username: deimar | video

[jatharin]

( The first transmissions is recorded footage, clearly captured by a pendant held by a shaking hand. Before it, legions of heterogenous, misshaped demons part for the gilded palanquin of Duke Rathakku, his long tendril legs seeping off his cushions.

Beneath his litter, death hounds feast on the fresh remains of a man carrying a peace stindard.

Rathakku appears untroubled, unhurried, indifferent: )

Tell your new king... he will have the peace of the old. And we, we will give it to him. If you can reach him.

( Only more seconds capturing footage of fumbling feet and gracel, the pendant carrier stumbles back, starting to run —

Before the transmission switches to the lightly amused face of Alem's king Deimar, whistling: )

...friendly sort, isn't he? That was four months ago. He's softened since. I'd say the colder weather agrees with him. It's good for you new recruits to see that. To see him. It builds character. ( A pause, then helpfully: ) ...spoils appetites, too! Means less dinner for you, more supplies for the morning. We've all won here.

( But the joy seeps from him. ) I know what you have come for. The beacon. I accept you. It's honest trade, we need the hands. Hells, fond welcome. And to those of you serving as envoys, we'll raise a cup to you first. I should hope there's meat on your bones!

Now, a few... guidelines! As it were. What are you? Madmen, criminals, thieves, mercenaries? I don't care to know. Under my roof, I'll have none of that quarrel. ( Steely: ) No squabble, no torture, no rape. We're in tight quarters, blood runs hot. But you'll somehow prevail over any instincts. No... innocent stabbing. There's enough of that in the Wards of late.

I understand some of you are joining the watch towers. I'll come see you. It's ugly work, and you won't thank me. But I thank you. If that bitch Irenia flies by, remember: she's an ugly, slow whore, and you can take a sharp stick's end to her throat. ( Silence, then breezily: ) I don't mind if you do that our merchant friends, either. Just make sure you've learned where they've stored their grains first. ( Light coughing. ) Don't let Haiva hear that. We're to be friends with one and all! Even when they skin us for gold.

As it stands, the day's news: we prepare to evacuate new convoys of our weakest civilians every five days. Unfortunately, Rathakku is... either remarkably intuitive or well informed. He seems to find our escape corridors in the mountain and blockade them. So! We start anew, with fresh escape routes. Do help. And if you can keep our vulnerable on their feet and not trip up the paladins who are working in the Gut's Bind, even better.

By the way, we cut any hands laid unkindly on healers. We can likely spare you more than them.

And the punishment for snitching to uncle Thyvault where the last of the good wine sits is worse than that. I'll deliver that one personally.

Now, good to have you! Die well.

( ooc: welcome to Alem & threadjack liberally c: )

Comments

[matermali]

I haven't yet had the pleasure.

[jatharin]

Yes. Yes, it... is a pleasure.

There is a man who will never refuse help.

[matermali]

Then I must be certain to share with him my desire for goodwill, when appropriate.

[ She might as well sniff out all the royals before it's over. ]

Do you ever visit the Gut's Bind? I imagine neither of you have much time beyond your duties, but I'll be the first to admit my ignorance in this capacity.

[jatharin]

I rule over a mountain. I rule over hell.

I visit every part of it. Some might say it's my duty.

[matermali]

[ Hell. Right of course. Don't forget, girl. She can't seem to stay away from these types. Cover thine eyes, Vanessa. Backtrack on visiting either of them ever. Crawl into the shadows and hide when they visit. ]

A ceaseless duty, it sounds to me. I can only imagine the weight of such a burden. [ She may have imagined ruling Hell more than your average woman. ] Where is it you find your strength for carrying on in such a grand but trying state, if I may be bold enough to ask?

[ Risky bothering to ask a king how he feels, but she's always for the risks and her curiosity is sincere if she's to be working for them. Is it for the simple necessity of survival? That would be plenty reason, but is it more? For his people's love? His glory, his legacy? Or is it for nothing he wishes to share? Deflection is its own answer. ]

[jatharin]

The bottom of every cup Uncle would say I should stop drinking.

[matermali]

[ Ah hah. ]

I see why the fine wine is under your careful watch, then. My lips will remain sealed.

[jatharin]

Of course they will. I'm here, making a gesture of good will, speaking to you.

He is too esteemed for that.

Remember that.

[matermali]

I shall.