RP:A Meeting Of Future Intentions

Summary: Queen Hildegarde sends a letter to Lanara, asking if she'd like to host the Yule Ball, and if they could meet to discuss a private matter. Eager to see her old friend who hasn't been spotted in the public eye in several months, the witch hurriedly issues a reply and makes her way to Frostmaw. The two women briefly catch up about the latest happenings in the realm, and Lana accepts the offer to plan the festivities at the local fort. The conversation takes a darker turn when Hilde claims she feels that there's a darkness lurking within, and that it could very well be related to the machine that beats within her chest. It's advised the she speak with Leone, and that Lana will use her empathic abilities when Hilde is in her dragon form, to see what she can find. Their meeting ends with the hopes of recruiting the witch into the Eyrie, as she can provide assistance between the mounts and their riders.

Lanara had made the journey to Frostmaw on horseback, rather than the use of her broom or other means. The witch enjoyed traveling, and she knew the terrain well, as she had resided in the area for quite a few years, before returning to Sage Forest. She inhales the brisk air, feels the chill seeping into her bones, and she can’t help but smile at the freshly fallen snow that lines her cloak. Crimson cheeks seem to freeze upon her face, and when she can hardly feels her fingers, the tavern comes into view. Perfect timing! Slipping from the mare’s back, she ties the reins to a wooden post, and heads into her old hang out. Drargon does a double take when he sees the brunette, and quickly ushers her over to the hearth to warm up, as Lana kicks the snow from her boots, and requests a private setting. Within minutes, she’s nursing a cup of warming ale and seated at a table for four, in the first room up the stairs. Every so often her gaze trails towards the door, as she waits for the steward to arrive.

Hildegarde had been residing in the western reaches of Frostmaw, far out in the ruins of the ancient tribes and giants who had once claimed Frostmaw as their own. She had been dwelling in the temple there, the temple that held both knowledge of light and dark; the temple in which she believed Aramoth himself had appeared before her. It was only with the howl of the wind and the arrival of Kenway that she realized that Yule was approaching, a time of importance to all in the realm. It had prompted her to contact Lanara to arrange the festivities, given that her mind was far too preoccupied with what she deemed to be more important matters. As the Queen returns to the City of War, the people have mixed responses: some are eager to greet her, some are accustomed to absent Queens and simply continue about their business with no more than a small nod of the head. As Hildegarde enters the tavern, her eye squints slightly in search of Lanara. She isn’t there. The knight grunts and braces herself to depart once more, to continue whatever secretive business she conducts in the west, only to have Drargon stop her. The weathered bartender gestures to the stairs and prompts the Queen to find Lanara up there. Lanara will surely be able to hear the heavy steps on the way up, she might even recognize the gait of the warrior queen as she approaches without hurry. Thump, thump, thump goes her fist upon the door.

Lanara continues to sip at her ale, the flames of the hearth flickering in her chocolate hues, as she patiently waits for the Queen to make her appearance. She had always been fond of Hilde, and the last time they had seen each other had been at the temple, where the apparition of Aramoth had materialized. It had been a year? Longer? Less? The witch seems to have lost the concept of time in recent months, as she had been so preoccupied planning this and that for the sanctuary, Samhain, and the Adventurer’s Guild. It came as no surprise that another wished for her to host an event, as she gave it all her when planning festivities. Plus, Yule held a special place in her heart, and it was a time for celebration. The chair to her left is occupied by an adorable white bear cub, who sits quietly, munching on a slice of cakelog. Wearing a crimson bowtie, he looks rather dapper, and his kohl eyes lock on the door a moment before the knock ensues. “That must be Queen Hildegarde! You be on your best behavior, Aspen.” Wagging a finger at the cub, Lana rises to close the distance between the table and the door, a grin on her face as she locks eyes with the Silver. “Hilde! How do you do? Please, come in. Drargon said he will bring up some warming ale, and a platter of meats and cheese.” Lana motions for the woman to enter the small room, delighted that she had arrived, and that they could discuss business.

Hildegarde offers Lanara a small smile and polite dip of her head before accepting the invitation to enter the room. “I am glad to see you well, m’lady,” her voice is a little crackly, as if from disuse. “How kind of him,” she said in reference to the impending ale and food. The knight wanders into the room, casting a glance before selecting a chair to sit in near Aspen who receives a little smile. Satoshi had a cub like that, Frysta, who grew large and fearsome. They would wrestle sometimes. Sweet cub. “I have been much away from the realm as of late. I do not think I will be much available for festivities, either,” she murmurs the latter absentmindedly. “I know you to be someone who enjoys such things. Someone who is in tune with others. Who better to ask?”

Lanara keeps a watchful eye on Aspen, as he stares open mouthed at Hilde, as though sensing she was someone of great importance. Though he was no larger than a three month old bear cub, he wouldn’t grow, or age. He was eternally frozen, as he was on the receiving end of a scientific experiment at a nearby lab, that Lana had rightfully torched for abusing innocent animals. Reclaiming her seat, she stifles a giggle as Aspen extends his paw, offering to share some of his cakelog. Tiny teeth marks are visible where he had been nibbling, but he’s hopeful that she’ll try some, as he was eager to make friends. “Queen Hildegarde…” She’s just now catching herself, and returning to the use of formalities, as the woman carried a title that deserved respect. “This is Aspen. He’s infatuated with Frostmaw, and I didn’t have the heart to leave him back in Sage. I hope you don’t mind that he came along. I promise, he won’t repeat anything that is said.” Not that he could, as he didn’t have the gift of speech, unlike her reindeer. “I’m honored that you asked me to host the event. I assure you that everything will run smoothly.” A brief pause, as a barmaid enters the room, sets a platter in the center of their table, and refills their mugs with ale. Once she’s out of earshot, Lana picks up the conversation, “How have you been? Truly? Your letter mentioned that you needed some help with a private matter. Are you in trouble?”

Hildegarde casts her eye back to Aspen as she senses the stare upon her, cocking her head slightly at him out of interest. He reminded her of Frysta, though a little different in the eyes; a greater intelligence and yearning for people rather than beasts. As the paw is extended and cakelog offered, the Silver leans forward and grasps some in her hand to take a rather greedy bite before returning it to the cub. Everyone knew the Queen was a glutton for cakelog. “All white bears are welcome in Frostmaw. It is their home,” she commented with a little smile. It was the truth, after all, those tundra bears roamed freely in the west. As Lanara assures that the Yule Ball will run smoothly, the knight nods her head in acceptance and belief; she is confident that Lanara will handle things well. As the barmaid enters, the knight lapses into silence and waits for the woman to leave before offering Lanara a glance. “I have been busy. Searching in the west for truth. A pilgrimage across the lands that has occupied much of my time. I sense a danger coming, Lanara, something does not sit well with me. And I feel an impurity within me that I would be rid of. I have heard tale that you can see into the heart of another?” she asks, making reference to Lanara’s empathic abilities.

Lanara smiles as Aspen gobbles up the remainder of the cakelog, having found a true friend in the Steward. It warms the elf’s heart that he’s so easily taken with others, whereas she mistrusts almost everyone, at least upon first meeting. Being ‘free’ would be so wonderful, to live life without inhibitions, to not have to lurk in the shadows and keep her magical talents hidden from the public eye. Placing a slice of cheese atop a cracker, Lana takes a small bite, struggling to swallow and not choke on the crumbs as the inquiry reaches her tapered ears. Long ago, she had sacrificed her empathic abilities, true, though when she called upon her other gifts; she was given a clear picture of one’s intentions. Given the Hildegarde is a dragon, well; Lana would easily be able to see inside of her, as animal empathy came easily. Should she confess such things? She’s hesitant to answer, as she places half of her crack onto a napkin and meets Hilde’s eye. “You are an old friend, so I see no harm in sharing my gifts with you… The nature of my empathy relies mostly on animals… Furred, winged, or scaled. If I desired to see into a ‘human’ type race… I’d have to rely on magic, which is taxing and I’d have to thoroughly prepare for such a thing. It also must be done in private, as you know what my kind has been through…” At once, a beloved canine comes into Lana’s mind, and she finds her gaze dropping. Her familiar had been slaughtered at the market, merely because she wore a pentacle. The next statement, Lana struggles to form, as she –never- spoke of this with those outside of her goddess worshipping circle. “As a backup… I have a particular item. An enchanted skull… Whatever I ask, it will show me the truth. Though it comes at a cost. For as long as I use its powers, I lose the ability to speak.” Her gaze lifts to lock onto Hilde’s face again, “The skull was retrieved to be used during the resurrection of Valrae Ivy Baines.” Yes, Lanara possessed one of –those- skulls. “You wish for me to see into your heart, Hildegarde? Or another’s?”

Hildegarde smiled at Aspen as he consumed the remainder of the cakelog. Fierce little thing with an appetite like her own. Of course, Hildegarde has no knowledge of Lanara’s past experiences and the fact that she has sacrificed her abilities. As Lanara advises that her abilities only really apply to the animals of the realm, the knight offers a slow nod of her head in understanding. She was more beast than man, so it should be reasonable to believe Lanara’s abilities would be effective. When Lanara mentions the suffering of her people, the Silver nods in understanding; knowing the difficulties the witches had suffered under the tyranny of Larket. Under the tyranny of Macon and… and Josleen. The knight reaches forth and places her hand gently upon Lanara’s shoulder as a sign of silent comfort. When listening to the cost of Lanara’s additional skill, the Queen nods but mentally notes that this is not what she wishes to inflict upon her friend. “That seems a little extreme, m’lady. We ought not risk you harm.” When Lanara enquires as to who this is for, the Silver nods gently, “Aye. It is my own. Something is not right.”

Lanara smiles faintly as the Silver rests a comforting hand atop her shoulder, and she gives a reassuring nod. She’d be alright, though the memories of all that her kind had endured would remain with her forever. Other witches had turned to the dark side, many had fled the lands, and a few died at the hands of the rulers in Larket. Even Cramer’s novel had several being attacked in Cenril! Safe havens were scarce these days for those wielding magic, of any kind. Lana had remained true to herself, though she had ventured outdoors less and less, and her circle had grown rather small. Only during high holidays did she feel her usual bubbly self, which is why hosting the ball would do her some good. She’d be distracted from her thoughts and social during the event. In a sense, Hilde was giving her a piece of her soul back, without realizing it. Concern is evident in Lana’s expression as she lifts her hand to rest it atop the Silver’s, “Don’t worry about causing me any harm, Queen Hildegarde. It’s for a good cause. You need answers, and I will gladly help you.” The witch hesitates to broach the topic any further, but she knows it’s necessary. She knew that the other was a dragon, though she’d never witnessed her in that form. Using a blend of arcane knowledge and druidic magic would take some time, so they would likely lean towards the empathic abilities that she possessed with animals. “If you want it to work, you’ll have to be in your dragon form. I think we’ll have the best odds that way. Would you be comfortable with me seeing you that way? I know that some choose to hide their true nature. And no worries… I will not fear a dragon. I am confident that you will remain calm beneath my touch. However, if that’s not how you want to go about this, we can use the magical route, and you can remain in this form. But, we will have to prepare. I just want you to be sure… Sometimes it’s best that things aren’t brought to light. Our minds repress things, to protect us. But if darkness lurks… I think it’s the right choice to meet it head on.”

Hildegarde had known the plight of witches had reached beyond Larket. The witches had been met with austerity and alienation, a xenophobia that Hildegarde had witnessed in her own people during the wars gone by. It was grim and cyclical. “I will always defend those who are close to me, m’lady,” the knight said, turning her hand to offer Lanara’s a reassuring squeeze and definitive ‘no’ to putting her at any sort of risk. “I will reveal that form to you, m’lady, though Drargon would insist it be elsewhere. I am too large for this tavern,” she advised with a little smile. When Lanara talks of the mind repressing things, the Silver nods in understanding. She had many dark visions that haunted her, many dark memories that was known as the warrior’s malady. “You know, when I died at the Yule Ball… Lady Leone brought me back through divine magic and her blacksmithing. But a machine is not a heart. It is wrong to be plucked from the halls of glory and eternal honor,” she said the latter quietly, a sense of longing in her voice. “This machine saps at me. I feel it. I feel myself changing, Lanara, and I do not like it.” The Silver was convinced the metal heart was making her colder. She didn’t sleep these days. She barely hungered. It was as if she wasn’t quite alive. “But enough of me. Tell me, m’lady, of the realm. What news is there? Anything good, anything concerning?”

Lanara returns the gentle squeeze to Hilde’s hand, her eyes full of sympathy for her dearest friend. She could sense the woman’s suffering, through her expression, and the tone of her voice. Quite a few had cheated death, or returned from the other side, and it was always similarly described. Even if you were placed back into your original body… You never felt as though you were in your own skin. Lanara had died and been sent back to the world of the living, without her magic, and she had struggled to find comfort, to find a reason for survival, and she earned it all back. Hildegarde hadn’t been so lucky. She was very much alive, yes, but she was brought back by the use of machinery. Perhaps, somewhere along the line, something became tainted? Leone was a wonder as a blacksmith, but dealing with the dead was a serious undertaking. “The machine and you are having difficulty working together, it seems. I will need to further assess what’s going on, before I make any assumptions. It may be best to bring Lady Leone into this, as well, as she was the maker of your heart.” Lana lowers her hand to the table, folding them together, as she quirks a brow and the corner of her lip twitches as though she were fighting a smirk, “True. I think you’d level this place in your dragon form. Send me a letter when you decide on a day and location, and I promise to be there.” The conversation shifts and Lana clears her throat, “Well… Not too much is happening. There’s another dragon that has newly woken, in the lands. Her name is Brynhild. A man named Cramer wrote a book that condemns witches, so those that are in Cenril aren’t safe. My sanctuary is –finally- open, in Sage Forest. Should you ever find an animal or seek to adopt one, you must visit! Other than that… The realm has mostly been silent. Not quite at peace, though not on the brink of another war. So there’s that, I suppose.”

Hildegarde knew that she wished to remain in the land of the dead, she knew that deep within herself. But, alas, the realm had need of her and her oath obliged her to return and see her oath fulfilled. She felt as though it had been, but she knew otherwise. She could not rest as of yet. “Leone’s craftsmanship is perfection, of that I have no doubt. But her knowledge of the divine might be useful,” she said, nodding in agreement. “I will find a time and a place. Should you require anything, let me know and I will see that it is done,” she assured her friend. As Lanara delivers the news of a newly woken dragon; the condemnation of witches once again; the animal sanctuary and, most importantly, the news of war… or lack thereof. “Dragons awakening is always dangerous,” she warned gently, “particularly if they have been sleeping long. Brynhild,” she repeats the name, perhaps remarking on the similarity of her own name, “I will listen for news of this one.” Upon the news of witches, she nods and gestures slightly at the room, “Frostmaw will always welcome those who need sanctuary,” providing they would obey the law and come under her justice. “I am sure the sanctuary is wonderful. If there is anything you need that the Eyrie can help with, please, say. I think the Eyrie would be honoured to assist.”

Lanara gives a nod in regards to Hilde mulling over the news of the other dragon in the area, though she doesn’t comment. Brynhild had been kind to her, and seemed somewhat upset that she was one of the few that remained in the realm. It wasn’t as though their kind was as populated as humans and elves. The talk about witches being welcome in Frostmaw is comforting, though Lana knows she’s not quite ready to uproot herself from Sage, as her sanctuary rested in the forest, and her boyfriend lived in Cenril. Wearing a bikini was preferable to a fur coat, any given day! Their business regarding empathy is cast aside for the day, though she’s visibly relieved to hear that Leone will be included in any important decision making. She didn’t want anything bad to happen to the Queen, and she knew that the blacksmith held her in high regard as well. Finishing up her cracker and ale, Lana reaches forward to wipe the crumbs from Aspen’s face, and she has an ‘aha’ moment at Hilde’s next statement. “The Eyrie! That’s right! It’s a group of those that travel on flying mounts, correct? Keeping order? Lending assistance to those in need? I have heard of your group, and even have an interest to join, if you could find a place for me, of course. I have an aerial mount…” A faint pinkness appears in her high cheekbones, “His name is Rude-Off, and he’s a reindeer. He’s an excellent flyer, and he has the curse-erm, uh, the gift of speech. However, he can be pretty mean with his vocals.” She’d leave it at that, should she meet the ill-mannered deer in the future. “Also… We have several animals at the sanctuary that would love a home, or a rider. If there are any in your ranks that are in need, please send them my way. I’d be happy to match them up, or help to form a bond between rider and mount.” Aspen quits fidgeting and once his face is cleaned, he returns to staring at Hildegarde, and when Lana isn’t looking, he snatches another piece of cakelog and slides it over to the Queen.

Hildegarde smiles at the mention of the Eyrie and Lanara’s recognition of it. It had fallen a bit to the wayside in terms of activity outside of Frostmaw’s skies, but it was near and dear to Hildegarde’s heart. It was, after all, one of the first places that really took her in and gave her purpose. “It is, indeed, it has been a longstanding group that claims neutrality and does not hold its members to a specific pledge or cause, other than that of the care of the animals and one another. It is a family, I suppose,” she said wistfully. “You would be welcome to join, of course. You and your mount,” she said, after hearing about his relatively rude nature and verbal curse. She’d seen and heard worse, no doubt! With another piece of cakelog, the Queen takes it into hand and offers the bear a blink… or a wink? Unclear. “I had best be off, Lanara. I can’t leave matters unattended for too long. Please, if you need anything for your planning, talk to Lisbeth. She will arrange for access to the treasury and the fort itself, she will make sure you can plan as you see fit. She’ll also likely try to make it feel as Frostmawian as possible,” she said with a little smile, thinking fondly of her Queensguard as she rose from her seat. “It was good seeing you again, Lana.”

Lanara claps her hands in an animated manner, delighted that she would be welcome to join the Eyrie… Rude-Off, as well, even with his snarky attitude. “That would be wonderful! It sounds like I would fit in… Animals are my life. And… I have tried to rebuild a family in the lands, with my sister, so it would be amazing to be amongst a group of like minded individuals.” The witch is all smiles, eager to join the Eyrie, and to be considered one of their own. She’s already thinking of the mounts she can bring along, to rehomed and match them with a worthy rider. “It was great to catch up with you, Hilde… Next time, let’s not go so long without seeing each other. I’ve missed you.” Her words are sincere, her smile reaches her eyes, and she escorts the Queen to the door, seeing her out. “Safe travels, and I will expect a letter from you regarding the matter we discussed… And I’ll be sure to stop by and speak with Lisbeth soon!” Almost shyly, she stands on her toes and delivers a chaste kiss to the Silver’s cheek. “Be seeing you.”