Building Blocks

[Pearce Lockheed]

Lord Lockheed had done a lot for the kingdom. Some of which he talked about and some he didn't. But the kingdom was still struggling and he wanted to do more. He had some finances available, and despite the aid from Tresteria, there was still a need. He did what he could, employing and housing a number of citizens at his manor and at other sites. But he wanted to do more.

He had done what he could during the war to keep people safe and it had been difficult to leave so much behind. But the people were resilient and they trusted their queen. Even if she didn't seem to trust many others. He was hopeful to change that. To prove that not only did the people support her, but that they could do more for her and themselves.

The nobleman had heard of the meeting of the farmers and those in agriculture. But he knew next to nothing about farming. His family had originally made their name and wealth in land, yes, but as stoneworkers and miners, not cultivators. It was what he had invested most of his time in while at their new home, supplying the stone that built the docks and the markets and refurbished the castle. And when the monarch had been kidnapped, Pearce had volunteered his services for a mission likely to be a suicide one and very surprisingly had not been. He had made it home from that trip with a lot more scars, but he had made it home.

Since he wasn't a farmer, he hadn't gpne to that meeting. But he was at the castle now, in the hopes of meeting with the Protector while the queen was away. Pearce had met Orin once or twice. The man wasn't exactly the encouraging sort. But they were in this together. Well, Pearce hoped so, anyway. He requested an audience at the man's earliest convenience.

Orin Evans

[Orin Evans]

Orin had been rather busy as of lately, with the queen gone in Tresteria. He had told her it was a bad idea to leave Aralore behind for however long their trip would be, especially with war threatening to come. Alexandria had insisted though, and he understood regardless if it was a good idea or not. She had given a various number of excuses that made more beneficial sense and she somehow trusted in him to look over things in her absence.

He was trying. No, he wasn't the encouraging type, but he was the intimidating type, and many didn't really bother him too much. Whether it was out of fear or what, Orin wasn't certain. Thankfully, it had only been important matters that were brought his way. No one else dared to bother him with petty things.

At Pearce's arrival to the castle, one of the guards would lead him to the military wing where Orin's office was. He couldn't handle sitting in the throne room or Alexandria's office. He was no king by any means and he wouldn't act like one. Besides, he also had his own job to do, and he wouldn't shirk those responsibilities either. If anyone needed him, they typically knew where to find him, or the guards would help someone in finding him. The door was open.

Orin was speaking with one of the guards who had come to him with questions. Though, the word speaking was putting it lightly. The man stood as if trying to look brave, but was failing miserably, cowering slightly and nodding profusely as the man before him spoke. It wasn't that Orin was raising his voice, it was just his demeanor and the slow, emotionless, deep, intimidating tone he typically used.

"Do your job. It's what you've trained for, hmm? Now I don't want to hear again that you've fallen asleep. This is your last warning. Go." The man rushed out, brushing quickly passed Pearce as if he wasn't even there. Nothing would get in the way of that man leaving.

Orin watched as the man left and caught sight of Pearce. He motioned him in, his features unimpressed, his voice hardly raising as one's typically would when asking a question. It almost sounded like a statement. An annoyed statement. "What do you want?"

[Pearce Lockheed]

Pearce wasn't privy to any of the plethora of reasons why the queen was gone. But he trusted her to being doing her best. He just wasn't certain she couldn't be doing even more. And that was where he wanted to offer his help.

The nobleman was more than prepared for the tone the conversation would take. Even before trying not to overheard Orin chew through a somewhat lax guard, Pearce had relied on other brief memories of the man. He was well aware it would not be a conversation he enjoyed. But...his goal wasn't to enjoy it. Just to get through it. And if necessary, he knew enough of his way around the castle to hopefully find Zander before he had any real issues. Easy enough.

Even the guard rushing out didn't phase him, as he had stepped aside. Even the nonchalant wave to enter didn't bother him. But no plan survived contact with the enemy. Not that...well, Orin wasn't... Okay, so, it wasn't a perfect metaphor but it sounded really lovely in his head and in writing and we're going to blame this one on the narrator, happy? Good.

Meanwhile, Pearce stepped into the office and immediately found himself at a loss for...well, everything. Words, air, even the ability to shuffle or blink.

He put it down to the question. What did he want? "N-nothing." He fumbled through the word and it was like poking a hole in a dam. Pearce took a breath. That wasn't how he had intended to start speaking. "P-p-protector Orin. A pleasure to see you again. I want to offer my s-services to the crown. To the queen." Pearce had specific things he had intended to say. Had being the key word.

[Orin Evans]

Orin regarded the nobleman as he just stood there, seemingly at a loss for his words, until he answered his question. Nothing. Then why the hell was he here bothering him and wasting his time? He lowered his brows and looked at Pearce, one of his eyes twitching slightly. But he said nothing--as if expecting Pearce to say more and state why he was there. Surely he didn't just stop by to say hello.

Despite whatever was said about Orin...Whatever rumors there were about him, he was not a heartless man. Not completely, anyway. He had a rough life and he was a worn out man who had dealt with quite a bit, so he was a bit rough around the edges, to say the least. He waited patiently as Pearce stumbled through his words, though his expression may have been a bit misconstrued for impatience as he leaned his head forward, almost like he was trying to pull the words from Pearce.

The words were finally out, and Orin allowed a moment of silence to linger in the air as he let them process in his mind. He wanted to offer his services. And what services were those, exactly? He scratched his fingers through his beard, his eyes narrowing as he regarded him once again. "Hmm..." He let out a gruff hum in thought, letting that eerie, unsettling silence to linger before he finally spoke, "and what exactly do you have to offer?" He waved his hand back and forth, motioning to Pearce. His tone was still rather emotionless and not so amused.

[Pearce Lockheed]

Whatever was said about Orin, Pearce tried not to let it get to him too much. Which was difficult. But he understood quite well having a rough life. Clearly the two men had handled it quite differently. He appreciated the patience, if not the staring and expectant air about it, but the other man didn't rush him.

Pearce in turn didn't pester the man to fill the silence afterward, thoigh he did manahe to fidget with his hands a moment before clasping them behind his back. It was a tad awkward, standing there. Orin reminded him like talking to his father. The man didn't always intend to make others feel small or insignificant but there was that heaviness to the air. The nobleman was mostly sure Orin was just thoughtful. At least, compared to his father he was warm and cuddly so...it couldn't be all that bad. Probably. It was the constant eyes on his person that really kept the blonde man nervous.

One of the few things he had bothered to take with him. Land wa left behind but money and precious stones and the knowledge that went into securing and properly supplying more. "Money. I s-support a number of staff at my home. And a few b-businesses. But I...I would like to do more. If you are...aware of other opportunities for such." He paised briefly. "Ah...ad-d-ditionly, should the Queen be in need of more council, I'd like to offer my services." He felt it needed to be said, but that wasn't why he was here. Being a positive influence on the governement would be one way to help, but doing what he could for the economy was a first step.

"I heard there was an agricultural meeting. I d-don't know much about farming but I can help organize and support any construction?" Pearce meant it as an offer, not a question but he was still pretty nervous and uncertain.

[Orin Evans]

Orin considered himself a rather patient man, though he assumed it might not come across that way when his silence and nature seemed to intimidate others. He often looked annoyed or bothered by the presence of others, and while some of that may have been true, he was willing to give others a small chance before he'd make a decision on how he felt about them.

Silence didn't bother him, awkwardness didn't bother him. Ignorance, however, was probably the worst offender for him. Ignorance and pettiness. He did not know Pearce all that well, but he remembered him and the couple of times they may have interacted. He knew the man was a nervous one, so he tried to ease up a bit and sat down behind his desk, motioning for Pearce to take a seat himself.

He quietly listened, hands folded together, and were set down on the surface of his desk. His eyes remained attentively on the nobleman before him as he spoke, offering his services. Orin still wasn't certain what the man was proposing to offer. Money? Council? Was he asking for ideas?

The Protector didn't interrupt Pearce as he spoke. It wasn't until he questioned about the agricultural meeting and fell silent did Orin look the man over once again. He leaned back in his seat and stroked his beard as he thought carefully. Finally, he nodded and spoke, his voice even and calm. "The Queen is not here."  He said simply.  Obviously.  "She is over in Tresteria right now, for their late King's funeral." Orin wasn't certain how much that news had spread around Aralore. He hoped at least what had happened to Alexandria had not left the castle, for the own woman's dignity. "So I cannot make decisions regarding her council..." He closed his eyes briefly as he scratched at his temple in thought. "What are you good at? What would you offer your council in?" The council was very lacking since the war, and there were several positions open at the moment. He just barely knew the man and what he was proposing or had to offer. Money was all he really gathered. "How are you at bookkeeping?" He scratched his head again and looked Pearce over again. He knew he was a nobleman as much. "Are you well known by the other nobles of Aralore? Do they trust you?" His questions were meant to be asked curiously, but sort of came across as if he were drilling the man for answers.

He fell silent for a moment before nodding, "yes... The farmers. They need funding to help rebuild...Help with construction... And they need workers to help maintain their farms." Orin wasn't sure how much the man was willing to help contribute, if he knew others who would be able to help with construction, or if he was capable of swinging a hammer himself. But he'd answer the man's question, regardless, letting him know what was needed.

[Pearce Lockheed]

Pearce wasn't confident enough to just bring his own idea forward. Not at first, anyway. So yes, he was sort of asking for ideas. Maybe. He wasn't really sure and he felt even more awkward about all of it.

Of course the Queen wasn't here. He gave Orin a nervous, slightly confused look, but didn't say anything. Maybe he was just organizing his thoughts out loud? The noble had only mentioned it because regardless of where the monarch was, he was still offering to help her. Just like he had offered to help rescue her before and supported the move here. He was more than aware of current events with the marriage, the death of the King of Tresteria and that the Queen had left to attend the funeral. That was half of why he was here. Because they couldn't count on Tresteria necessarily.

As for the specifics of what had happened in the castle...if anything had left the walls, Pearce wasn't about to repeat it.

He also waited for Orin's questions to subside, trying not to look too cowed by the onslaught. While it was intimidating, he highly doubted the man intended to be rude. He just...came off a little...socially blunt. Pearce swallowed. "I'm good with p-people," he said. Well, most of the time. His nerves were both helpful and harmful in that direction, but he was general a friendly and approachable sort. "And organization of people and b-bookkeeping if that s-sort of think is needed? I normally teach reading and writing." And he did very much like to read and write. "Y-yes, very well known and more t-trusted now without my father in charge. My family isn't very large, but it is one of the...wealthier ones on the island." He wasn't trying to rub it in, but he wasn't sure how else to say it. His gaze shifted to the desk between them. Beyond a council position, Pearce knew very little of the government structure.

"Funding is easy enough. I can do that, if you let me know who to speak to?" he said with a nod. The more he talked the easier it got. "And I employ a number of miners and stonemasons. I'm sure I can sp-spare any willing to help the farmers with construction of barns or walls and the like. They might not know so much about farming, but would be willing hands."

[Orin Evans]

Orin didn't know Pearce well enough to judge him and whether or not he really was a people person. He could tell the man was nervous, and he was stuttering, so part of him wanted to doubt that he really was good with people. Perhaps it was his kindness and being personable and honest that people liked in him, but Orin could sense that he seemed nervous around people- Or maybe it was just around him.

He nodded simply, answering with a sort of hoarse affirmative hum. "We need a bookkeeper, yes." But they also needed a representative for the Nobles in Aralore, and if he was well known and trusted, then perhaps that would be a better fit for him, depending on which he felt he was best suited for. "Or a representative for the nobles." He regarded Pearce as he commented about being one of the wealthier families on the island. Nobles. They all seemed to like to flaunt around their money. At least this one was offering to help with it.

Despite his position and status, Orin hadn't grown up a noble. Neither had Alexandria. It was perhaps why there wasn't a huge focus on wealth or status in Aralore. Still, it existed and while not all were so willing on spreading their wealth for the greater good, he appreciated that Pearce was willing to.

Orin leaned back in his chair and folded his arms over his chest. "It appeared as if the Donnelly brothers were in charge of the organizing of the farming aid project. So I'd start with one of them." He nodded to affirm his words. "I'm sure they'd appreciate the extra manpower, too."

[Pearce Lockheed]

Certainly lots of things about people made Pearce nervous. He was desperate to believe people were good but had been raised to see otherwise. It was quite the conflict of interest. Nevertheless, he tried not to let his nerves get the better of him, hence why he still tried to be outgoing and social even when he struggled with it. Because he liked people and he hoped some people liked him too. Or that at the very least he could help some people.

A bookkeeper or a noble representative. He imagined both had to be public facing, but from the sound of it, out dealt more with talking and the other with writing. As much as he might like to represent his fellow citizens...maybe for his first foray into a government position, it might be better to avoid a representative role. He did really like the idea of both of roles. Pearce got the feeling that Orin was asking him to make a choice. He could hear some of the tone with which the man said 'nobles.' and it made him nervous of overstaying his welcome. He didn't want to offend the Protector.

"B-bookkeeping would be a more suitable role for now," he said. Not that he was opposed to either should Orin or the Queen prefer he fulfill some other role, but if he had to pick one himself, he would at least try to take some of the pressure off of the man and make things a tad easier. The nobleman imagined he could change roles as the Queen needed.

He offered a nervous smile as Orin leaned back, though the crossed arms didn't entirely remove the tension from the room. "I have heard of the f-family. I'll ask to meet with them," he said. His tone lifted to be a bit more hopeful rather than nervous.

[Orin Evans]

Orin quietly regarded Pearce after he seemed to accept the role of a bookkeeper. He couldn't officially offer the man the spot on the council, as that was ultimately up to Alexandria. But he could give the recommendation and good word for the man. He could let Alexandria know that he was interested and what he has done to prove himself worthy of her trust.

He nodded and was silent for a moment before finally speaking. "Nothing can be official without the queen... But should I need you in her absence, I will call on you." If Orin didn't have to speak, he probably wouldn't, but he knew that wouldn't get him much of anywhere, unfortunately. He scratched his brow with his thumb and squinted in thought before he spoke again, "thank you." He said the words as if they were foreign. It wasn't often Orin thanked anyone or showed gratitude, but when he did, he meant it. Sometimes it was just hard for him to express such a sentiment.

"Liam Donnelly, I think. He was the one keeping track of a list of the farms that needed help, and what was needed." If he recalled correctly. A bunch of people had spoken during that meeting, and Orin hadn't really made his presence known. He attended the meeting simply to ensure there would be no sort of uprising or trouble, or to find out if there was anything he could do to help remedy whatever the situation was. He had plans to show his face around the farms to help, as he was an able body made for laboring, but if he could also point some funds in the right direction, he could certainly do that as well.

"Is there something else you needed?" Orin wasn't exactly the warm and hospital type that you liked to sit around and chat with, nor did he have any interest of the sort. It was about stating your business and getting out as soon as possible, with him.

[Pearce Lockheed]

For a man who was purported not to speak very much, the Protector seemed to be making quite the effort to ensure the noble understood. Pearce appreciated it, feeling all the more awkward for the attention, intentional or not. The thanks was even more awkward and unnecessary. "Of course," he said faintly. "I am at the crown's d-disposal. Always." Maybe he would regret being so blunt about that but he meant it and perhaps Orin needed the reminder. There wasn't any thanks necessary. Pearce wanted to be involved and he wasn't about to give Orin or Alexandria any reason not to believe as much.

He nodded. Liam. One of Master Donnelly's sons whom he had never met. But he would meet him soon enough. "I'll arrange to speak to him. S-see what I can do." The man smiled a lot more confidently than he sounded. He didn't know much about farms...but that would be fine. Hopefully. The nobleman could do a lot more than provide one body if the farmers wanted it.

"Ah, no. Not at the moment." He hesitated, managing to look Orin in the eyes for a moment before away again. He shouldn't be so nervous vut he couldn't help it. Intense personalities like that were...difficult to face even when they were nice. He wouldn't say Orin was not nice but... Pearce fidgeted, hands clasped in front of him. He glanced at the door behind him. "I'll uh...I'll show myself out?" He didn't need to stay here any longer than necessary either, but he wasn't surr he should leave without a proper dismissal.

[Orin Evans]

Orin kept a blank and emotionless gaze on Pearce as he offered himself to the crown. He simply nodded in response. While it was always nice to hear that others were at his sister’s disposal, he often wondered how many truly meant that and how many were just saying that to keep on good terms. Alexandria was a kind and fair woman who would do anything and everything for her people- too much, really, if anyone asked him.

He hadn’t met Liam or Keiran, but from what he saw at the meeting, they had organized and held themselves together well enough to get things done, he just hoped that the men would be able to get the assistance they needed, and if Orin could point help in their direction on top of offering his own assistance, then maybe things would work out for the farmers. He’d do what he could and he nodded in appreciation to Pearce as he stated he would see what he could do as well.

Pearce’s hesitation as he answered his question caused his brow to raise as he looked the man over with curiosity, wondering if he really was in need of something else but was too nervous to ask. But Orin wasn’t one to pry or try to pull things from people if he didn’t need to. He blinked a few times, eyes squinting just slightly as Pearce excused himself. He nodded and gestured towards the door. “Good day, mister Lockheed.” And then Orin wasted no time in looking away from the man to get back to his work.