the firestarters always get the burns
and the good guys never get the girl
Lepis shows a controlled face - one Ilma could admire had she not been utterly disappointed by her answer, which was basically no answer to her question at all. While she talks, however, the white mare sinply nods. ”I assumed the same thing. As for the contract changes, would you not want to know how Hyaline standa with your new allies? Presuming you would like to know if your direct neighbour might feel a need for retribution?” she offers smoothly; sure, information for information; a basic name for basic knowledge as it were, might be an arrangement she could agree on.
She smiles only when Lepis says she does not have to break the presumably negative news to her own monarchs; a look that says not to worry. Ilma’s relationship with her queens is clearly different from Lepis’; older, and securely based in longstanding mutual friendship, where Lepis and Wolfbane are like children to Ilma. Both only a year older than her own daughter. Of course, Lepis might have had diplomatic training young in her life; that means she was about as experienced and skilled in this as Ilma. But the white mare doesn’t fall for Lepis’ supposed or true compassion. She does not know the younger mare well enough for that. Still, she offers nothing but thanks anyway.
”I will talk to Solace or Kagerus soon. I hope to meet you again - would you please discuss my concerns and question with Wolfbane? There must be something that you want, otherwise I have no true idea of what you’d value for a trade. It would be a shame if we came up with something you already have.” A way of emphasizing her disappointment in the not-answer without saying so, but she is sure Lepis will catch that.
With a polite, smiling dip of her head she turns. The sun is now high enough to use her wings, and so, she flies home before the sun begins to lower.
@[Lepis] Figured I finish this asap
