The Admiralty Board - Keros, Jaezred, Rae, Raine, and Crow
May 11, 2023 23:29:35 GMT
Jaezred Vandree, Ian, and 2 more like this
Post by Tom M on May 11, 2023 23:29:35 GMT
This time, when Keros and the gang arrive at Gossamer Threads, they are directed to a different private room than the one they have been using. A waiter opens the door for them and they walk into what appears to be a mahogany-panelled captain’s quarters in the stern of a galleon. The windows show a vast blue ocean outside, and they can faintly hear the rush of waves, the call of seagulls, and the creaking of wood. In the centre of the room is an oval-shaped table surrounded by eight ornate chairs. The usual tea and pastries have already been served, though now they are accompanied by rum and beer in wooden mugs and fresh tropical fruit on a silver platter.
Jaezred is seated behind the table, wearing a handsome black navy officer’s coat with burgundy trimming. He is sporting a new stubble on his jaw, as though he hasn’t shaved in the past few days.
“Welcome back, friends! I thought you might appreciate the theming.”
“You are a loss to the world of comedy theatre, Lord Jaezred,” Keros says as he rolls his eyes and takes a seat.
“So my partner says. Though according to her, it’s because the audience would enjoy laughing at me.” He looks at Raine entering after Rae. “Welcome, Miss Carroway. I’m glad for your presence here — always enjoyed your playing. You outshine the concertmaster consistently.”
Raine blushes and shyly thanks the lord for his patronage of the theatre. She takes a seat opposite him and claims a cup of tea for herself as Crow slinks into the room and quietly shuts the door behind him.
Rae takes a seat next to Keros, taking a deep breath and settling in nicely. “You have to admit though, Keros, It is quite pleasant.”
“Yes, just sit back, listen to the sounds of the sea, and relax…” Jaezred says, leaning back into his chair. Looking closer at him now, Keros can see the tiredness in his eyes. His movements have a slight but noticeable sluggish weakness to them today.
“I’m not knocking his interior decorating, I just… No, you’re right.” Keros sighs, “I am sorry, Jaezred, that was rude of me. Is everything okay? You look like you could use some of that drink.”
“No need to apologise, friend Keros. I was called to a mission by the Archmage Aurelia herself yesterday.” The drow lets out a sigh of his own and tosses back a glug of rum from one of the mugs. “The details of that are irrelevant to you. However, when I was in Daring Heights, I did see a piece of graffiti of that bird-like symbol in Portal Plaza. You’re already somewhat familiar with the bird-like symbol, Miss Carroway — the very same one you found in the Temple of All Seasons,” he adds as an aside to Raine.
“So it’s spreading. Perhaps the Republic Navy getting more funding wouldn’t be the worst thing.” Keros reaches for one of the mugs, pauses for a second, glances at Raine, and instead opts for a cup of tea.
Jaezred’s eyebrows shoot up. “What’s that now? What happened at the meeting with the admiralty board?”
“It… went really well. Rae made a connection with Admiral Ironhide. She has no love for the Warborns as a whole, something I appreciate, and she handed over some valuable information. We agreed to help fund a new expeditionary fleet.” Keros takes a sip and stares directly ahead, not meeting anyone’s eyes. “Nothing else of interest happened.”
“It went well? Truly?” Jaezred’s face breaks into a wide smile. “Well… I have to admit, my expectations were low… subterranean, even… But! That only means you have far exceeded my expectations! Well done, all of you. I told you, didn’t I, a bit of confidence goes a long way,” he says to Rae in particular.
“My expectations were truly not too high either,” Rae replies. “I was sure something would go wrong, and it wasn’t looking good at the start. But I just decided to be honest and upfront about what we wanted to do and how we could help. I think the Admiral respected the honesty?” They shrink a little in their seat at the amount that they are being talked about.
A mage hand is summoned to push a slice of strawberry cheesecake in Rae’s direction. “Maybe. One thing they’ve been saying is that the Dawnlands is plotting to keep their neighbours reliant upon them, but it’s hard to argue against the earnestness that many adventurers like you possess. So, good call. Now, did you find out who is behind the smuggling?”
Keros drops his guard for a second and can’t help smiling at the acknowledgement that in spite of everything that’s happened, Rae just being a good person is what saved the day.
Rae nods politely, taking a small bite of strawberry cheesecake before continuing. “The name on everyone’s suspect list is Rear-Admiral Keloss Rattleneck. Both Admiral Ironhide and Commodore Tempest mentioned as much, and the former gave me these documents accounting for shipping and receiving navy stocks to and from Za’Suul and Port Alaca. I can’t speak to fully understanding them myself, but I know that they aren’t quite right, and Rattleneck’s had his hands all over them. I intend to bring them before someone who can make more sense of them and potentially put them to good use. The Senator Marius Warborn, or potentially Inspector Palaos?”
“There isn’t any chance we could call on Farcleaver as an alternative to Warborn or Palaos, is there? General Razorback is likely a no-go for this one,” Keros says.
“Documents?” Jaezred asks. “Ironhide gave these to you? Can I see them?”
“Of course.” Rae produces a stack of official-looking papers from a small satchel and slides them across the table to him.
First, Jaezred casts some sort of detection spell over the documents, seemingly searching for any trace of magic clinging to the paper. Next, he takes a crystal-topped cane that has been leaning against the table — it looks suspiciously like an arcane focus — and unscrews the silver cap on the bottom of it. A thin, half metre length of a square-cut clear quartz crystal comes sliding out of the cane. He puts this crystal over certain parts of the document like a light source as he flips through the pages, inspecting the inks and stamps carefully.
After a while, he sits up straight again, looking satisfied, and pushes the crystal back in. “I see that Rattleneck is in charge of supplies and transport. Yes, it couldn’t be anyone else but him. He overplayed his hand when he went for that ballista. And I also see that Magistrate Cleaver has been ‘looking the other way’ when it comes to the missing shipments, too.”
“Wait… did we not catch Cleaver manipulating votes in favour of the Purists?” Keros says. “The Behooved are aligned with the Optimates… Unless this whole crisis is just an exercise in causing chaos regardless of ideology? And whoever is behind this just… doesn’t care. That’s an upsetting thought actually.”
“I cannot answer for whoever is behind this movement, but as for Cleaver, I think he is actually Purist, but only because the Optimates will not give him anything. Bet some of the old guard even know about his criminal past. I suspect Cleaver cares more about profit than ideology — that is to say, Rattleneck probably bribed him to turn a blind eye.”
Jaezred pauses to mull something over. “Your suggestion to give these to Kassandra Farcleaver is not a bad one,” he says, addressing Keros once more. “She will still have to pass it off to someone higher up the chain, but at the very least, it would make it seem like it was her who acquired and submitted the documents, not you. Rattleneck won’t survive this but Cleaver might. And you don’t want him coming after you, you don’t need that extra heat. Whilst he cannot do much against a member of the Errant Guard, I’d suggest you steer clear of Cape Za’Suul after giving these over nonetheless. Although, what’s your issue with Inspector Palaos? He’s, uh, the one who’s been investigating the Behooved, right?”
“Yes, but he, unprompted, offered to let us beat up an unarmed captive. If we abandon the most basic ideas of honour and justice to save K’ul Goran, then what are we even saving it for? My home is more than just lines on a map and a pretty flag.”
“Ah, I see… Very well, though since these documents are in the charge of Rae, it is up to them who they give it to,” Jaezred says as he slides the papers back across the table to the earth genasi wizard. “Anyway… This is good. The evidence is clear. Though if Ironhide knew this all along, I wonder why she hadn’t already turned him in?” He looks between Keros and Rae. “What was that you said about an expeditionary fleet? And who is this Commodore Tempest?”
“Our guess? It’s a big risk to come out with information and accusations of this level. Shifting responsibility to us lets us take the fall for her if things go wrong.” Rae finishes off their slice of cheesecake before carrying on. “Commodore Vivian Tempest, also known as Tenways. She was the commander of the second squadron out of Port Alaca, the port from which the smuggled navy equipment we found in Jarvenhol were from. She told us about the desire from certain individuals within the Navy for an expeditionary fleet. To upgrade from a mostly defensive fleet to have the capabilities to go on the offensive and be able to reach all around Joran. This desire was also felt by Admiral Ironhide. Which was our ticket to convince her to help us, us agreeing.. To aid in securing funding for the expeditionary fleet.”
“Ah, so I was right about the weapons being from Port Alaca.” Jaezred continues. “But this idea for an expeditionary fleet is, uh…”
At this point, when seemingly everyone in the room has forgotten that he is there, Crow speaks up. “I overheard Admiral Saltborn speaking with Rattleneck and Captain Olixandros in the latrines,” he says. “Saltborn dun want th’ K’ul Goran navy to expand. He said it’s gunna get bigger than he’s comfortable with. I think he fears K’ul Goran might invade the Dawnlands.”
“Kul Goran being able to swiftly project force to our closest ally is not a bad thing. We know something is coming, something big.” Keros speaks up, beginning to raise his voice. “We marched into hell to give the Dawnlanders time to solve the Avernus crisis. I marched into hell. I watched my brothers die. I was dragged out of that place bloody and broken. We all made sacrifices that day and we are all living with the consequences of it and Saltborn still doesn’t trust us to honour our fucking treaty that is signed my blood and the blood of soldiers I knew since childhood who got torn apart by fucking devils to protect Joran and Kantas alike!”
Raine looks to Keros with a mixture of appreciation for what he did and sorrow for what he went through but there is also a hint that she would love to hear that story at a more appropriate time.
Shadows move in the corners of the room, a slight whiff of brimstone fills the air, and the teacup Keros is holding shatters in his fist. “I’m still living with the consequences of that day and I’m one of the lucky ones.”
As Keros says this, the view on the ‘ship’ windows plunges down below the waterline, down into the dark depths of the ocean. The room is bathed in darkness and suddenly, there is a loud THUD noise — Jaezred has taken his cane and slammed it down on the floor. The shadows taking form are dispelled and the stink of brimstone is blown away by a breeze that smells of oakmoss.
“Keros Pactsworn, I urge you to calm yourself,” he says, gently yet sternly.
Keros stands up, smoke billowing from his nostrils. “WHY? Why should I act like I don’t care? I know this is just some game to you with your ‘web’ and whatever. Don’t think I don’t know that you’d send any one of us to our deaths and not lose a wink of sleep over it!”
“Keros! This is not the fight!” Rae stands up and places themselves between Keros and Jaezred, looking up at the hulking minotaur's eyes with no fear. “There is so much at play here and it's all a mess and no one intends to undermine what you and your brethren went through.” Rae briefly looks at Jaezred and Crow for some assurance on that before looking back at Keros. “Everyone in this room trusts the people of K’ul Goran and their commitment to working with The Dawnlands. But what we are dealing with is not the people as a whole, we are dealing with corrupt, powerful individuals with their own unknown agendas which care little for the people at large. We can’t be sure that anyone isn't being manipulated by a higher power to achieve some other goal. Crow, Jaezred, and all of us, have to consider every potential for things to get worse, even if it turns out incorrect, we cannot afford to dismiss any possibility. What we’re fighting for is too big to leave any rock unturned.”
Keros looks Rae in the eyes for a few seconds, towering over them, and then something in his eyes changes from pure rage to abject shame. He looks away and takes a few deep breaths.
“Yes. I… forgot for a moment. Lord Jaezred, I apologise for disrespecting your hospitality. I imagine you would like me to leave. I will pay for the teacup.”
Crow just quietly casts his gaze downward. “Sorry,” he mumbles, perhaps meant for Keros.
One glance at Jaezred and it’s clear to see that he is still displeased. “Sit down,” he commands Keros, his voice arctic. “Do not be so arrogant as to think that you are the only one in this room who has lost anything in war. I’ve been fighting in wars since before your parents were even born. I will not be lectured about sacrifice.”
Rae is set back by Jaezred's commanding voice and presence, but looks at Keros' shame and manages to muster up some courage in themselves to speak.
Keros snaps his head back at Jaezred and opens his mouth just as Rae starts to speak.
“Okay… Jaezred, we may be younger and more inexperienced than you, but we are not children to be disciplined or subordinates to be commanded. We are allies and we are working together. Keros is allowed to be angry at this situation, it’s a horrible one. He knows his anger shouldn’t be directed at us, but it did need an outlet. And if you understand sacrifice you should certainly understand that too.” Rae gulps heavily as they finish their sentence, much more scared to confront Jaezred than Keros, but tightens their hands into fists and tries to halt their shaking.
Jaezred closes his eyes and lets out a long, quiet exhale. The darkness of the undersea gradually morphs into a calming blue that bathes the whole room.
“You are right. I apologise, that was out of line.” The mage hand reappears to offer a warm cup of tea to Rae. He seems to have sensed their fear.
“Thank you Rae. That means… more than you know.” Keros says softly.
Rae exhales deeply and sinks back into their seat, taking the warm cup of tea offered and sipping from it shakily. They smile at Keros, take a deep breath, then continue.
“This entire situation is very personal and the stakes are so high and everyone here has a right to give their tension a chance to unwind. But we are working together, not against each other. Let’s just… figure out our next move together, and then all, I think, take some time to de-stress. In whatever form that takes.”
“I would still like to pay for the teacup,” Keros states resolutely.
“Take it up with the owner or manager,” Jaezred replies.
“Wait, you don’t own this place?” Keros says in turn. “Well, there goes another thing I thought I knew about you. Sorry Rae, yes you’re right. We need to de-stress, but for what it’s worth, I feel like I know everyone in this room a little better now. And Crow, I’m sorry that I shouted at you as well. That was… really not fair actually.”
As always, Crow shrugs.
Jaezred adjusts his coat. “Right. Let’s move on. Where was I? Ah yes, I was about to say, the idea of an expeditionary fleet is a surprise. That said, I do not think K’ul Goran invading the Dawnlands could even be a concern right now. The Dawnlands is not rich in resources and fighting settlements full of highly-skilled mercenaries would be a pain in the arse. It would be a deeply unpopular decision,” he says to Crow. “I believe Saltborn’s worries are broader and longer-term.” Jaezred’s gaze wanders to the map of Kantas and Joran on the panelled walls. “But let’s not get distracted. This gives a more likely answer as to why Ironhide kept these incriminating documents. When the time comes to request funding for the fleet, she could blackmail Rattleneck into obedience, effectively shutting down opposition from within the navy. That, and her not caring for either Warborn.”
“So we come back to the question of where do I take these documents to.” Rae chirps up. “I agree with Keros’ earlier statement, Palaos is hardly the sort of person we want to be proceeding with anymore. I’m starting to think going to Senator Marius Warborn is a better idea. I mean, who would be better to have on side when trying to take down the other Warborns? We already have a tenuous in with the admiralty board and navy, this would help us with an insight to political goings on, which will likely be necessary for securing the Admiral’s funding.”
“The lesser of two Warborns I suppose,” Keros remarks. “With his new status, do we think we can secure an audience?”
“We managed to secure an audience with the entire admiralty board, I’m sure we can get something.” Rae nods with purpose.
“Before we disperse, I have one last question for you…” Jaezred looks seriously at everyone in the room. “What did they serve for dinner?”
Rae’s glance slides silently towards Raine.
“Not enough carbs apparently” Keros adds.
“Hey, I’m being serious. I want to know what the menu was. I cook for my partner, it’s the greatest passion of my life.” Jaezred follows Rae’s gaze towards Raine.
“No cheese-based desserts, please,” Raine says in great shame, not making eye contact with anyone.
Jaezred is seated behind the table, wearing a handsome black navy officer’s coat with burgundy trimming. He is sporting a new stubble on his jaw, as though he hasn’t shaved in the past few days.
“Welcome back, friends! I thought you might appreciate the theming.”
“You are a loss to the world of comedy theatre, Lord Jaezred,” Keros says as he rolls his eyes and takes a seat.
“So my partner says. Though according to her, it’s because the audience would enjoy laughing at me.” He looks at Raine entering after Rae. “Welcome, Miss Carroway. I’m glad for your presence here — always enjoyed your playing. You outshine the concertmaster consistently.”
Raine blushes and shyly thanks the lord for his patronage of the theatre. She takes a seat opposite him and claims a cup of tea for herself as Crow slinks into the room and quietly shuts the door behind him.
Rae takes a seat next to Keros, taking a deep breath and settling in nicely. “You have to admit though, Keros, It is quite pleasant.”
“Yes, just sit back, listen to the sounds of the sea, and relax…” Jaezred says, leaning back into his chair. Looking closer at him now, Keros can see the tiredness in his eyes. His movements have a slight but noticeable sluggish weakness to them today.
“I’m not knocking his interior decorating, I just… No, you’re right.” Keros sighs, “I am sorry, Jaezred, that was rude of me. Is everything okay? You look like you could use some of that drink.”
“No need to apologise, friend Keros. I was called to a mission by the Archmage Aurelia herself yesterday.” The drow lets out a sigh of his own and tosses back a glug of rum from one of the mugs. “The details of that are irrelevant to you. However, when I was in Daring Heights, I did see a piece of graffiti of that bird-like symbol in Portal Plaza. You’re already somewhat familiar with the bird-like symbol, Miss Carroway — the very same one you found in the Temple of All Seasons,” he adds as an aside to Raine.
“So it’s spreading. Perhaps the Republic Navy getting more funding wouldn’t be the worst thing.” Keros reaches for one of the mugs, pauses for a second, glances at Raine, and instead opts for a cup of tea.
Jaezred’s eyebrows shoot up. “What’s that now? What happened at the meeting with the admiralty board?”
“It… went really well. Rae made a connection with Admiral Ironhide. She has no love for the Warborns as a whole, something I appreciate, and she handed over some valuable information. We agreed to help fund a new expeditionary fleet.” Keros takes a sip and stares directly ahead, not meeting anyone’s eyes. “Nothing else of interest happened.”
“It went well? Truly?” Jaezred’s face breaks into a wide smile. “Well… I have to admit, my expectations were low… subterranean, even… But! That only means you have far exceeded my expectations! Well done, all of you. I told you, didn’t I, a bit of confidence goes a long way,” he says to Rae in particular.
“My expectations were truly not too high either,” Rae replies. “I was sure something would go wrong, and it wasn’t looking good at the start. But I just decided to be honest and upfront about what we wanted to do and how we could help. I think the Admiral respected the honesty?” They shrink a little in their seat at the amount that they are being talked about.
A mage hand is summoned to push a slice of strawberry cheesecake in Rae’s direction. “Maybe. One thing they’ve been saying is that the Dawnlands is plotting to keep their neighbours reliant upon them, but it’s hard to argue against the earnestness that many adventurers like you possess. So, good call. Now, did you find out who is behind the smuggling?”
Keros drops his guard for a second and can’t help smiling at the acknowledgement that in spite of everything that’s happened, Rae just being a good person is what saved the day.
Rae nods politely, taking a small bite of strawberry cheesecake before continuing. “The name on everyone’s suspect list is Rear-Admiral Keloss Rattleneck. Both Admiral Ironhide and Commodore Tempest mentioned as much, and the former gave me these documents accounting for shipping and receiving navy stocks to and from Za’Suul and Port Alaca. I can’t speak to fully understanding them myself, but I know that they aren’t quite right, and Rattleneck’s had his hands all over them. I intend to bring them before someone who can make more sense of them and potentially put them to good use. The Senator Marius Warborn, or potentially Inspector Palaos?”
“There isn’t any chance we could call on Farcleaver as an alternative to Warborn or Palaos, is there? General Razorback is likely a no-go for this one,” Keros says.
“Documents?” Jaezred asks. “Ironhide gave these to you? Can I see them?”
“Of course.” Rae produces a stack of official-looking papers from a small satchel and slides them across the table to him.
First, Jaezred casts some sort of detection spell over the documents, seemingly searching for any trace of magic clinging to the paper. Next, he takes a crystal-topped cane that has been leaning against the table — it looks suspiciously like an arcane focus — and unscrews the silver cap on the bottom of it. A thin, half metre length of a square-cut clear quartz crystal comes sliding out of the cane. He puts this crystal over certain parts of the document like a light source as he flips through the pages, inspecting the inks and stamps carefully.
After a while, he sits up straight again, looking satisfied, and pushes the crystal back in. “I see that Rattleneck is in charge of supplies and transport. Yes, it couldn’t be anyone else but him. He overplayed his hand when he went for that ballista. And I also see that Magistrate Cleaver has been ‘looking the other way’ when it comes to the missing shipments, too.”
“Wait… did we not catch Cleaver manipulating votes in favour of the Purists?” Keros says. “The Behooved are aligned with the Optimates… Unless this whole crisis is just an exercise in causing chaos regardless of ideology? And whoever is behind this just… doesn’t care. That’s an upsetting thought actually.”
“I cannot answer for whoever is behind this movement, but as for Cleaver, I think he is actually Purist, but only because the Optimates will not give him anything. Bet some of the old guard even know about his criminal past. I suspect Cleaver cares more about profit than ideology — that is to say, Rattleneck probably bribed him to turn a blind eye.”
Jaezred pauses to mull something over. “Your suggestion to give these to Kassandra Farcleaver is not a bad one,” he says, addressing Keros once more. “She will still have to pass it off to someone higher up the chain, but at the very least, it would make it seem like it was her who acquired and submitted the documents, not you. Rattleneck won’t survive this but Cleaver might. And you don’t want him coming after you, you don’t need that extra heat. Whilst he cannot do much against a member of the Errant Guard, I’d suggest you steer clear of Cape Za’Suul after giving these over nonetheless. Although, what’s your issue with Inspector Palaos? He’s, uh, the one who’s been investigating the Behooved, right?”
“Yes, but he, unprompted, offered to let us beat up an unarmed captive. If we abandon the most basic ideas of honour and justice to save K’ul Goran, then what are we even saving it for? My home is more than just lines on a map and a pretty flag.”
“Ah, I see… Very well, though since these documents are in the charge of Rae, it is up to them who they give it to,” Jaezred says as he slides the papers back across the table to the earth genasi wizard. “Anyway… This is good. The evidence is clear. Though if Ironhide knew this all along, I wonder why she hadn’t already turned him in?” He looks between Keros and Rae. “What was that you said about an expeditionary fleet? And who is this Commodore Tempest?”
“Our guess? It’s a big risk to come out with information and accusations of this level. Shifting responsibility to us lets us take the fall for her if things go wrong.” Rae finishes off their slice of cheesecake before carrying on. “Commodore Vivian Tempest, also known as Tenways. She was the commander of the second squadron out of Port Alaca, the port from which the smuggled navy equipment we found in Jarvenhol were from. She told us about the desire from certain individuals within the Navy for an expeditionary fleet. To upgrade from a mostly defensive fleet to have the capabilities to go on the offensive and be able to reach all around Joran. This desire was also felt by Admiral Ironhide. Which was our ticket to convince her to help us, us agreeing.. To aid in securing funding for the expeditionary fleet.”
“Ah, so I was right about the weapons being from Port Alaca.” Jaezred continues. “But this idea for an expeditionary fleet is, uh…”
At this point, when seemingly everyone in the room has forgotten that he is there, Crow speaks up. “I overheard Admiral Saltborn speaking with Rattleneck and Captain Olixandros in the latrines,” he says. “Saltborn dun want th’ K’ul Goran navy to expand. He said it’s gunna get bigger than he’s comfortable with. I think he fears K’ul Goran might invade the Dawnlands.”
“Kul Goran being able to swiftly project force to our closest ally is not a bad thing. We know something is coming, something big.” Keros speaks up, beginning to raise his voice. “We marched into hell to give the Dawnlanders time to solve the Avernus crisis. I marched into hell. I watched my brothers die. I was dragged out of that place bloody and broken. We all made sacrifices that day and we are all living with the consequences of it and Saltborn still doesn’t trust us to honour our fucking treaty that is signed my blood and the blood of soldiers I knew since childhood who got torn apart by fucking devils to protect Joran and Kantas alike!”
Raine looks to Keros with a mixture of appreciation for what he did and sorrow for what he went through but there is also a hint that she would love to hear that story at a more appropriate time.
Shadows move in the corners of the room, a slight whiff of brimstone fills the air, and the teacup Keros is holding shatters in his fist. “I’m still living with the consequences of that day and I’m one of the lucky ones.”
As Keros says this, the view on the ‘ship’ windows plunges down below the waterline, down into the dark depths of the ocean. The room is bathed in darkness and suddenly, there is a loud THUD noise — Jaezred has taken his cane and slammed it down on the floor. The shadows taking form are dispelled and the stink of brimstone is blown away by a breeze that smells of oakmoss.
“Keros Pactsworn, I urge you to calm yourself,” he says, gently yet sternly.
Keros stands up, smoke billowing from his nostrils. “WHY? Why should I act like I don’t care? I know this is just some game to you with your ‘web’ and whatever. Don’t think I don’t know that you’d send any one of us to our deaths and not lose a wink of sleep over it!”
“Keros! This is not the fight!” Rae stands up and places themselves between Keros and Jaezred, looking up at the hulking minotaur's eyes with no fear. “There is so much at play here and it's all a mess and no one intends to undermine what you and your brethren went through.” Rae briefly looks at Jaezred and Crow for some assurance on that before looking back at Keros. “Everyone in this room trusts the people of K’ul Goran and their commitment to working with The Dawnlands. But what we are dealing with is not the people as a whole, we are dealing with corrupt, powerful individuals with their own unknown agendas which care little for the people at large. We can’t be sure that anyone isn't being manipulated by a higher power to achieve some other goal. Crow, Jaezred, and all of us, have to consider every potential for things to get worse, even if it turns out incorrect, we cannot afford to dismiss any possibility. What we’re fighting for is too big to leave any rock unturned.”
Keros looks Rae in the eyes for a few seconds, towering over them, and then something in his eyes changes from pure rage to abject shame. He looks away and takes a few deep breaths.
“Yes. I… forgot for a moment. Lord Jaezred, I apologise for disrespecting your hospitality. I imagine you would like me to leave. I will pay for the teacup.”
Crow just quietly casts his gaze downward. “Sorry,” he mumbles, perhaps meant for Keros.
One glance at Jaezred and it’s clear to see that he is still displeased. “Sit down,” he commands Keros, his voice arctic. “Do not be so arrogant as to think that you are the only one in this room who has lost anything in war. I’ve been fighting in wars since before your parents were even born. I will not be lectured about sacrifice.”
Rae is set back by Jaezred's commanding voice and presence, but looks at Keros' shame and manages to muster up some courage in themselves to speak.
Keros snaps his head back at Jaezred and opens his mouth just as Rae starts to speak.
“Okay… Jaezred, we may be younger and more inexperienced than you, but we are not children to be disciplined or subordinates to be commanded. We are allies and we are working together. Keros is allowed to be angry at this situation, it’s a horrible one. He knows his anger shouldn’t be directed at us, but it did need an outlet. And if you understand sacrifice you should certainly understand that too.” Rae gulps heavily as they finish their sentence, much more scared to confront Jaezred than Keros, but tightens their hands into fists and tries to halt their shaking.
Jaezred closes his eyes and lets out a long, quiet exhale. The darkness of the undersea gradually morphs into a calming blue that bathes the whole room.
“You are right. I apologise, that was out of line.” The mage hand reappears to offer a warm cup of tea to Rae. He seems to have sensed their fear.
“Thank you Rae. That means… more than you know.” Keros says softly.
Rae exhales deeply and sinks back into their seat, taking the warm cup of tea offered and sipping from it shakily. They smile at Keros, take a deep breath, then continue.
“This entire situation is very personal and the stakes are so high and everyone here has a right to give their tension a chance to unwind. But we are working together, not against each other. Let’s just… figure out our next move together, and then all, I think, take some time to de-stress. In whatever form that takes.”
“I would still like to pay for the teacup,” Keros states resolutely.
“Take it up with the owner or manager,” Jaezred replies.
“Wait, you don’t own this place?” Keros says in turn. “Well, there goes another thing I thought I knew about you. Sorry Rae, yes you’re right. We need to de-stress, but for what it’s worth, I feel like I know everyone in this room a little better now. And Crow, I’m sorry that I shouted at you as well. That was… really not fair actually.”
As always, Crow shrugs.
Jaezred adjusts his coat. “Right. Let’s move on. Where was I? Ah yes, I was about to say, the idea of an expeditionary fleet is a surprise. That said, I do not think K’ul Goran invading the Dawnlands could even be a concern right now. The Dawnlands is not rich in resources and fighting settlements full of highly-skilled mercenaries would be a pain in the arse. It would be a deeply unpopular decision,” he says to Crow. “I believe Saltborn’s worries are broader and longer-term.” Jaezred’s gaze wanders to the map of Kantas and Joran on the panelled walls. “But let’s not get distracted. This gives a more likely answer as to why Ironhide kept these incriminating documents. When the time comes to request funding for the fleet, she could blackmail Rattleneck into obedience, effectively shutting down opposition from within the navy. That, and her not caring for either Warborn.”
“So we come back to the question of where do I take these documents to.” Rae chirps up. “I agree with Keros’ earlier statement, Palaos is hardly the sort of person we want to be proceeding with anymore. I’m starting to think going to Senator Marius Warborn is a better idea. I mean, who would be better to have on side when trying to take down the other Warborns? We already have a tenuous in with the admiralty board and navy, this would help us with an insight to political goings on, which will likely be necessary for securing the Admiral’s funding.”
“The lesser of two Warborns I suppose,” Keros remarks. “With his new status, do we think we can secure an audience?”
“We managed to secure an audience with the entire admiralty board, I’m sure we can get something.” Rae nods with purpose.
“Before we disperse, I have one last question for you…” Jaezred looks seriously at everyone in the room. “What did they serve for dinner?”
Rae’s glance slides silently towards Raine.
“Not enough carbs apparently” Keros adds.
“Hey, I’m being serious. I want to know what the menu was. I cook for my partner, it’s the greatest passion of my life.” Jaezred follows Rae’s gaze towards Raine.
“No cheese-based desserts, please,” Raine says in great shame, not making eye contact with anyone.
