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[pauldron]

INBOX text / audio / video / action This is Lightning. Leave a message and I'll get back to you. code credit

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[pauldron]

Secrets and lies meant to keep people where they want them, tools in the belt ready to be used at a moment's notice, pets on a leash. Weapons on a chain.

She gets it. To play their hand too soon would undo them all, and then who will protect their worlds and the people left behind? No one. She gets that, she understands it, she accepts it. There's no other way, and yet. And yet, some part of her will always be bothered by this. With a deep breath, she purposefully shuts that part away into a box in the back of her mind as best as she can. Do what it takes to survive and get home, whatever that may be.

Even if it means becoming that which she still hates. Hold onto their humanity, huh? Funny. These days, she's really not sure she qualifies as human anymore. But for the point as it was meant...

"Agreed." A firm nod, and this time Lightning is the one to offer her hand first. "Don't go trying to take over the world and we'll be fine."

[flame_emperor]

Edelgard returns the handshake when offered. "Not to worry. One empire is enough." She chuckles, then looks around as the hands are withdrawn. "We should end it here." She decides. After all, she has to scout out this place by the docks Lightning recommended. "It may be some time before we see each other again in person. If you need to get in touch during an emergency, it may be necessary to use the network." She looks back to Lightning. "'Dancing lessons' seems as good a code to use as any, does it not? That will be the sign to meet here in Kyst if need be, and vague enough not to arouse much suspicion."

With the minutia of their secret meetings worked out, Edelgard rises. "Thank you once again, Lightning. I know you had plenty of reason to distrust my reaching out to, and I am glad you did so." Allies, that's the key. She must be more proactive in seeking them out; people who are trustworthy and can be counted on to act. Bigby, perhaps, and Master Midoriya the young Hero in training are promising candidates so far.

Even a world away, Byleth is still teaching her.

"If I hear anything about Korra, I shall include that in my report as well." She offers. Lightning at least knows her and her whereabouts are a concern. If they can find Korra, they should. Edelgard knows about Temperance and her rebellion the reason for Korra's exile, and that they were active during the battle. And making sure to be seen to be active too, building up good-will and public support. It's just possible that Temperance's actions truly are motivated by altruism, and yet the cynic in Edelgard wonders.

"Wait a few minutes after I leave to make your own exit. Farewell for now, Lightning."