Post by Ekaterina on Oct 19, 2012 21:58:26 GMT -5
Meeting with the dwarves
Seeking alliance
Since her return after her abduction, many flitted about her which wasn't of her choosing. Osiris and Radulfr were about to drive her mad with their concern, the way they tended to her as if she were a weak woman than the resilient one she was. Too keep the peace; she gave in to their worry to remain at the manor for a few days to recover from her situation of the sea. Not one of her wisest decisions by far, but one she felt there was no other recourse. She refused to remain bed ridden, which only caused the two men in her life to complain and she to ignore it. The staff of the house was doing their best to get all the juicy gossip they could, so they could spread it to the other noble houses to gain a purse for information shared. Sadly, no information gotten would aid the other nobles in their attempt to over-throw the Norse and claim her holdings. If anything, it made a few shy away from her, not wanting to become involved in something that they may not be able to fight against. They were Norse, and the Viking people were a superstitious lot. When it came to the arcane, the walking dead, it was enough to give them pause. Not saying they wouldn't fight against them if push came to shove, but they'd not voluntarily step into a fight they didn't view as their own. Although the attack on the port city was one that had more involved than they'd like. The sun was just beginning to rise upon the horizon, and she had chosen to sit out on the deck that overlooked the vast span of ocean off in the distance. She was refused her usual mead and instead was sipping on a mug of tea. Not that she didn't like tea, but the mead helped to numb her body of the aches and pains where the tea did not. Adorned in the usual leather and hides, not quite the picture of a noble did she present in this state of dress. A cloak fashioned from the hides of Arctic wolves rested over her shoulders and draped her body in its warmth.
It was out over that distance that she would see new things pulling into the port of Kiel. Great ships that pulled into port. Luckily not here for war, but for trade and commerce, bringing in wealth and new things to the land. It was in fact one such visitor from distant lands that was now pounding upon her front door, thumping on the massive thing with such force that it rattled it upon the hinges where it rested. He did not come alone, but with two others of his own kind. None of them were dressed for an attack or war, indeed they all looked rather regal, none more so than Magni himself, but they did bring with them weapons, though they were no more than those born on the eve of ceremony, looking like they belonged upon walls instead of on ones belt.
The door would be swung wide open, and the lumbering form of a man stood before them. Unlike they, he was quite well outfitted for battle. Wearing leather armament under the overlay of chainmail. Swords and daggers rested within sheaths located on various areas of his person from boots to those attached to the thick upper arms. "What do you want?" Came the growl of his baritone voice as he eyed the smaller, thickly bearded men that stood before him. Meanwhile, a servant had passed by to see the strange men outside her mistress's front door, and made haste to the area the Norse had chosen to rest and offer the news of visitors along with a description of what they looked like. Now this gave her pause as she just stared up at the young woman. A wave of hand sent the girl on her way, and with a soft groan of protest she'd rise from her seat and set the mug aside. Slow would be her procession back into the manor. The Norse rarely walked in a pace faster than what was considered a mosey of movement, slow, calculated, yet graceful. She'd round the corner, but remain there for the moment to witness the guard answering the door and those whom stood just beyond.
He looked up to the man, his eyes narrowed as the jewel within his eye sparkled with the mid-morning sun. He could automatically tell he didn't like the man, and wanted to punch him square between the loins, after all he was about the right height for it. However he decided not to be as rude as the churlish man and instead spat forth in his own deep, flinty voice, speaking slightly louder than may be needed. "I wish to speak with the Lord of this House. Will you take me to her?" Within a gauntlet clad hand, he heft a staff of sorts, a beautiful thing studded with gems and jewels, laden with what looked to be gold with the stylized head of a dragon upon it. The thing looked to worth a man’s weight in gold.
Little trust rested within the port city, least of all for those not native to the land. The guard stood mute for several moments just staring at the strange little men. His lips parted in preparation to refuse them entry.
Slowly she proceeded forward, and just as her man was about to refuse them a visit, her hand lifted to touch his shoulder.
He'd turn to see the Norse standing beside him and brows furrowed in disapproval, but he'd not speak against the very hand that fed him. It was bad enough that Radulfr and Osiris were throwing their weight around as of late. A nod of his head and he'd step aside to permit her the doorway in which to speak.
"I'm no lord, but this is my home you come to. What is the nature of your business with me?" It was hard to tell what was hidden beneath the heavy cloak, which she still adorned. Though peeks here and there would offer a viewing of the midnight colored leather beneath. Icy shards of blue would openly peruse over each of the men, weighting and measuring those that stood there.
He matched the man’s gaze, his own filled with a stern level of ire, though as he stepped aside, that stone gaze fell upon the woman. When she greeted him with at least a sliver of the respect he came to expect, he gave a small bow of his crowned head, which gave some hint as to whom he was, or at least the status of his position. "I wish to speak to you of the Barbarians of the North. From what I understand, yours is one of the larger Noble Houses of Kiel, is it not?" He questioned coolly, setting the staff to lean in the crook of his arm, looking past her and towards the inside of the house, hoping she would invite him in. Despite the regal clothes and jewels he wore, he, as well as the two others behind him, all looks quite tired, as if they had marched a long voyage.
For a moment she stood there after he spoke, it was then she'd step back and look to her man. "Have some mead brought by one of the servants to my den."
The man looked as if he was about to protest, but instead offered a nod before giving the dwarves a look of warning. Turning he disappeared within the interior of the manor.
She'd then by motion of hand invite the men to enter. "Please be sure to close the door once inside." Stated in a calm, soft voice before she'd turn to lead them further within. Passing through the foyer, they could see a formal dining room rested to their left, beyond that on the same side would be nestled the quaint ballroom for formal events. To their right was at first a sitting parlor, next to that would be the formal living room. It would be past that, and the massive stairs that lead to the second level that she'd lead them, and into the area of her den. Once inside they might be a bit surprised, for the room was more manly in its decor. Thick and heavy leather bound books upon shelves created the wall to their left, before this sat a heavy mahogany desk with a marble top surface. To their right were more shelves and upon these sat various items from figurines forged of brass, gold, and silver, to areas where brass tubes that contained various parchments and maps. Stuffed and mounted heads of game animals also adorned this wall; all surrounded the large hearth in which all 3 men could easily step into and stand shoulder to shoulder, and at least two of them in depth. Before this rested 2 comfortable chairs, separated by a table which matched the desk. On either side of those were the small double cushioned seat's, which in modern times would be known as love seats. At the very end of the room were two French doors nestled between a wall of windows. This lead out to the balcony beyond which also housed several chairs and benches. She'd indicate the seats before the blazing hearth without a word spoken, moving to claim the one that was hers to settle within. Awaiting them to gain their comforts before continuing on.
When he was shot such a sullen glance from the guard, Magni retorted with a bright toothy smile, his mouth and grinning as if he were a small child that had been given a new toy, clearly messing with the fellow before he stalked off to do his masters bidding. He made a quick motion for his men to follow him, one of them closing the door as she had asked before they continued on to follow her through the home, their footsteps a cacophony of thuds, clanks and taps. However upon coming to what was clearly an office of some sort, though which she called a den, the three of them looked about, though didn't speak to one another, only taking seats as she had motioned towards, each of them fitting a big snuggly within the arm chairs due to their width, but finding comfort in the Seti's.
One of the servants would arrive with a large pitcher of mead and three tankards. Proof that the guests would be permitted to drink, but not herself. With a grumble under her breath, she'd accept the mug of tea that was brought for herself. The offering was placed upon a table which rested in the center of the half circle of chairs. "Help yourself." Indicating the drink provided. Attention then upon the gem eyed man. "You say you come to seek my aid with the Barbarians. Though I don't wish to diminish what you may be facing, but we here at Kiel have quite a full plate ourselves and it involves not only the Barbarians to our West, but even more powerful creatures to our South." There was another question she had nagging at the back of her mind. But that would be left to answer later, for now she wished to hear what they had to say.
The dwarves perked up at the site of drink, and got up to take their drink with joy, each and every one of them smiling as they sat down whatever occupied their hands in order to take their mugs and take turns filling them from the pitcher for each other, not even bothering to wait to seat again to drink. They each took a sip from it before staring at each other and giving a slight shrug and then turning to her and giving a soft nod and a look upon her faces that told her they approved. With pitcher in one hand and mug in the other, Magni took his seat once again, feeling much better with a drink in each hand. "Then would it not be wise to seek allies to defeat at least one of your two foes? After all if you face both alone you are outnumbered, but if you can kill one with the aid of another, you are no longer outnumbered...and what beasts plague you, if I may ask?"
She watched as the men filled their drinks and with such vigor. This caused a hint of a smirk to appear upon her lips, as such was the way of the Norse as well. Want to create peace? Just pull out the mead along with lots and lots of food. Once all settled and the one that evidentially was their leader spoke, it would be upon him all focus would now settle. "Ahh, but therein lies the problem. For you see, the Barbarian King has sanctioned a lesion with the leaders of the undead and unspeakable creatures of the south. Their forces combined in their present course, which has yet to be discovered exactly what their intent is. From what news could be gathered, they intend on conquering all the lands to take under their rule." Giving them a moment to let that soak in before she'd continue. "So far, we've met against fallen warriors raised from the dead. Beasts that are half man and half dragon. Their leader is a dragon turned lich, who rules overall and replenishes his armies from those fallen." Eyes would then shift from one to the other as she shared this information, before attention was upon their leader once more. "As for allies, yes, that would be of great importance indeed. Though I must confess, I have no idea whom you are, or from where you hail." Since no introductions proceeded their demand, nor offering of lands to which they represented.
"I've heard tales of such horrid things...though I have never seen them myself. None have been mentioned in our books for ages." He gave a slight frown, rolling the mug about before drinking from it readily. "And are you sure this lich has allied himself with the Barbarian, or perhaps the Barbarian has allied himself with the Lich?" He canted his head to the side, lifting the mug as if to make the point. "Dragons are vain, greedy and selfish creatures, I doubt he would aid the Barbarian unless it serves his purposes. After all, I have not witnessed any Undead used against my own people." He tilted his mug about, looking to one of his comrades who nodded softly, before he turned back to her. "I hail from the Karak you know as the Copper Ruby Mountains, the Easternmost Branch of the Dwarven Empire. I am Magni Magnusson, Lord of the Karak, and Son of Emperor Meili Magnusson."
"I'm unsure of whom sought out whom for alliance; though I have my suspicions it was the Barbarian King whom sought out the Lich for this allegiance, even if the Lich may be using it for his own intent and purposes." Answering his first question. "I was abducted by the Lich and handed off to the King, though I'm unsure as to why." Now would be the time to speak of the rest. "This makes me wonder why a dwarf noble would be in sanctions with anyone from the south." Not coming right out to justify her suspicions, but if the man answered incorrectly, another war would indeed ensue, and it would begin within the realm of her home.
"There are many nobles within the three kingdoms of our people, far more than there are royals. Indeed, out of six noble houses spread between three kingdoms...hundreds of dwarves, any of whom could have had contact with someone from the Konigriech, we trade with them on a fairly regular occasion. If I were to guess, I would say it would be someone from Barak Varr." He gave a shrug, tilting back his mead once more before starting to refill his mug. He wasn't really sure how to respond to what she was saying; after all she hadn't really answered a question, but instead made a statement. He handed off the Pitcher to one of his fellow dwarves as he looked to her. "But my reason for coming here was hopes of making an Alliance between our people to fight the Barbarian, who several years ago staked claim upon my land in a hostile invasion. A recent meeting between he and I has rekindled war between us, one that this time, I cannot afford to lose."
The information about the dwarves hierarchy was taken note of and a slow nod of her head as she listened. It didn't answer any of her questions, and still gave her doubt about the Dwarves. She was still unclear how a dwarf would know where she was held captive, and then sent one of the minions of the south to rescue her, when her own people had no clue, due to the nature of her abduction. Perhaps if she explained it further, it would lead to a better understanding, yet she couldn't be sure these dwarves were not involved themselves. This could be a ploy by the Lich to raise an army to face off the King and in turn conquer all. "This is a matter I'd have to bring before the council of nobles. I am just one member of thirteen chairs which control the area. I can set up a meeting to take place on the marrow. I'm sure once this matter is discussed, they'll wish for you to stand before all to state your wants. However, I will inform you, they do nothing without gaining something in return. So be prepared. I've no doubt they'll request your armies aide in fighting both fronts we face, especially since they are conjoined forces."
"Something in return?" He stated irately, his head canting to the side as he gripped the mug in both hands. "You will be having a much easier time facing the Barbarian Hordes than if you were to do it alone, as would we." He had to stop himself from getting upset, instead taking a deep breath and looking into the mead for a moment to break eye contact with her. "I'm assuming you at least see the logic in what I speak of. Even if we do not forge an Alliance, we will be fighting the same foe, putting pressure upon two fronts. Unless your people suddenly decide to stop fighting, which I think everyone would agree would be a poor choice all around."
A brow rose when he barked out his first statement. Didn't she just say the request would be for a joining of forces? She thought she had, but yet the little man got irate with the information shared. "And you seem to be thick headed with selective hearing." Stated in a calm quiet voice. "I had just said that very thing, or are you one of those who have to be acknowledged as being the one who came up with the plan?" Head canted slightly as she turned her head to gaze upon him fully. "Do you really think we'd deplete our armies to back you, if you refused to aide us in facing both the King and the Lich, who are working together?" Slow shake of her head. "They work in unison, one attacks from the north whilst the other from the south. Do you think the Lich would not carry his forces into your precious mountains after conquering us?" A brow to rise. "If you don't see the logic in this, then what you ask sounds more one sided then an alliance between our two lands."
He shot up quickly, taking a stand from the chair and spitting his words out as if they were venom. "A moment." The two that came with him did the same, looking to him as he stalked off towards the Balcony, bringing the doors open to let the others follow and close them behind them. They spoke to each other quickly, their voices muffled by the doors and the walls, though what could be heard was clearly not of the common tongue. Voices were raised briefly amongst the three before they lowered once more and the filed back inside one by one, taking their seats once more before their leader spoke up. "We will speak with your gathering, if they do not wish the forge an alliance, then so be it, we will take our fight against the Barbarian alone. However if you seek to gain his lands during your warring with him, there will be war between our people for it."
The cup in her hand was set aside and slowly she rose from her chair. Leaving behind the cloak of white fur to now give full visualization to the armor worn. It made no noise when she moved, the black leather that encompassed her form. A half dozen daggers could be noticed in how they were placed within a special pocket created for them between pants and top adorned. Smaller pockets to be noticed, what they contained was hidden from view. Turning to face the three men. "This makes me question why you wish not to face the Lich, perhaps my earlier suspicions were correct that you have already sided with him, or made a pact between his undead legions and your own. Your refusal to agree to stand by our side that fights him who helps the Barbarian King." Her tone was still calm, but held a cool edge that nearly mirrored those icy shards of blue. "We have no intent to war in the Northern Territories, as our fight is here within our lands, to which the barrier of your mountains rest between." Reminding them of the geography. If those of Kiel aided them, it meant they would have to leave their own borders unprotected. "If you cannot agree now to this then I've no doubt will you not agree when facing the council. Then when the King has the Lich aid in his battle against you, it will be you who stands alone to face both fronts, whilst we protect our interests and the lives of all who live in Kiel. You make a demand, but refuse to negotiate. You, sir, have much to learn in the negotiation of alliances, they are never one sided!"
He remained quiet for a moment, draining his mug setting it aside with a loud belch. Gauntlet clad fingers wrapped tight around the shaft of the staff, as if bringing at the ready as he slid to his feet, his own men doing the same, hands moving to rest upon their weapons as she exposed her own. "I do not wish to face the Lich because I have no proof he exists, and because I have yet to believe if he does, he is a threat to me." He huffed proudly, his eyes narrowing towards her. "Though I had thought you were to follow him to his own lands after pushing him out of yours, which explains why you have no interest in my aid. Despite your insults towards me and my kin, I shall do you and Kiel the kindness of distracting him and perhaps forcing him to withdraw from your land so that he may defend his own, leaving you only this Lich to fight. Though thank you for not wasting my time any further by exposing the nature of manlings."
"So because you see him not as a threat, you would not aide those who would be sent to help you to regain your land." Slow shake of her head. "You're not asking for an alliance, you're trying to recruit bodies in a land already preparing for war." Slowly shook her head at how shallow minded the man seemed to be. "And what do you offer these men to leave their home unprotected, because you refuse to acknowledge the danger their family faces?" Head tilted slightly. "And if I remember rightly, the Barbarian already owns part of your mountains. Thus, you're not presently under attack, what you intend to do is regain what you claim is yours. We don't fight to just keep our lands, but to keep the undead from spreading in their claim. Believe or not, simply visit those in the port area and ask them about the recent attack in which many of our people were taken as slaves. The inability of our men to fight back against the arcane used. Speak to the ones who's loved one was slaughtered in the street with a blink of an eye against a force that no common weapon stood a chance against." Hands moved to rest upon her hips. "You say I am the one who insults? We have had recent bloodshed upon our soil, the attacks already take place. Yet you stand there smug and self-righteous in your refusal to allow aide to our plight, only to send our men and women to die in your fight that offers absolutely nothing in return!"
It was clear that he was trying to keep his cool, his upper lip twitching slightly to show his teeth and the lid over his gemmed eye flinching as he growled. "I told you, I had a fundamental misunderstanding about your situation with the barbarian." Her insulting words were clearly getting to him, and not just him but the two dwarves that came with him, who displayed similar signs of agitation and frustration. "As I said, I'm going to aid you with your troubles from the Barbarian by attacking him from the South and he should withdraw, lessening your troubles somewhat. Perhaps..." He grunted word through clenched teeth. "In our warring's I shall be able to intercept communications with the Lich that will lead to a better understanding of their relationship. Information that I will freely share with the people of Kiel."
He had not said he would aide them, which was why she stood as she did. But she'd not counter him on that fact, as enough feathers had been ruffled so far. It was then she'd offer the man her hand as she stepped forward. "Then I will rally the council and inform them of what you offer, and then if they are willing you will be called to stand before them and explain your rules of engagement. It's not just I to which you must speak; I am but a part of the council as a whole. Though my word weighs heavily upon most decisions made." She'd not obligate the lands to this treaty, without it going before the council first. This way it would be considered a valid alliance, and recognized by all who resided in Kiel. "It's not a quick process, but a necessary evil. I'm sure in your own lands you do not make decisions alone for all the dwarves." Such was her assumption.
He looked at her hand, and then back up towards her, his brows lifted before he glanced side by side to the other dwarves and back at her again, and then towards her hand. "What is this?" He questioned her glumly, his anger replaced by curiosity, at least for now. If there was one way to distract a dwarf, it was to present him with something he didn't understand, especially on a mechanical level, they'd spend the next week trying to figure it out. He stepped to the side, squinting and looking at her hand. "Do you want me to pay you?" His gaze ran up her arm and to her face. "For the mead?" He shrugged softly and fished into an interior pocket, offering up a few copper coins and placing them into her hands. "Is that enough?"
A brow rose as he questioned the extension of her hand. "Perhaps our ways are different from yours. When we come to an agreement, we usually shake hands. It shows both parties are in agreement." Slight shrug of shoulders. "It's just a gesture of good faith." When he put the coins in her hand, a blink as focus shifted to them, and then back towards him; hand still extended with coins within. "The drink was offered in a friendly manner, not meant to be paid for."