Austria
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Post by Austria on May 16, 2013 11:20:21 GMT -5
Austria was quite certain that his comment did not require that much laughter. He peered over his glasses at Czech Republic, one eye brow raised slightly. Either the woman had gone quite mad, or he had missed something. Both was always possible. In his mind, Central Europe was still generous, but then any further than central would add Italy to the competition. He might give her a run for her money on the matter... He said nothing, however; it was the first time he had seen Czech smile whilst alone together. Or, really, whilst she knew he was there. The male nation did have a tendancy to walk past people at bad times, afterall.
"Depending on the results and speed of resolution of this," he tried to think of an appropriate term for what they were doing; foolishness was one he was thinking of, but it did not quite work. Insanity was another, "dilema we have been presented with, you may have to suffer a while longer. But, I will look forward to the affair," He gave a very small smile at the idea of visiting their home in Prague. He had not moved home since the age of his empire on the off-chance that someone might visit. Unfortunately, this only ever amounted to Prussia coming back to taunt him. More than willing the other had said - somebody actually pleased about his existance, even if his visitation was as much to rescue their own ears than anything else. He could think of people who tolerated his existance, and others who disliked it, but those who were genuinely pleased were a minority. Most people were indifferent, just as he was indifferent to them. Just like much of Europe, he was sometimes viewed as a relic from a bygone age, especially by younger nations - even some of Europe saw him as such. But here was the Czech Republic, in all her glory, willing to let him visit her home despite the fact their current record for civil conversation was 10 minutes. He could see the sincerity clearly.
Austria new that Czech and Hungary were not close, and so was not sure why he had been asked. Then again, Hungary was not fond of Czech Republic either.
"We are not allowed to meet often, although she was as well as could be expected last I heard. I did see her whilst over in Europe; like everyone, she is very busy. We are in touch than most nations care to be with me," he stopped, trying to work out if he had said the last part out loud.
Hungary was his favourite of all his ex-partners, although sometimes he did wonder if she was ever truely in love with him. Once upon a time he was with her, but they had reached the stage beyond the madness of first love before they had divorced at the 'request' of the allied nations. Austria supposed it had to be done; that she had never willingly come back was the proof that the relationship was not of her choosing. They still spoke, yes, but Hungary would either speak to or attempt to murder everyone.
"How is your brother?" he asked, poorly attempting to change the topic from his own life. On second thoughts, was Slovakia a boy?
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Post by Czech Republic on Jul 23, 2013 20:49:22 GMT -5
OMG....sooooooo sorry this took me so long to write up!)
She knew that Austria loved Hungary very much. She had seen it in his eyes when a territory when she would some times catch them sneaking kisses (well mostly on Hungary's end) and also could tell from the pain that he was in when he was forced to separate from her. Though Austria could hide his emotions with a blank face, his eyes were no match to her ever sharp and perceptive gaze. Though she didn't care for the two and hated Hungary she had hoped that they could of still stayed together. In her experience everyone deserved love. Her eyes lowered to her feet and gave a bitter smile when thinking back on heartbreak after heartbreak. It was a wonder that she still had some of her heart left!
Hearing him say the last part, of his sentence and letting it sink in, her eyes gazed up at him with great sympathy. She also knew what that was like to the point that it drove her over the edge. There was a time long ago where nations refused to go near her due to the nation(s) whom she found herself ruled over. While in their control they kept such tight leash around her she was almost strangled by it until she was freed time and time again.
Looking up from such thoughts when asked how was her brother she cocked her head to the side. "Which one?" She questioned, having several. She figured that it was probably either Poland or Slovakia that he was referring to seeing how he wouldn't probably know about the others. Not waiting for an answer, she decided to talk of both. "Poland is well last I left him...I made Moravia promise me that she'd look after him..." A sheepish look came over her. "We love and respect our big brother...but he is an airhead and needs as much guidance as possible in such times." She hoped she'd come home to her big brother still being in once piece! "As for Slovakia," She began not wishing to linger on her big brother who she was, quite frankly embarrassed of despite loving him fiercely. "He's still the same...still a teenager at heart..." She shook her head thinking how he'd drive her near insanity with his laid back personality and lack of caring when she would lecture him. "Though I bet that he's disappointed that he doesn't have one of his favourite victims to torment..." Her eyes gazed at him suggestively knowing that he would know what she meant by that since loved playing pranks on his neighbour Austria, and one of his favourites was turning the stereo up all the way in the middle of night to which Czech could also hear.
"But he still has Hungary to keep him occupied..." Now she was truly one of his favourites for he was just as hateful towards the woman and liked to use Austria as a means to bate Hungary. The boy could be a regular evil genius if he wanted to be! Sighing heavily she pinched the bridge of her nose. Her siblings tired her out by just thinking about them. "And then of course there is my "possibly Big Brother" Prussia..." As the man liked to call himself. For centuries he'd tease and prod her with the fact that he could very well be her big brother due to the fact that their parents had a long time relationship before she was born. Ever since Prussia found out he took advantage of it and tried being her annoying big brother which only coaxed stress and anger out of her
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Austria
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Post by Austria on Aug 1, 2013 12:04:25 GMT -5
((It's fine. I've been having much fun reading your other adventures. And, sorry this is shorter and/or slightly OC. It's too hot to think. )) Austria had forgotten just quite how many siblings she had. However, seeing as he had only asked to be polite, he listened to the entire thing with the same expression. Some might call it 'mildly irritated', although it was a shape his featured fell into with ease. It was as true as it was unfair; every nation had had their hearts broken more times than could be counted; just some in different ways. "I do not envy the man tasked with controlling that particular force of nature," he was referring, of course, to Poland. He was, in the least offensive way possible, a law unto himself. And a rather... Eccentric one, even by nation standards. Slovakia had been who he was actually referring to, so Austria allowed himself to no slightly when she spoke about him. He wondered if the mentioned nation was in league with Prussia. Whether they made his life 'more interesting' or 'a living hell' was a matter up for some debate. He decided to make slightly lighter of the situation, although what as supposed to be a joke sounded slightly bitter, "It appears someone misses me, then." He did not feel useful anywhere; in Europe, he locked himself away in an attempt to avoid the suffering. Nobody was surprised; he locked himself away before the zombies came, let alone after them. They had been more surprised when he came to Canada, but, even then, he thought of himself as less useful. "And, please do not mention that waste of space," his eyes narrowed t the mention of Prussia, "unless we are discussing tying him up and pouring ice-water down his back, I do not wish to know... He is here anyway, unless I am mistaken." Everyone had at least a small taste for vengeance, after all.
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Post by Czech Republic on Aug 2, 2013 6:36:14 GMT -5
She snickered when he called Poland a 'force of nature'. Though she didn't want to be mean, it was a very good category to put her eccentric brother in. Czech however, quickly straightened herself out and stopped with her snickering; she was an adult woman, not an immature child. Looking up when he spoke she took in what was to be his joke but as expected she heard it a bit differently. She took it as a bitter comment and once again felt her heartstrings be pulled like her violin into a sad song of sympathy. She really didn't know how much of a bitter old man that he had become over these centuries. She hoped that she never became like that when she reached around his old age.
Gazing up when mentioning the 'waste of space' she knew that he was talking about their Prussia, that oh so 'delightful' man who made both of their lives hell when he was around to torment and mock them. Again she snickered when it was mentioned about tying up the man and pouring the ice water down his back. Oh just the thought of what that smug brat would do to such torment was too hard to pass up! Once the image came to mind she started to giggle like a miscevious child.
"You know I wouldn't mind doing that...the little brat almost stained on my wedding gown!"
Gazing up when mentioning it she beamed. "Um...I'm not sure if you're aware...But I am getting married soon. To Israel." A very loving and rosy look touched her as she thought about her husband-to-be. Though she wanted to be with him every second, their traditions barred them from seeing each other until the wedding occurred which would only happen once the Best Man (America) was feeling better from his latest accident in the woods. Looking to her bunk then to Austria she gave the slightest smile.
"Would you like to see my Wedding Gown?"
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Austria
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Post by Austria on Aug 10, 2013 10:39:05 GMT -5
There was an unusual amount of sniggering as he spoke. Rather than angering Austria, however, his caused his lips to form a very small smile. Only a very few people - much to his chagrin, the list of three (that he was aware of) included Switzerland and Prussia - would be able to tell.
One eyebrow raised very slightly with the mention of a wedding gown - although it fell once she started clarifying.
"Unfortunately, I think the use of ice may be considered a waste of resources, all things considered. I am not sure England would approve, let alone whomever was the first to notice the missing ice."
He shook his head slightly, removing the idea from his mind. He did not know Israel well, and his relationship with Czech was improving but awkward, so it was expected that he would find out late. "I was not aware, but I offer you my congratulations. Both of you."
He noted he way her face lit up. It gave him a very small hope that her relationship would be better than any of his own, and an even smaller hope in the survival of their kind - if there was still love, someone had once told him, then there was still hope. It was a very strange time, after-all, so it could be true. An age where survival ruled, not politics. It was far too close to early Europe for comfort - admittedly early Europe had no zombies, but wandering warrior tribes, he supposed, were similar. If anything, worse - because they knew what they were doing. A zombie acts on instinct alone. They are terrifying, as is the idea of what they can do. However, going to bed at night and not knowing if, by morning, every one of your people would have been murdered by one you once called brother, so that you, their nation, would also die... It was rather the same, surely? Just that no nations had died for a long while, and you could defend yourself from violent tribesmen.
He gave a dip of his head, indicating his desire to see the mentioned dress. He raised one hand to his glasses, adjusting them slightly. Austria wished to assist in some way, although the exact method by which he could was unknown. A wedding was actually a good idea; it would bring at least a semblance of joy to the group.
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Post by Czech Republic on Aug 11, 2013 12:32:16 GMT -5
Filled with joy that he wanted to see, she went straight to her bunk dropping to her knees and pulling out her trunk. When she arrived she had brought two along with her, one for clothing, and one for her sewing supplies. She always made sure that she brought it with her wherever she went, you never knew when you might need to mend something. Besides if she couldn't at least embroider something she'd go mad! Once she had opened she looked at the neatly arranged box and found her latest project folded up nice and neatly. With a very warm smile she reached down feeling the soft, light slightly vague material she had made. Turning to Austria, she carefully unfolded it and allowed it to fall so that its full form could be see. It was a a sleeveless dress, bit not low-cut, the shirt smoothly coming down so that it was a nice sleek shape but also allowed enough movement for her to walk in.
"I was going to make it white but I had a lack of material...I had to take some of my old clothing to make it." (She used most of the same material for her clothing). She smiled warmly to it taking genuine pride in her work, having no doubt that her future husband would be pleased by the image. "I luckily didn't need to make a veil, I have one saved." Gently laying the dress onto the bedding, she reached into the trunk and pulled out an old vale. The material was slightly pinked from years and years but that only made it even more perfect...she had actually had it restored every so decade but finally it was to the point that nothing could make it white again. She didn't mind in the slightest.
It was made of soft transparent material. with hand stitch floral embroidery a work of art to say the least. "My Mother gave this to me when I was little." She said quietly as her fingers stroked the soft material. "She made me promise to take care of it and to wear it to my wedding and to never give it up even if it seems like it was clutter." Giving a thoughtful look she smiled and shook her head. "I suppose she figured that I'd have plenty of marriages that would fail." She continued to stroke the fabric when very slowly her memories started to travel back to when her mother first gave it to her. It was when she was starting to show signs of weakening under the pressures of wars that were over taking her. She looked worn yet still smiled and gave the veil she had made for her special, one of the many handmade items she had made for her children before she...she...
She looked as though she might cry when thinking on her poor departed mother. Lady Bohemia was trying hard to keep it together, for the sake of her people and her children. She was strong to the very end even when she was mercilessly murdered by Hungary...sent by Austria to do the deed. She was the first one to arrive and watch in terror as Hungary killed her while she was frozen, unable to do anything to help her. Gazing up her eyes narrowed suddenly filled with rage at such a horrible memory, no one should be subjected to such trauma.
"Its a shame that she didn't live long enough to at see one of my marriages." She snapped suddenly as she placed the veil back into the bag and then violently fold the dress up feeling pent up rage start to build.
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Austria
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Post by Austria on Aug 27, 2013 9:18:27 GMT -5
The dress was not one which Austria would have, under ideal circumstance, even considered allowing someone to wear for a wedding. However, once the circumstances were taken into account, it was actually very nicely made, and as close to traditional as he could see happening. It was obviously important, but then every woman saw her dress as such. A wedding was, and is, supposed to be the happiest day of someone's life, after all. He had not been expecting her to show him a veil as well. It was obviously old and delicate - the trunk nearly as so in Austria's eyes. He waited patiently as she unfolded it; the day was rather slow. It was surprising just how many slow days there were during the zombie invasion. Everyone, however, preferred them to the busy days. The entire mood turned sour as she spoke again, even as Austria said nothing. In some ways, it may have been helpful if he had done so. Unlike some nations he cared not to think about, he could sense the mood. His problem was with what to do with this knowledge. He remembered when Bohemia died well - he did not see the event, but news travels fast among nations. Especially when you are doing the ordering. "Yes," was his simple reply, turning his head slightly downwards, "It is." He did not mention that very, very rarely did a nation live to see its child's marriage; it was one reason why it was now more common for nations to be brothers to their caretakers. People had learnt long ago that, for a nation to come of age, the previous generation's nation had to die. Neither did he mention that Bohemia had saved him from political crisis, or the short marriage which followed - 30 years, and most famed for religious persecution in both countries. Whether by something he did wrong, or simply an awful selection of spouses, none of is marriages had gone well, per say. Bohemia had been the first. In the end, he accepted he was wrong to kill the head-strong woman, but he did not regret his actions. In his pocket, he flicked over the ring he had worn that day; it was at the time uncommon for the husband to have a ring, but the woman had insisted; she would not be less than her husband, especially when it was her king that married his princess. Originally, it had been for Bavaria; there was no marriage in that union, however. Many people considered Spain his first spouse; they were incorrect, although Spain was is first spouse which unified countries; the Bohemian King was invited to rule his lands - he was only a Duchy, not an Empire then - and married a daughter of the deceased ruler to assert his claim. He had, however, worn it at each of his weddings since; Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary (at least twice; he had decided not to count, and the first only lasted a few years before she left, splitting what was once their country into four), and others he decided not to think of. His boss had wished for him to marry Italy upon his own marriage to an Italian heiress, before realising that Austria was still married to Spain and that Italy was a child. He wondered still if it would be appreciated; his eyes narrowed as he attempted to think of the correct solution. ((Note to self: remember to take notes on early Austrian history. Austria and Bohemia's marriage: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Austria#Interrregnum_.281246.E2.80.931278.29 ))
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Post by Czech Republic on Aug 27, 2013 12:43:44 GMT -5
She had not wanted him to say anything to her about it...she wanted him to be quiet as usual or even just nod his head with the distant bored look in his eyes. The tears were forming in her eyes more rapidly that blinking wouldn't hold them for long. She felt angry for him saying anything for reasons even she could not understand. Deep down she felt that Austria had no right to say anything about her beautiful mother who was mercilessly taken down by his order...it just didn't settle right with her. She made no sound as a single tear escaped her eye. It couldn't be helped, her mother was one of her most painful memories as well as one of the sweetest. She was best woman in the world. Demanding, pushy and rather arrogant but still a wonderful, wonderful mother. Luckily she was so adept to hiding her weakness that she kept her body language appear as though she were being more thoughtful than distraught.
There was a reason why she always felt this way about her mother when she thought about her. In her youth it nagged at her insides all through adulthood, filled her with hatred, as well a genuine need to understand. There was a question she always wished to ask Austria. One question that was never answered that haunted her. She was first scared to ask him being but a child, then ashamed to ask Austria as she grew older for her damned pride wouldn't allow such a sign of weakness. Now however, for some strange bizzare reason seemed like no better time to him.
"Mr. Austria...could...could you give a straight answer to just one question I've been wanting to ask you since I was under your care."
A somber silence came over her, fingers ghosting over the veil before turning to him to show the tears falling from her eyes. There was anger yes but it was overtaken by the pain of wondering why this had to happen. She needed to know. She always did but now she seemed to need it more than ever. Immediately she straighten herself and put on a very serious face, took a deep breath for courage and spoke.
"Why did you have to kill Bohemia?" She asked this very carefully her voice even and serious. She promised herself she would not strike at him...every nation had their justifications. She knew from centuries of war and power struggle how it was, what sacrifices she had to make and what horrible things had been done for the safety of her people. However, she had to know what justified Austria's actions.
"Please, I promise I won't be angry, I...I just need to hear from you as to why you had to destroy the Bohemian Empire."
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Austria
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Post by Austria on Aug 28, 2013 5:21:24 GMT -5
He had been expecting her to shout rather than ask such a question. Especially that question; after her first statement, he had nodded. After her second, he was still and silent for a while.
Why did he have Bohemia killed?
There were many reasons he could give, but all of them were only partially true. There were all reasons, but none the real one. As he though, a hand raised from his side to his face, lightly pressing against it. He gave her silence for a few moments more, before shutting his eyes and nodding slightly to himself. The reason was not in betrayal, or, if he were entirely honest, loyalty to his crown, either. Bohemia and himself had spent more time on the same side of war than opposing - he had learnt to deal with the woman herself. But, decisions were always made, always will be made, for the good of their people. Even when motives are selfish.
"I will answer your question," he spoke slowly, as his eyes opened, "But, first, please sit down."
Without asking permission, he sat on the lower bunk, and waited for her to join him.
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Post by Czech Republic on Aug 28, 2013 5:42:04 GMT -5
She waited in anticipation, heart beating faster from nervousness. She wanted to know...yet she wondered if it was the right thing for her to hear this answer she had been wanting to know for centuries. Perhaps ignorance really was bliss. She calmly slowed down her heart rate just slightly when she finally exhaled air from her tight chest from holding her breath, calming her down just slightly from this anxiety. Her eyes shot up when he said he would answer her questions and relief came over her. She had almost expected him not to tell her, not in cruelty mind you, but rather either had forgotten (it was a long time ago) or just couldn't give her an answer that would be good enough.
She was asked to sit down when he took his seat on her bunk, not minding in the slightest as she herself sat next to him. Her hands went to her skirt, smoothing out the wrinkles, folded her hands together and placed them in her lap and turned to look at Austria beside her showing that she was attentive and ready to listen with her full attention on him.
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Austria
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Post by Austria on Aug 28, 2013 7:18:25 GMT -5
The answer he gave her would, mot likely, never be good enough. Austria knew this, but he had already stated that he would answer her. She was no longer a whining child, after all. "I am not sure how much you remember of your mother's history," he did not look at her as he spoke, "Although I assume you are reasonably well schooled in such." He took a breath, still wondering if this was the best decision, "As you are almost certainly aware, she, like I, was a mostly autonomous region of the Holy Roman Empire - if not a wayward one at times. For a while, in the 13th centaury, the two of us were married," he gave a sigh. "It was a marriage which rather set the tone for my following ones, as well as our relationship after our 'de-union'; a time full of religious conflict. Bohemia was far more tolerant than I, despite being the superior country during the union of the countries." He stopped for a while, allowing memories of the woman to return. He closed his eyes to speak again, "I would never say I hated her; it is a very strong word. However, our disagreements were common. More often than not, we fought on the same side - under the banner of Holy Rome. In 1526, our countries were 'unified' again for a while - the combined territory of Bohemia and Hungary was attacked by the Ottoman Empire, leaving the title of King of Hungary and Bohemia to my own rulers, the Habsburgs, when Louis II of Hungary and Croatia and Louis of Bohemia was killed in battle. It was rather a decisive defeat, with the Christian army loosing over ten times the men. I hated the war. It is rather a waste of time, but leaders, especially mine, tend to enjoy it for some foolish reason." Whilst the nation himself would rather sit and home, eating cakes and composing, his leaders were often starting fights they could not win. He was glad of their modern neutrality, although, to be honest, he doubted it would ever last. He was European, after all, and not nearly as scary, or determined, as Switzerland. "She was still alive, and was, for all intent and purpose, still an independent nation; we shared a King, but the king dealt with the two countries as separate - as far as possible, and when both were a section of the Holy Roman Empire," he stopped for a moment, attempting to get back to the point, "she was not one to be swayed, of course. During this time, your mother was probably the most religiously free of any country in Europe. It was allowed to continue, until one of the Kings - I forget which - tried to force her to convert to Catholicism. It was in the uprising which followed that she was killed; I am sure you remember it - 1620?" "As for why exactly..." Austria had been avoiding the point, and he knew that he was, "My leaders ordered she died for defying and rebellion; that is the justification I used at the time, as did the other nations involved. For the time, it was considered a fair reason to invade. If I am being honest to you, though, that is not the reason I gave specific orders for her to die, rather than become a sub-district." He stopped again, finally looking at Czech, but at her hands. His eyes scanned her, as though summing her up. After a few minutes, he spoke again, "At the time, there was an understanding that, should two nations form a life together," his voice was uncertain now - it was only a theory that was never fully understood, and had no been discredited. However, some of the elder nations, such as himself, were still wary of it and its repercussions, "then that life will be destined to take over from the parent of the same biological sex. Should the parent still be alive when the new life reaches adulthood," he paused and looked straight at her eyes, "then the new life dies, as there is no land for the new life to take control of. It has been proven incorrect, but that is also why many nations refer to their colonies as siblings." His laugh was almost bitter, "100 years later, it was shown that the new life could take just a section of the land. Still, the religion and the general state of Europe would, more likely than not, have lead to her dieing around the time anyway, if not being killed during the cross-fire of the same battle - she would never have given up her own beliefs, and that would not be tolerated by anyone. I will not apologise for my actions, because I do not regret them, and would do the same again," he was now looking over his glasses, "But I will say, and this time only, that I was in the wrong." ((I'm guessing at where exactly you define Austria as having killed Bohemia, so... Here is the results of last night's research. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_White_Mountain en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Moh%C3%A1cs en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_League_(German)) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interregnum en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Austria#Interrregnum_.281246.E2.80.931278.29 ))
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Post by Czech Republic on Aug 28, 2013 12:33:59 GMT -5
She was very quiet when she listened to him. Never even thinking to ask questions or to nod her head, only listening in complete and utter silence. Her face blank, showing no emotion, her body showing no sigh of anger or any kind of emotion to be honest. She was the perfect image of someone who was in full control over herself.
She listened to the words of his little history lesson and found some merit in it but before long could sense that he was avoiding the topic at hand and trying to distract himself by trailing off into ancient history. Still, she waited with her somber mood, waiting and waiting for him to get to the point feeling her patience starting to wear thin as thread.
At last he reached what she wanted. Listening to the words with great concentration, trying to take to all in at once and process it so that she could understand it. Her face suddenly showed the faintest trace of emotion when he mentioned his theory. She had heard it vaguely as a child but never gave it any thought seeing how it didn't 'apply' to her so to speak. Such was the narrow minded thinking of a child. Her eyes showed little traces of confusion, and then a slow realisation came over her when thinking of such thoughts. It wasn't what she believe in however, but still seemed to understand the thought of such a theory what kind of power it could have over the nations.
When finished she heard him say that he did not regret what he done and at last gave a nod and looked at her hands in her lap, she understood his stand in the matter and wouldn't do anything to attempt to change his opinion. She had no right to act righteous after all the acts that she had committed in her time as a nation. There were horrible things she had done too that she did not regret for in the end it resulted in the greater good even with the sacrifices that had to be made to achieve that state.
Her head shot up when she heard him finish his statement. He...he admitted that he was in the wrong? Her apparently shocked expression turned to him suddenly as she stared with what could of appeared to have been admiration or perhaps a form of gratitude. He actually admitted that he had done something wrong to her, the man who never did such a thing! Slowly, very slowly she reached up and kissed his cheek. It was a very simple gesture, one that was used often by her people to show that they were comfortable with a person as a friend or that they had been forgiven of something they did. In this case it was the latter. Pulling back she looked at him and for the first time gave him a genuine smile, one that shown relief as well gratitude.
"T--thank you...thats...that all I needed to know..."
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