King Saralegui of Small Shimaron (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
enthraller) wrote2014-07-29 10:39 am
enthraller) wrote2014-07-29 10:39 am
ic - inbox
audio / text / video
(would prefer to log in-person interactions)
audio / text / video
(would prefer to log in-person interactions)
I know. And though I am not at full strength here - my sword is not complete - I must have confidence.
Anything less will carry over into the men.
Anything less will carry over into the men.
[It's way too early for reasonable people to be awake, but guess who's waiting when a servant wakes Sara up?]
[At least being told that he has a guest helps to wake Saralegui up. He's slow to get up in the mornings, usually, but today he forces himself out of bed and into proper clothes at a decent human speed.
Knowing Saber, this isn't just a social call. And given the subject of their last conversation, he'll want to hear whatever she has to say.
For all that he's terrible at mornings, Saralegui is at least good at hiding it. When he strides into his office where a servant had led Saber to wait, he looks as put together and alert as ever.]
You're here early. Is it urgent news, or should I send for tea?
Knowing Saber, this isn't just a social call. And given the subject of their last conversation, he'll want to hear whatever she has to say.
For all that he's terrible at mornings, Saralegui is at least good at hiding it. When he strides into his office where a servant had led Saber to wait, he looks as put together and alert as ever.]
You're here early. Is it urgent news, or should I send for tea?
I still have much to do and little time to do it in. Unfortunately, your tea would be wasted upon me, though do not abstain on my behalf. It is early.
I ask that you send your servants off on errands before we continue.
[There was no need for ears outside the doors.]
I ask that you send your servants off on errands before we continue.
[There was no need for ears outside the doors.]
[With a simple nod, he returns to the door to make his requests of the two men stationed there, one for tea and the other for some sort of breakfast -- enough to serve two, just in case this visit happened to run a bit long. He'd be a terrible host if he didn't at least make food available for his guest, especially knowing how much she enjoys it.
He waits until they've turned the corner before he closes the door and returns to his desk to sit down.]
This is about what we spoke about the other week, I take it?
He waits until they've turned the corner before he closes the door and returns to his desk to sit down.]
This is about what we spoke about the other week, I take it?
It is. I spent some time on this matter. I have been asked to relay a message to you:
Your Champion, Lancer, wished me to let you know that he will do everything he can to protect Redgate regarding Tarz and should an emergency arise, to contact him immediately.
Your Champion, Lancer, wished me to let you know that he will do everything he can to protect Redgate regarding Tarz and should an emergency arise, to contact him immediately.
[It's a struggle not to grin at that message. A real, legitimate effort, because there is nothing so satisfying as things going as planned. The details are a surprise, of course, but Saber had done exactly as he expected in taking charge of this issue herself, and that it's ended up with a Seelie promising to oppose Tarz is a particularly delightful bonus.
But this is the sort of thing he's good at, and after his initial moment of surprise, Saralegui adopts a conflicted expression, somewhere between relief and concern.]
That's... thank you. Or, rather, please thank him for me. I don't want to cause him any trouble with his court, but...
[The way he lets his words trail off makes him seem lost for words, too helpless in this matter to turn down the aid despite feeling he should.]
But this is the sort of thing he's good at, and after his initial moment of surprise, Saralegui adopts a conflicted expression, somewhere between relief and concern.]
That's... thank you. Or, rather, please thank him for me. I don't want to cause him any trouble with his court, but...
[The way he lets his words trail off makes him seem lost for words, too helpless in this matter to turn down the aid despite feeling he should.]
Please, Saralegui. [Saber's expression was flat.] I have been playing this game for more than half your life. And when it suits me and my goals, I allow myself to be played.
Be mindful of how often you attempt to play me.
Be mindful of how often you attempt to play me.
[He doesn't bend under the pressure of her accusation, but he'll at least lay it on a little less thick. Saralegui frowns with what at least externally looks like confusion, head tilting slightly.]
Tarz is a threat to all Unseelie. Would you have preferred I didn't warn you?
Tarz is a threat to all Unseelie. Would you have preferred I didn't warn you?
No, I am grateful that you warned me, but I do have many sources of information. Just be careful. We are friends, are we not?
Of course. [And he doesn't even miss a beat.] And I'm sure you're very well connected. But I'd hate it if something happened because I trusted that someone else would tell you.
As long as we have that understanding.
[Saber got to her feet.] Enjoy your morning tea.
[Saber got to her feet.] Enjoy your morning tea.
[The fairy that brings the letter doesn't exactly act much like a fairy. She's brusque, no nonsense, and looks like she's ready to pick a fight with pretty much everyone she passes on the street. If fairies can only contain a few emotions at a time, this one is possible five feet even of belligerence. But she's at least polite enough handing over the letter. Dorian had insisted on that.]
To Lord Saralegui, Lord of Redgate
Redgate
Troichean Tir
Allaidh Darach
Dear Lord Saralegui,
With the support of Minister Tzilan, I would propose to you a venture that will be to our collective benefit. Given the nature of the court that claims me, I cannot meet with you in person or commit much to paper. If it pleases you to discuss this matter with me, I would seek to meet with you outside of Redgate after sunset. If you would feel more comfortable in another location, my messenger will bring it to me.
In trust
[There is no name, but the fairy will tell him if asked: her boss isn't stupid enough to put it to paper, even if he's stupid enough to have her tell Saralegui. The sender is Dorian Gray.]
[meeting heeeeere]
To Lord Saralegui, Lord of Redgate
Redgate
Troichean Tir
Allaidh Darach
Dear Lord Saralegui,
With the support of Minister Tzilan, I would propose to you a venture that will be to our collective benefit. Given the nature of the court that claims me, I cannot meet with you in person or commit much to paper. If it pleases you to discuss this matter with me, I would seek to meet with you outside of Redgate after sunset. If you would feel more comfortable in another location, my messenger will bring it to me.
In trust
[There is no name, but the fairy will tell him if asked: her boss isn't stupid enough to put it to paper, even if he's stupid enough to have her tell Saralegui. The sender is Dorian Gray.]
[meeting heeeeere]
Dorian struggles for a long time with Saralegui's gift, in part because he fears to be too forward. Eventually, he settles on a white gold bracelet, woven in links of thin metal that plates together, almost as snake-scales, dotted with precious gems. It is a versatile thing, for it can be worn in two ways: visibly, with all its layers pulled together loose at the wrist; or drawn up against the skin in a long wrap that would hide it easily under any shirt sleeve.
The note says it is from Felim Caiside.
The note says it is from Felim Caiside.
Saralegui had planned on sending something since the season first started turning towards Yule. But the gift he receives is lovely and endearing, and there had been any doubt as to whether he should actually send him own present, it vanishes quickly.
Just a plain envelope in sent in return, and sealed inside is a short note and a steel badge with Redgate's motto, "In Defense", imprinted around its border.
You've been a friend to Redgate and myself. Should you ever need aid in return, you will have it. This is proof of that.
-Saralegui, Lord of Redgate
Just a plain envelope in sent in return, and sealed inside is a short note and a steel badge with Redgate's motto, "In Defense", imprinted around its border.
You've been a friend to Redgate and myself. Should you ever need aid in return, you will have it. This is proof of that.
-Saralegui, Lord of Redgate
[Loras is fiddling with the pocket-watch, trying to figure out what it is.]
[Ugh. He's in a poor mood to begin with, the last thing he needs is fucking Sansa Stark.]
What.
What.
[Late on the 16th, an odd pudgy messenger bird will deliver a message to Lord Saralegui wherever he is. The bird will linger if he is complimented for his hard work, but if there are no compliments or return messages forthcoming, he will quickly leave.]
Lord Saralegui,
Considering our past conversations, I think you will be relieved to hear that on June 15th, Lieutenant Tarz died from wounds he got during the battle with the Dullahan at the White Citadel. An orderly took his shard and has since vanished. I would give you more information if I could, but they are keeping other details rather quiet.
It sees that, for now, your city is safe, though I do not doubt another will soon take Tarz's place. As such I have talked to a few people who I thought might be interested in aiding you in protecting the city. One of them, Lady Katsa, may soon stop by the city to visit with you. I believe she is very trustworthy as she was also badly hurt by Tarz and holds no love for the Seelie.
If there is anything else I can help you with, please let me know as I will be glad to assist you.
Yours,
Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, Champion of Redgate/Captain of the Red Hand
Lord Saralegui,
Considering our past conversations, I think you will be relieved to hear that on June 15th, Lieutenant Tarz died from wounds he got during the battle with the Dullahan at the White Citadel. An orderly took his shard and has since vanished. I would give you more information if I could, but they are keeping other details rather quiet.
It sees that, for now, your city is safe, though I do not doubt another will soon take Tarz's place. As such I have talked to a few people who I thought might be interested in aiding you in protecting the city. One of them, Lady Katsa, may soon stop by the city to visit with you. I believe she is very trustworthy as she was also badly hurt by Tarz and holds no love for the Seelie.
If there is anything else I can help you with, please let me know as I will be glad to assist you.
Yours,
Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, Champion of Redgate/Captain of the Red Hand
[There is he sound of the watch being dropped, and a 'Seven Hells', before it's picked up again.]
Who are you?
Who are you?
[...shit.]
Who are you? How did you get that device?
[At least Sansa had always seemed discreet. What the hell was she doing leaving this thing where others could get at it?]
Who are you? How did you get that device?
[At least Sansa had always seemed discreet. What the hell was she doing leaving this thing where others could get at it?]
I am Sansa's dear friend and her successor.
Answer my question!
[Why didn't Sansa leave damn notes.]
Answer my question!
[Why didn't Sansa leave damn notes.]
[Why didn't Sansa leave damn notes...]
I'll answer your question when I'm sure it's safe to do so. "Successor"?
I'll answer your question when I'm sure it's safe to do so. "Successor"?
Lady Sansa is no longer with us. I am now Lord of Cothromach, as I was her second in command.
[...Ugh. Dammit. He really didn't need this now on top of everything else. He'd had no love for the girl, but at least she was a known element in this whole game, and one that was obligated to cooperate with him if necessary.]
And how much did she confide in you, Lord of Cothromach?
And how much did she confide in you, Lord of Cothromach?
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