Everyone was arguing. What about, I had no idea. Something political. All I knew is it hurt my head. Rubbing my temples, I fought to keep their words from blending together. A hand landed on my shoulder, and I looked up to see Celes mutely watching the debate. I guess she was wise to stay out of it. In an effort to block out the growing headache, I focused on the blonde. I had this nagging feeling that I knew her from somewhere, but I just couldn't remember. She seemed to know me, but maybe that's because she was a general of the Empire. I had to keep reminding myself of that. The others certainly weren't happy when Locke showed up with her in tow. I think Cyan called her a butcher, and I noticed she didn't even tense a muscle, almost like she was expecting it. It was strange to me; she didn't seem like a bad person. As soon as Cyan's anger was directed towards me, though, her sword was at his throat before I could blink. Odd that she'd be the one to defend me. Tearing my gaze away from her, I returned my attention to the Returners and the Narshe gentry. "Narshe is neutral!" The elder cried. "And now we're about to be invaded because of some frozen mythical beast we didn't know we had." He gestured in my direction. "This girl being here again isn't making matters better, either." Banon pinched the bridge of his nose. "And what do you suggest we do?" "Hand the girl over to the Imperials!" Celes perked up. "Over my cold and rotting corpse." "That can be arranged," Cyan growled, half drawing his katana. "Oh, stay your blade, Garamonde, before I stay it for you," Celes snapped. "Give them the general, too!" the elder added. "Maybe it would appease them." Celes took a breath to speak what would probably be considered too foul to come from a lady's lips, but she quickly shut her mouth with an audible click of her teeth. She started again, calmer. "Fine. You don't want my help?" She picked up her sheathed sword off the table and started walking to the door. "I'm gone." The elder recoiled a full step back as Celes passed in front of him. Obviously there was more to her demeanor than I was aware of. Not that it mattered to me, because I didn't want this woman to leave. "Where will you go?" I asked. "Anywhere but here." Stopping short of the door, she turned towards me. "Come with me." I really wasn't expecting such an innocent request. Or maybe it was a question. She almost sounded...I don't know...hopeful? As if realizing that very fact from the confusion written on my face, her defenses went back up, and she quickly backtracked. "Forget it." She was out the door before I could respond. Cyan grunted in approval, while Locke just rubbed his forehead. Edgar sighed. A beat of silence passed. "Locke..." "I know, I'll bring her back." He, too, disappeared through the door. I hoped he could convince her to stay. Even if I couldn't grasp whatever memories I may have of her, I did sense a kindred spirit in her. For the first time, I didn't feel so alone in the world.
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