Test of Bonds, Paragon and Kala

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

Frost 121, Day 89, Mistreach Keep
It was maybe a handful of hours before dawn when the guard arrived at Baudric's cell in Mistreach Keep. Kala lay on the cot asleep insisted upon. Welcomed for at least the clean simple clothes the guard eventually came for him with earlier. He leaned against the foot of it, trying to get rest. Sleep was difficult for him as his mind flooded with memories so it only took them stepping up to the cell to rouse him from dozing off.
"You're up."

Standing up carefully so as to not wake the sleeping Lady of house Leukos. He placed his hands through the bars opening for them to put shackles on him again. Like a well run ship the iron was placed on him and then the door opened to lead him into a deeper part of the keep.

Ghostly quiet were the halls at this time of hour. Baudric knew nerves would probably be worn thin at this hour of questioning others. Best to be as cooperative as possible. As much as he would be allowed to protect his country as well. Baudrics large wings hung close but loose to him. It was the smaller set of vestigial wings that tucked in close like a hug around his hips. The only body language he ever allowed himself to show nervousness too. Just as he would often pet their soft down to calm himself when needed.

It didn't take very long to reach the small minimal set up room. As a temporary measure before the interrogator arrive, Baudric was lead to the seat at the table, his shackles latched to the table top to hinder him. Even should he prove too strong for the irons they would still serve to slow him and allow them to react. But Baudric sat calmly and waited. The guards standing at attention and waited.

[Kala Leukos]

.

Sleep had not come easily to Kala, which was strange given how exhausted she was. Perhaps that was why the noise didn't wake her. Instead, it was Kaus and their bond resonating that did. She sat up on her cot, shivering despite the heavy blankets her name had afforded her. They could communicate from afar, and when she realized she was alone in the cell, she felt a thrill of alarm. Her feet swung down and she stepped back into her shoes. Her dress' hem was shredded, sacrificed to make silken bandages for the fallen before she had followed Baudric into this incarceration. Again, perhaps because of her name, the barred door was no longer locked, and it was a simple matter to find out where they had taken her guest. Guards accompanied her, offering her a room in the palace, and perhaps clothes to change into. She too had been a guest of their dead Shokaze and his family until the world had caught fire.

She thanked them, but politely refused. Her feet took her along Baudric's path, though her gait was shorter.

"Get the lady a chair," one of the guards snapped at another. With their highest lords fallen low, some responded by honoring those remained. Others, perhaps, were wondering how well the Avialae elite could protect them when they couldn't protect themselves. She ought to be out doing any number of things, but the laws of hospitality demanded she be here for Baudric, and also her loyalty to a budding friendship.

"Thank you," she said to the guards as if they had strewn rose petals in her path, as if she weren't dressed in yesterday's party attire, as if she hadn't spent the night in prison. "My brother will be along shortly. If you could bring him here, or at least nearby where he can wait if the inquisitor won't brook interruptions, I would appreciate it."

That said, she sat in the chair they provided. She wanted to rest a hand on Baudric's shoulder first, but she refrained from touching him.

"You don't have to be alone, Baudric," she said quietly.

.

[Paragon]

P A R A G O N

Several minutes of silence passed by. The Avialae guards that stood watch within the chamber made no attempt at conversation. They stared stoically ahead, allowing both Baudric and Kala to speak to each other uninterrupted. When finally the door to the room opened again, it was not a soldier of the Sky Guard that entered but a white robed man who looked to be in his early to mid thirties. His hair was a dark brown, there was slight stubble on his face and circles under his green eyes. He looked from Baudric to Kala from behind a pair of glasses, blinking slightly before stepping into the room. Under one arm he carried a stack of papers. There was a satchel over his shoulder. He shuffled into the room, closing the door behind him. He set his papers upon the table and then retrieved a fresh sheet from within his satchel followed by an inkwell and a quill. Taking a seat, he unstopped the inkwell, set the quill into it and then looked across the table at the two other occupants of the room. He adjusted his glasses with a smile.

“Good morning.” The words left his mouth and immediately the quill in the inkwell jumped to life. The soft scratch of it penning his words onto the paper became the backdrop of the conversation.

“My name is Adept Lin, sorcerer of the College of Glass. According to our records you are the Lady Kala Mizal of House Leukos.” He inclined his head to Kala. “You are Ser Baudric Uberfallenlicht of the Imperial Legion.”

He gave Baudric a smile and a nod.

“I am required by law to inform you, Ser Baudric, that you have the right to declare a Patron House and have an affiliate of said House present for this questioning. If no such affiliate can arrive in immediacy, an attorney of the Common Court can be contacted upon verification of your patronage.” He looked to Kala. “By your presence here, am I to assume that Ser Baudric has received the patronage of House Leukos?”

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

His vestigial wings lightly raised and fell at his hips. Still coaxing comfort out of him in the situation. He was innocent and knew nothing about any plans against Kalzasi and its prince. His life placed him in the wrong place at the wrong time. All of which could have been avoided if he had just left to return to the Imperium after the fight with the demon He should have parted then. Despite it all he knew that being what he is could have placed a target on his back as a scapegoat. No matter what, he promised to be truthful.

He took a deep breath, looking annoyed rather than the bundle of nerves he really was. Reassuring Kala that he was glad she was there. The door opened as the Man walked in. The weariness in his face was evident. Either he was just getting on shift for questioning or he had been questioning all night already. Again he told himself to be cooperative and keep things clear as best he could. He didn't need a reason for him to make him a target.

"Respectfully, 'Von Uberfallenlicht.' It is a title that places me in my Chapter of the Legion. Otherwise you are correct."
He watched the quill flit around writing down everything being spoken. It was such a unthreatening form of magic, yet it still possessed the ability to ruin the Knight-Legonnaire.
"I have indeed been staying as guest in House Leukos. If issue with the Lady being here then her brother would be my next choice, if not both of them. Anyone else I would trust is unable to be here."

He thought about maybe Lord Karam Senue as he was there and could potentially vouch for him, but was uncertain if he should. He only knew the man at the party and too brief before they were attacked. With determined eyes he looked to Kala.

"But I have nothing to hide and want to do what I can to ensure those responsible are caught."
Perhaps he spoke too much and out of turn. It didn't matter to him. He knew the truth in his heart and hoped it would be enough to keep him well.

[Kala Leukos]

.

Out of respect, Kala rose at the arrival of their inquisitor. She was still dressed in the tattered remains of her party dress, but her demeanor was undiminished by that fact.

"I am she," the woman confirmed. "My brother is en route, and he can also vouch for Ser Baudric as a character witness if necessary. Ser Baudric has been a guest in our house since his release from the Tranquil Gardens, and if he wishes our patronage, it is his. However," and here she turned to include the man himself in her address, "if he also wishes an attorney present, they may be better versed in legal proceedings than I."

She would do everything in her power to help, but she was not, in fact, a lawyer. If things stretched out, she would hire one to assist, but there hadn't been enough time for all that. Kala was confident, but she also knew her limits and wanted Baudric to make his decisions with all necessary information. Educated decisions tended to be better than blind ones.

Kaus was nearby, but not yet arrived. She could feel him and his consternation that he hadn't arrived earlier so he could relieve her. But while he was enthusiastic and also keen to help Baudric, she was likely the wiser choice for the present circumstances. All the same, she would feel more confident with her twin present. She didn't know if that was a weakness of a core bond or just a simple emotional response to the enormity of what had befallen them.

Akshara, her lady mother, might question her daughter's decision to get embroiled in international politics when their house's modus operandi was generally to be overlooked, but she would have supported her making an ethical choice in the end. They had their differences, but they were supportive of each other. Baudric didn't come with that sort of support, and so Kala would lend it to him.

.

[Paragon]

P A R A G O N

“Ser Von Uberfallenlicht.” The adept inclined his head, the quill scribbling out a note on the paperwork in front of him. “For the record, I am required to state that at any point in time during these proceedings, you may request a pause and that legal counsel be consulted. You may--”

Adept Lin was stopped mid-sentence as the door behind him opened. There was no blustering of activity but the atmosphere in the room immediately changed as the figure opening the door presented himself. The tired face of Karam Senue entered the room. His golden wings were folded neatly at his back. He wore black, red, and gold and though he was clearly weary, his countenance was no less commanding in its presence. Behind him, the form of a Siltori elven woman with dark black hair, dressed in simple black attire, stepped into the room as well.

“Apologies for the intrusion, Adept.” The white robed mage blinked in surprise at the arrival of the two but rose to his feet. He offered a bow.

“Not at all, Hat--Daizoku Senue.” Karam’s face was studiously blank as he was addressed before nodding. “How may I be of assistance?”

The Siltori woman stepped forward.

“This has become a matter for the palace. I will be overseeing the examination from here.”The white robed adept blinked. The two guards in the room shifted ever so slightly. The woman spoke with firm authority. “Leave us.”

Wordlessly, the adept gathered his things and exited the room. Following a gesture from the woman, the two guards left as well, closing the door behind them. Karam seated himself, crossing one leg over the other and reclining back in the chair. His wings shifted until they settled comfortably behind him. As soon as the door was closed she snapped her fingers and there was a shift in the air. A hazy mirage shimmered over the walls before settling and vanishing out of sight. Examination by Semblance would reveal a simple but effective barrier intended only to ward off attempts at eavesdropping. The woman stepped back, crossing her hands at her wrists, eyes examining the other two occupants calmly.

“My father was killed.” Karam’s voice cut through the silence. His tone was thoughtful. It held neither grief nor warmth. It was simply flat, empty of emotion. The man himself was staring distantly at the wall, lost in thought for a moment. He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. Shaking his head, the man pulled himself from his thoughts and turned to the task at hand. He spoke less to Baudric and more to Kala.

“House Briathos has informed us that the portal gates were used. The Shinsei and his consort were transported through them shortly before the pirates crashed their ship into the Skyharbor. Their destination is not known, the portals were cut off before they could trace the activity through the Slipspace.” He looked to Baudric then.

“Early reports of the wreckage at the harbor crash site show signs of far southern engineering. During the battle, I recall you mentioning recognizing these raiders. That tells me they are regulars in your region of the world. When this was pointed out, the Queen was ready to interrogate you herself.” Karam visibly tensed. The woman beside him winced. “I am here instead.”

Karam tapped his finger upon the surface of the table, quietly regarding Baudric.

“Did you know about this attack, Ser?”

[Baudric]

Test of Bonds

Baudric watched Kala speak on his behalf, it really was inspiring to see her as young as she was stand up with just gumption as her weapon on the battlefield. His chest felt light and swelled thinking about how Kala and Kaus constantly looked out for him while he was here. Granted nothing was every that serious until now. Of course having an attorney would still be better as she admitted she was not as well versed. Still he shook his head to the presence of one he trusted her and Kaus.
"Just you and Kaus. I would put my trust in you both."

He looked back to Adept Lin as they began to remind him that this was no ordinary matter at hand. But even before Adept Lin could finish Lord Karam had entered along with another. He not only thought about him mere moments ago and there he was. Now with two houses here to back him up surely he would not remain here 'er long.

That feeling of assurance did not rise much however, the Palace was directly stepping in? For his interrogation? Waiting patiently as Karam replaced the Adept and took his seat. Sitting across from him. Baudric couldn't help but stand this time as best he could with his hands bound to the table. Once Karam sat, he sat once again. The man looked so different in less than twelve hours. Baudric's first instinct was to figure out why the man was distraught, ever the bleeding heart to aid those around him as it was. Right now was not the time for it. The room was enchanted, and it was just the four of them now. So it would only be Kala at his side. What of Kaus?

His eyes widened in understanding then, he knew that those who were not Avialae were allowed to have family units. Only did he remember Synnekar were not treated as Kathar, in fact seeking large family's with multiple partners. That he could not fathom what it felt like to know one's father was gone in the attacks. Karam began to address Kala then. Telling her about the escape, then his pointed glance fell upon him. Baudric did not waver in his return gaze. He would not be intimidated and wanted Karam to know what he spoke was nothing but truth.
"My sincere condolences. I am grateful that you come before me and not the Queen herself. I assure you with every fiber and shred of honor in me. I did not know of any attack impending upon Kalzasi, her people, and her leaders. Both prior and now. It is true I do recognize the assailants. My unit has often dealt with them in the skies when on the trail of some fiend escaped from the Gash. They are pirates with fealty to no one but coin. I am aware the implications that these pirates operating mostly on the boarders of the Imperium put me as suspect."

He held his face and tone of voice calm and steady. Willing them to believe him. For he spoke with honesty. Pray he did that there was no force of political corruption here that would use him as a scapegoat.
"If my nation is at fault here, I speak for no one but myself when I say.. I am ashamed for them."

--------------------------------

"Mein Licht, vertreibe die Dunkelheit, befreie meine Seele. Fliegen Sie in der Luft des Zufalls."

[Kala Leukos]

.

Kala nodded, accepting Baudric's decision. He had so little here without Talon Novalys to protect him; she knew that even her authority was limited in that regard. She wanted him to have as much autonomy and agency as possible, given he wasn't given much at all in his native Imperium. Things changed quickly then, the adept swapped out for the newly raised Daizoku Senue. Ah. For a moment, she wondered if the Siltori woman was some handmaiden of the Iron Queen for the authority with which she spoke.

The young lady of House Leukos bowed to Karam, with whom she had briefly struggled against their attackers the day previous.

"My condolences and congratulations both, my lord Daizoku."

The friction between him and his late father was no secret, but having lost her own father, she couldn't imagine that he wasn't experiencing some sort of loss, and the mantle of power came with its own weight even if it was a thing desired. The heir of Great House Novalys was missing while the greatest threat to his accession perished, and it was anyone's guess whether he would push his family's claim upon the throne of the Shokaze. It was early days yet so she couldn't know how Great House Briathos would respond, and what that would entail for House Leukos. Perhaps they could sort this out quickly so she could quit this place with Baudric and find out what was going on in the power vaccuum. The Siltori had spoken of the palace interceding, but she didn't say who represented the palace now.

She sat when Karam sat, was attentive to his words, and to Baudric's response.

"While you were there, Daizoku, it bears repeating for the record: Ser Baudric aided us in repelling the attackers."

.

[Paragon]

P A R A G O N

Karam eyed both Kala and Baudric steadily as the two of them spoke. He reclined in the chair, his expression thoughtful as he processed what they had to say.

“Your bravery is not lost on me, Ser Baudric.” Karam inclined his head. He let out a breath. He glanced to the Siltori woman standing nearby. She nodded silently.

“The early reports from the incident indicate that several explosions took place across the city. They were set off at points where enough of the civilian population would be placed in danger to elicit an immediate response from the Sky Guard. Distractions. To pull away attention from the palace.” He sighed heavily. The golden feathers of his wings rustled softly before settling once more. “Early examination of the sky ship wreckage has revealed that the pirates used a cloaking device to get themselves into the city largely undetected. Under normal circumstances, the city’s defenses would have detected them. The eclipse however, presented a unique opportunity.”

Karam looked down at the surface of the table. His expression pinched for a moment before he shook his head, shaking off the weariness that seemed to settle over him.

“It was a perfect storm, it seems. We are still sorting through the information available to us but…” His jaw firmed. “It is clear that Zaichaer, while involved, was not alone in this endeavor.”

Karam looked up at Baudric then. There was anger in his eyes. While not directed at Baudric exactly, the Kalzasern lord’s eyes settled upon the collar that the Kathar wore openly around his neck. There was a seething hate that emanated from Karam as he focused on it.

“The Shokaze is dead. If those responsible simply wanted to disrupt the politics of Kalzasi and the Synnekar, they would have just tried to kill Talon. Instead, they took him and his consort prisoner. We have all seen firsthand what Prince Talon is capable of.” Karam let the statement hang in the air.

“That is why I know he is alive.” Looking up, Karam looked between the two of them.

“Can you imagine what would happen if his captors managed to not only break his spirit but control him?”

[Kala Leukos]

.

Kala processed what Karam Senue shared with them. She knew that if something had happened to the Cintamani Pavilion, to Kilvin's Forge, or the new "barracks" of the Silver Wings, Kaus would have told her or, at least, she would have felt the thrill of his alarm resonating across their bond. It was some small comfort to know that the people under her direct care were safe, though she mourned for whoever might have been injured or killed just to make distractions. But while she was young, she knew that war was messy.

"They could weaponize a God against us," she said plainly.

Then, without missing a beat, "What can we do to help?"

She could feel Kaus waiting outside, not wanting to break the barrier of silence surrounding the room without an express invitation. But, of course, he would do what was required of him as well as she, and from all that she knew of Baudric, he would do the same. Whether that meant returning to Gel'Grandal or remaining here, she didn't know. Karam hadn't taken them into his confidence yet. He might not be the new Shokaze, but he would certainly be considered. If nothing else, he was one of the most powerful people in Kalzasi now as the Daizoku of a Great House.

His anger was good. Anger got shit done. But she hoped he kept it trained upon the collar and not the man. She would do everything in her power to protect Baudric, but her power would be insufficient if a Daizoku chose to take out his anger upon the foreign citizen of a nation who was complicit in the assassination of their beloved ruler.

.