HOUNSLOW TERRITORY CLAIM

[reticence]

As per this month's faction reward, the Hillingdon Clan will successfully take the territory of Hounslow from the Redbright Institute.

Here is how that comes to pass and the agreements made to make it possible...

Comments

[knightscode]

Of course it's serious, Lancelot thinks silently to himself, if Faolan isn't barging in uninvited and growling at people then he's taking something seriously.

This, however, is already going about how he expected. The other advantage of where he's standing is Sylvia can't see him, but Faolan can. So he gives him a slight nod of encouragement. Go on, it'll be fine. Hopefully.

my apologies, i had lost this notif :x

[reticence]

Faolan flicks his eyes at the other man as Lancelot nods at him. He doesn't know whether to believe his encouragement, but he will take what he can get and so he pushes himself to continue and make his point.

"It is," he agrees. "And we are. That is to say, I am here to negotiate terms with you. Regarding our two factions, and our mutual enemy in what Raymond has turned the Islington nest into, of late." He glances at Sylvia, his gaze floating behind her to Lancelot before back again. He dare not look over at Annie. He is supposed to be in charge here. He is the one making the deal.

"Frankly put, there are vampires killing all of our people. Hillingdon is a faction of hunters, Ms Redbright. We have much to offer in the way of protection against them. But we are quickly outgrowing our little corner of the city, and we cannot hope to stand against them if we are to continue to limit ourselves thus." He pauses for a moment, not quite having stated yet what sort of an agreement he is seeking. But having given enough that Sylvia might be able to deduce it for herself, if she reads between the lines.

[brightwitch]

"Outgrowing," Sylvia repeats, catching on to the key part of his little speech. It's the only thing he says that she hasn't heard before. Yes, there are hunters in Hillingdon, yes, the vampires are targeting them. They need a common strategy, that is clear. But space for the Hillingdon Clan to grow? That's new. "I see. I must thank you for fighting the good fight, of course. With your hunters and my Outreach team, we've managed to contain the worst of the vampires. I would welcome us working more closely together still, perhaps in sharing facilities or equipment. Redbright's doors will always be open to our trusted allies."

It's an invitation. She could use his hunters, could use the extra manpower, and they could use the extra resource and wider network that Redbright can offer. A closer partnership would benefit them both and could be key to defeating Islington.

[reticence]

Faolan nods slightly in response to her words. "I imagine that our teams would work well together, if we were to share in our resources. But there are certain precautions that must be taken with such an agreement. Namely, the people of Hillingdon would be wary that we are selling ourselves out in support of a faction that might not support their own in return. It is why I have come to you with a specific proposal. For the negotiation of the Hounslow territory, currently in possession of the Institute."

He inclines his head at her slightly. "We would like to make a deal with you, Ms Redbright. In exchange for claim over control of Hounslow. An exchange of territory for manpower. You have the territory, we have the manpower. And many students that may not be able to defend themselves in a way that my people are more than willing to step in and do. I'm certain that we can come to something of an arrangement, can we not?"

[brightwitch]

Empire building, is he. How grand. Sylvia is impassive as Faolan speaks, only raising an eyebrow after he has finished.

"Why do you want Hounslow?"

She isn't going to indicate a favourable or unfavourable response until she understands his motivation. Whether it's naked ambition or something else. She sips her tea, patient.

[reticence]

Faolan does his best not to look down at his hands or into his tea or anywhere else, not to fidget or hesitate as he responds to her question.

"Hillingdon called a faction meeting to vote on the matter and Hounslow was the territory that was chosen," he replies. He could elaborate and say that it was because it's the only territory not surrounded by Redbright on all sides, but he doesn't think that really needs saying. He's fairly certain Sylvia will understand that regardless.