Zuko didn’t try to hide what was likely a disappointed look on his face, both by Icio’s inability to answer his question, and the name ‘New Holland.’ He’d hoped that it was called something better. Perhaps in another time.
His mood shifted once Icio began to whisper, the look in his eyes now electrifying, and he moved closer. Icio spoke of leaving as if he was truly considering it.
But they both knew it was nearly impossible. A last resort. Did Icio know something he didn’t? Had they reached that point already?
Or, was he just getting lost in a fantasy? And that it was pointless after all?
He reached for Icio’s hand and held it to his chest.
“Do you - do you really think we can do it?” Up to that last bit, anyway.
Something, anything to have some sort of hope cling to, instead of sinking deeper into despair day by day.
If it really was possible, then they had around a year and a half to see it through. A year and a half to find people who were loyal and be sure that their plan would stay in their circle. They’d have to make sure to measure the time it would take to reach New Holland and gather enough supplies to last.
Although he had precisely no inkling of how they could manage it, Icio grasped Zuko’s hand back, at least wishing to demonstrate how much he wanted it, too.
“..I want to. I can’t think of a way without far more allies and resources, but..”
Fayelynn and Seruni would help, though he was uncertain as to what extent they would be willing to. Icio could think of a few others like them, and more possibilities, yet even with all of those he doubted their likelihood of success.
“We can seek to obtain them, of course.”
Certainly, there were others who wanted the same and had tried ( perhaps triumphed, if powerful in either numbers or abilities ) to achieve it in the past; it was convincing them it would be worth the fight enough to fight for it themselves, and now that would be an issue, for most and it would still be difficult finding them in addition to the few it wouldn’t be an issue for.
However deeply they desired it and were willing to try, the vampire was not confident, nonetheless at this point.
They would begin to gather these things, and hopefully, true confidence would follow.
For a moment he was still and silent, absorbing what was said and determining if it wasn’t a figment of his imagination. Though Zuko wasn’t going to give up, it felt like reality was chained to his ankles and he was fighting with every step forward.
Zuko smiled. It was risky. It involved having to trust others. But it was a plan. One that didn’t sound entirely impossible. Icio having even enough hope to mention this gave Zuko renewed energy.
“Yes,” Zuko agreed. “..And what better place than here?”
Actually, it was the best and the worst place. They’d be able to make the most connections there, but potential allies were in mixed in with enemies. The Tsarina herself lurked the halls. If they sought someone out, they couldn’t be wrong.
The thought of it all now, though, left Zuko feeling dizzy. He held onto Icio’s bicep as he steadied himself. The library was quiet, but it didn’t shield him from the buzz of activity he felt within the castle. It was overwhelming.
“Bit by bit,” he said under his breath, a reminder to himself more than anything. He couldn’t be frantic - couldn’t jump in on a stubborn impulse like he used to. Zuko thought of patience, and his uncle.
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