(no subject)
Who: Sasarai, Leon Silverberg
What: A discussion over tea
The warmth from the inn's fireplace was a welcome breath of air as both men entered the rustic building. Sasarai made his way towards a private corner of the Inn's smaller tavern, not that it had mattered since it was too early for the boisterous crowd that usually filled it every evening. He smiled at one of the servers who instantly ducked to the kitchen to fetch his usual order. Then turned expectantly to the other man with him.
He followed him to the corner, gesturing with his lit cigar to one of the other servers that he was with the bishop. Leon then sat down by the table in the corner.
The server immediately appeared with a tray of a steaming teapot, tea accessories, milk, sugar and lemon slices. A discreet crystal flask containing a clear liquid was also put on he side. The bishop gave the tactician an embarrassed grin, "Ah... I was told once that Miss Luserina's brew needed a little spice to go along with it. Since I don't drink, the staff has this running joke whenever I come in and order tea."
The tactician took two teacups from the tray, giving one to the bishop, and one to himself. "Interesting. So what do they put in the flask?" He proceeded to pour tea into both teacups, and added sugar to his own cup. Leon then took the flask, and opened it.
"I'm actually not quite sure," Sasarai admitted sheepishly. "They alluded that its some sort of Kanakan liquor. Since I never tried it myself, it could be water for all we know. But if your curiousity indulges you, please feel free to order something else other than tea. They usually bring some freshly buttered light buns as soon as its done baking."
Leon simply plugged the flask, and placed it back on the tray, not risking a watered down experience. The strategist took a spoon, and sturred his cup of tea. "Probably is water. What kind of 'philosophical ideas' did you want to discuss?"
Sasarai smiled at the other man's frankness as he stirred his tea. "It's good to know that despite all these years, you haven't changed a thing. Still direct to the point."
Leon took a careful sip from the tea, being cautious not to burn himself. "That is because I never got those years."
The bishop raised an eyebrow at that, before realization dawned on him. "I see, so that's what happened."
The Silverberg placed his cup down, and finished smoking his cigar before disposing it in a nearby ashtray. "So what happened to you during those years?"
Sasarai took a sip from his cup before replying. "It depends on how far ago you want to star. Have you at least heard of the events along side the Second Fire Bringer... incident?"
"Mostly, but I wouldn't mind to hear about it from someone who was there." Leon then took a sip of tea.
The bishop looks down on his tea cup and swirls it around idly. "What about it do you want to know?"
The strategist blew into is cup. "Specifics. The book I read glossed over the goals and members of the group calling themselves the Destroyers. All I know is that they tried to destroy a True Rune, or some such nonsense."
Sasarai's face darkened at the mention of the name. He instantly downed the contents of his tea as if to calm himself, before pouring and preparing himself another cup. "Yet another annal of Harmonian history that I wish never happened. Yes, the Destroyers did indeed exist. Members of that group happened to still reside here."
Leon noticed the bishop's uneasiness on the subject. "If you have such difficulty talking about it, how about something else? Like the Zexen councilors I hear that are running around."
Sasarai raised a hand. "No. They're part of the reason I managed to convince the council to let me stay here. Though the Council's presence brought some unease... especially since the proverbial ink from the new Treaty hadn't even finished drying yet."
Leon leaned back, teacup in hand, guessing at what the other reason could be, but he decided to ask anyway. "And what would be the other part of the reason the council is letting you stay?"
The bishop gave the tactician another significant look as he tapped his right hand non-commitally. "I'm sure your aware of Holy Harmonia's national policy."
The strategist merely sipped his tea. "And I take it there are concerns about the Zexens treading all over said policy? I'm suprised the council needs another reason for you to stay, let alone not requesting the castle master for a stronger Harmonian presence here. It's like they're dragging their feet."
Sasarai eyed the strategist cautiously, though not letting the polite smile from slipping from his lips. "Harmonia has signed a peace treaty with the Grasslands and the Zexen Confederacy for the next fifty years. We have every intention to uphold what constitutes in that treaty as long as the Grasslands and the Zexen Confederation upholds their part of the bargain. You know all to well as the great tactician that you are, that the presence of the Harmonian Regional Army, regardless of size could easily be seen as a threat. My presence here already pose as a risk, though Master Thomas has been kind enough to accommodate me as a Harmonian Ambassador, rather than look at my military status."
Leon looked into his teacup as the bishop spoke to him. He then straightened up, and place the cup down. "It's not Harmonia I'm worried about. It's someone else."
Sasarai raised an eyebrow at that. "Something else?"
The tactician looked dead into Sasarai's eyes. "Someone." Leon put his hand to his chin, eyes shut for a moment before opening them. "How familiar are you with the Toran Liberation War?"
The bishop frowned at the tactician's question. "Though we were not involved with that war, Harmonia recorded the events as we... received... news of it. Though we had poor ties with the former Scarlet Kingdom, it once was part of Harmonia. It was still some time before mmy appointment as a bishop, though my mentor at the time showed an unusual interest in that insurrection and made it a point to closely follow what was happening. Perhaps, I know a little bit more than what was recorded in our historical annals."
Leon leaned back slightly once again. "Then you have heard of Court Magician Windy?"
The line on the Sasarai's forehead deepened upon hearing the name. "There has been some... classified... information relating to that name. Though after Emperor Barbarossa's death, we heard nothing else about that person."
Leon took his cup, and finished his tea. "Then let us hope that I'm just a paranoid, old man, and that person isn't goading the Zexen Councilors to poke around here, and using the treaty as a shield."
Sasarai's eyes widened at the revelation. "That person is alive?"
The strategist place the empty cup back down. "Possibly. It could easily be someone else with a similar obsession. Nevertheless, I am not taking any chances, neither should anyone here."
Sasarai looked at his teacup thoughtfully. "Whether this person is alive or simply someone with similar intentions... its still very concerning. How did you find out about this?"
Leon poured more tea and sugar to his cup. "Are you familiar with a Louis Keeferson? From what Mathiu told me, he's a good, decent young man, whom the Zexens arrested for bogus charges of treason and espionage. The whole affair has upset him."
The bishop looked at the other man blankly for a few minutes as he searched his memory, before brightening up. "Ah! I remember a while ago... Lady Chris' squire was a young boy named Louis... I haven't heard much about him recently."
Leon stirred his cup of tea. "The Zexens may try to use him as a bargaining chip. If the castle doesn't acquiesce to their demands, they will kill him. Considering what is present in the castle, their goal seems apparent. That person is fond of such cruelties, and the tactics the Zexens are using are ones that person would use. It is also not the first time that person has corrupted an entire government in search for that desire."
Sasarai frowned once again. "I didn't realize... Granted even if I knew, there's not much I can do with helping that young man as his affair at this point is more of an internal conflict within the Confederation. Though the other issue... As long as the treaty is not breached against Harmonia, we can not be involved with the Confederation's internal affairs. Though, I will definitely keep my eye on that matter."
Leon blew into his cup, and sipped from it. "Good. Aside from Mathiu and Apple, is there anyone else here that you think I might know?"
"Luca Blight prior to his demise was transported here," Sasarai closed his eyes solemnly. "Not that he could be of any help with anyone." He cracked an eye as he gave the strategist another significant look. "And there's also that demon that your family seems to be fond of summoning."
The Silverberg eyes descended when Luca Blight was mentioned, but frowned when Yuber was mentioned off-handedly. "Albert should know that Yuber isn't a toy. Tough I might need to bind him, considering the circumstances. Anyone else?"
"I heard rumors that Jowy Blight was here as well... though I never saw him myself." Sasarai replied. "Other than those names, I can't think of anyone else from the top of my head."
Leon continued sipping his cup. "Anyone I might have heard of?"
"Miss Nanami is here, and I believe her brother was also known to make an appearance from time to time," Sasarai added. "Surprisingly, Tir McDohl is also here. Oftentimes in the company of..." The bishop paused as his expression darkens at the thought of that person. "That person that Lady Leknaat snatched from Harmonia many years ago."
Leon placed his cup down, and folded his arms. "I've seen Nanami. Unless I need poison, she doesn't need to be in the kitchen, if Lord Jowy's tales of her cooking are even half as accurate. As for Lord McDohl, I will need to speak to him as soon as possible. So how is Luc?"
"I believe that question is best asked to the person it is directed," The bishop replied in a tone more curt than he intended.
The strategist finished his second cup. "Well, since we're talking about him, how did Lady Leknaat manage to get so deep inside Circle Palace? It's as if she had help, at least, if not someone on the inside."
Sasarai gave the other man a pleasant smile, though the expression obviously didn't reflect in his eyes. "It's obvious that your arrival here was... unscheduled. Though, now that you're here, what are you plans?"
Leon waves his hand, letting the subject die. "First, I intend to have a talk with Lord McDohl, then bind Yuber to ensure his loyalty. Then I will work with the master of the castle to keep the Zexens in line." He left unspoken his usual addendum 'by any means necessary.'
"And you are doing this..." Sasarai stated meaningfully, "out of the goodness of your heart?"
Leon pulled out a cigar. "Even if that person is not involved, I don't want to paying 20 potch per cigar. The economic repercussions of Budehuc falling under Zexen control would be serious."
"Is that so?" Sasarai replied with a laugh. "I suppose that's an answer I'd expect to hear from you... but please forgive my rudeness. Remembering how you were from our brief correspondence during my youth, and based on working with Albert and Ceasar in the Second Firebringer incident... generosity is the last virtue that would cross my mind whenever I hear the name Silverberg and the word services in one sentence."
The strategist lights up. "A strategist never uses his knowledge for personal gain. The example I gave you would more than double the cost of living. You can see the long term ramifications from that."
"Of course," Sasarai replied with a forced grin. "At least I could expect that your motivations would not be misguided."
"When I see them again, I will be sure to give them both a proper, and harsh, lecture on ethics," Leon retorted as he smoked his cigar. "I appreciate the tea, and how you've handle my rather sensitive questions for the most part. I hope I can encourage you to be more observant in the future."
Sasarai smiled. "I'll take Lord Silverberg's advice to heart."
Leon nodded at the bishop, as he began to head to his own room. "Thank you, Your Eminence, and watch for Conqueror Runes."
Sasarai let out a small laugh as he watched the tactician take his leave. The smile fading from his lips only after the other man had left the door.
What: A discussion over tea
The warmth from the inn's fireplace was a welcome breath of air as both men entered the rustic building. Sasarai made his way towards a private corner of the Inn's smaller tavern, not that it had mattered since it was too early for the boisterous crowd that usually filled it every evening. He smiled at one of the servers who instantly ducked to the kitchen to fetch his usual order. Then turned expectantly to the other man with him.
He followed him to the corner, gesturing with his lit cigar to one of the other servers that he was with the bishop. Leon then sat down by the table in the corner.
The server immediately appeared with a tray of a steaming teapot, tea accessories, milk, sugar and lemon slices. A discreet crystal flask containing a clear liquid was also put on he side. The bishop gave the tactician an embarrassed grin, "Ah... I was told once that Miss Luserina's brew needed a little spice to go along with it. Since I don't drink, the staff has this running joke whenever I come in and order tea."
The tactician took two teacups from the tray, giving one to the bishop, and one to himself. "Interesting. So what do they put in the flask?" He proceeded to pour tea into both teacups, and added sugar to his own cup. Leon then took the flask, and opened it.
"I'm actually not quite sure," Sasarai admitted sheepishly. "They alluded that its some sort of Kanakan liquor. Since I never tried it myself, it could be water for all we know. But if your curiousity indulges you, please feel free to order something else other than tea. They usually bring some freshly buttered light buns as soon as its done baking."
Leon simply plugged the flask, and placed it back on the tray, not risking a watered down experience. The strategist took a spoon, and sturred his cup of tea. "Probably is water. What kind of 'philosophical ideas' did you want to discuss?"
Sasarai smiled at the other man's frankness as he stirred his tea. "It's good to know that despite all these years, you haven't changed a thing. Still direct to the point."
Leon took a careful sip from the tea, being cautious not to burn himself. "That is because I never got those years."
The bishop raised an eyebrow at that, before realization dawned on him. "I see, so that's what happened."
The Silverberg placed his cup down, and finished smoking his cigar before disposing it in a nearby ashtray. "So what happened to you during those years?"
Sasarai took a sip from his cup before replying. "It depends on how far ago you want to star. Have you at least heard of the events along side the Second Fire Bringer... incident?"
"Mostly, but I wouldn't mind to hear about it from someone who was there." Leon then took a sip of tea.
The bishop looks down on his tea cup and swirls it around idly. "What about it do you want to know?"
The strategist blew into is cup. "Specifics. The book I read glossed over the goals and members of the group calling themselves the Destroyers. All I know is that they tried to destroy a True Rune, or some such nonsense."
Sasarai's face darkened at the mention of the name. He instantly downed the contents of his tea as if to calm himself, before pouring and preparing himself another cup. "Yet another annal of Harmonian history that I wish never happened. Yes, the Destroyers did indeed exist. Members of that group happened to still reside here."
Leon noticed the bishop's uneasiness on the subject. "If you have such difficulty talking about it, how about something else? Like the Zexen councilors I hear that are running around."
Sasarai raised a hand. "No. They're part of the reason I managed to convince the council to let me stay here. Though the Council's presence brought some unease... especially since the proverbial ink from the new Treaty hadn't even finished drying yet."
Leon leaned back, teacup in hand, guessing at what the other reason could be, but he decided to ask anyway. "And what would be the other part of the reason the council is letting you stay?"
The bishop gave the tactician another significant look as he tapped his right hand non-commitally. "I'm sure your aware of Holy Harmonia's national policy."
The strategist merely sipped his tea. "And I take it there are concerns about the Zexens treading all over said policy? I'm suprised the council needs another reason for you to stay, let alone not requesting the castle master for a stronger Harmonian presence here. It's like they're dragging their feet."
Sasarai eyed the strategist cautiously, though not letting the polite smile from slipping from his lips. "Harmonia has signed a peace treaty with the Grasslands and the Zexen Confederacy for the next fifty years. We have every intention to uphold what constitutes in that treaty as long as the Grasslands and the Zexen Confederation upholds their part of the bargain. You know all to well as the great tactician that you are, that the presence of the Harmonian Regional Army, regardless of size could easily be seen as a threat. My presence here already pose as a risk, though Master Thomas has been kind enough to accommodate me as a Harmonian Ambassador, rather than look at my military status."
Leon looked into his teacup as the bishop spoke to him. He then straightened up, and place the cup down. "It's not Harmonia I'm worried about. It's someone else."
Sasarai raised an eyebrow at that. "Something else?"
The tactician looked dead into Sasarai's eyes. "Someone." Leon put his hand to his chin, eyes shut for a moment before opening them. "How familiar are you with the Toran Liberation War?"
The bishop frowned at the tactician's question. "Though we were not involved with that war, Harmonia recorded the events as we... received... news of it. Though we had poor ties with the former Scarlet Kingdom, it once was part of Harmonia. It was still some time before mmy appointment as a bishop, though my mentor at the time showed an unusual interest in that insurrection and made it a point to closely follow what was happening. Perhaps, I know a little bit more than what was recorded in our historical annals."
Leon leaned back slightly once again. "Then you have heard of Court Magician Windy?"
The line on the Sasarai's forehead deepened upon hearing the name. "There has been some... classified... information relating to that name. Though after Emperor Barbarossa's death, we heard nothing else about that person."
Leon took his cup, and finished his tea. "Then let us hope that I'm just a paranoid, old man, and that person isn't goading the Zexen Councilors to poke around here, and using the treaty as a shield."
Sasarai's eyes widened at the revelation. "That person is alive?"
The strategist place the empty cup back down. "Possibly. It could easily be someone else with a similar obsession. Nevertheless, I am not taking any chances, neither should anyone here."
Sasarai looked at his teacup thoughtfully. "Whether this person is alive or simply someone with similar intentions... its still very concerning. How did you find out about this?"
Leon poured more tea and sugar to his cup. "Are you familiar with a Louis Keeferson? From what Mathiu told me, he's a good, decent young man, whom the Zexens arrested for bogus charges of treason and espionage. The whole affair has upset him."
The bishop looked at the other man blankly for a few minutes as he searched his memory, before brightening up. "Ah! I remember a while ago... Lady Chris' squire was a young boy named Louis... I haven't heard much about him recently."
Leon stirred his cup of tea. "The Zexens may try to use him as a bargaining chip. If the castle doesn't acquiesce to their demands, they will kill him. Considering what is present in the castle, their goal seems apparent. That person is fond of such cruelties, and the tactics the Zexens are using are ones that person would use. It is also not the first time that person has corrupted an entire government in search for that desire."
Sasarai frowned once again. "I didn't realize... Granted even if I knew, there's not much I can do with helping that young man as his affair at this point is more of an internal conflict within the Confederation. Though the other issue... As long as the treaty is not breached against Harmonia, we can not be involved with the Confederation's internal affairs. Though, I will definitely keep my eye on that matter."
Leon blew into his cup, and sipped from it. "Good. Aside from Mathiu and Apple, is there anyone else here that you think I might know?"
"Luca Blight prior to his demise was transported here," Sasarai closed his eyes solemnly. "Not that he could be of any help with anyone." He cracked an eye as he gave the strategist another significant look. "And there's also that demon that your family seems to be fond of summoning."
The Silverberg eyes descended when Luca Blight was mentioned, but frowned when Yuber was mentioned off-handedly. "Albert should know that Yuber isn't a toy. Tough I might need to bind him, considering the circumstances. Anyone else?"
"I heard rumors that Jowy Blight was here as well... though I never saw him myself." Sasarai replied. "Other than those names, I can't think of anyone else from the top of my head."
Leon continued sipping his cup. "Anyone I might have heard of?"
"Miss Nanami is here, and I believe her brother was also known to make an appearance from time to time," Sasarai added. "Surprisingly, Tir McDohl is also here. Oftentimes in the company of..." The bishop paused as his expression darkens at the thought of that person. "That person that Lady Leknaat snatched from Harmonia many years ago."
Leon placed his cup down, and folded his arms. "I've seen Nanami. Unless I need poison, she doesn't need to be in the kitchen, if Lord Jowy's tales of her cooking are even half as accurate. As for Lord McDohl, I will need to speak to him as soon as possible. So how is Luc?"
"I believe that question is best asked to the person it is directed," The bishop replied in a tone more curt than he intended.
The strategist finished his second cup. "Well, since we're talking about him, how did Lady Leknaat manage to get so deep inside Circle Palace? It's as if she had help, at least, if not someone on the inside."
Sasarai gave the other man a pleasant smile, though the expression obviously didn't reflect in his eyes. "It's obvious that your arrival here was... unscheduled. Though, now that you're here, what are you plans?"
Leon waves his hand, letting the subject die. "First, I intend to have a talk with Lord McDohl, then bind Yuber to ensure his loyalty. Then I will work with the master of the castle to keep the Zexens in line." He left unspoken his usual addendum 'by any means necessary.'
"And you are doing this..." Sasarai stated meaningfully, "out of the goodness of your heart?"
Leon pulled out a cigar. "Even if that person is not involved, I don't want to paying 20 potch per cigar. The economic repercussions of Budehuc falling under Zexen control would be serious."
"Is that so?" Sasarai replied with a laugh. "I suppose that's an answer I'd expect to hear from you... but please forgive my rudeness. Remembering how you were from our brief correspondence during my youth, and based on working with Albert and Ceasar in the Second Firebringer incident... generosity is the last virtue that would cross my mind whenever I hear the name Silverberg and the word services in one sentence."
The strategist lights up. "A strategist never uses his knowledge for personal gain. The example I gave you would more than double the cost of living. You can see the long term ramifications from that."
"Of course," Sasarai replied with a forced grin. "At least I could expect that your motivations would not be misguided."
"When I see them again, I will be sure to give them both a proper, and harsh, lecture on ethics," Leon retorted as he smoked his cigar. "I appreciate the tea, and how you've handle my rather sensitive questions for the most part. I hope I can encourage you to be more observant in the future."
Sasarai smiled. "I'll take Lord Silverberg's advice to heart."
Leon nodded at the bishop, as he began to head to his own room. "Thank you, Your Eminence, and watch for Conqueror Runes."
Sasarai let out a small laugh as he watched the tactician take his leave. The smile fading from his lips only after the other man had left the door.