RP:Agreements All Around
Eastern Frostmaw Gates
Satoshi is in the midst of a discussion with a courier-wyvern, her scowl flicking between the anxious saurian and the bundle of opened letters in the magus' hand. "This was all in Kelay, correct?" Satoshi asks to an eager nod from the wyvern. Her frown deepens. "Right. Thank you. Keep me posted." It's obviously a dismissal for the wyvern--along with the handful of coins tossed--that signal for it to take a hurried flight, clearly eager to remove itself from the arctics of Frostmaw. Watching the courier depart, Satoshi exhales with a short laugh. "The Leech has another new pet~. I told you, Stavret, I told you."
Eboric makes his way along the snowy path, the big man walking somewhat hesitatingly, as if involved in some sort of internal struggle. When he sees Satoshi, however, he stops, and when he speaks his voice is short, cold, but not nearly as angry as it usually is when he speaks to or of Frostmaw. "I have business with you." He does not sound threatening, despite the bared black sword in his hand.
Satoshi's gaze trails slowly from the blade to Eboric's face, taking in the warlord with a hint of surprise. She'd just been given a brief summary of a public disturbance in Kelay Tavern that involved the werebear, and now here he stands as if summoned by the missive. The last time she'd seen him, he'd been racing across the outer edges of Frostmaw's territory as if possessed or on the trail of a particularly enticing scent. She'd followed him as far as the border before relenting and returning to the ruins. But here Eboric stands now, Satoshi offering him a slight, quizzical smile. "Do you? Then by all means, speak, Titan. I've something for you as well, in fact." The gear and weapons of the fallen Iverfin still remain in Satoshi's care after she'd recovered them.
Eboric has not been in Frostmaw himself since returning from that possessed journey. But that is forgotten, the ravings of Alimer ignored, when he sees his thegn's equipment. He looks at it for a long moment, then back to Satoshi, and there is cold murder in his eyes. "Did you kill her," he asks, from between clenched teeth.
Satoshi shakes her head. "Non. For one, I was fond of her. A clever, fierce little fighter she was, one with a taste for honorable combat. And for two, if I had, would I be handing you the evidence so freely? No, these were in the possession of a thief, although I don't think she was responsible either, not the way she chose to flee rather than fight. Your warrior wouldn't have fallen to a coward such as that, I imagine. While the trail's run cold as far as I've searched, I at least wanted to see these returned to where they belong." Said items are offered to Eboric now with something of a respectful nod.
Luthentius told Satoshi, "*within a gentle gust of a southern breeze, the whispers of an presumably unfamiliar voice echo like a soft vibration.* A meeting is sought with the Sorceress of the Frost and Cold. Speak, loudly, and the Wizard of Grey shall hear your acceptance or decline."
Satoshi told Luthentius, "*Northern winds, sharp and arctic, with a dulcet undertone, respond with all the biting chill of Winter's descent.* Seek me in Frostmaw, and you shall have your meeting, Wizard."
Eboric takes the items, slowly beginning to pack them away. "I knew she was dead. I found her body some time ago. What was left of it anyway. I will learn the truth in the end, and the one responsible will pay." He half-draws one of the Bastard Sons, looking at the blade for a long moment, before packing that away as well. He looks back up to Satoshi, pressing on with his mission. "Vuryal has returned, as well you know. He must be stopped."
Satoshi's eyes narrow at the mention of the Leech's name, carrying a well-founded belief it's prone to calling the bastard done on those that speak it. Nonetheless, when he does not immediately show, Satoshi resumes the conversation with only the brief pause--and a degree more caution for sudden manifestations. "Aye, I know too well. He's abducted one of my own already, bought them with promises of supreme power in exchange for eternal enslavement. I've been receiving rumors and reports in large quantities. Gualon, by most accounts, has become his base of action this time." With the Eyrie's outpost being on Gualon's borders, Satoshi is willing to trust the accounts of her scouts, even if they're unable to get into the actual town and instead are forced to watch from the distant skies. "Frostmaw, Rynvale, and Larket are forming up in preparation. The Eyrie stands ready. Vailkrin is ready if it must be called on. And I've heard Lord Jerralith is calling to arms any willing to fight beside him. You and your band of warriors would be an invaluable asset in stopping the Worm."
Eboric nods his head. "And that is why I am here. My Aethlinga Gedriht will fight the Time Lord and his minions. I already began that fight last night, and I have more planned." He cocks his head to one side. "You say you have reports? Perhaps you know the names of his followers?"
Satoshi said to Eboric, "I know the name of one for certain, the dragon Firewing. He has been granted dominance over the Nameless Desert, and masterful skills in manipulating its sands, for selling himself to the Time Leech. Aside from him, and the boastful one you encountered, I have no confirmations yet. He slew my Justice, Redovian, and for that I will tear his shriveled heart out and devour it." Satoshi face during this statement has transformed from its usually amiably neutral expression to that of a snarling predator, all fangs and wrath. "I'd suggest speaking with Kelovath of Larket, or Jerralith, they may have further information. And of course, anything I learn, I shall ensure you do as well. You and yours are naturally welcome in Frostmaw and we'll provide aid in any way we can, Titan."
Eboric shrugs. "Firewing's mine. I think the title of Dragon's Bane will go well with my other honors. The boastful one...he is a more tricky foe, who I think will require more effort. I will speak to Jerralith, and perhaps Kelovath, but I'll not lead my men here. We will stay near our fort, on the road from Kelay to Cenril. It is there that letters may be sent."
Satoshi nods in understanding. "You need only ask, if you require something. While I am not a warrior of physical might like yourself or the people of Frostmaw, my ties with the Arcane are more than ample. Enchantments, wards, runes, I can provide them, and will do so gladly. While I relish you the hunt for the Worm's pets, my place is here, where I can meet them and strike them down with ease, should they dare trespass. I wish you, Titan, a very happy hunting indeed, and a collection of new titles for it."
Eboric nods. "I will find you when I have need of magic, though I hope that I do not. Until next time." With that, the warlord turns and starts back down the path, headed home.
Frozen Throne
Luthentius ' stern and otherwise indifferent features would become quite apparent to the blueish illumination cast by the peculiar flames of this room of King and Queens. Whilst the Wizards usual attire of majestic silver-gray robes would be quite immigrated by the current surroundings, yet as it were, the High Elf had chosen a little more subtle exterior as he traveled from the pleasantly temperature of the lowlands and Larket; Adorning his tall stature a commoner's cloak wrap about him in flattering manner, its dark brown fabric of leather, mixed with white fur underneath its layer seemed to assist the magician to retain his warmth. A hood did mask most of the man's visage and person, but this man was well known and his posture was not to be mistaken. Within his grasp, where usually a ivory cane would reside, now a tall staff, tipped with wooden figure of an owl would present itself, presumably far more travel worthy then that of an nobleman's cane for certain. In silence the Grey Wizard remain as he observes the giant's inhabiting the throne room, due to his heritage and judgmental high elf mind, they did not appear to please him greatly, event though such a fact would remain secret behind the mask of indifference adorning his smooth yet aged face still
Satoshi's entrance is quiet. Too quiet to be natural, in fact. The only forewarning to the magus' appearance is the prelude of a flurry of snow before she quite simply is seen at the doorway, leaning with a casual air against the threshold while her quintet of tails sway to a lazy tempo. Petite, and pale as she is, Satoshi commands a certain air of mystique about her, furthered by the restless cloak of frigid mist fluttering from her shoulders in an invisible wind. Amber-flecked eyes regard the gray figure with careful, practiced scrutiny even as whiskers give a faint twitch to read the telling threads of magic in the air. "Larket's Wizard, non~?" Satoshi's voice, although not spoken loudly, carries with ethereal ease across the distance of the vast throne room, a tribute to the acoustics of the room and her own attunement to the arctic environment of Frostmaw. Pushing herself off the doorway with fluid ease, the kit approaches Luthentius with the effortless, drifting stride that's earned her the nickname of Ghost, gliding steps bringing her near enough to peer up at him and offer a crooked, fanged grin. "It es not considered good manners to wear a hood indoors during a meeting with royalty, am I right?" The grin widens, marking the comment as a joke more than a chiding. "What brings you to my frozen realm, Grey one?"
Luthentius ' mercury sight gleam mysteriously within their narrow slits whilst his grand head turn ever slightly to seek the beauty that engulfed the Frost Witch whilst she first allowed the ghostly vibration of her gentle vocals rise to attention. While the Queen's amiable presentation of her intent and self rose to the Wizard's senses, the male was inclined to mimic it to an extent, although fairly difficult as he rarely graced any person, royalty or otherwise, much due to his age and origin no doubt. As Satoshi strides forth to indulge him with her presence, peering forth in to his hood, the Grey One allowed a slight chuckle to be expelled through narrow lips; an strained, almost unnatural grunt it would appear, since -any- emotional feat would be unfamiliar to this one. A gentle gesture would play a vacant clad, thus allowing the hood to indeed fall, gracing the Queen with the ability to observe every feature presented by the mysterious visage of the old sage. Another act of great importance and grandeur was gifted the Queen as follows, a bow of neck and scalp by the man acted as greeting and agreeance to her retort. True indeed, Queen. Few recognize the mannerisms of proper ethics in presence of those of importance. I appreciate the recognition. The stave was slightly motioned as the male spoke, guided away from the female, furthering the Grey One's knowledge of proper manners in someone's house. Larket's Wizard, hm? Is that what I am called these days? The vocals of the High Elf was smooth and velvet to the undertone and feel, amiable, indeed, toward the rightful royalty before him. My affiliation with the city has not gone unnoticed then, good, it only means that I am doing enough trouble to be heard even by those a far away as you. The Elder inclined another nod, not was gracious as previously, but coming from him, it was a sign of good intent either way. I am here due to personal interest, actually. Not by any decree of Larket, since the Queen and King are not present still, and Kelovath steward the lands there, I sought it appropriate to further my insight of lands I have yet to visit- hence I am here. The reason I call you from your business, Queen, is that I seek the rights and freedom to roam your lands without hindrance. I seek to live here for a while, learning the ways of the people of the North, and your..in perticular..power of the frozen arts. I presume you were aware of my Academy, closed now, but still alive with my person, as such... I desire to observe so further understanding can be applied to my scriptures. Also, should you allow, I would desire, Madame Frost, to be present under political discussions made by your realm, whenever you see fit- aiming also to observe the political advancement made by someone such as yourself, not commonly known to rule. The last remark was obviously not an insult, but one of his heritage's flaws it would be imagined.
Satoshi listens with perfect patience, sifting through the elven tendency to weave words in elaborate fashion, and seeking out the meat of the matter. Once she's sank her figurative teeth into it, she flashes another of those vulpine smiles, the expression a peculiar mixture of friendly and predatory. The remark about someone such as herself rarely becoming a ruler is met with a flick of vulpine ears. It'd seem the elf might be in for a rude awakening in Frostmaw, a land that is ruled by the strongest of its people, through trial and defeat of other opponents, not by heritage. "Roaming the lands of Frostmaw is permitted to all that do not claim allegiance with the Time Leech, however there are never, and never will be, promises of no hindrances. Frostmaw's people, wildlife, and even its very lands live to hinder the unfamiliar. Tread with caution and intelligence, and you should face lesser troubles, but if Frostmaw -isn't- causing you difficulty, it isn't doing its job~." Judging by the degree of fondness in her voice, it's easy to tell Satoshi pays a particular amount of love toward the arctic land's exceedingly harsh setup. It regularly chews up and spits out the bones of the unwary. Hell, Satoshi herself has eaten a fool or two that thought they could master her land's wilds. "Of course, by all means you are welcome, just do not expect much luxury from this land. We fight to survive here, and a wiff of weakness will bring down the proverbial wolves like an avalanche~. As far as learning my arts, that is a matter of proving yourself first, for it is not something I lightly share, nor can it be taught without being one of the elemental-touched, of which there are less than a handful in existence. Observe, you are welcome to do, by all means. I make a regular appearance in the city's arena, occasionally I put my magicks to use there. And for politics? That requires considerably more proving. I keep my workings close. I've known a traitor's bite more than once, I won't error that way again."
Luthentius remained in comfortable silence as the madame spoke, her petite exterior seemingly shielding the otherwise commanding personality harbored within. Jacklin's temper had been a difficult metal to shape to his liking, but it had been done and been undone several times over, as such his persistence was hardly lacking in women whom present as a challenge- much as this one obviously was to be. Finally another challenge worthy to be worked upon. The flicker of ears had not gone unnoticed by the senses of the aged Wizard, yet his eyes had remained upon that of the enchanting gleam of Satoshi's own. The lack of civil recognition was perhaps indeed quite absent by the lands, yet not by its ruler, but such this High Elf only saw as another challenge to change should he possess the time to do so. Even the people of Cenril was savage in their ways before the high elven society assisted in their advance those many centuries ago. By the Witche's remark of lack of confidence and seemingly considerable lack of proved feats to be accounted for was taken, briefly, as an lose insult toward this aged elementalist; yet such was discarded by a thought of trivial attempts to arise emotion. The internal discussions remained quite absent to appearance, however, merely the content visage of the elder was presented the Queen as she continued her utterance. I am no ally to the Time Leech. I am ally with only a few select, as a matter of fact, as it would appear my tongue do not always speak was is pleasing to hear but rather uncomfortable truths. Also, I am not so arrogant, believe it or not, to presume absolute trust nor gift of knowledge by my mere words. Obviously I am a stranger to you and your people, and as such not being cautious with individuals such as myself would be a sin, and a dangerous one at that. My time with Larket and Queen Jacklin, would, however, speak that I am no traitor to neither office nor promise, but to trust one you know not is a sound as it gets- I take no offense. As for the elemental-touched; My field is nothing if not specific. Elementalist, is the lable that has been put on me. My abilities stretch thin between all the core earthly elements- my blessing as well as my curse. I have taught younglings for centuries in all its arts, yet not specific to the power you possess yourself. But again, I understand your hesitant nature, as would be appropriate. I expect nothing more. Know, however, that I am not here for pleasure. My calling brought me here, and shall I die doing what needs to be done..then my life, insignificant as it is, has been worthy the to the gods.
Satoshi's head tips to one side, and while she's listened to all the wizard has said, she remarks on only one aspect. "Elementalist you may be fashioned, but you are not Elemental-Touched. They are a people, not an occupation nor a calling. They are my kin, and marked in such a way that we recognize one another for our uncommon existence. You cannot teach another to walk with the innate grace of your kind, in the same way I cannot teach the truest aspects of my Ice." Pausing then, Satoshi rocks back on her heels and folds her hands behind her head before once more leveling that amber-flecked gaze on Luthentius. The guards, while tasked with remaining unobtrusive, frequently glance toward the pair of magic-users, naturally curious about the discussion. "I have to ask. What do you offer to Frostmaw in return?" Blunt but not impolite in delivery. "We judge a person's worth in these lands by what they can offer to the betterment of all, idle or self-serving hands have little place here, as it were."
Luthentius had remained quite still, if not almost frozen in place, as the discussion had arose, yet now a movement came even to him; A diligent hand motioned slightly, allowing the stings of fire to wrap about his grand persona. Beneath the skin of pale hue, the elemental forces of his will began to stir, heating the elder to comfortable warmth as it engulfed his insides. A handy trick by those not as inclined to the cold as the madame before him was. Listening to her words, the Wizard understood, and had done so even before he crossed the border to these frozen lands, that he would never reach the level of understanding of her arts as Satoshi, herself, currently possess. This was not his goal, as he would not be equal to any whom devoted their life to one element in particular, Elemental-Touched or otherwise- but he sought better understanding in how to integrate the aspects of air and water in to the frost magic seen here. I am not here to seek equality with you and your powers, Queen Satoshi, such is well beyond my reach and such I have understood a long time ago. I can not reach your level of understanding of your arts, period, but I do not seek that level either. Merely..better.. understanding of its nature. As for my usefulness to you and yours; I am still in office of Larket and wield the armies of its Mages upon command, hence it would be sufficient to say that my affiliations there would enhance your influence, not to mention the influence I have with Rynvale and its people and the noble houses present. Allies against the Time Leech, as it were, which would suit you, I imagine. I offer you and those you select with my own understanding of the elemental arts, be it the sphere of Air, Water, Fire or Earth, as is my profession from birth and origin. Obviously my advise in politics or personal matter would be out of the question, yet I am experienced with such aspects as well for a great period of time. I trust these things will suffice for my effectiveness of your lands, if not- then I shall willingly return to Larket.
Satoshi laughs, not -at- Luthentius but rather in simple delight. And appearances of the diginfied and distant queen evaporate like so much heated fog with the kit's mirth, to reveal her as the common-tongued, entertainment-loving little magus that she is. "My, you -do- come with an impressive resume, doncha~? Yes, I do believe you'll fit right in, Grey one. For where you might lack the physical might that es common of the people in Frostmaw, your wit and tongue--not to mention your magic--more than covers that. Yes, yes," she repeats to herself happily, "you'll do just fine indeed. I'd be honored to have you among us, and in time, at our table in discussion of politics. Perhaps sooner, should Lord Kelovath be available for a proper meeting. We're long overdue, since the last time Frostmaw and Larket joined forces against the Leech. You'd be a perfect addition to that conference, I'm sure~."
Luthentius ' warmth did not appear to lie within his mirth, since obviously this one was almost impervious to express any such 'drivel', but should the Queen's eyes be keen enough, she would have noticed the manner of ethics he had expressed toward her in particular. His cant of head, almost impossible to force from this ancient creature, words lacking the harsh lashes of tongue and neutral stance of his persona must speak highly of his good will and amiable intent- perhaps it might be too far fetched to be noticed by any that is not of his high elven origin, but as wise as he might be called, his mind can be preserved as completely closed toward certain aspects, such as attempting to mirror the mirth and laughter of one as surprisingly warmhearted as this petite madame. To her remarks, the Grey Wizard inclined his majestic cranium forward once more, almost with a ceremonial mannerism, often taken by those of his kind. I am pleased to see my credentials might interest you, Queen. I do not often spew out such improper methods of boasting, I hoped you would not take much offense. As for Lord Kelovath, I consider him an ally and friend...yes..even a friend..and as such an understanding between your domain and that of which he now steward quite probable, especially toward an common foe such as the Time Leech- as I presume one of Kelovath's alignment might not really concur with. The forces of the Larkatian mages, however, remains mine still, and can be used to further the agreements between the two nations. I am aware you are a busy individual, naturally, as such I will presume that you have other matters to deal with currently. If you do not wish to voice some restrictions to my presence here, then I believe I can begin finding a place to stay in these lands of yours.
Satoshi offers Luthentius a deep nod in response. "Welcome and be well then, Grey one. And your assumption is correct in the probability of Larket and Frostmaw having an understanding. We came to the city's aid when the Leech attacked it last, Kelovath and I have been in close communication since and freely grant then lands' aids as we're able. Furthering it through you is all the better~. I look forward to further talks." The last bit of her remark isn't a dismissal, instead an acknowledgement that the wizard is right, she is busy and will have to depart in the immediate.
Luthentius did not appear to take further of this female's time, as if he had taken too much as it were already, thus the Wizard merely re-hooded himself and with a tap of his lengthy staff, serving as acknowledgment of the presence of the Queen..again far fetched perhaps, he left in a swirling midst of lukewarm air.