#happy sob

Yes! I really wanted to show that she is her own person before she's his girlfriend, crush, love interest, or anything else for that matter. Her existence isn't dependent on him, just as his existence isn't dependent on her. He's not there to just kiss her boo-boos away, and to fulfil her needs. He is his own person too, with his own short-comings and troubles. They both have their own issues, but they try. They try to be good to those around them. And they try to be there for each other. And I'm happy that you liked me "showing" what she's like, instead of just listing out her traits.

They really were, weren't they? Mereo might have had more than a few occasions when she wanted to just smash the two against each other like "There! You like each other! Now kiss!" But she didn't. (Other than that one *shove*.) I'm glad that I made you feel things, because my goal was to make my readers really *feel* frustrated. And the end goal was to make their confession all the more satisfying that way 😁 I did have a few moments where I had to rewrite a scene, simply because I wasn't sure about how to formulate some sentences, while making it sound like the characters themselves. But really it always boiled down to "what can they say, that would require a clarification, but they don't ask for that clarification".

Yeah, it's in a way deeper. But it can fade faster, so there is a downside to it. And when it comes to actual travelling restrictions, the nobles have it much easier than common folk, but technically everyone *can* travel. Of course those without mana find it... unpleasant, since the world outside of Thean borders runs by magic, and they're looked down upon by mages. So, the 60% don't really find it 'that' pleasant in the first place for that reason alone. And the remaining 40%, have friends or family that is included in the 60%. Which also discourages the idea of a long-term stay outside of Thea.

If it's travel to an Ally Country, things are easier, because the foreign citizens do know about the existence of teyus. So, in a way, it's also safer (from the pov of individuals), because there's an established relationship between the countries. And they won't (or shouldn't) be confronted with "you... have no magic... tf are you?".

When it comes to actual travelling outside of Thea... think of it like applying for a visa. Those who wish to travel issue a document, stating that they wish to visit. Most are to Allies, and are short stays, so it's pretty clear-cut. But if you wish to visit other nations, you need to issue a more detailed plan.

Based on your application, you'll be supplied by a key or the portals are issued a 'command' to recognize your mana, which allows for them to open. There's a system here too, but basically, he higher you're in the pecking order, the "longer lasting" your key is, and the more freely you can move. People can give up citizenship if they want to, and again, if they move to an Ally Country, it's not quite nerving as it would be to an "unknown" country. Because Allies know about them, so it's not really leaking out information. If, however, it'd come up that someone would do that to a completely foreign nation (leak out info, that is), it'd be unnerving to Theans ofc. (This'd be a really long ramble, and it'd be a *ramble*).

Val can continue his time-out on the naughty chair indeed. Elira... she really is a strange one, but she's... she needs a bit of counselling. Adlai and Celer are close to Solara, and I like both of them a lot honestly. Adlexia... however... she's an interesting character to write for, but I don't like her... Nope. Just a smacking, can I have a full on ass kicking? Ah, yes, the Curiosis... They have their reasons, hehe.

Yup. Arcturus really messed up there, and he didn't suffer a proper backlash (at least on the surface) for it. And it would have been a good counter from Mereo or Fuego, though it would also have been poking the bear with a pointy stick, which... they really didn't want to do. Or at least Fuego didn't want to do.

I'm so happy to hear that it doesn't feel forced! There's a lot of talk about the Strings of Fate, but as it's been said, fate isn't always kind. And the strings... they can snap. (Nyehnyehnyeh.)

ashdgafsda Yes! Alyssa and Marx. The duo that will make you see each other's memories, and will have you speak out truthfully. (I lowkey want to see this, but... naah)