Do not speak of murder for I shall end you

"So I’ve heard. I can’t tell whether the people are joyous or depressed."

"Maybe they are neither. People are masters of masks and pretending."

"Of course it is. Targets are so easily found."

"indeed they are." Talia smirked. "My name is Talia Blythe."

"Why do you wish on exacting revenge?"

"Because I've been wronged?"

"It seems a problem many people are now facing."

"is it, really?"

"You find new revenge and new target."

"That is an admirable thought."

"I always wanted sisters. Now, I think I’m rather glad I have none." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, regarding the other woman curiously. "Freedom is an alluring idea, but in practice, it is oft more complicated than we believe. Do your sisters stop you from gaining your independence, or do they merely hindrance you from doing what it is you wish?"

"The first; they seem to be reluctant of letting me do anything, even though I am the middle child with Maeve being the eldest and Annette youngest of three of us." Talia shrugged. "They are toying me around, making all decisions which should be mine to make."

This time, he bowed, but it was an arrogant bow that he halfway laughed through. “Different experiences give us all different outlooks on life, so when I came to the Keep, I saw things others might not.” He rose his brows, thoroughly impressed by her assessment. “You know what? I do believe you’re correct. What a tragic thing.”

"For us, yes, but for them  better to be shrouded. Who knows how will people try and use them to their own purposes." Talia shrugged.

"No… You’re mistaken. That’s not possible… My father—he can’t be dead." Astrid’s voice tremulated with a mix of anger, anguish, and disbelief.

"He is. Not accepting the truth won't revive him."

"So the King is dead. Here comes uprising."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but it was about the damn time."

"What's with the snicker, Maeve?"

"It’s good to know it wasn’t empty courtesy when it came to me then — but in that case…” He bowed his head respectfully back. “I can return the favor.” He glanced back out towards the sea, as if he would be able to see beneath the surface if only he looked hard enough. “At least, above the water, we can pretend it’s a better world down there. I wonder if the sea creatures imagine the same about up here.” He shrugged. “What I’m getting is that, either way, we’re screwed.” 

"You speak such wise words for someone, and pardon me if I am mistaken and pardon my baldness, so young. I believe most men thrice your age are not as perceptive." Talia nodded, quirking her brow at him. "No, I believe sea creatures are quite aware how is it up here, maybe that is why no one seen them, yet."

"If you’re a clever individual, I quite agree. Unfortunately for us, most individuals are not quite clever enough for their thoughts to warrant such a setting." She tilted her head to the side. "Do you come here to think often then, Talia?" 

"Whenever I manage to escape my sister's ever so watchful eye. I know she loves me, unlike the other, but I would like to have freedom of my own."

Curiosity lit up Alycia’s expression. “It seems a popular spot for thinking then. They must be rather important thoughts if they need such a dramatic setting.” She bowed her head in greeting. “Alycia Cromwell. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Talia.”

"Every thought is dramatic, my lady." Talia grinned, bowing her head at the woman. "Oh, no, I assure you pleasure is all mine, lady Alycia."

"It’s a cure to the Keep itself," he agreed. The sea seemed to be attempting to wash away the injustices that littered the place. "I have yet to find a better place, that’s for damn sure." He waved off her bow, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "You don’t have to bow or anything. I’m pretty far from anything noble — not that you should bow to them anyways. Name’s Illias."

"Just empty courtesy, at least when it comes to them." Talia smirked. "Now, that makes two of us." She thought for a second about his remark on the sea being the cure for the Keep. "Is it really a cure or something more twisted? I believe this sea holds many secrets that have been too dangerous for the noblemen to surface out of the closet. I believe if we were to live underwater we would find so much crime and murder."