It was strange how much this place reminded her of home.

There was a distinct chill in the air that reminded her so acutely of a time long ago that she had to fight up the rise of bittersweet memories in favor of remembering why she was here. Perhaps later, when times weren't nearly as rough, she could return and breathe in the cold, permitting it to transport her back to the first home she'd ever known. For now, she had to focus on Suiteheart and Starrynight.

She was aware of Suiteheart's own desire to reminiscence, pressing against her idly as if the simple action would keep the both of them grounded. An ear would flick as her wife began to speak and Margaery bobbed her head along in silent agreement to her words. For now, she had resigned to allowing the Cosmic General the stage. She'd pitch in with answers of her own were these Snowbounders to provide her with inquiries.

WHAT A PRIVILEGE IT IS TO LOVE — Jacob had only met Starrynight on a handful of occasions but the man had seemed nice. Maybe even one he could trust in a time of need but he hadn't been sure. His Babbo would have seemed nice to any outside too, after all. And he was, to some people. He'd always treated Jacob as his dear son and some of his closest associates as friends but he had been a cruel man. A man that'd grasped for power and reached it and then abused it. Of course, he wasn't as cruel as he could've been. At first, Jacob believed his actions could've been borne from necessity, but by the time Jacob had left he was just grasping for more power and influence. If he hadn't, he wouldn't have given up Jacob to pursue it. Maybe that wasn't a fair assumption. He was sure it was harder to leave when you weren't terrified of it. He would've given anything for someone who could step up in his place and he could return and fit comfortably in his role of 'doctor' and that alone. That was all he'd ever wanted to be. In fact, he'd actively avoided all positions that gave him any sort of advantage throughout his life. Now that he had it, he just wanted to get rid of it. Vito, on the other hand, was very different from his son. He flourished in conflict and rose above it all, clawing his way to a golden throne in the city. Jacob wanted no part of it. It was always difficult to tell if someone was being kind because it suited their situation, because their station demanded it, or because they genuinely wanted to help. So, for that reason, he had never passed complete judgement on Starrynight. He had wanted to get to know him better before making his own assumptions regarding the other.

He caught the vaguely familiar scent of the Ascendents and slowly made his way to the border. His leg had been giving him more trouble lately and he couldn't help the dragging motion it now made in the snow. He winced slightly before settling down before the pair, listening as the first woman introduced her business. Immediately, the look of light curiosity faded and took on a much darker tone. While he hadn't known Starrynight, he had never hoped that this sort of thing would happen to him. There was a part of him that wanted to know more but he knew better than to ask. There would be time for details and facts and concerns when the man's grieving friends weren't before him. "I didn' know 'im well but 'e seemed like a good man. I'll be comin' 'round as soon as I can. I know we ain't allies or anythin' but if there's anyway Snowbound can help, ya' jus' lemme know. I'm so sorry for your loss," he spoke before pausing and then adding, "I suppose we 'aven't met, those this don' seem like a very good time for introduction. 'M Jacob. Like I said, if there's anythin' I- we- can do, ya' jus' stop by n' let me know." —A GREAT HONOR TO HOLD YOU UP

"SPEECH"