field trips had not been common yet in her work, but given her task, she was beginning to make them all around hoenn. she hoped to persuade the region’s capable agriculturists and landowners to contribute what they could in dire times, as thanks to the barrier, food shortages were clear on the horizon.[break][break]

cait alfric’s suspicion was not veiled in the slightest sense, but iseult wasn’t discouraged. this woman was a veteran. one of hoenn’s most capable and war-seasoned, who had retired after honorable service, and surely only wanted to be left in peace to live her life. a warmer welcome would have been surprising.[break][break]

”iseult, ma’am.”[break][break]

she held her a hand out to shake, giving a smile despite the tension she could feel. beyond the woman’s shoulders was a vast property, its marked boundaries stating its abundance on her way in. this was a crucial meeting.[break][break]

”i apologize that mr. silph was not able to make the trip, but your willingness to meet is greatly appreciated. i wish it were under better circumstances.”[break][break]

the council had been especially busy with everything going on, but it went without saying. to bring up the excuse to cait would be to suggest she could not surmise as much herself.

[attr="class","ooc"]cait alfric [break][break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-rapidash"]

iseult was a little surprised at her response. she assumed the state of their mutual home was a shared troubling circumstance; however, this woman had a family to feed, and was self-sufficient, and she had served the region fiercely already. she wasn’t taking. how could they reasonably ask her give even more?[break][break]

her lips pressed in a polite but weaker smile than before.[break][break]

prices of food skyrocketing had been a great concern to her. to watch it happen on any level was dismaying, but she didn’t comment.[break][break]

”the favor is what mr. silph has already mentioned, then, miss alfric. aid by providing land to an emergency relief effort to counter hoenn’s imminent food shortages. you are located nearly equal distance from what will be two public centers of distribution: mauville and lilycove. your help would be invaluable.”

[attr="class","ooc"]cait alfric [break][break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-rapidash"]

the narrowing of green eyes was only met with practiced formality.[break][break]

“i see. then i apologize. i have no intention of asking you to provide land you do not have to spare, nor do i wish to try and convince you to sacrifice more than you already have for this region.”[break][break]

not on behalf of councilman FERNANDO SILPH , or anyone else.[break][break]

“however, i would like to leave a thought as humbly as i may: while it is the league’s responsibility to provide for hoenn’s people during this time of crises, it may not be within its power alone.” which would have grave consequences in the worst case scenario, not for the league, but for hoenn's people. survival was key, and cait's reasoning was strong and valid—but faulting an entity for reaching out for crucial help to save lives during the apocalypse was something iseult found unreasonable.[break][break]

she gathered her posture, prepared to move on.[break][break]

“i sincerely hope i've not caused any ill feelings by coming here today. it is by unfortunate necessity that i am out making these rounds.”[break][break]

she gave a polite nod and another small, pressed smile.[break][break]

“you have my deepest respect, miss alfric. thank you for your time.”[break][break]

with that, she turned to leave. she would not stay and harass a veteran. if land was not available here, then that was that.

[attr="class","ooc"]cait alfric [break][break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-rapidash"]

the response, and the softening of the woman’s features was not expected. iseult paused, not yet fully turned to make her leave. she didn’t mean to be rude, she’d merely not meant to overstay her welcome.[break][break]

she nodded, feeling a small swell of success in her chest. something done, at least. for hospitals, orphanages and foster homes? she could live with that.[break][break]

”that is wonderful, miss alfric. you will be compensated, of course.” for it was not so much the lack of funds for these efforts as it was the real resources. They would work out the money—not that the budget was in any excess—but they couldn’t pull fertile land out of their pockets. [break][break]

with an invitation to stay, iseult’s smile warmed a bit more.[break][break]

”that sounds lovely. i will take you up on that, thank you.”[break][break]

and then, she was again walking towards cait as she was beckoned, finding herself a little curious about the story between her and the councilman she worked for. something had bonded them. battle, maybe?

[attr="class","ooc"]cait alfric [break][break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-rapidash"]