RP:Concern for the Queen

Part of the Thy Kingdom Come Arc

Summary: Pilar returns from Vailkrin to find out that another assassination attempt on Hildegarde has been made and voices her concern about Hildegarde's well-being and the suspicion that's slowly taking hold over the camp.

The Rolling Hills

Hildegarde’s tent was one that afforded her privacy. Certainly, she’d rather share her tent with the men and women of the camp and be seen as just an ordinary soldier but when one adopts the title of Queen, they don’t get that sort of luxury any longer! Especially after last night. With the attempt on her life, Hildegarde had been confined to this tent per the orders of Leone. Mikael had paced throughout the tent all night before settling into a chair to continue his watch, only being relieved by Lisbeth and back and forth between the two. Hildegarde hated bed rest with a passion. Not because it was boring, but because it felt selfish. She felt like she should be out there pulling her weight, not lounging around in a pile of furs! The knight forced herself into a semi sitting position, earning a little reproachful glance from both Mikael and Lisbeth. “Don’t even start,” she retorted quietly as she reached for a battered book with a groan and began to read.

Pilar had just returned from Vailkrin with some of her things, since Leone had her move into a tent in the camp so that she would be on-hand. She had barely settled in when she heard two giants talking about Hildegarde's condition. Horrified, she ran to Hildegarde's tent, expecting the worst. One of the guards outside at first refused to let her in, which only worried her more, until Mikael came out to investigate the commotion and allowed her inside. Pilar hated to disturb Hildegarde, but she wanted to see for herself that the dragon was alright. She approached the dragon quietly. "Hildegarde, how are you feeling?"

Hildegarde dropped the book a little as Pilar entered the tent, offering her a little relieved smile. Some company other than Mikael and Lisbeth – who were beyond worried! – would be a delight. “Pilar, it’s good to see you,” she said politely. “I’m fine. These overbearing bears of friends are acting as if I’m dying,” she said, though she flashed them both a little look as if to say she appreciated it truly. “This isn’t the worst wound I’ve had, but Leone insisted we take no risks and that I heal naturally.”

Pilar was glad that Hilde was in good spirits, but she had to admit that she was just as worried as Mikael and Lisbeth. "What happened? Another assassination attempt?" she asked. The thought crossed her mind that one of the giants in the camp had proven treacherous. Perhaps Khitti had been right to be mistrustful of them. It brought up a whole new batch of worries, and it was plain on her face.

Hildegarde nodded in confirmation, “Yes,” she answered. “But it was not any of the men already in the camp. They’re trustworthy,” she said, refusing to succumb to the suspicion that some members of the camp held. Of course, said suspicion would only get worse in the coming days. “A man named Trajek. A middle aged warrior, who I met once in Frostmaw. He took it upon himself to try and end me. Though whether he was sent by Balgruuf or simply took it upon himself to do it is unclear.”

Pilar thought the name sounded familiar, but she couldn't picture the face, or where she may have heard the name. "Is he still alive?" Pilar asked. She was a merciful sort, and never wished someone dead. But she knew what had become of the last person to try and kill Hildegarde. She figured it was a fair question. Besides, if this Trajek was still running around, he might try and hurt Hilde again.

Hildegarde nodded again, “I think so, but I can’t confirm,” she admitted quietly. “Leone had a hold of me and he darted off, so I didn’t quite see if he escaped. But I haven’t quite heard any bragging about anyone capturing him or anything, so I would assume that he’s escaped with his life.” Whether Hildegarde would execute him or not was up for debate. She was a firm believer in second chances, but she also knew that sometimes there was simply no other option and that death was the only thing that could come of an encounter.

Pilar looked down at her hands, clasping and unclasping in nervousness. "It's so scary... and it's not going to stop when you become Queen, is it?" Her eyes were brimming with sadness. "Will you ever be safe?"

Hildegarde had seen such sadness before in Laezila. After a long moment of quiet, the knight finally extended her hand and spoke gently to Pilar: “Come here,” she invited, rather than commanded. “No, Pilar. It will not stop when I reclaim Frostmaw. And I doubt I shall ever be safe, but is anyone ever truly safe? I have an oath that demands I must put my life on the line for others if and when it is demanded of me, something that I will gladly do.”

Pilar walked up to Hildegarde. "You died once already for others. It isn't fair that it might happen again." She lingered close to Hildegarde, taking in her scent. It was one of the few she knew well enough to pick out of a crowd. The tent was silent for awhile more before Pilar spoke again. "I... I've been meaning to ask you. When the time for battle comes, what am I going to? I can't fight on the front lines, I know that, but I want to help somehow. I just... don't know."

Hildegarde smiled at Pilar’s comment about death and fairness. “That is life, Pilar, a series of unfair affairs,” she remarked thoughtfully, “and that is what makes it quite so remarkable, of course. There is risk, there is love, there is despair. Don’t weep for what may be,” she told her before lapsing into a natural silence and then listening to Pilar’s concerned question. “You can’t fight on the front lines, that’s true, and not something I had intended for you. A good commander has a use for every man. A brilliant commander has the right man for the right task,” she said. “As you have been inducted into The Eyrie, I intend to have you and a small band infiltrate The Northern Outpost. From there, you’ll have a specific task to do. I shan’t go into great detail,” because you never know who might be listening, “but I do have a job for you and something that is away from the front lines.”

Pilar thought about it for a moment. Infiltration. That was something she could do. She'd managed to sneak around Frostmaw for a few weeks, after all. And this time, she wouldn't be alone. She had best practice turning multiple people invisible. Without fainting like last time. "Okay. I, I think I can do that." At the least, she was glad she wouldn't be fighting. Or, maybe she would be, but it wouldn't be against great numbers. Probably.

Hildegarde watched Pilar quietly for a few moments, obviously trying to determine whether or not she was quite happy with the assigned task. “I know you can do it,” she said with confidence, “but at any point that you do not wish to do it, all you need to do is say so. I shan’t force you.”

Pilar would only be really happy if no fighting and bloodshed happened at all. But alas, it was not to be. Still, the confirmation that fighting would not be her main goal was a relief. At the same time, the fact that she was going into danger at all made her extremely nervous. "I'll do it," she assured Hildegarde. She just wished she knew more.

Hildegarde said to Pilar, "I don't expect the outpost to host any enemies, but in any case, you won't be alone."

Pilar nodded. "Who will I be going with? How many? Oh, I have so many questions." She sighed. "I suppose I have to wait until the battle is closer."

Hildegarde couldn’t help but grin at Pilar’s enthusiasm. “Questions that will be answered later, Pilar,” she said gently. “As much as you would like to know now, I cannot afford to tell you right now.”

Pilar nodded. "I understand." The walls have ears. Maybe the one who'd stabbed her WASN'T a giant in their midst, but who could say that there weren't traitors or spies around? "... I guess, if there's nothing else to talk about, that I will practice my magic. The last time I tried a big spell, I fainted." She blushed a little, embarrassed.

Hildegarde said to Pilar, "You go do that, but do be careful."

Pilar said to Hildegarde, "I will." She dipped her head. “I hope you feel better soon, Hildegarde."