"Thank you, though I would say there's something alluring about this atmosphere. Such scenes and feelings aren't common in Clysperis," she said as she hung back for a moment, almost as if to allow the chill of the air to absorb into her skin for just a bit longer. "It may sound weird but I find it refreshing," she continued, though it was most awkward to finally find herself face-to-face with one she had criticized to such an extent, not to mention his friends, and in some cases, family. Certainly the moments and hours ahead would be critical.
Akasha took the seat as it was offered and listened to David, "the library was always my favourite place when I was studying in Rokkenjima, to be surrounded by knowledge and to be able to access and touch it as something tangible, that can't be replicated by a tablet. Never before did I think that I would be sitting with you, though again it wasn't too long ago I thought I'd be hosting Emperor Peter and his family at Khemnen Palace for dinner either. You see, my father was taken from me and in many ways I wasn't ready for him to leave; he still had things to teach me, and one of those was his vision for Clysperis and when Serenity showed me what her and Peter were working on, by the gods, I felt like such a fool. I thought all I was doing to that point was best for my nation and People, I thought the Tamoran Empire was our greatest friend but there we were, two daughters of our fathers, rediscovering an old path and deciding to commit to it...it's been an eye opener you could say."
"I realized, once the census data was in, that I had a new responsibility and challenges, nor had I spoken to you properly. I know I've said many things over the years, tailored to an audience which for the most part saw your leaders as a threat to Midaranye, and in those remarks I bolstered my popularity within the Empire, within my Kingdom, and other parts of Midaranye. I know I have said things which are cruel and wrong, however, in reaching out and coming here today, showing recognition while seeking to learn and truly understand, perhaps I may be worthy of forgiveness and just as I started a new path with Emperor Peter maybe there's a new path for us to discover? It's better than continuing with how things have been and if I'm to be in a position to best serve Clysperi-Cultists I can't quite do so if things continue as they have, and I have always dedicated myself to the needs of my People above all else; at the end of the day, regardless of faith, we are all Clysperi and I will defend and serve all with the same dedication and passion. I hope that you can help me do the best for Clysperi-Cultists as I fear I may understand them the least of all my subjects, but I'm confident that you're the right person to help out with that. If we set things in motion for normalization between our nations, well, I don't want to be the antagonist anymore."
Pausing she would continue. "I was educated in Rokkenjima, I know that the world outside Midaranye isn't horrible and that things like slavery are cruel and devoid of the human spirit. Just as now, when I took the throne I thought I was doing what was best for my people and nation, but we all learn. Only when we learn and choose not to act and grow on that new information are we truly reprehensible, would you not agree?"