"Times have changed, and although I would personally like to help you, I have orders. If I can take one pouch of seeds back to my bosses as a show of good faith, we can start the loading.
Velesia was quiet in her position. Playing overwatch wasn't something she'd done much, but for now she found it to her liking. No need to crouch for achingly long moments in the dark, no shivvings, no rotten smelling alleyways. I could get used to this. She kept a close watch on proceedings, ready to fire away at the first human who thought it better to force the deal than rely on words.
Telethal regards the humans' armor versus his own, ... armor doesn't look so fine to me...
We were hoping to get started as soon as possible. Our lady wants us to return quickly, Seltyn says, calm and polite.
Times have indeed changed. As my talented colleagues have said, the sooner we get this sorted the less pressure there is on us all. May I inquire as to who told you it was two bags of seeds? I feel we may have been given varying information and as you seem to be a fellow in the know round here, I can trust you.
Elorin listens to his offer of goodwill and hopes that with co-operation of everyone this may well go smoothly. He seemed to be a reasonable human and perhaps not all had forgotten our great races where once allies.
"Two pouches is the price for an expedited transaction on the docks without kingdom entanglements. I was hoping to avoid taking you into town and having another anti-elf demonstration break out--especially after they see vital resources transferred to your ship."
"Shall we wait around together until a 'royal delegation' arrives? I can have some refreshing snacks and treats brought down."
He seems legit
Telethal glares at the lead human with his non-ruined eye for a few heartbeats. Apparently satisfies with what he sees, he settles back once more into his casual stance, leaning on his spear. With a shrug he mutters to no one in particular, "I can wait."
Mar listens as the exchange takes place on the dock before him. His suspicions are still up, especially when the man mentions the possibility of snacks or refreshment. If this was business, why food and drinks?
Its far more complicated than what I'm used to.
A hand reaches down to stroke Ingwe's neck, while he tries to observe what's going on.
Waiting until a Royal delegation turns up is fine by us. How about yourselves? As I would like this matter to be clear. IF the price is indeed two then it can sorted as soon as possible. I would not want you to get ripped off as you have been so understanding with us. Though in the same vain I would not want us to get ripped off, I am sure you can understand.
Still talking in the silken voice, she hopes this is going as well as the group hopes and perhaps Velisia is doing well with the captain and is in a position to help should this all go wrong. She smiles again at the Human and approaches, with respect and Confidence.
Perhaps when this is all over we can do you a favour. Maybe I could buy you a drink, should human and elf relations improved. There are many an elven silken drink you would like and I am lead to believe there are human nector's that have been improved and to be enjoyed.
Again glad to have Telethol by her side,(As well as they others) she really wasn't sure how this would go, and though it seemed good so far, she knew should the human be pressured he would raise a sword against them, regardless of there relations. She knew she had a Charm spell at her side but that was nothing compared to a swift actions and sharp sword stab by Telethal.
Windfavor enters from the stern of the ship. "The tiller looks fine." He whispers, "Valesia is behind the pier by the rock wall. I lent her a small hand mirror to signal, but the sun won't be high enough for that in about two hours as the far side of the harbor is still in shadow. I offered to drop her off by the shore if she wanted to chance a sneak into town, but she wanted to find a good blind instead and cover the entire harbor."
"Milady, let me get you a large cloak and whisk you into town quickly. We can negotiate with the royal delegation quickly. If you do not trust me, I can have my son there, given to your companions to vouchsafe your good conduct. We are at an impasse, and I do not want others to take over if I fail to achieve an agreement. I will leave my bully boys behind.
The burly human negotiator points to a young boy in his teens playing with a sailboat on shore.
Seltyn looks uneasy with the suggestion, but leaves the response or any other ideas to Elorin. He's just the bookkeeper.
Elorin was not comfortable with the thought of going alone. If the human was telling the truth then they could get things sorted. However if this was a ruse then she would be facing trouble without back-up. IF I dont get the goods then my race is in trouble. perhaps it may be worth the risk to myself.
She remained smiling and gave no hint of her apprehension, she would have gladly waited for the royal delegates there but if it will speed things up and keep relations at the point they are now then she would try.
That sounds like a way to solve this quickly.I would be reluctant to go alone however. If one of my colleagues came with us then I would join you. There is no need for your son to be involved in this. If we do not return safely to the ship, it would be more than just ourselves at risk here.
What is the boy's name? Call him over here so we can meet him.
The spokesman says, "My name is Derrick, you boys stay here and do not START any trouble nor talk, that will only get you in trouble. My lady, come with me."
Derrick bows, After you, you can pick anyone you want. Last year I think everyone but the sailor here went. I would not bring the wild animal, but that is up to you. The more that come, the larger chance the people will demonstrate and the king will be unhappy. Of course the more bodyguards I will have to bring to, naturally.
Derrick offers you a calloused hand.
Hm, a little protection would be good. But hopefully she can get this done. Just in case, though, we should have some way of finding her.
Excuse me... Elorin? Can I have one of your arrows, please?
This way, Ingwe can track her if we dont hear back.
Very well. With our cloaks up, our elven ears won't give us away to casual observers. The last thing we want is to cause any distress.
Velesia's watching us, too. We won't be as alone as it would seem.
Seltyn calmy takes an arrow from Elorin's quiver and hands it to Mar.
He smiles at Elorin. Ready when you are, my lady. This shouldn't take long.
The burly human motions to two of his companions in turn, "You, you, come with me. The rest of you stay here and remember your orders; the offer of refreshments will have to wait until our return. Keep silent with your hands at your sides, my lady."
Derrick eyes you both cautiously the entire way. You follow Derrick across the ramp and into the tower through the open gate. He points to the the young boy's feet as he stands looking expectantly on the shore, and the young boy grimly nods in return. It is a series of alternating stairs with five landings every twenty feet to the top. There are cloths stitched and lashed to the solid structure to give the garrison in the tower partial concealment. There are six crossbowmen in sight currently split between the first and second 'landings'.
You arrive on the street and there is a crowd gathering as you leave the upper gate. Derrick motions to two thugs standing before the gate, and they unlatch the gate and take the lead. You smell the distinctive flavor of cooking fish and the occasional rotting fish as you exit the tower.
A priest with long hair and wild eyes is scanning your group as they leave the gate.
Stealth:
Stealth role
After one of her arrows is passed to Marlamin. She takes the Humans hand and follows him through town. The smell did not bother Elorin, as she had worked with fish before.
Thank you good sir,Myself and Seltyn here, will be glad to join you. The quicker and quieter we can go the better. I appreciate the cloak and cover.
Elorin was very nervous but knew that it may be the only way to get a fair price. she knew those she had left behind could take care of each other, but with three humans to Seltyn and Herself she hoped this Human could really be trusted.
You sneak past the priest easily and you quickly trot three blocks to an imposing hall (A city block size). Two guards quickly spring to attention and step aside as Derrick leads you into an antechamber to the right of a wide passage. It has fish, fruit and washing bowls with towels to refresh visitors. Derrick tells the guards to prepare the king for an informal audience quickly and tells Elorin she can refresh herself quickly. "Let's get you on your way quickly with a minimum of fuss."
A small figure rushes into the room to replace some washing bowls and tries to pass a note to Elorin surreptitiously (making sure Derrick is in conversation with the guards out front) and leaves. He is, surprisingly, a goblin. Weren't they all exterminated in the goblin wars by the humans?
One of the humans looks your way quickly, "Lady, did that goblin give you something?"
"I Thought all goblins where banished, How is it that one is working in the castle?"
Elorin asks as she continues to look around from her spot. This day is getting more interesting as it goes. She was glad to be inside at the very least.
The human is taken about by the verbal offensive.
"He was not supposed to be there, sorry lady."
As you wait for the return of the two guards, you can manage to surreptitiously read the note, but must make sleight of hand DC=5 or wait for later.
Note is scrawled in common and reads:
Humans removed my tongue, but I still write. Do not trust these humans--goblins and elves fought on the battlefield. These humans do not fight on the field of battle but with twisted plots. I have heard them plot to demean you for some greater purpose. If you can cause a struggle or distraction I can lead you away; I will be watching from nearby.
The two guards return; "The king awaits. Let us go."
Elorin waits for an opportune moment and reads the note. She moves to Seltyn and says in a low voice "follow my lead". She wasn't confident she could pass the note unnoticed to him and a 'Leader' talking to her 'book keeper' about to meet the king would say something like that anyway, should they be heard.
Seltyn nods and smiles. Yes, this certainly is an impressive structure, my lady. I particularly like the wainscoting.
Meanwhile, at the harbor.... Surly looks at Talon from the five guards. No activity beyond the dropping of one crate down to the shore from the top of the cliff, and no movement to even touch that one where it rests.
Elorin and Setlyn are led into a large two-story room about 50 feet deep by 80 feet wide. Derrick follows with a look of concern on his face and points to the end of the threadbare carpet you are walking on approximately 20 feet into the room. The room is drafty and heat comes from a large two story fireplace. Tapestries hang all over the wall, but they look faded, smell musty, and depict human glory long since passed. The king is sitting on a throne whose bases is set 10 feet off the ground; he is middle-aged and portly. His throne sits in the middle of the back wall with three ramps to approach him in the center, right, and back. the symbol of the Coastal Kingdom, a diving bird of prey, sits perched above the king on an engraved, mostly flat, carving.
Across from him is what is the remnants of another throne that has been taken apart and was set at an equal height to the kings. This stripped chair is made of rough wood; obviously the finery has been stripped off the throne. Two very old gentlemen are by the king and they have completed some final discussion just before you arrive. One advisor seems pleased, the other wears a frown.
Four guards await you at the door dressed in chain mail with full visors. A herald stands the base of the forward ramp. He prepares to read a proclamation. Derrick quickly runs up to the herald and converses with him and quickly returns.
Derrick speaks quietly to Elorin - "You should have dealt with me--with a little groveling on your part we can end this charade our government has arranged. I think I have convinced them to keep extremely degrading behaviour 'off the table, but do not provoke them."
The herald reads, "Time seems to have left the elven people behind. Having limited influence and power, the elven nation is hereby declared a 'lesser state'. Its representatives will approach, stay on carpet, and make entreaties to the king with the appropriate grace and humility to King Cromwell, Ruler of the Coastal Kingdom and Protector of the remains of the former elvish nation. Without whose sustenance, succor, and good will they would perish."
Derrick visibly winces as the words are read and the herald points to the same spot Derrick indicated earlier. The four royal guards put hands on the hilts of their swords and appear edgy. The king and two advisors await your approach. Derrick's four men in plainer attire appear nervous too.
Elorin, expecting nothing less from a proud and arrogant nation. Was relieved to know that they may actually have friends here, even if those friends are as oppressed as the humans seem to want to make the elves. It takes a lot to embarrass a performer and She had played some stinkers of shows. this Charade would be no different.
She indicated to Seltyn to stay where he was, unless it should cause trouble, if so he was to walk behind her. She Gently stepped forward to face the king, briefly eying the indicated area. She smiled a very specific smile. A smile she reserved only for certain occasions.(one of her favorite smiles)
A smile that said and said specifically. 'I have you thinking right what I want you to think.' I sly, knowing and powerful smile. anyone looking at it (and she was not hiding it) would be wondering why she looked so happy and so confident and wondering why there words did not phase her.
She moved very slowly, arms out to her sides and made all her movements deliberate, she was purposefully making herself look UN-threatening and UN-likely to reach for any weapon or mischief. as it was not her intention to reach for a weapon if it could be helped.
Time is a tricky thing, Your sire over the human domain. It leaves some behind as your sire so rightly pointed out, It ages some things. Much like a fine whine or like an eroding of mighty...mountains. It is indeed a master we all must eventually bow to. Well most of us anyway.She smiles a little more.
As your grace has taken on the great responsibility of naming yourself our protector. Then your Sire would truly know the worth of what you protect. I would not expect any man to take on a job he was not fully qualified for. Your sire does not strike me as someone who is not aware of every piece of information when he accepts a responsibility. A smart Ruler such as yourself would know the true and extraordinary worth those seeds have, as you would be protecting those also. Your Sire would have set a exchange worthy of that price. Your sire would know that one bag of seeds is worth the goods you have kindly provided to the Elven people Your Sire protects.
She knows men and there need to feel powerful and in charge. This was not only true of humans but of Elves as well and she had many a bad situation occur with men and their need to dominate. so she knew only to well that the need for the King to not lose face in front of his people was more important to him than an extra bag of elven seeds.
For if you did not know all that your honors vast intelligence perceives how would many a proud and worthy songShe emphasizes the fact that songs have been written be composed in your honor. How many a rumor of your intelligence has spread far and wide. Rumors of your Strength and power. I can only imagine what would happen if others thought they where not true. Now simply by gazing upon your mighty Castle and Powerful form and manner, I can see they are true. If only others from neighboring kingdoms could see what a powerful and strong, smart leader I see before me.Anyone that would argue with your first instinctual wisdom in naming the price at one seed bag obviously does not trust your ability in this position And is Blinder than a common Elf.
She did not like calling Elves common but knew the pecking order here might help things along. She hoped she would not need the distraction. She began moving slowly the same deliberate manner as before, stepped back towards Seltyn and Derek. Without turning her back to the King. She knows correct royal etiquette.
The advisor on the right that seemed happy to get his way with the king speaks in a strangely powerful voice, "You would then be happy to present your protector a pouch of seeds on bendend knee then? Herald, record this moment in the log." All eyes are upon you.
Seltyn beams, and nods just a little in agreement with Elorin, for surely the lady speaks marvelous truth! Our king and protector would do us no wrong...
Whilst Elorin did not like the fact that elven lands are called a 'lesser state' here, she knew that time woudl change that and in this short exchange it would not matter. She promiced herself this kingdom would see the Ekven kind rise to power. The words written in that book today woudl not be the last. bowing to the king meant nothing in the long run. it was his way of strokign his ego. it is better to give him the false sense of victory here than cause trouble.
However more than the insult was at play here and Elorin was very happy. Her little dance with the So called human king had taught her many things. not only had she learned how the king worked but she had learned who he trusted as his right hand man. she made notes to ask about him later. She learned that the other at his side was not happy and That Derek may be afraid of the power his king hold and he may not agree with it. She also learned that Goblins (at the very least 1) where in the city.
She thought to herself, the king may feel secure on his throne right now, but how long that may last is uncertain. if others feel the same as his own people
She turned to Derek and smiled, this time a sweet smile to try to let him know she knew what she was doing. She turned to Seltyn and in a soft but low voice she said "we will talk after this. what I do here I do for our future, not for his satisfaction.
She took a pouch of seeds and walked towards the king. this time quicker than before but again with no movements towards weapons. she looks around to ensure no soldiers approach as she stops in front of the king.
As your Sire agrees the goods you trade are worth one bag of seeds, I present you with your requested payment.
She gives him the same smile and bends on one knee. Keeping an ear out as she does. Thinking to herself As I touch my knee to the ground I swear to which ever god is brave enough to listen, this man will see the true power of the elven people before he leaves this world.
Perception
PREVIEW ABOVE Perception check.
The king nods. "Load their ship and get them on their way. Herald, store the seeds in my chamber. Lady, would you like to stay for a while and chat more about the future of our people?"
Derrick's men quickly snap to attention and march halfway to Elorin. Derrick is in their center and slightly extends his elbow at the waist.
"Sire, As we have a vital mission right now to return the goods to our fellow Elves, I feel though I do not wish to offend, I must return to the ship. However before I leave I will be happy to set up a day and time for us to return, to discuss the future."
Elorin had almost had enough of this man and wanting to keep the status quo she hoped the offer to return would be enough. If it was not then she would stay. at this point she wasn't sure what choice she had.
Derrick says, "Your majesty, we need to get them moving before the fanatics catch wind of this. I will take the steps to personally ensure this future meeting your majesty."
"Are you ready to go my lady?"
"Yes I am. We will speak agian Soon Sire"
Elorin steps away from him, again not turning her back straight away, and towards Derek.
Stealth back
Derrick hustles Setlyn and Elorin back to the tower. Seltyn is noticed by the priest on the way back, but before a cry can be raised, the upper gate is closed. The two original upper gate guards stay at the top just inside the gate and the two of the original reception committed continue into the tower proper. The work crew immediately resumes lowering the second crate down to the harbor. A chant of "No more elves" can be heard coming from the street level.
Derrick asks, "Lady will you wait with me in the tower while my men show your 'assistant' back to the ship?"
IF it is important I will. She was weary after the day she has just had and just wants to be back on Elven soil again. She turns to Seltyn If I'm not out in a reasonable amount of time, you know where to look for me.
she turns back to Derek and waits for him to speak.
My lady, I must importune that your safe return is paramount to our queen.
He turns to Derrick. I see no reason why she must be detained. Let us load the ship quickly, and be gone. The bargain is made, and any delay would be unpleasant for any elves left behind, judging from the sound of your people.
Let's load the boat and be on our way. Send emissaries in a week's time, and they will be treated with elven regard. The king can explain things well enough, once we're gone.
Diplomacy:
Perhaps the King could send you as an Emissary, We could talk then. or on the way to the ship now? I am feeling like If we are here for any longer then trouble may occur.
She followed lead from Seltyn, he was the leader of the group for a reason.