Bora grinned, pulling her badger mask out of her pack and slipping it on.
"You guys ask why they are fighting... I'm going to find out."
I need as big an entrance as possible, and nothing says big entrance quite like things blowing up. Hammer, nail, all that pizzazz.
She looks around for an empty spot where no person or object would be within range of one of her bombs going off. If she finds it, she quickly mixes a bomb and throws it at that spot, grinning when it explodes. And then she looks back to the crowd, grinning madly.
"I AM THE GREAT SORCERESS MOLINANKO BOUNCEALOT! I HAVE COME BECAUSE I HAVE SENSED FIGHTING AND I KNOW WHAT DARK MAGICS THAT DRAWS! WHY ARE YOU FIGHTING, WHEN DRINK AND GOOD CHEER FORCE VILE MAGICS TO FLEE INTO THE NIGHT?"
She really didn't care if they didn't believe she could use magic, and didn't bother to even try to make it believable.
"I SAY DOWN WITH DARK SPIRITS! LET US RESOLVE THIS FIGHT AND DRINK UNTIL THE DARK FEARS OUR NAMES!"
, your young guide explains.
'The Vale is an old holy place... yeah I know - not many of them about anymore, but the monks here are diligent and the people tolerate it for the most part. But they do have this thing about offering sanctuary...'
It is at this point that makes her entrance.
Some of the crowd (bolstered by Amy's ghost sound) cheers at the arrival of someone advocating an end to infighting and the bringing of drink - it's a simple call to action, but in festival season one that the mjority of people can appreciate.
However, it seems as though the crowd is not simply made up of festival-goers.
As the mass of people part (some in respect of Ms Bouncealot, many in fear of more random explosions nearby, a good few eyeing Naneko's tetsubo warily and deciding that not being in the path of that thing would be a good idea) before you, you can get a clearer idea of what is going on.
A line of people in simple red robes, with hair worn down to their waists and no weapons evident on their persons, have formed a chain across the entranceway to the Vale. Behind them sit squat old temples built around the trunks of the red-leafed trees, covered in writing that is seems to be old orcish script.
Standing apart from the line, slightly in front of them, is a woman whose scarlet robes are trimmed with white. She is old enough hat her hair is more grey than black, but her face is serene and her posture is good - she cuts an imposing figure, standing there in the open in front of the baying crowd.
There are two other figures of note there as well - one woman in a fine white suit, and Dorrigan.
Dorrigan stands at the head of a small group of guards, mask on and blade half-drawn. He is shouting for calm, telling the crowd to disperse, but doesn't seem to be having much effect.
The other woman in the white suit has no mask, and doesn't seem to be partaking in the festival in any way - you can tell from her bone structure and slender form that she's most likely an elf, possibly a half-elf, but her face is distorted by apoplectic rage. She is screaming insult at the monks, ignoring the crowd, sometimes stalking up to the serene older lady to scream at her directly.
From what you can make out, she's saying something about the city 'not supposed to be acting as safe haven for monsters'.
, Dorrigan notices you and the rest of the group immediately and breaks away from the other guards, leaving them to try to calm the crowd and trotting over to you. Although many of the crowd are now watching the great Bouncealot for signs of any more unexpected pyrotechnics, those closest to the line of monks seem to be shouting in agreement with the woman in the white suit.
, the argument seems to have been going on for some time - and the monks show absolutely no sign of moving. In fact, they don't even really seem to be showing any signs of discomfort at their situation in front of a baying crowd.
Roland gestured as if he were patting the air while he spoke, "Hold, Naneko. Let's find out what's going on here before we start picking sides. Besides, the point was to help Dorrigan, if we're able." When Dorrigan reached their group Roland stepped forward, "You ran off in a hurry, what are the details?"
Bora shook her head to Naneko and pointed to the elf.
"Whatever is going on, it's what the elf is shouting about that is the cause. Not the monks. Trouble brews a cocktail that spreads upon the winds. Let us hope this cocktail is not potent."
She looks to Dorrigan and smiles.
"Any way we can help?"
'Nice distracting entrance there, m'lady!' Dorrigan makes a rather over-regal bow for your benefit, , maintaining the illusion that you might be someone of great import (which I'm not saying Bora is not, of course... ) to the majority of the crowd still focused on you. When he continues however his voice is lower, far more serious.
'I don't have the time to explain, and frankly I don't even know where you would stand on the matter. Suffice it to say that the monks o'the Vale are sheltering a criminal, and the anti-religious lot want him dragged out. As for me... well, I know what I'd do, but my words ain't law here.'
As he speaks you notice the crowd drawing its collective breath - watching as the monk standing slightly apart from the others slowly raises her hands - and then exhaling in a great shared sigh as she does nothing more than adjust a stray strand of hair, displaced by the rampant gesticulating of the half-elf in white.
Roland wasn't paying attention to the words behind Dorrigan's words as a nagging suspicion crept into his mind instead. Wondering if his thoughts would be correct, he began to speak slowly, "We can't - officially - act on your behalf, not being men or women of the law ourselves, and most definitely not residents of this town. For now, perhaps we can offer advice instead. You've already got Naneko's opinion but I at least would like some more information before making any judgements. First, what crime was committed?"
'Murder, Mr deWulf. But not of one of ours, and not of anybody protected by the concord of the civilised. Legally, here in Ikarida, all the individual has done is opened themselves up to vigilante justice. Which some,' he points to the woman in white as she rages, 'are keen to see enacted.'
And , a goodly portion of the crowd are are seemingly on your side. Some begin to chant in support of your outburst, a ripple of bad feeling stirring up the throng.
Roland laughed when Dorrigan finished speaking, he couldn't help himself. "Hahaha unfortunately, vigilante justice is what I'm all about. My father, brother, and I run a bounty hunting service. We're pretty strict about the bounties that we take, but... We're getting off topic. If it wasn't a member of this community, why are the people so incensed over it?"
Dorrigan has the good grace to look uncomfortable.
'There may be a... racial... element involved.'
Roland bowed his head in acceptance and under his breath he mumbled a string of half-finished curses, "Bloody, son of a, god, f!%%. He held his hand out as a request for a moment to catch his breath and gather his thoughts before he looked back up at Dorrigan, "Alright. I've got my suspicions about this, but I can wait for answers. First, let's try and restore some order to this place.
"Naneko, by the guard force commander's own admission, what happened happened outside of their laws' jurisdiction. Even my work had at least tacit approval from the official authorities, so we'll err on the side of caution for now and NOT instigate a riot. Bora, the crowd seemed rather enthusiastic regarding your suggestion of more drink. Play that up some more; get people more interested in having fun than causing pain. Gavin, I'd appreciate you staying out here and helping to keep the peace as much as you're able. Try and ensure that nobody does anything foolish enough to warrant a personal meeting with Naneko's tetsubo. Dorrigan, you and I are going to grab the instigator and go talk to the monks and see what we can work out. Are there any laws in place to govern inciting panic, vigilantism, or even disorderly conduct? Amy, I'd like you to come with me. If this gets ugly, I might need an extra hand. Questions or objections?"
Bora looked to Naneko, frowning. She had been keeping quiet for a bit, but now knew what she needed to do. But she also made certain to speak quietly.
"What were the reasons for the kill? Was the kill simply because they could? Self-defense? Or did they kill to stop an evil? We do not know enough details to judge them, and I would prefer not to have the blood of an innocent man on my hands if I could avoid it. We need more information. And it may be possible for them to atone. If they can atone, I would rather they have the chance to learn from what they did and grow from it. After all, we all make mistakes. Every single one of us is here because of a mistake in the past, and every single one of us was granted a second chance. Our mistakes may not be the same as the one the monks are guarding, but the fact they happened and the fact we have our chance means we should grant it to others where possible. Because it's the right thing to do."
She then looks to Roland and nods. "I'll lead them off to drink and celebration. I know you, of all people, understand justice far better than any of us. I trust in your decision making."
Then she turned to the crowd, that mad grin appearing on her face and hands raising above her head.
"A DECISION HAS BEEN MADE! COME, CROWD, AND LET US DRINK AND BE MERRY! MY COMPATRIOTS WILL HANDLE THINGS WHILE WE CELEBRATE! COME! TO ALCOHOL AND MAKING THE DARK FEAR US WE GO!"
Roland sighed. He'd hoped that a discussion on the morality of their actions could wait until the aggression prevalent around them had died down or been properly distracted but it was not to be. He nodded in thanks to Bora before addressing Naneko, "You know I'd agree with you under normal circumstances, but we don't have nearly enough information. I would never take a job based on 'murder' unless I were presented with much more information. I'd rather err on the side of the innocent than condemn even a single innocent to unlawful 'justice.' If we find out that it is only bureaucratic nonsense keeping Law at bay, then... well, that's when we'll go ahead and set things right."
"Besides, if the one being hidden is who I think it is, then we owe him at least an effort to make sure we've got all of the facts."
As you speak the crowd continues to grow, more people joining the throng and shouting encouragement or questions at the little street-theatre playing out in front of them. The female monk doesn't move an inch, not a muscle, and the only sign that she noticed your arrival at all was a slight curl of a smile after hearing Bora's announcement.
And on the subject of Bora announcing things, this one goes down particularly well. maybe it's because they were impressed by your entrance, maybe because they're good law-abiding people at heart or maybe simply because they assume you'll be buying the first round, a good percentage of the crowd is ready to follow you wherever you decide to go.
As for Dorrigan, he leads Roland (and anybody else who wishes to talk to the cause of the ruckus) up to the line of monks and the stand-off between the two women, explaining as he goes.
'Biggest problem is, it's festival time. Almost all local and city laws are relaxed... we found our cells stayed emptier that way. Normally, yes, there's articles we can cite to break up a hostile crowd, but now, today, this week... well, you'd better hope the rest of you have tongues as silver as your lady back there.'
You push your way to the very front of the crowd, that (even drunk and angry) parts for Dorrigan even if they won't disperse completely for him. The white-haired monk is the first to address you, completely ignoring her elven-featured opponent.
'Good morning, master Dorrigan. I trust I haven't disturbed you too early in the day?'
Bora actually had no clue what to do at this point... but she wasn't about to let that stop her! As soon as she got their attention, she grinned even wider as an idea came to her head.
"Come! Follow me! As a great sorceress, I have determined this entire city needs cheer! So let's have a roving party that moves across the entire city!"
And with that she picks and direction and heads off purposefully in it, hoping the entire crowd follows.
Roland paused for a moment before following Dorrigan and spoke to Naneko, "We can discuss our philosophical differences later, if you'd like." As they walked, Roland smiled at Bora's declaration in the background but schooled his face as Naneko, Dorrigan, and he neared their objective. He carefully ignored Amy's maneuvering around the crowd but did his best to keep her position in mind as he scanned the crowd.
Roland looked between both women and spoke up when Dorrigan hesitated, "Morning. My name is Roland. This is Naneko. I recognize that we're outsiders, here, but we're hoping that, as y'all seem to find yourselves currently in a stand-off that looks like it could quickly escalate into riots and violence, we might be able to add another perspective to the situation and resolve this peacefully. We've gotten the quick and dirty details from Dorrigan, here, but I'd like all of the details regarding the situation, if you don't mind."
Before the monk can say anything the half-elf in the suit speaks - although 'shouts' might be a better word for it, her voice obviously pitched to carry to what remains of the crowd that hasn't been led off by Bora.
'Details? The only 'detail' you need, auslander, is that they're harboring a murderer in there - and a filthy half-human at that!'
Roland gave the woman in the suit a very bland are you kidding me? look as he spoke, "Lady, you're a half-human. Quit being stupid."
, you see Dorrigan's eyes widen slightly as the noise of the crowd around you abruptly ceases. And I don't mean 'lowers', I do mean 'stops completely' - in the sudden silence you can hear the festivities of the rest of the town more clearly, the barking of dogs and even Bora's voice raised in merriment from a few streets away. You can't help but notice that the female monk's placid face breaks into a huge, genuine grin for a moment, which is then quickly hidden.
The half-elf you were speaking to reacts... unexpectedly. Instead of shouting, or protesting, she takes a breath and holds it for a few seconds before answering you. When she speaks her voice is as steady as steel,and brittle with cold rage.
'I am aware, sir, of the unfortunate aspects of my parentage. I had no say in the matter, and I make the best of my birthright. I do not, however, give into the base urges. I do not steal, or cavort in the forests, or hold myself aloft above the city as so many of 'my' kind do. And I do not murder, sir. Now, pray tell me on what authority you have decided yourself arbiter here - what kind of 'perspective' can an auslander offer?'
Bora, meanwhile, actually makes some effort to make good on her roving party idea, laughing as she leads them off and drinking as she can.
Can't reason with those kinds, let's try and keep this on track. Choosing to forego the tangent regarding peoples' lineage, Roland exasperatedly shakes his head as he answers the woman's question, "No authority. Just the observation that it seems y'all need an arbiter. Since we don't have an emotional investment in the outcome either way, I offered my services to the local guard for that purpose."
The monk still says nothing, but flashes an amused look toward Dorrigan once more (who seems to ignore it). The woman in white, however, does respond - though not in quite the way you expected.
'Have you ever killed, arbiter? Or you, girl?' She directs the last part toward Naneko, with particular emphasis on the word 'girl'.
Roland's eyes narrowed slightly at her question, but so quick that it might have been mistaken for a twitch by anybody close enough to notice. "I have. More times than I care to think about." He stopped here though it was obviously an effort to hold his tongue. "Why are you being deliberately antagonistic towards us? Surely we've given you no cause for this type of treatment."
'Bullies, you say?' the woman replies coldly, ignoring Roland in favor of Naneko. 'And what are you human auslanders if not-'
She doesn't get to finish her sentence before the monk cuts her off, still with a slight smile, still aimed mostly at Dorrigan.
'A plague of bullies who have despoiled our fair land? Possessors of tainted blood, tree-killers and vagabonds? A stain on the history of the city of leaves? We have heard your rhetoric before, and doubtless we will hear it again... But maybe one day you'll learn that your mouth won't heal your scars.'
There are shocked gasps from the crowd, and Dorrigan almost unconsciously reaches for his weapon. Several of the other guards follow suit. Whatever the monk has just brought to light in front of the assembled crowd seems to have great dramatic weight to it... Maybe even more than the white-haired monk had expected.
Silent, her face a mask of absolute hatred, the half-elf lunges at the smiling woman.
The woman's trousers drop to her ankles, tripping her as she lunges...
Andthe crowd gasps again, some of them turning away with horror.
The page skin of the halfelf's legs is stripped with scars, ugly welts in criss-cross patterns. Whatever punishment safe has endured in her past... It must have been brutal beyond measure to leave such marks.
She struggles to pull her trousers back up, years of anger and shame visible on her cheeks.
You are unable to learn much more about the scars before the woman pulls her trousers back up, other than that by their irregular depth but uniform style they were probably inflicted over a decent length of time. You can't tell the implement used, however.
As you charge forward, , Dorrigan takes half a step forward before he really realizes what you're doing - but as you raise your weapon he manages to shout for you to stop as the people around him break and scatter due to your intimidation, real fear and shock in his voice.
Your tetsubo crashes down upon the skull of the white-clad monk, as even the suited half-elf cries out for you to stop. The monk's half-smile is replaced at the last second by a look of surprise (not fear, merely a sense that events have moved in an unexpected direction) before the tetsubo hits.
, you feel a violent kick of nausea - aetheric discharge, unless you miss your mark.
The woman you actually hit flies backwards, her face a sudden spreading constellation of spinning teeth and blood. She is dead before she hits the ground... but whatever link she has to the other monks is strong, and whether it is the force of your attack or the shock of her death a ripple of pain passes through the line of standing monks.
More than thirty fall at your strike, noses split, brows cracked open, keening in a cry carried by many mouths. Hw many of them are dead, you don't know.
You realize, , that this situation may have been more complex than you gave it credit for.