[Lauchenoiria]

"Kivasek are sending volunteers to assist us in defending ourselves. I'm not sure how to feel about that," Keitha Noguera remarked, turning away from the computer and walking over to the couch to sit beside Anael.

Anael choked on his biscuit, and Keitha jumped up, patting him on the back.

"Are you okay, darling?"

"Yeah," he coughed, "just went down the wrong way. Are... are you sure that's such a good idea?"

"Well, it's not like they asked... are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes," he wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, "only, will this not just antagonise Lauchenoiria? You have a deal with Chaher, we can still get through this peacefully. Having foreigners with guns... well, we can see how that's going on the mainland."

"The deal with Chaher?" Keitha laughed, "you didn't honestly think he was going to stick to it, did you? Honey, you're not a politician. I took the deal because if I hadn't, I'd probably be dead and Aeluria under military occupation. He has no intention to stick to it once the mainland conflict is over. Having someone here to assist us when he eventually turns his attentions this way will be very helpful. Seriously though, you're looking awful pale."

"I, I'm sorry, I forgot, there's an event at the university I am required to attend, please excuse me," Anael stood up and hurried out of the room. Bemused, and slightly worried, Keitha picked up her coffee and curled back up on the couch. She had perhaps been foolish in declaring independence at this time, she knew. Yet, she also knew that if she hadn't, then Aeluria would be suffering in the same way as the rest of Lauchenoiria right now. Oh well, she thought, there's never a right time for these things. And perhaps, with this, we can actually succeed.