@Min: The half-elf to whom you're speaking gives you a baffled look. "Apologies?! By Cayden's Cups, man, who d'ya think yer talking to, this ain't tha spring cotillion, we're soldiers -- we don't sleep unless an enemy or an ale sees to it. Sprack is passed out right now but y'can talk with Chrugz, his second. 'Ang on." She stands up as lightly as a leaf falls and makes her way over to a table where some kind of strange game is going on between a handful of Lionhearts. She taps one of them and whispers, and then makes her way back to you. "'E's comin' now." she says softly, and goes back to her reading.
From the table there comes the sound of groaning wood and popping joints, and the largest man -- if he IS a man -- you have ever seen stands up and swivels his ponderous head your way, to regard you with fierce and beady little black eyes. His face breaks into what you really hope is supposed to be a smile. Lifting one tree-trunk-sized leg over the bench, then the other, you see this...thing called Chrugz is nearly 8' tall and broad as a barn. His muscles look like wargs wrestling over prey as he makes his slow way over to you. "I BE CHRUGZ." he booms. You can tell he's trying to whisper, but is almost comically loud despite the effort. "KALLA SAY WE TALK. WHAT YOU WANTS. YOU BE SPEAKIN' T' ME LIKE AS IF YOU BE SPEAKIN' TUH SPRACK. I BE SPRACK'S FRIEND. CAN TRUST CHRUGZ." Now that he's closer, you realize there is a very distinctive smell coming off Chrugz that gives you insight into his size; he's at least half ogre.
Min sat down in the main hall, not really concerned if the other Lionhearts heard what he had to say. He hoped that he could get some answers, without riling them all up. "Aside from hiring you all to aid Tautha and give the Blackdragonflight some hell I was wondering if you knew anything about the Dragondoors of Kalaroth and the four gates." Raising a hand to calm the musclebound half-ogre if needed he continued. "It's been a long day for me as well. I've been threatened by a deom by the loss of my mortal soul for creating a contract with you all. So the reason I ask is I passed through a set of Dragondoor's and found a fallen Lionheart there. So I was hoping I could exchange information with you all before I head out in the morning. By no means will I recant on the contract i've created. In fact I want to extend it so long as you all wish to aid me."
@Min: Chrugz furrows his brow in a comically exaggerated approximation of a "thinkin' face". "SO, LONG CONTRACT GOOD. YES! WE LIKES LONG CONTRACT, IS GOOD....WHO BE KARL...I MEANS KALK...I MEANS RALTH...I MEANS...YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANS! WHO BE HE?" the giant man cocks his head to the left in a display of confusion.
@Tanith: You've been in some miserable, far-flung locales before, but this one really takes the cake. This town of Inta sits right on the border of the White Dragonhold, so far north that the Frost Kingdom is considered a pleasant southern vacation destination. All around you, the people of this burg are clad in furs and leather that look either lived-in, or so new they still look surprised. At first you couldn't believe you were being sent here -- after all, what in the Land's sake could possibly require the attention of a House Magistrate up here? -- until the word came from shadowy heights above; Baron Ormir lives.
And now, a short time and a teleport casting later, here you are in Inta, northern logging settlement loosely affiliated with the ex-late Baron, being led through a snowy courtyard to his, er, "rustic" receiving room.
@The Baron: You are quite happy when word comes back from House del Covas that Tanith is indeed still in their employ; has, in fact, been promoted. You get word when she arrives a short while later, and can see her being led towards your house from your balcony on the fourth floor.
Min despite his tiredness remained patient as even he was new with all the fancy names and titles of Gods and such. "Kalaroth is the Dragon God the Red Dragonflight seek to free once more. He had several dragondoors across the land that would allow you to cross several hundred miles in a matter of a few hours instead of days. Do you know what I am talking about?"
Tanith adjusts the winter wolf hood around her face, drawing it in closer. She might enjoy the opportunity to relish the delicious feeling of exquisite fur against her skin--a pleasure not often enjoyed in the sodden climes of Stormfare--if it were not for the utter waste of a town and the desolate expanse in which it was nestled stretching as far as the eye could see.
Another experience for which I would wish to repay you, Baron Ormir. She flashes a saccharine smile at some ancient hag of a woman futilely sweeping the front step of snow; it was a fine thing that now, 200 years later, she would have the chance to meet with him after his regard in the form of an assasination attempt began their little game. Since that time, Tanith kept abreast of the Baron's work, of his influence--and disappearance--even if it meant she paid for information from her own House. With the incomes of two wealthy deceased human husbands and her own private work, the difficulty lay not in affording the information, but in finding individuals still living with such secrets.
And now the Baron had reappeared. So here she was, a House Magistrate.
In Inta.
"Do people even speak common this far north?" she mutters under her breath, which comes in a frosty cloud. Her hands flex as she stretches her fingers in her embroidered kidskin leather gloves, tucked into a fur muff that matched the winter wolf trim of her icy-hued heavy cloak. The Baron would not have forgotten their tete a tete, so either he merely requested House Del Covas' assistance, or he requested her specifically.
Either way, House business first, personal business after. Again, her long fingers curl and flex.
Tanith's shoulders give an infinitesimal roll to straighten her spine, a pleasant mask of cordial service sliding over her pale elven features. The snow behind her is unmarred save for the boots of her guide and the drag of her elegant blue-white hide cloak. She would seem a ghost amid this frozen tundra if not for the dark eyes that flicker across her surroundings, drinking in detail as they might drink in light.
"...Do you know what I am talking about?"
Chrugz shrugs. "NO"
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Min held back a sigh, he'd have to approach this a different way. "So... Chrugz, who are your enemies? Who does your company actively oppose?"
Putting on the finishing touches on his study to make sure everything is perfect, he seats himself at his table. He gives the tengu a nod, who then slips into the shadows, nearly invisible. "I believe she has been kept waiting long enough, Stol," and with a casual wave he send the waiting lieutenant to fetch the woman from House del Covas.
With the characteristic creak of cold iron hinges, the door to the study opens and Stol's hand gestures within. A tall, lissome elven woman takes a step in for a pause of presentation. Her heavy white cloak and muff have been taken, revealing a bronze-hued taffeta traveling gown. The metal buttons trace the shape of her torso from the left collarbone across the body to her right hip where it fans out into a split skirt, creating an elegant overcoat similar to that of the entari of desert cultures. A line of black that trims the the uneven geometry of the neckline is actually a half inch of delicate black lace that graces the cuffs of the narrow sleeves as well as the skirt hem. Lantern light glints on the supple leather of a pair of riding boots that meet bronze breeches only visible in where the skirt parts. Fine handstitched gloves hug her long slender fingers that currently rest softly in front of her skirts.
Her pale flesh is barely adorned, the waist-length coil of ebony hair twisted into a lemniscate design fastened with an ivory comb decorated with calligraphy from the Empire of the Mist.
Her dark gaze arcs along the horizon of the room to rest on the man seated at his table, at which the corners of her mouth perk briefly upward. Pressing the door shut behind her with a coy smile to Stol, the woman glides further into the room to the appropriate distance before the Baron.
"Your Lordship, Baron Ormir." The elven woman effects a curtsy that manages to convey respect and command it in the same breath. Her voice conjures the sensation of dark velvet across flesh, her tone suggesting a failed effort to hide her awe to be in his presence. "I am Tanith Ser'Leri." A long-fingered hand splays upon her breast in self-reference. "You have need of House Del Covas?"
The Baron sits at his desk, surrounded by piles of neatly stacked paperwork, maps, journals... more things than any man should have the time to deal with. He looks sternly at the elven woman from behind steepled fingers and raises an eyebrow when she speaks. He then raises a hand, palm outstretched, as if to stop her. "Yes, of course you are. And of course I do. But first, my dear, please hand the fan over to the Tengu standing next to you." He then looks towards the man still standing at the door and says, "Thank you Stol, you may leave. And please stop gaping, I doubt you're her type.
"Yessir!" He takes one more second to leer inappropriately at the elf before closing the door behind him.
The room itself is obviously quite nice. Tastefully decorated, impeccably arranged, but there is a faint look of neglect to it. More dust than there should be and even a few cobwebs in the corners. The baron himself looks vastly younger, handsomer and certainly lighter than any recent depictions of him. Certainly different enough to infer that something massively unique happened between his rumored death and rebirth. He leans back and allows a small smile, turning his arm and hand to a more friendly and inviting gesture. "Well then, whenever you are ready. I certainly to not call you all this way to have you killed, and as you can see, I currently do not need eat anyone's blood.
Stol may as well be nonexistent, or at best, furniture; Tanith's attention doesn't stray from the Baron. Her head tilts a fraction, her smile angling into a small, curious smirk as she takes in the man inviting her to this oddly well-comparisoned study in the middle of a frozen wasteland. One part of her mind scans memories of ley line maps, wondering if there wasn't something about Inta she'd missed in her review before arriving. The rest focuses on playing her role as expected.
Everything about the man seems renewed, refreshed, and Tanith is as equally intrigued by the improved personality as she is by his drawing of breath. "Indeed, I stand ready to receive your questions."
[/ooc]
He begins making a gesture, pauses and speaks again. "Now, formalities of course. I must cast detect magic on you to make sure you aren't carrying any weapons or items that may keep a record of this meeting. I trust your discretion in these things of course as a respected member of House Del Covas, but you have traveled far and who knows what has happened. There are many less scrupulous people out and about in the north."
She inclines her head slightly. "It should be quite a black mark upon House del Covas to answer a business request with assault, as it would also be upon you for the same. I can put you at ease, your Lordship."
Tanith lifts her left hand in a motion as though it were to be taken and kissed; a lump is visible beneath the glove. "A ring that transforms to bear the house seal." Her other hand lifts to join the other, a matching pair. "A ring that affords some protection from street thieves." Both hands lower to press onto the outer layer of her bronze dress and then cross her body to touch her biceps before she folds them together at her waist. "Additional protection from the cretin of the northlands who deem elves the great betrayers, and have likely not seen an elf with whom they could take revenge since the last Dragonflight wars. Besides, plate mail is so unforgiving to the figure," she quips at the last, offering the Baron a sly smile. "And that is the last of the information you will obtain for free, I am afraid to say."
The Baron himself is quite young looking, if you did not know better you would assume him to be an especially attractive warbanian. He is quite imposing physically, well muscled, tall and broad shouldered, with perhaps just the slightest traces of fat around his mid-region (after all, this the cold north, and some body fat is expected). All this clashes with known descriptions of the Baron. It is clear he has somehow reversed the aging process through some unknown means. He is dressed in a very fine silk kimono, something extremely exotic and strange in this part of the world. Adorning his head are a finely wrought headband and circlet, and he wears a ring upon his finger. A scan of his cluttered desk reveals many mundane items of paperwork, a small map of the surrounding region spread on the table, several unlabeled journals, a few stacks of books, bits of correspondence both sealed and unsealed, and an ornate letter opener. The books range from bestiaries, histories, arcana and biographies. Carefully leaned against a nearby stand is a well made rapier and an obviously magical staff. They are clearly placed so as to be easily reached in an emergency, but far enough away to not imply a threat.
He completes the spell, and after a few moments of studying Tannith the Baron appears to be satisfied, or at least unconcerned. "Please, I meant no offense to you or your house. It is neither one that I mistrust. The simple fact is that there is an Ice Lich about with whom my relations have, shall we say, soured, and I cannot be too careful. I merely wish to be certain you have not been enchanted against your will. I have no desire to earn House Del Covas' enmity, but I doubt she cares. Please have a seat, and let us... negotiate." The Baron gives a sly smile and raises an eyebrow.
Min held back a sigh, he'd have to approach this a different way. "So... Chrugz, who are your enemies? Who does your company actively oppose?"
Chrugz shrugs again. "WHOEVER WE'RE PAID TUH. IF WE B'AINT GETTIN' PAID THEN TANNER WOULD ALWAYS SAY 'HELP THEM 'AT CAN'T HELP THEMSELVES'."
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Tanith and Baron:
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Was the rest of the building in this sort of disrepair/dustiness? Was Inta within the Baron's ruling area?
Is this also a known place that the Baron had lodgings? Or is it surprising to be in Inta? Was there any sign of heraldry? There's Stol - were there many other servants or soldiers visible? Or signs of the passage of servants/people/soldiers (i.e., footprints in the snow, sounds in the hall, etc.)
"An Ice Lich. I suppose next you'll tell me they come in different flavours as well?"
Tanith approaches the desk, clicking her tongue against her teeth as though a lich is such a bother. "Unfortunate, but not surprising I suppose. One cannot expect someone as notable as yourself to go unremarked by the hungriest denizens of the Land." She sinks into the chair opposite him with only a susurrus of the pleasing friction of lush fabrics to accompany her movement. Her gaze hoods with a brief downward glance at her hands in her lap --as though finding it an effort to control her excitement; she seems to finally gather herself with a press back of her shoulders. Her gaze slides back up to catch the Baron's eyes with her own, a slender hand rising to wave artfully with her words before gesturing to her host. "Besides, it is generally my will to be enchanted by more lively company--and here you are, quite filled with verve and eager to negotiate. Perhaps the intense cold invigorates the blood?"
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When her gaze returns to meet the Baron's, Tannith sees that he has returned to his stony, aloof demeanor. His eyes are narrowed, focused on her intently and his face once again behind steepled fingers. The room itself visibly darkens.
"It would be unwise... to make light... of her power."
He pauses, glowering, and then his mood shifts again. He smiles, but only slightly, and the light returns. "But no matter. As much as I would enjoy to spar with you verbally, there is business to be dealt with. And it must be done in a timely manner. You see, my dear, we are all now in the last rush to get our pieces on the board before the endgame. And this leads to a most important question. Where would you, and your house, like to be when it's over?"
"You mistake me, Baron." Her tone has cooled in response to the man's intimidating nature, her voice falling into a tighter cadence as her fingertips touch to her chest. "I no more underestimate the Ice Lich than I underestimate you. I was merely commenting on your recent return."
Her elbows lift to the arms of the chair, fingers threading together to rest at her breast. Her dark eyes focus on the baron, the comely crinkle from her engaging smile smoothed to a blank slate. "Are these two questions a request for House Del Covas?"
He smiles. "A request? Indeed, always business. I will tell you this. Of all the striving powers in the land, there are few who can or will offer House del Covas a place to stand once the Confluence ends. The time of your cherished neutrality is coming to an end. We must all choose, or risk letting someone else choose for us. Other options include unending war, enslavement or possibly destruction. So I ask you again, as a personal question. Where would you, and your house, like to be when it's over? On top, or underfoot? The answer is important."
Tanith purses her lip into a moue of consideration, his words certainly persuasive. "Your question already contains the answer you believe is most wise, do you not think?"
"At the risk of dancing a philosophical edge, there must always be a center from which those above and below can measure themselves. Neutrality may be as much a choice as any other."
"While some are still 'rushing to get their pieces onto the board', as you say, others have had them in place for centuries." The moue breaks, her lips arching into a small, dignified smile. "I expect that the House, and more specifically I, shall remain as ever: ready to meet your requests."
"On that note...Now that the personal questions are past, and you feel time is of the essence," Tanith gestures to the baron, "should you like to take your turn on the board? After all, as the rules state, once a piece is touched, you've committed to moving it."
Her hands spread before her, as though everything he could wish lay on a tray resting in her hands. "What information do you request of House del Covas? And how do you intend to pay?"
The Baron continues to stare at Tannith silently, as a professor would when one of his star pupils answers a seemingly obvious question incorrectly. Once the silence has reached the calculated level of discomfort, he shifts slightly in his seat and speaks again. "Sadly, yes, there are many gaps in my reconnaissance that need to be filled, and quickly. Payment is negotiable. Money is always an option, but if I remember correctly, Del Covas has always found rare and exclusive information to be the most lucrative currency. Few are in position to share, and even less are willing." His eyes twinkle charismatically.
"We can start with a simple task for on of your skill set. I need the names and locations of the ones that ...killed me. They freed me from curse, and they deserve to be rewarded"