Nehor (prime)/Hearts and Minds

Hearts and Minds

Originally posted on the official forums by FUDGEHJ on 01/12/2020 at 02:26 AM CST.

((OOC note: This is a narrative log of a meeting that occurred saturday evening, posted with permission of all involved. Dialogue edited for clarity and brevity, but I tried to keep the meaning clear. This is considered OOC information. I hope you enjoy it and it adds to your experience))

The paneled ebonwood door opened smoothly, and two women, both very different yet with equally stern expressions, entered the room. Lord Nehor stood, adjusting himself smoothly before offering both a bow.

"My thanks for bringing her here." Nehor drawled, all gratitude and smiles.

The elf curled her lips upward, ever so slightly, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes that belies the deadly grace with which she carried herself. In simple words, she replied "You are welcome." Tatria watched the exchange with a bemused expression. Gesturing for both women to sit, he takes one himself and begins to explain why he asked her here. Nehor addressed the girl in polite tones, his volume and cadence perfected over years of stagecraft. "Tatria was it? I was told that it might be in both our interests if we has a conversation."

Nehor smiled thinly, adjusting the cuffs on his sleeves as he regarded her. "Fat owl been talking again?" was the short reply, tone free of the amusement implied by the words Shaking his head simply, Nehor explained to her to the purpose of the visit. How she had been the only one to speak up for the children at the community meeting, and she alone had expressed concern for their welfare. Nehor went on to claim how this gesture, this show of genuine care, had touched his heart.

The lass was skeptical at first. Almost angry, confrontational. She brought up several rumors she had heard.

Bluntly, she spilled forth the first: "Say flock burns children. Defenders say they not allow Flock to take children."

Sorrowfully, putting all the practice and effort he can muster into his body language as well as his words, Nehor carefully explains how that such things are not true. How it was Nazhor that was responsible, ultimately, how the Flock had been instrumental in striking him down. How Socius, the butcher, had failed his people and the children both and thus no longer was worthy of the responsibility of caring for the Isle.

Throughout the conversation, Lynaera watched, her keen elven eyes always moving...ensuring the doors and windows were secure and free of watching eyes or listening ears. She chimed in when appropriate, backing up Lord Nehor's words, adding to the believability of the performance.

Slowly but surely, as the conversation went on, Tatria turned from argumentative to curious. From skeptical to accepting. Finally, when Nehor noticed her nodding along with his words, his claims that Greth's was no appropriate place for children, that they needed a safe space. Not barracks, but a place just for them. Education and comfort and, above all else, safety. When Nehor saw that the lass nodded...not just with politeness (this one had no sense of manners, and lacked all guile or pretense) but with conviction...he broached what he had intended from the start.

Carefully stressing his words, Nehor continued: "It is why Mistress Selbi has placed us in charge. We wish to make sure that nothing like that ever happens again. That no children burn because the leaders would not do what they need to protect children."

Tatria frowned, listening.

Nehor soothingly whispered "Greth means well but his place is...unsuitable." Lynaera quietly added, "And Greth can only help so many at a time."

Tatria piped up in agreement: "No place for kids, water is bad."

Speaking calmly to Tatria, Nehor continued, "It really is simple. The Flock has a safe place being made ready. It should open tomorrow, in the fact. We need volunteers to help guide the children and ensure their safety."

Lynaera and Nehor glanced at one another. "We would like to offer you a position. We need someone who genuinley cares for children to help see to their comfort and well being. Would you aid us? Would you help us bring the kids to safety?"

Tatria looked between the pair, a thoughtful expression on her stern features. Slowly and carefully, she replied: "Will make sure kids stay safe. You will take them if I say yes or no so I say yes."

Nehor smiled, exuding warmth and approval. They stood, exchanged a few more words between them. The Flock would provide her the resources she needed. She would be allowed to watch over the children under the care of the Orphanage and its staff. All she had to do, when the time was right, was to sneak the children out of Greth's.

Tatria left, a look of determination on her features. As the door closed, Lynaera and Nehor studied each other.

"Do you think she'll succeed?" Lynaera asked, her tone full of doubt.

"With the proper support. I shall make arrangements." Nehor confidently replied. He turned to the papers at his desk, studying them as he thought. After a moment, he added "And if she fails, we still have taken a tool from the Rebels. Such things are important, to deny the enemy resources. It will also be good optics. We will be seen trying to help someone who cares for the children shelter them. If the Butcher and his ilk try to stop us? Well. They are seen preventing children from reaching safety."

Nehor leaned forward in his chair, a grim expression on his face. "This is a conflict that will be won, not with force of arms, but with winning of hearts and minds. We must use a firm hand at times, to be sure, but it is these little things that will make the difference."

Lynaera nodded, still doubtful. Both sat, talking well into the night of what the future may hold.

Somewhere, in the distance, thunder rumbled.

A storm was coming.