Blossoming Exchange

JP with Winteroak and White_Caribou

He smiled at her, looking into her vibrant emerald eyes and the black curly locks that framed her features.

She exuded untapped potential, a raw power that was as much exhilarating as it was attractive to behold. Almost as much as her flawless beauty.

"One most do what is best for future of our people regardless of consequences." He offered wondering not for the first time what the future had in store for Shalia Nix. Already the most powerful woman in Odonine history.
"You will come to understand that soon I feel. Koshnem's plans for the Odonine reach further than just war..." He offered.

Her head tilted slightly and her eyebrows made a little twist at his last statement. She would chew on those words later. There was no threat in it, but the future was always threatening, wasn't it?

Shalia took a drink and quickly debated if she should try her luck.

"These forces will be comprised of Septs and the clans. If you do not mind me asking, will the Brotherhood be involved in the war? I noticed you did not speak much on them, nor did I encounter their name in the archives. Something else I wish to understand. They saved my life, after all...I feel I am owed some explanation." She hoped her words did not seem as direct as she imagined them coming out, though without any ill intent.

Shalia did not want to press about the group too far as the Horde raising was always top priority, but she could not help herself to think that this was important information being kept in light of the attack. If they were all like Amalu, surely they could be some good against the Helian forces? Then again, Tamazzalt did not need to disclose everything to her if it did not directly concern the call to arms or some old prophecy. He had his secrets and she had her own. And yet, it did concern her safety. This Ebony Hand had willingly gotten involved with her.

She was cautious about whether or not he would take some offense to it, having seen his dark response to the priests' badgering, but she wished to know who it was that was trying to strike a deal with her. The ones who intervened in an attempt on her life and spoke so ominously. It wasn't just Amalu that night, either. In his own words, he equated it to an action of the entire group.

What made the stirring of these dark robes so significant? Why were they such a touchy topic? And what did they do so long ago to become shunned?

He pondered how best to answer her questions. It was natural she was curious, she was nothing if not perceptive.

"They will join unless The Seer declares them heretics once again. Even then I would suspect this time they would find a way to join." He said already thinking on options if that came to pass. "Even if they have to offer their services to the Odonine simply to fight the Helians.

"Although they have stood at the margins of our society for the last two thousand years they are still Ozainae. Still follow some of the tenets all children of the Great Desert know from birth." His fingers traced the rim of is cup.
"I would see them rejoin our ranks. Both in our culture and in our armies. Time to set aside ancient hurts and slights." For a brief moment he wondered how she would react to the true tale of the Brotherhood. Of the Betrayal of the Trinity and their plans to bring Her, whose name they would spoke among brothers, back. Shalia Nix could be a valuable ally in what was to come.

"I'm glad they stepped in when you were attacked. Would have missed our chats, greatly." He said jokingly with a slight grin.

"Oh, that would be a real shame. I can't die when there's still so much left to do. So much alcohol to waste my nights away, so many children still to frighten," she chuckled, admiring his grin, not having seen much joy or amusement play on his face in the time they had met. She watched Tamazzalt's finger trail on the glass.

"The Odonine would be pleased to have them if it came to that, I'm sure. To hear about them is one thing, but to see the Brotherhood in action...they become more than just shadows and rumors," her emerald eyes flicked back up to his. "What kinds of services do they offer?" Shalia questioned, putting her elbow on the table to rest her chin in hand.
The woman's voice was tinged with eagerness, interest finally blossoming from its seed. She was close to a guiding answer. And painfully close to another glassful.

The mountain folk had their limited areas of expertise, so she wondered what the Brotherhood could bring to the table. Jacks of all trades, perhaps? Versatility was promising.
Most of all it would give her more clues as to what the hunt would entail should she commence it.

Maybe it was the wine, maybe it was the company and the fact that tonight he wanted to forget everything but his grin turned to a smile at her words.
"I'm sure Koshnem would be very pleased to have them. As I would be to have you." The double meaning of his words were very clear.

"As long as their services are aligned with their patron, there isn't much they will not do." He said pouring some more wine in their cups. " They are particularly adept at undercover work. And they are particularly adept at fighting magik..." He explained.