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>Ask about his relationship with Jaq... [DC:60<73: SUCCESS]
>Just stay aware of your surroundings and conversation.
As you gain distance from the she-dragon's nest in silence, a few questions pile in your head, but one in particular stands out.
"Say, Alex. Why did you cover for Jaqueline? When you took my things, I mean." You say, pointing at Jaq's a little too tight uniform.
Suddenly, he slows down, seemingly at your innocuous question. When you look back, he looks you straight in the eyes, evidently pondering something.
"I-I didn't mean to offend! Just curious about your relationship is all." You blurt out, but he shakes his head with a gentle smile.
"Of course. I suppose, It only makes sense for you to be interested." He says with a sigh, then looks around the empty hallway. "I suppose, it's also fair for you to know, or rather - you should know."
"You make it sound very serious."
"It is, Madam. Without delving into history, among other things, I am here to protect Mistress Jaqueline, especially from herself..." He trails off and hastens again, so you curiously follow. "All you need to know is that I've chosen it."
"But why? Don't you know her views... They are obviously antisocial and dangerous, you are merely her pawn..."
"I, a pawn? Possibly. And yet, deep down, I reject that she truly believes what she's saying. This hope is what's keeping me going, reality notwithstanding. Something to latch onto when this place bears it's teeth, something beyond me. Do you understand, Madam?
"I will need to... Mull it over." Is he delusional, or... Or willfully ignorant? To gamble everything on hope? Absurd.
Seeing your doubt, he goes on. "She's a good person at heart, I want to see this quality of hers Before I perish here, or at least I want to die trying. Increasingly, I worry she needs you, madam, more than me..."
"What do you me... Huh?"
Both of you halt when... A small cat(?) crosses your path. Black, shrouded with a motley of different colors; brilliant golden dots and flowing purples. The explosion of colors at odds with bleak and monochromatic corridors. In silence, you try to comprehend...
...Until, cat's hollow eyes meet yours, and suddenly it all makes sense... You feel light like a feather as you are embraced by gentle indifference of the universe.
"...Oh! It's Z'Athu'reen!" You giggle, head and tongue aches as you utter the name, but it doesn't matter, you have Your Cat back! Alex stares at you with confusion, until he too looks back at Your Innocent Cat.
Then, massaging his temples, he nods and smiles too. "...You are lucky to have such a stellar cat, my lady. I apologize, yet I forgot, Where were going?"
You gently pick up Your Kitty and it's sleek to the touch. Sweet! "We were going to... The Black Market!" And beam at him.
"Oh, yes. Thank you, Madam! let me lead the way." He proffers his hand and you earnestly accept, cradling Your Lovely Cat with the other hand. Like so, you travel to your destination. [RES-1]
