Post by schalk on Jul 15, 2006 6:04:33 GMT -5
Donovan tears open the lone barrier between the Rynvale night and the raucous scene within the Salty Dog, one brow furrowed in consternation at the rowdy swashbucklers dotted throughout the establishment. No further thought is given them, instead the paladin turns his attention toward the mercurial one, the mistress of chaos. Edging into a seat adjacent Tenebrae, he keeps his voice low when he speaks, the tone coming gruffly from the seemingly faceless void beneath the cowl of an ebon hood. "Make it quick, I've business with my sons."
Schalk walks into the tavern, looking around for the occupants. At this early hour the Salty Dog Tavern is quiet and Simon, the barkeeper needs to stiffle a yawn. Donovan, the governor of Rynvale is present as he sees, and off course the lovely madam Tenebrae. The elvergast quickly makes his way across the room, laden with sailors sleeping off the previous nights drink, to join them at their table
Tenebrae arced a brow, her gaze lowering to meet Keane's own as he seated himself, the necromancer choosing, for the moment, to remain where she was standing. A pale shoulder bereft of the weight of her pack was leant against the rough-planked wall, bare arms folded across the swell of her chest. "Donovan." The single word by way of greeting more than he deserved, she mused, since she herself had gotten none. Her lips parted to speak, words unforthcoming as saw the elvergast wander in. "Schalk!" Her terse demeanour melted, a hand gesturing toward the table. "Just the man I was looking for. Sit with us?" She tilted her chin toward the paladin. "I assume you know who this is?"
Schalk nods as he extends his hand to the paladin. ''A long time since we last met sir Donovan. Pray tell me how are your sons? I do hope lord Gumpels death served a good cause...'' The elvergast's voice is kind, and indeed at the moments the warrior is quite civil, yet his mood has changed various times over the past few hours.
Donovan is rather tired despite the purpose-laden gait he'd originally displayed in approaching Tenebrae, so it was entirely likely that he was imagining the pirates he'd seen. Lacking the time or motivation to reflect further, he turns his attention toward Schalk and Tenebrae, awaiting their statements without a word. His intent is not to seem rude or impatient, but he does have better places in mind for himself to be at such an unreasonable hour.
Donovan said to Schalk, "One will never cease to live up to Gumpel's heroism, but the other could not care any less. I'll take what I can get, frankly."
Schalk smiles in a very light manner ''Indeed, such things happen. I do hope lady Stronghammer will be able to retrieve his body...'' A sigh escapes the elvergast's lips ''But alas, such things happen and the Sigtyr has decided that in order to succeed in his task, Gumpels life would be claimed... Yet other matters are on the table now.'' With those last words, the warrior looks purposefully at the vampiress.
Tenebrae spoke abruptly, the paladin's manner sparking a like eagerness for business to be done. "Right." She pulled her own chair out, plopped into it, planted elbows to the table. "This is how it is. We're taking Cenril. The Claw seems able to pull fleets out its arse as easily as it does legions, and right now there's a pack of 'fishing vessels'... if you get my drift ... with cannons trained on The Eternity. The Cabal need use of Rynvale's shores and docks. But Schalk here will explain that better than I."
Schalk nods as he winks for Simon, a jug of ale and three tankards ''Thirsty'' he remarks before gazing at the Governors face, hoping to find any traces of his thoughts there.
Donovan 's steely gaze meets Tenebrae's at her matter-of-fact assertion, the manner of which indicates she already believes it done. Discussions of need bring him into a greater sense of power, and he shifts almost as though he realises his leverage in the matter. "If you believe the Claw will roll over and hand that city to you on a platter you're sorely mistaken, Tenebrae," the voice within the hood rumbles lowly. "You ask me to endorse open war on our only connection to the mainland, and for that I must know the grounds, and have your assurances that this fight will not reach our doorstep."
Tenebrae raked the tips or her fingers through her hair, drawing it back from her face, a soft sigh hissing over rose-hued lips as she leant back. Her eyes would speak her intent, and in them there was no quarter given to the upsurge of seeming righteousness in Keane's voice. "I ask you to endorse nothing, Donovan. What I ask is use of your shores and docks, so the fleets Schalk and his people are bringing in have somewhere to land, while we figure out how best to strike the Claw's armada. I also need use of that cove over by your place to stow The Eternity. I've already set up a nice little cave there, all cosy..." She smiled, tightly. "The whole idea is avoid this spilling over to Rynvale. If we can effectively hide Eternity, and come at Claw from behind, we'll drive them -toward- Cenril, rather than back this way. Make sense?"
Schalk smiles grimly at Donovan ''My friend, you have forgotten about the appaling situation in Cenril at the moment. As long as the Mayor, the puppet of that cloudy shade of a dragon, upholds the present taxes, trade is not possible. Indeed, my people, who are sincerely interested in trading with Rynvale and the lands of Hollow, can not gain acces to the harbour of Cenril through these taxes and the merchants of Rynvale can make no profit because of them.'' The elvergast places this subject on the table as a very matter of fact thing but indeed it is clear that, while both men realise this, the danger for Donovan is much greater than that for the elvergast. ''We would of course like to have the support of your forces here, for the mariners and privateers of Rynvale can be of great use, yet what we want to ask you is merely to open the docks, shores and harbour to my men and those of the Cabal.''
Tenebrae nodded her thanks to Schalk, fingers curling 'round the pewter tankard's handle.
Donovan cogitated heavily upon the words spoken by Schalk and Tenebrae alike. So alike, so in tune...so rehearsed? His mind becomes flooded with thoughts and confusion, a myriad of scenarios all trying to be simultaneously played out in that mortal brain of his. His hand rests gently upon the proffered tankard though he drinks not of the liquid within. Instead he maintains his posture, almost as one would assume the dwarven poker player would wait while deciding to call his opponent's 'all-in'. "I cannot give the answer this moment, I'm afraid," he says after the elongated, painstaking pause. "I will pray and seek counsel, but I shall have an answer by this same time tomorrow." So much weighs in his mind, and it is a responsbility he sometimes wished he didn't have, but such is the course of the hero. He truly needs to mull it over, that much he does know. The rest is all up in the air to him.
Tenebrae 's lips were tensed, but her words reasonable when at length they emerged. "Very well. Good eve to you, Donovan. Rest well, and consider well, also. Much is to be gained and lost in the weeks to come. I trust it is -we- who benefit, rather than the stagnancy that is Flaming Claw." Her drink was cupped in both hands, raised to her lips, which would be employed for nothing else a while.
Schalk nods as he listens to Donovans answer ''Your council will want to know about this obviously, and I will not put any pressure on you in giving your answer. Yet one thing I would like to know now. Can the Eternity be hidden upon your shores without your guards taking it?'' the elvergast sympathizes genuinely with the Governor, leader of the Freedoms Call, yet this matter goes to his heart ''She, and her crew and even our dear Tene can be blow up by morning. I ask you this because the shores of Rynvale are the only place near here she can safely make a landfall''
Donovan stands up, having nothing more to say aside from a collected, "That I can allow," toward Schalk's final request, "but for protective purposes only. No mobilisation will come from these shores until I permit it." That said, he departs into the night air, apparently eager for a return to his villa and family, expectedly safe within.
Tenebrae exhaled audibly again, speaking not 'til Keane's form was out of sight. "That went well..."
Schalk leans back in his chair, slouching slightly. His blue eyes fall on Tenebrae as he takes a draught of ale ''Now, we shall wait.....'' he mumbles, watching the vampiress carefully to discern any traces of her thoughts.
Schalk said, "At least the Eternity will be preserved"
Tenebrae nodded, eyes rolling ceilingward, head tilting back. "Thank the gods. I'll speak to the crew tonight... With luck, Leo will be about to help, or I may need to ask you to help in this, as well." She righted herself, peridot training back to the elvergast's azure gaze. "I owe you, my friend. You have my gratitude, in perpetuity."
Schalk provide one his, by now, trademark smiles ''Not at all my dear, not at all.'' He waves his hand in a gesture to accompany his words, yet noting the relief on the vampires face. ''As for the war, I reckon he will agree in the end, as long as we can safeguard the city from harm.'' A thoughtful look appears in his eyes. ''And remember that trade has largely stopped with the Claws fleets in the bay. Yet Rynvale's city is easy to defend...''
Tenebrae looked tired. Bone-weary, of a sudden, and it would be obvious to the elvergast that she was in as dire need for rest as had Donovan been. "Forgive me, Schalk. The day's been arduous, and I must try to gain some sleep, before time comes to move Eternity." She rose, the usual chaste kiss placed to his cheek.
Schalk stands up, a friendly nod given as he receives a kiss on his cheek. ''Of course my dear, of course''
Tenebrae gave him a warm smile, and took up her pack, her small frame perhaps seeming smaller as she trudged the floor toward the tavern's exit.
Schalk walks into the tavern, looking around for the occupants. At this early hour the Salty Dog Tavern is quiet and Simon, the barkeeper needs to stiffle a yawn. Donovan, the governor of Rynvale is present as he sees, and off course the lovely madam Tenebrae. The elvergast quickly makes his way across the room, laden with sailors sleeping off the previous nights drink, to join them at their table
Tenebrae arced a brow, her gaze lowering to meet Keane's own as he seated himself, the necromancer choosing, for the moment, to remain where she was standing. A pale shoulder bereft of the weight of her pack was leant against the rough-planked wall, bare arms folded across the swell of her chest. "Donovan." The single word by way of greeting more than he deserved, she mused, since she herself had gotten none. Her lips parted to speak, words unforthcoming as saw the elvergast wander in. "Schalk!" Her terse demeanour melted, a hand gesturing toward the table. "Just the man I was looking for. Sit with us?" She tilted her chin toward the paladin. "I assume you know who this is?"
Schalk nods as he extends his hand to the paladin. ''A long time since we last met sir Donovan. Pray tell me how are your sons? I do hope lord Gumpels death served a good cause...'' The elvergast's voice is kind, and indeed at the moments the warrior is quite civil, yet his mood has changed various times over the past few hours.
Donovan is rather tired despite the purpose-laden gait he'd originally displayed in approaching Tenebrae, so it was entirely likely that he was imagining the pirates he'd seen. Lacking the time or motivation to reflect further, he turns his attention toward Schalk and Tenebrae, awaiting their statements without a word. His intent is not to seem rude or impatient, but he does have better places in mind for himself to be at such an unreasonable hour.
Donovan said to Schalk, "One will never cease to live up to Gumpel's heroism, but the other could not care any less. I'll take what I can get, frankly."
Schalk smiles in a very light manner ''Indeed, such things happen. I do hope lady Stronghammer will be able to retrieve his body...'' A sigh escapes the elvergast's lips ''But alas, such things happen and the Sigtyr has decided that in order to succeed in his task, Gumpels life would be claimed... Yet other matters are on the table now.'' With those last words, the warrior looks purposefully at the vampiress.
Tenebrae spoke abruptly, the paladin's manner sparking a like eagerness for business to be done. "Right." She pulled her own chair out, plopped into it, planted elbows to the table. "This is how it is. We're taking Cenril. The Claw seems able to pull fleets out its arse as easily as it does legions, and right now there's a pack of 'fishing vessels'... if you get my drift ... with cannons trained on The Eternity. The Cabal need use of Rynvale's shores and docks. But Schalk here will explain that better than I."
Schalk nods as he winks for Simon, a jug of ale and three tankards ''Thirsty'' he remarks before gazing at the Governors face, hoping to find any traces of his thoughts there.
Donovan 's steely gaze meets Tenebrae's at her matter-of-fact assertion, the manner of which indicates she already believes it done. Discussions of need bring him into a greater sense of power, and he shifts almost as though he realises his leverage in the matter. "If you believe the Claw will roll over and hand that city to you on a platter you're sorely mistaken, Tenebrae," the voice within the hood rumbles lowly. "You ask me to endorse open war on our only connection to the mainland, and for that I must know the grounds, and have your assurances that this fight will not reach our doorstep."
Tenebrae raked the tips or her fingers through her hair, drawing it back from her face, a soft sigh hissing over rose-hued lips as she leant back. Her eyes would speak her intent, and in them there was no quarter given to the upsurge of seeming righteousness in Keane's voice. "I ask you to endorse nothing, Donovan. What I ask is use of your shores and docks, so the fleets Schalk and his people are bringing in have somewhere to land, while we figure out how best to strike the Claw's armada. I also need use of that cove over by your place to stow The Eternity. I've already set up a nice little cave there, all cosy..." She smiled, tightly. "The whole idea is avoid this spilling over to Rynvale. If we can effectively hide Eternity, and come at Claw from behind, we'll drive them -toward- Cenril, rather than back this way. Make sense?"
Schalk smiles grimly at Donovan ''My friend, you have forgotten about the appaling situation in Cenril at the moment. As long as the Mayor, the puppet of that cloudy shade of a dragon, upholds the present taxes, trade is not possible. Indeed, my people, who are sincerely interested in trading with Rynvale and the lands of Hollow, can not gain acces to the harbour of Cenril through these taxes and the merchants of Rynvale can make no profit because of them.'' The elvergast places this subject on the table as a very matter of fact thing but indeed it is clear that, while both men realise this, the danger for Donovan is much greater than that for the elvergast. ''We would of course like to have the support of your forces here, for the mariners and privateers of Rynvale can be of great use, yet what we want to ask you is merely to open the docks, shores and harbour to my men and those of the Cabal.''
Tenebrae nodded her thanks to Schalk, fingers curling 'round the pewter tankard's handle.
Donovan cogitated heavily upon the words spoken by Schalk and Tenebrae alike. So alike, so in tune...so rehearsed? His mind becomes flooded with thoughts and confusion, a myriad of scenarios all trying to be simultaneously played out in that mortal brain of his. His hand rests gently upon the proffered tankard though he drinks not of the liquid within. Instead he maintains his posture, almost as one would assume the dwarven poker player would wait while deciding to call his opponent's 'all-in'. "I cannot give the answer this moment, I'm afraid," he says after the elongated, painstaking pause. "I will pray and seek counsel, but I shall have an answer by this same time tomorrow." So much weighs in his mind, and it is a responsbility he sometimes wished he didn't have, but such is the course of the hero. He truly needs to mull it over, that much he does know. The rest is all up in the air to him.
Tenebrae 's lips were tensed, but her words reasonable when at length they emerged. "Very well. Good eve to you, Donovan. Rest well, and consider well, also. Much is to be gained and lost in the weeks to come. I trust it is -we- who benefit, rather than the stagnancy that is Flaming Claw." Her drink was cupped in both hands, raised to her lips, which would be employed for nothing else a while.
Schalk nods as he listens to Donovans answer ''Your council will want to know about this obviously, and I will not put any pressure on you in giving your answer. Yet one thing I would like to know now. Can the Eternity be hidden upon your shores without your guards taking it?'' the elvergast sympathizes genuinely with the Governor, leader of the Freedoms Call, yet this matter goes to his heart ''She, and her crew and even our dear Tene can be blow up by morning. I ask you this because the shores of Rynvale are the only place near here she can safely make a landfall''
Donovan stands up, having nothing more to say aside from a collected, "That I can allow," toward Schalk's final request, "but for protective purposes only. No mobilisation will come from these shores until I permit it." That said, he departs into the night air, apparently eager for a return to his villa and family, expectedly safe within.
Tenebrae exhaled audibly again, speaking not 'til Keane's form was out of sight. "That went well..."
Schalk leans back in his chair, slouching slightly. His blue eyes fall on Tenebrae as he takes a draught of ale ''Now, we shall wait.....'' he mumbles, watching the vampiress carefully to discern any traces of her thoughts.
Schalk said, "At least the Eternity will be preserved"
Tenebrae nodded, eyes rolling ceilingward, head tilting back. "Thank the gods. I'll speak to the crew tonight... With luck, Leo will be about to help, or I may need to ask you to help in this, as well." She righted herself, peridot training back to the elvergast's azure gaze. "I owe you, my friend. You have my gratitude, in perpetuity."
Schalk provide one his, by now, trademark smiles ''Not at all my dear, not at all.'' He waves his hand in a gesture to accompany his words, yet noting the relief on the vampires face. ''As for the war, I reckon he will agree in the end, as long as we can safeguard the city from harm.'' A thoughtful look appears in his eyes. ''And remember that trade has largely stopped with the Claws fleets in the bay. Yet Rynvale's city is easy to defend...''
Tenebrae looked tired. Bone-weary, of a sudden, and it would be obvious to the elvergast that she was in as dire need for rest as had Donovan been. "Forgive me, Schalk. The day's been arduous, and I must try to gain some sleep, before time comes to move Eternity." She rose, the usual chaste kiss placed to his cheek.
Schalk stands up, a friendly nod given as he receives a kiss on his cheek. ''Of course my dear, of course''
Tenebrae gave him a warm smile, and took up her pack, her small frame perhaps seeming smaller as she trudged the floor toward the tavern's exit.