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[i][color=00e600][center][h1]Ripples from the far west[/h1][/center][/color][/i]
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The shadows cast through the windows of the study spread through the room and soon enough the only light within the room came from artificial lighting, the eve had arrived yet the young grandmaster slumped over his desk. Frustration plastered over his normally radiant expression. [color=00e600]”It does not make sense. Why would they all care so much for a worthless bunch of islands?”[/color]

Fingers ran across his cheek, he could feel it but not see it. Yvain could only sigh as there was only one person who could be the one in the room with him. [color=00e600]”How long have you been with me, Élisée?”[/color] A chuckle followed the woman’s breath, her fingers moved into a pinching motion. [color=36B0A8]”Ever since you entered.”[/color] And pinch she did, his cheek was not safe. [color=36B0A8]”I have to make sure my young lord is safe and sound. . . Olivier would put it all on me if something were to happen to you.”[/color] Her hand let go of the nobleman’s cheek, moved to his neck and softly prodded it with two fingers, nails digging into his radiant skin. [color=36B0A8]”What if a blood mouth were to come by and take that precious blood?”[/color]

Yvain’s hand grabbed the woman’s and removed it from his neck. [color=00e600]”We’re in Perrence, I doubt there would be any snooping around here.”[/color] He leaned into his seat. [color=00e600]”And if there was, they’d have to get past more than forty trained men all knowledgeable in their gift.[/color] The woman shook her head whilst clicking her tongue. [color=36B0A8]”Have my words not stuck with you?”[/color] Her face loomed in front of him, revealing a sad… albeit fake expression. [color=36B0A8]”You hurt me so! I taught you so much to be a dashing spy master and you did nothing with them?”[/color] Her saddened expression soon gave way to a more jovial one. 

[color=36B0A8]”Lesson one! Everyone co-”[/color] [color=00e600]”Could be out to get you, I know. But could realistically be a blood mouth within our inner circle?”[/color] Élisée’s shocked reaction turned to a mischievous one. [color=36B0A8]”What if I was one? What would the great flame of Perrence do then?”[/color] The boy chuckled before he even answered. [color=00e600]”Then I guess it means I would have one less burden to deal with.”[/color] Yet would he be able to actually deal the killing blow to a person so close to his heart? [color=36B0A8]”A burden? What a nasty way to describe the person protecting you!”[/color] The grown woman pouted childishly. [color=00e600]”A burden I am quite fond of.”[/color] 

It was then that he realized the looming issues and leaned over his desk once more, to the surprise of the illusionist. [color=00e600]”That island nation, Palpeer? Palpara?”[/color] [color=36B0A8]”Palapar, young lord.”[/color] The boy snapped his fingers. [color=00e600]”Yes! That’s the name. Do you know why everyone’s so involved with their struggles?”[/color] The woman shrugged. [color=36B0A8]”Perhaps they want the coffee from the source?”[/color] Yvain’s eyes met with the woman’s. [color=00e600]”I know you know the reason, would you tell me?”[/color] Élisée’s lips contorted to a smirk. [color=36B0A8]”If you guess it, I’ll tell you aaaaalll the details.”[/color] The boy closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. [color=00e600]”Resources?”[/color] 

[color=36B0A8]”Kind of?”[/color] 

[color=00e600]”Population?”[/color] 

[color=36B0A8]”Nope!”[/color]

[color=00e600]”Coffee?”[/color] 

As the woman opened her mouth to reply the door opened with a signature creak. An older man would reveal himself. [color=A3876A]”Some have said it to be the bank of Osman. A brown gold mine if you will.”[/color] He bowed his head. [color=A3876A]”Mind if I come in?”[/color] Yvain’s expression began to shine once more. [color=00e600]”Olivier! Of course I do not mind. Come, sit.”[/color] 

The woman however, rolled her eyes and was hastily no longer visible. [color=36B0A8]”Call for me when the old people talk is over.”[/color] The nobleman smirked. [color=00e600]”You know I won’t.”[/color] She chuckled. [color=36B0A8]”I know, that’s why I’m always closer than you think.”[/color] 

The greying man sat down. [color=A3876A]”You are beating yourself up for things so far away, boy.”[/color] Those words, it caused something to snap within the young lord and with force he’d hit the desk. [color=00e600]”No! it has to be important! It needs to be. . . Why would so many different actors collide into nothing but a big coffee plantation? Freedom fighters, slavers, political allies and political enemies. All of them are on those islands. Is it just to weaken Virang? There has to be more to it, right?”[/color] He was nearly pulling his hair out just speculating on his theories.

Olivier shook his head. [color=A3876A]”The King has said nothing of the brewing conflict there, so focus on the things that are more important to Perrence.”[/color] Yvain stared down the man. [color=00e600]”And that is what worries me, old friend.”[/color]