The Rains

[Tismri]

Lady Arcadia stared through her wine glass at the lord across from her. To most, their meeting would appear to be a simple matter of state, obedient families serving their queen. But few could guess the true purpose of their meeting.
"Erik," she said, taking a quick sip from her glass and setting it back on the table. "Our queen grows impatient of this game we are playing. She has become restless, and I fear she thinks us cowards for not declaring ourselves openly as her allies." She gazed thoughtfully at a portrait of her father. The man had been just as ruthless as Katriana, but far more patient. "I fear she was bred a warrior rather than a noble; she does not appreciate the subtleties of our line of work. One false move could earn us a quick execution, losing her a valuable resource.
"However, I understand her impatience. As she begins to make her move and attack the Empire, I believe we should commemorate our allegiance with her somehow." She returned her eyes to Lord Caldlow as she considered. "Something bold and utterly unexpected. Something that will devastate and cripple Nasuada's political power."

[Max452]

Lord Caldlow listened attentively to Lady Arcadia's words as he absentmindly twirled his wine glass. "My dear, Arcadia," Erik began, "as you say, our Queen was never one to understand our games." He placed his glass aside as he stared into the noblewoman's eyes. "Power cannot always be taken by sheer force; you must help her understand this." He stated, his voice inflected with the noble accent of his forefathers. "With that being said, I would have to agree with you; it is time we escalate the game." He leaned forward into his chair, folding his fingers together before him as he did so. "Tell me my dear, Lady Lannister, what does your beautiful mind have in store for this commemoration?"

[Tismri]

Arcadia stared thoughtfully at Erik while her fingers stroke the side of her wine glass. There were so many ways for them to announce their allegiance to Katriana. They could continue their subtle manipulations, they could send their common folk to her as a gift for her to use however she pleased, or they could simply tell Nasuada in messages that she had not their support. But she desired something even more profound. Something that would severely cripple the political sway she held. It would need to be staged carefully, though, else they would prove no longer useful to their queen.
"What I have in mind will take some cautious planning," she informed her associate. "It must be innocuous enough as not to arouse Nasuada's suspicion, yet bold enough to gain Katriana's approval." She smiled as she considered what she knew about the Shade Rider. They had known one another for a long time.
"What I suggest is that we hold a feast for as much of the nobility of Alagaesia as will attend. Inform them that we wish to discuss the war and ways to protect the realm from intrusion. Make them all believe we are on their side. Then, while they are feasting and debating, we are tragically and unexpectedly attacked by Katriana's forces. The only survivors happen to be those who stand with us, secretly supporting our queen's invasion." She leaned back and smiled. "Now, we need not borrow any forces from Katriana. Our plan should be unexpected enough that our own guards may make quick work of them." Lady Lannister met Lord Caldlow's eyes with a devious twinkle. "What do you think, dearest Erik?"