RP:A View from the Gallery

Part of the Rise of Larket Arc

Part of the Sauriangate Arc

Summary: Valen arrives in Frostmaw with vital information on both Macon and Kreekitaka. A Larketian teacher whose only thought is for the safety of his students, the man impresses upon Lionel a warm reminder that even in war's shadow, heroes are everywhere and only a few are truly villain.

Frostmaw: Fort

Valen would trudge his way back through the snow up to the north gate of the fort once more, though this time he was simply in professional, business mode it seemed, as he was actually decked out in his full set of black and red armor. His femme features still prominent, the style of the armor also added a somewhat imposing look to him, though it was not meant to be so. So it was, that the fair male stood at the ready to be accepted for his meeting with the Commander Lionel, memories of their last encounter still playing in his head as he pondered just what all he would say, or not say, or perhaps this meeting would provide a new avenue of direction? Only time would tell. "Commander Lionel?" he would call out tentatively as he approached, his voice not carrying much further than the courtyard beyond.

Lionel has done the unthinkable: he's rested. Oh, to be sure, Frostmaw's Knight-Commander has had a full and busy day already. Meetings, training sessions, stirring words with the queen over matters of a certain search-and-retrieval operation. But before it all, he rested. Last night's song and dance had kept him up so very late and knocked him into a sleep so deep that Briar Ku Risu chose not to wake him. She knew what he needed and she allowed it. And every stack of papers he had left inside this office of residence was dealt with. Quickly. Efficiently. The Ku Risu way. To think, he'd almost wondered yesterday if she had stormed off on him for all the stress. As he paces now in his black silks and matching slacks he observes the woman at her post. "Thank you," he tells her, eminently aware he's not said it enough. Before she can do much more than widen eyes in start, a voice calls out from the other side of the nearby door. "Enter," they both reply, inadvertently overstepping.

Valen would eye Lionel like a hawk for a moment not out of distrust, he trusted this man as he had proven he could be that night by not attacking, but simply because he was still thinking about how to approach the subject. Making his way past the threshold, his cape would sway and billow ever only just with each deliberate step, and it would be seen that this man carried himself prominently, no longer the giggling fool from their earlier encounter, though there were still signs that he was perhaps more carefree than most. "Commander. I first would like to take this opportunity to give you and yours thanks for allowing me to come, knowing where I am from. The very fact that you are this gracious humbles me in ways I cannot fathom, but time is short, and yours is valuable. Shall we discuss matters here or in some form of study or office?" His heart, could it still beat, would be aching at the risk that was being taken as Macon no doubt would have some sort of retribution should this ever get back to him, but Kreekitaka would need both parties against him, and working together, if he was to fall and this was a fact that Valen believed was worth more than anything at the moment.

Lionel and Briar both step aside to permit entry for a lavishly-armored man with a briefly shrewd look about him. Briar instantly side-eyes her liege, whose remarkably subtle hand gesture tells her enough. She lofts a brow from behind as the vampire’s many courtesies are expressed, but then she clears her throat and curtsies. Raven hair, neatly tucked for professional matters but flowing nevertheless, is pushed aside. She walks three steps to face Valen head-on as Lionel watches quietly, albeit with a cordial expression. “Your visit here amid troubled times does us honor, Valen, and proves the universal truth that peaceable kingdom is no mere fancy.” She bows, then holds one arm outstretched to usher in Lionel’s speech. In the meantime, she will gather three goblets and pour a ripe vintage. “These quarters serve as office enough,” Lionel smirks. Then he sighs. “Thank you for coming. Please, seat yourself and enjoy the wine. Time -is- short, however, much as I’d enjoy feigning otherwise. This news of yours -- it sounds urgent.” Briar is quick-footed with the offerings of drink that Lionel gladly accepts. Valen’s cup, should he choose to accept it, lingers before him now.

Valen would listen to the greeting that was offered, and that oh so charming smile would grace his features as his piercing blue gaze would gaze into Briar's as she spoke, before bowing to both...no flourish of the hand this time. "That, is my hope. That it is not fancy." Righting himself, he would listen to Lionel with intensity, hanging onto every word and could only understand. Affairs of late made for a very busy schedule after all, and here he was hoping to have made them a baked apple and pecan pie...Ah, C'est la vie, perhaps he might surprise them with one later, it was his mother's recipe after all. "Urgent does not describe the half of it, so allow me to get down to the heart of the matter. Kreekitaka is a mad man, and must be stopped. I am not sure what you know about all he posesses at his disposal, but I have seen firsthand just what he plans to do to Larket, and then perhaps Frostmaw. But, I mentioned Macon first, I believe." With a sigh, and perhaps conflicted emotion, as it was evident this was hard for him to do. "I have it on a very good authority that Macon may not be responsible for his own actions. The headmaster of the academy, pleaded with me to tell no one of this until further research has been completed, but..." Looking to Lionel though, it would seem that those vibrant blue's would pierce right through to his very soul if possible, though he would feel no attempt to dominate his will or any such thing, rather a plea would be in them...desperate. "You cannot let it get back to Larket that you know about this, at least not yet. I would lose my job, my friendship, my students. But Macon, it seems, has a magic that...from how Percival described it, plagues him...making him possibly paranoid? Mad even? ALl I know is, that I can attest to Perci's adeptness. He can -see- magic, and he said there was something seen around Macon that troubles him greatly. If there is even a chance that Macon is not in control of his actions I implore you to let Percival and I attempt to expel it. Together, I do not doubt we posess the knowledge and ability, we just need to figure out what it is. Secondly, should we succeed...It may open the way for Larket and Frostmaw to become allies against Kreekitaka. What strikes me as odd, is that I have studied hermit crabs." He would then go into an explanation, lest he be deemed just as crazy as Macon. "I have heard, that he is going to attempt to take control of Larket, just like a Hermit crab tries to steal another's 'house'. Only they do not stay satisfied, as they gorw, they try to find bigger 'houses'...and Frostmaw, is considerably larger than Larket. I fear that Larket will just be the beginning, and if he manages to take it...no one will be safe." Looking to Lionel, he would simply look away with a sigh "Please do not think me crazy...I...just want this war to be over, hopefully before it begins." Only then would he take the cup, and sip from it...glad and greatful for the hospitality that was bestowed upon him.

Lionel does not seem startled at Valen’s crustacean proclamation, although his smirk twists into a grimace. “We had half suspected as much.” He pauses, opting to leave the wine to breathe now in lieu of the situation. “That he’s insane, that is. His plan for Larket is not something Frostmaw expressly abides. There will be no alliance between our two peoples, his and ours -- that much I personally assure you.” Would that he could also assure the Larketian before him that there would be no Uyeer assault. How he longs, sometimes, for the days when he would tour the realm, Hellfire at his side, and choose his every battle for himself. But that is not politics. And there are deeper considerations now. Considerations of the lasting peace that he believes they are building. Lionel is silent and his grimace does not fade -- in fact it worsens -- at the tune of Valen’s subsequent monologue. All-the-while, Briar, who has taken seat beside them, fetches ink quill and pens the vampire’s statements. Her calligraphy is immaculate. When Valen has concluded, Lionel will reach for his goblet and drink, deeply. His azure gaze lingers on the fireplace in careful thought. Indeed, those years of wanton heroism may truly be behind him; he’s calculating. He’s using his brain. His heroics now will all have more depth to them -- and that’s harder. “Rumors swirl,” he begins, his tone almost melancholy. “I’ve heard similar whispers, but third-handedly at best. Your delivery of this crucial information is greatly appreciated.” He waits a few seconds. “Truly.” Another sip and a contemplative stare. “There are things I -will- do with this. I will look into it, diligently. I will apply it to Frostmaw’s every next move. I will ensure that it is never heard through either Briar or myself that you gave us this news. There are things I -cannot- do with this, too, however. I can’t give you promise that Frostmaw won’t proceed in any direction we might choose. That is to say, I’m sorry but I can’t give you my word that you’ll have the time you seek. I can take steps to mask your own investigations, maybe, but if it comes to open war, it’s all I can do to assure you we will take every conceivable measure to preserve the safety and the livelihoods of Larketian citizens. And I can tell you that I would rather that consideration could be side-swept entirely in favor of your absolute protection.” He looks to Briar, who looks him back and finishes for him. “No one here wants Larket to burn,” she attempts to sooth. “We hope it does not come to that.”

Valen had thought that he would be relieved once he had laid these burdens bare from his chest, the weight of the proverbial cross felt upon his shoulders gone, and yet here he was still feeling like there was still more to come. At the very least, however, he was glad that his information was considered crucial and that helped alleviate some if not at least half of his worries. "Do what you feel you must, Commander. Your discretion as far as I am concerned is most appreciated, and while I care little what happens to me, my concern is and will always be for my students first and foremost, as well as the wellbeing of Frostmaw, along with Larket as a whole in equal measure. I know Hildegarde is a very kind and strong woman of power, and she will do what she feels is right, as will we all. Your words," A glance to Briar with a soft and warm smile, before the same back to Lionel "Mean more to me than you can imagine, both of you." It changes once more to seriousness. "That is not all I am afraid. Back to the matter of the Crab...He has potions that most likely can nullify magic, at the very least. When I was captive, and asked just how he could plan to keep me prisoner, he assumed I had magic and although he was right, he overplayed his hand just as I had hoped but to a lesser degree. He immediately downed a liquid and made general boasts that it would be wise that I not try anything. Perhaps if that potion can be obtained, Percival and I can analyze it as well and figure out just what the true nature of it is. The cold hard truth though, is that the potion will most likely prove to be a vital part in his plans...whatever they may be. The last bit of information I have, are his...Sven almighty what was their names...Dinosaurs? Huge gigantic wingless dragon looking monstors, that he intends to use as -mounts-. His compound and breeding grounds are in Gualon, in the southern plains. More than likely you already knew this, and he has -a lot- of them...quadrants full of the beasts." He would finish that glass, much in similar fashion as how he downed his beer the previous night, graceful but seeming to need it more than ever if just to give some liquid courage. "I may seem like an innocent fool to some, Lionel. But deep down..." A mischevous smirk, and a wink would be given "Perhaps not so much. Also, I feel I must apologize for my forwardness last we met. I...was not aware that the kiss to your cheek would be met with such a reaction." Back to the topic at hand, he would go. "The only other piece of the puzzle I may offer, is their outer shells. If you can get enough leverage underneath a large enough part, you may be able to pop it off and have a decent-size target. I should know, after I was released Kreekitaka sent one to make sure I did not talk to Macon...under threat that anyone I came in contact with would be treated as non-citizens.....I plan on making him pay for threatening my friends in such a way, but it would be best if the proper people got to him first."

Lionel permits himself a grin’s hinting at that last bit. “Your advice is well-regarded. The Warrior’s Guild,” meaning with himself as its champion, “very recently worked together to dispatch the bulk of the wild saurian fleet.” An odd word for it, fleet, but one that had seemed to stick with the soldiers of late. “I’ve reason to suspect they did not migrate so far east for simple reasons.” He leaves the implication unsaid: someone, somewhere, orchestrated the chaos. “Sadly, I could not dissuade Kreekitaka from chancing upon Northern Sage right alongside us. He added further score to his saurian prizes… and you’re right to be worried. Although I can’t say battle between us is inevitable, I’ll continue keeping a pursuant eye on his actions. They trouble me.” Briar tucks her goblet down and interrupts. “They trouble us all, my lord.” Lionel leans against the wall, lost in thought. A moment passes before he opts to conclude. “Think nothing of the dance; I’m just a very private man, is all.” If Valen is perceptive, he may notice Briar’s caramel eyes lowering gently at that remark. “We’ll keep the potion in mind. I have a theory about that -- and I’ll get back to you if it’s confirmed. But for now, I fear I’ve sat and drank too long already. Meetings galore,” he sighs. “If you’ll pardon the abrupt end. Frostmaw thanks you, Valen. I only hope that Larket will one day thank you, too.”

Valen, with a regard towards Briar as well as perhaps a sorrowful look, as he knew that lowered gaze all too well, would suddenly feel like he owed her an apology too but would save that for a simple letter. Turning to look at Lionel, he would stand fully before bowing once more. "Please do keep in touch, and perhaps we might have another happy moment. If I might offer one last service? I happen to make, in my not so humble opinion, the best baked apple and pecan pie in the land. Should you ever, the two of you, find free time...how rare that may be, I implore you to remember to reach out to me. I...consider the two of you friends in the highest regard, and hope you might also think of me as a friend to Frostmaw as well. But.." His eyes would focus squarely on Lionel, that mischievousness playing out with a slight toothy grin "I think you should be a bit less private, especially in matters such as damsels such as myself in distress as I was then. Miss Briar, you look after this one, in fact...you two should look out for each other." With that, Valen would add "And no, not abrupt at all. If Frostmaw thanks me, I shall certainly thank it in kind for allowing me to meet two very warm people amid the frozen landscape. As for Larket...well, if not...At least we have Frostmaw." It was perhaps a shadowing of events, meaning that if Larket ended up a bust, he would certainly consider moving to the snowy area. "With that though, I must be going. Merry Meet, until we merry meet again." With that, he would bow once more, and then leave them to their work ahead.

Lionel | Laughter echoes from them both when Valen’s offer of pie is given. Real warmth fills the quarters in ways the fire simply cannot provide. Final pleasantries exchanged, the vampire’s departure leaves the pair with quite a bit to file. Although afternoon passes into evening through another ominous day, the Knight-Commander and his aide are granted a bit more hope for all the shadow. Objects are in motion and knowledge isn’t power -- it’s the last best chance at peace.