abraxaslogs | [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. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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. ]

[closed] there's a tyrant on the throne

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Apologies for the delay

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