RP:Strengthening the Alliance

From HollowWiki

Part of the Arctic Construction Arc



Characters

  • Arien is here with a twin son and daughter named Shyr_and_eruanna.
  • Rhocielle is here with a black stallion named Vyraelys.
  • Satoshi is here with a True-Steel clockwork owl named Ceribu.




Parlor


This pleasant parlor is where the Royal family most likely spends most of their time. There are a number of comfortable looking armchairs that could be lounged about on quite happily. By the, for the moment, empty fireplace is large bearskin rug scattered on which are a number of children's toys; a bear, some marbles and a wooden sword. This room definitely gives the impression of being a happy family place. A tobacco box lays open on the table beside which are two long exquisitely carved pipes, alongside which is a signed piece of paper, it seems some private business may also go on in here as well.




Arien : The governor of Rynvale might present a rather unusual sight to any that might enter the parlor, or for that matter, to any who might already be there. Standing near the low burning fireplace for the warmth it offered on an evening touched by the first hints of cooler weather, the fiery haired elf was cradling a dark, curly haired babe who might seem to a knowledgeable eye, rather more solid and sizable than a child of his age should be. It had not occurred to the mother that whatever mystery had provoked the premature growth of her children in utero, still exerted its influence on their fragile newborn cells, and she remained in blissful ignorance; for the moment. It would not be the sight of mother and child however that might provoke whimsy, but rather, the realization that this maternal display was being balanced by the soft murmur of dictation being offered to her young squire, who now served as defacto secretary scribbling furiously away on her parchment as she sat curled up in a seat near the bear skin rug. "See to it that it is delivered sooner rather than later Pippa.." she advised dryly. Her squire was yet in training, and prone to lapses in focus that the elf would rather not have to deal with on this particular matter. Emerald gaze tracked Pippa's progress toward the door before the elf turned to deposit her son in his bastinet next to his sister. She resisted the urge to stir the fire. Satoshi might be uncomfortable enough as it was.


Rhocielle sat in the chair closest to the central table, a number of sheets and scrolls littering the surface. While some appeared to be professionally drafted maps and charts, some looked to be more crudely made, perhaps by the wolfen male himself. There was a bit of a nervous tap to the table by his claws, as this was more or less the first business venture he had attempted so to speak. The black furred male was silent in his chair, silver eyes lazily focused upon the door from which the ice magus would appear.


Satoshi appears as if summoned by Rhocielle's gaze alone, pausing at the door to scan the room and its occupants with curious amber-flecked eyes. Her line of sight lingers longest on the bassinet holding the duo of babies, but eventually it flickers to Arien and Rhocielle as the foxkin dips her head politely. "Evenin', Lady Elf and Wolf~. And their kits too~," the minstrel trills in greeting, stepping further into the room. The little mechanical owl perched on her shoulder offers a strange 'buu' hoot and rotation of his head in his own form of hello.


Arien glanced up from her place cribside, a genuine smile of greeting spreading across her features as the ice magus appeared. "Satoshi! It was so good of you to agree to come to us. The children are to young to travel to more hostile regions.." she began quietly, stepping away from the babes in question. "I don't think I've seen you on Rynvale since last you made stand here with us. How fared your travel? The Rogues of Cenril let the ferries run again?" Arien cast a quick glance her husband's way. "I warn you now, I shall let the wolf do most of the speaking, he knows your Kingdom, far better than I could ever hope to. Do come in and sit.."


Rhocielle gave a courteous dip of his muzzle, "Satoshi... Thank you for agreeing to meet with us." His greeting faded into allowing the High Elf to speak her pleasantries before conducting their business. Waiting for the vampiric kit to enter and make herself comfortable. "Aye, Arien is right, on both counts... our younglings, and myself." He canted his head slightly at her, "As you may or may not know, I had made some notices in Kelay regarding the training of self defense for any interested individuals. Well... I have nearly a dozen students, and I believe it would be prudent to have a facility built for their training. Because of the seclusion and relative peace of Xalious, in particular, Frostmaw, its become my choice for a site... Along with the facility's primary purpose, it may bring in more business into your kingdom: students spending their gold in the village, your guards seeking additional training, perhaps even a sponsored fight or two for the public to watch."


Satoshi makes herself comfortable by remaining on her feet and simply rocking on her heels in that absent habit acquired from her mate. Listening to both, Satoshi remains silent a moment before deftly answering all in a single go, "Dropped by the island briefly a month ago, 'bout it. I work with some of the rogues loitering in Cenril, but I've a quicker transport than a ferry," the faintest pause is taken to stroke the couatl feather in her hair, "I'd heard about your offering training and such, Wolf. And, your proposal might just be exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for. Frostmaw needs more to draw in 'outsiders'. A school for warriors suits both the city's old traditions and new ways." The foxkin can't help winking then as a delighted grin crosses her features, "And really, a city isn't half as fun without a place for organized battle, y'know? Didja have a certain spot in mind? That's likely to be the biggest problem, at least for the moment..."


Arien fluttered a wrist, sheepish expression upon her face. "I shall let Rho answer the questions of a more specific nature, I must confess to having had my mind on other concerns these last few months." Her eyes drifted to the children once more, softening slightly in expression before finding the kit again. "But I am most certain Rho would not have desired the initiation of contact without some concrete idea or plan at hand." A brief, thought filled look skittered across her eyes. We may have some use for further discussions regarding your contacts in Cenril however, you will understand my desire to ensure that Rynvale continues to have free access to trade with the mainland is paramount at the moment. But such a conversation, perhaps, is best had on another occasion." Curious eyes turned to the wolf, she had seen the maps..and heard his musings. But had not yet heard his final decision upon the matter herself. "Rho?.."


Rhocielle leaned over towards the table, fetching one of his crude drawings. "Arien was looking over the most current maps of the area, and she suggested that keeping with the spirit of the facility, but its use to the village: it would be best to have it built near the cliff edge just west of the tavern. A near centralized location, easy for the villagers and travelers to get to." Displaying the drawing for Satoshi, he explained, "...the most visible part would be the upper tier of the building. Technically, it would be considered the roof, but it would be at ground level. Students would train out in the open air of the elements, but there would be commodations for spectators. Below ground, that is where the more intensive training grounds would be found along with an armory, blacksmith, and the like."


Satoshi peers closely at drawing, as does the clockwork owl--both voicing their own form of curious intrigue. "That... shouldn't be a troublesome spot. It's near the bank site, and those creatures, for some reason, don't go near there." The words are murmured as if a thought spoken aloud and after a pause Satoshi shakes her head, voice returning to its dulcet chime as she grins at the lycan. "I don't see anything wrong with this, so far. We need more growth, you need a place to train your students. Works in both our favors, I think. I may even know of a certain swordsman who could offer some courses... for the more stout students~." A wicked little grin flits across the fox's face, and it's an easy thing to guess just who she's musing about turning into a teacher.


Arien snorted impolitely at the not so subtle hint, a baleful stare leveled at the fox kin, though it was tempered with the exasperated affection that always predominated when she thought of the vampire. "I doubt that Ashen has the patience to instruct one with whom he is not entirely smitten.." she murmured cheekily. "Though it must be said, if you are testament to instruction, Rho could not ask for a better associate." Eyes turning toward the map, her fiery head nodded in confirmation of the wolf's words, and in agreement with the queen's. "It will take come considerable effort, especially given that it must be hewed out below ground and into the mountain, but we have accomplished it once with the garrison outpost on the Rynvale plateaus. I will just be a matter of sourcing the labor, and providing them food and shelter as they work." That curious glimmer entered her gaze again as she met the mage's gaze. "Your..creature problem is not likely to affect the workers camp site is it?"


Rhocielle narrowed his eyes faintly at the kit's murmur, canine ears flicking gently. "Creatures...?" Silver gaze wandered over to Arien at the mention of a name that was not familiar to him. Ashen was a name he had not heard before or knew anything about, but if he was to trust Arien's and Satoshi's judgment of the individual, then this Ashen would be an asset. He grunted softly, keeping his silent briefly while the women conversed. The labor force might be resolved by simply recruiting the local populace, as well as dealing with their own food and sheltering. The black furred male leaned into his chair, looking over another makeshift map he had drawn. This was to be considerably more work than the previous project. The Rynvalian plateaus were not the cliffs of Frostmaw.


Satoshi frowns slightly with the question of the creatures. "Hrm. Yes. We've a slight... predator problem, at the moment. I've got a few recruited to fix said problem. The city is under a curfew currently though, after the pests stole a child, merchant, and a few giants. And possibly my knight-captain..." Coughing faintly, Satoshi carries on in a more cheerful tone, "But, they don't seem to want to set claw near the bank site, despite it being underground where they dwell. That immediate area is safe, for some reason, and your chosen site is close enough for me to believe it will be too. Of course, I keep guards posted nonetheless. I prefer live workers, y'know?"


Arien smiled faintly, only too aware of the precarious balance to be maintained between optimisim and concern when one was a leader in Satoshi's particular situation. "Indeed..I do not doubt that we would be able to facilitate the security of any in our employ, provided we are aware of the nature of what it is we deal with precisely," she said quietly. "Is there likely to e anything else, given that we have established permission, and a location for the work to begin? Will there by any fees, taxes to be paid to the city with the access to the land? Is it a purchase outright, or a lease that you envision for the project?" This last was left to hover..directed perhaps of both sets of ears present. It was important that they were on the same page.


Rhocielle believed it was fortunate that the High Elf had mentioned any other conditions, as they seemed to have been lost on both the wolf and kit. "Hrm, I will leave that up to Satoshi, I believe. I am not charging the students for their lessons, though if the queen wishes to charge for the arranged matches and the like, the proceeds would naturally go to her, on top of whatever it is she sets as a condition..."


Satoshi is trying very hard not to outright shuffle uncomfortably where she stands. This right here, is her least favorite aspect of leadership. Politics, numbers, taxes, and that whole tangled web of insanity. Frostmaw's a fairly primitive society, but she can't avoid its growth into those fields forever, especially when making negotiations with other cities and promoting said growth. "Ah. A lease of some sort sounds about right. It will still be -Frostmaw- land, which will keep the people happy, but I don't intend to hover over your shoulders dictating where you build what, so you can build the school as you see fit. The payments, I imagine, will make for a good purse for any matches or tournaments held there, no?"


Satoshi adds, as an afterthought, "Hrm~... Is this going to be entirely physical training? Or combat magic, as well?"


Arien nodded sagely, more familiar perhaps with the budgeting that a more developed city had had to construct to be profitable. "A lease is wise. Nothing gets the populace more cranky, that the sense that their birthright is being sold out from under them. As for the term of payments, I think, given that Rho will not charge for the lessons, or in fact own the land, that perhaps a sum of one thousand gold per month should suffice to meet the needs for building a pot to attract warriors." Her gaze shifted to the wolf. "You are in agreement Rho?"


Rhocielle idly scratched at the underside of his muzzle, "...it had been mostly physical training. My initial goal was merely physical self-defense, myself teaching basics in swordsmanship and polearms. However, given the unique abilities some of the other instructors have, it has extend currently to spiritual training with martial arts, combatic magicks pertaining to water and some limited ice and air. If I find a willing teacher for something new, then it will be available for the students." He nodded, "...if we have the teachers, it will be taught." Looking to Arien, then to Satoshi, "...aye, I would agree to provide that much for the lease cost and pot."


Satoshi nods in agreement. "Sounds right to me~. Pity all meetings can't be this straight to the point and simple, eh?" The fox dons a rueful expression with her words as she recalls less pleasant business negotiations. "I'm curious who your teachers are. I may know a few others that'd be willing to lend a few lessons, as well."


Arien glanced Rho's way, likewise attending his answer. She was not sure even she knew all of those whom he had hired to instruct.


Rhocielle offered the names to the kit, as she was also giving them permission to train students in Frostmaw if they desired, "Raijuta, a draconian, I believe. And Kumorohyou, a black panther feline. I will admit that I know little of Raijuta, though a demonstration of his abilities showed that he is at least competent in water magicks as well as physical combat. Kumorohyou, on the other hand, is a fellow clan member and recently killed some mage by the name of Kneltic... He has a mastery of spiritual energies and a variety of martial arts, both for combat and meditation..."


Satoshi's ears flick forward attentively at the description of the panther feline. "Aha. We... may need to discuss the feline. I can smell potential political whatnot there, with him killing an upcoming member of my Guild, the Eldermage's apprentice, and my Herald's close companion. But, we can sort that out at another time, when the event isn't so recent, y'know? Let hurt feelings mend and such, in hopes it saves me a headache or two~." Nodding as if agreeing with herself, the kit glances toward wolf and elf again, "Have we covered everything, then? I can't offer a large number of workers from the city, with the bank still in construction, but we're likely to have building supplies left over you can claim, and I can always ask for more lumber from the logging crew working in the forest currently."


Arien nodded slowly. "It is as you say..time heals most wounds," she murmured. "The lack of workforce could be troublesome, given that we seek to make haste in advancing the project. Might you be open to an infusion of labor from the outside? We might hire some dwarves to begin work on tunneling, and High Born labor familiar with the type of construction we intend, after work on our own resouces on the island," she added. "Beyond that small matter, I think we have covered everything..Unless you can think of something we have left undiscussed wolf.."


Rhocielle nodded in agreement to Satoshi's concerns, "Though I doubt that will ever come up. He tends to prefer the temperate and jungle areas, reminiscent of his homeland... All the same, I'll bring it up with him, so he is at least aware of any political ripples he may have caused." Turning to Arien, he shook his head, expressing that he had nothing to add to the conversation at this time.


Satoshi nods again, along with a smile. "All seems in order, then~. Of course, bring in your own workers. My people aren't architects by any means, after all. Just let anyone you hire know, once they step across Frostmaw's borders, -our- rules apply, and we're known for not being gentle on high offenders~." There's something of a gleam of delight in her eyes as the fox grins maliciously--and yet, some wonder how the city of proud warrior giants ended up with the tiny mage as their queen. Bowing then, and upsetting the dozing metal owl, Satoshi flashes the two a less wicked grin. "If that's everything, then? I should be heading back. I've training and a mate to tend to."


Arien smiled again, a gentle, knowing little smile that was as much in acknowledgement of the mage's unsubtle warning, as it was her understanding of the female's desire to be with her husband. "Naturally, such an understanding will be communicated. I do believe that will be all Satoshi, we likewise are far overdue for some family time. The children will wake for their feeding soon enough." She added, rising to her feet. "I cannot thank you enough for coming again, do give our regards to Kasyr..and we shall be in touch regarding our progress.." The elf moved then, toward the door, standing as hostess to invite Satoshi's exit at her will.


Rhocielle rose to his feet and dipped his muzzle respectfully to the vampire kit, "Safe travels and pleasant nights, Satoshi. Thank you again for coming." He moved to stand beside the High Elf, a paw resting on her shoulder and squeezing fondly.


Satoshi salutes the couple as she ambles to the door, pausing long enough to offer them a follow-up nod. "Keep me posted and such. I'm easy enough to find~. Take care and all that~." With a whistle, the frost singer departs, her owlish companion turning his head around to curiously watching the pair receding away before raising a gleaming wing in farewell.