Time. She used to hate it.

With every passing month, time had withered her memory. She could hardly close her eyes anymore and envision her mother. The best memory of her was looking in the mirror and seeing a near perfect image of herself and her now radiating red hair. Her last memory of her father was a mere drunken sleep. The only thing she had remembered was a sharp gasp for air, air that Jessamine Kruzika herself had removed from his very lungs. She could barely remember her brother. Time had taken away the imagination of what he could look like presently. Time had removed all hope for her family.

Yet time had given so much hope for herself.

It had been over two years since the Time Paradox. That's what the Continent had decided to name the atrocity forever to be notated in the history books, the reversal of exactly twenty-four minutes. Ironic number, twenty-four. Religious figures believed twenty-four to be a symbol of religious prowess and perfect foundation. Harmony. Others believed it must have more to do with time, as there were a perfect twenty four hours within a day. So much speculation, so much fear, so much destruction.

So much love.

The Time Paradox had been an act of love. It was the flutter of the heart, a once in a lifetime experience so few were chosen to experience. And Jessamine of all people, felt most fortunate to have suffered its poisonous kiss. Most of the population didn't see it as such. The blight of time had created chaos and most of all fear. It was common knowledge most people feared what they didn't understand. And the Continent was not ready to understand. They saw the Time Paradox as a catastrophe, not realizing its mere existence had prevented an even greater calamity.

Some truths were made certain, much against Jessamine's will. Kaid Al-Yami had been the perpetrator of the Time Paradox. Lungor made certain in all their literature, journals, and empirical gossip that someone would have to be blamed. Emperor Bashir showed no ounce of remorse in denouncing his name, a name he once tried to sweep under the rug with a lifetime of imprisonment. Yet still, the Paradox had become almost a blessing in disguise for Lungor, as its amazement silenced the never growing Caladin scandal. Hardly anyone had cared about escaped prisoners, or the faux story of a prison riot gone wrong. It didn't affect the normal population, but a reversal of twenty-four minutes certainly did.

While love was a healing agent, Kaid's actions certainly fragmented the Continent, an unintentional consequence. His reversal of time went against the laws of nature, and the earth certainly didn't know how to comprehend it. Twenty-four minutes was enough to mess with the science of the tides, the moon too far out of place, the sun just a bit wrong. The oceans grew stronger, the weather disjointed, causing hurricanes and floods. Vitross lost half its harbor. Skale lost a tenth of agricultural production due to the floods. Arilla had been constantly bombarded with blizzards and avalanches. Lungor had earthquakes lasting minutes, collapsing mines or rocking the foundations of their fortresses. Oddly enough, the only place that seemed to flourish from such was Uhkhtar. The desert grew with greenery, water returning to rivers, a new civilization sprouting up from the ruins.

But, after two years, the world had seemed to heal. The wounds created with Kaid's existence were only now jagged scars that held no ounce of pain. There were no more eclipses, no more fear the stars themselves would crash into the atmosphere and bring about an apocalypse sure to happen. No. Kaid had stopped an apocalypse, nearly at the cost of his life.

"The Council is ready, Lady Jessamine," a soft voice arose, Jessamine lifted from her thoughts as she glanced over at her assistant.

Kassandra had a new glow about her, a confidence borne from this struggle of the past two years. It was a struggle everyone seemed to grow from, a uniting force that Vitross used in a decision to band together, to become a stronger Empire and most of all, a compassionate community. Kassandra may also just be in a more glowing mood because of the new engagement ring nestled comfortably around her finger.

"Good. Do we have an itinerary for discussion? I was told this one might be brief," Jessamine nodded, moving to walk alongside her assistant.

"Well, it was supposed to be brief. The front page of the Lungorian Times seems to have stirred more uneasiness amongst the governors," Kassandra sighed, knowing the second they felt a moment of peace, something would come along and add an additional step to this chaos, "you'll see for yourself. It seems like everytime we make peace, we also gain a new enemy."

Jessamine clenched her jaw at that, knowing that was certainly true. Their alliance with Lungor at the moment was fruitful, but she knew that it was slowly reaching its limit. It could be pushed further, but Jessamine didn't have it in her to share everything with her new political friends. She knew now some secrets were better kept close to her chest. Especially when a life was still on the line. Still, there were plenty that were growing weary at the new firm alliance with Lungor, Uhkhtar being one of them.

Jessamine sought to repair relationships with the country. Vrah...well, he had his own intentions, intentions she felt powerless to sway.

Jessamine and Christine walked into the council chamber, the echo of the Empress's heels against the tile floor awakening the remaining governors from their small discussion. Even now, her presence alone was a storm of silence. She had done her best to provide better representation for her people. Her empire was divided into better districts, handled by governors elected by that population to assist in all matters important to the Vitross Empire. She knew her empirical ancestors wanted nothing more than to strangle her for the changes she made.

Vitross could not, and would not, flourish under tyranny.

Most rulers when chaos ensued like to tighten the reins a bit, control the population through means of adding more fear into the fire. Jessamine would have followed in the same steps as her former family, had she not allowed time to open the path of change. In another life, in another universe, Jessamine truly believed she would have let her poison consume her. Despite everything, despite the loss of the person she felt dearly for, of feeling alone in this new chapter of life, she could finally be who she wanted to be.

"Apologies for being late," Jessamine walked in, everyone standing and bowing politely at her entrance before she sat at the cornerstone of the arched seating, "what are we starting with this morning?"

Kassandra already had her notepad ready to transcribe the meeting, offering Jessamine a small smile of reassurance. She knew there could be a conversation that could arrive she wouldn't be ready for. She had heard the whispers amongst their arrival this morning, and while it was none of the governor's business, they had the interests of the Empire in their minds.

"The railroad is completed throughout all of our territories reaching to Uhkhtar. It will only be a matter of a month or two before Lungor finishes it on their end. Soon, trade and travel will flourish between the Empires, as long as an import and export tax can be agreed between you and Vrah," Governor Ramin explained, seeing Jessamine nod.

Graphite didn't only just have its uses in terms of firepower. It was also a very good firestarter and resource for engines. It opened up numerous opportunities for trade that practically were muted with her father's reign. It also meant new security concerns, as plenty of foreigners could enter their communities, which seemed to displease a few. But Jessamine saw that a diversity of both goods and people would be beneficial to the economy, but also her overall plan.

"Construction of the school is nearing completion as well. Of course, there is still the issue with staffing, curriculum, and most of all the number of students. The good news is the anonymous polls at least within Vitross are beginning to show favor. The Time Paradox had only instilled fear for Oblivion once more. Opening a school for those with Oblivion will hopefully educate, inspire, and teach those how to properly use the magic at their disposal."

A scoff was heard amongst the group but Jessamine ignored it. Not everyone agreed with the plans, but this was coming from her own royal funds. Oblivion Academy. It was her idea. She had seen all the destruction and ruin created from Caladin, meant to suppress and control Oblivion, that she knew she needed something opposite to liberate it. People were afraid of things they didn't understand, and Oblivion could no longer become a taboo topic to inspire fear.

Those with both magical and non magical powers to attend, to be given an education in reading, writing, and most of all understanding of the world around them. The world had to come to learn how to work together, to value both Oblivionists and non-Oblivionsists as equally important to a functional community. Most of all, it would be an open learning environment where such magic wouldn't be contained in a box or limited. Nobody would have to fear the becoming of their best selves. Nobody would be belittled, demeaned, and most of all used for their sake of powers.

"Well, it sounds like at least economically things are stable. Vrah and I have agreed on the taxes of goods along with fees of travel. In terms of personal travel via the locomotive, it shall be a low fare to ensure anyone is welcome to see the Continent-"

"The influx of foreigners might derail-"

"An influx of diverse thought and culture is not something to be afraid of, Governor Harken," Jessamine interrupted him, very quickly after he had interrupted her, "if we are to repair relations with Uhkhtar, we must be the one to hold the doors open in a welcoming manner."

"I worry your aspiration is based on ancestral guilt," Harken explained, his jaw clenching slightly, "they don't like us. They don't want your guilt or your railroad. They won't want Vitross tourists infiltrating their cities. It is best to leave them to their own devices."

"Leaving them be has only resulted in extreme religious zeal coming from the area. No doubt the Time Paradox had many Uhkhtarians retreating in fear back to their old and sacred practices. It is rumored half the population believes Oblivion needs to be eradicated, and their new leader firmly believes so," Governor Bowen responded. Bowen covered the areas closest to Uhkhtar. He believed the same as Jessamine that leaving them alone would do more harm than good. Jess had no ill intentions towards them, and she wouldn't let that be decided by doing nothing and letting the rumors spread.

Uhkhtar never asked for a railroad or trade. Jessamine knew that alone was causing her heels to step on some toes. Her reasonings had nothing to do with guilt, although she felt slightly inclined to help due to how her family dealt with the region in the past. Her particular feelings for a certain Uhkhtarian might give her bias, but she was reading up on their culture and practices, particularly that fever growing religious aspect. If Uhkhtar was to grow back into a prospering district, it would need help, whether the people admitted it or not.

And right now, they were putting their faith in the wrong person.

Jessamine held her tongue for a moment, before knowing she had to be honest, "I plan on having an opening ceremony right on Shailud's doorstep. And at that ceremony, I will advertise our Academy and welcome those wishing their children to attend."

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"Your majesty, you can't be serious-"

"You're playing with fire."

"Shailud is a radical."

"I know what I'm doing," Jessamine stated, "Vrah agrees we need to make our presence known, in a much more welcoming, friendly manner. If we play passive with Uhkhtar's rising ruler, he will become emboldened. Radical he may be, he is not an imbecile. He would not refuse Vitross and Lungor at his doorstep, especially what it means for him economically and financially."

"You mean to test him," Bowen hummed.

"I despise religion, but even I agree character is built upon a baptism by fire," Jessamine nodded, "what he does when I arrive will determine the future of his people. His people will be watching him much closer than I will and he knows that. If he wants to play in the shadows then I welcome him to play that little game."

"It is too risky to stretch your neck out right now, in a foreign territory no less. You have no Guardian, and new threats have arisen this morning from Lungor," Ramin spoke, everyone's eyes turning to him, "Uhkhtarian zealots are not the only one's calling for a cleansing. There is that of the Pestilence."

"Mere rumors and nothing more," Bowen scoffed.

"Lungor newspapers this morning confirm Pestilence's threat and danger. He, she...whomever they are, it is true. They have the power to remove Oblivion entirely from an individual. Lungor leaked the manifesto: the empires will never become their strongest until its rulers no longer hold power over another. Jessamine, your Oblivion is being targeted. Going out in the open, again, without a Guardian will play into this person's hands. You will have two known enemies to keep watch for. Stay here in Vitross, and they have no way to penetrate this Empire."

Jessamine closed her eyes at the news, feeling the arising headache in her temple. Pestilence was a problem. Rumors were merely just based on fear, propaganda of this rising power. But if Lungor confirmed it, then this new enemy had the power to somehow split apart a person's soul with their Oblivion. And if this new problem decided to ally themselves with Shailud, a wave of anti-Oblivion language would rise. It wouldn't take long until that wave would turn into a storm of hate and violence, borderlining a religious war. Her hands clasped gently in that anxious tick, controlling her racing heart.

If her Oblivion was taken, what would that make her? Was all her worth dependent on the one thing she had finally learned to control?

"Forgive me for stepping in, given I have no Oblivion myself," Kassandra cleared her throat, "but isn't that a bit hypocritical? After all, if the reports are true, whomever Pestilence is must have Oblivion themselves in order to remove it. If they possess such magic, what right do they have to determine who and how to remove a person's Oblivion? How could people follow a person they are being told to hate?"

"An excellent question, Kassandra," Jessamine bit the inside of her lip, tasting the slightest hint of blood, "all the more reason I must go to Uhkhtar. This news will only create more fear towards those with Oblivion. I need to show there is nothing to be afraid of. Oblivion is a tool, if anything we should fear the wielder and not its power. I will need to speak with Vrah about this matter. If Lungor is concerned, then so must we. But we can't let terror stop us all from living our lives, from showing compassion and perseverance. I can handle myself without a Guardian."

"Is there any news on Kaid?" Ramin glared at Jessamine, his black eyes piercing into her own. Clearly all this talk of Guardians would bring him back into the discussion. It was a topic Jessamine certainly could never avoid.

The feelings of Kaid were mixed. There were plenty in this room who would relish any return of his to this Empire. He was a hero to many. The very fact he had a portrait hanging in this very hall where her father's portrait used to linger...that alone meant his time here held meaning. And there were those like Ramin who believed Kaid had been the source of their problems. Ramin believed Kaid to be dead, and for now, it was best to keep it that way.

"None, same as it has been with every Council meeting. If he is alive and well, he has not sent any communication," Jessamine answered sincerely, "if he is dead, then may the Divines bless his grave."

"Could he be this so-called Pestilence?" Bowen asked, as if his question was a brilliant breakthrough in this conversation.

Fucking idiot, Jessamine thought.

Kaid couldn't be. Despite Caladin, despite everything that had happened, Kaid held honor above revenge. Even now, Jessamine held no regrets for assisting him in the scandal. And miraculously, Lungor wasn't looking for repatriations for such a catastrophe. All the benefits of keeping Vrah on her side, for now. Jessamine knew if her compassion had grown in this time alone, then so must have Kaid's. He had a much bigger heart than her, that much was certain.

"We can't rule him out, but the likelihood is no," Jessamine replied gently, despite wanting to completely refute the idea. He couldn't be. She had her doubts. Often, she reminded herself that her deceit to Kaid probably still lingered in his heart. Did he hate her? Was it enough to start a war against Oblivion? It seemed much against his character, a man who was imprisoned for Oblivion, to take it from others. He, more than anyone, understood that a person could not be determined by their powers but by their actions.

Jessamine had a lot to make up for, but her hopes for any reconciliation were dim to the person she cared for most.

"Is that all?" Kassandra asked as she finished her notes, seeing most nod.

"Well, there is a more personal matter to ask about," Harken offered, seeing all the other Governors glare at each other. Kassandra's broad shoulders deflated, exhaling a sharp breath as she knew the potential weight held with this next question.

"Empress, how is your relationship with Vrah fairing?" he asked.

Jessamine looked surprised, but swallowed and answered honestly, "Fine. Why do you ask?"

"It's just..." Ramin paused, as if wondering if he should even continue, "you're nearing the age of thirty. Vitross has no heir. Should anything happen to you, there would be no stability within the region. The Empire would fall into chaos. We all believe Vrah is a secure choice. After all, should you two have multiple children, the Empires could remain united, both Vitross and Lungor united by siblings or family."

"I see..." Jessamine retorted bitterly, unable to hide her disappointed tone by such a personal matter.

"We mean no offense, your ladyship. But we all must do what is best for the Empire and you are the last of the Kruzika line. You could create a concubine and nobody would care, Jessamine. What people do care about is a clear and present future. That is all. And at the age thirty-"

"Yes yes, you act as if my organs stop working. You've said your peace and given me plenty to ponder about," Jessamine scoffed, clearly irritated. And at that, the Governors decided it was best to leave and not push the subject. The men took their leave, exiting the great hall with bemused looks as Bridger would portal them back to their homes.

Jessamine rubbed her already tired head. There was so much to think, so much to worry about. Shailud was a problem, a big one and she couldn't ignore his rising to power. He had to be handled delicately and as diplomatically as possible, even if they had no common interests. And this Pestilence...it was frightening. A political plague was spreading and the Empress was unsure how long her acts of kindness could last before a war could begin. She had to be a fine line between being a poison and a cure. Just like people would judge and test Shailud, they constantly observed her.

And Vrah. As much as she cared for the man, she held little room in her already taken heart. The longer she withheld such affection, like any man he'd tend to his needs elsewhere.

"I'm sorry they brought that up, they had no right Jess," Kassandra apologized, knowing she should have warned her about the topic.

"Hm, to some extent they do. They're right. There is no future as of now for my line," Jessamine whispered, "and there never will be."

"I...I don't understand-"

"I can't get pregnant," Jessamine's voice cracked, her blue eyes glancing at her assistant. Kassandra didn't know. Now, she has become one of three people to know such a secret. And if that secret got out, then the Continent would know Vitross lacked any ancestral security to her family's line. Of course there would always be distant cousins, but none would hold any interest in taking power and Jessamine wouldn't even entertain such a thought.

"Oh, Jessamine...I'm sorry," Kassandra whispered back, realizing just how serious that problem was, "Did Kaid know?"

"Yes," she nodded, feeling a painful emptiness in her heart, "he knew far before we ever grew...intimate. I thought it would push him away, I almost hoped it would. But you know Kaid, he's ever understanding, always kind."

There was a gentle silence between them, feeling the pressure from the news around them. It certainly felt enough to crumble their imaginary fortress, but they couldn't give in. They had worked so hard to get here, to let Vitross finally thrive. Two new enemies couldn't change that.

"He'd know what to do if he was here..." Kassandra admitted, seeing her Empress nod immediately. He would. Somehow, he felt like he always had the answer or at least speculative opinion on how to handle this. As little as he knew about politics then, he always had a mindset towards compassion for people, for integrity, and most of all honor. All she could do was merely imagine: what would Kaid do if he was here?

Would he wish for a swift end to Shailud's rebellion? How could he do it in a way that would still have Uhkhtarian's have faith in her? Was it even right to believe they could trust her? And what of Pestilence? Kill this fanatic meant having to get close. Go too far, wait too long, this rebellion would create a martyr. And who would want to grow close enough and risk such Oblivion?

Kaid would. He'd risk it, stupidly as he had done before. That was a risk however she couldn't let him make again.

The doors opened once more, small footsteps turning eager as the Royal Seamstress almost jogged with quickness in her gait. And as usual, with a contagious smile on her face. It wasn't until Jessamine saw the letter in her thin fingers that the Empress perked up in her seat, practically standing. Kassandra glanced back at her fiance, seeing the letter as well and smiled.

"Is that-" Kass was about to ask, seeing Christine nod.

"A new poem from Musa, Empress," Christine bowed, trying to withhold that smile as if it were such a secret.

Jessamine was quite the lover of poetry, and this new Uhkhtarian inspiring hope and affection through poetry was no exception. She walked over, attempting to conceal her eagerness as she gently took the letter and pried the seal with her fingers, not caring if the rough paper cut her skin. Her eyes scanned the contents, dilating at the words before she swallowed gravely. The two friends around her glanced at each other before back at their Empress, taking a deep breath.

"What does it say?" Kassandra whispered, "Is he alright?"

Jessamine took a moment to pace but did eventually nod at her question. Perhaps they weren't words she wanted to necessarily read. But it was clear, somehow, Musa was answering her prayers: Kaid would know what to do if he was here. And these words only confirmed the seriousness in this morning's briefing. This would require more than just gold to resolve, more than just faux smiles, or seductive suggestions.

O Empress, my Empress

Daughter of Darkness

Mother of Light

A new voice arises

One that is prepared to challenge your own

With this voice comes a storm in the sand

Sand that withers and frays my dreams

For a future, unknown

One thing is certain:

There was once time you were cruel

Heartless

Deceptive

A monster.

I'm here to wish you to be those things,

Once more

Just once

The Continent demands it of you

I gently ask it of you

My Empress, can I count on you?

Christine and Kassandra gazed towards each other, knowing these words were not poems of love or longing, but of impending doom. It first spoke as a warning, a guidance into how Jessamine needed to handle this. In all the lessons she learned, one Kaid had been forcibly educated on as well was that there were times to bring out the worst of themselves. The world needed moments of hate, of anger, of torment to survive. Caladin had been right that only through Trials, through fire did a heart become pure. And pure did not always mean an everlasting good.

Jessamine was forever condemned, damned, to use the weapons of her enemies. Her cornerstone deemed it so. The voice from her lips could only travel so far, and this sandstorm would certainly mute her pleas. Moments like these called for the voice in her mind, the same voice she could force others to hear, a voice she must force. And much against her will, she would have to use such a voice again. For too long, she let her poison and rot damage the relationships around her. Perhaps now, she let her kindness wither her security, allowing these walls to become vulnerable.

This world required a balance, one only time could assist in weighing the scales to level them once more.

"What does this change? Should we not prepare to go to Uhkhtar?" Kassandra asked, wondering if this would change their plans this morning.

"It changes nothing of the plan, only how carefully we need to proceed in it. This was not a warning or an omen. He knows what song I must play. This was merely letting me know he will be there to hear it, in the audience," Jessamine exhaled, nodding at her own understanding as she reread the poem over and over again.

He would be there. He was there. Somehow, somewhere, he heard the same whispers she did. The words only affirmed to her that this was an ever growing situation, one she might not be able to handle alone. All she wanted to do was invite him onto that stage with her, but the risks were too great. Jessamine these past two years had avoided the consequences, the butterfly effect of all his and her good intentions. Should Kaid walk upon that stage during her song, the fallout would surely begin.

"Always," Jessamine finally answered, "Reply to him: always."