Bargaining with Svarsfen

Topic Focus: [6C] Future Plans (Physical) - Lavorra discusses what is to be done with Melira

How successful is her plan?

How Much: [4] About average

Lavorra makes a deal with Melira’s family. She’s not sure she can trust them, but they’ll regret it if they double-cross her.

—

The Elves of House Svarsfen are amongst the most powerful of the Northern-dwelling nobility of the Dark Elves.

Secretive and arrogant, they brook no disrespect, and no disobedience. It’s this that has landed Melira is such hot water with her family - that same Svarsfen strong will leading her away from the Household, and into their bad books.

But - Lavorra knows - they aren’t without their own kind of honour. Honour and an unbending, unflinching sense of pride.

It’s that pride that she can see etched on the Spell-Ranger leader’s face, as she approaches the tall Dark Elf. Unbroken, despite the horror and ignominy she and hers have suffered in this place.

“Lavorra.” She introduces herself, now leaning on Skrain, as Zeya slips back to check on the **** Melira. “I’m a Paladin sworn to the Divine Matron.”

The Dark Elf regards her with suspicion, and Skrain with outright contempt, but she replies evenly enough. “Amilir. Sworn to House Svarsfen. First Ranger.”

Lavorra nods, sensing the beginning of an understanding - both women of their word, both loyal to what they believe in. “You came here to find Melira. I expect the House has been scrying on her?”

Amilir nods, confirming both of Lavorra’s suspicions. She wears the tattered remains of her ranging armour, clearly torn with intent by her Daemonic captors, baring her underclothes. But she holds herself with no less dignity. “We know who you are, Paladin. And where Melira has been. What she has done.”

“Then you know that not only has she been safe with me, but that I’d die to protect her, and kill to defend her.” Lavorra speaks more evenly, the huskiness of her voice smoothing out, and stands free from Skrain. His hand rests gently at the small of her back - not undermining or objectifying her, but there if she needs him again. “I don’t know all there is to know of Melira’s troubles with her family. But I know that, through all of it, they care for one another. I know it’s not just about noble pride.”

There is the faintest quirk at the corner of Amilir’s lip - something subtle that implies she is all too aware of the interminable saga of the nobility and their precious honour.

“You would give her to us? Let us complete our mission and bring her home?”

“I would.” Lavorra smiles thinly, wincing when she thinks of how furious Mel will be. “I can’t help her right now. I can’t reverse whatever’s happened to her. But we all owe her our lives: she stopped Kulrakan, even if it warped her mind to do it. So she has to get better. And I imagine House Svarsfen has the means to make that happen.”

She pauses for breath, and holds up an imperious finger when Amilir opens her mouth to reply.

“I also imagine - now that Kulrakan’s banished - that Kaldor Svarsfen is scrying on us right now. So,” she looks Amilir right in the eyes, but it’s Melira’s father that she addresses, “I’ll give her to your rangers, and they can bring her home. You’ll fix her. And when she’s healed, when she’s Mel again, it’s her choice where she goes. If you try to hold her against her will, try to **** her into a life she rejected… well then I’ll know.”

Silence settles uneasily in the chamber for a moment, hanging on the group. Then Amilir stirs, the ruby ring on her left hand glowing with an inner light, then fading.

“Your terms are… agreeable, it would seem.” She observes, chin tilted back. She pauses, then looks down at Lavorra, face impassive. “You do your Order a credit, Paladin.”

The Spell-rangers move past her, led by Amilir and heading for Melira, to check her for injury, and magically ward her against any further malign influence.

Lavorra lets out a sigh, sliding back against Skrain again, eyes closed. “Really, really didn’t want to have to kill all of them. I’m so glad that worked.”

“They wouldn’t have stood a chance.” He murmurs, his mouth pressed against the top of her head as he holds her.

“You’re sweet. Could you just hold me for a while? Let me know if they look over so I can act all menacing?”

“As long as you need.”