RP:A Crooked Olive Branch

Part of the Welcome To The End of Eras Arc

Summary: Vailkrin's problems ever mount, and with the dissapearance of Lady Azakhaer, It's ruler is spread even thinner. And yet, there's some solace to be found. While the events at the summit were disastrous, the recent issue of Enchantment's Paper makes it clear that the opinions espoused are far from unanimous.

Vailkrin Capitol Foyer

Rebuilt once more, the castle's foyer is not only more expansive in size, but grand in appearance. Through the large wooden doors flanked by a pair of imposing gargoyle sentinels toting polearms, visitors are greeted first by the distant sound of plucked lyre strings. The instrument and its player is unseen, impossible to source, and the sound itself seems to be emanating from every element of the space. The floor is a black marble, its darkness offset by the cool grey stone walls that grow into high arches overhead, supported by flying buttresses just outside of them. Mirroring the pair of gargoyles at the door, pairs of rose windows filled with panes of cool-colored glass depicting various locations of the City of the Dead in an abstracted style sit high on either wall, ushering in what little light the nighttime city manages to receive. Straight ahead, just above the arched entryway leading to Vailkrin's great hall, the largest window of colored glass depicts the city's symbol, its black hand encircled by lavender panes of glass. Perhaps revealing itself to be the source of the music playing within the castle, those with sharp eyes may notice five thin lines of silver swirling around Vailkrin's black hand in the glass. They seem to shimmer when they're acknowledged, then wink out of sight. The now colored light shifts in an unnatural manner, moving in time with the music as it plays across the black tiles.

The typically emotionless face of the nymph held a frown as she stepped out of her room. Her gaze was on the scroll of paper held open in her hands as she read the contents, though it was released to vanish into a swirl of smoke a moment later as she started down the hall. It had been years since the nymph had stepped foot in Enchantment, and while she would rather not face the kingdom she'd walked away from, Rumi knew there wasn't much of a choice. With the mess the last summit had thrown the people in still unsorted, she could only imagine what this new one could bring. Gods, she hated politics. The sound of heel clicks echoing through the corridor was the only announcement of her presence, and further evidence of her desire to be free of the silence, considering how soft her footfalls typically were. It had been still within the walls of the castle, at least where Rumiko had been staying, and it was the need for life and sound that drove her toward the front hall and the exit beyond.

Kasyr's is a bit of a mess, but then, without Iintahquohae's presence, it was up to him to check over an even greater mass of documentation. Now he had to personally ensure that every incoming and outgoing shipment was correct, that there were no anomalous deviations insofar as the value of goods, or the cost of labour. It also meant he now had to deal with the complaints of harassment and threats of violence that the workers in the necropolis were facing. It wasn't just limited to belligerent articles anymore, as scuffles seemed an increasingly common occurrence, and protests seemed to verge ever close to the boundaries of the graveyard. Suffice it to say, he already looks stressed by the time he becomes aware of Rumiko's steadfast advance- and the single-minded manner in which she starts to sweep past and towards the castle exit. "Huh."

The sound- small as it was- was enough to pull the nymph from her charge forward. Rumiko faltered mid-step, attention shifting from the exit to the swordsman with a blank expression as if caught off-guard herself. "Oh, hello." There was a moment's hesitation as she dropped her gaze to the mess of papers Kasyr was dealing with, and a brow arched as hands came to rest on her hips. "I am not sure how you can stand the quiet." Though to be fair, his hearing was likely better than her own. Lips parted to speak, though closed a moment later. She'd already offered to help in any way she could, repeating herself didn't seem like a good way to waste energy. "I thought I might brave the city. Do you require anything?" Not that she thought he was afraid to venture out himself.

Kasyr blinked at Rumiko, though it was less quizzically, and more the deliberate sort a cat might do- accompanied by a wry grin, "Well. The quiet means less people around. Busy at work, et quoi-ce-soit." And a certain degree of solace from the intrusive rush of emotions that swam about him, especially these days. "Well, I was just filing some documents et then I was off to find someone. An-, "Acquaintance? Colleague? Friend still seemed to strong a word. Perhaps, "Pupil, of sorts. I had meant to reconnect with her and assign a task. One that's hopefully instructional -and- productive. You can come along if you'd like- I feel your presence would be helpful. Comforting, surely." As the swordsman talks, a pen knife is smoothly removed from his sleeve- the tip of it buried into the air in front of him, before a seam is neatly carved out- a little hole in the fabric of the world, showcasing the desk in his office. With a slight push, the accumulated papers slip through- just far enough that they don't fall off, and then the tear sews itself back together. "I'll send a raven-crow out to message her, et we can meet her at the border." Suffice to say, provided Rumiko is ready to go- there'll be nothing hindering them.

Rumiko's head tilted and sent waves of red over her shoulder at the word comforting, though she focused on another, "A pupil?" That was a good sign- he needed more people around him. Especially ones he could trust. "Accomplish two goals in one trip. Wonderful." The nymph could get outside, in the company of others, and he could reconnect with his not-quite friend. Having been headed towards the exit only moments before, Rumi was dressed and ready to go. If their excursion required more effort than her gown would allow for, she would need to change beforehand, though that wouldn't take long. "Ready once you are."

Quintessa was perhaps being a little nosier than usual today as she watched the train of Larketian wagons drag many, many tons of chiselled stone blocks from one kingdom to the next. She observes out in the open, pacing up and down the path between, quickly scribbling tally marks in a green booklet as she counts how much was being trafficked. How long Quintessa has been doing this is anybody’s guess, but the soldier attachments guarding the wagons don’t pay her any mind. Quintessa was somewhat of a public figure in the Kingdom of Larket, whether she like it or not, her encounter against Valrae being twisted and mythologized enough to make her appear a hero in their eyes, a valiant servant of Vakmatharas attempting to reclaim a soul that had escape his grasp. If she was watching the wagons then clearly she was doing this at the behest of the ‘Larketian-Vailkrinese Alliance’, right? The truth was much more mundane, however, as she was simply crunching the numbers for her own personal curiosity. She wanted to be queen one day, and a queen had to understand trade and finances- allowing her old Steward to take liberties had turned out badly for her and it was not a mistake she planned on making a second time. Here Quintessa stands near the portal to Vailkrin, blissfully unaware that she is close to being caught red-handed doing something that could easily be construed as skullduggery.

Kasyr may have found it a bit weird that when he did find a bird to send out and find Quintessa, the damn thing didn't just fly off into the distance, but instead glided along at a lazy pace- seemingly content to lead the way, as though it were a royal herald. "I think it's defective." Still, it doesn't provoke much else from him, beyond an exaggerated sigh. After all, once they were clear of the city limits, he could probably just camp out at the periphery of her base of operations. If she was there, great- and if not, the entirely coincidental forest fire that would likely ensue (due to someone else's temper) would serve well enough.

It's a great plan, really- and a very unnecessary one, because the moment Kasyr and Rumiko cross the dark portals threshold into the continent proper- the raven-crow lets out a shrill caw, and then bears down upon a familiar figure. Though, it's less a matter of aggression, and more an attempt to plunk itself down on her head, That, and to bap her with the note attached to its foot. "Work smart, not hard, I guess." The swordsman pauses here to extend his hands out towards Rumiko, before he directs them both towards the changeling, "Meet Quintessa, J'suppose. She's..", doing something. Really, he wouldn't be half surprised if she was invested in trying to figure out the hows of Blue's situation. "hard at work."

Quintessa braces herself when the large messenger bird plops down on her head though if she was surprised by such an event she doesn’t show it. Mismatched eyes flicker upward, fixated on the note swinging to and fro on the raven-crow’s foot which the changeling reaches up to snatch quickly. She doesn’t get a chance to read it, however, as the arrival of Kasyr and Rumiko thoroughly captures her attention.

She turns to face them, eyes shifting back and forth between the two as she takes the bird from her head and allows it to perch upon her left forearm, her book snapping shut since she no longer needed it. “Oh yes, very busy at work,” She confirms to Kasyr first, her fingertips carefully petting against the raven-crow’s dark feathers. “Although an introduction isn’t necessary…” Her gaze turns to Rumiko, a smile appearing on her black lips to return the one the nymph had offered. She was also surprised, but pleasantly so. “Monitoring, for certain, though I don’t know what was promised. I’m just trying to grasp the scale of this operation…” She trails off, watching the wagons again for a second, but before she breaks on into a boring tangent about logistics and economics, Quintessa changes the subject, unfurling the note and skimming over the words. “Anyway, did you need me for something? I hope I can be of assistance.”

Kasyr spares a small glance between the two, before simply shrugging, and chalking it up to good fortune, "Just a small matter. I've been keeping abreast of recent news- and it seemed the Fae denizens which had been displaced by the drow's exodus seem to be having some degree of difficulty in being accepted in their motherland." And though he may sound sympathetic, there's a certain flatness there- a sort of tired resignation, "I'll admit, it's not much of a surprise, given Lunalesca's curt indifference to the idea that undead citizens may wish to return to the homelands they'd been born in." He cracks his neck first to the left, and then the right, "In any case- just because enchantments ruler is a repulsive, myopic moth doesn't mean their citizens ought to suffer- especially those which were my responsibility until recently." It's at this point that he glances towards Quintessa and Rumiko, "To say myself et my kind are apt to be unwelcome there would be overstating the obvious, but I imagine you'd be able to roam freely to find out what they may need. Especially you, Tessa- given she seems to hold you in especially high esteem." He looks thoughtful, for a moment, before adding, "Getting some form of tradeline would likely provide them coin in order to compete more fairly within that system. Et maybe you can reach out to any who were there prior- because I somehow doubt that the entirety of the population was nestled within Vailkrins' woods. Just, swept to somewhere more palatable."

Rumiko took a step closer, gaze following after Tessa's as she looked back to the wagons, "Rather large, I'd say." It would need to be, for all of the rebuilding that was to come of it. Before any more pleasantries could be exchanged, Kasyr spoke of the displaced Fae and a small tremor ran through her spine. She knew the general direction this conversation was headed before the words left the kings lips, and when she turned from the wagons to face him fully, all emotion had left her face. Enchantment. Wonderful. Despite her reservations, she could not deny Kasyr's words were true. The people shouldn't suffer, especially for circumstances beyond their control. "I am afraid I am unfamiliar with this Lunalesca. If she is as awful as you say, has there been a challenger for the throne?" The nymph had passed the crown to Thea, and though she'd seen this new queen at the summit, somehow, she hadn't made the connection. A glance was sent Quintessa's direction, a brow arching slightly as if she thought the changeling might better know the answer to the question. Vailkrin was where she wanted to be of aid, but she couldn't very well ignore her own kind, could she? Probably a question better left unspoken, that.

Quintessa continues to pet the bird perched on her arm as Kasyr speaks, nodding along slowly to show that she understood what he was saying. “Yes, I’ve noticed some minor issues regarding the Unseelie re-settling in Enchantment, but it is likely a matter of ignorance rather than apathy. Queen Lunalesca is probably unaware of any undead citizens wishing to return to their homeland. She is old, infirm, and out of touch, but I believe her heart is in the right place. Given the right push I think I could convince her to be more receptive to our needs, particularly those of economics. Establishing a basic tradeline seems like a good start.” Quintessa idly reaches up to touch the sunstone earring the Queen of Enchantment had gifted her, remembering something. “Her Majesty bestowed her royal favor upon me; I’ll use that to request an audience with her as a petitioner.” Quintessa next turns to Rumiko, a glance at the wagons causing her to nod again in concurrence. “A massive endeavour. One to restore a shattered city. The more I think about the current situation the more cruel it feels that the rest of Lithyrdel would denounce Kasyr’s efforts to rebuild it.” When the subject returns to Lunalesca, Quintessa shrugs. “I would not call her awful, just ineffective. After Lady Thea abandoned Enchantment the crown was left vacant for some time until an appropriate figurehead was appointed- In this case a distant relative to the royal family. Queen Lunalesca took power, but she seems more focused on personal endeavours than actually ruling, elevating her favourites among her court. First was Lanara, and now it is Kanna that seems to hold her attention, but elevate them as she might try, a non-fae cannot rule Enchantment. The people just will not allow it, so ‘The Old Queen Luna’ continues to sit the throne- at least whenever she can leave her bedchamber long enough. Recently, however, the Queen has seemed rather active, it must be said.”

Kasyr hears out the pair, one hand rubbing at his chin the whole while, "Perhaps not -awful-" is a concession he'll allow, "and yet, a rule based on middling nepotism es simply a descent of a different kind." Still, Quintessa seemed certain that she could bring the queen to see reason, and she held her favour, so there was no real issue to be had there, "If you think that tact will bring results, far be it from moi to stop you. That said, regardless of how that turns out, we should still reach out to the common people. They'll give us a much better idea of what they need - rather than what nobles -think- they'll need." There's a moment where his expression looks strained, but it fades just as quickly, "Beyond that, The only thing I might ask, is if you can reach out to Xalious to see what would be needed to retain their neutrality- and to perhaps offer trade- such as access to Va-ye-Teo bark, et other specific magical curiosities. The more trade arrangements that exist which pass through Kelay, the more pressure it would face on all sides if they decide to play petty- since at that juncture, it would be running contrary to the interests of multiple regions, rather than running in concert with them." What other bit of politics remained? Ah, yes, "Vhys. If you can attend to Vhys, I'd appreciate it. I will endeavour to handle Rynvale, et the matters abroad." It's at this juncture that Rumiko is more keenly focused on, "If you could accompany her during this time, I'd appreciate it. You have yet to be properly affiliated with me, which likely gives you far more leeway to explore, et hear what's being said. Et to come to your own decisions about where you'd like to go from there." And then to both of them, "I look forward to seeing you both once these errands are done. Hopefully, the city es still standing by that point." He wishes it was entirely a joke. "With any luck, there'll be a delightful trial to watch, when you return."

Rumiko listened quietly, gaze shifting back and forth between the pair as they spoke. The changelings mention of the shattered city had green eyes looking towards Kasyr once more, though her words were for Quintessa, "A feeling we can agree on." It was the next part that cause her head to jerk back towards the other woman, and her brows furrowed. "Abandoned?" Her hand rose to wave the thought away, they could speak of such things later. Fingers rose to press into her left temple for a moment as she committed all the directions given to memory, and when the king turned his focus on her, she simply bowed her head in agreement. "As much as I do not like the idea that you will be holed-up in isolation again, I do have to agree." Rumiko was essentially a free agent, with no visible ties to any one kingdom. She still wasn't thrilled with the idea of returning to Enchantment, but if it would help the land as a whole, she would deal with her own discomfort. A shift towards Quintessa then, "If you will let me know once you are ready, I can gather essentials and be ready to accompany you."

Quintessa gives Kasyr a wary frown, “Aye, ‘middling nepotism’ is perhaps more accurate. Regardless, I should be able to use that to my advantage to ingratiate myself in her court, and from there I can interact with the smallfolk and place a few whispered words among them to aid our endeavours.” The raven-crow finally flies from Quintessa’s forearm, giving her the chance to finally put her notebook away in her robes before continuing. “I shall speak with the Archmage as well. His attitude towards you hasn’t changed but he at least has maintained that innocent undead shouldn’t be wrongly targeted in Xalious. I’ll see if his sympathies can’t be expanded upon… As for Kelay,” Quintessa shrugs, “I’ll remind Magikrios of his commitment to keeping the Sage neutral and out of global endeavours. Disrupting our trade would run asynchronously to this value, I would hope he understands.” When the subject turns to Vhys, Quintessa nods again. Had word gotten around of her visits to Rynvale Island’s northeastern most province? “Of course. I have already established contact with a noble house in Elimdor… I have a favor to fulfill for them first, but once that undertaking is finished I shall have the perfect opportunity to establish official contact.” Quintessa finds a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth when Kasyr mentions a trial, her hands joining together to wring themselves subconsciously. “Oh yes, I am quite looking forward to seeing that.” Mismatched eyes flicker back to Rumiko, where her smirk grows with her amusement. “I guess we’re working together then? I’m grateful for the opportunity- I’ll prepare and send a missive to Enchantment’s castle so they know to expect us. Hopefully the “Old Queen” will be feeling up to receiving us at court sooner rather than later.” Quintessa looks to Kasyr once more, “Was there anything else, Your Grace?”

Kasyr listens to the pair of them, and even manages something akin to rueful smile at the concern being espoused by Rumiko, "Please. It won't be the first time, nor the last. If I'd wither et die from a few weeks of working, I wouldn't be worthy of the office." Quintessa's reaction to his comment is noted, and he finds himself adding, "If you do think it's simply a matter of miscommunications. Feel free to clarify it. Especially since I haven't received any invitation to that latest summit I've been hearing about." The grin turns wry now, as his attention flicks between the two fae, "Lost in the mail, I'm certain." Still, that did seem to sum up everything that was still due, and so- he simply rolls his shoulders, and begins to redirect his attention to the very same convoy that had arrested Quintessa's attention, "I've already left a rather lofty set of goals ahead of you. No need to burden you further- though I appreciate your enthusiasm. Et your willingness to deal with Lan." It's on this note that he begins to step away, though he does offer a salute, and an off-handed, "And despite any animosity he may still hold onto? I couldn't care less, anymore. Haven't for some time."