RP:Blood and Scales, an Offer Postponed

Part of the Thy Kingdom Come Arc

Summary: Kasyr comes to visit Hildegarde to question her preparation for the impending battle. He questions whether or not it will come to war and advises her to be careful. Once again, he asks Hildegarde if she has any particular task for him but she appears to postpone whatever work she has in mind for him. The time isn't quite right.

Rolling Hills

Kasyr can't help but tug at one of his ears when he meanders onto the scene, his eyes flickering about the various tents which have since sprung up across this particularily scenic region. There's a weird feeling in the Kensai's chest, a weird combination of elation and awe at just how rapidly things have progressed since that fateful display that had occured just days ago. With a start, the revenant finishes crossing the distance to the camp, intercepting (or perhaps intercepted by), one of the Giants on the outskirts, who's fairly quick to directing him towards a spot to wait after he'd requested a moment to speak with the Silver.

Hildegarde is not hard to miss. She stands at the ready with her halberd in hand, directing men with heavy loads and observing a small group of men in training. They are preparing for war, that much is clear. The Silver is ready to march though her army appears to be small for the moment. The knight doesn’t look as regal as her new title would otherwise suggest, but perhaps that’s part of her charm to the giants who have sworn fealty to her. But suddenly, there’s a giant by her side who leans down to whisper some hushed words into her ear. She turns on her heel to spot the waiting Kasyr and offers him a little smile, “Kasyr,” she greets, taking a few steps towards him.

Kasyr briefly stands to attention when Hildegarde turns in his direction, a sharp salute offered in her direction- before he breaks into a grin, his posture immediately readopting it's casual stance, and the hand that had saluted now rummaging beneath the band of his goggles for a smoke “Nice digs you got here, Madamoiselle.” As the revenant speaks, a smoke's finally procured, if only so he can begin twiddling it around, “So, how goes the efforts? I imagine that ..er..display a bit ago had quite the galvanizing effect, non?”

Hildegarde rolled her eye at that salute. She was never fond of such things, it implied a superior position and she never liked that. “Yes, a luxurious tent,” she said with a smile, gesturing briefly behind her. Of course, it was just a basic tent and nothing fancy at all. The tents belonging to the giants were massive, though. Large enough to fit a family of humans. “I have a small army,” she said in reply to his question, “and yes, it did. A few giants have come to my side, which is a boon. A suspicious boon, but a boon nonetheless.”

Kasyr closes one eye, in an overly dramatic wink, “Hey. No, that's good. Taking advantage of the resources provided es always nice, but it's good to stay grounded and be aware of things like that.” That broad chesire-cat-esque grin pops up again, though this time, there's something predatorial in the expression, “So. What do you intend to do from here, en fait? Et what service could I be to you, at this particular juncture?” There's a definite air of curiosity in the revenants voice, but there's something else there, a weirdly familiar enthusiasm.

Hildegarde had led an army before and was an experienced commander on the field, but she nodded her head and smiled at Kasyr’s comment nonetheless. He was only trying to be helpful, after all. “Wait a little bit. As much as I’d like to rush ahead and march into Frostmaw, it’d be foolish. While it gives Balgruuf time to prepare, it gives me the time to prepare too,” she said gently. “I’d rather little blood be shed in this war, but needs must. For now, however, I need people to make sure the loyalties of these men are absolute. That word of my cause is out there. That I have the right allies.”

Kasyr 's twiddling of the cigarette only intensifies, the Kensai's expression growing acutely more focused, “Hrm. So it es going to come to war, then? No cutting off the serpents head, or quoi-ce-soit? Well, I suppose that means you're actually going to need to call the Eyrie in force then, non? Or...something similar, anyways. Where are you attempting to draw support from, currently?” Tilting his head off to one side, the kensai adds, "Well, Lionel was a good asset to draw on."

Hildegarde nodded as he questions whether or not it will come to war, “I would hope it does not come to war, but I would like an army at my back for when I march to Frostmaw. It would be foolish to approach without some kind of backing,” a sensible notion. Yet when Kasyr mentions the Eyrie, the knight shook her head slightly. “You forget, the Northern Outpost is where the majority of our Eyrie friends are and where the majority of mounts are. I do not doubt that they are receiving some harsh treatment at the hands of Balgruuf; who would know they are a resource to be used. I’d have to reach them first to make use of them,” she said gently, before looking pensive and thoughtful. “Yes… Lionel is a good asset, as are you,” she murmured gently. “I have a plan. Well. A plan on top of a plan.”

Kasyr actually looks perturbed for the first time in a while, “I... ..hrm. I wonder. That es perhaps something that ought to be addressed sooner, or later. I imagine you've already considered this, vraiment, but they could make the ascent towards Frostmaw all but impassable were they to set their minds to it, rather necessitating some method of entrance, by either flight, or magic. Whether for the city proper, or, more likely, for the lands beyond. The Eyrie... could aid in a number of these things. But I had not considered...” A pause, and the revenant quietly adds, “How fares the academy? ...And if you have need of me for whatever machinations you now consider, you need only ask. I am...addressing a few issues which have blossomed up in Vailkrin- but, I am still at relative liberty to involve myself freely.”

Hildegarde shook her head, “They will not close the pass. They will prepare it, though, for an ambush to those travelling up the pass. It’s what I would do,” she said thoughtfully. “The pass is the only clear way up for an army; it’s a controlled route and would mean certain death. But Balgruuf is controlled by the traditions of Frostmaw, he has lost face already. He cannot afford to rebuff a challenge now,” she said with a little wry smile. She knew he would have to see her at the gate. “The academy of Aramoth? It’s the base for the Warrior’s Guild, but alas, I cannot gain entry to it with Balgruuf controlling Frostmaw right now.” As he mentions issues in Vailkrin, she nods her head with a sense of awareness, “Lionel told me. He asked for my help, once matters are settled in Frostmaw,” she said gently. “And you know I will lend my help in this issue,” she said firmly, as if she’d brook no argument.

Kasyr presses his tongue against the inside of his cheek, his expression relatively flat, “I see. I appreciate it. One of the threats, at least, has been partially contained, for the moment. The other..es.” The revenant shrugs, “Hopefully it will be out of the way for at least a little while longer.” In response to Hildegardes other queries, the revenant simply shrugs, “Perhaps. Perhaps it will keep him in check. But what about the other one?” The name was lost on the revenant, for the moment, there was just a very clear image of face twisted in rage, and a hobbit sailing through the air. “Considering the riot was started because of a certain reckless desire to ...reclaim an object that had been given in good faith. By means that were the furthest thing from honorable- I'd not consider it beyond the realm of probability that something nasty es apt to be awaiting you. Maybe even something that could be explained away, like an Avalanche, par chance. That'd be frowned on, no doubt- people would have their suspicions. But it could also be taken as a divine act. ...Just be careful. Please."

Hildegarde shrugged her shoulder, “Yet having been so angry at the loss of what was considered a divine object? He seems strict in his faith, meaning his faith will not allow him to kill me in that way.” But she understands the concern. Even as Kasyr pleads for her to be careful, she nods her head slightly. “I will be careful. I promise.”

Kasyr disgards the at-this-point-ruined cigarette, his hands settling inside his trenchcoat. “I don't tend to wager on what a man isn't willing to do. But rather, what is he, if he thinks he has nothing to lose. Et...I think that's what you mean to some of them. A loss of their beliefs, et ways. I don't think it's accurate. But it makes people desperate, allows them to bend the truth for -themselves- to justify these things. ...So, I'm glad you'll keep it in mind. I'd rather be aiding you, not avenging you.” Letting out a huff, the kensai offers a small bow, “So, with all that out of the way, need anything? I have an errand to run otherwise~”

Hildegarde smiled at Kasyr’s words. He may have been gruff and nonchalant at the best of times, but he cared. Even if it was in a rather strange way. The Silver reached out and embraced him, but only briefly. She didn’t want him to get too uncomfortable after all. “You’ll be aiding me. I’ll provide details later on, when my other plans are more solid. Go run your errand,” she said, turning to tend to the activities of the camp.

Kasyr offers a final nod, and a salute, though this one is far more laissez-faire and brief, turning into a wave midway through. “A bien tot.” And with that said, the Kensai begins to weave his way out the way he came. He had a meeting to catch.