>>5303403The next floor up is a maze of piled books, which Amaranth navigates with practiced ease. With him a few paces ahead, the two of you weave through the collection, catching occasional glimpses of a source of light that you are fast approaching. "Here we are." Ahead of you is a large window - your eyes require a minute to adjust to the luminosity - with a view of a drifting landscape of white and blue and gold. Rather, that is your initial thought... at this moment, you realize that you are viewing the surface world from the stratosphere.
Wonderous, albeit disorienting, taking in the scenery makes you incredibly dizzy. Back and forth you sway, steadying yourself by grabbing hold of a stack of use-worn literature. Together, you and Amaranth idly watch the wind churn the clouds for an unspecified interval. Now, of all times, you began to reflect on the girl's advice. Friendly words and a soft smile seemed like empty, worthless things, yet she was so certain that they could win others to your cause.
The very thought of attempting this made you violently ill. For centuries, you had been content to let your weapon speak on your behalf, or spit acrimony on occasion. This is the breaking of several deeply entrenched habits, and it is ridiculously uncomfortable. Words are worth less than nothing - all you need do is go through with it. Inhaling deeply, you offer a breathless prayer to whatever gods might be willing to take pity on you should you humiliate yourself.
"You are very kind."
The mage shakes his head and sighs, but you catch the edges of his mouth folding upward. A smile. Does that mean you succeeded? He rests a hand on his chin, studying your expression carefully - you were trying to force smile, though whether you were having any success was indeterminate. "If you will humor a member of the council for a moment, I wish to know your honest opinion."
"Of?"
"Our city? Us? Anything."
>[Write-in.] 