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"Peace Short-Lived" (Kyaro) The citizens of Kyaro gathered in the town square at noon, a flurry of excitement. Rumors of patched together information pieces of information had been running like wildfire through the town, and now, at last, they would hear what really happened, and from the lips of Princess Jillia, no less. Even as they waited for her to arrive, whispers wondered if the Princess really was coming and it had only been another rumor. This whispered ended when Lady Jillia walked up the steps onto the raised plaform used for public speaking. Girls would envy her wardrobe and elegance as much as boys would forget their sweethearts as they looked at her. She wore a black gown, perfectly designed between elegance and simplicity, and representing her empathy for their situation. Her hair was drawn back in a very simple style and all that distinguished her from any other noblewoman was the silber band across her brow, imbedded with a dark red gemstone. But Jillia wasn't even aware of how she'd dressed to suit the audience and occassion. It was a habit trained into her so long that she needn't think to do so. Jillia was trying to keep her composure while speaking to these people. "People of Highland," she said clearly so that her words would carry throughout the crowd. "Only a few short weeks have passed since I was in the Jouston City of Muse, striving for an end to this war. And now, with the attack on the Unicorn Brigade, that peace seems lost. Of that attack, only the boys' commander, Rowd, has been found alive. I can only imagine the pain and sorrow that must cause you all." She paused briefly to let that sink in. They'd just been told that the son or brother they'd payed had gotten away truely was gone from them. It hurt Jillia's heart to tell them so, but it hurt each and every one of them many times more. "In the capital, the King's advisors urge him to declare war anew, and other to continue to strive for peace. Each one of those advisors defends his place with parts of what has happened, but I fear all they truely think of is the politics of the matter. So I come to you, the people who were hurt by these events the most, to say what you believe should be done next. I will take your choice to the capital and see to it that it happens. "Before you choose, let me say this. The boys slain will never be brought back, no matter what the choice is. If you choose war, many more people will die, Highland and Jouston alike." Jillia looked at the crowd and awaited their answer. The whispering renewed, but one voice was louded than the rest, speaking directly to Jillia. "My brother, my only relative left, was in that camp. What does it matter if a few more people die when those closest to me have already been killed? Those heartless monsters who did this can't get away with it!" Jillia recognized the girl who had spoken as the foster daughter of the late Genkaku. Jillia wondered what Genkaku would have thought of her calling out for war, after all he'd done long before she, or the girl, had been born to end it. But her words had decided her neighbors and shortly the entire village was calling out for war. Jillia bowed her head in sadness for a moment and then held up her hand for silence, which she got. "You have said your choice. Now I will do as I said I would and take it to the capital," she said shortly. She turned and climbed into the stagecoach that was waiting. The coach rolled off out of the square toward Jillia's country home. "I'm leaving for the capital this afternoon," Jillia said as she quickly gathered up the few belongings she needed to take. "B-but m'Lady!" the bailiff protested. "You only arrived this morning; the horses are tired!" "Then I'll take a fresh one." "The people are tired!" Jillia replied quickly, "Let them stay. _I_ am leaving, they don't have to." He looked about to have a heart attack. "What if they Jouston army is still nearby? What if monsters attack? It's not safe to travel alone." Jillia turned to him with a piercing look. "Then assign guards. I will not be delayed." He blinked, then hurried off to do just that. Jillia turned back to what she was doing. Now that she was alone she could gather some of the more interesting products of the house. The small army that was Jillia's escort departed that afternoon towards L'Renouille. Jillia looked down at the ring she'd found in the camp. "Those heartless monsters who did this can't get away with it" the girl from Kyaro had said. Well, they wouldn't, if Jillia had anything to say about it. Vocab:
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