RP:A Little Cloak and Dagger

From HollowWiki

Part of the Larketian Fault Lines Arc


Summary: Hildegarde decides to pay a visit to Odhranos and get a sense for how the Eyrie's outpost's construction is advancing. The conversation moves to the current political state of Larket and potential plans for subterfuge and espionage.

NOTE: Some the information in the following RP is ICly secret, your character does not know about this unless Hildegarde or Odhranos tells them icly. Which is unlikely. So shush!!


Artia's Ranch

Hildegarde had little love for Larket but it was her sense of duty that had brought her out here. She had to check up on her man, after all, plus the business of the Eyrie could not go on ignored. Although she trusted her Eyrie folk to deal with it themselves, it was best to have a quick peek and help out. Odhranos had, according to Mistral, set up base here which is where Hildegarde went. Although Hildegarde was a Queen and could enter a home if she so wished, she still had respect and common courtesy! Instead, the Queen of War politely waited outside the door and rapped her knuckles against it to patiently await entry into the house.

Odhranos, as seemed to be the trend at the moment, was stressed. Stacks of paperwork were piled high on the mage/architect/frazzled man's desk as he rifled through scroll after scroll of material orders, site evaluations, field reports... the list went on. As did the list of lists. And... I'll stop there. Safe to say that Odh was the tiniest bit stretched by this whole project. When the knock on the door came, the mage was quite literally two seconds away from dropping everything and taking a terramantic Journey to the Centre of the Earth, potentially a one-way venture, but the summons at the door pulled him back to his senses. Brushing unkempt and shaggy hair out of his shale-grey eyes, the mage took a look at what he was wearing. Meh, not his finest, lets hope it's no-one important. No sooner than the mage had crossed the polished wooden floor of the foyer and pulled the door open wide did he regret that thought. "Oh! Hildega-I mean your Majesty, what a... surprise!" Tactical Odh, real tactical. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" The mage clawed back some social ability and opened the door wide, welcoming the Silver inside the ranch.

Hildegarde didn’t much care for that whole ‘majesty’ business, which is made clear by that little wave of her hand to dismiss the title. “Ah, I thought I’d visit and see how our outpost is coming along. I trust you’ve been coping well?” she asked politely before making her way inside the ranch. “I didn’t want you to feel as though you’ve been left alone in your task. I’m not sure what the Larketian government is doing either, so I’m here to make sure you’re comfortable.”

Odhranos laughed bashfully. "Well... it is coming along and I am coping. That much I can say is true." He closed the door behind them and lead Hildegarde towards his study in the eastern wing of the house, stopping off via the drinks cabinet with a polite inquiry as to would the queen like anything. Upon getting her a glass of said drink, the mage would present his study in a rather embarrassed fashion. To say it was messy was an understatement. The tools of the trade for both mage, architect and young dad were all piled together haphazardly, with compasses and teddy bears occuping the same space. The owner of said teddy bears was mercifully with the nanny that day. "The only issues I have to report is it is coming along slowly. The whole situation -" Odhranos didnt reckon the situation needed any explaining, it was quite apparent in Larker, "-just isn't ideal. But we are making progress! Just last week, Alvina dropped by, she's taking charge of designs for the outpost's forge."

Hildegarde would only ask for a water, preferably with some ice. She wasn’t known as being a drinker. As he leads her to his study, Hildegarde makes no mention of the tools and teddy bears. It wasn’t a problem to her, she had once had an office that had been equally messy! Papers and weapons everywhere. Sadly no teddy bears. “Not ideal in what way? I don’t disagree but… I need to know more if I am to make changes.”

Odhranos chewed his lip nervously. Last time this topic was brought up, a certain other queen was one politically incorrect statement away from throwing him in Larket's dungeons. Then again, that was the other side of the whole affair, so perhaps that was to be expected. "I don't wish to speak out of place, I know this issue is bigger than I could imagine and I'm sure you are well aware of everything but... to speak frankly, Hildegarde, Larket's government and it's policies are deeply unsettling me. So much so that I fear, should the situation here get any worse, our outpost will become the place of the first skirmish in a civil war." The mage folded his arms behind his back and paced anxiously. "I met Josleen, when I arrived, we had a perfectly amiable conversation, in fact one of the nicest chats I've had in the past few months. But one mention of my official business here and Pilar's name and... well... if you'll excuse my bluntness, Josleen looked like she wanted to have me executed." The mage frowned worriedly, he was aware that Hildegarde and Josleen were (still are?) friends, but the confrontation had shaken him more than he'd admit.

Hildegarde ’s relationship with Josleen was certainly at a strange moment in its life. They were now on opposing sides: they did not agree with one another nor understand why they could not agree. As Odhranos speaks of his concerns, Hildegarde nods her head. “I understand,” she says softly, “and if that is the case, well, we must be ready for that. I intend to speak to King Macon about the witches in Larket, whether they can be rehomed in Frostmaw… I do not believe anyone would willingly live in those camps,” she murmured thoughtfully. “I would rather our outpost is ready to help evacuate those who need it, Odhranos, than sit by idly. Frostmaw is tied due to our alliance,” an unhappy one at that, “but I will not see people suffer needlessly.”

Odhranos made a face that was reminiscent of a wince. "Mmhmm, I made the mistake of blurting out about the witches being evacuated to Josleen, only having heard it in tavern rumours in Frostmaw before I left. Josleen... didn't appreciate the error." Odhranos cringed, he had once been an ambassador, now he was a political liability. "I've visited the camps myself and... they're horrific. Malnourishment is becoming a huge issue, which is why I've taken to putting aside a small part of our construction funds in order to ensure the workers are given a meal when they arrive on site and when they leave. I... do hope that's alright, it is a bit of an oversight, I recognize that. But given the circumstances, it's an oversight I felt was necessary." The mage shrugged apologetically, then stroked his chin in thought. "In terms of mass evacuation... naturally it would be easier with the Larketian King's approval, but personally, that's not an assumption I'm willing to make. What would you think about... an Eyrie airlift evacuation?"

Hildegarde didn’t consider this to be a matter worth apologising over. “I will add more to our fund,” she promised him. As Odhranos spoke of a mass Eyrie airlift evacuation, Hildegarde sighed softly. “I had intended to use the Eyrie to move those who wish to go to Frostmaw, but Josleen reminded me that I am not the ruler of Larket. If I move their people without their say, I could well reignite the war between Frostmaw and Larket,” she tells Odhranos gently. It is clear that Hildegarde wants to do something to fight the injustice, but she is bound by the legalities and political nature of the situation. “I will do what I can to reason with Macon. But if that fails… well. For now, we’ll build the site and make sure we provide what care we can.”

Odhranos nodded, frowning sadly. Then an idea occured to him. A very un-Odh like idea, given the illegal nature of it. "You make a good point. But what if, say, the evacuation was carried out, against your explicit orders, by a group of renegade Eyrie members who were justly punished after the fact?" The mage raised one eyebrow in a "I know what I'm saying is preposterous, but hear me out" sort of way. "Once the witches were already in Frostmaw, it would take significant effort for the Larketian government to transport them back, an effort I'd imagine they wouldn't be as willing to make as some may think. Secondly, being members of the Eyrie, they would be under your jurisdiction to give trial and punish, thereby absolving you of any suspicion and political ire. It would also leave the possibility for one of the renegades, say a mutinous terramancer, to be left accidentally in a stone cell, preferably underground, where he can escape and release the fellow renegades, tying up the whole package neatly with those at fault for the whole fiasco nowhere to be found." The mage's eyes widened suddenly. "Naturally what I just said is off the books, and doesn't leave this room."

Hildegarde made a thoughtful ‘hm’ at the prospect. She liked it. But it was very illegal! But she liked it a lot. “Hypothetically… that’s an interesting proposition. One that isn’t without risks, of course. I think… one would hypothetically need to test the first option and if that didn’t work, then they might turn a blind eye to the other hypothetical option,” she reasoned. Basically, complicated speak for: ‘hell yeah’.

Odhranos couldn't help the conspiratorial grin, as goody goody as he was, it was always a thrill to break the rules. And if it managed to improve lives for an oppressed people to boot, allI the better. "I am hypothetically glad you approve of said hypothetical suggestion. If the situation does or doesn't arise (Just... stop Odh, overdoing it again) we can discuss the matter again." The mage nodded his head in agreement. He did enjoy this whole cloak and dagger stuff, but he was then reminded of another situation. Another "secret" mission, but one for the opposite side. "There's another matter I'd like to talk to you about, more secrecy I'm afraid. There's an unfortunate amount of that going on in Larket at the moment." The mage grimaced, then continued. "As a result of my discussion with Josleen, I agreed to take a look into the earthquake that started this whole incident, using my terramancy to find the epicenter and determine whether the earthquake was natural or not. I was hoping to make the offer as a peace offering, but Maco - sorry, the King requested that I present the information to them prior to it's public release." Odh pressed his fingertips together and frowned. "I would like your advice; if I do such, and present information potentially absolving the witches of the crime to the King and Queen, and they refuse to release the information... should I make an enemy of the Crown by releasing the truth?"

Hildegarde liked a little cloak and dagger, but only in the purposes of justice and honour! As Odhranos brings up another matter and seeks her counsel, Hildegarde falls silent and listens carefully. By being asked to present his findings privately, it seems as if the Queen and King of Larket are seeking to control the situation as best as possible. “It depends on how much you value the truth,” she said softly. “Truth is, well, a double edged sword. Truth will absolve the witches in the eyes of some and condemn you and them in the eyes of others. You could be viewed as a witch yourself or a sympathiser,” she explained. “Even so… if you expose the truth, what will happen to you? You assume they might let you go and this may not be the case. Or they will do all they can to discredit you. It’s a risk you take.” The Silver paused for a moment before finally settling her hand upon his shoulder, “My advice? Do what feels right for you, but make sure you have prepared yourself and those who may also suffer due to the truth for what consequences may come their way. You are a man of the Eyrie. A friend of Frostmaw. But that will only offer you so much protection, my friend.”

Odhranos ruffled his hair as he mulled over Hildegarde's counsel. "Hopefully the Crown is simply looking after their own interests and I'm just being paranoid, it could be they simply want to ensure the information is released in a proper manner. I can understand that; if it was simply released unfettered, it could do more harm than good, causing heightened angers towards the side it condemns, the Crown or the witches. Hopefully the situation won't come to pass where I have to make a decision." The mage tried for an optimistic smile, times such as these needed a bit of optimism. "I'll try my best not to drag Frostmaw into yet another war. As much as Larket needs time to recover, Frostmaw could do with an extended period of peace, given it has fought two wars in the past two years. Even if it is to be expected from the "City of War"" the mage joked lightly. "How are situations in Frostmaw? My time spent there during my recovery was short and sporadic, and mostly in the Healer's care."

Hildegarde offered his shoulder a little squeeze before withdrawing her hand, “Frostmaw would not leave you to hang, my friend. Make the decision that you think is right, but patience pays off. Patience on the field of battle has always paid off, I do not see why it would be different in other aspects of life,” she said with a little smile. Life was a fight, so it couldn’t be that different, right? As he asks about Frostmaw, Hildegarde offered him a smile but it was a little weary. “Things are gradually improving. I have named Lionel as the Steward of Frostmaw, so if I am not present, he is there to tide us over. He’s a strong man, he can do it. But I think I need to wander a little bit, stretch my legs. My faith needs restoring.”

Odhranos smiled appreciatively of the support. "I've been toying with applying for my citizenship, I haven't thought to get around to tying myself down to any place as of yet, never found the time. I'm torn between Frostmaw and Larket, although this recent conflict has biased that somewhat in favour of the former. Larket is where is my home is-" The mage gestured to the room around him. "- but Frostmaw has always felt like home, if that makes any sense. Maybe when this conflict is settled, I will have the time to think about such things." The mage shrugged, then his eyes lit up as Hildegarde mentioned Lionel's appointment as Steward. "Well, you've certainly picked a Steward with more than a few legends under his belt. They have an entire row of shelving in the Mage's Guild Library accounting his endeavours, they'll need a new set of shelves before long!"

Hildegarde smiled as he spoke of citizenship within Frostmaw, “Ah, you’re already a citizen, my friend. Whenever you decide to call Frostmaw home, it is there for you. It knows you as a son of Frostmaw,” she said with a warm voice. Frostmaw was always proud of its people and those who wished to call it home. Those who offered their services to Frostmaw were always offered a warm welcome home. As he mentions shelves of Lionel’s exploits, she chortled slightly, “Better him than I in the limelight!”

Odhranos smiled broadly. It felt good to hear that Frostmaw already considered him one of it's own. "You'd be surprised, I'd wager there's a shelf documenting your own achievements if I took a look" The mage teased. (To those wondering, there was a shelf. Some of the more fan-boyish novices tended to read it regularly.) "I will have to return to Frostmaw sometime soon. I intend on hunting in the Eyrie's records for as many documents on the Northern Outpost's design as I can get my hands on. I want to see if the original designs will work with Larketian stone, it's quite a different material to that native to Frostmaw, so some of the design features would have to differ to accommodate different material strengths."

Hildegarde waved off the suggestion bashfully and instead focused on the search for documentation. “I’ll see if I can find anything hidden away, but as the spire is largely constructed from ice and stone, it’ll naturally be different from anything that Larket could have. That being said, I think there are things from areas like Gualon or Venturil that could suit our needs. After all, part of an outpost must serve as nesting grounds for the mounts.”

Odhranos perked up as the conversation turned to construction and materials, this was truly his element (pun intended). "The stone in Larket is a lot more dense than Frostmaw's native stone, and while not as dense as ice, it has a lot more structural support. Hence-!" The mage pulled a large design drawing from the pile, showing the plan and elevation of the outpost. "-why the external wall of the outpost can be a lot thinner and support entryways." The design seemed to show the side of the cylindrical tower perforated by doorways laid out in a clever honeycomb pattern that allowed different bands of different sized doorways for the varied members of the Eyrie mounts. "The structure of this outpost differs from the Northern Outpost in that it doesn't depend on solid load-bearing walls as much, most of the structure can be stone framework."

Hildegarde offered him a ‘hmm’ of interest. This was all beyond her understanding, but she seemed to like what she was hearing! “It seems good,” she tells him with a little smile. “You’re too smart for me, Odhranos. When you need advice on war, ask me then,” she laughed. “But I trust you with this. You’re the man to get it done.”

Odhranos bowed deeply, it was a very him thing to go on and on about something around others, lord knows enough of his friends in the mage's Guild had pointed it out. "I will try my best. I'll write up a report and bring it with me to Frostmaw when I am there. If anything happens in the meantime that requires immediate correspondance, I will let you know." The mage would lead Hildegarde back out to the front door, picking up a small object from the desk as he walked past. Upon reaching the door and opening it for the queen, Odh handed across the object in question, a small flourite scarab, etched with Odhranos' signature on it's shell. "If anything arises that you need to me to come to Frostmaw in a hurry, bury this, it'll find me in about a day and I'll come as fast as I can."

Hildegarde accepted the scarab and nodded her head. “If you need word to reach Frostmaw but you cannot put pen to paper… well, keep an eye on the sky and yell deep within your mind for Kenway. If you’re lucky, he’ll hear you,” Kenway being her couatl and loyal sidekick. A noble beast. “Thank you for your time, Odhranos. Keep me informed about matters in Larket, won’t you?”

You nodded, "Will do, My Queen." The mage grinned broadly.