in nova roma.

[x-volcanic.livejournal.com]

Amara's father has some stern words for her.

"Amara, you can not stay here."

Amara and her father were having a late dinner, something hastily thrown together after a long day of planning. Angelo's offer of help had broken through at least some of the issues the Nova Romans had been having in the fall out. Most of the burden of sorting out what was going on had fallen on the shoulders of Amara's father, and by extension, Amara. It usually meant by the time they got to the evening meal, they didn't have much to say, instead eating in companionable silence. She blinked and looked up when her father spoke, not quite understanding what he said.

"What?"

"You need to go back to New York," he replied quietly, putting his fork down for the moment. Amara just shook her head in reply, looking back down at her food.

"There's too much work to be done here, father. I can not leave now."

"Yes, you can. You have worked hard, and you have done a lot of good. But your classes will start soon, and you will miss them if you do not leave soon." Lucius' voice was firm, a tone he hadn't used with Amara since she was much, much younger. She'd so very rarely needed to be told to behave, to do as she was told. Truth be told, it was usually Amara who was the one who was the one doing the bossing.

"It doesn't matter," she said with a shake of her head. "You need me here, to help everyone go home. That is more important than classes."

"No, it is not, Amara. We can take care of ourselves, like we always have. Your friend will provide the help that we need, and those who wish to leave, they will leave. But you should not abandon your education out of obligation. Nova Roma, it will not be here for too much longer. Some of us will stay here, and you will always be welcome back here to visit, but you have to understand, New York is your home now. You can not stay here, because here will not last long once people start to leave. But that is as it should be. This place, it has seen so much sorrow and death. To find out that it was built on lies as well? It is not so sad that it will end."

"Papa--"

"No, Amara. No arguments. You will return to New York, to your college, to your friends. Your life is in America now, and you must return to it. I must insist."