"I don't know if I am more shocked that she would go so far...or the fact that you're standing here before me. Given how bored you looked, I think it might have been a fitting punishment for being nosy." Even though she was clearly flustered with how things were apparently turning out, Scarlett still had time and energy to joke. "Of course I want to speak with her--" Before she could finish her sentence, Scarlett moved past the young knight. Syceras was on the move, walking at a leisurely pace out toward the exit of the council building.<br/><br/>The commander started down the long hall toward the exit, Scarlett following her in pursuit. They left the noise in the reception hall behind. Once she was sure they were alone, as alone as they were going to get, Scarlett rushed up and grabbed Syceras by the arm.<br/><br/>"Oh, evening Scarlett," Syceras said, even, calm...aloof. She freed her arm from Scarlett's grasp. "How are you?"<br/><br/>"Did honestly tried to strip a knight that's only trying to uphold the dogma of your church of her title?!" Scarlett exclaimed, her voice raised, but not so loud as to draw any notice from how far away they were from the others.<br/><br/>"So you were working with Oaks? What did you tempt her with?"<br/><br/>"Sye, I don't even know what's going on in that head of yours anymore!" The normally collected high priestess was out pouring her feelings on the matter, her passion showing as red hot as those of the Lady in the Room herself. "Will you--don't turn away!"<br/><br/>Scarlett reached out and grabbed Syceras' arm again as the commander turn away once more. "I'm sorry..." Tears started to stream down her cheeks. "I'm not perfect...I know that...I'm sorry I can't help myself sometimes...I'm sorry my appetite gets the better of me. I'm tired of this. All my Sendings, all my letters and gifts. My desire just to have a simple conversation. All unmet. I thought you understood...I thought that beneath it all, my Sye was still there. I don't know you anymore. That kiss that day with that bastard, it was an accident! I've said that at least a thousand times in so many ways. ...I didn't realize just how deeply it wounded you, to have all those years driven away in one foul swoop. I guess a woman like me just isn't worthy of you..."<br/><br/>She let go of Syceras' arm, her own falling to her side. Her gaze was no downcast, but she was frozen in place, her tears dripping on the marble.<br/><br/>"A woman like you," Syceras said, her tone its usual stone-like self. "Is all I've ever wanted." Her voice melted into a soft, tender whisper. Scarlett, with her tear stained face looked up to have its lips met fully with Syceras'. The commander pulled the other woman close, kissing her deeply. Wide-eye and surprised as she was, Scarlett wrapped her arms around her lover, closing her eyes and melting into the embrace. They remained like that for at least a full minute, and when they did part, it took at least another from going to parting their lips, staring intently into the other's eyes, and unwrapping themselves. They didn't completely separate, their hands now interlaced.