RP:You Must Believe

Part of the Something Blue Arc

Summary: Hildegarde gets the message sent by Kelovath. They meet in Xalious and have a long discussion about Hildegarde's encounter with Aramoth. Kelovath insists that no matter what, she must believe that it was Aramoth who spoke to her. They later talk about Larket and the current King and Queen. Frostmaw is also brought up and the paladin is invited to stay there, if he wished. Decisions are made on both sides and the two enjoy a nice late night snack.

Cliff, Xalious

With the recent events pouring in from all around Hollow, it felt like the right time to finally leave Cenril. Hiding, always on edge, waiting for some good news to finally find its way to him; it was all growing old. And really, what good news could he have been expecting? Sure, the treaty between Larket and Frostmaw had been destroyed. But what did that really mean? The terms for that document were weak to begin with and the obvious strain between the cities made the partnership uncertain. That witch didn't deserve her fate. Nor did the other witches who have been punished and exiled. Kelovath left Cenril several days ago and made his way to Kelay, briefly, before continuing on to Xalious. The entire trip was uneventful. The paladin once wore all gold and proudly displayed his loyalty to Arkhen. Now, the man worn robes that covered simple, worn down armor, and a hood to cover his head. During his trip, right before reaching the mage’s tower, Kelovath visited a place with unpleasant memories. The War Camp. Hildegarde’s War Camp, or at least where it had once been. The ambush remained clear in his mind and the chaos to go along with it. Life changed that day. It all shifted. Some days were better than others, but those too were memories. It has been a long time since a good day. The paladin spent most of an entire day at that place, mourning those that were lost, lingering for a split second on a pleasant memory, and remembering the many more that were bad. The long healing process of his legs. Aiding those who he knew weren’t going to live to see anything outside of the camp that day. The now bitter, but gentle caring from Josleen during his time of need. Bitter, only because of the present. Of course, the several conversations held with Hildegarde were remembered, which brought up the same question he had so long ago. What’s Next? So many answers that would work for that and none seemed acceptable. After leaving the war-torn land, Kelovath made his way to the Mage’s Tower. And from there, a message was sent to Frostmaw. To the Queen. A letter. ‘Hildegarde. I have found myself, in more ways than one, asking a familiar question. What’s Next? For the life of me, I have been unable to answer it. You helped me before. I am requesting your assistance again, should you give it. Kelovath.’ Whoever the messenger would be, knew the specifics on where the paladin was located. Every night, he’d wait at the cliff edge, expecting to see a silver figure making her way to him. In all honesty, he also expected a group of guards. The possibility of being escorted back to Larket seemed completely viable. But it that were to happen, then the end result would eventually answer his long echoing question. One that he repeated out loud this night. “What’s Next?”

"A bath, probably," the voice of the Queen chimed in to the question asked to the open air, offering Kelovath a cheeky and familiar smile should he turn to see her. Rather than her standard mithril armour, the Queen instead wears some traditional Frostmawian garb: a thick grey, fur-lined tunic with matching trousers and sleeves, good leather boots with a trim of fur too. A simple blue iron band around her head, then the familiar halberd and short-sword. "It's been a while," she told the paladin as she closed the distance between them, waiting for him to either indicate what kind of greeting they'd be going for. A hug? A firm shake of the hands? The warrior's shake of clasping each other's forearm? Or just words? Hildegarde knew what it was to return from hiding and to return after a bit of a defeat, so she understood why he might be reluctant to show any particular warmth or overwhelming joy at the sight of her. "Are you well?" she asked him, single eye scouting across him in a bid to detect any ill health. "Xalious is good neutral territory for you. But Frostmaw might be better," she offered.

It had been so long since hearing that still familiar voice. He'd turn, offer a side smirk of a smile, and nod, "That is a definite option." Even with the joking atmosphere, Kelovath remained on edge. Whatever bad situation that could arise, he would accept it. There were more than enough reasons for Hilde to bring him back to Larket, even if to rekindle the estranged relationship with Josleen. And Frostmaw and Larket, of course. The rumors flowing from Larket were bad, for the most part. Once turned fully, he would close the distance as well, but until all intentions were laid out, there wouldn't be a friendly embrace, hand shake, or anything else, other than words. "I'm alive, which in all honesty, is a surprise to me." He considered her words carefully, but kept his stance firm. "Frostmaw, eh? Given the circumstances, I'd imagine that would entice a war, no? Madman Macon and His..." The word 'his' was given some consideration as well before being spoken. "Queen seem unstable." Understatement, for sure, but he was still attempting to get a grasp on the situation. "Would you risk that?"

Hildegarde isn't surprised to find no welcoming gesture here, after all, last Kelovath had heard there was a warrant for his arrest should he encounter Hilde or step foot in Frostmaw. When Kelovath made his comments about Larket, Hildegarde's face is stonily still but there's definitely an air of disapproval there. "I would. Larket is no friend of mine or Frostmaw's, which means that the enemies of Larket are likely a friend of mine," she said with a smile. "I burned our treaty the day they went too far. It was too much... A treaty made to purchase peace is no real lasting treaty at all," she thought aloud. "Your timing cannot be more convenient, Kelovath. I think it's a sign."

Kelovath nodded at the mention of Larket being an enemy. Would he consider the Hard City to be such a thing? They wanted him dead, or worse, but that was Macon. And probably some of the people of the city who believed in the Madman. A few specific people crept into his mind and he wondered how they thought of him. Another time for that. "A sign? Something more going on than a possible war with Larket and the being Kahran wandering around unchecked?" All of that was said with a smile. They both knew that even with those things going on, it really wasn't any different than the norm.

Hildegarde smiled back at Kelovath before nodding with a sense of exuberance, a sort of awe rarely seen upon her face. "I saw Aramoth, Kelovath," she told him with absolute unwavering belief, "I saw him. Spoke to him, no, spoke with him!" Whatever Hildegarde experienced, she obviously believed it to be true and to be absolutely real. "There are things coming, Kelovath. Something that is beyond this mortal plane, I fear... something that will need many from all walks of life," she told him quietly, thoughtfully. "Kahran is the biggest threat this realm faces. I feel like... I feel like we are being made to tear at the seams and as we do, we make way for bigger threats."

"You...Saw Aramoth." A quiet statement. There was no judging or questioning. Not of Hildegarde, that is. Of himself. Sure, he has felt Arkhen presence and truly believed to have been saved by the God, but speaking with the God. Having a conversation. Was it even possible? With Aramoth, Hildegarde seemed to believe so. "Do you think Kahran is just the beginning? That something worse is coming? Something even a God, Aramoth, needed to warn you about?" A normal person would probably think this dragon-lady was loosing her mind. But, this is Hollow. And Hilde was a friend. "How do you know?! That it was Aramoth?" Now, there was a hint of doubt. An unbelief of what he had heard. Jealousy, even. "Would it be possible that Kahran instigated this? Wants us to think something more may be coming? Attempt to draw attention elsewhere?" So many more possibilities came to mind of a reasonable explaination. Anything other than Aramoth spoke -with- Hildegarde about this.

Hildegarde wiggled her hand in a sort of universal gesture of uncertainty. "Something worse or perhaps as dark yet different. Kahran is a real ad present danger, one that we are constantly on the back leg trying to push back. We can only defend, we aren't attacking much," she explained. "I don't know what's coming... I don't know, Kelovath," she said in a breathy voice, as if the reality of it all had just hit her. When Kelovath begins to doubt what she had seen, the Silver's brows furrow slightly in surprise. But then again, he was faithful to Arkhen! They had both lived their lives without seeing or truly hearing from their gods and Hildegarde was no paladin, she wasn't as devout as Kelovath might be. "It could be, but it knew my name. My true name," she said, as if that would reason her belief in what she had seen, "the name which my family gave me, not the word that tumbles from mortal mouths," Hildegarde was an easy name for humans to say. Her real name, however, was not quite so simple! "I believe in it," she reaffirms.

It was clear that Hildegarde was...Overwhelmed may not be the right word, and it certainly wouldn't be what the dragon would want to hear, but it was damn close to the current description. "Have we ever known what is truly the next obstacle on our path? Like I asked a few minutes ago and back at the war camp however long ago that was, 'What's Next?'. I ask that, because I never know. If I did, then how could it possibly be something worth learning and growing from? It'd become expected. Almost routine. Pointless, even." He took a moment for consideration, like the spoken words were becoming more and more clear to himself. "We must learn from history, to combat the future. Hollow has always been a land of battle and blood. Maybe..." Maybe it really was Aramoth. "If you believe it was Aramoth, then...It must have been. And you should continue to believe so. It is not a simple thing for a God to reach out to us, Hildegarde. Trust me on that." He smiled then. Jealousy filled him, but at the same time, he was happy for his friend. Yes, he believed them to be friends, even though at one point, for her city, she would have kill him. He understood. "I'm not able to provide...Well, anything of value, but...Kahran is a threat to us all. I am not the fighter I once was, but I would like to assist." The thought crossed his mind of kneeling and pledging his loyalty, but he refrained from doing so. Not because Hildegarde, who prefered the title of Queen not be attached when addressed, but for pride. A dangerous trait for a paladin, but not long ago, he was to become more than a simple man in armor. He stood tall, the smile still present.

Hildegarde was left in an awkward anxious limbo as Kelovath internally debated how exactly to respond to Hildegarde's faith. They had interesting discussions and debates regarding faith, but never had she before come to him as a devout worshipper determined that she had truly seen her god. Whether she had or hadn't wasn't really clear, but she believed it to be. When Kelovath says 'it must have been', she cannot help but smile in relief. It is a relief to know that someone she respects, someone with equal faith, accepts her word to be true on this. "Kahran is a threat to us all. I'm doing something that will likely cause strain between myself and my Steward... but I see no other way at the moment, Kelovath. I am worried," and she was rarely truly worried when it came to waging war. "But come. Let us get you to Frostmaw, get you some decent armour and a bath, eh?"

Maybe it was jealousy or his own uncertainty, but..."I-Ah. I don't think I can go to Frostmaw. Not yet. I do have some accommodations set up back at the mage's tower. And an appointment with a priest there." He felt embarassed to admin to the priest thing, but also felt obligated to explain. "Since Larket, Jos, my disappearence...Things have been difficult, in a couple of different ways." The paladin started to breathe a bit faster now, having admitted to his struggle. "I do appreciate the offer, Hildegarde. And I will accept it, but it will have to be at a later time." A quick flash of a smile with the hope that she did understand.

Hildegarde offered Kelovath a compassionate smile when he turned down her offer of sanctuary within Frostmaw. The Silver reached out and dropped a gentle hand upon his shoulder, hoping he would find some comfort in the gesture or at least a sense of understanding. "Of couse, in your own time. I'm glad to see you back, though. I do not doubt that I will need your sound counsel in the days to come," she said with a wry little smile. Kelovath was always good for chatting to.

"Thank you. I, for now, am happy to be back. It has been quite the journey." He cast his gaze back behind Hildegarde, toward the mage's tower. "You know, it is kind of late. Would you want to grab something to eat back at the tower? Or do you need to get back? I would like to hear about how Frostmaw is progressing with their Queen having a few months of...Well, maybe not peace, but a little quiet?" A light chuckle and a gentle pat on her shoulder, mimicing Hilde's earlier motion. "I wouldn't mind sharing a bit about my time in Cenril."

Hildegarde gestured in the direction of the Mage's Tower, an area she had come to know in her time in Xalious. "Lead the way! I'm not one to say no to food," she told him with a smile, "and the mages will put on a good spread for a visiting dignitary," she either blinked or winked. Hard to tell. "So, that's where you've been all this time? Cenril?"

Kelovath nodded and started toward the tower. "I mean, it's a city filled with criminals, unfaithful priests, and a growing pirate infestation. Perfect place to lay low, don't ya think?" He laughed, then continued, "After leaving Larket, Jos and I went to Cenril and stayed with Skylei. I knew her father. Loyal man, but not the best dad. Jos left to Frostmaw, I went to Trist'oth." He paused for a moment. This was yet another turning point in the long mess of recent events. "I fought with Gevurah, found a weapon, a holy weapon, and escaped. But, in the process of escaping, I was poisoned. Seika...Erm...The weapon's holy spirit, kept me alive, but it was a coma like state. When I awoke, Seika, the weapon, was gone. I made my way to Cenril shortly after. Krice...I ran into Krice, who agreed to listen out for any valuable information. Hadn't heard from him in awhile, so I reached out. You were the first on my list. Well, you pretty much are the list." Another quick laugh and a shrug. "And, well..." The tower was very near now, "Here we are."

Hildegarde nodded when Kelovath described Cenril as being the perfect place to lay low. It was, based on his description! Perfect place for a criminal to hide, it'd be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The mention of Skylei is a faint stab of pain deep within her... Skylei's hatred had burned deeply for her over Tyler. Skylei felt betrayed by the actions of both Josleen and Hildegarde... which perhaps only solidified the friendship between knight and bard. As Kelovath informs her of Tenbatsu Kaji, the Silver can only nod and take note of his words. It was good fortunate he had such a weapon on his side, but the knight didn't have much faith in these sentient weapons. "I'm glad something was looking after you, Kelovath. Do you intend to seek the sword out?" She didn't think it wise, but then again it had kept him alive for some kind of purpose, right? "Ah, do you want me to knock on the door and get the good food?" she said with a playful and relatively gently nudge of her elbow. "Shall I knock the door and tell them 'tis I! Queen Hildegarde of the North and I demand your finest food and drink!" The Silver wore a goofy grin.

"No. The sword kept me alive, but it also didn't stick around. It may have used me to escape, honestly, but I believe it to be for the best. It is a weapon of Cyris. Although it is used for good, it's a different side." When the joke was made, Kelovath snickered and shook his head. "Now, now. We don't want to scare them to death. If they heard Queen Hildegarde requested food, they'd bring out enough to feed an army. I do not doubt your abilities, but we probably shouldn't eat them out of house and home, eh?" A nudge returned. "How about I go in and grab a few things? No need for a parade and gifts. Plus, how the rumors may spread, hm? Hildegarde the Silver and Kelovath the Gold, walking together? At night?! Scandalous." He winked, which he is clearly able to do, and made his way inside. About 10 minutes pass by and the paladin returns. In his grasp, a large tankard filled with an unknown liquid(probably not liquor, since the paladin doesn't drink that stuff), and a basket with assorted foods. A man, younger than Kelovath, but not a child, poked his head out from behind the door and 'psst' quietly. Kelovath turned in surprise and waited for a word to be spoken. "No wine for your date, sire?" Wide-eyed Kelo shook his head and started pushing the door closed. "Goodnight, Marcel." The door clicked closed and the paladin looked for Hildegarde. "Didn't exactly know what to grab, so there's a little of everything. Bread, fruit, a few random bits of meat. Whatever this is." He held up the tankard. "I think there's a table nearby..." He wasn't sure, but surely there'd be some sort of place to sit and eat close by.

Hearing about Tenbatsu Kaji made Hildegarde think about The Emerald Dragon of Whim, another sentient weapon that served a crueler purpose, and her time with such a thing. She was glad to be rid of it. "A weapon of Cyris," she repeated thoughtfully, not having much knowledge of Cyris. But it was interesting to think of where it was now. When Kelovath nudges her in return, the knight guffaws loudly and rather unladylike in manner. "I suppose it would be rather unkind of me!" she relented, "And you and I would never live the rumours down: Queen and Champion of Aramoth with Arkhen's Chosen? It shan't stand!" The Silver took a step back, allowing Kelovath to make his way inside and fetch whatever supplies he could. The knight smiled as he returned, offering Marcel behind him a smile too until he mentioned date. The Silver isn't too sure whether she should blush or laugh so she does both: she blushes and she snorts, turning on her heel in a bid to prevent the horrendously amused snorting guffaw from leaving her as Kelovath mentions there being a table nearby. "Mhm!" she concedes in a high pitched manner, gesturing forward in the hopes her giggles dissipate by the team they reach a table.

It was nice to have Marcel back. During Kelovath's trip between here and Kelay, they had ran into each other. Quite literally, as Marcel was getting as far away from Larket as he could. As if fate brought them together, they collided inside Kelay Tavern and decided to travel together. Much to the paladin's surprise, given his reputation in the Hard City. As Hilde and Kelo made their way from the Tower, Marcel decided to tag along, but in a sneakier fashion. "Sorry about that. Marcel. He's young and presumptuous. Loyal, but..." It wasn't a moment ago that he noticed how giggly Hildegarde was actual being, which cause him to smile, and then laugh along side her. Marcel, doing his best to be sneaky, failed and tripped into a bush. He was out of hearing-range for Kelovath, so it'd go unnotcied for the time being. Soon enough, they did happen upon a bench. "This'll work." He'd wait for the Silver to sit first and would offer the tankard, before setting the basket between them. A quick glance to the tower, defiently standing above them, and then the paladin would sit. "So...Anything new going on in Frostmaw? As much as I hated the politics of Larket, I did enjoy hearing about the progress that was made, even if it was slow going."

Hildegarde smiled and waved away the apology in regards to Marcel, it was only harmless banter after all! As Kelovath gestured to the bench and allowed Hildegarde to sit first, she took the invitation and prepared to accept any items so the paladin could sit and get comfortable. Upon being asked about the icy north, the Silver took a swig of that tankard and hoped for a moment it was alcoholic! But secretly, she would regret that thought. "Josleen and I had a screaming match... it's safe to say that there is a bond that is broken. I have entered into a temporary military alliance with Larket, to repel Kahran and protect the realm. Once Kahran is pushed back, we resume our stance as.. well, not enemies but not allies."

Kelovath did not know what was in the tankard. He had walked in, asked Marcel to grab a few things, and accepted whatever the man had collected. He reached into the basket and grabbed a few pieces of fruit, grapes, from the look of them. "A screaming match? Between a dragon and a bard. Must have been loud, hm?" He wondered how much of what has happened between the two Queen's has been his own fault. He knew it wasn't directly because of his involvement, but his quest to lead Larket has certain shifted things for the Hard City and even the friendship between Hilde and Jos. "Do you think that bond has a chance to be fixed? I understand politics have a way of changing people, corrupting them, but usually for their own personal gain. What I've heard from Larket, it seems like her actions are based around fear and anger. I suppose some personal gain is there, but this seems...Careless." Not the Josleen he remembered. He didn't even believe the rumors at first when they spread. But when more and more people begin telling the same story, the word rumor loses its value. "I wonder how things will change...After Kahran..."

Fortunately for Hildegarde, it was only an apple cider. Nothing too strong or alcoholic, really. As Kelovath seemed amused by the concept of a screaming match between bard and dragon, the Silver could only sigh and shrug her shoulder, "I mean... it wasn't even a screaming match. It was just... us yelling at one another a little and becoming upset. But things are different, *we* are different. I don't.. I don't know her any longer," she confided in the paladin, turning slightly to look at him with a hurt so rarely seen on her face. "I can only pray that our bond may be saved, but... I really don't know. I just don't know," she whispered the last. "All we can do now is stand together and fight."

The paladin continued to snack quietly and stayed his words. Whatever Josleen has changed in to, he knew she was different, but as far as he was concerned, anything could be brought back from their misguided path. "I've yet to see fighting bring two people closer together, even if they are standing united against an evil force. Fighting is a way of life, but with how Josleen has changed..." It sounded as if he had lost hope, but he continued with, "I suppose we'll have to try it any way." A sideways glance was given to Hilde, along with a small smile. "I believe we have all changed, in some way or another. You may not like being addressed by Queen Hildegarde, but surely the idea of being Queen has grown easier. Leading your city, although I'm sure is a continued stress, has become a bit more routine. You may have lost a friend in Josleen, but there are others that care about you and can be there for you. Should..." Normally this would include Arkhen, but..."Aramoth allow it, you'll be brought together again and on better terms."

Hildegarde could not say she knew a man quite like Kelovath. Here he was, ready to put aside his own god to understand that Hildegarde would find the greatest comfort in her own god. "The idea of being Queen has grown easier... I mean, it's just doing the same thing but people act differently. The etiquette is... hm, different," she said, offering him a little chuckle as she thought about it. It was really hard being royalty! I mean... people bowing at you? It's so awkward. "Being Queen is strange. It is the same but all at once you are more: you are the City of War. The Queen of War, the War Queen; I have to embody that or my people could suffer. Josleen is now the Hard City. She must embody that. If we can heal, and gods above I hope we do, then that is good. But if not..." she sighed, "we will be prepared. A good Queen does not seek out war, but she must be prepared for it," thunder rumbles faintly in the distance.

Kelovath wondered what would happen should they be unable to heal. Aloud, he asked a difficult question. "Do you think Josleen would start a war with Frostaw?" And if she did, who's side would he even be able to fight on? It seemed impossible to not be involved. Larket would not welcome his aid. But fighting for Frostmaw, against Larket, was a bad enough thought to get his heart racing. The food nearby was forgotten and his mind sprinted with the different situations that could happen. Or not happen. "I can't say for certain where I would stand." Although he was lost in thoughts, he did say that aloud and without really realizing it. Once it was said, he seemed to snap out of his mind and look off into the distance. He whispered, "Arkhen save me..."

Hildegarde shrugged her shoulder when asked that question about whether or not Josleen would start a war. "It's possible, but... I don't know. I don't think she'd cross that line, not easily. With how things are at the moment, it's not cause to start a war," she reasoned aloud. When Kelovath admits he is unsure as to where he would stand, Hildegarde offers him a smile and a compassionate squeeze to his hand, "I understand. I wouldn't ask you to take a side, you needn't worry. I might ask you for some counsel or some laughter, but..." she warned playfully.

Kelovath took comfort in Hildegarde's words, and even the physical gesture. But, "I think, if it comes to it, a side would need to be chosen. Admittedly, Frostmaw does seem like the better choice. I mean, if I step into the boarders of Larket, I highly doubt I'd be allowed to walk back out." The thought of how suddenly his reputation change within the Hard City turned his stomach upside down, but on the surface, the man smiled. "Although that could make for a good story, yeah? 'Kelovath the Traitor enters Larket, purchases a pastry from Kyla's and just walks right back out.'" He chuckled at the thought, "I'd imagine Macon would not be pleased." He took in a deep breath and kept his smile, inhaling the night. His eyes looked for the sound of thunder as it could be heard once more. The paladin got quiet and his smile retreated slowly. Another slow, steady breath was taken in and his eyes closed. "Maybe I should go back to Larket...All I want to do is go back there. It's my home. And if I did, I doubt I would hardly recognize it. Nor would I be accepted back. And I understand why. I don't understand how it all happened, but clearly it did. This has all shaken me and I don't know if Arkhen truly has a plan in place for me anymore. I thought Larket was it. That I would die there. And now I cannot set foot within the city I love without being locked away. Or a swift execution and forever labeled as a traitor." Tear flooded his vision and poured from his eyes as they reopened. "Is that what Arkhen seeks for me? Death by the executioner's axe? By Macon's axe..." Another deep breath, but this one was not steady or slow. It sounded difficult. And weak. "I'm a nomad, forever cursed to wander the lands, only wanting to return home and if I do, the penalty is death." His hands lifted to his face and wiped away the building tears. "Do I give up on Larket and allow them to be led by Macon? Should I try and prove my innocence? Would that even be worth trying? The people of Larket would suffer for it, no doubt, but if they are already suffering, shouldn't I do something? I...I do not know where my path leads and Arkhen is not..." His head shook a few times and he attempted to compose himself. "I'm sorry. That was...Unlike me." He leaned forward a bit and just took a moment to breathe and calm himself.

Hildegarde was well-versed in the ways of war, she knew that ultimately a side would be taken for a man such as Kelovath. He wasn't the kind of man to stand aside aimlessly whilst people on either side suffered. As he jokes about bravely entering Larket for a pastry and exiting again, the Silver laughs softly and offers his hand another squeeze. It hurt her deeply when she couldn't return to Frostmaw; she couldn't imagine what this extended forced leave was like for Kelovath. To be so thoroughly branded a traitor and a dangerous man, so dangerous he could only return home on pain of death... it was unimaginable to her. His strong desire to return to Larket and his sorrow at his inability to do so touches her deeply, it's horrible to witness and worse still when she cannot comfort the paladin. "We do not have the power to know what the gods desire of us, Kelovath," she tells him quietly. "Do you not think for a moment that your path to Larket is going to make you wander elsewhere first...? The road home is long and ardous, you'll have to fight for it my friend. I know it is hard but... the victory would be all the sweeter, would it not?" The Silver withdraws her hands into her lap as Kelovath moves to wipe his face and tear filled eyes. It was a difficult one. "No, you don't give up. You never give up. If Arkhen wants you to leave Larket alone and that's not what you want to do... then to hell with him. To hell with all the gods if that's the case. The gods should not decide whether or not we protect people. The gods should guide us, keep our morals strong and give us courage when we need it most... but they should never stop us from raising our shields to defend those in need or our blades to protect our people. You know your heart, Kelovath. Do you need a god to tell you your heart?" When he tried to apologise for his emotional outburst, the Silver just quietly shook her head and offered him a little smile.

Kelovath kept leaning forward, one hand resting upon his cheek, while the other ran through his hair a few times. His mind collected Hilde's words and absorbed them. Understood them. But for him, they were hard to believe. She wasn't lying or trying to direct him to a negative path, but to ignore the gods? To hell with them? They were the reason for his life. In more ways than one. He owed Arkhen everything and he has devoted his life to serve him. Surely he must follow the road laid out by his god. And yet, at the same time, there appears to be no road. No easily marked path. Not even a speck of light that could be seen as a sign. Right now, there was a rumbling out in the distance and two friends having a conversation that seems to have taken a strange turn from the previous laughter. Both of his hands moved lower upon his face and cupped around his mouth. His eyes closed, a breath inhaled, and the same breath exhaled through the gaps between his fingers. "I want to protect my people." And in that extended moment of weakness, a choice was made. To hell with the gods. Secretly, he'd include 'for now', in his thoughts. He may be wandering from where Arkhen could be directing, but he still was loyal and respected the higher being. But, for this, to hell with him. If Kelovath truly believed to have Arkhen's favor, then he'll expect to see evidence of such when the time is right. A shift in his gaze was sent to Hildegarde. "I don't know if openly asking you for aid, or the assistance of Frostmaw, is acceptable, or even the correct timing, given the uncertain future within Hollow, but..." He assumed Hildegarde knew what was going to follow. He needed Frostmaw's help.

Hildegarde knew her words were likely not phrased in the best way, but she wasn't all that great at conveying her thoughts or feelings. She wasn't human. 'Sometimes I forget you’re not a human' echoes through our mind, the cold and callous words of Josleen had stung her deeply but there was an unmistakable truth to them; she simply wasn't human. When Kelovath battles his inner struggle and finally says he wishes to protect his people, Hildegarde releases a breath she hadn't realised she had been holding. But she might have wished she kept on holding it when he awkwardly asks her for Frostmaw's help. Could she commit herself to that...? "Kelo... We need to defeat Kahran first. We cannot take Larket if we do not defeat Kahran. Fight against him first, then we will look to Larket," she promises him. She cannot just yet promise the aid of Frostmaw: how could she? How could she plunge her people into war after war after war?

"Yes. Yes, of course. Kahran is the biggest threat. For everyone." He looked elsewhere now, back to where the not-so-distant thunder was rumbling from. "I will not try to force a promise from you, Hildegarde. Nor do I expect Frostmaw to rush to my side during this. Your people have been through so much." The current war with Kahran seemed to be growing and sprouting up new dangers within Hollow. There was time to plan. "I think I will come to Frostmaw, eventually. I believe a return trip to Cenril will be next..." He was already starting to get a plan together, although it still needed some work. None of this would be easy. Or fast, really. He thought about recruiting along the way, for the current war and for Larket. He wondered about some of the people he's met over the years and where they may be. And what they've heard. And then, a thought came to mind and he quietly asked a question. "Do you think I'm innocent, Hildegarde? You've heard of what I was accused of, no doubt." Again, he looked to his friend.

"I do," she answered without hesitation. Of course she believed in his innocence. Why else would she sit here and talk to him for as long as she did? "I... I have never taken to Josleen's men and her fancies," she began, "and I was very wary of you at first. Another fancy man in her life, how will it go this time? But you proved yourself. You fought hard: not just for your love, but for me and my people. For your people and for Larket, though... there were forces there that outstepped you, outfoxed you. That is life, Kelovath. There will be moments where we are outwitted," she told him gently, placing a hand upon his shoulder sympathetically. "But I do not think you are a man who can slay a council chamber of people - corrupt or not - and attempt a coup."

The paladin smiled. It was a real smile and the wisdom, obvious or not, soothed the man. Of course, he still didn't understand why Josleen was able to switch her opinion on the matter so easily, but he strongly believed that was Macon's doing. That man was smart. Smarted than expected and clearly there was a grand plan that was executed quite well. There were some holes on the scheme, Artia being a witness and that during the slaying of several guards and the poison spread into the sickbay was all blamed on Kelovath. Even an eye-witness claimed the golden armor was seen during all of that. When, in fact, Kelovath was attending Hildegarde's crowning. Things didn't add up, but the paladin had allies. And more importantly, friends that he could count on. The man nodded his head several times and inhaled a deep breath. "Well, this was interesting, eh? Thought we were going to have a nice late night snack and then you get me all emotional." He nudged the dragon and laughed. "I suppose you'll be heading back to Frostmaw soon?"

Hildegarde had a great deal of sympathy for Kelovath. It had been hard enough to be kicked out of Frostmaw and win it back but Kelovath's situation was different. His entire city had been turned against him, it wasn't a civil war: it was a lost battle. The Silver smiled at Kelovath, hopeful for him and his future yet worried where his path might lead him. "Ah," she laughed gently, "it's what I'm good at, right? But we should snack more often! I like food," she tells him, her body moving with the nudge. "Aye. I'll have to head back up the mountain soon. You know you're welcome there," she told him, aware he had said he couldn't go right now, "whenever you fancy a visit."

"A visit does sound nice. Maybe you'll turn the heat on? Not all of us are cold-blooded, ya know?" Another playful smile. If he had known about the harsh words Josleen spat at Hildegarde, that joke probably would have been avoided. He shifted his gaze toward the Mage's Tower and suddenly found himself yawning. "Oh. Well, I guess that's my cue for bed." A quiet laugh. "I can take the basket, if you wish..." Another rumble in the distance, which sparked a thought. "Where are you staying tonight? You going to brave the storm or...?"

Hildegarde's smile cracked briefly when Kelovath mentioned not being cold-blooded. He was human. She wasn't. As he yawns, she's snapped out of her line of thought and glances over at the skyline with its rolling thunder. "I suppose I can give you the basket, but only because I'm so merciful," she told him, doing her best to keep voice as matter-of-fact as possible. "But aye. I'll brave the storm. I'm not... well, I'm a dragon. We're made of hardy stuff," she said, rising up off the bench. "Don't stay away for so long next time."

He stood as well, grabbing the basket. With a grin, the paladin bowed deeply at the waist, "Yes, My Merciful Silver Queen of Frostmaw." He lifted from his bow and turned toward the tower. "Bye, Hilde." He winked and headed off. Yes, an actual wink.