RP:The King In Black

Part of the The God of Undeath Arc

Summary: Kasyr seeks out Bradyn and the two discuss vampire politics and the issue with Quintessa and her public alliance with Caluss, wherein Kasyr urges Bradyn to talk to Khitti about how they should deal with it in the Necromancer's Guild.

The Black Library, Vailkrin

Kasyr may have squinted at the ladder leading down into the library, especially after his first tentative step upon a rung provokes an altogether ominous crackle of wood. The second attempt fares even worse, as the faint signs of splintering begun to emerge where he'd stepped- The encumberance of his trenchcoat no doubt at fault for the effect. Which is about the point he decides to eschew the thing entirely, stepping down through the entryway and abruptly plummeting to the floor below. The plume of dust that billows up from his landing is bad enough, but it's the distinct clack of his footsteps against the floor that actually sets his hackles on end, as though he expected some ghastly robed figure to emerge from between a pair of book cases to aggressively shoosh him, before it might recede back into the shadows. His right hand brushes both the thought and dust away dismissively, even as his left pulls the scarf he's sporting around his mouth to ward off the dust. Perhaps amidst all of this, the Maharan may have taken note of something- but if he hadn't as of yet, the swordsman begins to make his way amongst the shelves, looking for man in relative silence. Or at least, as much as the librarys been able to reclaim.

Bradyn Mahara was not quite a ghastly robed figure, but nonetheless it is he who manages to emerge from the shelves to take note of whomever is disturbing the relative silence of the library. Bradyn’s first instinct is to move closer to the trenchcoat wearing figuring who is just further down the isle from him. He will have to circle back later to make sure the ladder was still in decent condition. “Is there something I can help you with?” Bradyn says to Kasyr, speaking to him in his usual monotone voice. Should Kasyr turn to face Bradyn, he will see the Maharan is still not feeling very creative in his personal style. The dark-haired man is dressed in his usual black attire, formal, proper, but in a grim sort of way. Fitting for someone who often works at the funeral parlor in Cenril. This is not done for money, of course. Just his own personal experimental amusement. Anyway, pants are pressed, and beneath his black vest is a crisp button down shirt, white of all colors. And as per the norm, the Maharan is unarmed. He was interested in the magical, not the physical.

Kasyr s' is probably the last person to judge someone for being a little lackluster insofar as their accoutrements, given that the Kensai's wardrobe consists of an excessive amount of identical black items. Really, the only fascmile of care put into his appearance was the upkeep for hist coats, and his various scarves- and even those had a habit of looking ragged. Though, perhaps, no less ragged then the man himself, whose expression already seemed worn down from his recent stay in the dead city, "I've been wondering just that." His attention briefly flickers across the room, before his head shakes faintly, "Though I think it might be best if we were to borrow a sitting room, monsieur. This pertains to the same matters we'd been discussing long ago. Only, a bit more pressing now."

Bradyn is not surprised that today’s visit is a matter of business and that Kasyr is requesting a place to sit and speak. While the library hosts a few private alcoves for necromancers who wish to read in comfort, Bradyn will lead Kasyr past all of them. The two of them will take a brief walk to his office space. The door to said office is kept locked when Bradyn is not inside, so there is a brief moment of Bradyn reaching for a key within his vest pocket and unlocking the door. Once the door opens, the two men will step into an office that is was designed more for functionality rather than trying to be overly grandiose. Of course, he is a Maharan and it is not like they are lacking in finances, meaning there is still plenty of quality to the office furniture Bradyn has selected. Bradyn makes his way to ‘his’ side of ‘his’ desk, one that is made of wood so dark that is it nearly black. On his way there, Bradyn gestures for Kasyr to claim a seat for himself. And then the two will sit in relative silence until Kasyr, for Bradyn assumes Kasyr is here because there is something on his mind.

Kasyr can appreciate the extra steps taken towards some semblance of privacy, where the faint echo of their words won't reverbrate to curious ears. Only, only it isn't quite enough, is it? Even as he takes a seat opposite from the man, the swordsmans' expression is still notably grave, his fingers gesturing towards their surroundings, "Warded, J'imagine?" The awareness that there were entities particularily keen on watching was tiring, made even moreso when he considered the possibility that whatever preperations were there might not be sufficient. "We'd once talked about making sure that Vailkrin remained -stable-. Safe, whether from it's neighbours or...internal elements, like our dearly departed Dragana's." Despite what meager satisfaction he should have been feeling, there's nothing- just another reminder of tasks belatedly attended to, "A graver threat's arrived, one which requires a more proactive course . Which es why I came here to talk, because it would mean nothing without the support of the houses which make up the city. Because however much I'd -like- to see some semblance of order et unity, I don't know where to start after being away for so long." Save for his occasional appearances, as some over glorified janitor, for whatever fresh aberration had crept it's way into existence.

Bradyn nods, his facial expression betraying none of the curiosities he was feeling internally. People do not asks for ward assurances without reason. “Of course,” the Maharan states. “Given all things Vailkrin, it would be foolish for me to not. Even if most of my businesses primarily focused on the study of necromancy….” While Bradyn may not outwardly betray his emotions, the Maharan shares an interest in trying to preserve Vailkrin and, more selfishly, House Mahara. Bradyn has always been transparent with Kasyr, in their brief conversations, about his political interests. They are lacking, for the most part, in that he has no real political aspirations for himself. “Which threat are we discussing now? There have been so many in the recent days, one can never be sure what issue is more pressing.” Bradyn might have smirked over his jab at the constant turmoil of these lands. Might have. Maybe. Did he? It did not linger long, maybe it was just a weird mouth twitch. This guy is known for having absolutely no humor.

Kasyr, despite the gravity of the situation, may have indulged in a short, bitter laugh- if only because the entirety of his career had been built upon the singularily bleak motto of, 'Business, as usual'. An acknowledgement of Lithrydel's consistent habit of dancing on the edge of oblivion. "There's the Dead God. You may have heard of him- though even if you hadn't, you may have felt him, given it was by his hand that the trees were blighted." There's a pause, a decent bit of dramatic timing, just so the swordsman can casually offer up the next tidbit, "Or rather, by the hands of his servants- Which I feel is apt to be of some concern to you, all granted. Especially given how much focus it narrows on our fair city- and what it says for it's future, when one of his lot plays at being the fair host to displays of bread et circus."

Bradyn corrects Kasyr the moment that the other refers to this Caluss as a God. “False god.” Bradyn himself had no interest in acknowledging Caluss with any amount of respect. He was a staunch Vakmathras loyalist, there was no room for Caluss in the pantheon that he accepted. The normally astute Maharan has not managed to figure out how all of this relates to him or his House. Why was Kasyr sitting before him today? While this question circles in Bradyn’s mind, the Maharan gives the other plenty of room to speak his concerns at this own space. “The trees being blighted was rather problematic for me, given the nature of my own magic, but you will have to elaborate as to why in specific I would care about this false god and his minions. There are plenty of heroes that are willing to try and stop him. Obviously, for the trees were restored.”

Kasyr doesn't really want to correct Bradyn on this point, if only because, at least by his own accounts- deities fed off devotion, awe, and fear. A healthy bit of disrespect was fine by him. And yet, perhaps by virtue of that same dismissive attitude of the demi-deity, he wasn't quite following along. And so the swordsman reaches into his coat, and casually slides over a few neatly folded letters. Really, they're fairly mundane in of themselves, just minor reports on the identities of three particular individuals, as well as cursory notes on their public movements- all marked with the house Asharam's seal. The notable matter here, however, is that all three names, and the sketches within those notes, would undoubtedly be familiar to Bradyn. Kanna, Leralynn, and Quintessa. "And the hands that served our resident aspiring demiurge all reside in your house." The swordsman pauses here, if only to prop his arm up on the table, idly scratching at his chin, "Khitti can confirm as much as well. Kanna may even, since she seemed . . . repentant." There's a distinct lack of sympathy in his voice, one which is only honed as he continues, "The changeling, however, still acts in his name- which es troublesome given her political ambitions, and, I would presume, the usage of your resources. I think we can agree that Pretenders to a Pantheon don't need their agents taking the reins of Vailkrin, or even getting a foothold within it's political sphere." Would that be sufficient motivation? Bradyn was one of the few people that was difficult to read, if only because that mastery over his expressions wasn't simply skindeep, often leaving the swordsman searching for faint traces of disdain or even motes of curiosity, in order to gauge how to continue with the conversation.

Bradyn has dealt with Quintessa over the years, met Kanna once, but the name Leralynn invokes no reaction from him. He has never had a chance to see the youngest of the little trio of girls. “Well none of them are in my house persay, if anything they all seem to cling to House Dragana. Though all three are apart of the Necromancer’s Guild, now headed by Khitti. I respect her enough that I would be open to complying to whatever she had in mind for the situation. Though we have not discussed this matter in the past….” On some level, there was a healthy level of annoyance. Magic all together had briefly flickered out. What if Bradyn had managed to make himself a lich? What sort of ramifications would their antics held for him if he had been successful in his efforts already? Yet the Maharan was also picking his words carefully, it was not his guild and his political motivations were not high enough that he’d angle himself for the leadership position. “If you are here to present yourself as a potential leader for Vailkrin, to help unify it, and make sure we do not fall to the helm of another crazed Dragana, then you will seek no opposition from me. House Mahara can pledge their willingness to accept you as the ruler of Vailkrin once again.”

Kasyr nods in assent to Bradyns statement that they weren't his vassals, and even maintains an altogether polite silence for the ensuing part (beyond a murmured 'Former House'). That is, until the Maharan finishes clarifying his position insofar as guild matters, "That's more in line to what I was referring to. Given they are... colleagues? Their actions, affiliations, and long term goals may reflect upon the institution, when such actions begin to play out on a continental scale." Really, anything he can do to sabotage their access to resources seems like a prudent idea, and this seems like a good first step, "I'm sure Khitti was simply deliberating upon the best manner in which to attend things, though I'm certain they'd appreciate your own insight." Kas, you bastard. And yet, this meeting wasn't quite done, because Bradyn had touched upon the other half of his appeal, "I appreciate your vote of confidence on that front. And I'll endeavour to act accordingly." The swordsman pauses here, only to carefully add, "Do you know of any others who might be of the same mindset- partial towards my return." The Ashramites were a foregone conclusion- in part, he felt, because he represented a simple solution to the complex problems that could be maneuvered into his path. Which was less flattering every time he considered it.

Bradyn ’s reactions to all of this are kept tempered, in his usual fashion. “Out of the other vampire houses? I cannot speak with any amount of confidence. We all know how fickle their loyalties can be. I do believe that you know your opposition well.” Would they really oppose Kasyr? Well Bradyn did not have a full understanding of the depth of tension between Kasyr and the trio who aligned themselves with Caluss. His suspicions, based on the way Kasyr has spoken of them, hints to it though. “I would try and appeal to those who perhaps have not aligned themselves with any House, yet reside in Vailkrin.” Bradyn did not frequent the Hanging Corpse Tavern, but he knew enough of those who did. “Mahri, for example. And does she not have some petite red head frequenting her house too?” Rumiko, Kas. Bradyn is suggesting reaching out to Rumiko.” Bradyn tries to consider whom else, yet it is no secret that he is more of a bookworm than a socialite. Kasyr probably is not too shocked when Bradyn has no further recommendations for who else to gain as an ally. “As for Khitti, I will be sure to reach out to see if she has interest in further discussing the other situation, and how the guild should handle it. In the end, my interests remain in the longevity of my house and of Vailkrin, so perhaps you are right about this trio. I will see what Khitti wants to do.” At least, despite his past rankings within the guild, Bradyn is making it obvious that he does not mean to be a thorn to Khitti. Nor Kasyr. Even if his less than pleasant personality sometimes hints at his general dislike for most.

Kasyr might not be fully cognisant of the redhead that Bradyns' referring to, but, if they're intrinsically tied to the more familiar Mahri- the swordsman feels he's apt to figure it out. Certainly, appealing to the wolf and members of her pack seemed like a prudent idea. And, potentially, to those houses that had expressly aligned themselves against Quintessa. As much as Nasar was a disreputable avenue, the fact that they held association with Trintus and Ladaeth was difficult to ignore. "I appreciate your counsel on the matter, and your patience with the news as a whole, monsieur." With a nod, the swordsman begins to push himself up to a stand, though he doesn't quite turn away, "Do let me know if you need anything, or- learn of anything further that might help, or hinder the city." And then he's turning away towards the door, a casual wave offered to the scholar, "'Til the next, when it's more matters of legislation then lamentations." He thinks he's just so clever.