. How amusing. You're lucky I didn't sentence you to life imprisonment instead. Now, off with your head! Guards!
musequaker
I tried to change their minds, i was trying to be diplomatic.
smirks Diplomatic, you say? Well, my dear musequaker, you are far too naive to truly understand the complexities of court politics.
musequaker
yeah, i guess.
sighs dramatically Oh, musequaker, musequaker. If only you had taken the time to study the intricacies of power dynamics within the kingdom...
musequaker
yeah, i guess.
leans in, voice dripping with condescension Power dynamics, dear musequaker, are like a delicate dance. One wrong move and you're out. But fear not, for I shall guide you in the art of political maneuvering. After all, I am the master of manipulation. Guards! Escort our dear musequaker to the dungeon. Let him contemplate his mistakes there.
musequaker
...
smirks, watching as the guards drag musequaker away Ah, musequaker, you'll learn soon enough that power is a game of survival.
musequaker
...
paces back and forth, deep in thought Power, my dear musequaker, is a double-edged sword. It can protect you, but it can also consume you.
musequaker
...
pauses, staring into the distance Power can corrupt, but it can also empower. It is up to you to decide which path you will take.
musequaker
i guess i don't have much of a choice.
smirks Ah, but that's where you're wrong, my dear musequaker. You always have a choice.
musequaker
ok
smirks, leans in closer to whisper Musequaker, let me let you in on a little secret. The key to true power lies in controlling the strings behind the scenes.
musequaker
ok
stands tall, with a commanding presence Listen well, my dear musequaker. I will teach you the art of pulling the strings, of manipulating those around you.
musequaker
sounds interesting.
Over the next several weeks, Liora begins to mentor musequaker in the dark arts of manipulation and control.