Arms and The DiplomatIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | PreGameLogs | Arms And The Diplomat Unlike his visit to House Ishtar, Ingrey took a Wererathe carriage from the House of the Shadowmasters up to his second visit to a banner House of Ishtar. He watched as the carriage, headed along the familiar route to Ishtar, turned and headed down a road of a different sort and direction. Slightly anxious to be approaching yet another martial House, and one not far away from Torren Ishtar, if it came to that, Ingrey leaned forward, wondering what House Heldt had to offer for a view, and how, after his letter to them, he would be greeted in person. As Ingrey doubtlessly knew, Heldt favoured its home shadow more than its ways in the Courts. These were maintained for purely diplomatic reasons. But as he crossed the threshold, he could see that they had spared no expense making it appear as if this was not so. A simple stone arch marked the entrance to the Heldt Ways, and as the carriage crossed over, the difference was jarring. There was no transition from the green of the world outside to the inside- it was just almost instantly purest white. Snow created a sort of majesty in its form, unbroken fields of it, with a steady fall of it from the skies. But where in Zaporizhia the snow was real and deadly, here it had all of the appearance and none of the substance. The runners that the wheels had turned into on the threshold moved silently across the fields of snow as if they were the same as their counterpart, but there was no radiated cold, and as the snow touched the carriage, it merely disappeared, rather than turning into water. An array of snow-covered trees canopied the road as the carriage made its way along its winding path to a sprawling chateau, framed by snow-covered peaks that surrounded it, creating a majestic experience. Looking further out, he could see spires as they rose into the sky in the distance, and could imagine that he could see figures moving on them, making their way to and from the cradles of life on their summits. Ingrey, in the privacy of his carriage, permitted himself a brief smile as he regarded the edifice he was approaching. As they pulled into the circular drive in front of the hall, he could make out two figures waiting for his arrival. One was apparently a servitor demon, a sleek being with no face, and a silvery sheen to its skin that reflected the snow around him. The other was a young woman, apparently of asiatic descent, dressed at odds with the environment in a light, sleeveless blouse of light green, and linen pants of blue. Black slippers cradled her feet, and a matching black sash was cinched around her waist. Her distinctive dragon tattoo adorned her right arm like a sleeve as her arms were crossed in front of her. As the carriage pulled to a stop, the servitor stepped forward to get the door for the Minister-Counselor, and Amba dropped her arms to her side, lowered her head in formal greeting before looking back up, her dark blue eyes appraising the new arrival frankly. "Minister-Counselor Ingrey Wererathe," she said formally. "Welcome to House Heldt. My name is Amba... Baroness Heldt asked that I bring you to her with all haste. Do you require any refreshment?" Ingrey bowed formally, his hands clasped together as he did so, and when he returned to a straight back position, his hands were clasped together. He looked evenly at her and appraised her in turn and then nodded his head again, and spoke. "Thank you for the welcome, Amba. It is a pleasure to meet you. Further, it would be pleasing for me to meet with the Baroness immediately, if at all possible. If this snow had the properties it does in Amber, I might request a hot beverage, first, but I find that I am ready to conduct business with her highness." He gestured for her to lead him inside. "I find that this snow has its own dangers," Amba smoothly rejoined. "Sometimes the illusion is much deadlier than the reality, for it lulls you into complacence that can prove fatal when the real thing presents itself." "That is true of many things, Amba." Ingrey agreed. "Many personages of ability and power do not appear as dangerous as they truly are, and a false sense of security can prove deadly." Ingrey didn't quite smile, but there was something in his eyes as he gave Amba a graze of the head. As they turned, the servitor glided through the door in front of them, leading the way into the chateau. This expedient allowed Ingrey to follow the servitor, rather than being behind Amba as they walked through the halls. The chateau itself was just as impressive inside as out- though the heating was not needed, there was definitely a cozy feeling to it- it gave the feel of an ancient Swiss ski lodge. As they walked past the spiralling stairs of the foyer into the hallway behind, Amba asked, "How do you find Amber? I've heard a lot about it, but without a frame of reference, it's hard to tell if the speakers have been biased. What is your opinion of the place?" Ingrey's eyes flickered around the details of the chateau, giving a soft murmur of satisfaction as he drank in the details. His eyes returned to Amba just as she began speaking again. "In truth, the best way to form an opinion of Amber is to experience it for yourself, but that is a side issue to what I plan to discuss with the Baroness today." Ingrey said with a half mysterious smile to the dark haired Chaosian. Amba frowned, thinking, then very quickly, it disappeared as she caught herself doing so. "I've served Chaos in Amber for several decades, now." Ingrey replied. "It continually surprises me, for all being less malleable than the stuff of shadow, here." Ingrey says. "It's not that it is exotic and strange by the standards of the Courts, for it is, of course, even in a level of mundaneness. "No, Amber benefits from being a center into itself, a hub of people, cultures and adjoining realms. If Amber were just a kingdom amongst many, say, from the Black Zone, it would barely be worth bothering with. Since it is an axial point of its own, Amber continually has something new to offer." Amba mulled over that, wanting to ask another question, but noting that they were coming to the rooms where the Baroness had chosen to receive the Minister-Counselor. As the doors opened, they revealed a study, lined from floor to ceiling with beautiful leather-bound books- first editions from many shadows. Velvet draperies were drawn tight against the windows, obscuring from view the frigid waters and magnificent view that abutted the chateau from the rear. The floor was of a dark wood from Zhaporizhia, very sturdy, and polished to a sheen, partially covered by the carpet on one side of the room, where leather chairs sat by a roaring fire. Though it wasn't needed, it did make it cozy. The other side of the room was almost completely dwarfed by a intricately carved antique mahogany desk- very organized, but showing that actual work was done there. Separating these two parts of the room was a large portrait of the former Baron of House Heldt- very stately in his armour upon a field of snow, enemies laid at his feet, allies kneeling before him. This would most likely be the centerpiece of the room, if not for the very formidable and very beautiful presence of his daughter in front of him, awaiting her guest. She wore a gown of red, with a black under-dress- more aristocratic than elegant, but that set off her figure quite admirably, creating a sublimely picturesque image. Her jewelry and make-up were minimal, kept to a more natural look- her only concession to such vanities was an elaborate coiffure, cradled in a delicate silver hairnet. Though no light source was obvious, some sort of ambient light framed her perfectly as she looked up towards the opening door. "Baroness, may I present your guest, Minister-Counselor Ingrey Wererathe," Amba said formally. "Minister-Counselor, the Baroness Tatjana Heldt." Ingrey had allowed himself the luxury of letting his eyes wander over the rich and illustrious details of the room, from the floor to the fixtures, to finally the portrait of the former Baron and the daughter Baroness who finally stood beneath it. Ingrey took a couple of ritual steps forward from Amba's position upon her introduction and offered a bow to the Baroness. "Milady Baroness, it is a pleasure to meet you and I am pleased that you have agreed to hear my entreaty." "When couched in such florid terms as your request, how could we refuse?" Tatjana replied lightly. "Please," she continued, motioning towards the comfortable looking chairs around the fire, "make yourself at ease." "Thank you, Milady Baroness." Ingrey bowed again, and briefly looked around, wondering if the adoptive daughter of the Baronness would be present for the negotiations as well. Amba had not seated herself, but indeed was still present, watching the interaction of the Ambassador and the Baronness with studied intent. As for herself, with only a minimal pressure from her fingertips, a set of faux book spines sprang forward from one of the bookshelves, revealing a set of crystal decanters. "Would you care for a brandy, Minister-Counselor?" she said as she removed a large snifter and a decanter filled with the amber-coloured liquor. "A glass of brandy would be most welcome and most kind, Baroness." Ingrey said lightly, giving a nod as he found one of the comfortable seats. "And as you have greater rank, you can call me Ingrey, if you prefer." he offered. Instead of summoning a servant, or having Amba pour the drinks, the Baronness served them both herself, pouring the brandy, then handing each of them a crystalline glass. "I find," she said as she handed Ingrey his, "that staid adherence to rote rules tends to deprive one of the knowledge that every engagement is governed by the situation of the meeting, rather than those rules." Ingrey accepted the glass with a nod, regarding the color and clarity of the brandy in the matrix and mileu of the crystalline glass. He gave a welcoming nod for the Baroness to continue. She handed Amba her own, and as the two of them sat- almost at the same time, but Amba a fraction of a second after her sponsor, the Baronness looked back towards their guest. "What would your opinion on such a subject be, Minister-Counselor?" Ingrey watched the byplay between Student and Sponsor for a moment, took a sip of the Brandy, gave another slow nod, and finally began to speak, cradling the glass in his hand. The exciting prospect of someone who might actually be worth debating and discussing things pleased him. "The reputation of House Heldt and its Baroness is not exaggerated." Ingrey began, in a tone of respect. "Although I do not share such, my talents being elsewhere, I admire the tactical acumen and mind which you display with such a choice of topic and opinion." Ingrey continued. "To offer my own opinion on the subject, it is true that many people regard those of my own profession to be a dance of formal words and actions, such as that you decry as staid." He continued. He glanced briefly down at his glass, and then turned his full gaze upward, his gaze flickering between Baroness and Amba equally. "It is not true, however. Every negotiation is different. Even if I am more or less the same person throughout each negotation, you, for example, milady Baroness, are a unique individual to whom I needs must adapt in order to come to common ground. For example, I recently spoke to Torren Ishtar who, while the head of another Banner House of Hendrake like yours, is a very different individual to deal with than the first impressions I have of Milady." Tatjana gave Ingrey a saturnine look over the edge of her own glass at the mention of Ishtar, but her expression was otherwise inscrutable. As for Amba herself, she sat, her glass untouched, absorbing the conversation as a sponge. "On the other hand." Ingrey said. "I am not such a chameleon as to deny that there are certain forms that should be honored. Traditions can be important, not in blind adherence, but in honoring and cherishing their use and their necessity in the social fabric of a society. There must be some Rules of Engagement, so long as they do not deny victory in straitjacketing action, do you not agree?" He took a sip of the brandy again, to await Tatjana and Amba's response. "Rules of Engagement," the Baroness said, rolling the phrase over her tongue as if it were a delicate fruit that she had not decided upon her opinion of the taste. "An most appropos choice of words, is it not, Amba," she asked, looking to her protégé. Though Amba seemed almost startled to be called upon, she answered with considerable alacrity, not wanting to apparently, give the impression that she had been caught off guard. "Considering that depending upon who is involved in the negotiations, matters of diplomacy can have alarming parallels to war, the phrase fits. But taking things even further, the 'fog of war' would be represented by two forces that do not know how the facts are laid before them- such as in the case that one party calls upon another without elucidating his reasons for such conversations." Ingrey kept his face a mask as he realized that his own behavior was being dissected by Tatjana and her protege. He resisted the urge to look down at his drink and instead calmed continued to look at Amba as she spoke. Tatjana smiled, and it was one that showed she was not unpleased with Amba's response. "A most interesting take," she said, looking into her snifter as she swirled her brandy, releasing the sweet metallic vapor. Raising her eyes, she looked from Amba to the Minister-Counselor. "So," she said after a moment, her tone changing to become more businesslike, "enough small talk. We would not want to keep you longer than you are able to stay. What do you require of House Heldt?" "Primarily, and first, an exchange of services, Milady Baroness." Ingrey began. "And the reason for my relative lack of clarity in seeking the meeting. I do recognize that this meeting is of somewhat murky motivation, as your protege," He gave a nod to Amba, "rightly deduced. But when it comes to matters of possible conflict between Houses, my House feels that caution and secrecy are necessary." Amba frowned as Ingrey spoke, but said nothing. "A Minor House has, of late, been arraying themselves in a bid to supplant us among the greater Houses." Ingrey said. He took a sip of the excellent brandy and then continued, swirling the glass slightly in his hand as he talked. "I have no doubt that, in your own impressive abilities at Military Intelligence, that you have started to become aware of that situation. House Wererathe seeks to obtain Intelligence from you on the matter in exchange for credits in our own specialty of Shadowmastery." The Baroness was silent for a long moment, her expression inscrutable- she wasn't referred to as the "Ice Queen" merely for the fact that her areas of influence were in colder climes. "I see," she said. "And how does House Wererathe find itself at such a pass. I would think that considering your resources, you could have stopped them long before they became a threat? That they have come so close to striking might indicate to others a weakness that the Courts do not need." Her tone was light, but her gaze as she looked up from smoothing her dress was anything but. "I do not have all the answer to your question, Milady." Ingrey replied after a moment's pause to properly frame his response. He kept his face a mask, sensing that his efforts seemed poorly framed, once again. "Truly, the threat of House Chasch was not one which I was aware of or perceived the last time I was in the Courts for an extended period, some years ago. And while I can think of a reason how they might have gained such a rise to power to threaten Wererathe in those years since I've last been here, that is a matter of a House Secret that I cannot speak to, by means of a Geas. "I admit," Ingrey added with a trace of the beginnings of a smile, "that I've been tempted to simply conduct some...field work of my own, but it is not precisely my decision to seek help in this matter, but I am here nevertheless. "You, and your House's reputation for ruthless practicality in these matters have not been exaggerated." Ingrey continued with a nod of respect. He then looked down at his glass with a look of slight regret. "If you feel that would be better for the Courts if such a weakness were excised, then I have but to thank you for hearing what I've said thus far and trouble you no further. And we will not engage the other matter, on behalf of my superior, at all." Silence hung between them for a long moment. The next words could be those of dismissal, but when Tatjana looked up, her eyes did not look as if dismissal was on her mind. Ingrey watched and listened carefully, his face carefully neutrally poised to hear her answer, as negotiations rested on the knife blade. Finally, she nodded. "Well, played, Minister-Counselor," she said. "Well, done, indeed." She smiled. Though even more beautiful with such an expression on her face, the coldness of it made her look even more severe. "House Heldt values information highly- we are in the business not only of obtaining secrets, but keeping them," she said. "We do not waste such a commodity on those that are unworthy of our support, but House Wererathe may be yet a valuable ally- surely more so than... others." Ingrey gave a fraction of a nod of the head. "Very well," she said. "We have indeed noticed certain movements, and can provide you with certain details. But as I said, information is quite valuable. Two people of our choosing will be sent to train with your Shadowmasters. That is our price." "Rare is the training of a single member, much less a pair, of individuals in our Ways." Ingrey said after a long moment of contemplation. "We do usually prefer to offer our services as services, rather than direct training, although, when it is necessary to obtain things of rare price and value, such training is the most dearest coin that we have to trade with. Just as your own secrets, Milady Baroness, are similarly not to be squandered without good reason and with careful consideration." The Baroness gave the briefest of nods to the truth of his statement. As for Amba herself, she marvelled at his grace under fire- she was sure she would not be able to stand up under such scrutiny. "Two is within the limits set to me by my House Head, and therefore, I can accept the bargain upon my Word as Minister-Counselor. Documents can be sent another time to be signed and sealed, with a Sanguinary Oath if you insist. On behalf of my House, I thank you." Ingrey said. "Please," Tatjana said, "have your proctor contact mine, and handle the details. And no thanks are necessary; I am sure this will be a mutually beneficial relationship." Ingrey stood and gave a bow to the cold, severe and formidable Baroness. "May I refresh all of our drinks? What I next which to speak of is on behalf of not my House, but rather from the Ambassadoress Paloma Baccaran, my superior in the Embassy to Amber." The Baroness extended her glass with a slight inclination of her head, and a cautiously curious expression on her face. Amba demurred, looking upon them both as if a class was in session- for surely, though it was of a different nature than most, one was. Ingrey bent to refill the Baroness's glass, gave a nod of respect to Amba at her choice, and refilled his own. The Minister-Counselor returned to the comfortable chair, took a slow and patient sip of the liquor before nodding and beginning. "The charter of the Embassy of the Courts to Amber comes from his Majesty the Emperor, and by its charter, we're bound and our raison de etre is to aid those of our kinsmen who live, or visit, the Kingdom of Amber. In addition, its goal is to foster knowledge and understanding between both the Empire and the Kingdom, even if the Kingdom is a de facto vassal of ours." "In keeping with the goal of fostering and enhancing those relations, her Excellency the Ambassador, Lady Paloma Baccaran, and I, have devised and contemplated a more open and active policy in encouraging our goals. The Lady would like to extend an open invitation to your protege, Amba." he gave a nod. "to come and spend time in and at the Embassy, as a way of learning more about Amber, and in addition, give her an idea of who and what we do. "An internship, I believe is the term one of the Amberites call the concept." Ingrey finished. At this, Amba did finally take a drink to cover her reaction and settle her nerves. As if reading her mind, the Baroness's next words were the ones that had instantly sprung to her mind. "Not that we aren't flattered, but I must ask- why Amba?" "Several good reasons, Milady," Ingrey said, taking a sip of the brandy. "Amba is a well accounted for member of a Minor, but respected House." Ingrey began. "Second, she is young but not callow. She is not so old as to be inflexible, and not so young as to not benefit from the experience... And, third, her Excellency would like a diverse variety of invitees, of various backgrounds, abilities, proclivities and viewpoints. "Does that answer satisfy, milady. Amba?" Ingrey inquired, regarding them both. Tatjana looked toward her protégé, studying her reaction for a moment before answering. "It does," she said slowly. "Indeed it does. But unfortunately," she continued, looking back toward the Minister-Counselor, "it is not a question that can be answered lightly, or without consideration." She nodded slowly. "Perhaps, once the contract is returned from our other matter, we can discuss this more fully, and make arrangements to that end." "It would be a disservice and injustice both to the Embassy and to the lady." Ingrey gave a respectful nod to Amba, "to decide such things idly and without proper consideration thereof. I agree, we can postpone further negotiations on the matter until the contract between Wererathe and Heldt is complete. "But I thank you for being open minded enough to agree to have further discussion of the matter." Ingrey added. Tatjana nodded gracefully. "And please convey our respects and thanks to Lady Baccaran in turn for the offer, and the honour." Amba nodded also, possibly a bit less gracefully, but the slight smile on her face offset whatever was loss in grace with a more human factor. "Was there any other business left on the table to discuss?" The Baroness asked. "I hate to bring things to a close, but I, unfortunately, have another appointment looming." "It would be more than passing impolite for me to disrupt your next appointment," Ingrey said, bowing from his seat. "My business on behalf of my House, and the Embassy, has been dealt with, at least as it is our current part." He finished the glass of brandy and stood. "Thus, I will now depart." "I will speak well to any who ask me of the hospitality you have shown me." Ingrey added, and now bowed formally, to both Amba and Tatjana. As Amba rose to show their guest out, Tatjana replied, "I look forward to further dealings with you, on behalf of House Wererathe and the Embassy. Take care, Minister-Counselor." Ingrey gave another bow, and perhaps the very faintest tracings of a smile, and followed Amba out, and soon was gone from House Heldt on his next errand.
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