[In truth, Rose had her suspicions for quite some time, as well. She'd always assumed that the Empire had been too afraid to try and restrain Zenos, seeing as they'd created a monster. But, on reflection, that seemed like too easy an answer.]

[Rose is momentarily surprised when he willingly takes the seat across from her. Every time she'd met him before, there'd been bloodshed involved. She hadn't thought they'd actually make it to the bar without conflict. It's disquieting.]

Oh? And what sort of things might those be that you'd have to ask me? I'd imagine there are plenty of people in Garlemald familiar with the ways of the Ascians.

[Considering, you know, that their founder was one.]