"Well then, I say lets get this moving! I mean if they were able to avoid the Hellknights for this long, it may not be so hard. I do see a problem though... Weren't we supposed to notify the Hellknights of cancelling the meet BEFORE the actual meeting or can we just tell them otherwise? I suppose we can attempt to avoid them at all costs. Perhaps we should also check the Chancery out." Shaco tapped at his chin as we returned to his seat. He proceeded to dine on the meal provided. Shaco was visibly distracted, as if his mind had wandered off as he eats his meal.
Arkis turns towards the hosts and his comrades "I am of the same mind as Shaco. We should help these people and at the same time we will uncover any Hellknights' secrets. What say you two?"
"Foxes, Hellknights. Doesn't matter as long as my bed is warm and the drink is well earned. We may not want to be near the Hellknight encampments or the Foxes for the Hellknights may pick up on the faction we joined or have us watched after canceling our urgent request to join their contracted rules. Just my humble opinion."
"I'm for forming an alliance with the foxes, since spending the day with some, they have gained my trust. If I'm not mistaken, I believe Caerlin offered up the safety and hospitality of his home." Turning to Caerlin, "I would like to take you up on that offer if it still stands, assuming that you also have room for my companion," I say, motioning an open hand in Skoll's direction.
Realizing that his companions appear to have decided on the Foxes, Shaco comes to the realization that turning down the Hellknights without notice may raise suspicion. "Well it seems we've decided. Caerlin, how do you suppose we go about politely declining the meeting we were so enthused to propose without bringing on suspicion? I assume the Knights know of the Foxes yes? Who's to say that the knights didn't see us wandering about? Shaco's expression was suddenly shot with worry as he blurted: "What if Tiberious were to return? He knows we are not simple merchants nor travelers..." Shaco appeared to be lost in thought with a sullen look as if he were staring straight pass Caerlin.
Caerlin nods at Shaco's concerns, "All valid points, my boy, but you are overlooking the obvious solution: tell them the truth. Tell them that each of you have put serious consideration into their request but have chosen to decline on whatever grounds suits you best. Their association with Devils is a common one given by people passing through the Fort. Or maybe you are just passing through and have no intention of infringing on the Law. If you are of the same mold as other adventurers I have come to know, you probably wouldn't be within the Fort often enough for them to think much of you anyway. You may want to take care to avoid their patrolling units though."
"As for cancelling your scheduled meeting with the Lady Commander, you should be able to pass your message to one of the guards at the Citadel. They will ensure that your meeting is stricken from the schedule, with your reasoning."
"As easy as you say eh? Well then perhaps you could inform us of the operations the Foxes currently have going on. Anything interesting or strange going on aside from sickly bodies blowing up?" After Caerlin responds to Shacos inquiry, Shaco faces his companions and says: "We should at least get our stories straight in case we're questioned about denying the audience with the Lord commander. We are but passersby and would rather not risk involving ourselves after the strange incident we were confronted with? I say we have Arkis notify the Hellknights, he just seems so much more... Normal" As Shaco made this statement, his eyes traveled pass his comrades, Zhoron, the one without a shadow, unpredictable nature, at least from what Shaco recalled from when he approached the Caravan. Kamali and Skoll, the ones who just appear to be wild, one with nature. He thought of himself, his appearance, the tail, the burns, then to Arkis, clad in his armor, recalling his vast knowledge, and a certain pull in his words. Shaco silently judged and awaited for an answer.
"Then it's settled. I'll go with you."Zhoron says in the most serious face you've seen him with.
"Shaco, we'll go tomorrow when the sun rises to cancel our appointment.
We'll tell them that we decided against working with devilish agreements or contracts."And the seriousness in his face has faded, "I'm going to sleep."
Confused by Zhoron's statement. Shaco stared blankly at Zhoron and says "It appears this one has different plans... Or he just didn't hear what I said..." Shaco makes a visible face palm and shakes his head as Zhoron goes to sleep in his chair.
"If Arkis agrees, I support that decision"
"I will do as you suggest, Shaco"
Shaco takes his leave as he wanders towards the Dilapidated house. Looking for signs of any access into the house. "I wonder what the inside looks like..."
With the course of action decided for the night, Caerlin does indeed offer a spare room to each of you - each equipped with a small bell designed to summon a servant for individual needs - and reiterates that you are free to come and go as if this were your own home. "I offer the same to all of my compatriots, though most maintain their own dwellings and only use this as a stop-gap as required."
The remainder of the evening is uneventful and each of you is able to sleep soundly and comfortably, until a servant quietly wakes you with a reminder that your meeting at the Citadel is scheduled to take place within the hour.
Shaco will return to Caerlin's residence to rest.
Woken by the servant, Shaco gathers his belongings and waits to meet with Arkis and the others to reconfirm that Arkis will be setting out to speak with the Hellknights on behalf of the party. Shaco takes a look around to see if Caerlin is around. If Shaco finds Caerlin, he will ask : " What kind of operations do the Foxes run? You mentioned that you were "one" of the foxes, would any of the other foxes have the information regarding the strange events going on? Like how our ambushers blew up into a cloud of smoke?"
You currently do not find Caerlin within the common areas of the house.
Skoll and I awake in the morning, collect our things for the day and venture back into the common area to see if anyone else is awake yet. I hear Shaco holler and walk over to him. "Good morning, how did you sleep last night?"
Arkis finishes praying and walks outside. "Are you ready to go, Shaco?"
"READU!!" Zhoron says as he's waiting for everyone to leave the building, he yells from the room over the entrance to the building. "I was up 2 hours ago, I'm ready with Shaco if you're ready with the Foxes Arkis. Guys please don't forget about me."
whoops, I typo'd.
"Are we gonna come up with a slang name or symbol for our team? Like the SLY FOXES or BUILT TO RUFF"Zhoron is contemplating this as he heads with Shaco towards the meeting to reject the HELLKNIGHTS and hopefully not get arrested.
"So... Arkis will meet with the Knights and we should probably gear up and prepare for the journey ahead. Unfortunately, I'm broke. We need to figure our what our next step would be... Perhaps make contact with other foxes? Where are those servants?" If Shaco can find a servant, he will ask where to find Caerlin.
[Zhoron tries to find Caerlin's tracks.]
"Shaco, let's find some foxes and see if they have anything we can blow up with your loud rocks you threw at the goblins..those were pretty neat!
Zhoron addresses the group"Are we all meeting back here by mid-day today and then looking for some foxes?"
"ok, then, no responses?!..c'mon Shaco let's go find some FOXES! And bring some loud rocks you threw earlier, maybe we can find some more goblins!" Zhoron pulls Shaco by the arm as he tries to leave the farm, not finding Caerlin and since no one else is answering questions.