"Friends In High Places"- Tolyn, skekZok
Tolyn takes a sip of the deep red wine the Ritual-Master has offered him, more out of politeness than any desire to dull his senses. He will have to play this carefully to avoid being lumped in with his fellow guards- his fellow traitors. Since his promotion following Captain Ordon’s disappearance, he reports directly to the General, but he has no illusions about his nature. He would likely be run through before he could even reach the part about his non-involvement- a fitting punishment for such rebellion, but he needs time to plead his case. With the Chamberlain- who normally devours any such gossip with relish- also away, he must turn elsewhere.
As he speaks, the Ritual-Master regards him with a carefully neutral expression, hands folded fastidiously in his lap, his own goblet of wine untouched despite his hospitality. The Lords are above the gelfling- he knows this, even if others have forgotten it- but there is a sense of order in this one that Tolyn admires, and perhaps even sees a bit of himself in. There is a gulf between them, but what they value is ultimately the same.
When he finishes, he lets out a wobbly breath, waiting for the reaction. But the skeksis lets out a chuckle that diffuses the tension, and offers him what might have been a beatific smile on any other face. On that almost-skeletal beak, it looks predatory, but he buries that thought as soon as it makes itself known. It is too close to admitting that they might be right, and he knows better. “There is no need to be so nervous, Captain,” comes that smooth, rich voice. “You did the right thing in coming to me. It is clear where your loyalties lie.” He leans in closer, and sets a withered hand reassuringly on Tolyn’s shoulder. “And such loyalty will be rewarded.”
Tolyn nods, and dares to raise his gaze from the glassy surface of the wine to meet the taller creature’s eyes. It is a promise of protection- one he will gladly accept. Whatever is to come, he will be on the right side of it. “ Thank you, my lord.”