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āA second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?ā
ćÉĪ¹Ī±ĘĻgĻ Ń cĻĘĻŃ:#0C94CC ā ŃŠ½ĻĻ gŠ½Ń cĻĘĻŃ #CC0C2Eć
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
ćÉĪ¹Ī±ĘĻgĻ Ń cĻĘĻŃ:#0C94CC ā ŃŠ½ĻĻ gŠ½Ń cĻĘĻŃ #CC0C2Eć
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
Her head was spinning. How much longer did she have? What more time did she have here? Elise did not know, but as Carter finished the interview and they huddled back into the limo, saying farewell to the studio and watching Carter flirt his way away from all the girls pining for him, they finally had some peace and quiet. Elise's fingers felt around the candy wrapped up in the pocket of her cloak, wondering what to do with it. She accepted the offer from Winter, but it was not as if she could eat it. She held onto it for now, perhaps almost a memento. Was it stupid, foolish sentimenality? Was it meaningless emotion? She shook her head, trying to get the longing out of her heart. This path was long gone, ever since that day she met Hades out on the fields outside of Olympia.
Winter was telling them about her and Oliver's fight. Carter seemed confused, looking Winter in the eye as if wondering why things went poorly when just hours before that moment, things were going well for everyone involved. "That dumb idiot." Carter laughed, flashing a reassuring smile, pearly whites gleaming at Winter. It was clear he had gotten over his feelings more easily now that Winter was finally back. He did not love her the way a man did anymore - but rather as a fellow companion and friend. "I know Oliver, he didn't mean it like that. He's still really bad with words, so he probably worded things harsher than he intended." He gave Winter a squeeze on the shoulder. "Just stay mad, he'll apologize eventually. Teach him how to say things more delicately to cute ladies like yourself."
Oliver wanted Winter to make a speech to make conditions in the Chrysanthemum better, more stable, more livable. It made sense. Elise could understand the calculus at play here. "I do not see the problem with making a demonstration." She said quietly, peering at Winter. "Oliver is responsible, along with the President, with the well-being of the citizens. While the city is rebuilt, the hearts and minds of those he rules over are still damaged, traumatized." She paused, trying to find the best way to say what she meant, fighting against the dizzyiness worsening in her head. "...How many lost families? Friends? Livelihoods? How many need just a little more hope to continue fighting to thrive?" This was not Elise's problem, of course, and whatever Winter chose she was okay with it. "Oliver no doubt considered this a chance to provide hope to the hopeless. And he likely considered the cost to you - just a simple speech - to be a small enough price to pay for the well being of thousands."
Really, Oliver was just employing simple math to the equation. "Wait, you sound like it's selfish to refuse." Carter interrupted quickly, turning his gaze onto her now. "This is Winter's choice, she doesn't owe anything to anyone here." Elise nodded, agreeing. "I am aware. I am simply saying that Oliver wants to improve the lives of many, while Winter is more focused on her own needs here." She smiled then, approving. "I can agree, personally. We paid a heavy enough price to save them. They need to learn how to stand on their own feet." Carter narrowed his eyes, sighing. "Now that sounds like what the old President would say." He saw the records of course, of his interactions with Winter. "I'll sacrifice one innocent girl." Carter recited the lines the old President gave. "And her sacrifice will help teach the rest of my people how to be strong." A look of disgust was on his face. "I really hope Oliver doesn't go that way."
Elise doubted that Oliver would. He hated the old President as much as Elise did, and had similar reasons for doing so. "That is unlikely." She began to explain, trying to control the nausea. "It is inaccurate to compare years of brainwashing and control to asking someone to give a speech."