Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-29461586-20150318011410/@comment-5583506-20150320010705

"I see", said Androval and studied Perdix for a while before turning his attention back to Valkyrie. "I know that we have come uninvited, Matriarch, but we are here simply because we believe we could work out some kind of deal."

"Deal? What deal? Your clan is in exile."

"An unjustful status", said Androval bitterly. "That's the reason why we have come. Our ears here in the south have reported about your plans to assault Solitude. You will not succeed with just a few Cadet Branches to aid you. You will need archers. The best of what Skyrim has to offer."

Valkyrie leaned closer. "Let me guess. You will support my cause with archers in return that I rebuke your exiled status?"

"Why is that such an indecent proposal?" he asked. "I heard that you agreed to Clan Bone Obelisk's request."

"Their ancestors started a rebellion and killed the former masters of their clan. They are not be punished with an exiled status because of something that happened over thousand of years ago."

"I understand, but isn't that the case with my clan as well?"

"Your clan tortured people. Your clan have assassinated clanleaders. You brought your exile upon yourselves."

"Ages ago", lamented Androval. "Should we be punished for what our ancestors did? Should my daughters children and their childrens' children suffer because of something which cannot be undone?"

Valkyrie sighed and rubbed her temples. "If... if I agree to this... I want your official statement that your clan will denounce your wicked ways of torture, you hear? If I so much as hear that you have flayed or staked a man, I will..."

Androval held up a hand in a gesture to silence her. "I understand, Matriarch. And it shall be so. But first you need to give us a chance. Let us provide your troops with the unmatched archery skill of our Black Ravens and you will never hear of the methods my ancestors developed ever again."

Valkyrie was unsure of what she would say. "I... will consider it. Know that I can't do anything alone. The other major clan's must agree to this at our next council."

He nodded. "Understandable. Now, do me and my kin get a place to stay or do you want us to seek alternative quarters?"

She would rather have them visit an inn than keep them inside her own keep, but she imagined that she would look like a rather poor Matriarch if she sent them away. The Ghost-Wolves were supposed to be famed for their hospitality, after all.

"You may stay", she said.

"Thank you, Matriarch", said Androval truthfully and walked out with his family.

The four sisters giggled and shot seductive glares at Perdix as they passed while Iasan Mandus, their half-brother, gave the Gray Fox a smug smile...