RP:An Alliance Forged

Part of the Thy Kingdom Come Arc

Summary: Larewen is rather unhappy to find study broken into, but tables her anger in order to bring her lieutenant, Daermon, and Pilar with her to meet with Hildegarde. She accepts the offer of alliance, and Hildegarde requests a necromancer of House Dragana as an ambassador of sorts.

House Dragana

Larewen was fuming, and had been all night long. Margret, Sigmund, and Aisen had all wisely chosen to stay out of their creator and employer's path, keeping to their own tasks. It simply wasn't worth it to try and offer the elf any sort of comfort. She stood in the hall outside her study now, the broken door handle in her hand. Without true sight, the elf was powerless to replace it and would not allow Aisen to help her. With a muttered curse, the necromancer turned and hurled the broken knob down the hallway.

Pilar did not yet know about what had happened. After bidding her friend goodbye, she retired to her room, where she'd slept soundly... ish. Her nightmares weren't as potent that night as they had been, which was nice. As far as she knew, everything was still hunky dory. Until, of course, she happened across Larewen in the hall. She opened her mouth to speak, only to see Larewen throw the doorknob down the hall (in the opposite direction, thankfully). "L-Larewen?" Pilar asked nervously. What had happened here?

Daermon heard the bit of commotion, opening the door to his room and stepping out, moving until he found Larewen and Pilar, looking first from one, to the other. "Pilar, are you in another fight?" he asks, clearly jesting at both women's expense. They all knew he likely heard the whole thing. His icy gaze moved from one, to the other, seeing the more serious look on Larewen's face. "What's going on?"

Larewen responded with a huff, her eyes closing for a moment while tongue and temper were carefully brought under control. The door handle remained on the ground, its lock broken. Daermon's inquiry, on the other hand, nearly startled the necromancer and for a moment, she was distracted from her ire. "You're here? Well, I guess I don't have to track you down, then," she said, mostly to herself. Then, to both, "Someone has been in my study. Nothing is missing, but things were... moved and the lock was broken. I can't imagine who, though there are plenty of things in there that might hint why. If either of you are at fault, speak up now." It was a request, more so than an accusation. She could see neither of them in need of something that they would not come to her directly about, and yet her sense of trust had greatly diminished.

Pilar's eyes widened. The snap they'd heard. The magic Laezila had sensed. "Last night... we heard a noise. I thought it was one of my pets. I'm so sorry, Larewen, I should have checked it out. Maybe I could have caught them." Then a thought occurred to her. No... it couldn't have been him... Her blood ran cold at the thought. Fitting, that. "What were they... looking for, do you think?"

Daermon looked from Larewen to Pilar again. He had been out of the house last night, so had missed whatever she might have been talking about. "It wasn't me or mine, that I can assure you." Eyeing Pilar, he senses her worry, something unnamed. Was it possible the girl knew something? Surely she'd tell Larewen if she did. His cool gaze looks about. Nothing smelled out of place, but then, someone careful and skilled would know how to cover such things. "I didn't think anyone could just, waltz right in?"

Larewen responded with a shake of her head, extending a hand in the direction of the broken door handle. She could see it, solely by the magical residue that still clung to it. "Whoever did it used magic. There are many things in my study that could be of interest to them. Many, many things." She couldn't think of any single item that someone would be after, and the tome that was actually sought was not at the top of her priorities at present. "Aisen!" she yelled, calling upon the ghoul. When he shambled into sight, she demanded of him: "Go and fetch a new lock. I want it installed before I return." Then, she'd undoubtedly ward the door, perhaps with something more offensive than the defensive spells placed in the home. She turned then, toward Daermon, to speak. Pilar already knew the details, after all. "Yours has no desire to be within the walls of this House, that has been made blatantly obvious. Pilar is under my protection, and regardless of whether or not they've made amends since, I do not welcome her disrespect. That said, you are free to leave if you wish. If you wish to remain, that is well too. Hildegarde has made me an offer, one that I fully intend to accept. In exchange for my aid, my loyalty, and House Dragana's assistance in protecting the sacred spirits of Frostmaw, she will support me in my claim to the Vailkrinian throne. I would prefer that you and Pilar both accompany me as I deliver this news to her."

Pilar swallowed. She didn't want to believe it had been him, but it was too much of a coincidence. Wanting to see her library, asking where else in the house books might be... Gods, this was her fault, as much as it was his! Pilar cringed slightly when Larewen made it clear Khitti was not welcome back. She had hoped things could go back to how they were, but her little family was unraveling right before her. But at least Larewen was agreeing to help Hilde. Though, Pilar couldn't help but wonder why ~she~ had to be there. She wasn't anyone important.

Daermon felt a chill as Larewen spoke to him, sensing perhaps that there would need to be words in private about it as well. "I do not speak of Khitti, though yes, she has no desire to be here. I speak of another, my first and original fledgling, Daneyfey. I have allowed her to live here, speaking for you in your absence by letting her stay. She is newly...returned to me. She is over one hundred years old, a warrior and spell slinger. Her loyalty is to me and mine is to you and the house. She will make a good asset. As for Pilar," he turned a warm smile to the much younger vampiress. "Yours is not the only protection she is under. That was made very clear to others as well. I have taken her under my wing and so far she is trained relatively proficiently in her hand to hand combat." his voice rang with pride as he spoke more to Pilar than Larewen, proud of the progress she had made in so short a time. Eyes turn back. "I have no desire to leave. My reasons for being here, for siding with you have not changed." he says, eyes and worlds full of meaning.

Larewen could not see the guilt Pilar felt, and perhaps would have pressed for more information if she had. A small mercy, undoubtedly, for Larewen was still between two worlds. When Daermon spoke, a dark brow arched upward. "Is that so? I ought to meet her, then. I suppose I've been too busy with too many things to even notice another was here." His praise for Pilar was met with silent approval; Larewen had hoped Pilar would grow stronger in time. It seemed, so far, to be happening. The reminder of his allegiance was noted. "I had hoped so," came her reaction. To both, she said, "Hildegarde is staying in the castle at present; I am leaving now to go and speak with her."

Pilar blushed under the praise. She would never get used to it, at least until she got some self-confidence. Then, and only then, would she actually be able to accept such compliments without turning red. She knew where Hildegarde was, as she'd visited her there twice now. "I'll be right behind you."

Daermon seemed to vanish, only to reappear a moment later, wearing his long, black leather duster, his long sword hilt sticking above his left shoulder. He winked to Pilar. "Must look the part after all. I have not been, so I will follow both of you." And watch their backs, was the unspoken agreement.

Larewen dipped her head to both, and departed.

Great Hall of Vailkrin

Hildegarde had never particularly enjoyed the luxury a castle afforded her. The Governor’s Estate in Gualon had been grand and extravagant, now this castle – though dark and gloomy – was much the same! She missed the comfort of having a fort. A militarised fort of wood, stone and ice. A barracks with serving men and women, with people who fought by her side. There was that sense of comradeship she missed. Here in the castle, she had only Lisbeth and Mikael from Frostmaw. The two giants who had her back, from now until the end. The Silver and the giants occupied one of the lower tables, not daring to occupy the table meant for the lord and lady of the castle for that was not their place. Though a guest of equal rank and station who was well within her rights to sit there, the Silver enjoyed sharing a sense of equality with her men. “We’ll meet with Kreekitaka soon. The castle here might allow us to gather a meeting of allies before we consider marching north again. It’s something we have to consider,” the knight said to her giants. They nodded along in agreement, quite happy to let Hildegarde do the planning for their future conquest.

Linn most definitely put on the appearance of an outsider in Vailkrin, the leather backpack and reflective mithril armor he wore doing nothing to help the idea that he wasn’t from around the city of the dead. His visits to House Dragana in search of Larewen so far had come to nothing, likely due to their brevity. So for now he decided to take a bit more time to see everything going on, keep himself up to date before making his next attempt at contact. After some time exploring the details of the castle, perhaps taking a bit more time on the carvings of Vakmatharas than one would expect he came around to the table Hildegarde sat at with a light greeting. “Hello again Hildegarde, mind if I stay here for a bit?” he asked as he maneuvered around the table to sit among the rest at the lower tables.

Pilar was still troubled and stared at the ground as they made their way to the castle. How was she going to confront him? Would she even confront him? What if she was wrong? He was her friend, shouldn't she have had more faith in him? While these quandaries spun around in her head, she hardly noticed when they'd arrived. Familiar voices and scents snapped her out of her reverie, and she looked up to see Hilde and Linn, along with two giants Pilar sort of maybe recognized? At least one of them had been at the Yule Ball, at least.

Daermon hadn't been to this castle in ages. As the three walked, he did as he had said he would, trailing behind and keeping an eye out. Barnabus had emerged from Daer's shadow, flying ahead with instructions to scout the area. As they made it to the castle, the large bird landed on the mans shoulder, talons digging into the leather duster to stay hold on. As they entered the hall, he moved to the side of the two women, nodding respectfully to Hildegarde, knowing her by reputation only, then the two giants, always be respectful to giants, then finally to Linn, who he had seen around, but never spoken to. He stood at an easy parade rest, to the right hand of Larewen, as this was her venture.

Larewen 's heeled boots clicked as she and her small entourage entered the castle. Dark eyes would have swept this way and that, admiring the architecture, if she could see it. The elf was a very small bit behind Pilar and Daermon. So little that it was almost impossible to tell that she lagged behind them at all; she needed the mana within Pilar as a guide, so as not to risk stumbling or making a wrong turn. Hildegarde's voice was heard, as was Linn's, though she did not know him. The table at which the four were present became her destination. "Hildegarde," she greeted, and there was the faintest bit of frustration in her voice. Not at the Silver, of course, but rather the fact that someone had broken into her study. "I have made my decision." Straight to the business, it seemed.

Hildegarde smiled as Linn made his way to the table and sat down, “No, not at all, please, make yourself comfortable!” she replied with the warmth appropriate to a hostess. Of course, not long after Linn had taken a seat were more people admitted into the castle. The Silver immediately rose from her seat – along with Lisbeth and Mikael – when the visitors were permitted entry into the main hall of the castle. “Lady Larewen,” she greeted, body bending at the waist to offer the vampire and her party a most courteous and flourished bow; though a smile had been shot quickly in the direction of Pilar. “Lady Pilar.” Her sole eye moved to the man of the group, “Lord…?” she didn’t know his name and was offering him the chance to introduce himself. As Larewen admits to having come to a decision, the knight keeps a tight smile about her face. Grinning broadly or goofily would suggest she needed this alliance desperately and looking morose would suggest that the outcome wasn’t what she wanted. A mysterious in between, however, would suffice. Never let anyone see the cards and all that. “And what is your decision, m’lady?”

Linn remained seated at the table, his brows raising at the crowd that came in through the castle entrance as he came to Hildegarde, more in particular due to Pilar’s presence than anyone else; the sight of Larewen proved vaguely familiar, but nowhere near enough to recognize her. Should she be capable of sensing his mana she would find his own anomalously bright, saturated even, let alone the shards of it concentrated enough to become physical that he kept within his bag and one of the pouches at his side. He offered the trio a silent nod, allowing them to continue their business before posing his own.

Pilar automatically curtsied back when the Silver bowed. "Hildegarde." She offered a nod to Linn and the giants. She wasn't in the mood for smiling, not when she feared her trust had been broken. She remained silent, allowing Daermon to introduce himself, and allowing Larewen and Hildegarde to conduct their business.

Daermon turned his eyes, the color of ice submerged in clear, blue water to Hildegarde, meeting her gaze, then dipping into a low, respectful bow. "Daermon Nae'Baer, Lady Hildegarde, and it has been many, many moons since I have been Lord of anything more than blades." he says with an easy smile, one filled with actual warmth and merriment. He was in a fine mood as he straightened and grew silent, letting the two women conduct their business.

Larewen remained silent for the introduction, and though she did not vocalize it, was quite thankful for the brightness that Linn's form gave off. It allowed her to focus more accurately upon Hildegarde as words were exchanged. With a gesture in the direction of Daermon's voice, the elf said, "He is also of House Dragana, and perhaps a bit more humble in his introductions than I would have expected." She was remarking upon his humility, for Daermon was her second, in Dragana matters and as far as she was concerned, that made him a Lord. "These are the two I trust the most within my House, and for that I thought I would bring them with me; Pilar, you are familiar with, after all." And Pilar had been there, when Larewen crumbled. Her head tilted slightly. "I accept your offer. You will have my aid, and that of my House, when it is time to take control of Frostmaw once more. My friendship, and the allegiance of my House will be to you, and when you are throned once more, you will have the necromancer that you have requested." A pause, an inward draw of breath that almost wavered, followed suit. It had not been an easy decision for the elf to make; in the wake of her choice, she'd passed up on her chance to summon the Shade Nightmare, and that had fallen upon another. It was an opportunity she longed for, and had lost because... Because Hildegarde, Pilar, and Emrith had all appealed to the more humane side of her. "And when I seek to claim the throne of Vailkrin, the alliance will remain intact."

Hildegarde listened as Larewen spoke of Daermon’s supposed humility, smiling ever so slightly in his direction. “Lord of Blades is an interesting title, to be sure, but I can assure you that I am no lady nor ladyship,” she replied before casting a glance in Pilar’s direction and promptly falling silent. Now was not the time nor place to ask, though Hildegarde evidently wished to. Sensing that the conversation’s focus was most definitely now on matters of politics, the knight straightened her posture as if to afford it the proper respect that it was due. “Know that as my ally, I promise you my honesty and what power I may offer you. I will offer my advice in matters of politics and battle, knowing that – as it has before – the bond between Vailkrin and Frostmaw will continue to be strong. I cannot claim to be a woman of influence or power, but I can claim to be honourable and loyal. I shall do everything within my power to uphold my end of our alliance.”

Linn made a passing attempt at keeping his nose out of the business at hand, though as Larewen continued her statement on accepting whatever Hildegarde offered her his attention drew back to it, having to tear himself away from staring at the conversation numerous times. Already his mind was flickering between the news of another necromancer and the alliance and what it all meant. As Hildegarde concluded her response he offered another nod, sending his gaze towards Larewen as if to ask for a conversation of his own, though for now he continued his silence, allowing whatever else that was to be said to be said.

Pilar was touched to hear that she was so trusted, though it made her silence on what had happened more painful. She would have to get to the bottom of this, soon. Larewen was not a woman you wanted to cross, and she wanted to protect her friend from her wrath. Even if he'd used their friendship to get into the house. She was glad, at least, that the alliance was going through. Though she wondered if Hildegarde would get the ~specific~ necromancer she wanted, given the strained relationship between her and the house.

Daermon couldn't help but smile a bit wider, first at Larewen's words, then at Hildegarde's. He rather liked that, Lord of blades. And it was somewhat apt as the former assassin and nightblade was proficient with the instruments. He kept his mouth closed for the time, knowing politics well enough to know when it was and wasn't his turn to speak. He caught Pilar's eye, winking, hoping to give the woman a bit more metal in her spine. It was after all, why he had taken to training her, for her protection and to increase her confidence. Tiring of parade rest though and perhaps not quite as...political as one would hope, he clicked open a cigarette case, sticking one in the corner of his mouth and lighting it with a small incantation as the two women spoke of alliance.

Larewen dipped her head in lieu of Hildegarde's response. "It is agreed, then," she said. Linn's movement caught her attention, and she glanced briefly in his direction but was, unfortunately not able to read his expression that well. At least, not his eyes. In fact, she didn't quite focus on them, but she did find him! To Hildegarde, she continued, "For the necromancer, do you have a preference?" Still, she was somewhat oblivious to Pilar's discomfort. When Daermon lit up, her nose wrinkled slightly.

Hildegarde glanced at Daermon’s cigarette. She was used to Kasyr smoking, but it was not a habit she particularly liked. After all, unlike Daermon and Kasyr, her lungs were alive. “I will trust you to make an adequate assessment of necromancers that you know. But they must be able to handle the climate of Frostmaw and the conditions which we have previously discussed. Though, I suspect you will accept my ability to reject a candidate you suggest. After all, I would rather have the right person for the job… This person shall be your ambassador to Frostmaw, in a sense.”

Linn had to suppress an amused grin as Daermon lit up a cigarette, somewhat bored with the continued politics as well. Though his own business was rather serious to make such a similarly lighthearted gesture. His silence continued, a booted foot beginning to subconsciously tap before stopping the moment he heard the first click of its reinforced sole on stone. Details details details… important details come to think of it. Very important details.

Pilar's mouth flickered a little bit toward a smile when Daermon winked at her, and she rolled her eyes a bit when he pulled out a cigarette. Oh, Daermon. As they spoke of who Larewen's candidates were, she thought about Khitti. Hildegarde hadn't specifically requested her, though she'd seemed to like her when they met. Who knows. She glanced between the two bored-looking men, and wondered if it would be proper for them to all sit together and chat while Hildegarde and Larewen hashed out details. Probably not.

Daermon hadn't been intending for any disrespect, but yes, these kind of things did bore him and he had been told repeatedly thru his long years he was too bold, overstepping the bounds of propriety. Hashing out alliances was never as fun as combat, carving thru an enemy horde, especially when you were in the right, those were his politics. He spoke softly to the bird on his shoulder, wisps of smoke escaping his nose as he did, keeping one eye on the proceedings. You never knew at these kinds of things, sometimes they got interesting with someone trying to kill someone else. Though he did catch the almost smile on Linn's face, giving him a wink like he had Pilar before. Cheeky.

Larewen listened as Hildegarde spoke, doing her best to ignore the acrid stench of Daermon's smoke. She'd tried it once, and it simply wasn't her thing. "Of course. This ambassador will be protecting something sacred; they must be to your liking," she agreed. She shifted her weight slightly, then continued to another subject. "Laezila will undoubtedly return to Frostmaw as well. She does not like to be in such close vicinity to Trist'oth, and I believe she smelled Daath upon me when I found her within the House. She does not feel safe, despite my assurances."

Hildegarde nodded as Larewen spoke of Laezila’s discomfort, “Yes, she seemed skittish,” she knew the former matron would never be at ease really. The Silver glanced to her companions, her eye drifting from Linn’s face to his tapping foot before looking to Larewen again. “It would appear that important matters bore our companions. Let’s put this issue to bed for now, so as not to terribly bore them. They might revolt.”