Diplomatic Maneuvering?

[windamierofdunan]

[A newcomer sits alone at a table in the back of the tavern, accompanied by only a small notepad and a canteen of water. Occasionally, you might find him jotting down some notes, but for the most part, he's just looking around, quietly taking in the atmosphere of this unfamiliar locale.]

"Such a lovely estate...There is nothing quite so liberating in this world as a sense of anonymity, though I suppose I ought to seek an audience with whomever is in command here, at some point."

Comments

[duke_of_hazard]

Anonymity? Heh, now who're you hiding from?

[windamierofdunan]

Ah, no one in particular, I suppose.

[With a smile, he rises from his chair and offers a slight bow of his head.]

Klaus Windamier, of Dunan. You are?

[duke_of_hazard]

Captain Duke, of Harmonia's 14th Defense Force unit.

You're a bit far from home, aren't you?

[windamierofdunan]

Glad to make your acquaintance, Captain.

Indeed, although that is somewhat intentional. It seems that the landscape here in the west has changed somewhat in the wake of this "Fire Bringer" war. You might say that I have been deployed here for the sake of...mutual understanding.

[duke_of_hazard]

You're saying you're some kinda diplomat? So that's why you're all stiff and formal in a tavern...

[flamesandfeathers]

Caesar would be the person in command at the moment, and he's around here somewhere.

Welcome to Budehuc, by the way. I'm Hugo, the Grasslands representative.

[windamierofdunan]

Ah, thank you sir. That is most informative–

[A pause as he realizes just who it is that he's addressing. He stands and bows his head, unsure whether to address Hugo as a representative of the Karaya, or as the Flame Champion. After a moment, he wagers on the latter.]

It is truly an honor, Noble Hugo. Tales of your heroism have reached the furthest ends of the Continent, I assure you. I am Klaus Windamier of Dunan, and if you will have me, I should hope to represent my country here in a similar capacity.

[flamesandfeathers]

Oh, jeez. I had no idea I was that well known. [honestly thought news of the Second Fire Bringer War had only spread to Tinto, Zexen, Harmonia and the rest of the Grasslands, but then remembers Harmonia is huge. And that Tinto and Harmonia both boarder Dunan. Now he's a little self conscious]

I know a little about your exploits too, Lord Windamier. My mother told me a bit about your tactics in the Dunan Unification War.

[windamierofdunan]

Ha! Well...nor did I, nor did I.

[Pauses to take a sip of water, in an attempt to mask his own "aw shucks" moment.]

Stories have a way of traveling far and wide, it would seem.

[latkje]

[ He quirks an eyebrow. ] Anonymity is liberating until you find something worth sticking your name to.

The lord of the manor is out on business. [ He's not entirely sure what the story is there. ] The guy in charge is probably sleeping somewhere.

[windamierofdunan]

Ah, well said, well said...Perhaps "relieving" would be the better word here.

[He can't help but smile at the man's report about the "guy in charge," as he rises from his chair and extends a hand.]

Well, that is most reassuring! Klaus Windamier, by the way.

[latkje]

Nash Clovis. [ He takes the offered hand. ]

[windamierofdunan]

[There is a brief glimmer of recognition in Klaus' eyes at the mention of Nash's name; somewhere between "that name sounds vaguely familiar" and "I have access to an intelligence file of someone of that name." But just as quickly, his composure returns.]

I am glad to make your acquaintance, Nash Clovis...If you don't mind my asking, what nationality is that name? Forgive me, I'm normally much better at identifying such things.

[aloof_savant]

Huh? What's your business with the person in charge?

[windamierofdunan]

Good day, sir.

[He stands and bows his head.]

It is only in that I find myself a foreigner in this land, and I would simply assure those in authority here that I come in peace and good faith.

[aloof_savant]

Rest assured, we normally don't assume that any stranger in our tavern comes with ill intentions, although perhaps we should........ just kidding!

So you're a foreigner? Where from?

[windamierofdunan]

Ha! You had me there, for a moment.

I come from the Republic of Dunan, due to the south and east.

[novilunium]

[ Oh my goodness. She definitely remembers this face from the war, even if it has aged since then. ]

Anonymity? You may be in trouble.

[windamierofdunan]

L-Lady Sierra?

[Play it cool, play it cool...]

It has been far too long, m'lady...Well, if the cost of one's anonymity is the opportunity to catch up with a friend, I'd say that's more than a fair trade-off.

[novilunium]

[ Speaking coyly. ]

Oh, a friend, am I? How sweet of you, K-L-A-U-S. Though I must wonder, what a promising youngster like you is doing here of all places.

[ She plops herself down on a seat at his table abruptly. ]

What are those notes, now?

[windamierofdunan]

[A good-natured smile at her teasing; it's not as though he's entirely overcome his youthful shyness, but just seeing her again does bring back fond memories of a different time.]

Well, my work these days does allow for occasional travel, but alas, it is work all the same – always being asked to send reports home on various people, places, and things...

"Promising youngster"...was it Viktor that used to call me that? Not entirely sure that I could qualify for either these days...Oh! But enough about me. How have you been, these past years?

[charming_chiketsu]

Why, hello there. [Getting a little into his personal space.] When did someone like you sneak into town?

[windamierofdunan]

Good day, m'lady.

[He moves his notebook & canteen to the side, so as to give her more room at the table. No one could ever accuse Klaus Windamier of being impolite.]

Let's see...Probably an hour ago, give or take. Lovely town, truly, though somewhat less populated than I would have expected, given its recent history...Oh, ah– Klaus Windamier, by the way. M'lady.

[charming_chiketsu]

After the war, many of the residents had their previous obligations and pursuits to return to. It does make this place lonelier, but some new and old faces are remedying that.

So. You're name is Klaus Windamier? How funny. I remember there being a Klaus Windamier in Dunan. I believe he looked a bit like you actually. Maybe a few years younger looking, but time does that.

[windamierofdunan]

Yes, it was much the same, as I recall, at Northwind in the immediate aftermath of the "Unification War," as well. A sharp decline, at first, though such towns do have a way of recovering rather quickly, given the opportunity.

Indeed it does, indeed it does...You are, Lady Jeane! My apologies, it has been a long time...The years have been most kind to you, m'lady.