"As long as this idiot's in charge there's only one way this is turning out." Amira growls, eyes darting back and forth among the advancing enemies.
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"Oh so you'll fight every one who lives above you?" Landis chuckled amused by the notion that this wererat believed he actually had a chance "I assume you have an army, weapons, supplies, resouces...you know everything that a man that has a bone to pick with a city as big as this needs" The hooded man looked about, appearing quite amused, despite their foes surrounding them.
"Because if this is it...city guards won't even have to get involved. I've known gangs that were larger in number and far meaner than this. Of course that is if you're lucky" Landis paused the grin on his face was gone "If you are not, the Hellknights will take notice, and they won't be content by killing those who attack, oh no they will set the sewers ablaze and make sure that none of you draw breath. Is that what you want? For your people to die?"
"Which makes me wonder...what do you want? For your people I mean, and most importantly how do you plan to achieve it? I hope your answer isn't take what we want by force because that's complete and assured destruction for you and them" The former outlaw paused once more, hoping to let his words sink in "We are not invaders, we came bearing gifts, and a chance to bring low those who wronged you, a chance at a better life. Which is far better than the death sentence you are signing for yourselves by choosing to continue on this path"
"Please, we did not come here to fight. What Landis said is true, especially about the Hellknights," Terri chimes in. "We want to find a way to resolve this without bloodshed."
The young priestess steps forward, her arms wide.
"What would prove to you that we mean you no harm?"
Girrigz steps forward, right up to Terri. "You are brave for coming here, particularly this unarmed one, I will give you that. But you want to know what we want? We want JUSTICE!" Quite a few other wererats growl their assent to Girrigz's emphasis. "And if we can't get that, we will get war."
"If you want to prove to us you mean no harm, you must get us justice. Two nights ago, one of our own, Redback, was caught foraging and murdered by surface dwellers. But it wasn't the Hellknights to seem to want us to fear. It wasn't the Guard. It was merchants, it was laborers, it was homemakers - surface dwellers who murder our kind without thought! He was caught and poisoned by a silver blade and all he wanted was food! Bring us Redback's murderers to face trial and we will believe you mean us no harm. JUSTICE FOR REDBACK!" he shouts, and the other wererats take up the chant.
"Justice for Redback! Justice for Redback! Justice for Redback! "
"Do you know where exactly up above that he was murdered?" Wednesday asks, completely nonplussed at the situation.
Amira frowns assessing the situation. The fear an mayhem in the streets above was definitely reaching a fever pitch and while it was clear this group was at the point where if they didn't feel like they got their justice, though she knows what they really want is vengeance, they would do something stupid. Besides that the idea of someone being innocently butchered for absolutely no real reason, always sat poorly with her.
Why is everyone so damned senseless? You want revenge? That is a fine and healthy response when you are wronged...what is not, is you rushing to your death. Bloody short sighted idiot Landis once more turned his attention to the wererats, as he tried to recall if he'd heard of the event their leader was ranting about One of them coming above ground and being killed by an angry mob? That would have been on the lips of many a tavern goer for days.
Cassandra frowns at that.
"Having silver weapons specifically to attack were-rats seems organized and deliberate. Not something you just have hanging around. Who did you guys piss off enough to dictate an organized response? Was the food you were trying to take paid for? Because, you know, people defend their stuff. Just like you would."
Wednesday nods along in agreement with Cassandra's deduction. "Either tensions have been high for awhile, or someone was hoping to provoke you."
"Any particular enemies you've had run-ins with?" Amira adds, following the path of investigation.
Cassandra had hit the nail on the head. This was an enemy with both the means to gain access silver weapons, and the knowledge of lycanthropic allergies. Not some random act of violence.
"Girrigz, as you can see, my friends want to help you, but I need something in return. We will do whatever we can to bring Redback's murderers to justice, but I need you to promise me it is justice that will be served, and not just a sating of your bloodlust. If you cannot promise me that, then I'm afraid that we have a problem," Terri tells the were-rat, unfazed by his appearance and hostility.
"And I need to know who hurt the women and children with Eries," she adds, hoping that she isn't about to undo what little they had done. "If there is to be justice, then it must apply to everyone, no matter their race or station. Human, elf, were-rat, noble, merchant, or beggar, it does not matter."
Tolenn nods as her friends assault the were-rat with reason and obvious interest in his plight.
She watches each of the were-rats that emerge, subjecting each to the special vision granted by Saranae's Grace.
"Enemies?!?" Girrigz asks, incredulously. "Everyone who ever wanted to kill a monster like they do in songs around the tavern fire. So, yeah, we have enemies. Maybe not as many as our cousins," he says as he reaches out and makes a squeaking noise to one of the large rats waddling about the place. It climbs up his arm to rest on his shoulder. "The surface dwellers set traps for them for just being themselves. The die in droves, trapped, beset with dogs, smoked out or even burned out. Some of my people die that way too, burned with oil dropped down the gutters."
As Terri presses him with conditions, Girrigz expression darkens. "Bring us Redback's murderers and they'll receive justice. They'll be put on trial, by our terms for murdering one of us. This is our society, ruled by our ways! As for Eries Yelloweyes, she and her ilk have nothing to fear from us. She knows her place in the pack even if she needs reminding now and then."
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"Her place... reminding?" Wednesday all but growls out.
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Terri's eyes narrow at Girrigz's words.
"Tell me," she says, her voice much cooler now, like chilled water, "who hurt those children. I saw their words, and it was my goddess' blessing that knit them shut."
Amira nods quietly, knowing the likely place. A the mention of the depredations of the surface on Girrigz people and his kin, her expression darkens. The cita was a a community, and whether they wanted to believe it or not, each part of it had a role, the rulers, the beggars, those above and below, all important and now the balance was in chaos, and there would be more blood in the streets. There was definitely a need to restore some balance here.
Yet when he mentions Eries being 'reminded of her place', the druid's jaw clenches as her gaze becomes piercing.
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Tolenn frowns, sadly recognizing the taint of evil upon Girrigz and some of his fellows
"As did I." she says, "You speak of justice, and you may have a legitimate greivance, but it would seem that perhaps Eries and the children may have such against yourself, Girrgz. I can sense the darkness marring your hearts, I fear any 'justice' you seek is really vengeance for injury both real and imagined."
"Yes, her place," Girrigz growls. "She is not the leader of the pack. The strong lead the pack. She is too weak. She would have us run from the surface dwellers with our tails between our legs like beaten curs, away from the homes we try to keep safe. When she argued to not seek justice for Redback, blood ran hot, tempers burned. And, yes, we fought." he nods. "But strength showed us the right path - it is our way."
As Terri presses him, he responds, "Ah, the children. The children fought well for their size. It gladdens me to know their wounds have healed. They will add much strength to the pack in due time."
In response to Tolenn, he returns, "I do not expect you surface dwellers to understand our ways. But we will have justice for Redback and ourselves whether you aid us or not. Either bring us Redback's murderers or leave our burrows for good."
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"We will bring the killers to face your justice....if those who harmed the children submit to ours." Amira says, her voice carrying the chill of a lonely night in the darkest parts of the city.
"Talking with your fists doesn't make you right, especially against mothers and children." Wednesday kept his scowl as he looked over the lycanthropes, waiting for their response.
He was hoping they'd refuse Amira's reasonable offer.
Landis' smile kept growing by the second and he left it to dominate whatever was seen from his face...for it was taking every bit of will he had to not laugh in the face of the so-called leader of these were rats Oh this delusional little sod...he actually believes that he holds some sort of power Landis' lips parted a little, adding some teeth to the smile, and his right hand began clenching and unclenching as he felt another urge well up within him; he so wanted to mock this fool mercilessly, but they had to be diplomatic still...but maybe, just maybe he could sneak a few insults in there, for the sake of his own sanity.
"Girrigz" The smiling fellow stepped forward, his cloak parting slightly "You seem to be under the impression, that your position is more advantageous than ours...don't mistake kindness for weakness. If one of your own was taken down by merchants and laborers what hope do the rest of you have against trained warriors? A throaty giggle finally broke through the dam of pure will Landis has erupted within himself "I am of course not saying that we would harm you...unless you give us a reason to"
"Now, my suggestion is to do as my companions asked. Most of the things in this world are about giving and receiving; you can't expect to be granted something unless you give something in return" He tilted his head slightly to the right but kept his gaze set on the Girrigz "The faster and less troublesome this whole affair is the better we'll all be...oh and here is some free advice, strength would be a good trait for a leader to have, an influential personality would not hurt either, but the most important trait a leader must possess is wisdom. Something that Eries seems to have in abundance...you see she was wise in telling you to steer clear of us surface dwellers, there are many of us above ground, and if our merchants and laborers could lay you low, I ask once more how do you think you'll fair against our warriors?"
I hope he decides quickly, the sooner this ends the sooner we can get back to taking down the queen, then he can go back to living his fantasy of being a tyrant or if he's a moron he'll be a corpse floating down our sewers. Either outcome is fine with me.
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Eyes narrowing in frustration, Amira glances over at Cassandra. "លើកក្រោយ រំលឹកខ្ញុំ ដើម្បីបំបិទមាត់គាត់ ខណៈពេលដែលយើង កំពុង ចរចា។"
Shoulda let me kill him...
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"Wow, this is getting boring." Cassandra mutters to her partner. "Seriously, everyone here with testicles but Wendy is being such a freaking guy."
Deciding that the negotiations are just, honestly, awful, the wizardess begins climbing the walls.
Literally.
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Wednesday didn't bother responding to the wizard, though a smirk did slightly creep into his face. He wondered with her magical transportation abilities if she had spells that target specific parts of a person's body...
Terri grinds her teeth, biting off the response that would have caused a fight. Landis' idea was likely to be rejected, but she'd wait.
"How many, Girrigz? How many of those children fought because you gave them no choice? How many died for no other reason than because you could not hold your temper?"
The words are soft, as if Terri wasn't aware she had even spoken aloud, which is actually the case.
Cass' reaction brings a hint of a grin to Amira's lips. Even more so, the druid brathes just the tiniest bit easier that her wall crawl takes her out of the direct line of attack should it al go to $#!+. Which was becoming more and more likely every second.
Girrigz shakes his head and chuckles then he addresses his fellow wererats, "See, brothers and sisters? See how the surface dwellers demand obedience of us? They come saying they want to help. They come asking what they can do to show they can be trusted. And when told what they can do, find the murderers of Redback, they demand more! They make veiled threats! Will we stand for it?"
Rats along the walls, picking up the cues from the wererats, hiss while the wererats shout out, "No! No!"
Girrigz holds up his hands and the noise dies down. "Because they came bravely into our den, particularly this unarmed one," he indicates Terri, "they are free to leave in peace and bother us no more. But if we meet again it will be as enemies. Now go!" he points back out into the sewer.
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"So justice is only for the strong is it?!"
The words ring out like a trumpet call, clear and pure.
"I believe you when you say that you want justice for Redback. I believe you when you say that there will be a trial. What I do not believe is that the trial will be anything more than a lynch mob. I do not believe that you are any different than the strumpet on the Crimson Throne."
Terri's eyes blaze as she glares at Girrigz and stands before him unmoving. Wisps of golden light swirl around her hands and the holy symbol hanging from her neck.
"You demand Justice for one of your own slaughtered by human hands, but not the children and their mothers injured and perhaps killed at your own. You see wisdom as a threat, though Landis certainly could have been much more tactful in making his point. You mark us enemies for failing to acquiesce to your every demand." Terri steps forward, glaring up at the were-rat. "Seeing as you only think in terms of strength and violence, let me put this in words that even you will understand. The vengeance you seek will bring the guard and the hellknights on your head. They will not worry so much about who is at fault and slaughter everyone down here, especially with the city in so much turmoil. That is what Eries was telling you and that is what you are too blinded by bloodlust to see."
Terri jabs a finger into Girrigz's chest. Her eyes bore up into his, and the petite woman before him gives her anger full reign.
"Tell me Girrigz! Tell me if the weak matter in your eyes! Tell if the life of the smallest child matters to you! Will you demand justice for the children of your people, or will you stand there and demand only the vengeance your bloodlust craves? Will you strike out at me, an unarmed woman, a sculptor and a priestess of the Eternal Rose when I have not once threatened you?"
The small, young woman turns to the others gathered behind Girrigz, stepping around the wererat to address them.
"What about you? Do you just demand justice for those whom he deems deserving, or will you demand it for all of your people? I stand before you unarmed because I demand justice not just for a few, but for all of Korvosa, even those who live under her streets, but I will not bring a man here to be butchered just to slake your thirst for blood!"
By the end of it, Terri is breathing heavily, her passion and her zeal burning in her eyes.
Girrigz glowers at Terri, his voice is low but seethes with anger "Do you know of any children killed by my hands? By the hands of my brothers and sisters? But I know of Redback slain by the ones who live above, the ones for who you demand your justice. And I know of wererat children slain by poisons left for our animal cousins to eat. I have seen my own littermates slain by so-called adventurers looking to make vainglorious names of themselves. And all you can do is guess. You don't know us." he sneers. You don't know the lives we lead. Hunted, hounded, poisoned at every turn. No more. No more."
He turns and stalks deeper into the cavern. The rest of the wererats continue to stand and stare at the adventurers.
We may want to take down that 'strumpet' Terri, but at least she's nicer to look at than Girrigz here Landis could feel that the negotiations were going nowhere; Girrigz was far too senseless to see past his bloodthirst and most if not all of his companions were more interested in seeing justice handed out to all parties, something that Girrigz seemed to want to avoid And what kind of sorry execuse for an adventurer gets sent to the sewers to hunt wererat? Did the world run out of goblins and no one told me?
"To the rest of you, you choose whether to follow him into certain folly or not. If you see reason, and want a fair chance for your people, we are willing to help. Every life in this city matters." Amira says. Her voice drops, quiet but with a hint of a growl that carries through the tunnel. "But know this, Eries and those with her are under our protection. If a single person harms a hair on any of their heads, I will know. And there is nowhere in Korvosa that I will not find you. Every tunnel, every street, every dark alley tells me it's secrets. You do not want me to come looking."
Wednesday just rolls his eyes. "Yes, you don't kill children, you just use them as a punching bag when you're angry. What a noble and incandescent soul your flea infested fur hides."
"At this rate Redback probably wasn't even after food, he probably led a one man crusade up above and declared everyone slaves for the glorious kingdom under the city after his brain got rotted by spending too much time around his boss' stupidity ."
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The wizardess sings under her breath.
Cass-andra. Cass-andra. Mistress of magic and the freerun.
Can she port? Listen slick, she's the master of the conjure trick.
Look out! Here comes Cass-andra!
None of the wererats make a move to respond to Wednesday's bait other than to hiss and snarl.
Back out in the main sewer channel, Eries sits crestfallen, tears streaming down her face. "That's it then. It will be war. Oh, why did you make it about me and the children? This isn't about us, it's about our people."
"And you and your children are your people."
"They choose who they follow. We can only hope that the wiser of them see reason, and have the strength not to follow a man who has his sights set on mayhem." Amira says before looking up at the sewer tunnel ceiling at her partner and smiling.
Tilting his head from side to side Wednesday takes a moment before he asks "The ones who attacked you? Do you know who they are?"
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"NO! NO! You're looking for a reason to fight them! And I don't want any fighting over me!" she sobs.
"No, I want to keep you and the children safe. I'll not say it's safe to return to them again just to have them beat you the moment the slightest thing doesn't go their way. And we are going to look for Redback's murderers." Wednesday says calmly.
Terri slumps against the wall.
She'd screwed up. She'd let her anger get the better of her and now any blood spilled would be just as much on her hands as Girrigz's. When Eries begins to cry, Terri reaches out, but stops and slowly lowers her hand.
What could she do? What should she do?
"Eries, I..." The sentence is soft, almost a whisper, but the rest of the words die unsaid. What could she say? I'm sorry? I'll fix this? We'll make things right?
She looked into the future, to the coming bloodshed, and all she wanted to do was weep.
"We're not accomplishing anything else down here. We should get moving if we plan to stay ahead of this mess." Amira says to the others.
"Right, guess we start looking for all the poor shopkeeps that can somehow afford silver weapons."
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Tolenn watches Terri berate the leader of the were-rats, stepping up to make sure she was safe.
"Oh, you beautiful, passionate woman, Terri" she thinks to herself as Girrigz ends the discussion.
Tolenn regards the 'fleeing' wererats, her face impassive as the others continue to discuss the situation.
Turning, she sees the anguish on Terri's face, her own softening, "Terri, you only spoke the truth. Girrigz rules through fear and inimidation, and I fear he and the others will become but pawns of the powers of evil that now rule this city. Either as willing accomplices or unwitting scapegoats, I fear their end will be bloody. "
She raises her head from where it had been lowered to gaze into Terri's teary eyes, looking Eries full on, "Your people have allowed a fool to lead you into incredible danger. The taint of evil is yet shallow on him, but I fear it will grow, bringing you and the children into greater danger. "
She sighs, nodding to Amira and Wednesday, "You speak true, let us at least look into this murder. If it was carried out by agents of the Queen, it behooves us to put and end to it. "
Wednesday nods to Tolenn, not really having anything else to add at the moment.
"Finally!" Cassandra falls down from the ceiling, her boots clumping on the ground below.
"How about next time we just challenge him to single combat and leadership of the pack or something?"
Amira pauses for a second as if genuinely considering the idea and the possible outcomes. Shaking her head with a smile she gives Cass a quick kiss on the forehead. "All of this and a beautiful brain too."
"Fine by me... as long as I could defer leadership to somebody actually capable afterwards."