A Careful Balance

The tempers of the populace rose with the new day's sun. Where the night prior was some nasty looks and a singular angry voice, the journey through the city this morning had turned for the worst. There was direct shouting at you, including some local foul language you could only guess at.

"Well, looks like you have your work cut out for you" Fineth said in a dull moment to break up the mood and the tension. "Good luck bringing those people over to your side"

"Oh, don't worry about me. You have the more difficult job, by far" You replied with a macabre grin.

"How so?" He asked, not getting the point.

"You have to be the one to keep the peace, which will repeatedly mean putting yourself between them and me."

His eyes did grow slightly large in anxiety, unsure to what degree you were playing around. "I think in most cases, I'd rather stand besides you, if it's all the same."

You smiled gently, comforted again by his support "How is it that you came to be you, Fineth?" You asked "With so many people in the Empire full of such resentment and hostility towards my people, how is it that you seem so unaffected?"

His eyes shifted for a second, his lips pressed gently. There was a nervous look about him. "These folks don't get out much, I don't know. I've got your back Brena, that's what matters. The why doesn't change that."

You let out a short, contended note of acknowledgement "I guess not. Thank you for that perspective, and for having my back. Even if it is your job"

"We're about to speak with my father, so we'll see how much longer I even have that." Fineth opened and held a door for you, heading into a large, respectable office building. There were several elves working in the space, conducting all manner of bureacratic work. There was glass window that took up most of the wall, making a large impression given the size, that allowed one easy viewing of the ships entering and exiting port, as well as providing natural light in. By fortunate chance, Fineth's pudgy father was passing through and happened to see you both. His face read immediate dismissal and animosity, something you had to try not to eat in equal measure.

"You're both late" He held his left hand across his body, pointing the opposite direction. Understanding implicitly, you both took the stairs to the upper floor, into his office. He followed behind, closing the door with **** to show his authority.

"The behavior you've shown in your first day in your nation's capital is unbecoming and rude" He began as he made his way to behind his desk. "I would expect that from Fineth. I had higher hopes from one so many others are depending on, though perhaps I was asking too much."

You began to feel defensive already, speaking up directly "If I may, of all the things the Drow have been accused of, or any of the crimes you claim my Matriarch was guilty of, tardiness was never among them."

He leaned forward with a cruel smile "Perhaps not, miss. There is an underlying problem of loyalty, is there not? I mean, your little hovel exists because your general betrayed her loyalty. She lacked the bravery and honor to die in combat as your culture expects and demands. If her and the rest of your little band came about from treason, what expectations am I to have of their progeny, who comes marching into my office armed as if going to battle herself?"

He threw a great deal at you, an onslaught that you could not realistically respond to or defend in it's entirety. You could stomach a fair amount of it, but disparaging Khilgana, your Matriarch, General, and Prophet, was unacceptable. As you felt your face warm in anger, there as at least enough of a voice in your mind reminding yourself to be tactful.

"It is no small thing to take a stand and fight a battle you know you are to lose. Every General or Commander Khilgana ever faced would say that she lead her soldiers with bravery, and honor. An officious clerk has no business lecturing anyone on things they do not understand. You should expect me to follow the orders that I have been given by my Matriarch and Goddess, just as surely your Emperor has given orders to you regarding my authority to be here." It was rude and callous, you know, but it was as close as tactful as you could be. It was enough to put him on the back of his feet, caught in a verbal trap.

"Our Emperor" Was all he could get out at first, as he reached into a drawer of his desk "Lord Calathrin is _Our _Emperor, Drow." With a quill pen, he affixed his signature, as he began to prepare a wax seal upon it. "I, Yrul, representative of the Emperor and administer plenipotentiary, do affix my name and seal, granting you full legal authority to visit this capital and transit about the Sylran Empire." With a few drops of wax, he made a solid punch into the hot wax, no doubt releasing some of his frustration with you. "As you are aware, my dear son Fineth is appointed to be your adjutant, assistant, and watchful eye. He is to report any misgivings, immediately. Do you understand?" He handed the paper, already folded in thirds, to you for keeping, as his scornful eyes looked between the both of you, ensuring the message was heard by both.

"I understand most things. There is one question I still have." You began as you took the paper "If Hylsa is part of the Empire, and I am an Imperial citizen, than is this not unnecessary? Does this process not indicate that I am a foreigner?"

"Enough" Yrul stood slowly, leaning forward on his desk as he rose "You have tried my patience enough as it is. I am have neither the capacity nor the interest in addressing your problems. I would have rather you never left your island. It is by the Emperor's will alone that you are here. Even his benevolent graces and patience has limits. If you are truly on a mission of forgiveness and unity, than might I begin with a word of advice. Learn a thing or two from your green comrades in arms about Quargh and how to be a hospitable guest."

He pointed towards the door "Go. Quickly, and quietly. Both of you." As you both reached it, he made a final warning "In case it's not immediately clear, I will not tolerate any philandering or consorting between the two of you. You don't want to see how painful an officious clerk can make things."

Fineth made a simple not as he lead you out. Without a word said, you both hurried down the stairs and back out of the building, into the wide road. You turned towards him, and let out an exasperated sigh.

"I think this is where we say goodbye, Fineth. I can't risk you and your livelihoood by associating with me."

He shook his head "Can't do that. If watching my father and these other spoiled oafs finally have someone stand up to them means having to fend for myself again, that's a price well paid. Helping you is the first time in a while where I feel like I'm actually doing some good for someone who needs it."

You were still nervous about what might happen to him, but you knew to respect his decision "Thank you Fineth, that means alot."

"Besides, we're both responsible adults" He began as he held your hands and closed the distance "we know how to behave right. We know better than to be caught 'philandering and consorting' ".

There was a long pause as you looked into each others eyes. "Yes," you agreed "very responsible". The desire between you two grew.

"He'll never catch us" Fineth remarked with a grin as he reached in for a kiss. It was short and sweet, but it left a long impact. The desire for more as the two of you continued on showed two things.

One, that last night was likely not going to be a one time event after all. Two, that the two of you would need to move extremely cautiously moving forward.