✤ II. (VOICE;)

[kingslight]

[How long has it been since the former King of Light last addressed the public at large? Too long. Regis had resigned himself to silence when this fiasco begun and held steadfast to his silence until now. For those who know of him and remember the Caelum, Regis isn't the type to speak much in regards to the matters of Hadriel. He's not king here. It would make no sense for him to speak since this is not his kingdom nor his subjects but many of the people here, he deems as friends. They are friends and colleagues he's come to respect over the long months, many of which he honestly cherish like members of his own family.

That's why he speaks after holding onto his silence for so long. He knows he must do so in hopes of warding the chaos that is bound to brew. Unfortunately, this might spark quite the debate.]

Do not be so quick to cut off your noses in spite of your face. [His tone is stern and sincere without a hint of mirth.] Your desperation will lead you to sorrow if you act with haste.

We mustn't fall prey to their schemes. If they seek a life, let them take it. We are not mere pawns to used as butchers.

[He's being quite cryptic & vague for a reason. Be mindful in how you answer. Regis is aware that certain 'people' might be listening.]

Comments

[kingslight]

Their scrutiny hasn't waned, has it? Then I better be more cautious.

[Regis knows he's putting himself at risk but this is not done needlessly. He's worried what outcome may arrive if the others start howling for blood.]

[circumitus]

You better, yes.

[More of a warning than a threat.]

Want to discuss it in private? [Or as private as things can be here.]

[kingslight]

[Don't tell him that even "she" would consider such a proposal? Regis glowers at the prospect.]

Where shall we meet so we can speak freely?

[circumitus]

[Knowing that how open this is even with the option to secure their conversation, Rey leaves her intentions cryptic for now.]

Speakeasy works, if you don't mind.

[kingslight]

The bar? Very well. That will do.

[Regis doesn't have the luxury of being hesitant now, does he? No matter. He'll come. Just expect the former king to make his appearance a bit later in the day.]

[voice] -> [action]

[circumitus]

[Tardiness is no issue. Rey leaves it at that and bides her time tending to the bar in the meanwhile. It's quiet this evening, but good to be back here again after several days of playing out a silly fantasy.

[Besides, she needs the distraction.]

Want anything to drink? Have non-alcoholic stuff, too.

[action]

[kingslight]

[Thank goodness for the quiet evening. Regis was somewhat against the idea of fraternizing within a bar because of the kind of crowd that lurks here. So the quietness is a blessing in disguise since Regis' nerves aren't at their best.]

I suppose white tea would do.

[action]

[circumitus]

[Some hours are quieter than most. Fortunately, she's made sure that right now happens to be one of them.

[And it isn't often that she makes tea, and Rey thinks about Regis' request for a moment. The gods have a rather different idea for what things like tea and coffee are, but it's all the same idea in the end. Hopefully.

[As she gets the whole deal started, though:]

You were pretty straightforward about where you stood with the Null.

[Just an observation and stuff.]

[kingslight]

That I was. [The old king answers plainly. His tone is quiet as usual but there's a hint of frustration hidden within his answer.] Would you have me so eagerly believe in the lies of an adversary that would see us all dead?

[He gives Rey a slight glances before averting his gaze elsewhere. Regis is tense, understandably so. The king is on guard which is actually quite unusual for him. It seems there's more at play here than Rey can observe.]

They mean to divide us.

[circumitus]

Not at all. [Rey puts it so simply, her tones neutral when she speaks.] Would have you be less obvious about it, though.

[It's what she intends to do. She gets the Null's tactics. It's classic divide and conquer, and she knows those rules of war all too well.]