Latest revision as of 15:14, 19 August 2014

Participants

• Flora
• Lucasiel
• Sara
• Selena

Date

17/8/477

Log

The Silvervein Pass would not always seem to live up to its name - a somewhat dry day leaving dust from the pass to whip up and soil the rocks and cliffsides that give the area its name.

Deeper in is no exception: recent rains leaving the dust to cake on the surface of rocks and gravel, though the highlight of the area is the clearly non-native beings gathered towards a beaten track towards the far end of the pass.

the uniform is undeniably that of LongTech workers or security guards, clearly poised and ready for their assigned jobs - some a little scuffed or dishevelled from their trek through the mountains, but otherwise fine.

Amongst the group of LongTech securitybeings stands one being in a different outfit. High Lady Flora longtail is dressed in a practical, yet still formal-looking dress of sorts, padded to provide some measure of protection against the bandits in the area.

She's already doling out commands, setting up a path and looking over some maps of the camp in near-silence as she stands in front of a makeshift table that seems to have been erected on the spot.

Whistling a merry tune as she wanders along, Lucasiel makes her way up the path, axe propped up on one shoulder, kite shield occupying the other arm. Coming to a halt before flora, she dips into a little bow. "Good day, Flora. I am here to lend my hands."

Following close behind a group of the guards, and wearing her own LongTech uniform, the lizard woman Sara slowly makes her way through the mountains. By the end of the treck, she doesn't seem to be at all tired or worn, the trip being a usual occurance to the Freesword Agent. "So.. who are we going to try to get again?" the lizard woman asks the nearest worker as she moves along, only sparing the one she had spoken to a brief sidelong glance however, her attention fully on the trail infront of her. "Huh.. ah well, guess it doesn't matter. Either way, I wonder if they're one of the good guys." she mumbles sparing Flora a brief glance before she lapses into silence, waiting for the orders from her employer. Her hand resting comfortably on an already armed pistol all the while for security reasons.

"Flora does not know herself, and as of right now, we are not trying to 'get' anyone, no. We will simply be going to meet with sir Guy, see if he has hopes, dreams, or anything else the new house might do for him, and if possible, offer him that. However, let it be clear that Flora does not wish to force anyone to pick a side in the house's conflict. If that happens, it will be the other half of the house doing it," the she-cat rumbles, smiling faintly towards Lucasiel, before looking back to Sara.

"The being we're interested is somewhere around... Here," she rumbles, before gesturing at a quarter of the camp. "From what Flora's heard, he trains the younger beings in the camp, yes."

Lucasiel glances over towards Sara and gives a bow of her helmet before looking back to Flora. "That sounds straight forward. Find him, entice him into joining the family. No force or pressure. Understood. I will do this to the best of my ability."

Noticing Lucasiel's bow, Sara offers her own greeting by swishing her tattered cloak back, and nodding to the Panther in question. The nod lowering to a point of being considered a small bow. "Greetings." she states before raising her head and looking to Flora and the map she had pointed to, "Right. Sir Guy, huh? Got it.. no coercing. Not sure how this'll work out but I'm open for trying."

"Very well, yes... Lets move," Flora rumbles, before rolling up the map. "Flora prefers leaving things clean. No killing, no blood if we can help it, just talk, yes," the cat notes with a small, almost uncertain smile, before looking between Lucasiel and Sara, then gesturing to the security-corp. "If things go south, safety is paramount. We do not leave anyone behind if we can help it. Is Flora clear?"

Lucasiel gives a curt nod. "Of course. Talk first." She turns to start moving as soon as the group does. "And none left behind." Short on words, it seems! All the same, she looks back towards Sara. "I don't believe we have met, have we? I am Lucasiel. One of the returning family."

"Understood Lady Flora, I'll follow your lead." Sara responds as Flora gives ends her briefing, "I'll try not to dissapoint, though knowing the bandits it might be a bit.. difficult." the lizard woman ends with a sigh. Though it does not last long before she looks to Lucasiel once more and nods, "I do not believe so either.. as you're a member of the family, would it be safe to assume it's Lady Lucasiel? Though.. I'm Sara, just Sara though.. no surname, no titles. Just another worker amongst the company. Though it is good to meet you."

The trail is perhaps unsurprisingly rocky and mountainous as the rest of the trail, though some sections come to narrow chokepoints, making it a bit more time-consuming than usual to bring the group through the pass. A bell rings twice from further in, though it's clearly not signalling the time of day, and more to the point the palisaide tucked neatly between two larger plateaus indicates that they're getting close.

There's no resistance as the group approaches the camp, though one surprisingly well-armored being moves to block the entrance as the entourage seeks entry. "What brings all of you out to these parts? Don't get many visitors." A heavy-looking hammer thumps against the wall behind them as they peer out from behind a full helmet's visor.

"Flora is looking for passage into the camp, yes," the she-cat rumbles, holding up her hand, which displays the golden signet-ring she had made for the new house. "Flora has been told there is a Longtail living in this camp, and as such, would like to parlay, yes," the she-cat rumbles, her ears flicking and her hand signalling for the LongTech guards to hold their ground.

Lucasiel shakes her head and chuckles quietly. "Please, miss Sara. Lucasiel works just fine. Or Luca. Siel, too, if it pleases you. Lady Lucasiel only in courts or formal situations." As they draw up to the camp, she falls silent again, letting Flora do the talking for the time being while she remains quiet and stoic. "Mm.. seems most nobles I meet request that," Sara admits with a soft chuckle, ".. but if you say so, fine, Lu--.." Sara's sentence however cutting off as she reaches the main gate and meets the guard, though lets Flora do the talking, figuring the tigress had it handled nicely up to this point.

The armored being regards the group quietly for a few moments, scoffing quietly - not that the visor makes it any easier to tell what his thoughts are on the matter. "Sure, sure. Consider this your only warning though: You try anything funny; cause any trouble, piss anyone off?" A quick cutting gesture to the neck is made with a gauntleted hand. "Creators aren't coming to help ya. None of us WANT more blood down here, but it's one inquisition short of forcing us to keep ourselves and ours safe."

Stepping aside, the being adds one last word of warning - "Mind, Selan doesn't have time for questions about who's where and what. Just pester some of the others around here, if your Longtail isn't out training the kids. You'll know how to get there, it ain't hard to get around."

"Of course, yes. Flora has no reason to cause trouble," the she-cat rumbles quietly, her tails flicking behind her, as she gestures towards the security-convoy to sheathe their weapons. Her eyes move about, and she silently moves through the gates, with or without company. "We are not here to stirr up trouble, no," she notes one last time, setting out towards the training-grounds almost immediately.

Lucasiel, alas, has no way to stow her axe! So she just keeps it propped up leisurely on her shoulder, but she doesn't show any signs of being aggressive. "So I'd imagine, miss Sara. Many nobles do not wish to appear... High and mighty. Makes it harder to acquire friends. As for me... I just do not like using the family name. Not yet."

"You've got my word on it sir, as long as the bandits within the camp don't make any hostile movements there will be no bloodshed. You got my word on it." Sara responds moments before giving the guard a brief nod in thanks. After passing by the armoured man Sara gives Lucasiel a sidelong glance and responds in kind with, "Mm? Ah, I guess that would make sense. Don't want to intimidate those around you. Though you don't want to use the family name? If I may ask, why's that? The current events or something along those lines?" as she speaks, her attention remains on the road through the bandit camp, and any of its inhabitants that they happen to pass by.

The guard looks back over their shoulder one last time as the group enters, lifting their helmet slightly to spit on the ground - revealing a decidedly canine muzzle beneath.

Inside the camp, towards the immediate left of the group entering the area is the training grounds and rally point - it's fairly plain that the group had their camp planned out decently from the looks of things, with sectioned off sparring arenas - the 'paths' manage to be kept clean and fairly open despite the number of beings making use of the area - some of the older beings keeping a watchful eye for foul play or injury - an uncommon occurance if the splatters of dried blood in the arenas are to be taken seriously.

Guy Longtail paradoxially stands out while being equally inconspicuous - as the only feline of an appropriate age prowling around the grounds, he still maintains an appearance in line with any of the other beings in the camp, occasionally stopping to correct a perhaps startlingly young being's technique or demonstrate a simple drill.

Needless to say, the group's presence sets a slight unease in as they pass by, leaving the distinct feeling that - while not unwelcome - there's never nobody watching. Particularly for Lucasiel - while not acting agressively, the obvious readied weaponry doesn't serve to improve their disposition. A small smile, a gentle flick of Flora's tails, while she watches the beings for a few moments, before suddenly, she starts moving towards Guy with the greatest of ease, almost effortlessly weaving between the practicing beings, avoiding any wayward strikes as she moves with a surprising amount of smoothness with every step. A wayward blade sidestepped here, a short pause as two beings move past her, before she moves on again, finally standing in front of Guy and offering a curtsey. "Sir Guy, Flora takes it? Or do you prefer Lord Longtail?"

Lucasiel is well aware of the looks she is most certainly getting, but if she reacts to it, it's hidden under all of that armour. She was alright with them watching, and made sure to give them no further cause for alarm, keeping her voice calm and relaxed as she speaks to Sara. "Yes. The actions of the family in the past have made me... Rather annoyed. They brought disgrace to our name. That is why I left Firmament for so long. But I came back to see if I might help Flora redeem it. Understandably, she is cautious about letting me close. So I bide my time, waiting for little things like this to prove my loyalty." She gestures to the high lady as she introduces herself to Guy Longtail.

"Mm.. right," Sara mentions in response to Lucasiels reasons for not using the family name, though her progress is stopped as she reaches the arena and notices the amount of people training. "Uh.. huh.." Sara mumbles as she looks for a way through the group, a step often leading with two back as she nearly bumps into a training bandit. Eventually however she does find a way through and stands infront of Sir Guy along with the others, and after a relieved sigh of having made it, Sara regards the trainer with, "Sir Longtail?" Sara and a brief bow in his direction, "It is good to meet you."

"Just Guy." The tom interjects, aparrently not fussed that she had cut off the woman, peering back at the tiger for a few moments. "Just. Guy. What are all of you after?" There's a brief pause as he pulls a training weapon from a young being's hand, only to bat them lightly with it - "You've already hurt yourself twice today running with these. Third time and you're on your own." He chasitises, before leaving the kid to wander off a little sheepishly with the weapon before he turns back to the group, a slight flick of his tail. "And who are you?" The being seems equal parts unimpressed and uncomfortable at the mention of his full name, though not much more.

A small smile, a flick of Flora's tails. "News has not... Reached here, then?" the cat rumbles softly, before offering another curtsey. "Flora. Flora Longtail. Head of LongTech Industries, and for the past half year, High Lady of House Longtail. WITH the King's blessing," she rumbles softly, silently observing the others.

"Flora is here to talk, for now, yes... But if this is an inopportune moment?"

Lucasiel lingers a little distance back for the time being, not wanting to crowd the old cat. Instead, she makes her best impersonation of a statue, standing still as she can, ears flicking under her helmet as she listens in on the conversation. She had nothing to add at this time, so why speak? Guy rolls his eyes, looking back to the field. "Sure you are." The cat pauses for a few moments, still not convinced. After a few moments he scoffs, briefly taking one of the other older beings aside and murmuring to them before he turns his attentions to the group, the latter being starting to take over where the cat had left off with the youths. "Fine. Come with me, we'll 'talk'. too loud here for conversation." He mutters, leading the group towards the center of the camp; bonfire currently out and from the looks of things, not too many beings loitering about for the time of day.

"You'll have to do a bit better than that, kid. What do you really want me for?" He presses, setting himself down on one of the slabs of stone about the place that serve as benches.

"That is... Actually it. Flora wishes to speak with you, and that's it. Yes, Flora would like it if there was... More support for the new direction of the house, but so far, it has been scarce, and for good reason. However, Flora also does not want to force anyone to pick a side, even if it means holding out for longer, yes. As such, just talk, for now, yes," the she-cat rumbles softly, her ears flicking lightly.

Lucasiel slowly turns and twists before moving to follow after the others. With careful movements, she eases herself onto one of the nearby benches and stares blankly ahead into the extinguished fire. At least, that's what she seems to be doing. That armour is really great at hiding subtle movements, like the attentive nature of her features as she listens over the conversation. All the same, she remains a woman a no words, content to just listen and wait, to ensure there are no problems. The idle twitch of her tail under her cape at least shows she's not gone and fallen asleep.

Sara makes her way to the center of the camp, following close behind Flora as the group moves, though rather than seat herself down on one of the slabs the lizard woman chooses instead to stand behind her employer, her crimson gaze focusing closely on Guy as the two converse, being the simple quiet guard that she is. Eventually however she does break the silence with, "If you don't mind my saying, Guy. We arent asking you to go out on a limb, solely that you offer us what aid you are willing to give."

Guy rests his cheek on a fist as he listens in to the cat's reasoning. "Mm-hm. why bother coming all the way out here for something like that, then? Some help I'd be out here, and I don't fancy Firmament very much." He replies, eyes half-lidded as he takes a significantly more serious tone. "If you're just here for politics then you're better off not wasting your time."

Another small smile, another shake of the head. "Flora... Wishes to know about the state of the house. Its members. Things Flora, or LongTech Industries can do for those whom still wish to be a part of it. Records only tell so much, and every Longtail has a different story," she rumbles softly, looking every bit as serious as Guy does. "The records tell Flora about lineage, about great acts of old. But they tell nothing about the current state of affairs. Flora's experience in these matters is low, and although Flora has... Some beings that support her, some part of the family as well... The picture is far from complete."

"IF there is a way to bring the House back to glory, it will require more than one being. And as such, Flora will be visiting with any Longtail Flora can find, provided there is... Some measure of safety in doing so. Guy is the first Flora has sought out, yes."

"So... Politics." The cat sighs heavily, shaking his head. "Do you know how many beings here have time for Sweetwater politics? None." For a brief moment, Guy looks about ready to simply walk off, muttering under his breath - something about taking long enough for people to not care about his name - "...Bad enough you're asking me about that. What are you expecting, a brief history of Reginald's coup or how someone's half-brother married a 'commoner'? This is my life here, and there aren't any other Longtails around camp."

"No, not politics. Talk," Flora rumbles, almost stubbornly. "Flora does not... Enjoy politics. Or particularly care about it, unless required. Flora has made only a single appearance in court, for that matter. And that was because Flora was practically summoned, yes."

"What Flora however cares about are the attempt on Flora's life, and the attempt on the life of several employees of LongTech Industries by other Longtails who HAVE made their choice. Flora does not care about terms like 'noble' or 'commoner'. A being is a being, yes," she rumbles, her tails trashing about lightly. "And the most important thing Flora cares about is building something that will last. Creating a better future. Not just for Flora, not just for the current beings, but for later beings as well," she rumbles, her hand on her abdomen, almost as if trying to emphasize something to the other feline.

"However, it is not a thing Flora can achieve on her own. Flora needs help. Help from friends, and help from family, however scarce."

"But for now... Flora cannot expect such. And as such, Flora will simply ask... What does Guy want from the house? For himself? For others Guy cares about? Family? Friends? Something else?"

With a slight roll of his eyes, Guy reiterates one more time - "Talk about Longtails is politics no matter how you say it. If you ARE a Longtail at all, then you should probably know already that there's always someone interested in someone else's business, especially with 'family matters'."

"Not to mention, you're after me for the wrong reasons 'Flora'. I have a job here, friends here, family here. Not some 'longtail' family that'd be glad to bribe or backstab, and I don't have to worry about being chased up by the Sweetwater guard."

Standing up from his place, the cat tsks quietly. "You sound the same as any other idealistic being to me. As far as I'm concerned, unless you have a real proposition for me then I'm not sticking my neck out on your behalf." gesturing to the cats stomach - "I have my own family to worry about, and here is a lot safer for them than Firmament would be. Much less Firmament with the House Longtail I remember. I will not and can not go back there for something vague as that."f

"Flora is... Very much aware of the issues. Flora is trying to solve them. One problem at a time," the she-cat rumbles, sighing lightly. "As for idealism... Maybe Guy is right... However, Flora has managed to achieve some results. The manor has been renovated, Longtail square is... Slowly being repaired, and LongTech Industries is turning a profit," she notes, before shaking her own head.

"There is nothing concrete and long-term Flora can ask, or offer, not yet, because if LongTech opens up a full war with the family right now, there is no chance of success. Like you say, the family is all too likely to bribe or backstab. There are very few Flora knows Flora can trust."

"However, there are several things Flora can ask right now. Keep an eye out for the family. There is no need to move, simply to watch carefully... Something Flora figures would already be happening... If any Longtails make a move in the area, Flora would like to know... If Guy has any parts of the family-records, Flora would like to have them... Or Flora can send someone to transcribe them. And if there is anything Flora can do in return, Flora would like to know, yes," the cat rumbles again.

"Flora is not expecting anyone to stick their hands in the fire of this conflict, but if FLora doesn't ask, the fight is already lost."

"Flora will not force anyone to move, or do things against their will. Flora will not force anyone to pick a side. Flora will not and can not expect anyone to drop their life because 'the High Lady asks'," the growls with a small scoff, before shaking her head once more. "But most importantly, Flora is not fighting a battle to win, Flora is fighting a battle to survive. And to survive, we must bide our time, build up strength, and come out of the small encounters we've had so far with as few losses as possible."

Guy stands in place as he's spoken to, the same unimpressed expression never leaving his face for the duration of the noble's speech. "Congratulations, then. Come back when you have something concrete." the cat deadpans, spreading his hands apart. "I don't have any of House Longtail's records, and you've just said yourself that you have nothing to offer me."

"For all your speech, Lady Longtail, all you have told me is the same thing I could hear if I asked a fortune teller. You can't ask every being for favors and offer them a promise in return and you clearly have no idea what you've got yourself into. You want information on Longtails, then find an information broker or someone with connections to your family that can tell you just how dangerous handing out that kind of information can be."

"Then what exactly /do/ you want for your cooperation?" Sara asks, finally breaking her long silence, and barging infront of Flora, "What? Crowns? Armour? Weapons? I ain't the best smith, but can whip something up for you or your trainees.." she adds a nod in the training yards direction. "I ain't here to beat around the bush, I'm not one of the Longtails, far from it, just another scruffy guard with no claim to fame, but I am not going to sit idly by while those I've worked alongside risk getting killed every time they leave their homes." The lizard then breathes a soft sigh of discontentment, and raises both hands, "Look, I can understand you've got a life here, family too, but can your conscience really handle the blood of an innocent, guilty of little more than being caught in the crossfire of a fued between a family stuck in its dark past, and another simply trying to rebuild itself into something better?" After taking a step closer, Sara states again, "You mentioned you don't have records, but surely you can remember something that might be useful. Anything we can turn to our advantage. As I said, I'd give anything to make sure those that put their faith in this company can remain safe and secure. I would be a failure at my job if I had done anything less."

Guy sighs quietly as Sara pushes in front of Flora and begins speaking, hint of a smile creasing his lips at her propositions before his visage returns to stoic seriousness. "You're speaking my language." He muses. "My conscience has gone through a lot worse than someone dying because of something that wasn't my fault. Do you feel a burden on yourself every time someone dies when they could've been protected by a guard had they chosen to hire one? My conscience would be hurt far more if someone here died because I wasn't here to teach them. Beings that have done something for me." The cat reaches around to his side, revealing a sheathed weapon of some kind as the lizard steps in further. "Watch your temper, though. I don't want a fight."

"You're going to pardon any crimes I'm wanted for in Sweetwater, grant immunity if one of our neighbors petitions for extradition. You will extend these gestures to my wife and child. You will provide legal protection for this settlement. If you do that, then I will help you from here. If you want me in Firmament, then we need a place to stay, preferably not in the Longtail manor. You will send a qualified combat instructor here to teach the children how to fight for themselves. You will provide my family with a comfortable living or a job to provide it."

"Flora will look into these matters, yes. And of course, such acts would expand to the direct family, yes. For now, Flora will look into these matters... As for here or Firmament... Flora would prefer here, for now. Flora has some eyes in firmament, but none in the rest of the country, no. We cannot merely watch Firmament... Preferably, Flora would've eyes around the world, but we start small, yes."

"Flora shall look into these things, and send word once decissions have been made, yes. As for the manor... The manor is off-limits without an invitation, since LongTech Industries currently operates from there."

"Of course, if Flora has to provide this settlement with... Legal status, there are matters to discuss... Pardons from the law may be realized... Immunities thereof... Not."

As the weapon is shown, Sara takes a step back, "I apologize if I had overstepped my bounds." her voice sounding calm and collected, "You want a house? I'm not sure if I can assist, but I'll try. I only make what my job, and the work I get through the Freeswords offer, probably not enough to get a fancy house, but hopefully enough." Afterwhich the lizard makes her way to another of the stone 'benches' and eases herself down, "The rest however? I don't know about. I'm no big-shot when it comes to laws, pardonings, and what have you. I'm just another Gifted.. Souless.. or whathave you that had crawled out of Shanty Town and is trying to make her way through life." speaking as if it had been a common thing. "But.. in my time, I've dealt with those that call themselves Spyguards. I don't know if they owe me any favours, for all I know we had been settled as soon as the payment had been offered, but it's worth a try." looking to Flora next as she talks Sara gives a few brief nods as she mentions her plans, "It will be difficult," she says as she looks to Guy next, ".. but ultimately given time, and your cooperation it might be done."

Guy shrugs nonchalantly, easing his arm back as Sara moves away. "No house until she's got me a reply on the first few matters. I wouldn't want you to waste your time and money." The cat replies flatly. "That won't be easy. And as for you..." he rumbles, taking on a bemused tone. "I'm sure Papa Longtail would be overjoyed to hear THAT. Having spies across Promise? Do yourself a favor - just ask the church for recent messages or make some real friends. They're far lower maintenance." He replies, waving the cat off. "I'm not interested in painting a target on my back by joining you in your manor. I shouldn't have to make that clear. If things are as you say, then affiliating myself with you in any way is more likely to to get me killed than silencing you would. Now I do have to get back to training; I'll be waiting for that reply." The cat says. And with that, he makes his way back through the camp to the training grounds.

Flora smiles softly, before shaking her head. "Flora will investigate... As for the church... Flora is already discussing different matters with the church... There's only so much Flora can ask of one group."

"Miss Sara? We're leaving, yes. Sir guy? Flora will send a messenger from LongTech Industries the moment we are making progress, yes."

"Right behind you, Flora." Sara answers as she rises to her feet and makes her way behind both Flora, and Lucasiel, becoming just another faceless addition to the guard detail moving behind the two Longtails.