abraxaslogs | [closed] there's a tyrant on the throne

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[closed] there's a tyrant on the throne

WHO: Thancred Waters & Lyle Vela
WHAT: Thancred is granted a private meeting with Lyle regarding current events in Thorne.
WHEN: Around the time of the Inferno quest
WHERE: Nott, Lyle's private office
WARNINGS: TBA

[ In truth, Thancred had not known whether or not his request to speak with Lyle Vela would fall on deaf ears. This is only his second time in Nott and he is well aware that the Summoned are treated with suspicion on a good day. Yet functioning on the belief that an enemy of your enemy can be your friend, he had decided it was worth a shot.

The city guard that he approaches and speaks to in a tucked-away alley surprisingly agrees to deliver the message, and from there Thancred is left to wait for only a short while until the man returns and requests that Thancred follow him.

Which is how he's led into one of the nicer buildings in Nott and eventually into an office, which contains what looks to be high-quality hand-crafted furniture. Given Nott's abundance of craftspeople, nothing about the room feels out of place.

Thancred's told to wait for Lyle to meet him, and spends that time inspecting the parts of the room that are out in the open, meant for prying eyes. The quality of the furniture aside, it is quite a humble space. Thancred has heard that Lyle rose to his position from nothing, and it seems he endeavors to keep up the image of a man who was born without a silver spoon.

He isn't particularly nervous, having brushed shoulders with royalty and city-state leaders in the past. However, as soon as he hears footsteps coming from down the hall, he pauses and turns to the door, ready to greet Nott's Lord of Representatives. ]

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[Lyle Vela's office says a great deal. While the furniture is handcrafted by masters it's simple and functional. A plain desk with simple wooden chairs and a nicely made woven rug of various blue scraps of fabric that looks like many of the rugs one can find in any shop in the city. There are a few generic but well-painted landscape portraits hung on the stone walls. There are two filled bookshelves behind the desk. The most impressive thing about the office are the windows that overlook the Lake Circinus.They're massive and thrown open to let in the pleasant lake air while it remains pleasant.

The man himself matches his office when he steps inside. Well made but plain clothing with little adornment in dark colors. There's no announcement heralding his arrival he simply steps inside briskly and leaves smudges of soot where he walks.]

You must be the 'summoned' come to speak with me. Silly term, if you ask me, but I suppose it's fitting. We used to house a number of your people, but they've all looked elsewhere for a place to call home. Sit.

[Lyle's voice is brisk and without nonsense. He waves to the simple chair across from his desk as he takes his own seat.]

I'd offer refreshments but I don't have the servant to spare for it. It seems despite the manpower and resources our governing seat holds, they still require all of my people to drop what they're doing and rush to help.

[ When Lyle enters it is with little in the way of frills. He doesn't announce himself or even offer an introduction, but it's clear who he is by the way that he passes through the office to sit behind his desk. Thancred notes the soot that he tracks in with him — so he has been out in the thick of it, then. Thancred had been similarly grimy the day before, but he thankfully managed to get himself a bath at the Hare and Harrow before coming here.

Other Summoned have stayed in Nott? Thancred had known that some passed through, such as Geralt, but he hadn't realized that anyone had stayed beyond a night or two. Not that it's relevant at the moment. He nods, moving to take a seat as indicated. ]

Worry not, I hardly came here for refreshments. [ Now is hardly the time for laidback chats, given what's going on outside of these walls. Thankfully the breeze is blowing in a clear scent from the lake rather than more of that ashy smell, at least for now. ] I realize you have a great deal you must be juggling at the moment, and I appreciate you taking the time to meet. I had a glimpse yesterday of what the attack has done to your croplands.

[ There's a pause then, as he considers where to probe next. Lyle has been rather open thus far, and so Thancred will do the same. He leans forward, bracing his elbows on his thighs. ] When you say governing seat, I assume you refer to Castle Thorne?

That is who I'm referring to, yes, our royal leaders and their mages. And I am a busy man, so you'll forgive me if I don't waste time on pleasantries. You wanted to see me for a reason. Let's have it.

[There is no question presented. Lyle folds his hands on his desk and watches Thancred. His expression is open and no effort is made to hide his scrutiny of his guest.]

[ Thancred doesn't mind being under scrutiny. As much as it is often his job to remain unseen, he has attended his fair share of Alliance meetings, the sort where many important people are all gathered into one room. Usually Himeka was the focus of such things, but he never hesitated to speak up and share his two gil.

He appreciates Lyle's urgency and lack of interest in niceties. Time to get to it, then. Thancred clears his throat. ]

You and the people of Nott's feelings toward the crown are no secret. For that reason, I can only imagine how you feel about Queen Ellya's rash actions leading to a retaliation that impacts you and yours, rather than the Castle.

[ It is, simply put, unfair. That much is easy to see.

He continues, his lips set into a stoic line, his gaze never once straying from Lyle. ]

While I can only speak for myself, I do know for a fact that other Summoned are outraged at the queen's behavior. We cannot allow someone with such wanton disregard for human life to remain in power.

[The expression on Lyle's face doesn't change.]

A noble sentiment. Yet I am sure you've noticed no royal mages storming out, no members of court speaking up, no intervention from His Majesty. The problems in Thorne go much deeper than our ambitious queen. And I suspect began before her time. But we are isolated here in Nott. Our concerns are our own and not the crown's. In all ways that statement may be taken.

[Nott doesn't care what's happening in the castle and the castle doesn't care what happens to Nott.]

To be quite clear with you, sir, the only reason the crown sent aid at all is because their crops are burning. Were this city on fire, I would not be surprised if they let it burn.

[ The point made about King Brydan is certainly of interest, as Thancred has noticed his odd inaction in this entire situation. He has stepped up recently, however, in regards to one point: requesting supplies from Solvunn to aid his people.

That second point earns a nod from Thancred as he runs a hand over his chin in contemplation. ]

Yes, I suspected as much. When a food source is targeted, however, everyone in these lands is bound to be affected. Regardless of whether or not your concern lies with the crown, its actions will continue to affect you and yours, and not in any beneficial way. Are you simply resigned to that fate?

[ If this is something that extends further back the the queen herself, perhaps it means that it's a corruption that's run too deep to be rooted out. Or Lyle assumes as much, anyway. Is there truly nothing to be done? Somehow, Thancred doubts it. ]

My concern is my people. My efforts are focused here, on providing for them as Their Majesties do not see fit to provide for us as they should. I was born here, right down by the fishing docks. I know my city and I know my people. We are hardly in any position to rail against the crown. Certainly not with the dispute escalating as it is. We can't fight two wars at once.

[Lyle doesn't appear to be concerned by the idea, however. His tone remains the same and without any anger or shock.]

Besides which, as I said, we are isolated here. We have no army; we have a local city watch force. I hold power in Nott, but little in the castle. Were I to take any action, it would be of a much less obvious sort.

[ Thancred cannot hold any of Lyle's words against him, as much as he feels a hint of frustration build up in his chest. It's true that Nott's resources, both in terms of manpower and influence, could hardly stand up to the might of the castle and the crown. But if Lyle chooses to continue to focus only on himself and his people, there is no telling how many more times Nott will be left to suffer collateral damage as a result of the queen's actions. It might continue until there is naught left.

He almost poses a question to that point, but then Lyle finishes up with a statement that instantly seizes Thancred's attention. His eyes flash as he leans toward the desk. ]

As it so happens, I am quite fond of the less obvious paths. They do tend to lower the risk of being thrown into a cell, I've found. What would you have in mind?

[ Perhaps the time has come to lay out his skill set, but he waits for Lyle's answer first. ]

That would depend.

[Lyle leans back and eyes Thancred as though trying to measure his worth right here and now.]

As I said. I have no power in the castle. Or reliable eyes or ears. That is a hinderance to any hypothetical action. And of course we are speaking hypothetically, you and I. Even lords of the land and honored Summoned aren't above accusations of treason. I trust you understand me.

I understand you quite well, Lord Vela.

[ If Thancred agrees to serve as his eyes and ears, that does not mean that he will suddenly be safe from the queen's wrath if he's discovered. It is still going to require a great deal of care, but if he wants to forge an alliance, he'll need to take some risks.

And, in truth, this is something he's been thinking on for quite some time now. If it earns him the ear of another voice speaking out against the crown, if only behind closed doors, then it may very well be worth it. ]

Then — hypothetically speaking — I may be able to offer you some of what you lack. I have the necessary training for this sort of thing.

And were I inclined to lay plans, I would be very appreciative.

[Lyle leans forward, hands clasped in front of him. There's a slight softening around his eyes.]

I will find a reason to speak to you again, when you have had time to put your skills to use. And of course if any of your fellow Summoned have wish to put distance between themselves and the throne, Nott is always open to them. We've sheltered your people before, we would do so again.

[ While it would be easy to take this as a dismissal, Thancred views it instead as a test of sorts. He's quick to nod, to straighten in his seat as he's offered this challenge. There isn't much reason for this man to risk much on him until he knows that he can deliver on what he claims, after all.

If he needs to prove himself to earn Lyle's trust, then so be it. ]

I'm certain we'll be in touch soon enough, then.

[ He's a bit surprised to hear that offer of housing Summoned in Nott, however. Then again, with the way the queen has been throwing anyone who looks at her wrong into the dungeons, it's a kind olive branch. ]

I'll certainly keep that in mind. And if anyone were to want to take you up on that offer, who is that they would need to consult with to be housed here?

They would see me. Now, I'm certain we both have matters we need to attend to. Thank you for coming by, and I look forward to speaking again.

[Lyle stands and offers his hand over the desk to shake.]

I trust you can find your own way back out?

[ Just like that, it seems. Not that Thancred minds that he's being politely kicked out, as he's lucky to have even gotten this far. He nods as he stands and grasps Lyle's hand for a firm shake. ]

Yes, I'm quite confident I can manage that much. [ He winks, for good measure, even if it might be seen as a bit cheeky. ] I'll pass on your offer to any Summoned who seem interested in leaving the castle's influence.

[ As much as they can, that is.

With that, he gives a quick deferent nod and then heads for the door. ]

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[closed] there's a tyrant on the throne

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Apologies for the delay

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