Carol
Xavier de Delekou 
Private study, Provincial Delekou 

Xavier lingered at the door as she continued the conversation, listening as the footsteps stopped echoing and he didn't hear any rustling outside. He returned to his seat, lifting his cup to take another drink. 

"Let's not be coy, Jasmine." He began, fully focused on the matter at hand. The silliness and nonchalant attitude were gone. "What are you really doing here?"
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet
Xavier's Study, Provincial Delekou

A small smile was still on her face, but it was one without humor. Empty. "I, for one, have been completely truthful for the entire duration of our conversation. I have come for your honest opinion." Her voice cradled the word 'honest', enunciating it clearly, pausing before and after it.

She made it clear to him that she knew what the truth was.

The gentle smile fell. A serious, almost grim expression was now on her face. Her blue eyes had an eerie feeling about them, as if their gaze peered into his very being.

"And so I will again ask: how do you feel about the pilgrimage, Xavier?"
Carol
Xavier de Delekou 
Private study, Provincial Delekou

"You have led with hypotheticals and been vague about the purpose of your travels here." He countered. 

"The honest truth is that what I feel doesn't matter." He stated with a steel tone. "It will not change anything." Xavier felt rising anger at her boldness. "If you have come to test my loyalty then allow me to set your mind at ease. I will fulfill the orders your husband has sent. I have never been fond of the political games played in Erillia and do not take kindly to trickery." 

He paused, taking a breath to calm himself. "If, however, you bring this up because you do not believe then I must pose another question. Why come and put the lives of my family at risk with dangerous thoughts and words? You may be protected by Elroy, but I am not afforded the same luxury."
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet
Xavier's Study, Provincial Delekou

A dry laugh escaped from Jasmine's lips before she could stop it. "Oh, Xavier. Trust me when I say that I am not as protected as you might think," She said with a yet another humorless smile. "In fact, I am quite vulnerable."

The smile faded as she looked down, a hint of genuine sadness, of regret, flitting in her eyes for just a moment. Then they were again hardened and determined yet again. She raised the cup to her lips, feeling that familiar inner burning in her soul. The passionate fury that she felt for all of those poor people, and the evil Circle.

"On the contrary, how you feel actually can change things," She told him quietly. "If we both feel similarly about the pilgrimage, then there is a possible way we can come together to help our people."
Carol
Xavier de Delekou 
Private study, Provincial Delekou

Xavier was unconvinced. As with many in the Araedia aristocracy, they thought they were vulnerable, yet it was his family that was mocked behind doors for their lack of perfection and an unwillingness to yield to the limiting standards of high society. Yet, despite this, Delekou was thriving and their people were happy. Xavier often wondered if other Provincial families could claim the same. Could they go out into the streets and know and greet nearly everyone they met? Did they know the farmers by name? 

Xavier had earned the respect of his people and he earned the respect of the aristocracy by providing them with inventions that held their society afloat. One would think it was enough. 

He bit back a curt response to her laugh, jaw tightening in anticipation as she continued. "Which is?" He asked, eyebrows rising in question.
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet
Xavier's Study, Provincial Delekou

Her eyes were piercing as she looked at him. "I believe that those with the plague should be able to die peacefully and without pain. With their dignity and honor in tact."

She paused, giving Xavier a moment to digest her statement.

"Was I correct in thinking we have the same view?" She asked quietly. "I believe that you have the power to help the people of Araedia, Xavier. And to be able to do so without putting you or your family in harm's way."

Another pause.

"If you agree, then I can explain further. And if not, well..." She gave him a grim, tired smile that clearly said *'If not, then I am already dead.'*
Carol
Xavier de Delekou
Private study, Provincial Delekou

Xavier pondered her words, confused...*'They will die with dignity and honor...'* His eyes widened as realization dawned. "You want to return their power to choose." His voice was steady as he considered her proposition. 

"To an extent." He admitted, his gaze resting on hers, impressed she was bold enough to suggest such a rebellion. "Their blood will be on your hands." He continued, watching her reaction. "And if you get caught you will die." Shifting in his seat, Xavier intentionally changed the subject, hoping to stear her away from the idea. "You have a son, Marcus, if I recall. Are you close to him?"
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet
Xavier's Study, Provincial Delekou

She did not flinch at his words. "Either way, their blood will be on the hands of those who have the power to act. If I do nothing, they will die a horrible death. But if I act, I can let them pass onto the next life peacefully." Her voice quieted. "Those who contract the plague do not survive. Especially not now. At this point, it is just a matter of how they die."

Her face grew a bit taught at the mention of her son. "I haven't spoke to my son for quite a while. He is not involved in this whatsoever. And neither is Elroy."
Carol
Xavier de Delekou
Private study, Provincial Delekou

"Their blood is on the hands of the Circle." He corrected, fingers drumming a slow rythm on the wood of the chair. 

Xavier nodded as she confirmed neither knew about it. *'It is a ploy of her own making.'* He thought, studying the woman in front of him. There was determination in her eyes and her demeanor was confident. "Do you think Queen de Barbarac or the Circle will care if they were involved?" He asked quietly, leaning forward to emphasize his point. "Are you willing to kill them too?"
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet
Xavier's Study, Provincial Delekou

Her expression hardened. She felt a wave of anger towards Xavier. How dare he act as though she didn't know the dangers involved? As though he believed she thought this situation was a game?

"I do not need you to tell me the risks involved," She replied, an hard edge to her voice. "I have already considered them. That is why my method will be impossible to trace or link back to any person, place, or thing."

The anger she felt toward Xavier at the moment was simply a way to cope for the sadness and fear that had filled her heart. She knew how dangerous her plan was. Her family meant the world to her. 

But she no matter how hard she tried, she knew she had to act. Even if it put those she loved in danger.

And she hated herself for that.
Carol
Xavier de Delekou
Private study, Provincial Delekou

Xavier listened calmly, knowing he had struck a nerve. "Nothing is impossible to trace. How do you intend on killing them? If you do it naturally La Gruador is the only place in Araedia that has the resources and manpower to create enough poison for thousands of people. That traces it directly back to you." He leaned back in his chair and let his hands rest in his lap. 

"I would also remind you that the Circle has Physics and Asters who will attempt to discover the cause. Will you trick them too? They are your colleagues and equally as knowledgeable." 

"Given the quantities needed and requirements for a fast and reliable distribution I doubt you are doing this alone. Are you prepared to have your co-conspirators tortured for information or will you kill them to protect yourself? In that case, how do you justify their deaths?" He stopped bombarding her, letting the silence hang for a moment as he held her gaze.