RP:A Noble Alliance

Part of the Rynvale New Dawn Arc

LOCATION: Larket, Red Ogre Inn

You are surprised to say the least when you enter this room. From the outside, the Inn looked friendly, but a bit run down and certainly nothing like this. A marble counter is at the opposite end of the room, behind it a middle aged, cheerful looking man stands. He has a guest book, bound in red leather in front of him, and a peacock quill in his hand. A giant stands next to the counter, most likely to carry your bags and to dispose of any troublemakers. Lavish red carpets furnish the marble floor, and gleaming white pillars support the roof. Lining every wall are long luxurious couches with expensive looking polished metal armrests. Scattered all around the inn are small circular tables with marble tabletops around which are well-crafted wooden chairs. These tables have been placed at a decent distance from others allowing a comfortable sense of privacy for those sitting and conversing at them. Some of the chairs are empty but many are filled with patrons of the inn and a few locals who have popped in for a drink or meal. A few potted plants are placed around to add a bit more color. To the east, through two large mahogany doors, is the paved road.

Arien arrived at the inn for the second time within a week. The realization made her smile. At the rate she was going the Lady Larket would be within her right to begin charging a user’s fee, but really, the resources and ambiance offered by the locale were second to none when official business might need to be conducted in a less than formal environment. The governor entered the dimly lit confines for the dining area, emerald gaze blinkered momentarily against the adjustment from the glare outside. Jacklin had agreed to the meeting, though no specific agenda lay upon the table-at least that she was aware of. It was past time however, that some establishment of formal relations between their territories be initiated, and doing so over a shared glass seemed as fair a start as any. The elf stepped deeper into the room, a sweeping look offered the most secluded of the booths ringing the floor and more particularly the seats facing the door. A smile flitted across her lips when she found the form of the royal. A warrior first, she had known Jacklin would not leave her back unguarded. Measured steps would bring the elven female to the queen’s table side. “ Your majesty..” it was a murmur offered on a bow sketched low enough to be respectful without being subservient. Observant gaze searched the appearance of the woman, silent comparison made to what she had seen upon last encounter. “ You seem..much improved.”

Jacklin had affixed cobalt gaze to where she assumed the high elf would enter the Inn. Patiently she sat, stick straight, within the confines of the carefully carved booth with only a single half-glass in front of her. Per habit, the liquid floating there was of an amber tint with the strong fumes of whiskey carried up into the atmosphere. Facial armor had been removed for the occasion, jaw plating and ebon hood were slumped sadly in the seat at her side awaiting their use to be put fourth once more. Thomas stood behind the bar stacking a set of newly arrived dishes from the back room. Unlike most of the barkeeps in the land, Thomas was one of the rare few that kept a kind demeanor in all he did. Lips were parted bareley enough to provide that sweet, low whistle of his. Always carrying some sort of tune, a hymn or even just something created from memory. The man never would mind his queen and her demands for whiskey. Even then, as Arien entered the dim arena, he lifted the jug in a hailing of Jacklin, "More water, miss?" Jacklin, in turn, lifted her own glass in his direction, "No thanks to ya, Thomas. Got enough here." Steely sight glided with Arien as she passed over the floor to where the queen currently took residence, chin tilted easily back so that sight lingered on the noble face of the governor, "Just Jack, Arien." Gesturing toward the seat across from her she returned the glass to tabletop, "Hey, Thom, get this elf something to drink," with a nod toward Arien, "Just tell 'em what you want." Leaning back into the seat she patted her chest easily, "Cowardice isn't enough to kill me. Time will, of course, but I won't mind losing to time." Allowing the elf a wink before continuing, "I suppose a congratulations is in order, governor."

A smile glimmered in emerald depths as the cheerful call of the barkeep drew attentions momentarily away from the regal figure before her and the elf realized what ‘water’ it was that the man was offering. Glance slid back to the aged woman before her and the hidden expression blossomed into visible if subdued movement of her lips. “ Jack then..” she conceded, as travelling cloak was swung off her shoulders and move made to slide into the seat in front of the monarch upon invitation. Eye contact was sought with Thomas and her order quietly given. “ Brandy..thank you..” accompanied by an easy smile. Her own sword was already unclasped, and laid at her side within easy reach, of a habit, though she had no cause to suspicion the queen of any ill intent. The traits of a warrior were not so easily subsumed by those of a politician-as the queen herself might know, and forgive. Offered congratulations brought a nod of acknowledgement, though observant eye would not miss the shadows of regret that tainted the pale features. “ Thank you..although I cannot but wish our objectives could have been accomplished with less resistance. It had been my intention to present odds overwhelming enough to provoke a bloodless surrender.” Eyes drifted away from the face to seek the approaching tender with her goblet of forgetfulness. “ That was not how events unfolded..” There had been so much unnecessary death..a massacre in some cases. “ There has still been no word of the tiefling and his mate- though I cannot believe them dead until I see their bodies. Kasyr and Satoshi both are entirely too stubborn to die.”

Jacklin dips a pinkie into the whiskey by way of testing temperature. Licking the excess from her finger she lifted an eye to Arien, a reminder that perhaps she should simply drink from the glass and not play with her poison. Before another gruff word from Jacklin the ever-loyal Thomas came bounding over with the brandy ordered by Arien. A neatly folded cloth was first situated directly in front of her, the crystal cut glass placed atop it. Lifting an eye to the barkeep Jacklin shook her head slightly, "Nothing better to do than fold fancy linens? Good heavens man...have some dignity." Thomas frowned at the elder human and shrugged, "Someone has to show kindness to guests. If it were up to you the town would be empty." With a cordial bow to the governor he headed back to his place amongst the alcohol and linens. "You kill when you need to get things done. I think, Arien, you are a rarer breed of warrior." Tipping the whiskey glass upward with a quick jerk she downed the remains of bitter liquid and placed the dried glass upside-down on the cloth decoration. Hardened regard again settled on the face of Arien, "I haven't met many of your kind. The warriors who are able to disguise their lust for battle with pure justice. But I think your heart doesn't hide the truth. That ya like death, right? Killing to get what you want is better than any alcohol in this forsaken land, right? I don't blame you for it, and I may not be right, but that's what I think. That you enjoyed killing those Imperials. But as with your kind, there was the mask of 'For Rynvale!' behind it all. I think one of these days you're gonna snap," with this, the queen snapped her fingers for effect, "and that'll be the day I want to be here for. You're gonna be another Alexander." With a half-grin, the human planted elbows on table and leaned forward to continue with conversation, "I doubt they're dead. Those two are much too slippery to simply die. But the main reason I wanted to speak with you was for an alliance, of course. And to find out what the hell you're doing over there that I keep getting reports about from raving citizens."

Arien reached for the brandy proffered, fingertips caressing the crisp linens beneath the glass, a second smile of thanks given to the apparent long suffering tender before her eyes returned to the face of the queen in front of her. Silence reigned a few moments after the observations of the elder washed over her, the elf stalling reply as she searched her own soul for what truths might be hidden there. Drink was raised to her lips and calculated sip taken, before a gentle shaking of her head would ensue, and a qualified denial spilled from pale lips quietly. “ I do not deny Jack, that to be a good warrior there must be some ability to enjoy and excel at the thrill of combat and the willingness to embrace and take pride in a clean kill. But there is a difference between killing for necessity, and killing for blood lust.” She searched for the words. “ There have been times in my life, when I enjoyed the idea of killing, when I wanted to, desperately. Those times have always been..personal, and a sore testing of my spirit and resolve.” The murderer of her stillborn son, were he still walking the lands would be one such test. “Had it been the time Lord himself who had stood before me, perhaps there might have been pleasure in a kill if it had occurred. But I took no satisfaction from the loss of lives of those foolish enough to attempt defense of a lost cause. How difficult would it have been to simply lay down arms? It was a pointless waste of life, but it is done.” Her own stinging swallow of brandy ensued, eyes closed against the flashing vision of High Elven bodies herded and destroyed before unrelenting shower of acidic draconic breath. Drawing her own shallow breath the governor would reopen eyes to meet those of the queen, a slight frown furrowing pale brow as reminder of the strange accusations brought the matter to forefront of thought again. “ An alliance between our cities is one I have full intent of persuing. I am not unaware that Larket is a formidable foe and a most worthy ally. There are perhaps, ways in which we can see to the further development of both our interests and mutual security with such a pact. As I had mentioned in my letter previously, we have no such devices, and an internal investigation in the clan has provided no indicator that such action has been taken even in secret.” She raised glass for another sip. “ Is it possible that the accusations were a direct attempt to sabotage relations before they were even begun?”

Jacklin listened to the words of Arien without batting a lash. Jaw had tensed, lips pursed as each syllable and sound was taken into account and filed away for later recollection. Jack might have been old, but she was still sharp enough to remember the important things. And this, well, this was one of the important things. Each line of motion on the face of Arien was duly noted. From the crease of brow to the breathy moment of memory is appeared the governor was enduring. It brought a grin to the face of Jacklin, she'd obviously hit a nerve of some sort. Or at least fluffed up a painful past that the high elf had buried. The brawlers next words were chosen carefully, "I could not be so bold as you were to relinquish arms. We are not so different, are we? We're both beasts. Warriors, murderers, blood-stained monsters. You are simply more classy at it than I. And Lady Arien," tapping index finger against the tabletop solidly, "you'd have made a good Executioner." In true form, Jack retrieved a flask hidden beneath the pile of mask and armor, immediately taking a lengthy drain from the neck of the worn container. "Ya know, I never wanted this job. My moronic mouth made a promise to Larket's king to take over if he passed. It was a sore town when I got here and all I had to offer was fighting." Jacklin took a glance in Thomas' direction. Although his eyes were not on the pair, it was evident by his leaning posture that he couldn't quite ignore the odd coupling in the corner. For it was odd indeed. Judging by the glances of the other patrons Arien and Jacklin were the least likely conversational partners in Hollow. Shifting attention back to Arien she worried not for the gazes. "I don't mind you much. You know how I feel about the Fold, about those people in there, and what they've become over the years. I hate 'em. No qualms about killing any of them if they so much as step a sour foot into my city. Because I still have my spear polished up." Another drink from the flask, mostly to wet her throat. The bitterness no longer affected the queen. "They better well know that. As for you, as I said, you aren't bad blood. I think you do what you need to do, no matter what, and don't give a damn about what they say. You might try and keep peace, but I know you'll go back to Rynvale and recall his meeting over and over again. Maybe pass off a few ill notes on me. It's deserved. Luthentius is my second hand around here. You already know him, so I won't glorify his name right now. He'd be the perfect man to aid in our alliance. Maybe be our special link in all of this. He's been trying to open magic universities around this land and I think Rynvale might be a fine place to do so. I'll let you talk to him about it at a later date. As for Larket and Rynvale, I'd like an alliance sure as anything. I have an army second to none and you have the sea. You have brilliant trade paths that I need. I want an alliance with Rynvale, but mainly with you. The governor."

Arien leaned back in her seat, silent again for a moment and smiled. The smile became a grin and the grin became a soft chuckle. Leaning forward again, slender fingers templed beneath her chin and piercing emerald gaze would find cobalt hues of the elder. “ Jack..you are good, very good at what you do. The best I do believe, but you will find I am not so easily led down rabbit trails. I will discover your sources for the accusations..in due course. But your reticence upon the matter will not be cause enough for the stifling of this effort of outreach between us.” The elf intended that the monarch would know she had noted to failure to respond to her inquiry on a matter of such import. Lifting her drink to her lips, thoughtful expression rested on the face before lips twitched in half a smile. “Were there no intention of the passing of notes, it would be fair to say, perhaps, that such might be the case now-though expected, as you have yourself indicated.” She tipped her glass in laconic salute. “ A worthy compatriot indeed.” A slender finger tapped against the crystal in her grasp. “ The clan has no cause to set foot in Larket, sour or otherwise, beyond what the business of daily personal life might procure. I have no reason to believe that there will be cause for such to change. I will accept Luthentius as liaison between our cities, provided that he remains informed always of your personal intent and position. Negotiations with one out of the loop, proves most frustrating and a waste of all our time.” A sudden swift movement saw the downing of the remnant of the beverage. “ An alliance is acceptable Lady Larket, and offered willingly, the resources of Port Rynvale are yours to explore and utilize, within reason.” The emerald gaze cooled slightly. “ It is to be hoped that an alliance it will always remain. There is noting so painful as a betrayal amongst..friends.”

Jacklin gingerly tucked the flask not beneath the pile of metal and cloth, but into her own breastplate. Her own bout of mirth trickling from slack lips to greet that of Arien's, "You may search for the carriers of letters, Lady, but you will not find them. They do not tell so easily as one may have hoped. If you do want to know...then you'll have to prepare a sword for their necks. For the birds will only sing to you." Swiping a few strands of greying hair behind her ear she whistled for Thomas once more. The burly barkeep wandered over with a neatly rolled parchment which was wordlessly placed on the table between the two women. From there, the man swiftly retreated back to his post. "Thomas acts as more than the keeper of tonics and tastes. We keep him looking plain for a reason," the elder quoted as she unfurled the contract from its gold-bound ribbon. "As for the Fold, I pay them no mind now. I deal not with them in the slightest bit. I deal with Rynvale's Governor and that is all. You are not Lady of the Fold before me now, but a power in Rynvale. And that's exactly what I wish to keep it as." Produced sneakily from beneath the table was a small quill already wet with black ink at the tip. Sliding the paper around to suit the view of Arien better she offered the feather out as well. "I drew this up before our meeting. Risky, perhaps, but I had every intention of getting you to sign this. Even if it took providing endless alcohol to finalize it." The quill was drawn back for a moment, cobalt gaze leveling with those emerald pools of Arien's as she spoke low and quick, "Our alliance will be on rocky grounds. I'm stubborn as all and you're righteous as ever. You're a born royal-type and I'm a savage. We're not going to get along at times, but we will not break this. If it is broken then it is war. I respect you as an ally and governor but if your group decides to engage in something of interest to me then I will fight back against them. My army is the best in this land and you'll be privy to their force if the island is assaulted. You'll have my spear as well. If nothing else Arien...I don't lie. My word is honest." Still staring, Jack again passes the quill toward Arien to make it all official.

Arien was not one to waste time once an agreement had been reached. A female of honor herself, she expected nothing less of the monarch, given what she knew of the other. Slender hand reached out to take the offered quill, emerald gaze skimming once the contract for evidence that it contained only that to which it was agreed. A soft grunt of acknowledgement was given, almost to herself, satisfaction with what was presented evident. Graceful signature was scribed across the parchment and both items returned to the warrior opposite. “ I know well the challenges proffered by the nature of such an agreement, but I do believe the benefits far outweigh the risks. The army and the fleet of Rynvale will stand at your side should you stand in need of defense against those who seek to harm Larket. To this, I am honor bound.” A flittering smile tugged upon pale lips once more. “ The birds. It is a place to begin...and sing they will. You will find I am not above -some- barbarity of my own when the interests of my people are threatened. A year of war and loss should be testament enough to that fact.” The governor looked to rise then, slender arm extended for the clasp of a warrior’s greeting. “ If that concludes our business for the present Jack, I do believe..I shall take my leave..to hunt down a bird in its nest.”

Jacklin sat slouched back in the seat as Arien took the quill and printed her own piece across its already-blemished face. With the finish of formality Jacklin took up both quill and contract carefully. As the high elf rose, the human did so as well. Clasping the hand of the governor's with a gentle squeeze before release. "A pleasure doing business with ya, Arien." Rolling the paper tightly with ribbon secured again the elder stepped out from the booth with chin lifting to indicate the mahogany doors of exit, "Then I'll wish you the best of luck with the fowl of folly. You get the blood and I want to see proof on either weapon or hands. If you share your barbarian side with me...I won't tell a soul." Jestingly she placed index finger against lips. "All our work is done now. We'll speak again soon I'm sure. Until that time, take care of the island and enjoy the perks of being loved for your title. You best send word to the other leaders to set something similar. I'm sure they'll fall in line."

Arien slipped out of her place at the booth in turn, having returned the squeeze to the firm handshake offered, only a smile given in response the monarch’s passing comment. “ Until we meet again then Jack, and may it be under equally pleasant circumstances. I have made treaty already with Gualon, and shall make effort at outreach with those leaders who remain, sooner rather than later.” With a final bow thereafter, the elf would utter her farewell turning upon armored heel after a wave spared for Thomas, to make her way towards the exit and out into the day beyond.