The Machine [Open/Accepting]

[lil_lollypop1]

"Alright then." She said, cleaning the wound with the cotton ball and quickly stitching it as if his skin were fabric. She cleaned off the extra blood and Wrapped the wound twice with a thin cotton sheet. "There." She told him, still looking at his hand rather then his face. She then turned to the maid. "Thank you. Put this back for me." She said, closing and handing her the medical kit.  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

Damien had grunted when the alcohol was first applied and his hand was all stitched up. However he felt fine now. He looked down at his hand. "Thank you" he said. He took off his other white glove because there was no point in wearing one just on one hand. He also noticed that Lianne seemed to be avoiding direct eye contact with him. "Is there something bothering you? You don't seem to be looking directly at me" he stated.  

[lil_lollypop1]

"I-I was focusing on your hand." She replied, forcing herself to look at him even though it made her stomach turn. "You didn't want me to make a mistake, did you?" She replied, looking down at his hand again, though she turned a bit pale and moved her hand towards her stomach. 'Q-quit looking at me.' She thought. 'Where's my veil.'  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"No, it would be best just to focus on my hand" Damien said, looking back down at his hand. He then looked back at Lianne. "So, where were we? You said you wanted to ask me about something?" he stated.  

[lil_lollypop1]

"Ah, yes. About the war. Even though my stance is to stay neutral in worldly affairs, there have been many insisting that I oppose you, while others insisting that I do not, due to the fact that they benefit greatly from trade. This meeting may quell your people but heighten the tension for me."  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"I see. So what are you proposing exactly?" Damien asked, interested in what the Grand Priestess wanted to say. He was trying to make different scenarios in his head and figure out what was the best for him in each of those scenarios.  

[lil_lollypop1]

"It depends." She replied, sitting back in her chair as she was earlier and closing her eyes. "My country is but a small city protected by a nation who is now indifferent to us. I can't help but notice your armies press against our ancient walls. Though I'm forced by principal to stand firm in my position, I can't help but feel great unease at this. I know you are no fan of religion, but I am a leader and will do what I must for my people. And now I ask, what are your intentions?"  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"If you mean what I plan on doing with this city, I will leave it alone. I could invade, but people overseas who still follow this religion would have a fit. There would be protests and chances are I would lose support. So I have no intention of occupying it right now, unless something should happen that would provoke me into doing so" the Diethelmian Absolute Leader explained.  

[lil_lollypop1]

"Then we have similar views." She replied. "And aside from religion, this is a very old and ancient center of learning that is still being used. Texts and manuscripts from all ages are here, including all beliefs, areas, languages, and genres. Countries such as *insert foreign country name* who opposes our religion still has close ties to us for that reason. For me, declaring war is to force 46 countries into war including all the great empires with the exception of your own. Being who I am, a believer in peace, I'd rather not make such a move unless I have to." She replied, though the news might shock even Damien. It was well known that she had influence, but she might as well have said that she could turn the entire world against him if she wanted.  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"Although you will have to get used to the fact that Diethelm is taking over Helmshire and once it falls, Mt. Angelo will be surrounded by my country on all sides. All space including airspace around this city will be under my control" Damien said.  

[lil_lollypop1]

"I am aware..." She replied. "Which is why I wanted to bring it up. Though you have been honest with me, you don't exactly have a reputation of being honest diplomatically. I don't want to be betrayed as well."  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"If I think it's best for me, I will leave you alone. That's as honest as I can get" Damien said. It was the truth. He did hold some things back of course, such as building a large wall all around Mt. Angelo, but it would be on the Diethelmian side and therefore not invading on her territory.  

[lil_lollypop1]

((Can't she just fly out with a plane or helicopter? ))

"I'll remember that then." She replied, tilting her head in thought, making her hair shine against the sunlight like gold and eyes glisten like jewels.

"My lady, we have prepared a room and clothes for your guest." A returning guard said with two other guards at his at his side and a new veil in her hands.

"Ah. Thank you." She replied, taking the veil. "Please escort our guests and make sure they are taken proper care of."

"Of course." The guard said, turning towards Damien. "Please follow me."  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

((Yes, but if she goes over the wall then she's in Diethelmian airspace and Damien can have her shot down by claiming she was illegally entering it.))


Damien stood up and gave Lianne a small bow before following the servant out to where he was given a room. He didn't know why. He thought he'd be leaving right after this was over, but maybe the Grand Priestess wanted to talk about stuff later as well.  

[lil_lollypop1]

((Me thinks that would be a terrible idea of Damien's part. Think of all those scholars, rulers, etc... who wanted to visit. They might declare war just for that reason, you know. lolz.))

The soldiers who were with Damien almost had to be pried out of the room and almost forcefully escorted behind Damien. Damien was given a set of fine silk clothes that were made for foreign kings when they stayed to temporarily replace the uniform he was wearing. "If there is anything else, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Can we see the priestess again?" one of Damien's soldiers asked. The other chimed in with agreement. The priestess's guard let out a small sigh and just left the room.