RP:Pride and Patience

This is a Rogue's Guild RP.

Summary: Leoxander cautiously answers Queen Hildegarde's glass hummingbird summons, accompanied by Eleanor and Hudson.

Middle of Town, Frostmaw.

Hudson shoots Leoxander a knowing glance, his shoulder rising in a shrug. It's mostly kids, but also... if you stay out real late one too many nights and then get caught in bed with a hot witch when you said you were on a golf trip with your buddies, well, coming home late becomes a Thing. A Thing that you try not to do because it dredges up all sorts of old drama. (Also, if Hudson is a little honest with himself, he really likes coming home and seeing his girls before they go to bed. They recognize him now and make little noises and are really cute when they're not hemorrhaging piss.) "Easy," he tells Leoxander for the ribbing about not wanting to do it wolf-style. "I'm a baby, and my daddy didn't love me so I grew up bad. Don't have control of myself when I'm in wolf form, still working on it." The carriage is indeed waiting, and they all pile in, presumably with Hudson sitting across from the newly minted couple or non couple or sometimes making out on beaches buddies, whatever. They make small talk on the way over, for his part Hudson provides a few stereotypical anecdotes about being a new father (it's horrible, but then you love them so much, it's demented!), including telling everyone about the size of his daughters' poops, mostly because it amazes him how such delicate, tiny girls can produce such, frankly, impressive and sizable poops. Surely Eleanor and Leoxander also have anecdotes of their own to share, but in any event they arrive in Frostmaw after some time and unload from the carriage, making their way toward the meeting spot.

Hildegarde was wearing clothing similar to what she had worn to the Larketian wedding, rather casual Frostmawian wear for a Queen. Her sleeves were rolled up, though, her outfit coated in dirt and chalk from her laborious efforts of shifting rocks and stones onto a rather large pile. The square was massive: certainly about as wide as a giant’s leg and about half the height of Hildegarde at the moment. The Queen worked alone whilst the giants around her sipped upon their water and chatted amongst themselves, clearly resting for a time. “Is that water good, lads?” she asks them all with a little grin, as if playfully reminding them that she was still working while they rested. It earned the Queen a laugh from the resting giants, some raised mugs in acknowledgement of her hard work, too.

Leo probably could have had a conversation with Hudson about non-loving daddies, but he opted out of it for the travel. Carriage isn't his preferred travel, particularly on icy roads, but he tolerates it, staring out the window and thinking he might remember some places, knowing he remembered others. As typical, he is quiet for the ride. So the small talk just has him grunting or murmuring a word like a modern Slingblade - Hollow style. He isn't all that interested in children poops, and doesn't try to look curious. The moment that cart stops, Leo is stepping into the cold Frostmaw air with a very visible exhale of hot breath, nocturnal eyes searching in the dark for his target. He wasn't wearing a bandana and his hair seemed blond enough to be legit, his attire the typical case for Leoxander. But unlike being on his own, as was familiar, he would be accompanied by two more out of the carriage and hopefully flanked on either side as he approached the square, noticing the many giant guards off duty but not looking yet intimidated by a one.

Eleanor was more comfortable in Hudson's presence than Leo must have been, and although baby poop was not something she really wanted to discuss right now. She let the new dad ramble on, as he was wont to do. However, there was a grateful sigh that fell past her lips when at last they arrived, and she was soon out of the carriage in Leoxander's wake, following close behind him and just to his left. She'd give him some space, her celadon eyes shifting around to see if anything felt amiss, her hands hovering near her hips -- and therefore, near her weapons, which were mostly concealed beneath the simple dark-blue cloak that also hooded her temporarily-darker hair from view. Finding Leo's side, she offered up some low-toned words, meant for his ears only, even as those pale eyes fixed on the dragon-queen, "D'yoo ken whit thes is supposed tae be abit?"

Hudson is ignorant of everyone else's disinterest in the life and poops of his daughters. He falls in on Leoxander's right as they make their way to the square. Last time he'd saw Hildegarde was Josleen's wedding. He has to wonder what Leoxander and Eleanor want with her. In general, he considers them to be on good terms. If anything, Hildegarde had set him up with the mother of his children. (He should talk to her about that sometime.) In any event, Leo and Eleanor seem fixed with purpose, which is concerning but an impression that doesn't linger long - it's some relief when it turns out that Eleanor too is in the dark. Hudson, though interested in the other lycan's reply, nods to the square ahead and notes that Hildegarde and entourage are ahead of them: "That was easy enough."

Hildegarde stops her laborious work at the warning grunt of a relaxing giant. The giants are all sitting, all chilled out but their eyes are upon the relative strangers. Hudson not so much, they've seen him before on Eyrie business many moons ago! But they haven’t really seen him for a long time. So there’s still a bit of lingering trust and familiarity with him. Hildegarde turns upon her heel to see who the guards are alerting her about, recognizing Leoxander and Hudson but finding Eleanor to be unfamiliar. “Greetings,” she says politely, offering them all a little smile. “I trust your journey was a safe one?”

Leoxander looked toward Eleanor to reveal that he didn't know. He had said as much, already. But his trust was enough with Hildegarde that he was willing to give it a go. Following Hudson's motion, he looks back to the Silver Queen, and motions a hand to indicate that they don't have to follow as he makes his way into the town square. Ice crunches beneath his treaded boots and his exhales from his nose rise like smoke in the evening atmosphere, every inhale carrying the scent of ice, giants, pelts of worn fur and of course... dragon. Blue eyes fix boldly to at least one stormy gray, jaw a little tense but his posture relatively at ease. This wasn't their first encounter, after all. "It's bloody cold here an' you know it. Don't you got somewhere indoors we can discuss business?" Yes, there was the pirate demanding of the queen, though he motioned his head. "These are my... friends." Leo... having friends? It could be a possibility. Couldn't it?

Eleanor frowned, the line twisting her full lips sharply downward, and she lifted her hands to cross them across her chest. She didn't like this business, this not-knowing, not one bit. The rogue would say as much to Leo, but nodded when he insisted she stayed behind -- which she did, but only by a few paces, wary green eyes shifting first toward the giants nearby, then across to where Hudson was. This whole situation stank, but she kept that opinion to herself; she still wasn't sold that this wasn't some kind of trap, and soon her gaze shifted ahead to Hildegarde and Leo, alert for any signs from the latter that her assistance was needed.

Hudson is not much better attired for the cold. The wind is seeping right through his wool coat. In any event, the group approaches Hildegarde's party and no further information is gleaned about the purpose of this visit, but at the very least it doesn't seem to be a hostile one, by his guess. Because they're just rolling right up here. So in short, unlike Eleanor, Hudson is at ease, probably because that's what he wants to be. He puts his hands in his pockets. "Your Grace," he greets Hildegarde with a boyish grin. "Sup guys," he says to the giants. Huds is thinking, as he shivers, that Leoxander has a good point here, and also should thank Hildegarde, after this business is resolved, for Frostmaw's generosity in putting him and Alvina up so long after she'd gone into labor. His gaze darts at Leoxander as the pirate begins bossing a literal dragon queen around, but he had referred to her as 'Hilde' earlier so... maybe they're secret besties and this is... normal? "I wouldn't mind a pint if we want to relocate to the closest pub," he suggests.'

Hildegarde offered Hudson a cheeky grin in reply, but nothing more than that. Wouldn’t want rumours to start flying! At the request of a warmer climate, Hildegarde acquiesced to this request. “Right, lads, get back to work. I’ll be back soon to check on you,” she warns them all with a wagging finger before moving towards the trio. “The tavern isn’t far,” she assures them. “I know the cold of Frostmaw isn’t for everyone!” she understands, gracious host that she is, that most people are unprepared for the cold weather. “Then we can talk business.”

Leoxander couldn't help but give a sidelong glance at Hudson for his formal hello, barely resisting the urge to roll his eyes as he focused back on Hildegarde. And that grin to boot from the Queen, herself. He just moved wordlessly to follow that motion toward the tavern, eager to be out of the cold but always watching his back. Along the way, he dared to speak to her Majesty, as though she were just another acquaintance. "You gonna tell me what this's about? I couldn't even find your mage, but I noticed you still paid for my bow." Which, coincidentally, he wasn't carrying, but that didn't mean he didn't have a weapon or two concealed. The most gentlemanly thing he would do was open that tavern door, to let the Silver Queen inside. Mostly because if he needed escape suddenly, he'd be quick to be gone. If nothing struck him suspicious, he'd only expect a drink for now.

Eleanor sent Hudson another look, this one more questioning than the last, before fixing the dragon-queen with a curious stare. The woman's frown grew, and she took a moment to ensure her hood was still concealing that raven-dyed messy bun. Unlike the other night, she was bedecked in her usual garb, including tattoos and diadem, her weapons more obvious than Leo's, at least some of them. As they all moved to the tavern, she shifted her attention to Leo, passing him with a stare that basically said, 'You give the word, we're outta this joint'. But she kept those things unvoiced, instead, leaving the wolf to take the lead, trailing behind them as they entered the much-warmer establishment. She'd find a seat near Leo, but probably at a table other than wherever he sat with the queen, giving them just enough privacy to discuss business, while still being close enough to come to Leo's aid if necessary. It was also noted, too, that she did not take up drink for once.

Hudson apparently cannot be trusted to not (ahem harmlessly...) flirt with lesbian dragon queens, despite non-witch status. He's grateful that the group is moving toward the closest watering hole, the idea of a beer is very appealing. He's curious but otherwise not got the foggiest what Leoxander's talking to Hildegarde about; he's clearly familiar with her, so Hudson, true to his relaxed personality, doesn't seem alarmed. He's like a counterweight to Eleanor and Leoxander apparently. Eleanor is always cagey, he's come to expect that from her, and Leo he hardly knows, so there's not much to read in the other guy's body language. For his part, Huds is discreetly greeting people in the tavern now, there are a few familiar faces. They all sit at a table and to warm up the mood Hudson takes charge of ordering them a pitcher of ale and also some buffalo wings (seemed a good idea at the time, hopefully won't be regretted later).

Frostmaw Tavern.

Hildegarde enters the tavern when Leoxander politely holds the door open. No trap awaits, nothing sinister and nothing serious. It’s just a tavern with some patrons in it. Hildegarde takes a seat that’s near the hearth but not so near as to make it uncomfortably warm for her sort. “So,” she begins, as she settles into her chair, “I know that last time you were looking to earn some coin. I know you didn’t find the mages and I still paid for your bow, but I was hoping that you would look upon that as a favour or a job still owed,” she reasoned. “I had hoped to see the bow, actually. Leone’s work is always magnificent. Has it served you well?” she asks politely, before focusing upon the business at hand once more. “I am now in an uncomfortable peace treaty. I need people who can help me. You’re a smart man. I’m a woman looking to hire a smart man who can do what I need where I need in exchange for coin,” and some loyalty.

Leoxander couldn't help but watch Hudson for a moment, with the ease that he socialized, and then that scent of spicy wings and beer... Leo almost wanted to ditch his business meeting and join the fellow wolfman. He maintained control to focus on the matter at hand, hoping no one could feel his tongue water. His attention returned to the Queen for her words, somewhat embarrassed. "Look, that wasn't my fault. I hardly had a day to bloody try. But... I did get my bow. I guess I still owe you. I didn't bring it, because I didn't know why you brought me here. But yes, it's... it's damn well perfect. What do you want from me?" Yes, Leo was speaking to the queen in such a manner, matter of fact. And admitting that he already owed her the pay she was offering.

Eleanor pretended to focus on the pitcher and order of wings, but the truth was, she was more curious about the conversation unfolding between Leo and the queen. Nevertheless, she fit into her role as subtle observer well enough, even making small talk with Hudson -- asking about his baby-mama, what's new with his mom, y'know, typical things a friend might say to kill time. However, she was definitely intrigued when Hilde mentioned what she needed from Leo, even without all the details, and she had to hide a pleased smirk, taking a sip of the beer after pouring it into a glass to hide the grin.

Hudson is still getting a chill vibe from the whole situation. Probably due in large part because the beer and food arrives almost instantaneously, and he pours everyone a glass before helping himself to some wings, which are kept in the middle of the table in case anyone else is keen. Hudson's relaxed attitude toward the situation is further reinforced by this opening foray between Hildegarde and Leoxander. They've done some business. Cool, join the club. Eleanor is trying to talk to him, evidently to give Hildegarde and Leoxander some privacy in their discussions, it's just there's a little something that strokes his curiosity: an uncomfortable peace treaty. Could only be the one. Sure, he's happy to talk to Eleanor about their lives -- nah, Alvina hasn't gone back to doing any work yet, maybe soon though, ...did Eleanor not think Rijanna was awesome? She was, yeah? -- though that conversation grows a little stilted with the big reveal because Hudson, and surely Eleanor, don't want to miss anything through sloppy eavesdropping.

Hildegarde waved her hand in a dismissive manner, as it absolved Leoxander of his embarrassment. “Some people were quite gung-ho about rescuing the mages. It’s quite alright,” she said with a little smile, hoping it might offer some reassurance that she truly wasn’t mad about it and he needn’t try to excuse the fact he hadn’t been able to do it. “Firstly, I know you’re a wanderer. But I know you’re a man of mysterious means,” she says, reaching up to briefly rub at her forehead where that blue iron circlet usually sat. “And Larket was my enemy turned apparent friend. It does not sit all too well with me and I would like a pair of eyes that are without bias. Eyes that can tell me if they see disturbing things and warn me of that, so I can protect my people – and perhaps the realm – as best I can. You don’t strike me as the kind of man who wants to see everyone burn.”

Leoxander probably found a drink, whether it was one Hudson poured or something from Hildegarde's table. He silently appreciated her resolve in the missing mages matter, but it didn't dismiss that he owed the Queen a job. "You aren't the only one curious about the city." He murmured, honest in that regard. Whether it was rumor, news, or witnessed, he knew about the earthquake to hit the wedding. "The thing is... I'm lookin' to get more eyes than mine, Hil-... Yer majesty. I could tell you a lot more with a few extra pair of eyes and somethin' of an alliance." He tilted back his drink and set the empty glass or mug on the table before he met her eyes, or eye, if the one was still scarred shut. "Let's think beyond gold. You give me one good man or woman, here, that I can work with. You turn your gaze the other way if you see me work with more. An' I'll make sure we have more than the Red Ogre or the papers can tell us, savy?"

Eleanor shifted a surreptitious gaze in Leo's direction, her lips quirking in a barely-subdued smirk as her fingers traced along the top of her glass. She'd pretty much zoned out anything Hudson had to say at that point (no offense old man), her attention was fixed on eavesdropping in on the other wolf's conversation with the dragon. This could prove profitable to all parties present, and it was obvious El wanted it to, as she sent Hudson a knowing side-eye.

Hudson crunches very slowly on a buffalo wing, his conversation with Eleanor now having fallen back on eating and/or at a near standstill because the negotiations between Hildegarde and Leoxander have become more interesting. Hudson notes that Leoxander has become a bit more formal, no doubt because the guy's asking for someone on the inside. Hudson wonders if the effect of him saying 'savy' would be as cool as Leoxander doing it. Probably not... would be shades of dad awkward. Eleanor is giving him a gimlet eye, and he swallows what he's got in his mouth. "Excuse me for cutting in. Leo is uh, helping me re-open a business in Larket, actually," sort of ... a version of the truth! No need to mention that it's a nail salon run by witches and that he and Eleanor had bought it for the purpose of laundering money. "So in addition to his uh, usual sources of news, he's got the society and court ladies talking over manicures beat covered too." He reaches for another wing. "For what it's worth."

Hildegarde made a thoughtful ‘hm’ as Leoxander voiced his supposed price for this favour. “You’re asking me to turn my eye away from deeds you conduct in my city?” she asks him, visibly tensing at the mere thought. Hilde was all about justice, after all. If there was one thing she loved, it was justice. “Explain to me what it is you mean, Leo, in plain talk; free of consequence. I have been honest with you, be plain with me in turn,” she asks him.

(Leo could probably do some killer nail work if he tried.)

Leoxander shook his head slightly, almost amused. "Yer city is about as welcoming as a jump in the black pool, lady. Yer Majesty. But if you want me to have eyes on your target, I want a set here, in return. Keep us all up to date. We have business to run, and I'll be honest with you, my business is running me back where I'm meant to be, overseas. I d'know what'll find there, but I need contacts where I can get'em. And you'll get your reports, so long as I have the means to send you a messenger without suspicion." He never spoke in plain talk, but attempted for the Silver Dragon. "You scratch my back, I'll definitely scratch yers."

Eleanor remained quiet, sending the occasional side-eye to Hudson and Leo in turn, taking tiny sips of her drink and playing with the wings she put on a small sampler plte. Dyraxdiin appeared from the west. Eleanor ooc - plate* but yes. Full post even though it's tiny. <3 Hudson drinks from his glass very slowly, again so as to minimize the ambient noise surrounding the conversation. He exchanges a look with Eleanor, and then refills her glass, out of politeness or perhaps an attempt to seem like he's not totally focused on Leoxander's negotiations with Hildegarde (though he is). Hudson's appraising both parties, and for his part is not sure the silver's gonna go for the deal, his money's on her telling Leoxander she'll think about it. Maybe she'll think a bit harder about it if something fishy happens in Larket. (Although that earthquake...)

Hildegarde appreciated the effort at putting the request into plain speech. “Hm,” she mused aloud, probably exciting Hudson and making him think he’s actually some kind of witchy mind reader. “I’d like to think about it. It goes without saying that I want the best deal possible for Frostmaw, but I’d like to make a friendship work. That means finding the right person who can assist us both in this matter. Let me research the matter. I will come back to you with a decision, if this suits?”

You was not one to play at persuasion. "So you brought me here to this... wonderful kingdom...." Snow packed hell, he meant. "To tell me you're gonna think about it, without tellin' me your conditions? Come on, Hilde'..." There he went with that 'nickname' for the queen again. "I don't have the time for this. Friendship... it's just..." He shook his head with a frown. "Friendship comes from trust. An' I don't think you fully trust me, yet." So he stands from his seat. He looks toward the others, walking to Hudson to pick up a 'chicken wing', but fortunately it is spiced. "I think you should take the opportunity while it's hear, if you want my opinion." But munching on that snack, he seemed very ready to go. "So I guess... I'll see you around."

Eleanor knew a tense situation when she saw one, not counting her suspicions when she first told Leo she was going to accompany him here in the first place. Standing as the wolf does, she moved to effectively block his path, reaching out a lone finger to brush against one of his, the small gesture meant to still him as she turned her attention toward Hildegarde. "Yer majesty," she interjected, "Whit mah ... mukker--" Cue a sharp look in Leo's direction-- " ... means tae say is, we respect yer position." She withdrew her hand from near Leo's in order to extend it toward the dragon-queen. "An' we swatch forward tae discussin' those terms at a later date." Another glance toward Leo, before shifting her pale eyes upon the queen. "Efter we've aw hud some time tae hink oan thes offer."

Hudson finds that being right has a bittersweet vibe to it. He finishes the wing he's been working on, pretends he's interested in a game of darts occurring across the room. He notes that Leoxander's mood has blackened somewhat, though the guy is finally eating a buffalo wing himself, good call, man, because Hudson was going to polish them off all by himself. (Also, maybe it will make him less hangry... if that's what going on here.) For his part, as his party stands to go, Hudson gives Hilde the polite smile of a guy who knows he chills with the riff raff sometimes, gotta love 'em, what can you say. He's appreciative that Eleanor says what Leoxander cannot right now. "Indeed, I guess to be continued," he says to the queen. He likewise rises to join the others. "Good seeing you, Your Grace, and thank you for all of Frostmaw's hospitality when Alvina went into labor. It really meant a lot to us."

Hildegarde offered Leoxander a cheeky smile in reply! “I need the time to think of conditions, do I not? I expected only to give you a job and a wage, not a counter offer. After all, I paid for your bow,” and forgave his inability to complete the contracted job, “so I thought the trust in me was all there. But please. You’re welcome to stay here if you so wish, while I deliberate on what to do. If you do not wish to wait, that’s quite alright,” she said, as if she could find someone else to do the job. But Eleanor’s quick interjection earns an intrigued look from the Silver Queen. “I think that’s a prudent decision,” she agrees with a little smile, “but we do not all seem to be in agreement…?” Obviously, she is hoping that Leoxander might cave and agree to have some patience.

Dyraxdiin 's arrival is announced by the creak of the door as it swings ajar to admit his entry. Sheathed in a heavy cloak, his hands reach up to draw back his hood and later brush some of the snow drift form his shoulders. The warmth of the fire at the center of the establishment is welcomed with a crook of his lips, as he makes his way to the bar to order a drink. The trek up to this frozen wasteland on foot is something he regrets, but an unknown dragon flying around the recent war-torn kingdom is not something he wishes befall upon the tired minds and backs of the people here. "Whiskey, neat," His voice a deep and sure tone, as he appraises the barkeep betwixt stray strands of dampened brown bangs. The people gathered are offered a casual glance as he awaits his order.

Leo had brought a voice of reason, for a reason. He glanced at Eleanor when she spoke and then Hudson, for his input. Hildegarde's reminder of his bow made it even worse when he paused in his stance. "I'll wait. So you can consider my offer. I ask for a decent place to stay the night." Without any problems. Whether or not his two partners wished to stick around was their call, as this business was not yet finished. He gave a glance at Dryaxdiin and immediately smelled the scent.... was it dragon? Hard to tell. Patience was not his forte, but he was giving it a chance. "I know I owe you, an' either way that debt will be paid..." He said this to Hildegarde, but seemed ready to retire, for the night.

Eleanor breathed out a tensed sigh of relief that Leo had not blown this opportunity with his pride. She spared him a glance, softened for him alone, before nodding to Hildegarde. "Until next time we meit." It was then that she turned to Leo, an unspoken offer that she would stay to hear out this plan as it unfolded and formed into something they could build upon. Hudson, of course, was free to go deal with ass-pocalypsing babies, as he was inclined to do lately. She nodded to him, adding, "Guid tae see ye again, Huds ... we'll gab mair abit whit we discussed earlier ... later." A quick glance to Leo then back to Hudson, inferring what she meant with that look. With the tension between the gathered parties dissipating, she took it as her cue that it was time to take a proper swig of the beer in her pint, glancing over at Hildegarde thereafter expectantly.

Hudson nods as Leoxander seems to come down from his knee jerk response. Everything's smoothed over, as best it can be. Hudson pays their tab, and comments to the pair, "Wait and see, I think in time the offer'll grow more attractive to her. Anyway," he lifts his chin, signalling that he's out, even if they're staying, "gotta go be daddy. Good to see you, El, yep." He claps Leo on the shoulder. "Nice meeting you. I'm sure we'll see more of each other. See you guys."