abraxaslogs | [ CLOSED ] a meeting

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[ CLOSED ] a meeting

Who: Rhy Maresh & Lyle Vela
When: mid-May
Where: Nott
What: Rhy approaches Lyle to discuss improvement of healthcare facilities in Nott and community investment.
Warnings: to be added if needed.

[ It's been a couple months now since Rhy sent that letter with Thancred, asking Lyle Vela if he would be willing to meet in person to discuss some potential ways the Summoned may be able to assist Nott. Since that time, much has happened -- and none of it good. It's been one thing after another: the nations flirting with war, the attacks between the Free Cities and Thorne, the kidnappings and the horrible truth behind them when it came to light what Josselyn Creed's cult had been doing to those poor people. It has not escaped Rhy that (as far as he's aware) all of the Summoned were recovered alive, while very few of the native Abraxans returned to their families. Of course, the majority of those losses were borne by Nott-- another ongoing pattern, time and again.

He knows that most of the responsibility and the ability to really enact proper change, as well as fund it, would normally rest on the governing body in Castle Thorne. But since they have shown little care for offering more than speeches (given at galas in another part of Thorne the actual affected people can't afford to go to), Rhy has found renewed determination to pick up the projects he was hoping to discuss with Vela before the abductions took everyone's full attention.

Luckily, when he followed up, Rhy received a positive response. Perhaps they are of a similar mind. Patiently, he waits to be received into Lyle's office. ]

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[The office of Lyle Vela is unchanged. The view of the lake from the large window is most impressive and the furniture simple but well made. Rhy is waved in by one of the staff to where Lyle sits behind his desk. He appears to have been writing something just moments before, but when Rhy enters the office his hands are folded beside a stack of papers. The smell of ink lingers.]

Welcome. Sit down. I'm afraid I don't have much time to offer you but I have some.

[Lyle's tone is brusque but friendly enough.]

May I offer you a drink?

[ Rhy nods politely, unbothered by the clip in Lyle's tone. ]

I understand your time is very valuable and appreciate the opportunity to speak face to face.

And thank you -- I'd be happy to share a drink if you'll join me? [ He offers a hopeful smile and takes the offered seat. ]

[A nod from Lyle. He pours the drinks himself, a bottle and two glasses produced from a drawer of his desk. It's a decent vintage, a local wine that likely doesn't match the quality of what's offered at the castle but well pressed all the same.]

I don't often have Summoned coming to seek a meeting. What is it you wanted to talk to me about? You'll forgive me if I don't waste both our time with needless pleasantries and small talk.

[ Rhy graciously accepts with another word of thanks, waiting for Lyle to settle in and pour his own before taking in the aroma and having a small sip to try it. ]

Of course. We'll get right to it.

I understand that resources [ from the castle, he means ] are limited, but there is an opportunity to be had out of the darkness of recent loss and destruction, a chance to make a better future and provide structure and support in the event of further difficulties down the road.

As you know, thanks to the efforts of many wonderful volunteers from Nott, and even some from Thorne, including Summoned, we've seen that there will be courageous souls who will rally during times of need. There are people who want to help. I hope to work together to harness that energy and momentum to make a lasting impact on the community here, perhaps starting with making permanent the temporary field hospitals in the rural areas still recovering from the fire. Or, if there are higher needs to be prioritized, we'll start with those.

I know officials are stretched thin. I wanted to meet today to volunteer myself as a resource. I've experience organizing community programs and city-wide events hosting international guests, as well as working with city officials and guards. I am no stranger to the politics of court, nor of tentatively balanced alliances and needs between various governing bodies. Of course, I speak of my home country, but in my time here in Abraxas, I have found that politics seems to be a universal dance.

I intend to be perfectly honest with you, Lord Vela. [ He sets his cup down and sits up a little straighter, his amber eyes meeting Lyle's seriously. Rhy understands that revealing his royalty may not serve him well here, but the last thing he wants to do is make Lyle Vela or anyone feel deceived. ]

Before being Summoned, I was meant to inherit the throne of my homeland. I made an oath to protect the safety, happiness and prosperity of my people. Now, my prospects have changed, but surely these skills and experiences, even this promise, can hold some merit even in a foreign land.

I hope you will consider me a friend to Nott.

[Lyle watches Rhy as he speaks, occasionally sipping his wine but mostly just watching. His expression is difficult to read.]

You're certainly gifted with an eloquence of words. At the heart of that particularly detailed speech I believe is an intention to establish medical facilities? I'm sure you're aware our own resources are stretched thin at the moment and we are still recovering from more than one tragedy. Your proposal and friendship aren't unwelcome.

But what, exactly, is it you intend to do? Pretty words and noble ideas are all very nice, but I'd prefer to hear a plan of action. How do you propose to make permanent facilities of the field hospitals?

Ah, I may have gotten a little carried away. But you are right. [ Rhy smiles with a hint of apology, and takes his wine up as well, touching it to his lips but careful not to just gulp it down like he anxiously wants to. He sets it down again and nods. ]

I understand. First, I wanted to speak with you about your perspective and the needs of your people. I did not want to assume I understood the whole situation, and I do not want to overshadow your concerns with plans an outsider decided on.

So I have come to you foremostly to ask: is this a need to focus on, or is there a more urgent one on your mind that efforts can be redirected to?

And these efforts, as I'm hoping to bring forth, would include seeking help from the Summoned, most of whom are very much sympathetic to how deeply Nott has been affected, and are-- well, shall we say, not nearly as enamored with their current accommodations as some may believe.

With extra hands and minds, we can mobilize efforts for outreach and education, including finding volunteers to teach healing magic and alchemy. I believe we can petition private citizens for resources as well, particularly those of means and education in Hayle. They seemed quite interested in the Summoned; that curiosity may serve some purpose beyond idle interest.

I admit I've only spent a small amount of time in Hayle, and only recently, but by my understanding, there are some people there of modest means, apart from those born of noble houses?

[ He's thinking that perhaps someone from the middle class more focused on education and progress will lend a sympathetic ear, and take an opportunity to establish their name in a charitable light. That is, of course, if Rhy has understood correctly from a short visit, books and chatter alone what sort of opportunities might lie there, and if the relationship between Nott and Hayle is less distinctly strained if nobility connected to the crown is left out of the plan.

Rhy watches Lyle's face carefully for his reaction to the idea of asking for help from anyone in Hayle, as well as for his reaction to suggesting that a group of Summoned lead the efforts. ]

Some men are men of many words. You aren't the first I've had in my office.

[Lyle appears to be unruffled and perhaps a touch amused. It's difficult to tell. His body language remains relatively relaxed and there's nothing hostile or combative in his eyes.]

From your words, it appears you are a man well traveled in Thorne. I know you've spent time here. I'm sure you've noticed that we are not like the rest of this land. We have our own law enforcement, we have our own school of magic, our own healers, we have a robust industry and make our own goods. There are many skilled artisans in Nott, but their attention is turned not to works of art but of function. Because while we could, at any time, petition the crown or our fellow cities for guards, for professionals, for masters of craft, we choose not to. An important aspect of our perspective and situation, as you say.

[His tone is without offense and he speaks factually. His body language remains the same. There's no indication he's bothered or insulted by anything Rhy has suggested.]

There is little need for educators here, we may not have universities or a number of institutes of higher learning but that is not our way. Education in any specialty or field is individual, an apprentice learns from a master. And we have no interest in help from another city. I assure you there are reasons for that beyond pride. Your people, however. They're a different story.

[Lyle leans forward with his hands folded on the desk. It's not in intimidation. There's a sort of knowing look to his eyes now. He speaks to Rhy as one figure of authority to another.]

Your people are very like my people. Caught as pawns in politics they wish nothing to do with, seen as a resource by our royal leaders and their court. So yes, we will accept your help and the help of your people. At the moment, I believe you're right, hospital facilities and medical expansion are a priority. I know your people have knowledge and skills that we do not, and we would be open to learning what you have to teach us to better help our citizens.

I can coordinate with Lord Giles Weson, our Lord of Health, and determine what he has and what he needs. We can provide physical labor to your projects, I can tell you that now. I'm sure you've noticed we have plenty of citizens with nothing to do....hmm. Thinking on it, yes, I believe you could be very good for our efforts here. Let me speak with Weson, I've an idea. In the meantime, I recommend you visit our hospitals and our places of healing. Get a feel for our way and our healers so to speak. It may help you determine what areas and aspects you might offer the most improvement to.

[A small smile - something not often offered by Lyle Vela.]

We lake folk may be set in our ways, but there is always room for improvement.

[ Rhy laughs. Guilty as charged. He does hope, however, that his words haven't come out sounding empty. He has many questions and ideas, and a lot of empathy for Nott and its people. His excitement at getting to speak with Lyle and hopefully make some difference for the better shows through, perhaps naively, but he knows he'll kick himself later if he didn't speak up when he had the chance.

He is glad that, at least, Lyle seems to take his words in good faith. Rhy leans forward, listening with the occasional nod, his expression open and earnest. It may be a rebuff in some ways, but he doesn't seem offended either. ]

Thank you, Master Vela, for the opportunity to learn more about your city's perspective, and for taking the time to explain it to me. You place great value in your independence. I certainly wouldn't want to disrespect that.

[ Thankfully, it seems this is still an opportunity, not a rejection. Rhy's eyes brighten, and his smile broadens. ]

Yes, of course. I will take full advantage while the portals remain open to visit your places of healing regularly, and solicit some of the Summoned here in Thorne who I am sure will be interested in doing the same, learning your ways and helping support the project.

Shall I expect correspondence from you or the Lord Weson once you've discussed further?

You are welcome. Yes, you shall. We'll be in touch. It may not be immediately, but you will hear from one of us.

[Lyle stands and extends his hand over the desk to shake Rhy's. He seems pleased with how this meeting has gone. While a hard man to read there's something congenial in his posture and his eyes.]

I look forward to speaking with you again. Take care of yourself.

[ When he stands, so does Rhy, matching him once more to extend a hand and return the handshake. ]

As do I.

[ He smiles, stepping back from the chair and politely tucking it back in. ]

I'll do my best. Health and peace to you, as well.

Appreciate your time, Master Vela. [ A nod, both in acknowledgement and farewell. ] Until we speak again.

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[ CLOSED ] a meeting

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i'm SO sorry for how late this is, I didn't get the notif ;A; thank you for your patience!

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