(New Racksom) Power's many faces (27th Board)

Zartear did not often find himself with a "free" evening, not when every day with the unfurling of his plans he needed to pay the utmost attention to them. It was only the weak and unfit royalty of other countries that allowed their great leaders to live in luxury and never know the force of will, to never let it show in their works. That was not to say Zartear did not have a taste for the finer things in life; very much the opposite as he now sat amongst some of the finest warriors of Surahnia, entertained by the cleverest of fools and with the fairest of women, dainty ornaments to the occasion and yet more testimonies to his greatness.
Still, for all of that, it was tedious and dreadfully dull. There was not a person here in this room, even as he sat at the centre of an arc of some of his greatest men with the fire on the other side of the room, he could not make to do the most absurd of things with only a gesture of his fingertips. Even throw themselves into the fire for his sake; because they were as foolish and simple minded as the actor before them now. Nobody here was an equal to his mind – as he did prefer it, such equals were dangerous – but it also made him long for something more substantial, for something to test his teeth on.

He took another drink from his goblet, his eyes glazed over, even as those amongst him laughed.
Completely and utterly bored.
Yet when he did not laugh, they looked to him, still smiling, hoping that the King found amusing what they did too. Surely then the King would see how much he could relate with them, how fondly he thought of them…all the favours he would give to them.

Instead he began to look about the room, dark though it was, it was alight with torches and candles all around, splendid wine-red rugs covering the stone floors. It was not big; a room assumed for the use of only a few to host and a few to be guests. None of the public chaff to be allowed here, that much was obvious by the presence of Zartear’s personal guards standing, stoic as ever, by the doors to the room.

Zartear's interest had been stirred suddenly when he heard the sound of a firm knock and a murmur of a voice beyond the doors, a guard then leaving through the doors to speak outside for a small while.
After that time, he returned inside, addressing Zartear directly with the usual formality, a hand to his shoulder and a pronounced bow.
"Great King, a Lady of the name Skeloph Shyvmore Yeriss seeks an audience with you. The Lady would appear to be a High Councillor from the DDC capital of Didienne." The guard was hesitant to speak too boldly with such words in his mouth, it was extremely rude for anyone to come to address the King without being expected, and his eyes from behind his helm looking to the King, waiting for his disapproving snarl.

"Very well." Zartear nodded, "Welcome her in, unannounced or not, it is not gracious to keep a Lady of such stature waiting, is it?" Something of interest had now been found; he only need determine whether she was as she proclaimed to be, or simply a phoney sort and it would soon be painfully obvious. Indeed, how often was it that one of such status would come to him without prompt? It was brave too, all things considered.

As the woman entered the room, yet he noted too some of what could only be called her entourage were held back, he looked her over, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. He would not rise for her, however, although he did slightly shift in his chair so he straightened up as he opened his palm in invitation.
"A good evening to you Lady Yeriss." She had some knowledge of Surahnian, yet her accent was not that thick and common one of Racksom. It was pitched and quite unique, from another place. Didienne allegedly. "Forgive me for the lack of suitable preparations, we did not expect one as yourself to be visiting. It is a, bold and honest thing to do. An action that demands great steel. We welcome you now." Zartear spoke, his voice relaxed and quite warm, though he noted how splendid in appearance she was; adorned from head to toe in the most lavish of decor, she was very clearly amongst the richest. Fit to be a ruler, perhaps. Though Zartear would not believe words and appearances alone, his usual suspicions snaking about the room, as he watched her every movement.
If she wanted to arrive in such a way and demand his attention, she could have all of it, including his vicious scrutiny.

Zartear, although not ready to ‘worry himself unduly’ was very much aware of how unusual this was, but for now, he let it carry on. She behaved like those in power, and for now, that was enough. The fact that she had arrived at such a time was only natural; the DDC had been dragging their feet something so slovenly, he was half expecting their leaders to have already been amongst the ranks of New-Surahnian forces.

He seemed facile toward her, giving her time to speak her piece as he nodded slowly, returning her smile in kind with his own, noting her apparent lack of inhibition or anger. Quite something when one’s own nation was being devoured.
“I would not have expected it to be, Lady Skeloph.” He said measuredly, as he watched her sit down, making herself comfortable…”Much can be said for my people, but there is little to understand beyond what you see. Everything that composes my people is a show of what Is believed, followed and understood down to each person, in their families and themselves.” He paused, finding the words briefly. “There is nothing to learn, but discipline; it makes us strong. Respect to the crown, as they give in return for my service, and honour to the Willow Mother, our great goddess.”

He did not feel like divulging a great many details to a strange guest, so he smiled again, with obvious pride.
“Virtuous priorities, in my people. And what of your own people Lady Skeloph? In my time here it is hard to speak much for them, they do not seem of one identity.” No, they all scattered in panic. However much others might have thought of the comment innocently, to his people…hearing such a thing would have been no less than a barefaced insult to the training of said people.
“Indeed already, I have seen there are many. Perhaps they reflect for their many rulers?” And he wondered, what a people following with this ‘Lady Skeloph’s” attributes would be at all like.

Upon hearing her speak he was surprised to hear her turn within what she spoke. He anticipated her to boast of their diversity and culture as he had learnt they so often leaned upon, but no, she openly berated it. Her as a part of the nation, too. It was extremely unusual and Zartear raised his brows, his look of quiet surprise there, shuffling in his seat to become more comfortable, drawn in by the odd way of speaking. Who said such things? Why? And then talk of corruption.

"High Councillor Yeriss, such corruption is surely a blight upon any nation. One we know the power of; and so we do away with it at all signs of its occurrence..." He began, at least making it clear he was not open to any corruption himself. Corruption was a weakness within the nation, it fostered the worse kind of trait in his subjects; disloyalty. Disloyalty was death.
"But if I may, I find it odd that you would speak of such a...raw and tender topic of your own nation to I." The enemy. Why would she say this? Zartear thought on it still as he spoke further. "And so suddenly, without invite. Lady Skeloph, what brings you here? Nevermind of your other comments, flattering though they may be to a Leader like I," Greater though I am. "But it is quite unheard of."

Lady Skeloph was bold, extremely so, even behind her level voice. She was not too loud, spoke with clarity and seemed calm, yet was not quiet either.
However, her suggestion was probably the most colourful thing in the room. He had intended to mention of the stones, but now she mentioned peace.
"You are correct. Traditions endurance must be used for a nation, the correct things instilled and the useless discarded...indeed, this island I see needs that, and it will find that, dear Lady. I will provide that for the people." He spoke as if being handed over the residents of Dragons' Cove, not a single mention of one of countless skirmishes, many battles or outright assaults.
"Surahnians know what is worth learning, we know that your Island is different, we will learn what is necessary, but do not take this as a sign of dilution of our own pride. Your people need not ask for peace from us, peace is inevitable. It is what will invariably follow in wake of my grand plans."
Indeed, who was there to wage war with, when they would all be united under his standard? "Then we will be strengthened by the absorption of such people. Of course, we have not intended this to distress." If only they did not resist, the fools. He could already see now however, that Lady Yeriss was angling for something rather contrary to what he wanted.

What he did not expect, was for this woman to come back to him immediately with...disgruntlement? This was not the grovelling of a nation that knew it was to be destroyed if not swallowed whole. He was not one to let such words pass him, not in the company of others too, questioning his pride of all things! Implying fallibility in how he ruled...

"I am right to be proud however, Lady Skeloph, whatever you might see my people as, they are a strong people. They share in my pride, and we share in our victory together. Our triumph over new lands." Over weak ways, you are the one that needs teaching most. "Your people are soft and malleable. Whatever you might say of their spirits, do not fear, as I do not think that is a truth. They have been searching for guidance and not finding it, we will give that to them, and the better life, and they in return will give us their loyalty. All will become the best it can be, in the end, my Lady."
Zartear was almost erudite in how he spoke, respectful and so gracious in his soft and open handed gestures, even though his words were barely more than a hand wave to her suggestions.
She had gall, to approach him, and tell him to worry on a problem that had not presented itself, not even with the collapse of an entire part of the isle. What right did a weak nation have to tell him how to rule, when it was nothing more than rabbles of farmers at the front? Zartear would not let himself appear at all slighted by her words, he continued in his relaxed openness to her instead. Let her say more, and undo herself.

This woman had nerve, arriving here unannounced and within minutes claiming he had lessons to be learnt. She was completely brazen, in his eyes. Yet, if there was truly information to be gathered, he would hardly refuse it. He just also would not lower his own position to get it. Zartear tilted his head back the slightest when she asked of their mages. Such an answer did not belong to an enemy, and yet here she was, approaching as if a friend.

"Why would you tell us this? You then ask to know of capability. Forgive me Lady Skeloph, but you come to me as a foe, but you are behaving as a friend." An informant, but also a spy. Zartear would not be fooled so easily, or bluffed and forced to decide anything within only a night. Surahnians acted quickly, not rashly. "Such information to you would be a gift, for you to know more of our people, and pardon my offence to you Lady, but why might I trust you at all?" He still retained his eloquence even though the challenge was very direct. But then, snakes slithered and wound themselves uncomfortably to get away from direct attack. He could not compromise and he would not indulge the woman in games, or so he thought at the time.
"And now you speak of the consequences of the lightning stones destruction..."

That made Zartear smile. The Lady was very well composed and spoke in an effortlessly diplomatic way. If he were perhaps less the man he was, he would have relaxed himself and enjoyed her company. Zartear was not one for giving 'trust', however, sometimes it was useful.
"A potential ally." He recited, following her eyes to the table to the cups there. No, he did not intend to let her drink just yet, she wasn't damn well moving in here of her own volition, or taking any slices of his territory through an "alliance".

He mulled it over visibly, looking up blankly as his mind chewed over the idea. "What of the lightning stone?" He asked, then knowing he should have been perhaps a little more diplomatic, he corrected himself. "That is...what is it that you offer, in regards to the lightning stone, Lady Yeriss? The best alliance is one born through equal giving and taking. I would like to know of what it is you are offering New Surahnia. As you might have noticed, I am not one for games." A true lie. "I hope you will also take no offence in my keenness for understanding. I will surely give you answers just as readily. It is after all, in both our interests to be fair with one another."
Else your nation will not be taken, but annihilated. He did not yet know of the fall of the council, but it is hard to say whether it would have changed his mind at all or not.
"Please continue Lady Yeriss, this may be the first sensible proposition I have heard since the beginning of this skirmish with your nation."

Without allowing her smile to falter, Skeloph simply regarded Zartear for a moment longer after he had finished speaking. Untruths dropped from this man’s lips without hesitation; no doubt he lied and exaggerated so routinely that he scarcely noticed it anymore. Equality and straight talking without games was, no doubt, the exact opposite of what this man might want from an alliance with her. She was in no place to go looking down on him for this, though; it was hardly as if she was much different herself, though she tended to speak the letter of the truth if not the spirit of it.
“Yes,” she said simply after a beat had passed in silence, broken only by the discussions of the others in the hall. “It would indeed be prudent for us to talk openly. Certainly I am glad to hear that you will answer my questions ‘readily’. But I digress; the lightning stone. Shall I take it that you know nothing of the magic on the island? It will make explaining simpler.

“These stones limit the huge natural magic of Dragons Cove, restraining it so that it does not cause chaos and damage to the island. With the destruction of a stone…” She shrugged elegantly, spreading one long-fingered hand and throwing bits of light across the room as her rings reflected the light. “They have been in place since living memory. The consequences would be catastrophic. No being currently living on the island is capable of withstanding that level of magical power.” From what she had heard of the Surahnians, unrestrained and unpredictable magical chaos ought to be their worst nightmare.


OOC: Let me know if she's saying anything about the stones etc which wouldn't be known to a highly educated mage

OOC| Oh you know me Artel, why would you ever need to ask?

IC| Admitting weaknesses openly was not something a wise ruler should do when faced with his enemy. In fact, it was blatantly stupid. Yet the lack of prowess Surahnians had amongst their people was hardly a secret to the natives in their brief and violent contacts. Even if they were so magically inclined, how could they know of the stones, unique to such an island?
"I would prefer that you assume such a thing, for the purpose of explaining." As ambiguous as possible. Even if magical implements were minimal in the ranks for now...who said they need stay that way? He knew Surahnians were a difficult breed however, and making them come around to the prospect of using what they currently held as superstition would be no small task, if he saw its benefits.
"Tell me of everything you know, if the consequences are so catastrophic. I would be...a poor sort of man to not wish to know these things and how they happen. And how you believe you might be able to help me so." He breathed a light sigh, briefly wandering off to his thoughts as he looked away from her, then back to her, his eyes caught by the opulence she wore. "The results are one thing...averting others and dealing with what is at hand is another entirely. I would hope you can shed some light. Lady Yeriss, I would be much obliged if you were to do so."
Playing games in fact, was his specialty.

Somewhat regrettably, the woman made a convincing argument. It was true that his nation was ignorant to magic, many feared it, and he himself was skeptical of it. But there was no denying that they would have to face and use it at some point, or be destroyed by it. Unfortunately, this Lady seemed to know that and was happy enough to make it clear to him too. But, whatever else was on her mind evaded Zartear and that was possibly the worst part.

"That is very wise of you, it is a shame then that no other precautions were taken on this island." He paused to take a sip from his near drink, a bright and amused smile coming quickly to him, his eyes creased pleasantly. "I would not imply that to be your fault. Though I thank whomever neglected anything in the way of security; it has made way for us to improve it now. Just as you might improve our own knowledge, as you claim."
So magical precautions were one thing, but what good was that when all else of the infrastructure was pathetic?
He knew he would have to be cautious, for all his cheerful jest over a matter that had torn apart every inhabitant's life since his arrival, magic was an unknown quantity to him. The true danger he faced; gods knew there was nothing else to fear.
It spoke volumes when the best effort the land could give in return was a mob of dragons razing a village, and not even dragons from the main nation of the island. Only rogues.

"You know, honoured Lady, that trust is a difficult thing to build, and a fast thing to lose. You make a very convincing few points, but I have to now ask myself, how can I really know any of this without a true demonstration of your benevolent intent? I would expect the same of myself to you, to my Officials, my people, to anyone."

Zartear spoke openly, and for once, clearly with what was on his mind.
"I have never heard anyone speak so candidly. And on such a matter as this." Alliances and bonds were slow processes that became strong gradually, or were rushed and frail things. Apparently she wanted to offer everything and with certainty.
She humoured his request, a good action on her part, he thought. Anything less and he would have grown bored of her in an instant, tired of her tattle and ready to throw her out. Instead she continued to amuse him for a while, so he allowed her to stay in his presence, despite whatever odd thoughts others in the room might have. If nothing else, he had to maintain his act to prevent them spreading words and imaginative speculation on what Skeloph offered and how he himself responded.

"A welcome token indeed, Lady Yeriss." He nodded slowly and politely. Zartear would not be rearranging his plans for this woman, and he was far from won over by what she said. The time to test her would come naturally, no hastiness to put her to it required. If she was a fraud, it would fast be known and she would then be killed unceremoniously. Unfortunately, it was not the diplomatic thing to reiterate this to her, but then, she should have known anyway before making such a bold trespass into his 'lair'.
For as long as she was in the palace, or even in the land of New Surahnia, she was under his thumb.

"I can only wonder on the things that are to be learnt. This knowledge is a rarity amongst our people, but it need not remain that way. Even beyond the mage you speak of, it seems you yourself have just as much worth in your words." He cocked his head to one side, briefly pursing his lips in thought. "Lady, I hope that you staying here will not disturb your plans too much." And he spoke the words in such a benevolent manner, it was almost as if he had not just ordered her to be fixed in the palace, Zartear having no intention of letting her wander away at her own leisure. Not until he knew more than he did now. She gave him some spools of knowledge, but the rest was a mystery...one he was inquisitive about and the more she had spoken the less he felt he understood.
"My gift to you, is hospitality only I can afford to give others." He smiled pleasantly, with a gentle lilt about his palm as he waved it to the number of people about him, his eyes remaining fixed on Lady Yeriss. "There is nothing like Surahnian hospitality; you find yourself in good hands on that count. Your staying arrangements will be made,” And he turned his gaze then, more seriously, to one of the servants. That look alone was enough to tell them what needed to be done, and following this they were quick to leave and make preparations. “And then let us see if during this time we can share a few more words. I feel as if you have very, very much to say that would interest me.”
Or perhaps, just enough words to give him the rationale to make an example of her in the execution square.

Once again, all he could do was agree with a nod on what she spoke, which was an unusual feeling for him, to easily agree with anybody. At least there didn't need to be deception in everything that was said as the few grains of truth slipped through here and there. Frankly he wasn't sure if it made him comfortable or not, so used to spending his time with the liars of the society of loyalists.
"Good." He said, his manner short but pleased, with a decisiveness in how he then flatly rested his right palm on the armrest of the chair. That was her sorted for a while. "If I see that we both speak together fairly and honestly in days or further to come, and I hope you would not be insulted to hear such hesitance from me, then I will withhold no luxury for the sake of a pleasurable stay for you." He smiled then more apparently, his eyes creasing again as he did so...or perhaps they narrowed in suspicion. Whoever she was, she was prepared and capable enough, even if only as an actress.
"It is a good thing you knew you might be staying, Lady Yeriss. It would make me a poor host to have my guests feel closer to captives, even if they do come from my enemy. Your intentions are benevolent however, so we can look beyond that."

He then spoke his further orders, now with a clear conviction in his mind.
"Show Lady Yeriss her room, and find a meal befitting of myself for her for this evening, late though it may be. I trust such a distance to travel would make any weary. Time and fortune allowing, I should also like to have one prepared for us too in the next week, when I will find time briefly away from my duties. Do not bore the Lady with prattle in the mean time. For unless I see any reason otherwise, she is an esteemed guest in Surahnia and must be entertained and cared for as such."

He then rose from the comfort of his chair.
"...Provided Lady Yeriss does not object to such propositions?" He said, his voice as gentle and diplomatic as it might ever be for a man with such an intimidating reputation and extravagant appearance as his.