Heart Fire Cut: Press Conference

This cut portion came from the press conference by GraceLord Equisetum regarding the Traditionalist Stance and the Intersection of Hope Religion. He'd announced he didn't believe their Cathedral would be built. Note, Tiana is the heroine of Heart Fire and a priestess of the main Celtan culture which celebrates the Divine Couple, the Lady and Lord/Lord and Lady.

"I think we should call the Intersection of Hope people, 'Hopefuls.' I know it's a quality that my mother has," Tiana said.

"Hopefuls," someone considered.

"Hopeful for what? Someone else's death?" GraceLord Equisetum said.

Tiana tilted her head. "Our grove study educational system obviously failed you. The Hopefuls believe in taking responsibility for their life journey and helping others along the way. They don't wish ill on anyone. Why would you think so?"

He opened his mouth and she wondered if he'd link the Hopefuls to the Black Magic Cult, as he had years before, but this time he didn't have the panic to excuse himself for any misconception. Still, whenever he'd looked at her, hatred had burned in his eyes. When he'd ruined her Family, he hadn't prospered as much as he'd anticipated. Would he make the same mistake?

His gaze shifted to beyond her. Casually, she angled to follow Equisetum's gaze. There, standing in the doorway was Antenn and another man, taller and older and with a full head of steel gray hair.

Equisetum shut his mouth.

Tiana pushed, she wanted this done for once and all. "Why would you say that the members of the Intersection of Hope faith would want someone else's death?"

The GraceLord stood there, caught. And she realized that he couldn't admit to a mistake. Yet another noble with a flaw engendered by birth and wealth and status.

He couldn't say that he mispoke, couldn't apologize, couldn't retreat, couldn't return to rational thinking. A very dangerous man. The atmosphere seethed with negative energy radiating from him and Tiana knew she'd made a mistake, too.