So...When last we left Fiona she seemed to be leaning heavily towards supporting the rebellion. In chapter thirty-six, Alex received a message from her saying "I will fight...Let's see what Fiona's been up to now;-)

Fiona

Trained from an early age to sense the flow of time and the coming of day, Fiona woke just before the sun, though she could feel it's edge beginning to creep over the horizon to the east. Blinking the sleep from her eyes she turned to look at Alex's figure beside her, watching as his light breath caused the blankets to rise and fall like gentle waves in a cloth sea. 

His back was towards her now, though they'd fallen asleep curled together. She could still feel the heat radiating from his body close, the warmth so enticing compared to the cold chill that had swept through the room overnight. Already it pricked at the bits of her skin that peeked from beneath the covers. 

Fiona realized she had missed it, this comfort of another by her side. The life of a Nita was a lonely one and she'd never minded. Preferred it in fact. But she could not deny it was pleasant to have this temporary companionship. Still, as pleasant as it might be, she knew she could not spend the day in bed. Pulling back the blanket, Fiona forced her body to rise, facing the assault of cold air on her now exposed skin, leaving Alex still comfortably in sleep's embrace. They were both warn thin, and if he could find a few more moments peaceful rest she had no right to deny him.

She went first to the chipped porcelain washbasin in the corner by the cramped room's one, small window, staring into the waning darkness at the slight hint of sunlight had begun to color the sky, the thin crescent moon growing paler with the coming dawn. Taking a handful of water in her hands she splashed it on her face, feeling the shock of cold as the icy water touched her skin and brought her mind from the inevitable grogginess that accompanied too few hours of sleep.

The inn they had chosen in Camlin was busy. Filled with various travelers, merchants, and an assortment of raucous patrons from the popular tavern bellow, enough commotion to ensure their presence was entirely overlooked. It was not the most glamorous of accommodations. The room they'd rented for the evening was barely large enough to fit their bed and provided the most basic of amenities. Still, with the stresses she now faced in taking on her duties as Nita in addition to acting as clandestine advisor to the rebellion, these occasional rendezvous provided a much needed release.

True to the pledges he'd made in begging for her support, Alex had thus far proven his willingness to see Fiona as a partner in his management of the Vox Populi. In complete opposition to the manipulative and demeaning methods Henry continued to employ at their "meetings of good will," Alex was honest in presenting his vulnerabilities and truly seeking her advice making no attempt at pretense. He needed her help and knew it.

They had always worked well as together, even under Plath's leadership, but it was refreshing nonetheless to find her council truly considered and heeded. Even among her own people, such collaborative leadership was a rarity. Avery Trenton had never learned to treat her advice with anything less than blatant opposition, causing the Council to follow suit, and now more than ever, his blind support and trust of the Crown was nearly unbearable. But all that would change soon.

In the months since Fiona had officially pledged her support, the rebellion was already gaining strength again, though their rise was subtle. That was by intention. Alex's charismatic leadership was his greatest asset in gaining loyal followers to his cause and many did support him, but the man's impatience and tendency towards impetuous action had long been a weakness that threatened to destroy his chances of success. Fiona's tactics were far more nuanced.

Henry believed that the rebellion was still licking its wounds, struggling after the loss of Cecil Dirham. The King had no idea that a few carefully chosen details Fiona had provided of his activities within the palace had been enough to convince Alex's remaining noble allies that the Vox Populi's presence continued to pervade the royal city.

In spite of Henry's showing of strength, it seemed that few were truly deterred in their desire to bring down that Bastario crown. They were glad to hear the Vox Populi was not yet defeated. That Henry believed otherwise was to their distinct advantage. Alex needed only to prove that his movement remained a viable alternative to the Crown and the supporters would continue to come, spurred by the King's own actions as he attempted to use fear in culling obedience from his subjects.

Still, Fiona knew it would take patience to build a strong enough force with which they might viably attack the Crown. She imagined this had been Cecil Durham's intent when he had employed the Vox Populi, a slow and methodical undermining of Henry's rule. He'd wished to distract the King with the rebellion while simultaneously building his own secret enclaves of allies to dispatch once Henry's position was weakened by an angry populous. It was a brilliant plan. The fact he had been caught did not diminish that fact. But Dirham had had enemies. It seemed clear enough that had been his downfall. He was too visible. That was why Fiona knew that, in the end, her perceived lack of power was an asset.

Fiona did not have the resources of the former High Chancellor, but she did not have the same degree of scrutiny upon her either. Henry presumed her acquiescence in continuing to meet was a sign she had given over her loyalty unconditionally. He was too pompous to see the threat she might possess. All the more reason to be careful least he suspect. She was grateful that Alex had been amenable to trying her tactics, keeping any overt showing of the Vox Populi's strength to a minimum. Henry needed only to know that the Rebels were still a presence in the Empire. But if she could help Alex build a true following before the King understood how strong he had grown? They would be able to catch the Crown by surprise entirely.

Fiona moved quietly in the early morning stillness giving the occasional glance at the bed, where Alex still slumbered peacefully, retrieving her cloths from the floor where they had fallen the previous night after Alex had carefully stripped them from her. Her body warmed at the memory and for a moment, she considered waking him to reprise the evening's activity. But such a decision would not be wise. She would have to set out before the sun fully rose to ensure she would reach Frenwick in time for her appointment with the Council representative. As with every tryst they'd managed thus far, she could never truly afford more than one night alone with him in this less than official capacity. 

It was essential that both the Crown and the Council remained ignorant of her temporarily unaccounted for whereabouts and she could not allow Alex's men find out about her existence at all. If they were to learn he was taking advise from a mysterious female advisor the news could cost him their trust and lead to curiosity surrounding her identity. That she could not afford. Fiona made certain that, with any meeting she and Alex agreed to, another official reason for her journey away from Cainell was well documented and their time together brief.

Instead of giving into her base desires, Fiona dressed, brushing and arranging her hair as best she could in the blurred reflection of the dingy mirror hanging precariously from the wall by a rusted nail. Taking in her countenance Fiona lamented the lack of water to wash properly. Her hair was messy, clothes wrinkled. She could practically feel the thin layer of grime that had accumulated since she had set out from Cainell and had a distinct desire for a warm bath to clean the dregs of travel and sleep from her body. But there was little to be done for it. Fiona wouldn't have the chance to for such luxury before she arrived in Frenwick. Hopefully, her diminished appearance would not effect the strength the councilman would perceive from her in their meeting.

Her belongings were already packed of course, as they always were when she traveled, ready to make a hasty retreat, leaving no trace behind, but that was nothing new. For all the protection and mystique her position allowed, Manna had always taught Fiona to be alert to danger when traveling beyond the confines of Cainell and Gregorn. The Empire was not safe for those of Senmin descent outside their own communities, least of all for those who were potentially recognizable as leaders and practitioners of their faith. She had almost made it to the door when she heard him stir behind her.

"Fee?" Alex's voice was heavy with sleep as he blinked against the dim light to look at her. "Were you going to just leave?" he asked.

Fiona could hear the note of betrayal in his voice and she felt a slight pang of guilt wash over her, though she dismissed it almost immediately. "I have work to do Alex," she said, in mock chastisement, "I am expected in Frenwick this evening to meet with a very important Senmin leader. If you want me to garner more support for our cause among my people I must be careful to remain a faithful and effective leader, beyond reproach. The Council is well aware I left Cainell two days ago and I can't arouse any suspicions."

"You could have said goodbye, " he said, propping himself up to a seated position against the headboard of the bed.

"I didn't want to wake you."

Fiona could see the outline of his bare chest clearly in the waning darkness. She fought to suppress a wave of longing as she felt it wash over her. It seemed to be the one problem with allowing herself these rendezvous with Alex. They would become addictive if she was not careful.

"Well I'm up now," he said when she remained silent. "Still not going to come say goodbye?" He leaned towards her invitingly, a half grin stretched across his face. Fiona felt the ends of her mouth twisting up slightly, responding in kind. She put down her bag and faced him fully.

"Goodbye Mr. Harrison," she said. When she did not make a move towards him, Alex pulled back the covers and climbed from the bed. Hints of day had began to stream through the small window and his form was illuminated in patchy spots, his bare skin bathed in a soft, orange-yellow light that washed away the shadows of the early morning darkness. Fiona watched somewhat mesmerized as Alex crossed the room walking over to where she stood unmoving. His hand reached out and gently resting a hand against the small of her back, pulling her in closer until their bodies were nearly touching.

"Goodbye," he whispered in her ear. Alexander placed his lips on hers in a light kiss. Fiona didn't resist. Her mouth reached for his, returning his kiss with one more urgent, and then another. His arm tightened around her waist their bodies pressing together, their breath momentarily lost in each other's embrace. He reached for her shift, sliding the fabric from her shoulder, but Fiona brought up her own hand to stop him.

"I have to go, Alex," she said trying to bring her breath under control and stop her head from spinning with the heady sent of his skin so close. "We have to stop."

"Why?" he breathed, with a mischievous grin. He kissed her neck, his teeth pressing gently into her skin causing her whole body shiver with pleasure. "We could stay here a bit longer," he coaxed. "A few more hours," Another kiss, this time on her shoulder, his hands slipping down her body below her waist, exploring. "A few more days," His lips on her chest. He cast his eyes up to meet her gaze. "A few more weeks." Fiona smiled but used her remaining strength to push him gently away.

"Goodbye, Alex," she answered. Seeing her resolve, he sighed and allowed her to untangle their arms from one another. She watched with a slight hint of regret, as he retrieved his shirt from the floor and began to dress.

"So who's this guy you're meeting?" he asked. "Is he prettier than me?"

Fiona smiled. "Are you jealous?"

"Not unless he's prettier than me," Alex answered.

She laughed. "Unless my taste was for much older gentlemen," she said, "I believe you have nothing to fear. My meeting is with a man nearly seventy, bald, and more than unusually round."

Alex stopped at that, looking to Fiona with a broad grin stretched across his face. "In that case, I thoroughly agree to this meeting," he said.

"And if you did not agree do you think you could stop me?" She asked with a sly smile.

He shook his head in defeat. "No," he admitted, "but if I found out that your appointment was with a man who was particularly handsome, I'd sure as hell try."

Fiona laughed.

Alex sat on the bed as he slid on his boots and began lacing. "In all seriousness," he said. "Who is he and why should I care? A man near seventy is not a man in his prime after all. What does he have that I want?"

His tone and demeanor had undergone the clear shift she had seen so many times before. The games were over. Fiona had always marveled at his dual nature. The two sides of Alex, so separate from one another.

"Who said this has anything to do with you?" Fiona challenged. "I am the leader of the Senmin people. Not all appointments I keep with my colleges are any business of yours."

"Fair enough."

"But in this case, I do believe that my intended meeting will be advantageous towards the Vox Populi's future success.

He looked up, interest clearly peaked.

"Bernard Merkin is a highly respected elder in the midlands, the township head of Frenwick."

"Merkin?" he asked with surprise. "The Frenwick township head?"

"Then you have heard of him."

"Course I have. I was a trader for years. My father before me. Never dared approach Merkin for help though."

"And why not?" Fiona asked. "Frenwick is close to the Capital after all. The King relies on that town heavily to support commerce in Auresir."

"All the more reason I always assumed their leader would side with the Crown," Alex answered. "Too dangerous for him not to.

Fiona smiled and shook her head. "And this is why you need me, Mr. Harrison. You are mistaken. Merkin has long resented the Bastario line. Though he hesitated to joining Plath years ago, he was interested. I can assure you of that. Henry may have revoked Fredrick's ban on Senmin worship, but Merkin is none too happy with the King's continued restrictions on Senmin trade. While he would never speak the sentiment in mixed company, I know for a fact he has been heartened to see the Vox Populi gaining ground again. I have been forced to limit the degree with which we could speak on the subject in written correspondence of course, but I believe that the time is right to be more forward now. With a little persuasion, Merkin might even be willing to speak on behalf of the rebellion at the next Council Assembly.

"That is good news indeed," Alex said, his eyes taking on that sharpness they always did when conversations turned to the revolution. The calm, irreverent, nonchalance disappeared entirely. He was a soldier. The stakes were too high for lighthearted banter. Staring into his passion was intoxicating. Fiona knew it was that most of all that had driven her to Alexander's cause so long ago. The resolution towards a great future, towards justice against all of the Empire's failings. His drive to protect his people, to risk everything for his cause. 

"Do you believe his aide will be enough to finally sway your people towards our cause?" he asked.

Fiona stared at him, lips tightening as she considered the question, wishing desperately that she could give him the answer she knew he sought. "It is difficult," she said finally. "Do not misunderstand. I have many allies. Even among the seven of the Cainell Council, there are at least two who I believe are loyal to the Nita enough to consider my proposal to support the Vox Populi. But still," she paused. "Avery Trenton is well liked and very powerful among my people. He is entirely convinced that supporting the Crown is our only option. It will take quite a bit to sway enough councilmen to go against him on such an important issue. I think we just need more time."

"Perhaps I should attempt to persuade the council leader myself," Alex said, his expression hardening as he picked up his knife and replaced it in his belt with purpose.

Fiona gave him a rueful smile. "I can't say, at times, I have not considered such a course of action," she said. "But while Avery is undoubtedly a hard man, in the end, I do not wish him any ill. Besides," she added. "If you were to harm or threaten the council leader in anyway, I can assure you that the Senmin would be pushed immediately to side against you. In an instant, we would make a martyr of Avery Trenton and induce the hatred of all the Senmin. Many of my people are weary of the rebellion. If the Vox Populi's strength is established enough as a viable alternative to the Crown, I'm certain I can work to slowly convince the Council to have a more favorable view of your movement. To see you as a valuable ally and not a threat.  But you must trust me. Caution, patience, that is how we will achieve victory."

Fiona watched him purse his lips in an effort to hold his tongue. It was clear Alex wanted her to agree to some more decisive course of action, but she knew she was already doing as much as she could among the Senmin without risking exposure.

"You must understand Alex, it is hard for most Senmin to avoid the fear that Henry will be no different than his father. The more visible power you gain, the more Henry's worries will grow. Many will be convinced the King could strike against us in retaliation as Fredrick did before him and imagine that keeping as much distance as possible from the Rebellion is the only way we will survive. Those beliefs will not be easily altered." Fiona watched as he frowned and turned away from her.

"Alexander, I am not blaming you."

"Aren't you though? I have told you before Fiona, what happened to those men back then my was not within my control. What happened to your people was not either."

His defensive response was enough for her temper to flair, but she did not want to part from him on a bitter note. "I'm not trying to argue," Fiona replied, taking a deep breath, "Of course you could not control Fredrick's actions. It does not change what was done to us. How much we lost" At the forced a degree of acceptance in her words Fiona watch the tension in his body relax slightly.

"I'm sorry Fee," Alex said, his voice carrying a true note of regret. "I do realize how much the Senmin have already suffered for our cause, and your people have every right to fear. But Fredrick's unpredictable and entirely unreasonable retaliation against the Senmin was only further proof that he did not deserve to rule the Empire. He struck out of fear, with no sense of military tactic or reason. Henry is more intelligent than that. As you said, the Senmin are innocent of any involvement with us now."

"Save myself, that is." It was not the first time Fiona realized the level of betrayal she perpetrated in her involvement with Alex. If she was caught, it would be tantamount to condemning her entire people to face the consequences of involvement with the rebel forces. But she was doing this for them. Taking the action she knew was necessary and ensuring that, when the rebellion inevitably gained power enough to take down the Crown, her people would be on the correct side of the inevitable battle.

"Look Fee," Alex said. "Your people are not nearly as weak as they believe themselves to be. The Senmin have power within the Empire, in spite of all the Bastario throne has done to suppress them. The Senmin still control enough of the trade and wealth of Erestia to give the King pause before taking any drastic action against them. And though Henry may not be as superstitious as his father I am certain he still maintains a certain level of fear towards you and your people. He, like many, believe in the power you possess. The mystical powers the Senmin control."

"Oh yes," Fiona replied bitterly, "The belief that we are in league with the devil, that we draw our power and resilience through dark magik."

"You know that I don't believe such nonsense," he scoffed, "nor do most. The Senmin have more friends within Erestia than they know. That is why Fredrick was unable to simply destroy your people. Henry too must realize, like his forefathers before him, that while hatred is easy to spread among the suffering masses, in the end, the Senmin cannot be easily erased from the Empire. Not without a fight. That is why he meets with you in the first place."

Fiona shook her head. " You make it sound so simple, so certain. No one demanded justice when Fredrick purged the last of the Senmin from the capitol. No one screams for Senmin representation to be reinstalled in the House of Lords."

"Fee," he said, taking her hand in his, "I swear to you that those who join our cause will be protected to the best of both of our abilities. Plath was wrong in not working harder to save those men thirteen years ago. He did not realize how important the Senmin could be in our fight. How necessary they were. I do not intend to make that mistake again."

Fiona nodded, accepting his contrition. She knew he would never fully comprehend the depth of Plath's betrayal, how the Vox Populi had set the Senmin into a spiral of persecution and oppression rivaling that of any time since the establishment of Kanjar's texts had prompted his loyal followers to fear all those who paid tribute to the Fae. But this was a piece of their uneasy truce on the matter. She knew he was trying his best to make amends.

It would never be enough. Fiona could forgive, but she never forget, and she would never allow him to betray her so again. It was one of the promises she had made to herself in agreeing to aid Alex's cause. He had put his men first in the past, and she would do the same for her people now. Loyalty to the Senmin would come before all else, whatever the cost, and complete trust was something she could not afford to grant him.

"I know its hard," Alex said, breaking her thoughts, but if there is anyone who can convince the Council of Elders to join our cause, I'm certain it' s you."

She smiled. "I thank you for your confidence, Mr. Harrison," she said. He walked towards her, catching her about the waist.

"You have more than my confidence Nita Amoral," he said, pulling her close.

"Your confidence will be useless if I do not make my appointment," she teased. "I can hardly reason with the councilmen I fail to speak with."

"Fair enough." Alex pressed his lips against hers stealing a quick kiss before releasing her from his grasp. Fiona reached for his face, caressing it gently, and kissed his cheek feeling the prickle of his stubble against her bare skin, savoring his musky sent for a moment longer.

"I will see you soon," she said as she picked up her bags, once again hoisting them to her back.

"When?"

She could hear the longing in his tone. It worried her. She enjoyed their time alone together but had never intended it to amount to anything other than a relief of stress for both of them. She'd thought he had understood that and certainly never wished to give him a false impressions that these less than professional moments they'd shared were anything more.

"I am expected back in the Capitol two months from now," she answered.

"Another meeting with the King?"

"Yes."

"I will find you then."

"Alex, perhaps it would be best if we wait. While I enjoy your company greatly, we need to be carful."

He nodded his understanding, but she could see the disappointment in his eyes. "You are right," he said. "I am being selfish. Do what you think is best."

"I will write when I believe it is safe to meet again."

"And if the King provides any information of import."

"Of course."

"Leave the message with Knacker," Alex said. Fiona looked at him skeptically. Andrew Knacker was Alexander's major supplier of both weapons and information within the Capitol city. Though she had only met him once in person, and had found the man extremely amiable, Fiona was hesitant to exchange correspondence through a man she was quite certain would sell out anyone for the right price.

"Are you sure he can be trusted?" she asked. "The crown has been more vigilant of late in the trolling for information within the middle and upper districts. That much has been clear in my recent visits to the palace. The King still suspects you have contacts within Auresir."

"And?"

"And I worry that giving privileged information to a man with the proclivity to sell it to the guard is in poor judgment. Surely many wish to profit off of the King's fear."

"Knacker's been on our side since the beginning, " Alex replied, unconcerned. "Besides, the Henry doesn't pay his army enough and Andrew has a love of the finer things in life that only big money can buy. A few of my supporters have given me funds enough to pay for his discretion. The man has no knowledge of your identity anyway. He probably just thinks you're some love struck girl who follows me around."

"How comforting. Are there many of those Mr. Harrison?" Fiona teased.

He laughed. "None half as pretty as you," he answered. "But in all seriousness," he added, smile fading. "We can trust Andrew Knacker. You have my word."

Fiona nodded, though the idea still made her uncomfortable. "I will leave a message containing what I can, after my visit with Henry."

"And you will let me know the results of the general assembly of your Elder Council."

She nodded again and he smiled.

"I wish you luck Nita Amoral I will be anxiously waiting for word of your eminent success."

Fiona could not help but smile back.

So there you have it. Fiona appears fully committed to the rebellion ( and it seems her relationship with Alex has changed a bit...;-)). Thoughts? Again, I know the separation of chapters might make this development seem abrupt, but I really would like feedback on that. Fiona has been weary of Henry since their first meeting ( even before she knew Alex was alive and trying to bring back the rebellion). Henry has continued to pressure her to stay by his side and pledge unwavering alliance which Fiona is certain will compromise the Senmin in some way ( likely around the subject of magik).  Alex was in a vulnerable place and needed her help if the rebellion was to survive ( and they were potentially Fiona's only way to avoid being under the King implicitly). All of these things brought her here, but has that come across? That's what i want to know from a reader perspective. Also, does this chapter help explain her plan? Why she thinks siding with Alex is in the Senmin's best interest? What do you think of their less than professional activities?

 Next chapter will go to Teren again ( since he came into the story later, he has some character development catching up to do), but after that we will see Fiona again. Also Manna and a Karina sighting. I know they have been missing for a bit but hang on. I PROMISE Karina and Manna's roles in this story are FAR from over. The multi POVs means a certain amount of jumping around, but each chapter is meant to serve a very specific purpose in the plot. Hopefully that is coming acorss. Thanks for your patience in waiting an extra week for this chapter! Remember..All comments/critique are welcome! Love to hear your thoughts! And if you liked the chapter, don't forget the star;-)