"hope i didn't keep you waiting too long." dahlia says as she opens the door. "i promise i didn't forget about this."

her entrance possesses little fanfare or fancy. just business. the commissioner is quick to close the door behind her and as she turns, her blonde brush of hair whips forth, restrained tightly by a ponytail holder.

"and how are you today, fernando?" she asks as she settles into her seat. from her binder, dahlia plucks her fountain pen. already, her eyes scours the folders for labeling before they meet fernando's for his answer.

dahlia goode

fernando's guidance allows her to retrace the words she has already read. despite the besmirched background the initiative possesses, the commissioner reminds herself that any tarnishing can be washed away— especially if its progenitor is washed up.

"the reports i've read about meteor falls were impressive." dahlia says pleasantly— almost proud. blonde hair falls gently against the sides of her face, but she is quick to sweep it back behind her ears. "a great demonstration of what an avatar can do in service for our country. do you not believe the same?"

she stops, trimming her smile.

"are you scared, fernando?"

dahlia goode

"and that is precisely why," dahlia's hand falls from her hair to her lap, "this initiative is important. if their achievements do not align themselves with their ability, then is it not paramount that we help them close that gap?"

she includes him in the proposed task; with quick voice, as if preventing moving water from freezing, she responds to both fernando's fear and criticism.

"i'm happy to hear kim hasn't lost his edge even after marriage." she notes brightly like an earring dangling from her tongue.

dahlia goode

"you're right. i have to admit, i can only see it as a lose-lose if we were to slip on the public's shoes."

a sigh swoons from her lips like a spirit is searching for repose. however, it can not swoon far enough to escape the tired drawl of her inhale.

"either we are accused of inaction or we are accused of not doing enough. inevitably, the league will be forced into doing something one way or the either- and i'd rather it be done by our capable hands." her hands bob in the air as she speaks. her fair palms face the heavens as if preparing for crucfixion.

"as transient as our time on this rock is," dahlia says, "i do not intend to stand idle." if she can help it. "and i expect you to be the same."

dahlia goode

"in the end," dahlia's hands return to her lap, "the accountability will fall on me. no matter the shift."

the passage of time withers both the physical and psychic image. new fads fade. honeymoons wane. the excitement of her ascension to the political seat, although it was carried over the whisperings of doubtful politicians, has fallen through the floor. crevasses created by war and unsteady land.

"so rest assured, you'll be fine." dahlia says. "if that's what you're worried about, that is."

dahlia goode

"oh, look at you waxing poetic." dahlia looks pleased. as her fingertips flutter across her lap in some undefined meter, the smile doesn't leave her. "i'm glad you feel that way."

for a moment, she's quiet. although onlookers may misconstrue for awkward silence, it is the gap between speech that allows effect to compound itself. thoughts are given permission to breathe. she resets her palate.

"it's okay to be selfish sometimes, fernando." dahlia says. "so, forget about hoenn for a moment. is there anything i can do for you?"

FERNANDO SILPH