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"Tavern keep! A round for the house!" Justinian calls as he enters the tavern. He looks around for the man called Grigori and what he could only assume was a rapt audience for more of his diatribe. Spotting the man, he approaches with a second mug of ale.
Justinian smiles broadly at Grigori, setting down the second mug. "Broken you say good sir? Well then at least I will begin with proper introductions. I am Justinian Doran, soldier of Iomedae, Grand Diplomat of Stagheart. But mostly just a soldier of Iomedae. And you are?" Justinian extends his hand.
Justinian smiles again."I can't help but notice you seem to know an awful lot about us, but we know nothing about you. I can only assume that you have an interest in living here, but had real concerns about what you saw, and so you began to ask questions. Questions whose answers you did not like. Scared you, perhaps. And being a sound citizen with a concern for the common good, you decided to tell the people. For their own safety, of course." He takes a drink from his mug, a soldier's eye on the man in front of him.
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Asta adds her effort to discredit Grigori for the day drawing some nods from the crowd. She gives her fellow companions warnings of a diplomatic offensive.
Seraph eches Asta concern about Grigori being a spy. She follows Grigori to the Inn/Tavern in order to continue spreading good will.
Asta has a meeting with her witch apprentices.
Sunset also heads for the tavern to have some words with Grigori, She finds him there drinking an ale to quench his parched through.
Justianian is very effect in swaying the crowd to his way of thinking as he buys a round for the house. The cleric seeks Grigori out to have some words and offer his hand. Grigori shakes his hand commenting, ”I don’t doubt your bravery, but I must question your company you chose to associate with and some of their choices. Do you approve of the alliances they have made with the evil mite and kobolds?”
In answer to Justian’s questions, Grigori replies ”It is my nature not to stand by and accept the status quo when I see so many thing wrong with the way the leaders of this fledgling kingdom. I am concerned for the common citizen, that they are being taken advantage of.”
If the Innkeeper appears to need help then Seraph offers to help her out, for no pay of course. She let's the others handled their own battles this time. Glad that Justinian'seems voice boomed over Grigori's bluster.
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*Tips hat to Justinian*
Sunset enters the tavern, removing her hat with a nod to Justinian, and takes a seat in proximity to Grigori.
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After meeting with the apprentices, Asta has a little chat with one of the castle servants.
"See if you can find me a rat. A live one, and preferably one that hasn't been injured while catching it. I'll be in the throne room in an hour, try and get it to me there and then. And .... have some cheese ready as well."
While that is in the works, Asta finds Imiria and takes her up to the castle battlements, preferably somewhere they're not immediately visible and can be alone, and starts whistling to any birds or bats that might be about.
While waiting for a response from the animal kingdom, Asta turns to Imiria.
"So, my chief apprentice and mistress of spies; how go your lessons, and how goes the construction of our covert intelligence agency? I was a bit perturbed to hear that Grigori had identified you as spymistress. How did that happen? And have you mastered the Feral Speech-Hex yet?"
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Torod goes about his life and duties as normal. He does send letters to the other clergy warning them of Grigori and the effect his speeches could have. He does not tell them what to do, but expresses his concern and asks what they (the clergy as a whole) can do to address what Grigori is saying.
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"Your concern for the people is an admirable trait...Grigori, I believe?" Justinian says with a nod. "If I may, I can answer each of your concerns in turn. Then you may judge." This last part is spoken to the crowd as a whole. Justinian's meaning is clear: the people can decide.
"As far as the company I keep, I will begin with a question: have you ever been to the Worldwound, Grigori? I have served in the the crusades there, and I will tell you that I have fought alongside people who you may consider to more than just questionable. Hellknights from Cheliax, who hate the chaos of the demonic hordes. Half-breed tieflings, warring to erase the stains of the evil of their parentage. Much like our Seraph over there." He nods towards where Seraph is working with the barkeep. "Followers of many gods and goddesses that are assumed by the uninformed to be less than desirable. It's not all just holy soldiers of Iomedae, you know."
Justinian leans in towards Grigori, adopting a friendly pose, but still speaking clear enough for everyone to hear. On the front, Grigori, you learn to trust the soldier next to you. You have to. The demons do not stop to question race or religion when they come."
"Which," he leans back, "brings me to your second concern: the mites and kobolds. I would even add the bandits, embodied by the presence of one Kressel, ex-bandit." Justinian frowns. "The problem lies in your own words, Grigori. Stagland is a 'fledgling kingdom' as you said. I am sure a man of your intelligence already knows the history of the Stolen Lands. Many have tried here, many have died. The rulers of Stagland are taking every opportunity to not be one those failed kingdoms. And certain concessions must be made until you are in a position of strength, after which you can change things as needed."
Justinian brings back the reassuring smile, taking in the whole crowd before settling his eyes on the man called Grigori. "Finally the last. You know much about us, Grigori. Which means you know that militarily we are not strong. We do not have the strength to send men to clear these lands of the evils that wander it. So, in the absence of such strength, we send what we have: ourselves. You have mentioned my bravery. What better example for the people of Stagland than a ruling council that will put their very lives on the line to protect them? We do not ask the sons and daughters of Stagland to fight our battles for us."
He leans back, raising his hand signalling for another round for the house. "Enough of this serious talk! You seem a man of the world, let's tell tales of our travels and the things we have seen!" And Justinian launches into a story of the Fall of Kenabres, the death of the silver dragon Terendelev, and the liberation of the city.
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Seraph goes out of her way to help where she can with the innkeeper, who is thankful for the unexpected assistance, though she suspects it has something to do with Grigori.
Sunset enters the tavern and takes a seat where she can glares at Grigori.
Meanwhile back at the castle, Asta request a fresh unarmed rat and cheese. The nervous servant ask if she would like some bread, condiments and something to drink to go along with it. She takes Imiria to a quite part of battlements and makes request of birds and bats. Some ravens fly down to see what’s being offered, bats are still sleeping in. She also questions Imiria about Grigori.
Imiria rolls her eyes, ”He called me a kingdom spy not spymistress. Any spy worth his salt would quickly identify his opponent. He is very good at talking with people and discovering secrets, people don’t even know they have. The fact he used the information in his speech instead of feed disinformation to me, tells me he’s underestimated my importance. As for the covert intelligence network, I could tell you, but then you would be a liability. Besides you need plausible deniability. I still haven't mastered the Feral speech hex, I’m not sure that’s where my talent is leading me.
Torod goes about his normal life and sends letters to other clergy.
Justinian continues to curry favour with the crowd and talks with Grigori. The bard comments, [b]”I am no great warrior like yourself, but I have learned that while making compromises may seem the expedient path to an end, it is an illusion. Every end is a beginning and every beginning is and end, and all you are left with are the means you are using. You wouldn’t be the first man who used compromised means that ended up being not that much different from the evil they fought.”
Grigori shakes he head, ”I am but a simple man living a simple life. My only curse is that I speak my mind when I see good people being mislead.”
Asta heaves a small, but heartfelt sigh at the servant's question.
"We are neither besieged nor suffering famine. The cheese is to bribe the rat as part of a magical experiment; I do not plan on eating either. Feel free to attend. There is no danger."
"Hang plausible deniability. An enemy has identified you as my agent. If, Sivanah forfend, you are suddenly found floating face down in the river, I need to know."
Asta calls on Sunset.
"I have an important job for you in your capacity as Magister. Right now, I am the only one training arcane casters. A kingdom with only witches to provide arcane magic might remind me of my birth country, but it is not good.
That bastard Grigori did remind me of how witches are often viewed, and I do not want to rule a second Irrisen.
You are alchemist, sorceress, wizard. I need you to go through our kingdom's youngsters. Talk to the Mites and the Kobolds, too. See who can be taught, and start teaching them. You have been working hard on your farm, and I am sorry to pull you away, but I need you to bring in a harvest of talented youngsters and make them into our kingdom's strength. I can help with the theoretical training, but you have practical knowledge and skills I cannot access.
Our Circle of casters needs greater diversity."
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The servant looks relieved when Asta explains what she want's the rat for.
Imiria sighs, then gives Asta a list of five people who are part of her network with their code word. They consist of a stable boy, a midwife, a maid at the tavern, a castle guard, an a sailor.
As the the action in the tavern seems to be tapering off, Grigori looks at Sunset. "What is a girl like you doing in a place like this?"
As the the action in the tavern seems to be tapering off, Grigori looks at Sunset. "What is a girl like you doing in a place like this?"
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With the first day after your group returns drawing to a close, You settle into your normal routines.
Before the day is out though you receive a visit from Arven a local fisherman, "I've come to thank you people for ridding us of that turtle Crackjaw! I am a man of my word, and I had offered a reward for anyone who could drive off or kill that ill tempered beast. So here is the ring of feather falling I found in a pike's stomach that I caught."
The day passes and a new one dawns, Word is Grigori is giving another speech at noon in the common square.
Seraph heads down, intending on beating Grigori to the punch by being early. She had already completed her duties having been up since before sunrise. She was prepared for another verbal lashing, though she speaks with Justinian's before heading out. Wanting to keep him in the loop in case they needed to switch roles. After seeing how well he had handled Grigori, she was more then certain he could easily rout the man.
That morning.
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Justinian briefs the Council on the events at the tavern. "He is a crafty one, this Grigori. I don't believe he is just a 'concerned citizen', as he says. For one thing, he knows far too much about us, which indicates one of two things, maybe both. He has some skill at gathering information covertly, OR he has some skill at spells to do the same. Either way, he is dangerous. We are not strong enough yet to withstand a peasant revolt, and I'm not convinced we would do what is necessary to put it down anyways. But the main question is: Why? Why does this man come now with all of this? I'd suggest investigating him. Where does he stay? Where is he from? All of those things that are beyond my abilities." Justinian places his hands in his sword belt and begins to pace.
"One thing is certain. He is using our weakest points against us. He is touching on the sore points that the people already have. I have warned the Council about this. We must be careful how we respond - at least in the public's eyes. But..." Justinian says with some emphasis, "...the fact that Grigori is the one stirring up the people's feelings does not change the fact that they have those feelings to begin with. Consider it."
When Seraph finds him, he pauses to consider her words. 'I'm not certain we have to rout him as much as we have to win the people over from him. If they believe in us despite his efforts, he will cease to be a threat."
Later
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Justinian rides Galea down to the town center, his battle-worn attire emblazoned with the sword of his goddess. Tying the horse up behind the platform Grigori uses for his speeches, he begins to mingle with the crowd, taking care to greet those he saw last night at the tavern. He greets those he knows by name, making sure to learn a few more as he goes along. He waits for the man to arrive and begin.
"your right of course Justinian. The man is merely the fever from a sickness that was here already. It saddens me that the people are so reserved with us..." it bothered her immensely, she had thought that her order were doing a fine job, she had worked herself to the bone and people were upset with Asta and the council? How could this be? She brings Julius down alongside Justinian and wears nothing more then her purple and white clothes. She'd not come and swagger in armor to prove the man right, besides it didn't matter what she wore. He'd verbal roast her regardless.
She joins Justinian in his mingling, making sure never to stray too close lest Grigori's claims raise people's misgivings further.
She only hoped after this people would be more apt to come forward. That was if they beat Grigori.
Justinian smile reassuringly at Seraph's inner struggle. "It isn't that hard, Seraph. Simple people are simple. They don't understand Asta's lofty goals and aspirations regarding the mites, the kobolds, and even to some extent, the bandit Kressel. To them, those are evils that should be purged, not reasoned with. Many of these folk have lost loved ones to monsters and bandits just like these. That makes them easy targets for a man like Grigori."
He rides in silence for a few moments alongside Seraph. "You see, Seraph, while I can understand Asta's need to do these things, she must realize that the reality of these simple folk may be quite different. She has claimed that she does not want to rule like the Winter Witches, but by forcing the people to believe as she does, she will be doing that which she is trying to avoid."
He is quiet for a moment. As they round the corner to the square, the crowd is visible to them both. He says quietly "It isn't about Asta, or any of us for that matter anymore, Seraph. We have thousands of people - their husbands, wives, children - counting on us. We...all of us...may have to sacrifice some our personal beliefs for the greater good."
"We never did find out who planned the assassination attempt, and wanted to draw us out of the castle to be killed," Asta notes, her voice deceptively soft .... and her eyes the colour of rubies. Angry rubies at that.
The Witch Queen joins Seraph and Justinian, but she looks subtly different. Dressed in simple leathers instead of her usual robes, her hair covered by a workman's (workwoman's?) hood and her skin a bit darker than usual, maybe just enough to not be immediately recognizable, or maybe just enough to look a bit more down-to-earth than usual.
In any case, Asta simply listens to the others talk, and holds her peace. Except for one brief question.
"You've never been to Irrisen, have you, Jus'?"
But the next moment, Asta makes a hand-fluttering gesture as if to wave the question and its importance away. Her attention is firmly on the gathering ahead.
Sunset puts down he rmug and gently pushes aside the plate she's been eating from to look at Grigori, obviously pondering the question he's asked. After a moment she nods and answers.
"Well, perhaps t'is we've gotten of ta' tha' wrong foot." She takes a sip at her mug.
"Afore we go any further, though, know this. Ye will appologize fer yer aspertions as t'me character," Sunset lifts a lock of hair to settle back over her lightly up-swept ear, "An' appologize again fer ye castin' doubts upon me kin." Sunset calmly awaits Grigori's reply.
Come the next day Sunset simply turns up at the gathering wearing her normal 'House hold' clothes... traces of farm work still faintly drifting on the breeze around her. (Yes, her small weapon is always on her hip. Yes she does have another item holstered across the small of her back.)
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"Afore we go any further, though, know this. Ye will appologize fer yer aspertions as t'me character," Sunset lifts a lock of hair to settle back over her lightly up-swept ear, "An' appologize again fer ye castin' doubts upon me kin." Sunset calmly awaits Grigori's reply.
Grigori sits back smiling as he replies loudly "Will I now, Do you believe being the kingdom Magister give you the right to tell people what to think and say? What of the first River Freedom 'Say What You Will, I Live Free!' I believe everything I stated was truthful, you may disagree with my interpretation which is your right." Grigori stands up to leave, "Good day to you miss Sunset!" He heads upstairs to his room.
Justinian lays out a strategy on how to handle Grigori in the early morning to the other council members.
Seraph arrives first at the common square.
Justinian dressed for battle rides into the square upon his destrier, and Seraph also mounted, but not in armor joins him. The crowd moves out of their way giving the warhorses space. Once dismounted the two begin to mingle with the crowd.
Hardly recognizable as the queen dressed in workers leathers, Asta joins Justinian and Seraph in the crowd.
Sunset turns up, in her work clothes, but packing her weapons.
At about noon, Grigori enters the square all smiles as he greets the members of the crowd he has gotten to know, before mounting the simple platform, ”Greetings friends and neighbors! As is my habit for the last few days, I’ve come to talk about the state of your kingdom. “
Grigori’s speech continues ”Your leaders may seem to care about your welfare, but they are looking out for themselves! Thies little adventure hunting trips they take, for the so called reason to keep you safe. The primary reason is to enriching their own wealth first. If you don’t believe me, then listen to this and make up your own mind. When the werewolf killed that young woman half a year ago, the leaders told you they took care it. No public trial, just lock some poor smuck up in the basement of the Elk temple. Now when some freedom fighters dared to attack these same people to free you from their yolk of control. They murdered one outright and promised the others would live if they surrendered. Not only did they not set them free, but they had a mock trial, declared them guilty and through them into their dungeon to rot. If that was not enough one was killed mercilessly only days after being unjustly locked way, the others could be dead for all we know. That proves they care more about themselves than their subjects. Cross them they are likely to lock you or me into their dungeon and throw away the keys or worse.”
Pausing for effect, Grigori continues, ”Still don’t believe me? Then would it interest you to know that a majority of the building supplies and goods sent donated by Restov and Brevory goodwill went not for building your homes and business, but to restore the castle so that their skins would be safe first and foremost. Sure they have build a few buildings and houses, a library, tavern and the bathhouse, but they could have build so much more. They could have built a wall around the city to protect everyone, but no. You see they built the castle not just to protect themselves from outside threats, but from you citizens for when you learn the truth of what they are up to!”
Grigori seems to be just getting started and most of the crowd is giving him their undivided attention, enthralled by his every word.
Asta calls on Sunset.
"I have an important job for you in your capacity as Magister. Right now, I am the only one training arcane casters. A kingdom with only witches to provide arcane magic might remind me of my birth country, but it is not good.
That bastard Grigori did remind me of how witches are often viewed, and I do not want to rule a second Irrisen.
You are alchemist, sorceress, wizard. I need you to go through our kingdom's youngsters. Talk to the Mites and the Kobolds, too. See who can be taught, and start teaching them. You have been working hard on your farm, and I am sorry to pull you away, but I need you to bring in a harvest of talented youngsters and make them into our kingdom's strength. I can help with the theoretical training, but you have practical knowledge and skills I cannot access.
Our Circle of casters needs greater diversity."
Sunset sighs though she nods, "Aye... I'll give it me best. I in't really any of them things ye be sayin', y'know. My time way off in Alkenstar is whut's given m'self my outlook on life in most repsects. T'is me weapons that I aim on workin' on developin' when I've more time an' rescourses. I'd like ta' also, maybe, add some ta' out deputies an' law keepin' type hands." And again Sunset explains her ideas for the alshemical lightning bottle weapons. Other than that Sunset does begin to set aside time from working her property to seeing to folks traiing and skills, more looking to others to volunteer young-uns for teatching/trainingthan to go 'head hunting' herself.
"These first ones in't complicated. An' they should give any Deputies a edge in forceful negotiatin' an' such..."
Sunset stands at ease amongst the crowd simply watching and waiting. She absently takes a fresh rolled leaf from a pocket within her vest and lights up, puffing slowly at the item.
Seraph looks at Justinian intent on listening and being respectful as he deserved. "I understand that and I feel for those who lost loved ones. If I could have been there for those children I would have. Without hesitation."
She shakes her head. "Forgive me if I appear dream eyed or naive, but I believe in what Asta is doing and at least she tried to do something without expecting that people were too simple minded to accept it. She isn't anything like those she left behind." She was quiet for a moment then, the symbol of Arshea dangling between her cleavage.
She shakes her head, throwing off what assailed her before she spoke alongside Grigori in greeting as well. "I have great news about the kingdom as well!" She'd not let him get the upperhand today, this man was testing her limits with every pompous word.
When he had finished, his words bring tears to Seraph's eyes. "To know so many muddled truths about us is commendable but I cannot believe you didn't learn that young woman's name." Stepping past him so the crowd could see her true tears she spoke proudly. "Her name was Saki and the boy... I carried home to his parents..." She takes a sleeve and wipes away the tears. "But you won't hear of that. No, if we could have predicted this they'd both still be here. Even if I was not." This wasn't a statement this was a fact, she'd chose death over allowing others to fall in her stead. "The man once afflicted with Lycanthrope, Kundall, is in Brother Jhod's care at the temple of the ELk."
She doesn't even look at Grigori as she raises her hands spreading them wide as she speaks loudly. "These supposed freedom fighters murdered a visiting priest and were paid to kill us all as well. So killing priests and attempted regicide is okay then so long as it's paid for? An interesting conclusion with no punishment for blood thirsty criminals." She clicks her tongue. "Oh, Freedom Fighters, right."
She steps towards the crowd, her clothes reveal her feminine curves but it doesn't hide the toned muscle from months on the road. She'd not let him paint her the harlot today. "I don't expect a man who relies on words to understand what it is like to work your hands to the bone, until they bleed or what it's like to have a belly full of hunger. No, he is adorned in magical items, much richer than you and I. But today..." She raises her arms and twirls her clothes revealing no arm bands, no magical items of any kind. "I have taken off my only magic items, consisting only of my great sword and armor." She points to the city around them. "But again he judges us after we have come so far, revealing he is as callous and unrefined as the Nobles you left behind. For the walls he speaks of are harder to defend, neigh impossible at this moment but a A castle is like the heart that beats in our chests, that when all else fails we come together and defend from all enemies from on high. Together." She points to the castle upon the hill then pausing so others look. "Yet here I stand, listening to a supposed man of the people, who mocks them as he vilifies us in a single breath. We didn't build this city..." She turns, putting her back to the crowd then as she faced Grigori and spread her arms wide. "They did Grigori. But even now someone tries to twist their will against them. Using magic to sway them but I won't allow this! We haven't taken from the treasury to line our pockets, we have invested it back into the kingdom. Always."
She turns back to the crowd, hoping to gather their attention. "With that, here is the true state of the kingdom. Our Kingdom is strong, without having to raise taxes, to get more things done. We produce more than we consume and soon we will improve our defenses this coming month to thwart those that wish to harm us. We plan on building more shops and improve our commerce to grow the kingdom further. That is the true state of our kingdom! It is thanks to all of you. We are still growing, strong and enduring through our many trials and lost loved ones. A fact we on the council have not forgotten."
She turns to Grigori then arms Akimbo as she asks pointedly. "So Grigori you are adorned in magical items, opulent and healthy. It begs the question. From where do you come from? Because you didn't toil the earth or build our city beside us or else we would know you."
Sunset listens... Sunset watches...
Sunset enjoys her cigar and the early sun upon herself as she stands amongst the crowd....
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Asta speaks to whoever is closest, affecting a commoner's accent: "The man's a fool. Put a wall 'round the kingdom? Tha'd take tons'a granite an' slate. Tha' an' hunnerts'a workers. As we got quarries deep enough? Worse, if'n ye want a wall built, ya needs men ta build it. E'ryone buildin' in't workin' the farms or the crafts. We'd starve inside 'is walls, come winter. Tha', or bankrupt the kingdom payin' for supplies an' workers fra' off.
The man must be a nob born; only a nob born comes up wit' daft ideas an' expects the money ta jus' turn up. Kingdom this small, ya know where'd tha money an' labour'd need ta come fra'? Only tha people an' taxes.
An' wha' kind'a freedom fighter murders a priest'a Cayden Cailean, I ask ye? Tha's just daft. The man's an idjit. No sense in lettin' paid murderers walk about. Idjit."
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Sunset smokes while watching.
When Gregori finishes, Seraph steps up and gives her counterpoints to the bard’s arguments. Both gave excellent speeches and made points with the audience.
Puffing away, Sunset continues to watch. The crowd seemed unusually attentive to Grigori’s speech.
Asta in disguise makes comments to fellow crowd members favoring the kingdom’s side. No one seems to notice her identity.
The crowd seems to favor Gregori’s arguments every so slightly over Seraph’s.
The scene is interrupted by a local farmer riding hard into town square, he calls out the news with winded breath ”The Mites have captured a family of settlers who wondered into their territory! I think they plan to Kill them!”
The interruption was not well timed, just as she tried to unmask Grigori the news a family was captured was quite dire. Seraph nods to the farmer and turns away from Grigori, heading for her horse Julius. "I'll hear your answer later, Grigori." She looks to the farmer then. "Stay there, I will return!"
She mounts up on Julius, heading back to the castle to recover her gear. Why can't people stay out of their territory. Seriously... This incident would only increase the likelihood of hostilities between the kingdom and the Mites territories, proving Grigori and Justinian right despite all of their efforts. Why now of all times?!
She heads back to the castle and straps on her armor and weapons, returning as swiftly as she can.
At the farmer's cry Sunset herself steps up onto the platform Grigori and Seraph have been speaking on. She adresses the gathered towns folk
" No one needs get riled up about nothin' yet!" She calls.
"We're gon'a ride out an' git them folks safe back here an' sort out who's bin crossin' over who's path!" Sunset looks to Grigori, waving her cigar at his midrift for emphasis.
"You? You can keep flappin' yer gums around here all ye want." She informs the fellow, "Or, if'n it in't too much trouble? Ye might be able ta' offer some small assitance, perhaps?" She shrugs but gives a final jab.
"But fair warnin'. You cast aspertions on me an' mine agin? We be havin' a right serious talkin' a'tween us."
With that settled and not waiting for Grigori's reply, she turns and makes her way to where she's left her mount. (A large carnivorous bird isn't quite something one just 'ties up' to a post)
On her way through the crowd, she gets the farmer's attention.
"Where'd they get themselves caught?" She calls/asks. "What is it ye know about tha' goin's on? Who'd ye hear this from?"
(Basically trying to gather as much information as she can before every one rides off into the sunset/sunrise again)
Asta is off and running as soon as she hears the news -- towards the cattle market.
"Hey, you!" she shouts as soon as she spots a man selling oxen. "I'll take two to go, right here and now! I'm in a hurry, add five silver to your price, but get 'em ready to hustle!"
When she rides off after the others, Asta is mysteriously trailing the two oxen, exhorting them to keep up with the Feral Speech Hex....
It was a good speech. Justinian stands there listening to Grigori, even though he couldn't identify just why he did so. It was a good speech. He watched somewhat helplessly as Seraph spoke, then Sunset.
Then the farmer interrupted.
Justinian sighed as the others rushed off. Apparently he would have to deal with this man alone.
Torod also heard word of the family. He's waiting outside the city for the others along with Strawberry Deathstrike. As Asta and her herd come up to him.
"I'll save the I-Told-You-So for when the family is saved."
"You do that," Asta says. "Especially as people were told specifically which areas to steer clear of. Wouldn't surprise me if Grigori persuaded that family to go up to Mite land anyway; he was casting some sort of spell on his audience."
As Sunset urges her mount on she calls to Torod's and Asta's conversation,
"Dependin' which way them folks is comin'? They might be fresh as driven snow with no idea about tha' lay a tha' land an who t'is be havin' right of way." She points out.
"Sooner we get a road fer people ta' follow an' less inclined ta' git them selfs lost? Tha' better." A sudden thought brings a dark laugh.
"Grigori were all big on buildin' a wall. What think ye on gettin' coin from said varmint ta' pay fer a road?"
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Justinian watches the others go. He shakes his head ruefully, 'talk about playing into his hands...'
He strides purposefully on to the stage where Grigori stands. Placing himself squarely next to the man (mostly to be within reach if Grigori does something rash), he claps his hands slowly but firmly.
"Well spoken, Grigori, as usual!" Justinian begins. "However I believe you are misrepresenting some facts, so if I may?" He does not wait for the man's response.
"Excellent. Do you know the definition of sedition? No? Your speeches against the Ruling Council could very well be construed as an attempt to foment a rebellion against the state. If we were as you say, 'concerned only for ourselves', we would have locked you away last night. But...we did not. I spoke with you myself at the tavern, giving all and sundry a chance to speak their minds. We have even let you speak again today, knowing full-well that you would continue your verbal assault on the rulers of Stagland."
He turns to address the crowd directly, catching many he recognizes by eye. "I ask you, the people, does that sound like the rule of tyranny? Or does that sound like a ruling council who believes people have the right to speak their minds?" He gives a nod towards to Grigori and smiles. "Even Grigori, a stranger to our city, and one who - as General Seraph has stated - has not been here while you have built this nation from the very wilds."
Now it is Justinian's turn to pause for effect. When he begins again, there is a sharper tone to his voice, one Grigori has not heard before. "I too, am a newcomer to Stagland, but have earned my place by fighting at the side of the council members as they strove to make these lands safe. Grigori says we have gone on these 'hunting trips' to fatten our purses. We have gone because there is no one else to send. You!" He points to a man in the crowd. "Should we have sent your son to battle the manticore? Stayed safe in our castle, as he says? NO! We go because we do not ask the people of Stagland to do the hard things that we would not!"
Justinian is working himself into a righteous fervor - two can play at this game. "I have traveled here from the wars at the Worldwound my friends, and I swear to you even as I bear the sword of Iomedae that I will not send the sons and daughters of Stagland to their deaths when I myself can go!" He sweeps out the sword he carries, holding it aloft. The golden symbol of Iomedae on the hilt blazes in the sun. "Walls? Castles? The strength of Stagland is in it's people! In the hearts and souls of those who have come here for a better life! We do not need outsiders to tell us what we should believe!"
He brings the sword down point-first into the wood of the stage with a thunk!. It quivers upright as Justinian places his hand on the pommel.
"How say you, people of Stagland? Where are the hearts of steel that have built this nation? HOW SAY YOU?"
He locks eyes with Grigori, daring the man to speak. Justinian has had quite enough. He knows this man's type - easy to complain and question, not so easy to lead. A fat man who has all the questions...and none of the answers.
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It was after Justinian's grand speech when Seraph arrived on horse back. Clad in her combat gear as she pulled up alongside the stage. "Justinian! Are you coming? Or are you holding here?" She gives Julius's rump a tap, indicating he could ride double with her. Though at the same time she invoked her oracle power and gave Julius 'Ant Haul' so that carrying both of them wouldn't bother the horse in the slightest.
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Seraph quickly mounts Julius to to get geared up.
Sunset speaks to the crowd then to Grigori particularly. As she goes to question the farmer she hears Grigori comment to someone, ”I think she taken a shin to me.”
The farmer don’t have much to say, ”I was riding along the road and notice waggon tracks heading off towards the Mite border. I followed hoping to warn the travelers, but I got to the border too late. The mites had captured the wagon and family on their land. Then I rode straight here. “
Still in disguise Asta takes off running to the open market looking for oxen. The man looks her over, ”Slow down there miss, who do you think you are the Queen? Let see two oxen would be 50 gold coins each. What about Harnesses do you need those too, I have a nice selection in the tack room only 2 gold each. By the way, are you sure you know how to handle animals? These oxen can be ornery sometimes.” He is a slow talker type of person.
Asta eventually shows up dragging two oxen behind.
Torod shows up ready to go.
Justinian takes the opportunity to speak to the crowd while waiting from the others to regroup. While the cleric gives a good speech and he inspires the crowd, It’s still not as convincing as Grigori’s
Grigori doesn't need to say anything more today, besides the town is only speculating about what the Mites are going to do to the trespassers.
Due to the road most of the trip is quicker than it would be, but still it takes hours to get to the mite border, where four mite guards meet you, ”Halt, this is Mite sovereign land! What is your intentions?” You can see an empty wagon standing on a hill behind the guards well within the Mite borders. No signs of any people around it.
"Hail and apologies, General Seraph from Stagland, we received word that a family trespassed onto your lands and we'd like to negotiate to get them back of if we can." She tried to be diplomatic with the mites Guards as she introduced everyone in their party as well, minus Justinian.
"No interference. I wish to speak with the one residing over the trial or if Crackjaws is available, I'd like to speak with them. Please so I may understand the crimes levied against them." She pauses before adding. "Is it alright if I speak with the family? I want to know why they crossed the boundaries of your territory."
Sunset looks to Torod and moves her mount closer to his for a quiet talk, "Might there be some clues left on tha' ground where their wagon went off course?" She whispers.
"May we also take a look at the area?" Torod asks the mites.
"This is there land." Torod responds to Sunset. "As a good neighbor, we need to get their permission. I won't be the one to break our treaty."
Sunset raises an eyebrow.
"Um.... I were more thinkin' outside their bounds, as it were." Sunset explains.
"Y'know nefarious, trouble makin' like people puttin' up fake sign posts an' such ta' be leadin' people astray an' other wise causin' greif an' mischief." She explains.
"Torod, would you please take these lumbering cows in hand? You're better with training animals than I am."
Asta whips off her hood, letting her snowy hair fall free as she addresses the guards - politely.
"As Queen of Stagland, I hereby formally request an audience with your King. I hope he can find time in his schedule to see me?"
Torod takes the oxen.
Searching for clues in Stagland and the Mite territory.
Perception
Survival