Persie hops in with Diamond and they head back to the temple: This was an insane trip, but it’s good for the case. Not only does this prove the significant budget differentials but it also proves a lot of other issues that I didn’t even know were a problem. Like the birth rate issues, shutting down certain stores if they don’t “play a part”, them possibly snatching people off the street for sex trafficking. It’s all ridiculous! But they all act like it’s normal. That cafe was UGH!!! Did you get the name of that cafe, Diamond? 

Diamond: Starlight Cafe, located in the center of the Province, to the east of the park circle.

Persie: Thank you! Ugh, we have so much to tell The Goddess…so so much. *he puts his head on the window and dozes off after a bit, he was mentally exhausted that it caught up to him*

Diamond: -she allows him to rest and doesn’t wake him up until they’re back at the Ivory Sanctuary-

She wakes Persie and they both leave the carriage. He looks a bit tired but he’s more hungry than anything.

Persie: Damn, I'm hungry. Thank you for everything today Diamond. You did wonderfully! And thanks for protecting me…*they both go inside and try to find Aiah as soon as possible, who is in the throne room, she is about to get off to start retiring for the night*

Persie comes in and when he sees Aiah, he visibly relaxes: safety…he thinks and then approaches the throne as she comes down it. He bows to her.

Persie: My Goddess…there is much I wish to discuss if you have time either now or later. I understand if you are tired as well and we can talk tomorrow.

Aiah: -she looks him up and down and gently touches his cheek, secretly dispelling the rest of the charms lingering on him- Welcome home. You may accompany me to a late dinner and brief me on what you’ve learned.

Persie leans into her touch, feeling relief finally: Mmmm yes I would like to. I’m hungry but there is so much that happened.

Aiah: Good, let’s get you fed. Autumn has made a wonderful seafood menu tonight. -she smiles at him and leads him to the dining room-

Persie perks up at the mention of seafood: S-seafood? Sounds delicious. *he follows her to the dining room*

Aiah: -she takes her seat at the head of the table- I don’t enjoy many foods often, but I do love squid. And the children adore grilled fish and peppers.

Persie sits to her right and looks at all the food: Mmmm I love grilled fish and calamari or scallops. It’s wonderful. *he’s pretty hungry and hears his stomach grumble* I can’t wait. How was your day? I’m surprised you haven’t eaten yet.

Aiah: Heh I had a bit of research to do, so I decided to wait for you.

Autumn comes out with several trays of different fish dishes floating behind her and she sets the table for them.

Persie: really? What were you researching? I rather talk about what you are doing right now…my day was…too much. *looks at Autumn* It looks wonderful, Autumn!

Aiah: -she giggles quietly at him- Eat, dear. I was reviewing the budgets prepared by the Sister in accounting, the new population census and immigration requests, heh and a tutor for Ra and Adrian.

Persie: Ah are they still shrinking things? Also immigration requests? For Refuge from where? I would say Aralan is very immigrant-conscious but they are overrun from what it seems and don’t have the best areas. This feels so familiar like falling into a rhythm. *he begins eating* Mmmm this is…delicious oh my gosh! *eats more* Mmmmmmmm!

Aiah: -she genuinely smiles at him as she watches him- I’m glad you’re enjoying it..  -she starts taking small pieces of some calamari- They’ve been shrinking their snacks to run away with more in the kitchen, but they need tutors to help with their personal magic. The immigration requests mainly come from Istrelar and Dzular, with a few here and there from Baehalan.

Persie: I see. Heh I’m glad the kids are getting more help with their magic. Why are there so many immigration requests? Is something going on? *he looks at her as they both are eating*

Aiah: Dzular is a very harsh country, many people after a while can’t take it anymore so they come here for a reprieve. 

Persie: But what about in Istrelar? I’ve never been to either one so I honestly don't know the climate they are currently facing. I’ve mainly been to Baehalan and I did see that it was bad for a long time..they are getting a bit better though. *eats more* mmmm this hits for real. *looks at her from the side* So…today was interesting but I can explain more…after dinner if…that’s okay?

Aiah: Of course dear. For now I don’t mind just answering your own questions, these are important things for you to learn. Istrelar is more difficult to speak on. I know the people are more traditional, less reliant on technology, but the actual state of the people is unknown to me. They have chief leaders but their messages go through Parliament but even those requests come in slowly. And their deities…I haven’t heard from them in a few decades.

Persie: So there is more isolation at least on your end? Not sure how good that is especially since Parliament only seems to care about mostly mage-centered things which is dumb as fuck. *he’s anger comes through but he coughs and steadies himself* I apologize for that goddess.

Aiah: It’s quite alright, I share your sentiments…This is why I need a physical representative. I cannot easily leave the temple, I need eyes outside of here. Parliament can’t defy me but I can’t overrule what I don’t know about.

Persie: Don’t worry Aiah…I mean Goddess, I got you. I will be your eyes and ears as much as possible but if I may ask, why can’t you leave the temple? Is it like a god thing where you are just so up there in age that you just can't? I don’t know how long you’ve walked our plane of existence but I just assumed it’s because of fatigue maybe?

Aiah: -she looks away from him and gets a slightly sad stare- Yes…I guess fatigue is a good description…I save the energy on the very few ways I can leave for showing up for the children during important school events…Which by the way..I have yet to thank you for spending time with the little ones. It has truly brightened up their days.

Persie: Of course I love kids, I used to play with quite a few during my travels and read stories ahha. But…I get it. Is fatigue something that stays with you? Or can it be fixed? I guess unless I know your biological make-up to help haha but I’m not a mana specialist for real. *finishes his food* Mmmm so so good. That was wonderful and needed.

Aiah: Hehe…I would need an incredibly large boost in mana around me to walk around comfortably.

Persie giggles: No that’s fair. You probably have a lot of power. *looks at her* Shall we talk more now or would you like more calamari?

Aiah: Heh brief me of your findings and I’ll eat some more.

Persie gets up and takes his journal out of his pocket and springs his notes out and into a hologram: So…first of all, if you look at the photos, Opirea is extremely beautiful. It’s gorgeous, no trash, beautiful shops and eateries, so many mages, almost damn near only mages.

Aiah: -her eyes narrow slightly as she eats- Opirea is a slight…annoyance to me.

Persie, flips to the notes with the shop-owner: So I met a Peacock Ant that owned a tailor boutique which I thought was interesting. And he said it was wonderful there but when I asked more about why there’s so many mages and no ants, they didn’t want to talk anymore. I feel like there’s possibly a thing going on where ants or only certain kinds of people are okay as long as they can uphold the standard. A Peacock Ant would tend to be more on status and looks and they can provide services to mages and they lived on the outskirts of Opirea which was also interesting.

Aiah: Hm…I’ll have to step in on how permits are given out..Continue dearest.

Persie: And so Diamond and I walked to this nearby park and it was beautiful *moves to show photos of the gilded statues and crystal water fountains* Aralan has NOTHING like this over there at all. But then…*he trails off* This man came…and started chatting me up saying the fountain was one of his best designs. I’m thinking “Alright whatever cool fountain.” But he got real weird and then Diamond stepped in and I said I would go with him to the cafe that was right there and of course she stayed outside. Goddess, I don’t know what’s going on over there. But they tried to get me to agree to being a stud for these rich families. The man’s name was *snapping his finger to try and remember* Cornelius Greenweld and he had these friends named Philonias, Scarlette Nesryn and her cousin I think, Valentine. But they just started talking about me like a piece of meat and I said hell nah, left and when I turned back, all the mages in there looked at me as if the whole thing was a set up. It was the most wildest shit ever. After that, Diamond and I went to take pics of the nearby private school. *he shows her* And it’s a gorgeous school. The kids look well taken care of, and they have those fields and such as well. Diamond also said that her capabilities of protecting me were exceeded so I was in a lot of danger and then here I am. I…I didn’t like that place. There’s too much going on and a lot of secrecy. But everything felt fake! I felt gross! *Persie’s frustration seeps out from seeing Aralan and then seeing Opirea* I want to help but I need to help everyone, not just mages…

Aiah: -her eyes cut over to him and her fingers twitch when he talks about the mages trying to take him- Disgusting fucking mongrels…-her eyes widen slightly and she takes a breath- Apologies darling…You’ve done an incredible job. I will make adjustments to Diamond so she can help protect you better. You’ve earned a rest. Present me with your case when you’re ready, and whatever changes or demands you wish to make, you will have my decree to back you up. Big changes won’t be immediate but I will allow things to be put in motion.

Persie blushes but is also startled: I…thank you. Your support is most welcome and I appreciate everything you do. Thank you so very much *looks at his journal and puts it back in his pocket* I really do appreciate you working with me and allowing me to stay here and work with Diamond and the Sisters. I’m enjoying your family so thank you again. I was…scared today but…I won’t back down. I must help! *he gets up and goes over to her and looks her deeply in her eyes* Resosia deserves better than what Parliament is doing and if your fatigue ails you then I will be your strength until you get better. *holds her hands softly* You have my word on my name. I always keep that.

Aiah: -her eyes soften and she gently touches his cheek- …Thank you Persius…thank you…I…you should get some rest dear.

Persie smiles deeply at her: Of course I’m exhausted haha. You too and I’ll see you in the morning. *leaves to go to his room* Mmmm man…i’m tired. *looks at his phone* I’ll text Jii in the morning. *gets in the shower, and heads right to bed, passing out in a few minutes, snoring away*