Diplomacy

As they make their way to the meeting chambers, Kael find himself still tense. He caches himself gritting his teeth in anger over the attack, though he knows that these things happen. If they didn’t, there would be no need for the lord’s champions. He pauses outside the closed door, taking a calming breath. Anger would serve no purpose here.

With a glance at Petra, Kael opens the door and steps inside. Seated at the table within us the waiting representative, a woman of middle years, perhaps early forties. She is not unattractive, though dressed in a conservative, grey dress which hides her figure, and her grey streaked black hair is tied back tightly, giving her a rather severe look. As Kael enters the room, however, she stands, her stern expression shifting into a smile, which softens her look considerably. Her eyes, a dark brown, are full of intelligence as she sizes him up. She has a very expressive face, and she almost seems to shed years as she rises to greet him.

Bowing, she speaks first. “Greetings, Lord Kael. I am Councilor Yvette, and I’m here to speak for Lechin. I apologize for the abruptness of my visit, but my fellow councilors have concerns.”

Kael nods, gesturing for her to be seated. He notes the pair of warriors behind Yvette, obviously bodyguards. Petra positions herself similarly, behind Kael’s right shoulder as he sits as well.

“Please, just Kael is fine. I stand on ceremony even less than Lord Greyheart, especially when not in front of a crowd. So, lady councilor, I presume that your concerns involve Rastus Malen?”

Yvette nods, smiling again. “Just Kael, then. And you can just call me Yvette. Yes, one concern is the entire…situation with Rastus Malen. He was a major trading partner for Lechin. What has happened to him?”

Kael folds his hands on the table. “Rastus Malen is no longer a noble of Foresthearth, nor does he have any holdings within Erillia any more.”

Yvette raises an eyebrow. “I see. I had heard there was an incident at his manor?”

Kael hesitates for just a moment. “I can’t give all the details, but there was a magical incident, yes. The Malen manor is no more.”

She nods. “And the rest of his holdings?”

Kael shrugs. “As he had no kin, they have been parceled out, largely to other nobles. I suspect that they will be seeking you out shortly. Assuming you won’t be immediately returning to Lechin after our meeting.”

Yvette smiles. “I believe I will remain for a time. I hear there is a gathering of sorts in a few days.”

Kael chuckles. “Indeed. Lord Greyheart insisted. My…family and I will be hosting a dinner in the palace, in three days. The nobility will all be there, and of course you are welcome, as an honored guest.”

Something sparkles in Yvette’s brown eyes. Amusement? “Oh, I wouldn’t miss it! After all, how many chances would I have to meet the family of my sovereign?”

Her smile fades a notch. “And speaking of Lord Greyheart, how is he?”

Kael shakes his head. “I don’t want to speak of him other than to say that he is not well. He lives yet, though.”

Yvette nods. “I understand. He is a great man. And I speak for the entire council of Lechin when I say I trust his judgment. Even more so upon meeting you, Kael. I look forward to speaking again.”

Kael nods in thanks. “Your kind words are appreciated, Yvette. I trust I’ve laid your concerns to rest?”

She smiles. “For the moment. There is always more to discuss. But you are a busy man, and I’ve taken enough of your time.”

They both stand, and Kael shakes her hand. “Well, should anything arise, I’ll be happy to help.”

One of her eyebrows quirks, and there’s another sparkle in her eyes. “I’ll keep that in mind. I look forward to seeing you again. Good day, Kael.”

She bows, and Kael nods. “And good day to you, Yvette.”

Their business concluded, Kael turns to make his exit.