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CREE.
Owner of the discreet Gilded Cage hideout. Cree has traveled all of El Nysa and established his spies, or "little birds" in every corner of the world. He knows intimate details about important figureheads of both factions, and suspects that the refugees are not all that they seem to be. Despite being a known criminal and the apparent orchestrator of the VIOLET 2710 attacks, he provides work for the lower class and seems to have a generally positive reputation. He has a strong dislike for Ashti.
Cree is almost never seen without a small bird on his shoulder. You might find that you have seen this bird before, and if you listen closely enough, you will hear it speak common to its owner. If you specifically request contact with the the bird alone, it is entirely possible it will carry out a conversation with you.
A character's first interaction with Cree is free of any favor, but they will be required to take up a job (thief, enforcer, informant) before they can return for more information. Sign up at the EMPLOYMENT THREAD and direct any other inquiries by characters here. IC consequences for breaking silence on his whereabouts to their other NPCs will be discussed by PM.
[ Cree notices easily, and seems to find amusement in the way Byerly seats himself. He shifts his own position so he's leaned further back into his seat, crossing his ankles and placing his hands at his sides. It makes him much less braced to up and go— apparently, a gesture of good will. ]
They are such deep emotions, born from war that began before they took their roles. Those two have been so blinded by grudges between their land that they refuse to acknowledge they can end it all in one fell swoop, instead performing this song-less dance. Simwe knows much but does so little, and Shanrian is too short-sighted to see how large the scale of this conflict truly is.
[ He relaxes very, very slightly, recognizing that gesture. Not that it really means that much - By doesn't doubt that Cree doesn't need to personally cut throats if there's a throat he wants cut. But still. ]
The follies of pride and history. [ So not personal enmity, then, but something deeper-rooted... ] One wonders, then, which path towards harmony would be easier. Could one more easily stir Simwe to good action, or lead Shanrian to some sort of enlightenment?
[ Cree seems to express a genuine interest, his brows raising as he gestures towards Byerly. Lion's den as this place may be, the lion seems too full to feast. Instead, it will listen to its company. ]
Surely there are other ways of initiating a change. This disaster affected their people, so it isn't impossible for them to use that spark to burn what stands in their way. [ He takes a breath, then continues with a smile. ] To answer your question, however... what is easier? Convincing a woman who believes the world could be hers, or drawing a man so intent on seclusion out of his hard shell? I am not hopeful for the former.
[ By's smile turns a little more genuine, a little wry. He likes quick-witted company, and there's no question that Cree is that. ]
Now, a greedy woman, on the other hand...A greedy woman cares for the state of her possessions. Or for the state of her potential possessions. Perhaps harmony can come through convincing her that the world would be a better prize if it were a world at peace.
[ Then, less philosophically: ]
Do they love their people? Or do they only love power?
[ It's clear that Byerly is exceedingly observant, and that's more than he can say for some who walk through his door. Cree must be careful not to give the impression his guard is down, but his courtesy is much more natural than when he first arrived. ]
Love is a very strong word for royalty, don't you think? They both are smart enough to know their people aren't expendable, or you all would not be in Wyver today. I'd think of it as a formality— they need you in good shape if they anticipate you'll have to go and fight for them. And they would rather fight than lose their power.
And what of you, Byerly Vorrutyer? [ He clasps his hands together, leaning forward in his seat. ] You work under our dear Koralle, yet you have a burning curiosity for the bigger picture. Why?
[ By smiles, at once rather wary and genuinely flattered by the fact that this fellow knows so much about him. It's advantageous to remain an unknown, after all, but it's damned unsatisfying, sometimes. It's good for the ego to be gossiped about.
Only half-disingenuously, he replies: ]
Self-interest. I dislike war immensely. Fellows like me so often end up being lined against walls and shot. I was high-born, back in my original colony, before turmoil turned me into a refugee, you see. [ He tilts his head very slightly to the side. ] I hear the Empress will open her ears to someone who's handsome and hedonistic enough to catch her attention. No?
[ He can't help but laugh. It doesn't seem to be at Byerly's expense, with how he speaks of the Empress after. ]
She'll open her legs to them before she opens her ears, but I won't tell you that it's a lost cause. It has been some time since men like myself have had the opportunity to try and talk her out of her agenda, and I will admit that they did they did not present enticing enough alternatives. You think yourself more capable of painting a prettier picture?
Ah, perhaps. I suppose it depends on what pictures those other fellows painted. [ He tilts his head very slightly. ] I don't suppose you happen to remember what sorts of strategies didn't work with her?
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no subject
They are such deep emotions, born from war that began before they took their roles. Those two have been so blinded by grudges between their land that they refuse to acknowledge they can end it all in one fell swoop, instead performing this song-less dance. Simwe knows much but does so little, and Shanrian is too short-sighted to see how large the scale of this conflict truly is.
no subject
The follies of pride and history. [ So not personal enmity, then, but something deeper-rooted... ] One wonders, then, which path towards harmony would be easier. Could one more easily stir Simwe to good action, or lead Shanrian to some sort of enlightenment?
no subject
[ Cree seems to express a genuine interest, his brows raising as he gestures towards Byerly. Lion's den as this place may be, the lion seems too full to feast. Instead, it will listen to its company. ]
Surely there are other ways of initiating a change. This disaster affected their people, so it isn't impossible for them to use that spark to burn what stands in their way. [ He takes a breath, then continues with a smile. ] To answer your question, however... what is easier? Convincing a woman who believes the world could be hers, or drawing a man so intent on seclusion out of his hard shell? I am not hopeful for the former.
no subject
[ By's smile turns a little more genuine, a little wry. He likes quick-witted company, and there's no question that Cree is that. ]
Now, a greedy woman, on the other hand...A greedy woman cares for the state of her possessions. Or for the state of her potential possessions. Perhaps harmony can come through convincing her that the world would be a better prize if it were a world at peace.
[ Then, less philosophically: ]
Do they love their people? Or do they only love power?
no subject
Love is a very strong word for royalty, don't you think? They both are smart enough to know their people aren't expendable, or you all would not be in Wyver today. I'd think of it as a formality— they need you in good shape if they anticipate you'll have to go and fight for them. And they would rather fight than lose their power.
And what of you, Byerly Vorrutyer? [ He clasps his hands together, leaning forward in his seat. ] You work under our dear Koralle, yet you have a burning curiosity for the bigger picture. Why?
no subject
Only half-disingenuously, he replies: ]
Self-interest. I dislike war immensely. Fellows like me so often end up being lined against walls and shot. I was high-born, back in my original colony, before turmoil turned me into a refugee, you see. [ He tilts his head very slightly to the side. ] I hear the Empress will open her ears to someone who's handsome and hedonistic enough to catch her attention. No?
no subject
She'll open her legs to them before she opens her ears, but I won't tell you that it's a lost cause. It has been some time since men like myself have had the opportunity to try and talk her out of her agenda, and I will admit that they did they did not present enticing enough alternatives. You think yourself more capable of painting a prettier picture?
no subject