#kc_necropolis

Jessica follows her.

They met in the troll room, which most kitain think is just extra large, but actually has a Spa

"So, you wished to talk to me?"

Which Jessica stays out of.
"And maybe you wish to talk to me."

"I understand you have an issue with a member of your House."

"Yes, that's not unheard of. "

"But me having an issue with the same person is."

"Just say his name, your excellency. It's just us here"

"Alejandro."

Her jaw sets "Ah, yes. that one. Yes, I bear him no love, far from it"

"when he came to our hold, he underminded me, because as as a sidhe HE should inherit despite my senority"

"He has targeted me, and my work."

"Yes, he portrayed you as a traitor to Duke Topaz and all kithain of Mexico besieged by savages." A shake of her head "I think he resented trolls for a time, because you caught him at his treachery and called him on it. Ironic as Duke Topaz IS a troll. "

"In Renaissance, we answer to Duke Tieron." politely.

"Yes, but that was before then I thought? Then again I don't know all your histotry. I take it that he's become a problem to you again?"

"He has. I thought you and I might benefit each other?"

"I mean to ruin him, to lay the brat's name to worthlessnes, and expose his treachery and show he lacks honor. I want him to find every back of every house brother and sister turned on him in disgust"

"So we -can- benefit each other." Jess sums up.

"I'm not sure what you bring to the endevaour, COuntess. You're famous but, from what I understand you're a reluctant ruler"

Jess pauses "I'd like to circle back to that.... but to address the current situation, I think I can draw Lord Alejandro out."

Now Aylyr looks intrigued, "Please, go on"

"I have solid reason to believe he wants to kill me, or destroy what I've worked for, or both. I thought if I called him out, posed a challenge to him, he would respond and come forth. That might give you an advantage. I'm open to ideas."

"mmm some in my House would arrange a poisoning, and believe me I have been tempted"

"Would you be interested in working together? Not necessarily at poisoning, but...."

"My concern is to neutralize the threat he poses to my County."

"The Code of Dagda binds even me, as a fellow troll. " She assures you, "Do you have a plan on how I can help if you poise a challenge? But he's got an edge you should be wary of"

"I haven't got enough information to make a plan yet... what edge is that?"

"A blade he has , he paid dear for it's construction, it's meant to hinder troll might"

"If he cuts you with it, you'll find your birrthright dimmed" SHe scowls "Believe me, I know"

"When did he get that?" clearly surprised.

"Apparently from the blood of a troll slaying dragon, that dragon , a dark legend, is said to be destroyed, but it was a crucial ingredient in wetting the blade in it's birth"

"Mm." thoughtfully "If I recall correctly, if I -do- call him out, he has the advantage of choosing where, when, and how we meet."

"It varies but I believe that is the norm, yes"

She frowns. "Maybe that's not the best way, then."

"Forgive me, do you have anyone who can steal the sword?"

Jess blinks. "Um. I don't know. Maybe?"

"We'd have to know where it is, first."

"I can help you there"

"Ok.... let's say we get the sword away from him. What then?"

"We replace it with an ordinary blade would be my suggestion. I know a... a swordsmith who can make a duplicate without the magic. I was thinking of stealing it before this That's why I bring it up"

"Wouldn't he be able to tell?"

"If it's done right, and the sword smith I know is REALLY good, it might work" She says "Bit of chicanery woven in to sell the illusion."

She nods. "Ok. We swap his sword with a fake.... then what?"

"Then the challenge might be more balanced is my thought, but I admit I may not have planned much further than you did"

Jessica sighs. "Ok. This is stupid. We're smart, we can come up with something. Look, if you could have the resources and information you needed, how would you handle this?"

"I think I would make sure he didn't control the narrative. Bring his crimes to light. I.. don't like gossip, but if there was ever a time to ask for the help of boggans ..."

She nods. "We have some of the best in Fenix. Start our own rumors, then?"

"Spread the truth, it will undo him and be hard to counter." She nods "That's a start anyway"

"Good point." she ponders "I think, as much as I'd like to, calling him out won't work for my goal, here." she sighs.

"What is your goal?" curious