RP:A Draconian Alliance

Part of the Surface Tension Arc

Synopsis: Malyne travels up the the elven camp in search of answers regarding the recent conflicts. She is greeted by Skylei who is able to answer at least some of those questions. Malyne pledges her support to the Sylvan cause, whilst the two bond over their half-blooded status.

Old Camp

A monumental figure - by elf standards, anyways - wandered through the camp. Bony protrusions of silver scale on her body reflected the light from the snow, almost seeming to make her shine with a holy light as she went from one elf to another, asking quesitons of those that were willing to listen to her. She lingered longer at some of the elves than others, following pointed fingers this way or that around the camp. Eventaully, though, she stopped, standing not too far from the center of the place. "No one can give me a correct answer, it seems," she sighed, shaking her head. "I can understand the one consistant answer, but truly, does no one here have a decent answer of where to find those who might know about this disagreement I've been hearing of? After all, you would think any elf would rally behind the call of killing drow."

Skylei is enjoying one of her few days off; the council is not in session, she’s not needed to organise meetings or deliver missives or stand guard duty. Thus she is found not far from the centre of camp enjoying a quick meal before heading out into the town. Any chance to get away from the elves and their petty politics she’s willing to take. She’s about to head out when she spots the silver-scaled figure; strange, Skylei had not met her before and strangers were infrequent to camp. Presumably the strange woman had been thoroughly vetted by the guards before being granted access. Had she not been, Skylei will need to ensure that those on duty today are thoroughly reprimanded. Set on finding out, Sky would approach. She does the human thing of holding her hand out in greeting, a carefully placed political smile on her lips, “Uhm, excuse me? I’m Skylei Lucindio, I’m the herald of the council. Are you quite okay? If you have any questions our guards were unable to answer, I’d be happy to answer them. Or are you here for a meeting with someone?”

Malyne was about to give up and take flight. She was certain that would make those guards question their decision to let her into the camp. It took hours to convince them to let her in. She had just adjusted her chest wrap to account for flight when she heard the voice from her side. Startled, the two meter tall draconian turned with a bit of a jump, her icy eyes widening. "Oh, Yes, I'm fine. I'm looking for information, mostly. The guards said there were some in camp who could tell me about the situation with the drow. My mother has been grumbling about all the fuss." Her wings ruffled at the thought of all the bellyaching she had endured before venturing down from her mountain, the movement causing her hair to ruffle. "The other reason is of a more personal matter. I figured since there were elves here, I might as well ask if anyone might have known of a male who may have gone climbing for whatever reason about nine decades ago." She shrugged, running a hand through her black hair. "But news of the male takes second stage to knowing about this conflict." “Ah,” The half-breed brushes her dark hair backwards with a careful hand, “As to the latter, I am a little… young to answer that but I’m sure I can find someone who could answer your question.” The smile doesn’t fade from Skylei’s lips as she gestures towards one of the structures set up by the elven contingent of the camp, “The former, though not entirely simple, is something I am able to speak with you about. Would you like a seat? Perhaps some food? It is particularly chilly out today and most folks have been glad of the broth.” Assuming Malyne was happy to follow her, Skylei would lead her into the tented structure and to a circular table, making a quick stop to pick up more broth for her at least. It’s normally used by the council but, with the council being out of session it made a perfect meeting place for Skylei. Once seated, the half-elf would gesture to her companion, “Do tell me what it is you need to know. I know there are many truth, half-truths and rumours floating about regarding the recent unpleasantness. It is perhaps easier if you highlight what it is that you are interested in knowing in particular.”

Malyne would, indeed, follow Skylei, suppressing as much of a small grin as she could. Of all the reasons for not knowing of her father she had expected to encounter in an elven camp, being too young was not one of them. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll decline," she said in regards to the broth. "With my heritage, the chill is not so bad." Once the half elf began speaking of the conflict, however, Malyne put all thoughts of her father out of her mind. She remained standing as she listened, a carryover of her time spent with her mother. One did not get casual with anyone with more authority, and this woman clearly had standing in the camp. "My interest comes in the form of what caused the confli-...what caused this extension of the conflict." Elves and drow, after all. "I'm also curious as to the endgame. I am of half sylvan blood, so I'm sure you'll understand why I am drawn to current events."

As she listened to Malyne, Skylei tucks into her second bowl of broth. She only interputs once, gesturing with her spoon to the seats that surround the table,“Please, do come and sit, if you so wish. This needn’t be anything formal.” Indeed, were it formal, Skylei probably wouldn’t be eating as though it were her last meal. Once she had finished her meal, she places the spoon in the bowl and offers Malyne more than a cursoray glance. Scholars eyes scan her form and make their judgement, “Half-sylvan, eh? I wouldn’t have guessed but then again…” She shakes her head, “That is neither here nor there. I take it you know little of recent Sylvan history? You are familiar with the exile from Sage?” It’s less of a question and more of Skylei’s way of postulating, “Anyway, since exile many of us have been here happily, thanks to the grace of Queen Satoshi and Steward Hildegarde, barring a few incidents. I do not believe there would have been any problem had we not suffered a number of deaths thanks to the drow parties in Sage. They grew… somewhat aggressive towards the small number of rangers we have living within the forest itself and on the Xalious foothills. We were hearing reports of deaths nearly daily. Our people reacted in anger and retaliation. We have already lost so much and to lose more lives was unthinkable. The conflict grows day by day.” Skylei shrugs her shoulders, “Unfortunately it has riled up old feelings of hatred and disgust for our dark skinned cousins. The treeborn mean to retake Sage; that is no secret.” Malyne hesitated, but did eventually seat herself. It took her a few moments, her tail making the endeavor awkward, but eventually she became comfortable. All the while she was listening to Skylei's words with rapt attention. So, some of what her mother had said was true. But some of it was very, very opposite of what she had been told. It sounded like the elves did -not- restart the war this time around. "We had heard of the wood elves' exile, yes, and what you say shows my mother does not know as much as she claims." She chuckled a bit as she turned her gaze momentarily in the direction of the more northern mountain ranges. "If the conflict grows daily, I imagine there is collateral damage in the ways of deaths and injuries. I also imagine there are fronts where you may not want those who are known to be of elven blood to be present. I offer myself to your cause, both as an emissary of sorts for my mother, and as a paladin of Arkhen." It's then that she would rise back to her feet, dipping into a bow to Skylei. "And for my own connection to the elven people, as well."

Though there is no change in her facial expression, Skylei’s voice grows a little more grave, “It takes two people to start a war, I am afraid. Neither party might claim innocence on that front. There are deaths, likely on both sides on a weekly if not daily basis. Part of Sage has been burnt to the ground. I even heard talk of a snowstorm in Trist’oth, though I cannot confirm the reality of that.” Skylei shakes her head, “I hate the drow, that is for sure, but this war has been brutal to us all.” As for that offer of help, the half-blood would accept with a nod. For the first time, Skylei’s perfectly modelled smile grows into a much more real, wry grin, “Aye, you’d be right. We half-blood’s occasionally come in useful, not that you’re likely to hear any of that lot admit it. You are welcome to help as you wish. If you wish to fight, you may do that, you are welcome to work within my unit. If you wish to help with the wounded, you may do that too. I will inform the guard that you are loyal to our cause and that you may come and go from our camp freely.”

Malyne rose from her bow, the talk of half-bloods lingering in her mind. "True, no full-blooded member of a species will admit we're useful. Just think what it's like living with dragons." She grinned, shook her head, then resettled her composure. "I thank you...uh...I'm not sure what title to call you." Her brow furrowed as she thought it over. "Liege? General? Lady?" She shook her head. "Forgive me, I'm not completely sure how non-saurians prefer to be named."

Skylei laughs, “Aye, I can only imagine.” The life of half-breeds was much the same, no matter what they were half of, or where they laid their roots. Sky can definitely empathise. “And just Skylei will do. If you are insistat on titles, as some are, I prefer ‘Miss’”. She would hold her hand out again to bid the woman farewell, “Thank you for your time…” Just as Malyne had struggled with how to address her, Skylei realises she had not even asked for the woman’s name, “Uhm, I’m afraid I didn’t get your name. That would be a highly useful piece of information…”

Malyne found a flush coming to her cheeks. How could she be so forgetful? She had given her three reasons for being there, but not even so much as a 'call me dragon lady' or anything. She took the woman's hand, careful that her claws don't touch skin. "I am the one who should be thanking you, Miss Skylei. As for my name, I am called Malyne. My mother thought it would be funny, since I wasn't given a name until I had chosen a path."

Skylei repeats the woman’s name with a smile as she shakes her hand, “Well met, Malyne. Should you need anything, you know where to find me. For now, I must be getting back to my day. If you wish to ask about that missing man, I can point you in the correct direction?” Whether Malyne assented or refused her help in that aspect, Skylei would dip her head lightly, “That said, Arkhen bless you until we meet again.”

Malyne nodded. "He is not of great import. Just another curiosity of mine. There's no need for you to worry about it." She smiled at the farewell. She appreciated the gesture, the woman invoking Malyne's god's name. "May he bless you, as well, Miss." With another bow, the draconian let the half-elf go about her business.