RP:It's Politics, Mon Cherie!
Part of the Surface Tension Arc
Synopsis: Hildegarde asks for Vailkrin’s support in the Drow-Elf war. Kasyr can’t support Frostmaw due to politics, but may offer help if things turn for the worst.
Frostmaw War Council
Hildegarde had sent a little letter off to Kasyr, asking that he attend her as soon as he possibly could in Frostmaw’s war council. The knight needed to know where he stood in regards to this war between elves and drow; whether he would pledge Vailkrin’s help or not. Indeed, she thought it unlikely given that in doing so it would open Vailkrin to drow aggression and leave the city with less warriors to defend it but his marital bonds to the Queen might say otherwise. It was all uncertain. Which was why the knight leaned over the massive sculpted map and waited patiently for the King of Vampires to come calling.
Kasyr had started on his way to Frostmaw not long after he had received the letter, a quick flight to the outskirts of the city and a quick jog to the fortress having taken him where he needed to be with a minimal amount of trouble. Really, the largest nuisance to the Kensai was recalling the way into the war room, before he found himself slipping inside. Upon spotting Hildegarde, the vampire would offer her a brief wave and a "Bonne Apres-midi", before he'd allow his gaze to wander, flickering across the map to look at the placement of the figures, with a rather specific amount of heed being focused upon the positioning of the hat and the fox.
Hildegarde had removed the fox and hat from the table, but kept a firm hold of the black sword in her hand. After all, she had no idea where it’d be placed and she had no idea where the other two had gone off to. The silver dragon sat in Frostmaw alone. “Kasyr,” she said warmly, “I’m sorry to have summoned you so, but I unfortunately must speak of war and business to you. I would much rather this be a social visit, of course, but… needs must.”
Kasyr stares at the table for a few moments longer, his brows furrowed, before he wrenches his gaze away and looks towards Hildegarde instead. "Alas, I do fear that the position you currently hold tends to lend itself more often to business than pleasure, mon cher. I do understand the necessity in addressing this manner sooner rather than later, however." There's a certain characteristic lightness to the revenants tone- a sort of practised smoothness that so often seems to accompany his diplomatic efforts, "So, where would you like to begin?"
Hildegarde was never one to beat around the bush. She was forever blunt. “I want to know where you and Vailkrin stand in the war effort. As you know by now, Frostmaw has declared for the elves and will seek to fight against their foes in order to get them back into Sage,” she explained. “Obviously, you are married to the Queen… There is an alliance between Frostmaw and Vailkrin,” she need not really elaborate further on that. “I must know before I begin plotting my strategy how many men I have at my beck and call. I will not force you to lend your might, but I would ask what you intend to do. I understand if you wish no involvement: the drow would be right at your door and far away from mine.”
Kasyr let's out a slight exhale, before rubbing at his temples, "Enfin, this is a difficile one for me- since the madamoiselle had done much to nurture ties with the drow, et especially the ruling house. I have little inclination to fight -for- either side, vraiment. I have no interest in seeing the streets of Vailkrins submerged in a fight, and I am of quite the mind to kill either side which might so choose to try and immerse her in their machinations. ...I won't -aid- the drow, if that es what you ask. And if they made a push towards the city of Frostmaw proper, I would aid it- for I would see the people of this city safe. But when it comes to taking the fight to Sage forest... I do not relish the idea of making Vailkrin suffer, and become the first front for this war."
Hildegarde nodded as he gave his answer, “I understand and do not fault you for your trepidations. It is no easy to thing to go to war. No one wants to hurt their people,” she said gently, knowing that pain all too well. “But I am glad to hear you will not aid the drow. It might make this war all the more easier. If such a thing can even be said of war…” The knight shook her head, sighing wearily. “I know Satoshi has worked hard to ensure a good friendship with Tiphareth… but I am not Satoshi. I do not think it is right for this feud to go on. The elves need Sage back. The drow stalk Kelay like wolves after sheep. Do you blame the sheep for being meaty and easy to kill?” The woman shrugged her shoulder, “The gods have failed to protect Kelay and Sage. I will not.”
Kasyr has a flicker of a smirk at Hildegarde's final proclamation, though it's not long before a more placid look overtakes it, "If any of the elves do not wish to fight, and would seek out an area as sanctuary, I -would- be willing to provide that, so long as they stay out of the war effort. As I said, I won't choose to participate, lest frostmaw itself be attacked- but should some individuals seek to zealously pursue those uninvolved. Et bien..well, that's on their head. I mean, the same would apply to any elves who might stir things up with the drow in my city, so it's all fair, vraiment." There's a definite sense of mischief in the revenants words.
Kasyr said to Hildegarde, “Et you know, when there came to be gods like Vuryal, I'd say places like Kelay and Sage may be better off without their protection, non?”
Hildegarde offered another nod at his words, “Well, that’s good to know. Just… be careful, Kasyr. Your land is near the Drow and I don’t doubt they would start prowling around in search of any stray elves,” she said. “But I’m glad we have had this little chat. It means I can settle on some plans for the battles to come.”
Kasyr has a rather sour look, "I am more than aware they prowl around as is. Were they to make any sort of transgression, were I to extend my hospitality et especially in an official manner? I do believe that would more than warrant a particular bit of hostility. Et I'm rather certain that as much as my capacity for havoc is not as vividly etched in the recent memories of some- it's still enough to dissuade most individuals from pursuing that route." The revenant pauses for a moment, before adding, "I do wish you luck in your endeavours, however, et je vous en prie- if you need help, I can be reached to talk, to strategize...et if things do turn for the worst, I can try and arrive to aid vous."
Hildegarde said to Kasyr, “Oh, I have every faith in your abilities and capacity to handle an entire invading army. But... I do care for you and so I am personally wishing you well. It was meant to be a nice gesture. But thank you, Kasyr. I appreciate it.”
Kasyr blinks for a moment, than over-dramatically wrinkles his nose, "Aww. The concern is appreciated, mon cher. Et not quite the usual fare, enfin." ...Seriously, Vailkrin politics and alliances are usually a bit...snarkier. " But I'll try et stay out of trouble. At least currently, anyways. You take care as well, however. Yours is the difficult position to be in."
Hildegarde said to Kasyr, “Indeed. Thanks, Kasyr. I'll see you around.”