Leave the Door Open (Session Summary)

**Leave the Door Open** details the events of the October 24, 2021 session where the party meets with the resistance to discuss how best to work together.

## Session Notes

* Back in the palace, Oberon is setting up a conference call for Simon, Chae, Theo, and Talos to meet with the Resistance in the Ebrian Isles. Though it takes some troubleshooting, eventually the two parties are able to engage with one another through eerie holograms.
* Following introductions, Simon asks Ryder and Gideon, leaders of the Resistance, what kinds of aid they’ll require, and they defer to Chae.
* After inquiring about the necessary supplies and learning that Trafarna isn’t likely able to assist with providing food or other supplies that might endear Ebrian citizens to joining the cause, Ryder says that ships, coin, and soldiers will have to suffice.
* This prompts Gideon to note that the Resistance has an issue with retention: once people are free, they don’t stick around to help those left behind — and adds that he had hoped Mbeni would assist. Simon shoots down the idea as Mbeni’s talents are needed elsewhere, and says that Theo will assist instead.
* Theo offers craftsmen to help assist with repairing and building better defenses and shelter for citizens in an effort to get them to stay.
* While this very important war strategizing happens, Aldara and Gideon dance around their feelings with each other right in front of everyone. And everyone is just, like, “can you two kiss already?” because it’s been, what, months, since we last saw them and they still haven’t? Just kiss, you cowards.
* When the question turns to what the Resistance can offer Trafarna, Simon hedges and says it can be negotiated later.
* After being pressed by people on both sides of the call, Simon says that, in exchange for Trafarna’s money, supplies, and people, the Isles will become a Trafarnese protectorate — free to govern themselves under a governor appointed by Simon.
* Chae, Ryder, and Aldara bristle at the suggestion, questioning the necessity of this change and, more importantly, just how much “freedom” they’ll actually have under the appointed governor.
* Simon explains the details of his rejected vision and that Trafarnese land will be spared the worst of the famine to come, suggesting that the isles would also be spared should they become Trafarnese land. He also reminds them of the alliance with the Fae and all the good that can come from it.
* Simon also announces that Theo would be the governor of the isles, which immediately provokes an outburst from his brother.
* Gideon asks to speak with Chae and the rest of the Resistance in private. When Simon, Theo, Oberon, and Talos leave the room, Chae can immediately hear an argument break out between the royal family. Something that was sure to be awkward for Talos and Oberon.
* In the course of Chae’s assessment on the Sparrow Brothers, questions turn to whether or not Theo actually wants the role, what will happen to the Isles if Theo says no, and what will happen if Theo turns out to be a tyrant — Ryder and Gideon note that they always thought it was strange that Prince Theo never ousted Simon despite having significantly better martial skills.
* The group decides that the governorship should be Theo’s decision and, if he doesn’t wish to do it, a more formal election should be held.
* When it’s suggested that they simply kill Theo should he become a tyrant, Chae’s feelings are made more immediately clear to everyone in the room. Gideon asks her what she would choose between Theo and the Isles, earning him a promise to live solely on soft foods for the rest of his days.
* Simon, Theo, Talos, and Oberon return to hear the Resistance’s decision. When Chae proposes an election if Theo refuses, Theo announces that he will assume the role of governor. This causes Chae to round on Simon, accusing him of guilting or otherwise coercing his brother into taking the position, but Theo assures her that he’s willing to sacrifice some things for the sake of protecting what he cares about (Chae. He cares about Chae).
* When Theo admits that he can’t ever retire, Chae says that it’s no different than what’s in the Isles now, and accuses Simon of a tyrant who is no different than what the gods posed to him in his vision.
* After the two bicker back and forth, Gideon and Ryder confirm that they accept Simon’s deal, and Simon leaves the room. Oberon welcomes the Resistance to the winning team.
* Chae catches up with Theo in the courtyard, shirtless and glistening as he swings a sword against a training dummy. Although it’s quite a sight to behold, Chae manages to concentrate on the matter at hand, asking him to be honest with her about the argument he had with Simon.
* Theo reveals that his anger isn’t with being thrust into a ruling position but that he wasn’t given the opportunity to talk to Chae about it first: Theo *wants* the position, as he never thought he would be given the chance to do so, but he also knows that his wife would not have the freedom to walk away from courtly life.
* Chae says that she just wants him to be happy, and Theo turns the question back to her and her happiness. The two agree that being in such a position doesn’t mean that they have to forego exploring completely, and that being in a position to help and protect people requires certain sacrifices.
* Chae inadvertently opens the innuendo door, and Theo jumps on the opportunity, allowing the two of them to escape to Chae’s room to celebrate having reached… mutual accord. And best of luck to them in their efforts to do so the rest of the night. ♥

## Additional Information

The title is innuendo. The two talked about Chae's "door being unlocked," clearly referring to romantic exploits. Chae left the door open for Theo. :D