Back on the road.

The next day, you're in your carriage, back on the road. After a brief stopover, the coalition host's progress towards the coast has been better than anticipated. You're expected to make it to Blahem just before nightfall, now.

Kara and Madeleine, as before, lay across the seat on the opposite side of the carriage. The Beathan smokes and reads aloud from a medical journal, primarily for Madeleine's benefit. The Dauphine of Sinnabarrow, normally a whirr of activity, seems unusually contented, being held by Kara. In all honesty, you understand why.

“The Morlandian Pox, or Blood Plague, was first detected in that kingdom in the 18th year of King Guillaume III's reign, by court physician Hugo Lefitte.” Kara recites, her brogue mitigated by the formal, proper text. “Circulating primarily amongst the smallfolk at that point-”

“You know, I've always found that term something of a misnomer.” Madeleine interrupts.

“How d'ye mean?” Kara asks, taking a puff on her pipe, her accent swiftly coming back.

“Some of these so-called smallfolk are anything but!” Madeleine states. “Take Roland, Edward's mercenary, for example. Common as muck, but he towers over most of us. Really he's anything but small.”

"Aye, a few of them are nae small in other areas either." Kara adds playfully.

"Trust you to lower the tone, Kara." The Sinnabarrovian princess scoffs.

"No' surprising though, this affliction gettin' started in the blood of the common folk.” Kara observes, tapping her pipe on the journal. “They're generally weaker, more susceptible to that sort of thing, Spirits help them."

“Oh? I didn't expect to hear that from you, Kara. As common an attitude as it is, I thought you were a friend to the riff-raff?” Madeleine says, sitting up and facing Kara, her interest piqued.

“I am.” Kara affirms. “No' that I'd use that word, exactly. Still, it's a fact of life, us of noble blood are stronger, hardier. It's why we lead. We're the best suited to it.”

“And I'm sure that has nothing to do with access to superior diet, education, training, circumstances.” Madeleine argues.

“You sound like the leader a' some poxy peasant revolt.” Kara scoffs. “I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. The Reids have ruled Beatha as far back as our recorded history goes. Edward's line's sat the throne of Itheria for centuries. When did the Diacres take Sinnabarrow? Eighty years ago?”

“There was a rebellion, and Guillaume , my great-great grandfather, was deemed to be the most efficient administrator. Hence him being installed as king...” Madeleine rolls her eyes, as if it's the simplest thing in the world to understand.

“There's more to ruling a kingdom than administratin'.” Kara says the word with a certain contempt. “You're ultimately responsible for the well-being of every one a' your subjects, millions of souls...”

“Quite the undertaking, given what mentally under-developed, feeble wretches those commoners are.” Madeleine says, needling the other woman.

“I saw how many paupers there were in Copieux.” Kara counters. “Your father just sees his people as resources, sources of income, to wring money out of and then discard!”

The Beathan's getting heated now, you think about intervening, but part of you thinks your involvement would just aggravate both of them.

“First off, don't talk about my father like that.” Madeleine says icily. “He's a ruled for decades, and is a truly modern king. Second, well yes, there are some people in my kingdom who've been left behind. Do I like it? No, actually. But it's the price of progress. As Sinnabarrow rises in wealth and prestige, her prosperity will ultimately filter down to the people. But these things take time.”

“Ach, do you hear yourself?” Kara rolls her eyes. She seems about to tear into Madeleine, before she catches herself. Wisely, she seems to consider what, if any, good it could accomplish. That or the Beathan remains cognisant of the long hours on the road remaining before your destination.

“Look, I'm sorry I brought this up. We're from two different cultures, obviously we're gonnae have heated disagreements. But it's really most important we stay united.” Kara says. “Friends?”

“I wasn't the one getting heated, thank you very much.” Madeleine sniffs. There's a silence, as the Sinnabarrovian rubs at her chest, clearly in discomfort.

“Is everything alright?” you intercede.

“I'm wonderful, Edward. Just the usual... chest pains.” the pale woman remarks, gritting her teeth.

“Usual chest pains?” Kara asks. “Maddie, how old are you, exactly?”

“Twenty-two summers. Twenty-three next month, in fact.” she's quick to respond. The expectation of gifts, or at the very least a nice cake, goes unsaid, but not unnoticed.

“Right, an' you think it's usual, for a fit woman of twenty-two summers to have chest pains?” Kara asks.

“It's... just a couple of times a day, lasts a few minutes.” Madeleine says, her hand creeping into her gown.

“Might it be related to your Jitterleaf habit? Makes my heart go like an absolute bastard.” Kara inquires.

“Mine too.” you concede.

“First of all, I have Jitterleaf regimen, not a “habit”” Madeleine insists. “Second, I find the insinuation it's anything to do with my chest pains rather stupid. Jitterleaf's a miracle plant! It fuels our expansion across the entire continent!”

The Dauphine balls her hands up into fists.

"And by the way, I dont remember any of these misgivings when you came to me, asking to share my supply. Ock Maddie, I just need something tae keep me up til we **** the Deanians oot, aye?" The Sinnabarrovian says, launching into an impression of Kara.

"I do nae question the ****'s efficacy, only the potential harm it might do." Kara protests.

Madeleine does not grace the other woman with a response.

“Right... Tell you what, why don't we go back to our book?” Kara says blankly, holding the moderately-sized volume up. Madeleine eventually settles back down, to continue hearing about the Morlandian Blood Plague

-

You stride through the camp, having just returned from a brief trip to relieve yourself. Madeleine and Kara are together in your tent, Madeleine seated, Kara standing, deep in discussion.

“I'm sorry about before.” Madeleine simpers. As you pause to observe the two women through the tent flap, you can just about make out the particles of Jitterleaf frosting her nose.

“Peace, Maddie.” the Beathan responds. “Won't be the first uncomfortable conversation I've had on a long trek, will nae be the last.”

“I can make it up to you.” Madeleine smiles, inclining herself towards Kara. “What say we head to my tent, spend some time together. Don't worry, this time we won't have to talk.”

“I'm tempted, but no.” Kara says. “No' without Edward.”

“Like he isn't fucking everything with a pulse.” Madeleine scoffs. “What wrong with us having a little fun?”

“Maddie, I care for you, truly.” the Beathan insists. “But I'm joined with Edward, he's the one I'm to spend the rest of my life with. We have to be careful in how we precede, things could get... delicate.”

You get a sense of just how much Kara dislikes the word.

“Fine...” Madeleine sighs. “I'll go back to my tent myself. Whatever. Ellie should just about be finished running my bath for the night.”

As Madeleine departs, she trudges out into the snow, walking past you without breaking stride. As she passes your way, however, the Dauphine gives you a salacious look. Evidently, she at least was aware of your presence. And having mentioned her intention to bathe, that look all but constitutes an invitation to join her.