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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 greeted her as he always does, with a warm smile contrary to his character. He's in the middle smoking a pipe as he sorts through paperwork when they begin their conversation, requisitions and business licenses of establishments he does not own splayed across the table, but he draws his attention away from them to properly address her question. ]
I think it's going to bomb. [ He says, lightly, with a grin forming on his lips. ] No, it's a curious turn of events. We haven't had such a peculiar case of refugees in my lifetime.
And that's a curious turn of phrase. [ Peggy doesn't spare the documents on his table more than a cursory glance; she's curious, but not that curious. His business is his own and she can respect and understand that — has, since accepting work from him and his establishment. ] Peculiar in what way? Our involvement in local affairs? The cities themselves encouraged it.
[ He admires that about Peggy — admires it enough to give her his full attention. He turns away from the table and leans back against it, careful to blow smoke away from her before he replies. ]
The way you carry yourselves, travelling to and fro. I must admit, when I shoved you all in the direction of Wyver, even I did not believe you would continue to be so... insensitive. [ Not in the way he cares, of course. Their travelling habits are productive for his own gain. He casts a glance to the back wall, where the photos of all the officials are pinned up with a red ribbons. ] It makes one wonder where you came from, so obviously oblivious of culture, carrying such strength without the training we know...
But it matters not. You wonder how it is going to turn out for all of you, and I cannot say with certainty. Neither city has ever cared for the opinions of the masses, and none of its outsiders have made themselves stand out in recent history. Will you form a senate? Whisper in their ear what they never cared to hear to from their high horses? Perhaps it is more likely than I ever imagined possible.
[ She personally hasn't travelled back to Wyver since leaving it; only because she's aware that being part of the Guard makes it a little trickier. She could probably manage it now, even with security as tight as it is (and pull it off rather well, thanks to Cree's recent gift to her), but she hasn't had a need... Yet. That remains to be seen.
She does have contacts in the other city who keep her informed. It's a start. Peggy leans back in her chair, following his gaze to the spread of photographs, then turns her attention back to him. ]
I assure you, I'm just as surprised as anyone else. To my knowledge, [ of Earth's history ] most governments are quick to dismiss the opinions and concerns of refugees. That we should simply be grateful for being taken in at all. But both the Empress and King Shanrian have been exceedingly generous. [ She shrugs, running her left hand over the bandages that wrap her right; a thoughtful, idle gesture. ] I don't know about forming a senate, but it sounds to me as though they want to keep us happy — and involved. But just us? We're not special. Or, at least, we shouldn't be. And for what, the 'betterment of our two cities'?
[ Cree scoffs at the word generous, but he has enough self-restraint to hold his tongue until she's completed her thought. ]
You should know by now that some people, such as Overseer Voss, consider you to be blessed by the light of Thesa herself. [ Judging by his mocking emphasis, he finds the notion ridiculous. ] However, it is indeed odd for you to be special. When I held position you are in now, I had many audiences with Emporer Reyan and Simwe. They didn't have the time for for suggestions.
[ He smiles in turn, but it's a bitter sight. ] That brings us to the conclusion that our great leaders must finally need something from people who have proven themselves trustworthy. An ulterior motive for their best and brightest, but also most expendable. Whatever it is, I doubt they will admit it outright.
[ Tell her how you really feel, Cree. There's a flash of amusement, there and gone; generosity is one thing, but they're lavishing attention on the refugees and that doesn't sit right with her. Then again, trust is a rare commodity in the work she deals in — difficult to earn, hardly spent. And she doesn't know nearly enough about this place or its players, not even the man in front of her now.
But he does give her some insight and she appreciates that. The position she's in now, he says, and she wonders what he means by it. ]
Of course not. That wouldn't be very wise. But enough people suspect it — some recipients of this commendation don't seem too thrilled by the honour. [ And not everyone who may have deserved it received one. She helped lead her team on a rescue mission but she's managed to slip under the radar despite that. ] And the people behind the kidnappings haven't been apprehended, so some are wary of the ceremony itself; do you suppose that's an unfounded concern? [ She raises her brows. ] I'm only asking because I may be in attendance and — [ God. ] — Thesa forbid I'm not dressed appropriately.
[ His smile slips at that, but only because it's a grim thing to contemplate. Or he'd like to give the impression he cares — after all, his methods so long ago were not any more righteous than those of the kidnappers. ]
I believe there is a time for violence, and even agents of chaos know it would not do their cause well. As easy as it would be to spread sickness at such a gathering... [ He trails off, eyes meeting hers briefly. His gaze is solemn, and much more suited for him than the usual, false warmth he puts on. ] Perhaps it will simply be a calm before another storm, but I would be very surprised if this meeting were interrupted. Not unfounded, not unfair, but also not necessary.
Though, you should know better than to dress inappropriately at any occasion.
[ Peggy nods at that, huffing out a breath that's almost a laugh. ]
I do. My mother was determined to raise a lady.
[ That's not even a lie, or part of her cover as a Nysan native. Amanda Carter throwing her hands into the air over her only daughter rolling in the dirt, playing at being a knight. But all that really stuck from her mother's lessons was the need to carry a handkerchief at all times.
She mulls over his earlier words then leans forward a bit. ]
I appreciate your insight, Cree, and always have. And I happen to share your sentiments. But I admit — it's the cities we're leaving behind for the evening that I'm wondering after. Call me paranoid, [ she half-teases, as if it's so unusual in this setting, this line of work. ] Maybe you're right and that we're in the clear for a while. I'd be glad for it, honestly, after the mess of the past few weeks. But I can't help but feel like this entire place is taking one big breath and I don't care for the anticipation.
[ Cree listens closely, quirking a brow when she teases and suggests they share sentiments. It's more amusing than anything else, to hear a woman of the guard believe so. It reminds him of who he once, but was in a way that one looks upon old photographs and is overwhelmed with embarrassment by their former selves.
He places his pipe down carefully, leaning forward from the table for closer proximity as he speaks. His tone is light, still, but the kind of light that's teetering on the edge of becoming more violate. ]
I do not know why you and your friends are not as knowledgeable about this world as you should be, Lady Carter. Perhaps, one day, I will ask. [ And he will want answers. ] But I will give you this: these cities run on a cycle of vengeance that started lifetimes ago. They do not breathe the fire that drove their ancestors to conflict, but they carry the ember, and they will go down that same path of the past because it is tradition. It is how is has always been, and it has been building up again long before you arrived.
If you want them to breathe a sigh of relief rather than gasp for air after all this anticipation, you must make the hole to breathe yourself. You must expand it. Otherwise, this cycle of events will not be unbroken. I have tried. Many have tried. All of us have failed.
[ Ah, she thinks mildly when he points out the painfully obvious. Damn. The shift in the air is palpable; her bearing doesn't change with it, but there's an adjustment all the same — it's a hard thing, living the different faces of one life, but she's managing it here by degrees. And while Peggy doesn't entirely trust anyone beyond the small circle of friends she's surrounded herself with, she does know Cree is important here, and she knows the dangers of flying too close to the sun.
She can't play too coy, it only works on some people. She can't make the mistake of thinking it works now with him. She's already aware of her standing with him, her and Eggsy both, and her next steps need to be measured. Some other refugees might question why she's involved in this at all, but her concern isn't entirely with the well-being of Olympia or Wyver but rather the well-being of the people who have chosen to make a life in them. Like it or not, this is their home. ]
I understand. I also understand that some traditions can be broken, [ she murmurs after a beat, letting his words hang in the hazy air between them. Just because it's how things have always been doesn't mean it must always be so. But expressing that thought might draw further attention to her otherness, so she refrains. ] Why else are we out there, doing what we do? [ It's just as lightly said, but then she draws back. ] But I suppose we'll just have to see.
[ It's meant to be final. The way Cree withdraws, turning his gaze back to his papers, all implies the conversation is over. But Peggy's point seems to draw a certain reluctance out of him, obvious in subtle ways — he has not turned his back to her entirely, and he has not resumed his smoking just yet. After a time, he speaks up again. ]
I appreciate your insight as well, Lady Carter. Your mother raised a fine woman, determined to preserve what is yours. [ That, he silently admits, he understands. ] Perhaps this opportunity, as curious and dangerous as it is, will open doors we have not yet been able to go through... If you would like to speculate what this event all means after you attend, I would be more than happy to have you.
[ She rises out of her seat, recognising a dismissal when she hears it — then he speaks again and she pauses, fingertips resting on the edge of his desk. He makes a fine point about this assembly and it's one she hadn't readily considered because everyone else has been so caught up in the idea that it's a trap. And she can read between the lines of what he says, too; she's already one of the many eyes and ears in the Guard, what's one more thing?
(Careful, Carter.) ]
Thank you, [ she says to the first and the second. She nods to him, to the bird on his shoulder (because that's only polite). ] Until then, if not sooner.
[ Cree inclines his head in acknowledgement, and also to obscure the smile from her inclusion. The bird meanwhile twitches its head in Peggy's direction abruptly, and after some practicing chirps, repeats "Until then, if not sooner." in Peggy's exact tone of voice back at her.
Rather than address the unsettling action, Cree returns to his work. Careful, Carter. ]
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no subject
I think it's going to bomb. [ He says, lightly, with a grin forming on his lips. ] No, it's a curious turn of events. We haven't had such a peculiar case of refugees in my lifetime.
no subject
And that's a curious turn of phrase. [ Peggy doesn't spare the documents on his table more than a cursory glance; she's curious, but not that curious. His business is his own and she can respect and understand that — has, since accepting work from him and his establishment. ] Peculiar in what way? Our involvement in local affairs? The cities themselves encouraged it.
no subject
The way you carry yourselves, travelling to and fro. I must admit, when I shoved you all in the direction of Wyver, even I did not believe you would continue to be so... insensitive. [ Not in the way he cares, of course. Their travelling habits are productive for his own gain. He casts a glance to the back wall, where the photos of all the officials are pinned up with a red ribbons. ] It makes one wonder where you came from, so obviously oblivious of culture, carrying such strength without the training we know...
But it matters not. You wonder how it is going to turn out for all of you, and I cannot say with certainty. Neither city has ever cared for the opinions of the masses, and none of its outsiders have made themselves stand out in recent history. Will you form a senate? Whisper in their ear what they never cared to hear to from their high horses? Perhaps it is more likely than I ever imagined possible.
no subject
She does have contacts in the other city who keep her informed. It's a start. Peggy leans back in her chair, following his gaze to the spread of photographs, then turns her attention back to him. ]
I assure you, I'm just as surprised as anyone else. To my knowledge, [ of Earth's history ] most governments are quick to dismiss the opinions and concerns of refugees. That we should simply be grateful for being taken in at all. But both the Empress and King Shanrian have been exceedingly generous. [ She shrugs, running her left hand over the bandages that wrap her right; a thoughtful, idle gesture. ] I don't know about forming a senate, but it sounds to me as though they want to keep us happy — and involved. But just us? We're not special. Or, at least, we shouldn't be. And for what, the 'betterment of our two cities'?
[ A beat, then she smiles briefly. ]
Sounds too good to be true.
no subject
You should know by now that some people, such as Overseer Voss, consider you to be blessed by the light of Thesa herself. [ Judging by his mocking emphasis, he finds the notion ridiculous. ] However, it is indeed odd for you to be special. When I held position you are in now, I had many audiences with Emporer Reyan and Simwe. They didn't have the time for for suggestions.
[ He smiles in turn, but it's a bitter sight. ] That brings us to the conclusion that our great leaders must finally need something from people who have proven themselves trustworthy. An ulterior motive for their best and brightest, but also most expendable. Whatever it is, I doubt they will admit it outright.
no subject
But he does give her some insight and she appreciates that. The position she's in now, he says, and she wonders what he means by it. ]
Of course not. That wouldn't be very wise. But enough people suspect it — some recipients of this commendation don't seem too thrilled by the honour. [ And not everyone who may have deserved it received one. She helped lead her team on a rescue mission but she's managed to slip under the radar despite that. ] And the people behind the kidnappings haven't been apprehended, so some are wary of the ceremony itself; do you suppose that's an unfounded concern? [ She raises her brows. ] I'm only asking because I may be in attendance and — [ God. ] — Thesa forbid I'm not dressed appropriately.
[ For a fight. Obviously she means that. ]
no subject
I believe there is a time for violence, and even agents of chaos know it would not do their cause well. As easy as it would be to spread sickness at such a gathering... [ He trails off, eyes meeting hers briefly. His gaze is solemn, and much more suited for him than the usual, false warmth he puts on. ] Perhaps it will simply be a calm before another storm, but I would be very surprised if this meeting were interrupted. Not unfounded, not unfair, but also not necessary.
Though, you should know better than to dress inappropriately at any occasion.
no subject
I do. My mother was determined to raise a lady.
[ That's not even a lie, or part of her cover as a Nysan native. Amanda Carter throwing her hands into the air over her only daughter rolling in the dirt, playing at being a knight. But all that really stuck from her mother's lessons was the need to carry a handkerchief at all times.
She mulls over his earlier words then leans forward a bit. ]
I appreciate your insight, Cree, and always have. And I happen to share your sentiments. But I admit — it's the cities we're leaving behind for the evening that I'm wondering after. Call me paranoid, [ she half-teases, as if it's so unusual in this setting, this line of work. ] Maybe you're right and that we're in the clear for a while. I'd be glad for it, honestly, after the mess of the past few weeks. But I can't help but feel like this entire place is taking one big breath and I don't care for the anticipation.
no subject
He places his pipe down carefully, leaning forward from the table for closer proximity as he speaks. His tone is light, still, but the kind of light that's teetering on the edge of becoming more violate. ]
I do not know why you and your friends are not as knowledgeable about this world as you should be, Lady Carter. Perhaps, one day, I will ask. [ And he will want answers. ] But I will give you this: these cities run on a cycle of vengeance that started lifetimes ago. They do not breathe the fire that drove their ancestors to conflict, but they carry the ember, and they will go down that same path of the past because it is tradition. It is how is has always been, and it has been building up again long before you arrived.
If you want them to breathe a sigh of relief rather than gasp for air after all this anticipation, you must make the hole to breathe yourself. You must expand it. Otherwise, this cycle of events will not be unbroken. I have tried. Many have tried. All of us have failed.
no subject
She can't play too coy, it only works on some people. She can't make the mistake of thinking it works now with him. She's already aware of her standing with him, her and Eggsy both, and her next steps need to be measured. Some other refugees might question why she's involved in this at all, but her concern isn't entirely with the well-being of Olympia or Wyver but rather the well-being of the people who have chosen to make a life in them. Like it or not, this is their home. ]
I understand. I also understand that some traditions can be broken, [ she murmurs after a beat, letting his words hang in the hazy air between them. Just because it's how things have always been doesn't mean it must always be so. But expressing that thought might draw further attention to her otherness, so she refrains. ] Why else are we out there, doing what we do? [ It's just as lightly said, but then she draws back. ] But I suppose we'll just have to see.
no subject
[ It's meant to be final. The way Cree withdraws, turning his gaze back to his papers, all implies the conversation is over. But Peggy's point seems to draw a certain reluctance out of him, obvious in subtle ways — he has not turned his back to her entirely, and he has not resumed his smoking just yet. After a time, he speaks up again. ]
I appreciate your insight as well, Lady Carter. Your mother raised a fine woman, determined to preserve what is yours. [ That, he silently admits, he understands. ] Perhaps this opportunity, as curious and dangerous as it is, will open doors we have not yet been able to go through... If you would like to speculate what this event all means after you attend, I would be more than happy to have you.
no subject
(Careful, Carter.) ]
Thank you, [ she says to the first and the second. She nods to him, to the bird on his shoulder (because that's only polite). ] Until then, if not sooner.
no subject
[ Cree inclines his head in acknowledgement, and also to obscure the smile from her inclusion. The bird meanwhile twitches its head in Peggy's direction abruptly, and after some practicing chirps, repeats "Until then, if not sooner." in Peggy's exact tone of voice back at her.
Rather than address the unsettling action, Cree returns to his work. Careful, Carter. ]