Thankful for something to do Lily gives Monday a quick glance as she rises. If my hunc is right, that woman has something completely else on her mind and she isn't shy about it at all. Moving towards the kitchen she asks, Is there anything in particualr you would like Monday? I have some fruits but not too many. Otherwise I can make sandwiches for you. Mera, I am sorry that I have nothing up to your standards but what I have is yours if you don't mind.
"Cherries, if you have some, but don't trouble yourself on my part." Alhough her voice is pleasant she can't quite wipe off that wolfish smirk as she speaks.
Nudging Tal in the side slightly she leans her head to whisper "Though a sandwich she would make does sound very tasty, and filling."
Calling back from the kitchen, Oh, I am sorry Monday, but cherries are not in season right now but I do have some peaches if you would like? Would you prefer something to drink as well? I have some ale and a little wine. Nothing to satisfy your palate though Mera.
Turning red in the face Tal can't help but stammer back, The, that's my wife y, y, your talking about. As he looks quickly up to see if Lily heard Monday.
You notice that he doesn't disagree with you and the response is more by rote to say something than anything else.
As you are leaving Tal’s and making your way through the city, you hear someone shout Mera! Mera! You turn and see this Man He catches up with you all and notices Mera’s bruises and says, Were the critics that rough last night Mera, or was it the audience? He then looks at Monday, Tuesday, Tal, & Lily sniffs and says, I heard you were keeping the company of a second-rate troop, but I didn’t believe it until now!
"Oh yes, I would very much like your peaches if it's okay. And wine is always a treasure!" Monday unabashedly calls into the kitchen before turning to Tal, an eyebrow arched. "Yes, that is quite obvious... and besides, you need two pieces of bread to sandwich something in between." Speaking matter-of-factly she begins walking her fingers up the side of Tal's arm.
Seeing the obviously snobbish fop run up to the group and start tossing around insults Monday keeps a scowl on her face but at the moment allows Mera to retaliate herself.
Hearing someone shout Mera's name and start running to her Tuesday instinctively places himself in-between the man and the diva.
The mood had changed quickly once it seems that Mera had convinced Lily that Tal was as safe as possible in joining the group. She would no longer have to move as she feared and Tal was in essence getting a raise. She still had her doubts about what the group was actually going to do, but for the time being she was content to go along with it and meet with Janiven. If what her husband said was true, and she believed him just not sure how it would happen, then this was a cause that she would like to see prosper and flourish. Their success would translate into a better Westcrown and a better life for themselves. Whenever they started a family it would be with the hope of a brighter future as well.
Grabbing the peaches and the wine Lily brings them out to the living area for the group to partake. Mera are you sure you don't want anything. After all we have reason to celebrate Tal's new job and to thank you for it.
Not being much of a drinker Lily pours herself a small drink to keep it from going to her head.
Tal can't help but to give an involuntary tremble as Monday passes her long fingers over Tal's arm. Trying to keep her from noticing he grabs at his wounded arm in an effort to hide his reaction.
bluff
Hopefully he recovered quickly enough to keep her from noticing.
When Lily returns with the wine Tal excuses himself quickly to grab an ale. I am not one for the wine myself. It goes straight to my head and I feel like I can't think straight then. I prefer something a bit more robust myself.
In a slight conundrum as to how to proceed Tal realizes that he is now employed by Mera to protect her. As such he feels duty bound to stand next to her as they walk through the city. However Tal is with his wife as well and needs to protect her from harm. Try as he might to make it easy on himself and everyone else It seems that Tal ends up in the middle of the 3 women as he escorts them all to the meeting place. When the man hollers out to Mera Tal steps up and confronts the man. Excuse me sir, but I would have you step back away till she has given you permission to get closer. There are dangerous people on the street these days and I have been hired to protect her. Tal puts a hand on his sap in case this man does try to accost any of them.
perception for thugs in the area in case he is a distraction
Letting out a slight gasp as Tal grabs his arm Monday will gently touch his arm again. "I'm sorry, I got caught up caring for Mera so I neglected you. I... I think I have enough residual essence from the ethereal to patch you up. One moment please."
Closing her eyes and concentrating for a moment a cool, calming energy begins to pass from the Spiritualist and flow thoughtout the warrior's arm, mending and soothing any wounds he had left. "Trăi."
Tal extends his arm to Monday once again even though it is bandaged by Lily. I am quite fine and expect that my wife will have me patched up in no time. However if Mera does not need any more of your touch then I will gladly accept. It would be foolish not accept. Does this take a toll on you as it does on Naberius? At the bridge he seemed quite put out and fatigued by his efforts. Yet you seem to be able to yourself without any problems. Perhaps it is the fact that he has spent so much time indoors that a bit of outside air and stress made him tired.
Monday thinks for a moment at Tal's questioning, never having been asked that it is a long moment before she simply shrugs. "Dunno. I mean, my body gets really warm when I use magic and it uses a little bit of energy I guess, but not enough to make me lose my breath or anything. Though I suppose it could simply be due to the differences in the spells. I get my abilities through my connection to Tuez and his tethers to the Ethereal while Nabe studies the actual workings of the arcane and makes pacts with who knows what... I believe the latter has more to do with the toll it takes on him than anything. Me on the other hand? When I wake up and Tuez leaves my body it just feels like there's a... river--I guess you could it that--flowing through my body, keeping me in tune with the spirits and as the day goes on and as I keep letting out that essence the river kinda dries up until its a little stream."
Downing the offered wine in one go and letting out a breath she adds "Me and Tuez are mirrors of each other like that. We both have one foot in this world, and the other in the next."
Mera listens to the back and forth between Tal and Monday. She smiles but keeps her thoughts to herself, staying out of it.
However if Mera does not need any more of your touch then I will gladly accept.
"While my physical injuries have been healed, I am not quite sure I do not need any more healing. I am feeling a little light headed and woozy to be honest, I think I need some rest."
"I'm sorry, I got caught up caring for Mera so I neglected you.
"Thank you for helping me earlier, I was not quite myself. I appreciate your assistance in saving my life. I surely would have perished from my wounds if not for you."
Mera! Mera! Were the critics that rough last night Mera, or was it the audience? I heard you were keeping the company of a second-rate troop, but I didn’t believe it until now!
Mera turned to address whichever of her fans had been calling her, but before the man had completed speaking the recognition of the voice had sank in.
Thesing. Now? Wonderful.
A pained groan escapes of dread washes over her as she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath mumbling, "Of all the days...". She places a hand on Tuesday's back and says softly, "It's alright." and then a little louder for Tal, "It's ok Tal, I know most people don't recognize him, but I have the pleasure of knowing this man."
She steps out from behind him and opens her arms in a welcoming gesture. "Ah, it is so good to see you again Thesing. How I've missed your wit since we last parted ways."
"My coterie of protectors need to appear inconspicuous you see. If I walked around flashing Hellknights at my side I do think it would only draw more attention to me. Some of us tend to excel in the arts and thus we are constantly having to sign this and sing that and appear hear."
Mera places her forehead to her head and lets her body sag some, appearing exhausted. "It's just SO exhausting you see."
Withdrawing her hand she pulls down on her lower lip slightly and grimaces in feigned pain, "Oh. Terribly sorry about that. Thesing, you'll understand one day I'm sure. Tell me, how is work? I was so wrapped up in my latest performance I haven't been able to keep up with things since Sorrows."
"Thank you for helping me earlier, I was not quite myself. I appreciate your assistance in saving my life. I surely would have perished from my wounds if not for you."
Beaming at the singer's praise Monday can't help but return her a long drawn out bow.
As Mera and her "associate" converse Monday adopts a bored look on her face while drawing her kurki and letting it desultorily dance in between her knuckles and fingers.
Letting his body appear to ease at Mera's command the Phantom still keeps a glare leveled at the man.
Thesing grimaces at Mera's stinging rapport. Well you know, Mera, I AM starring in Last Charge of Qadira. We open tonight and well here's a funny story. I went to Jacovo's, the horse trader to get some horses for tonight's performance and he was all out of horses. Then word reaches me that you ride into town with a whole bunch of horses with the guy's nephew and now he has horses. What do you think of that? He asks suspiciously. The cast is full and I already have my leading lady so you can continue with whatever little play you are starring in. By the way, I was suffering from insomnia the other night, caught your performance and you cured me! He looks at Tuesday, And we already have enough ghosts in the play so you can tell this upstart here that if he hopes to succeed in theater, he is going to need a better make-up job!
Holding back a snarl Tuesday instead arches an eyebrow and turns his head to Mera, she can almost make out a smirk underneath the cloth covering.
"They must have been hard up for actors if they got this B-list twit in a lead role." Monday mutters while continuing to play with her kukri.
Mear shakes her head, totally dismissing Thesing's attempts at a reply and underplaying the severity of the accuastaion. "You can't find people to attend your show so now you are trying to buy horses to put in the audience? Awww, Thesing, have you reached such low levels so quickly? Tis a shame, though I suppose that horses cannot throw vegetables at you so there is definitely a perk!"
She leans in and adds in a whisper, "Perhaps they will warm up to your advances better than I did."
Mera flutters her lips in a horse sound which morphs into "Bbbb-bye Thesing."
She waves a hand to her coterie and resumes walking in between Tal and Tuesday.
Seeing that Mera had ended the conversation both siblings turn and walk with her, Tuesday though turns his head occasionally to keep an eye on the man.
Thesing turns a deep shade of red as he yells at the distancing Mera. Just you wait to see whose the toast of the theater world tomorrow morning, Mera Wist-Thrune!
Once it is clear that Mera knows this Thesing fellow Tal stands aside to let them finish their business. Why Mera was so confrontational Tal didn't know but he was not about to ask to find out at the present time. As Thesing walks away Tal moves to take his position again between the women for 'their protection'.
Onle after a few blocks will Tal bring up the man. Who was that you were talking to? Obviously you know each other well but not positively. Care to share what you know?
Slightly intrigued at Monday's answer the exact deatils of her abilities are lost on Tal. Even though she tries to make it sound simple he just can't conceive of how or why it works. Instead he just shows is ignorance by asking, So do you get hot enough to melt snow or ice?
When Mera mentions that she is healed physically but still drained emotionally and wants a rest Tal looks to Lily. We are in no rush and could allow Mera the opportunity to regain her strength and composure for a little while at least.
Turning back to Mera, If you need some time to recover we can wait here unless you have some other place of relaxation you would prefer. there is no sense to rush out again as I believe that Janiven was seeing to the horses and that could take some time. Perhaps more than anything though you just want to freshen up. We do not have any hot water but I could get some fresh water for you to wash with?
Once again Monday shrugs. "Not yet I believe. The stronger the spell, the more heated I get. Those spells I cast down in the sewers give me a pleasant flush, but when I heal people... I feel really, really good." With a smirk she'll cross her legs while keeping her head propped up with her hand, one finger slowly tapping against the side of her face.
If your sense motive is on Lily...?
You get the idea that while Lily does not mind having a drink of wine, or more if the occassion is right, that it would just not do to celebrate too much at this time of day. As the new benefactor though Lily will have to start carrying a more impressive selection should you come calling.
If the sense motive is on Tal...?
You can tell that while Tal is completely devoted to Lily, such a caress from the vivacious Monday is impossible to ignore. Its only with great restraint that Tal has not reacted to her ministrations more.
Tal focuses intently on Monday's face as she crosses her legs and leans forward resting her head on her hand. That must be an enjoyable sensation and 1 that is mutual beneficial. I would think that it is much better for both of you to feel good afterwards rather than your recipient feeling better while you take their pain and sufferring into yourself. Although this is just guessing on my part as I have not the talents that you have.
Mera shakes her head, "Any time not spent talking about Thesing Umbeero Ulvaud is time well spent. All you need to know is that he is a second rate hack who couldn't get over himself."
She lifts her chin and clears her throat, "Now then, where are we meeting the others again?"
If you do not need to rest at all then I am ready to go as well. We might have a lot to talk about depending on what Janiven and Areal have to say.
Tal shrugs his shoulders, Then it is nothing to worry about as hopefully we will not run across him again. In the meantime let us continue onward. I believe that we are meeting at our final destination last night.
"First of all--are you well and healthy?" Cathas asked the priest once the door was locked, leaning on the priest's table. "It would be a lousy rescue if we didn't manage to get one thing right."
Arael chuckles and says, Yes I am well, although it will take some time for the singed hairs on my arms to grow back. Now what is it you wish to discuss?
Just before Raveen can begin, there is a knock at the door and when Janiven opens the door she sees Morosimo. The youth curiously looks around the room and then says, The others are here and they brought Tal's wife, Lily, with them. She's real nice. I can vouch for her. Oh and Master Naberius has awakened. Should I show them in?
Janiven nods in the affirmative but whispers, Maybe not Lily - yet. Make sure she is introduced to everyone and is made comfortable.
In a few moments the youth ushers Tal, Monday, Tuesday, Naberius, and Mera into the now cramped office and as he leaves, the door is locked behind him.
Arael then turns to Raveen and says, Now what did you what to discuss Master Rav...uh..what alias are you going by? The elf says with a grin.
Arriving at the abandoned shrine Tal looks around quickly to make sure that no one is present before knocking and gaining admittance. Once inside Tal unloads the gear that he had brought with him from the ambush in a pile to be gone through later.
Introducing Lily to as many people as are there Tal makes certain to say high to Morosimo, Ermolos and Vitti. Explaining to Lily, Ermolos I guess you could say is a pupil of mine. We did some sparring last night and the man shows talent. Morosimo you met already. Good kid that one. Vitti is the one who made the masks to keep our identities hidden. thanks Vitti!
When Lily is asked to remain out with the others for a brief moment Tal inquires as to why she must be kept out as the whole purpose was to bring her to talk with Janiven and Areal. Realizing that it would hopefully just be a moment of inconvenience Tal looks apologetically to Lily before continuing on with the others. Just for a moment dear. As soon as I can I will bring you in. It must be something quick to mention to those of us that were here this morning. I will fill you in later. Perhaps you could visit with Mathalen, Tarvi, or Amaya till I can get you.
Inside the meeting room Tal sees Areal but interjects as soon as he can. Hopefully this is quick as my wife is here and would like to meet you 2 before we get too far along. What you tell me I will tell her anyways so for my piece of mind and marital happiness lets get this meeting started so I can bring her in.
Naberius sits down with his back against the wall in the priest's office, fiddling with his pocket watch. He appears refreshed, but lost in thought. While resting, he had had some time to reflect on their situation. Not that he would say so out loud, but this rebellion was becoming a bit too successful for its own good. The more people they drew in, the more attention they would draw to themselves...
Inside the meeting room Tal sees Areal but interjects as soon as he can. Hopefully this is quick as my wife is here and would like to meet you 2 before we get too far along. What you tell me I will tell her anyways so for my piece of mind and marital happiness lets get this meeting started so I can bring her in.
Like this new person. As Tal speaks of his wife, Naberius puts away his watch and looks the bodyguard.
"I would not want to stand in the way of your... Marital happiness, of course, but I must ask," the wizard says, "what is it exactly that your wife brings to our little group? Is she a great warrior like you? A priest?"
Leaning fowards, he adds, "I must admit I am a bit surprised, Tal. I would have thought that you were the type of person who would do everything in their power to not put his loved ones in danger..."
Tal looks at Naberius as he has the temerity to question Tal for bringing his wife. Bristling with the affront, My wife is my wife and that is all that you need to know about her Naberius if that is the attitude you are going to take. I would have thought that you would have realized this but apparently your years spent cloistered away hs left you little time to understand things here in Westcrown. It does not matter where my wife is located or what she may know. The mere fact that I was with you last night and this morning has put her at great risk. They will surely come after her as much as myself if they know that I am involved with this group. It is better that she knows first hand what is going on then sitting in the dark wondering what could be happening to me or why I am associating with you. Now Monday and Mera have satisfactorily answered her immediate questions and she has agreed to come here to hear more. I am hoping that she agrees with the aims of the group allowing myself to become fully integrated here. If that is a problem then I can leave now or let you face the next armored hellknight by yourself.
"First of all--are you well and healthy?" Cathas asked the priest once the door was locked, leaning on the priest's table. "It would be a lousy rescue if we didn't manage to get one thing right."Arael chuckles and says, Yes I am well, although it will take some time for the singed hairs on my arms to grow back. Now what is it you wish to discuss?
Just before Raveen can begin, there is a knock at the door and when Janiven opens the door she sees Morosimo. The youth curiously looks around the room and then says, The others are here and they brought Tal's wife, Lily, with them. She's real nice. I can vouch for her. Oh and Master Naberius has awakened. Should I show them in?
Janiven nods in the affirmative but whispers, Maybe not Lily - yet. Make sure she is introduced to everyone and is made comfortable.
In a few moments the youth ushers Tal, Monday, Tuesday, Naberius, and Mera into the now cramped office and as he leaves, the door is locked behind him.
Arael then turns to Raveen and says, Now what did you what to discuss Master Rav...uh..what alias are you going by? The elf says with a grin.
If the man smiled, it did now show behind the mask. He turned and noted the entry of his party, and nodded slightly when the door locked.
Before he could answer the half-elf, Tal interrupted him.Hopefully this is quick as my wife is here and would like to meet you two before we get too far along. What you tell me I will tell her anyways so for my piece of mind and marital happiness lets get this meeting started so I can bring her in.
As Tal spoke of his wife, Naberius put away his pocket watch and looked the bodyguard.
"I would not want to stand in the way of your... Marital happiness, of course, but I must ask: what is it exactly that your wife brings to our little group? Is she a great warrior like you? A priest?"
Leaning fowards, he adds, "I must admit I am a bit surprised, Tal. I would have thought that you were the type of person who would do everything in their power to not put his loved ones in danger..."
My wife is my wife and that is all that you need to know about her Naberius if that is the attitude you are going to take.
I would have thought that you would have realized this but apparently your years spent cloistered away has left you little time to understand things here in Westcrown.
It does not matter where my wife is located or what she may know. The mere fact that I was with you last night and this morning has put her at great risk. They will surely come after her as much as myself if they know that I am involved with this group.
It is better that she knows first hand what is going on then sitting in the dark wondering what could be happening to me or why I am associating with you. Now Monday and Mera have satisfactorily answered her immediate questions and she has agreed to come here to hear more. I am hoping that she agrees with the aims of the group allowing myself to become fully integrated here--
The masked man watched the exchange deteriorate as Tal spoke to the mage.
He put his hands up, and said, "Peace, brothers, peace! "
He then turned to Tal calmly, and said, "Sir Tal, bringing Mrs. Mainz here is a greater risk than leaving her at home, do you not agree? A simple alibi could deflect any attention for a long enough time for us to settle into our organization."
If that is a problem then I can leave now or let you face the next armored hellknight by yourself.
"You don't really mean that, Sir," the masked man said quietly, motioning for Tal to be seated. "Kindly refrain from saying that again."
My wife is my wife and that is all that you need to know about her Naberius if that is the attitude you are going to take.
Naberius tries to smile pleasantly, and says, "My intention was not to insult you, but the emotionality of your answer shows just how much of a liability she can become...
They will surely come after her as much as myself if they know that I am involved with this group.
"Then send her away," the wizard counters, waving his hand dismissively, "if she has nothing to offer our cause. Surely she would be safer somewhere else. Anywhere else."
Now Monday and Mera have satisfactorily answered her immediate questions and she has agreed to come here to hear more.
Trying to remain calm in the face of the storm, the wizard answers, "Sometimes, ignorance is bliss. Your honesty to your wife is... Admirable, but the enterprise into which we have entered is not an honest one. Believe me when I tell you it does not suit me either, but then again I have no family to endanger..."
He glances at Vasco sitting on his shoulder, and adds, "Only myself, and an excessively loquacious corvid."
If that is a problem then I can leave now or let you face the next armored hellknight by yourself.
Then go.
Crossing his arms, the wizard concludes, "I am a part of this, just as much as you are. I expect to have a say in these matters."
His tone is even, but his nostrils flare with frustration.
Turning to the others, he says, "I do not see a reason to share what we discuss here with everyone, outside our inner circle. Even if you feel that you can trust the others," the pawns "they might be captured. If they are captured, they might be interrogated. It is better they if know only what they must, so they do not reveal our secrets under duress. If our numbers grow, it becomes a necessity to keep vital information from those lower in the organisation... To minimise risks to the group as a whole."
sense motive
Tal shakes his head at 'Raveen' and Niberius. You guys just don't get it here do you? It matters not about alibis or how much one does or does not know. If there is even a rumor that you are doing something illegal then the hellknights will come knocking at your door. When they arrive they will not care about alibis when you are guilty till proven innocent. They will take you in for questioning until you admit to them that you did wrong. They will take your family for associating with you and convict them of aiding and abetting you. Therefore they are guilty as well. Those of us that live here understand that all too well. That is why it does not matter what Lily does or does not know. They will come after her because of me.
He then turned to Tal calmly, and said, "Sir Tal, bringing Mrs. Mainz here is a greater risk than leaving her at home, do you not agree? A simple alibi could deflect any attention for a long enough time for us to settle into our organization."
No, I do not agree. At least here she has a chance to be informed and make a decision for herself. She also I thought would have the support of others that may be worried for family and loved ones. Instead all I see is people too concerned about themselves to worry about the people of Westcrown. She is a perfect example of why this city must be improved and made safer. It is for loved ones and those that may not be able to help themselves that we are meeting is it not? If not is it for personal gain and exploitation then that you are here?
He glances at Vasco sitting on his shoulder, and adds, "Only myself, and an excessively loquacious corvid."
Looking at Vasco and Naberius, Then why should we allow your pet here. Does he not pose as much of a risk to all of us as does Lily? In fact I would say he would be more of a risk than Lily should he fal into the wrong hands. What is to keep him from speaking to the hellknihgts about our actions and plans?
"You don't really mean that, Sir," the masked man said quietly, motioning for Tal to be seated. "Kindly refrain from saying that again."
I do mean that completely. Do you think I would hold his life as more valuable than my wife's? Do any of you think that you can compare yourselves to her? I am a part of this group and helping out because of her. If you can not accept that truth then we have some difficult decisions to make. We can continue on together and find a way to mutually coexist or we can be at odds and not trust each other while working for Janiven and Areal. Other than that we have no choice but to go our separate ways and may the fates be kind to you.
Crossing his arms, the wizard concludes, "I am a part of this, just as much as you are. I expect to have a say in these matters."
I am not saying that you should not be heard not have a say in these mattes. What I am saying is to not dismiss others or their reason for being here so lightly because you see no personal benefit.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please. We're in this together."
Mera steps between the two and waves hands back and forth to break up the discussion. "I've met Lily and she's quite" plain "pleasant. Tal here has proven his role here is quite important so let us not so quickly go dismissing people."
She turns to Tal and nods in the direction of Raveen and Naberius, "I do believe that they hold valid points. I believe her presence here has increased the immediate risk to her. Perhaps you could speak to Janiven and expedite the process?"
It is for loved ones and those that may not be able to help themselves that we are meeting is it not? If not is it for personal gain and exploitation then that you are here?
Naberius scoffs, "You claim your motives are selfless? Love is the most selfish thing there is. You say you would abandon our cause, sacrifice everything else for the sake of one person..."
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please. We're in this together."
Mera steps between the two and waves hands back and forth to break up the discussion. "I've met Lily and she's quite" plain "pleasant. Tal here has proven his role here is quite important so let us not so quickly go dismissing people."
The wizard shakes his head, and adds, "I am sure she is a wonderful person. That does not contribute much to our group. As I suggested, her safety would best be guaranteed by sending her away from Westcrown entirely. To the colonies, perhaps. As you have said yourself Tal, just by keeping her here in the city you are placing her in danger. Is that truly what you want?"
He then leans leans back and looks away, having expressed his opinion on the matter. There was little room for logic in matters of sentimentality...
You guys just don't get it here do you? It matters not about alibis or how much one does or does not know. If there is even a rumor that you are doing something illegal then the hellknights will come knocking at your door. When they arrive they will not care about alibis when you are guilty till proven innocent. They will take you in for questioning until you admit to them that you did wrong. They will take your family for associating with you and convict them of aiding and abetting you. Therefore they are guilty as well. Those of us that live here understand that all too well. That is why it does not matter what Lily does or does not know. They will come after her because of me.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please. We're in this together."
As I suggested, her safety would best be guaranteed by sending her away from Westcrown entirely. To the colonies, perhaps.
"We are in this together, as Lady Mera said. Let me rephrase that," he said, voice even between the two, observing Mera's peacemaking, before turning to Tal. "I meant an alibi for you, so that no-one would know of your double life. It can be done quite easily: if you truly think of it, Lady Mera is in greater danger than you, or truly any of us," he said, nodding respectfully to the singer. "You have promise, my lady: I would never ask you to aid us with a commodity as valuable as your face and name, but you accepted nonetheless. You have my admiration for that."
He turned to Tal, and said mildly, "If you truly believe she is in danger (and she is not yet), we can make arrangements to keep her protected. But even if we do," he said, turning to Naberius and Mera. "She will not be our equal. Under protection means just that. She will stay somewhere safe. I can make arrangements to take her away from the city, or set up a way for her to stay in a safe haven.
Besides, he thought, smiling under the mask. It is like she said: Security through obscurity.
He then turned to Tal calmly, and said, "Sir Tal, bringing Mrs. Mainz here is a greater risk than leaving her at home, do you not agree? A simple alibi could deflect any attention for a long enough time for us to settle into our organization.""No, I do not agree. At least here she has a chance to be informed and make a decision for herself. She also I thought would have the support of others that may be worried for family and loved ones. Instead all I see is people too concerned about themselves to worry about the people of Westcrown. She is a perfect example of why this city must be improved and made safer. It is for loved ones and those that may not be able to help themselves that we are meeting is it not?
If not is it for personal gain and exploitation then that you are here?"
Realization.
Shaking the idea from his head, he heard Naberius's words.
"You claim your motives are selfless? Love is the most selfish thing there is."
He chuckled under his breath.
Nothing to add. A wizard indeed.I am not saying that you should not be heard not have a say in these mattes. What I am saying is to not dismiss others or their reason for being here so lightly because you see no personal benefit.
"Nothing of the sort, believe me," he said softly. "We do count your benefit just as we do ours. We shed blood together...that must mean something. It binds people," he said, glancing at the wizard.
He glances at Vasco sitting on his shoulder, and adds, "Only myself, and an excessively loquacious corvid."Looking at Vasco and Naberius, "Then why should we allow your pet here. Does he not pose as much of a risk to all of us as does Lily? In fact I would say he would be more of a risk than Lily should he fal into the wrong hands. What is to keep him from speaking to the hellknihgts about our actions"
"I, for one," began the masked man, nodding amiably towards the bird on Naberius's shoulder. "Trust Vasco. He is sharp-eyed, loyal, faithful to his master, and he follows orders," he said, pressing the last few words.
For the first time, a hint of anger is in the younger man's voice as he turned, pointing to Mera. "Lady Mera has been gracious enough to not press the blunder you got her into when you broke formation and disobeyed orders. Kindly consider the rest of us before you make decisions.I have begun questioning your decision-making, Sir Tal: for your talk of trust, you give us very little.
Unless we all so agree, she does not attend, and you shall keep her in the dark, just as you shall have a say in our collective choices. Believe me when I tell you that no one here wishes neither for you nor your wife to end up in a dark place."
As mMera tries to be the voice of reason and that she is his employer in a way, Tal responds kinder to her than the others. I would agree with you but it seems that I have to justify my position and waste time explaining my course of actions to them. Instead of accepting what I tell them they choose to argue and belabor the point.
Naberius scoffs, "You claim your motives are selfless? Love is the most selfish thing there is. You say you would abandon our cause, sacrifice everything else for the sake of one person..." As I suggested, her safety would best be guaranteed by sending her away from Westcrown entirely. To the colonies, perhaps.
we can make arrangements to keep her protected. But even if we do," he said, turning to Naberius and Mera. "She will not be our equal. Under protection means just that. She will stay somewhere safe. I can make arrangements to take her away from the city, or set up a way for her to stay in a safe haven.
Tal shook his head at the both of them. what would be the point in either of those options. the first, to have Lily sent away is asinine as I would just leave with her and start a new live in the hopes of that 1 being better. why worry about making this place better if we were to move. As for placing her in some protective group. That sounds like self imprisonment without a true life. What is she to do all day, sit inside and not be allowed to interact with family and friends? Is she to pine away in some home that no one knows where she is? Even if that were an option it would not be safe. You would have sent her away but you would still know where to find her. Instead of it being me who is endangering her it would be yourself. No the whole point of joining this group was to make life better here in Westcrown for those we care about.
Looking at Naberius Tal adds You still have not answered if your aims are selfless or not. You tried to evade the answer by returning the question upon myself.
"Nothing of the sort, believe me," he said softly. "We do count your benefit just as we do ours. We shed blood together...that must mean something. It binds people," he said, glancing at the wizard.
Chuckling Tal draws a dagger forth and lays it on the table. Spilling blood does not bind people together. All it does is prove that people can bleed and suffer. If you wish to prove me wrong take the dagger and slit your wrist. then we can watch you as you bleed and all feel much closer together for your blood loss. That concept is foolish at best and deadly at worst. Instead what binds people together is agreeing on certain ideals and tenets. Those along with the relationships formed are what is going to bind this group together.
"I, for one," began the masked man, nodding amiably towards the bird on Naberius's shoulder. "Trust Vasco. He is sharp-eyed, loyal, faithful to his master, and he follows orders," he said, pressing the last few words.
No offense Naberius, but I have seen pets be much the same way. Thjey are loyal to their masters and can be trained to act a certain way. Yet when bereft of their master or a new master has claimed then they can be retrained. Hardly a convincing argument when discussing loyalties amongst us.
"Were they not orders? " the man asked in an innocent tone. "I gave you a plan, and you agreed upon it, making something of a 'binding contract' as Naberius might say. Under mercenary corps, there would be nothing but twenty lashes and a week in the cell for endangering an ally."
Tal finally breaks out with a large laugh at the absurdity of the statement. If that isn't the pot trying to call the kettle black. You blame me for endangering Mera's life when you are the one that let her be surrounded by 3 foes.
As to my wife, I will continue to tell her and share with her what is going on. In this you will not be able to change my mind as if I were to change it then I would change the person that I am. I am to change the person that I am then I have no business being here as I could care less about this group and its aims.
Arael looks at Janiven in exasperation. You were right! They are a feisty group! Then turning to the group. Not that I mind, You all were chosen for that reason. Look, it is not to say we don't trust Lily, but rather we don't have a feel for how she'll feel about all this. We do not want to be the cause of any marital distress between the Mainzes, so that is why she was not included in our initial assessment. That does not mean she will not be included in the future. Now I know Master Raveen here has some business he would like to discuss, and then I would like to tell you about our next target - the Bastards of Erebus. Now that is a vile group deserving your enmity-Not each other! Please let bygones be bygones and let us get down to business!
Looking at Naberius Tal adds You still have not answered if your aims are selfless or not. You tried to evade the answer by returning the question upon myself.
The wizard ignores the question, instead ispecting a mote of dust on his sleeve with great interest.
As to my wife, I will continue to tell her and share with her what is going on. In this you will not be able to change my mind as if I were to change it then I would change the person that I am. I am to change the person that I am then I have no business being here as I could care less about this group and its aims.
And still I am the selfish one... Westcrown could burn as long as his precious wife is conveniently close at hand! Truly, I must remember not to marry for love, if it turns men so unreasonable...
Naberius hears many points which he aches to contest, but knows better than to argue with someone who is in such an emotional state. Still averting his gaze, he evenly states, "I will not argue with you further. You are clearly blinded by emotion, and refuse to listen to reason. You have no right, no special privilege to involve people in our enterprise without our consent. I have no quarrel with you or your wife, I promise you. If you wish to bring her here and endanger her life, it is your choice. However, you will not be sharing our secrets with her, unless you receive our unanimous permission to do so."
The conjurer takes a deep breath and sighs. He continues in a slightly more conciliatory tone, "Perhaps in time her involvement makes such actions necessary, but that time is not now. I value your contribution, but if you are not willing to compromise, we are going to have a hard time cooperating. If you refuse to take our counsel, perhaps it is better that you left..."
Look, it is not to say we don't trust Lily, but rather we don't have a feel for how she'll feel about all this. We do not want to be the cause of any marital distress between the Mainzes, so that is why she was not included in our initial assessment. That does not mean she will not be included in the future. Now I know Master Raveen here has some business he would like to discuss, and then I would like to tell you about our next target - the Bastards of Erebus. Now that is a vile group deserving your enmity-Not each other! Please let bygones be bygones and let us get down to business!
Naberius scoffs at the Iomedaean's clumsy attempt at reconciliation. He says, "The issue is not resolved, priest. I think this needs to be decided sooner rather than later, lest it compromise our future endeavors."
"You cannot be more wrong, sir," he said softly against the older man's laugh. "I gave you a job. You accepted it, and failed to perform it. There were famifications that have thankfully been averted (partially by you). Please accept your failure: no reasonable tactician (or even ally) would sanction what you did.
"We, however, are nothing if not forgiving--if you admit fault," the man said mildly. "We take this into account for next time."
And there might not be a next time at this rate.
"Exactly what do you tell Mrs. Mainz when you go on a job that requires confidenality?" he asked, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms. "Only general information, correct? What we request from you is exactly what you do already. You will find yourself alone if you wish to bring your wife into our discussions on that ground."
How did Janiven (who worked with this man) see qualities that we could make use of? A chain is truly as strong as its weakest link.
"I find myself disagreeing," he said, looking at the dagger. "Is not blood the greatest of links? It binds brothers-at-arms who would kill or die for another. It binds man and wife. It solidifies love. It binds parent and child. In combat, one focuses on only what truly matters--and that is your ally and your enemy."
"Tal, please humor us for now: today's discussions will not leave this room.
I will speak to Mrs. Mainz myself after this, and we will count her input if she wishes to join or learn of whatever unsavory things we might be planning.
"However," he said, a note of pain in his voice. "If you cannot keep a secret from her--we might have to keep all this a secret from you until you vow to follow our judgment. It will only get worse from here on out, so kindly reach out to us as we did to you."
Against Tal's repeated threats to leave, the masked man paused for a moment, and then walked to the door, and unlocked it.
"If you truly wish to gamble with your place with us," he said, and opened the door, standing beside it. "Please put your money where your mouth is."
:
1: Is Arael well? (Check)
2: The Bastards of Erebus and how Arael ended up with Hellknights.
3: What is their relationship to one another.
4: The next mission.
5: Masked & Cloaked being our Modus Operati.
6: The Morale Stance: Posters and Propaganda. We need experienced underground leadership. Perhaps we can consider recruiting disgraced nobility.
6: The Financial Stance: The end of this month is a week away, and the tax caravan is probably laden with goods. Cathas wishes to strike it.
7: Harmony: Personality assessment for Lily, and confidentiality test.
Watching the conversation unfold Monday finally rolls her eyes before letting out a groan. "Oh for the love of Sheyln's fine ass I'm surrounded by b@@!&ing idiots. Tal wants to keep the most important person to him safe and in the loop, there's nothing wrong with that. So you two need to stop acting like arrogant s+*@heads! And you!" she gripes as she stabs a finger at Raveen. "Just because you talk the most doesn't mean you anyone's boss. And you don't speak for all of us so drop the "we" b#++%#*! you pompous high-horse riding dick. You told Tal to hold the bridge, and he did. You're the one that screwed up and let the hellknights get to Mera. Demanding Tal admit "guilt" and plead like a servant just shows how f~!!ing completely out of touch with reality you are! And you're also a complete moron if you think he or Lily or me or Tuez are gonna leave you alone with her."
The man remained silent against Monday's pointed finger and onslaught of insults, ignoring her. Under his voice, he whispered something as he observed Tal's reaction.
Hearing Raveen ignore her and continue to goad Tal, Monday throws her hands up in frustration. "He wasn't bluffing. And you're an idiot."
Tal looks at Monday with a sad smile. Thank you very much for trying to support myself and Lily. However it seems that even though I try to plead my case there are those that do not wish to listen or to answer the inquiries I made of them.
Turning to Mera, I will still take that job offer as you said it was a binding contract for 6 months.
To Janiven, You knew me and my feelings for Lily originally. Yet you still sought to include me in your group. You know the driving force behind my actions. not telling her would be like Naberius not telling Vasco or Monday not telling Tuesday or Raveen never wearing a disguise again. It goes against who each individual is. It is clear to me that some members do not approve of who I am as a person and what my ideals are. Until such time as they change their minds and be more accepting of others or leave I see no alternative but to leave myself for the good of the group. Good luck and I wish you success.
Grabbing his dagger from the table Tal ignores the retorts from Naberius and Raveen as he opens and walks out the door to the greater shrine. Once there he goes about gathering up the equipment that he dropped off to bring home, namely the fullplate and the MW weapon. The rest he gathers as best as he can.
How disappointing... Yet not entirely unexpected.
Naberius does not even turn to look at the bodyguard as he walks out, instead making eye contact with Raveen. They seemed to agree on the subject of secrecy, but even Naberius thought the younger man could have handled the the situation with a little more tact. Unbridled emotion should be met with cold, hard logic. Raveen's accusations had only fanned the flames. The wizard raises his eyebrows questioningly.
"We have business to attend to."
His voice thick with frustration, Naberius concurs, "Indeed. Unless someone intends to drag that obstinate hypocrite back to the fold, we should proceed..."
As Tal starts to walk out the door, Arael says solemnly Otto and Maria Hammersmith. He pauses for a moment, stands and says again louder. OTTO AND MARIA HAMMERSMITH! He then gazes at everyone in the room, quaking in fury. They were a married couple. Just like Tal and Lily. He was a weaponsmith by trade. The Bastards of Erebus decided to arm themselves for their thievery and murder from the supplies in his shop. He made the mistake of investigating the noises that he heard and they killed him when he came upon them. Not content and still hungry for blood, they went upstairs to his wife. I will not say what they did to her, but her husband should consider himself lucky for his quick death. Apparently the demons tested out the various weapons in the shop on the corpses. That is who we are fighting for. Leave if you must - You can all leave if you must. But know this! Janiven, I and several others out there will not give up on the next Otto and Maria Hammersmith! He then sinks back in his chair, buries his head in his hands and weeps bitterly. Janiven goes over and places her arm around him.
Towards Tal's actions the masked man said nothing, keeping his peace. Against the older wizard's eyes, the masked man averted his gaze as he returned to his place.
His voice thick with frustration, Naberius concurs, "Indeed. Unless someone intends to drag that obstinate hypocrite back to the fold, we should proceed..."
Chain...weakest link. Chain...weakest link, he thinks darkly, before the priest rose. We would break. He would have us all break.
"Otto and Maria Hammersmith".
He pauses for a moment, stands and says again louder. "OTTO AND MARIA HAMMERSMITH!" He then gazes at everyone in the room, quaking in fury.
"They were a married couple. Just like Tal and Lily. He was a weaponsmith by trade. The Bastards of Erebus decided to arm themselves for their thievery and murder from the supplies in his shop. He made the mistake of investigating the noises that he heard and they killed him when he came upon them. Not content and still hungry for blood, they went upstairs to his wife. I will not say what they did to her, but her husband should consider himself lucky for his quick death. Apparently the demons tested out the various weapons in the shop on the corpses. That is who we are fighting for. Leave if you must - You can all leave if you must. But know this! Janiven, I and several others out there will not give up on the next Otto and Maria Hammersmith!"
He then sinks back in his chair, buries his head in his hands and weeps bitterly. Janiven goes over and places her arm around him.
The masked man looks down in respect for the fallen, and uncrossed his arms, not knowing what to say. After a moment of recollecting his thoughts, he said with an audible sigh and a tired voice, "Devil take them. That is our unfortunate business."
This is ridiculous.
Mera shakes her head, "This infighting is ridiculous and accomplishing nothing but division amongst ourselves. Tal is here and Lily is obviously is a part of this as well."
Turning to Raveen and Naberius, "Had she been in on it from the beginning or had she been at the initial meeting yesterday it would have changed nothing. It is not like we are months into anything here, it has been a day and I find it a little much for this continued bickering to continue. We have our next objective before us, " she nods to Arael, "What's done is done, an argument is being made where it need not. Let's focus on what needs to be done here gentlemen."
While she talks to the group at large it's quite evident she's directing her speech to Naberius and Raveen.
Mera shakes her head, "This infighting is ridiculous and accomplishing nothing but division amongst ourselves. Tal is here and Lily is obviously is a part of this as well."
Naberius answers, "Oh, I think it did... It revealed a weakness in our formation, one that our enemies could have easily used against us. I do not think our request," he gesture to Raveen, "was unreasonable. It was Tal who outright refused to compromise. If he cannot see beyond his own needs now, how are supposed to cooperate in the future?"
The wizard leans back, looking like he has sour taste in his mouth.
Again glancing to the younger man, he adds, "That exchange did not need to devolve into a barrage of verbal abuse and taunts, however. That was not my intention, and I certainly was not the instigator..."
Turning to Raveen and Naberius, "Had she been in on it from the beginning or had she been at the initial meeting yesterday it would have changed nothing. It is not like we are months into anything here, it has been a day and I find it a little much for this continued bickering to continue. We have our next objective before us, " she nods to Arael, "What's done is done, an argument is being made where it need not. Let's focus on what needs to be done here gentlemen."
The condemnation of a peer stung more than the rest. His face twitching with indignation, Naberius pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs.
"I think it is better that his lack of commitment came out now, rather than at a crucial moment later on. He says he wants to defend this city and its people, yet he immediately proceeds to abandon us for the sake of one person. Yet he has the insolence to blame me for being selfish, and question my motives? Why am I being turned into the villain here? I only sought to advice caution. Your words do me an injustice, My Lady."
Crossing his arms, the wizard concludes, "I am fully committed to keep aiding this organisation to the best of my ability, as per the agreement between myself and Janiven."
Naberius listens impassively to the priests recount. Such savagery was despicable, of course, but Arael's display of emotion did little to endear him to the wizard. This day, least of all...