Yearning for liberation (Afina)

[Ebiris]

"For now at least I have a home that travels with me," Afina pats Aurora's walls before she flies over to sit on Bubbles' lap. "Anyway I have a few more hours of rest needed before I can regain my spells, but I can afford to exert myself just a little bit in the meantime," she observes leadingly.

[Anastasia]

From there a good time is had by all.

Going to tell Crystal or Ilsenine about the writ anytime soon?

[Ebiris]

Yeah, I'll tell Ilsenine later in the day and Crystal after that.

[Anastasia]

In private for Ilsenine I assume?

[Ebiris]

Yeah

[Anastasia]

Easy enough to get Ilsenine in her private room. She sits down gracefully, "You have a report, Afina?"

[Ebiris]

"Not a report as such, your Majesty," Afina shakes her head. "Bubbles went to the Seelie Realms on my behalf after we had a conversation about my place in fey society. While she was there she met Queen Titania herself who bade Bubbles to give me this writ," she passes the scroll over so Ilsenine can see it for herself.

[Anastasia]

Ilsenine reads it, features calm and controlled. When she's done she puts it down on the table. "...I had feared this day would come. Who am I to say no?" Ilsenine remarks, "You've grown so much from being the court dancer, Afina. You have my deepest congratulations."

[Ebiris]

And assassin, can't forget the real reason she was kept around! "Well, it's all moot for now until Lifasa's free again, but I wanted you to know," she says. "I still remain your humble servant, your Majesty."

[Anastasia]

"Yes. Afina, come here," Ilsenine flutters up.

[Ebiris]

Standing up, Afina flutters over to rest directly in front of the pixie monarch with an expectant air.

[Anastasia]

Ilsenine comes up to you...and hugs you tightly. "Thank you, Afina," she murmurs into your ear. "You saved me. You've given all of us hope."

[Ebiris]

She stiffens at the unexpected embrace. In the past Ilsenine was always very sparing with her affections, yet as the centre of the Court and centre of Afina's world what little she doled out was always enough to ensure loyalty and dispel any doubts. Just being able to recognise that she's being manipulated doesn't really change the feelings engendered, something she's always struggled with.

Still, it's a different woman that hugs Afina now than the one that ruled her youth, and she can put aside her misgivings for that. It doesn't help her find the words to respond to such unexpected earnestness, so Afina just mutely holds her Queen in response for as long as the embrace lasts.

[Anastasia]

Ilsenine doesn't hold it terribly long, but she looks you in the eyes and says, "Afina, I'm proud of you. You've become a legend for Lifasa's sake."

[Ebiris]

"Thank you, your Majesty," she says, glowing a little at the praise. "One day there'll be a free Lifasa for my legend to be told in."