RP:The Warlord in the City of War
Eastern Frostmaw Gates
Satoshi is in the midst of a discussion with a courier-wyvern, her scowl flicking between the anxious saurian and the bundle of opened letters in the magus' hand. "This was all in Kelay, correct?" Satoshi asks to an eager nod from the wyvern. Her frown deepens. "Right. Thank you. Keep me posted." It's obviously a dismissal for the wyvern--along with the handful of coins tossed--that signal for it to take a hurried flight, clearly eager to remove itself from the arctics of Frostmaw. Watching the courier depart, Satoshi exhales with a short laugh. "The Leech has another new pet~. I told you, Stavret, I told you."
Eboric makes his way along the snowy path, the big man walking somewhat hesitatingly, as if involved in some sort of internal struggle. When he sees Satoshi, however, he stops, and when he speaks his voice is short, cold, but not nearly as angry as it usually is when he speaks to or of Frostmaw. "I have business with you." He does not sound threatening, despite the bared black sword in his hand.
Satoshi's gaze trails slowly from the blade to Eboric's face, taking in the warlord with a hint of surprise. She'd just been given a brief summary of a public disturbance in Kelay Tavern that involved the werebear, and now here he stands as if summoned by the missive. The last time she'd seen him, he'd been racing across the outer edges of Frostmaw's territory as if possessed or on the trail of a particularly enticing scent. She'd followed him as far as the border before relenting and returning to the ruins. But here Eboric stands now, Satoshi offering him a slight, quizzical smile. "Do you? Then by all means, speak, Titan. I've something for you as well, in fact." The gear and weapons of the fallen Iverfin still remain in Satoshi's care after she'd recovered them.
Eboric has not been in Frostmaw himself since returning from that possessed journey. But that is forgotten, the ravings of Alimer ignored, when he sees his thegn's equipment. He looks at it for a long moment, then back to Satoshi, and there is cold murder in his eyes. "Did you kill her," he asks, from between clenched teeth.
Satoshi shakes her head. "Non. For one, I was fond of her. A clever, fierce little fighter she was, one with a taste for honorable combat. And for two, if I had, would I be handing you the evidence so freely? No, these were in the possession of a thief, although I don't think she was responsible either, not the way she chose to flee rather than fight. Your warrior wouldn't have fallen to a coward such as that, I imagine. While the trail's run cold as far as I've searched, I at least wanted to see these returned to where they belong." Said items are offered to Eboric now with something of a respectful nod.
Luthentius told Satoshi, "*within a gentle gust of a southern breeze, the whispers of an presumably unfamiliar voice echo like a soft vibration.* A meeting is sought with the Sorceress of the Frost and Cold. Speak, loudly, and the Wizard of Grey shall hear your acceptance or decline."
Satoshi told Luthentius, "*Northern winds, sharp and arctic, with a dulcet undertone, respond with all the biting chill of Winter's descent.* Seek me in Frostmaw, and you shall have your meeting, Wizard."
Eboric takes the items, slowly beginning to pack them away. "I knew she was dead. I found her body some time ago. What was left of it anyway. I will learn the truth in the end, and the one responsible will pay." He half-draws one of the Bastard Sons, looking at the blade for a long moment, before packing that away as well. He looks back up to Satoshi, pressing on with his mission. "Vuryal has returned, as well you know. He must be stopped."
Satoshi's eyes narrow at the mention of the Leech's name, carrying a well-founded belief it's prone to calling the bastard done on those that speak it. Nonetheless, when he does not immediately show, Satoshi resumes the conversation with only the brief pause--and a degree more caution for sudden manifestations. "Aye, I know too well. He's abducted one of my own already, bought them with promises of supreme power in exchange for eternal enslavement. I've been receiving rumors and reports in large quantities. Gualon, by most accounts, has become his base of action this time." With the Eyrie's outpost being on Gualon's borders, Satoshi is willing to trust the accounts of her scouts, even if they're unable to get into the actual town and instead are forced to watch from the distant skies. "Frostmaw, Rynvale, and Larket are forming up in preparation. The Eyrie stands ready. Vailkrin is ready if it must be called on. And I've heard Lord Jerralith is calling to arms any willing to fight beside him. You and your band of warriors would be an invaluable asset in stopping the Worm."
Eboric nods his head. "And that is why I am here. My Aethlinga Gedriht will fight the Time Lord and his minions. I already began that fight last night, and I have more planned." He cocks his head to one side. "You say you have reports? Perhaps you know the names of his followers?"
Satoshi said to Eboric, "I know the name of one for certain, the dragon Firewing. He has been granted dominance over the Nameless Desert, and masterful skills in manipulating its sands, for selling himself to the Time Leech. Aside from him, and the boastful one you encountered, I have no confirmations yet. He slew my Justice, Redovian, and for that I will tear his shriveled heart out and devour it." Satoshi face during this statement has transformed from its usually amiably neutral expression to that of a snarling predator, all fangs and wrath. "I'd suggest speaking with Kelovath of Larket, or Jerralith, they may have further information. And of course, anything I learn, I shall ensure you do as well. You and yours are naturally welcome in Frostmaw and we'll provide aid in any way we can, Titan."
Eboric shrugs. "Firewing's mine. I think the title of Dragon's Bane will go well with my other honors. The boastful one...he is a more tricky foe, who I think will require more effort. I will speak to Jerralith, and perhaps Kelovath, but I'll not lead my men here. We will stay near our fort, on the road from Kelay to Cenril. It is there that letters may be sent."
Satoshi nods in understanding. "You need only ask, if you require something. While I am not a warrior of physical might like yourself or the people of Frostmaw, my ties with the Arcane are more than ample. Enchantments, wards, runes, I can provide them, and will do so gladly. While I relish you the hunt for the Worm's pets, my place is here, where I can meet them and strike them down with ease, should they dare trespass. I wish you, Titan, a very happy hunting indeed, and a collection of new titles for it."
Eboric nods. "I will find you when I have need of magic, though I hope that I do not. Until next time." With that, the warlord turns and starts back down the path, headed home.
Satoshi departs as well after watching Eboric leave, the kit going in search of the Grey Wizard.