Merax keeps a deadpan look in Lily's direction as he listens to her plea. In the end he adds nothing, content to hear what the others have to add first as he thinks on this.
Saving these children could be a waste of our time and resources. We would earn faster notoriety and respect for our cause by moving directly against the Dotarri or Hellknight Orders in some other way. I care not for some nobleman's vices. In the end, the children that survive these hunts would be all the stronger for it anyway.
Following this train of thought, a question arises. "Is this Draven's noble house well known for supporting the House of Thrune? Do the Wiscrani associate the house with the Dottari or Hellknights?"
What matters if his allegiance is to some other house. The actions he has taken are proof of his evil ways regardless. Something must be done.
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Having stayed nervously silent throughout the exchange between Caldazar and Meraxilar, Sclivian takes a moment to speak.
"Well... I have a file on House Eravengio--oh, had a file... This child hunt does sound like the sort of thing that Lord Draven would engage in. Let's see... what do I remember?"
"But you mentioned guests? Well, there you have it. We would simply need to be invited to join as hunters." Sclivian lights up at the realization. "I'm sure we could find ourselves some utility to the House. Being able to be present for the hunt would make it much easier to protect the child. Oh! If only I still had record of the indebetdness of the house's souls..."
I approve of your sentiments Caldazar, but so far he has done nothing illegal. Any direct actions we take would be scrutinized as such. Arael has warned me about this before. Not that we need to listen to him but his arguments may be valid in this regard nonetheless.
Having stayed nervously silent throughout the exchange between Caldazar and Meraxilar, Sclivian takes a moment to speak.
"Well... I have a file on House Eravengio--oh, had a file... This child hunt does sound like the sort of thing that Lord Draven would engage in. Let's see... what do I remember?"
1d20+10
"But you mentioned guests? Well, there you have it. We would simply need to be invited to join as hunters." Sclivian lights up at the realization. "I'm sure we could find ourselves some utility to the House. Being able to be present for the hunt would make it much easier to protect the child. Oh! If only I still had record of the indebetdness of the house's souls..."
Caldazar lazily raises an eyebrow at Tal's reticence "So far the House of Thrune has not done anything illegal either."
True but the Bastards have done illegal matters and that is who we were up against. That they are in line with the House of Thrune just made it easier to decide that something needed to be done. Unless of course you feel that the Bastards of Erebus were leagal in all of their methods of acquiring thier possessions.
"A depraved and indifferent legal system is not one that I wish to support, let alone consider myself bound by. Do you refer to the Asmodean Disciplines in all questions of moral conduct? I am sure that by merely meeting here tonight we have broken one or more of the duiwel's laws."
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"Laws are the will of other people," Sclivian observes. "Staying on the right side of the law involves holding the respect of your fellows, whether through power, obligation, or friendship."
Fingering his ledger, he continues, "This is why the nature of the contract is so important. By codifying the law via the contract, one can ensure that certain actions are mutually agreed to be illegal, or not. The true power of the contract is not in making someone a criminal, it is making someone agree that he is a criminal."
With a slight scowl, he adds, "This is why I am so upset with why my business was sacked. I still do not know why it was done, nor who is responsible. However, without the cooperation of the Hellknights, one cannot precisely demonstrate that the action, no matter how destructive and antisocial, was in truth illegal."
Mr. Ruttle leans back in his seat, leaving the ledger in his lap and tenting his fingers. "Now then, this demonstrates why it is so important not to remove the current power structure, if it refuses to cooperate, but to become it. Receive the power of formation of the contract between subject and government, and whatever we are doing today cannot possibly be construed as illegal."
A steely glint appears in Mr. Ruttle's eye. "For example, House Eravengio is a minor house, but they are nobles. Draven has a malicious streak, but has managed to keep it under control, rendering him still on the side of legality. Attacking a noble is a crime, and will cause the dottari to pursue. Directly attack him, and the hammer of justice will fall. But, if he were to offer his game not to a child slave, but the child of a noble house..."
If it is a morality issue then you might as well strike me down as well as most of the nobles. I have myself had notions and thoughts that some would deem inappropriate. That being said, I disapprove morally against any harmful act towards a child. However we may word it, I believe that both of us want something to be done. It is the method that we wish to go about it that we differ on. You saying that you wish to murder this man will bring retribution against others, myself included. You may not think of it on that level, but I do not wish for any of my actions to cause harm to Lily. I have already jeopardized her safety by joining you in the clearing of the temple. I do not wish to bring down any more scrutiny upon ourselves when we can resolve this issue in a different way. We found proof that the Bastards were looked unfavorably upon by their superiors. I am hoping that the public executions and public dissent against the Bastards is enough to cool the Hellknights thirst for vengeance. I do not want to stir their wrath again by murdering a noble within a fortnight of the temple problems. If it was simply a killing, then I would have attempted the death myself so as to not put others in harms way. I asked for your help to be more sublime about the issue. If word gets out that children can evade the mighty hunter and empty his pockets of 500gp as the same time then his reputation will fall and I hope he will cease his actions. If the child spreads the word later that he had help from those that cleared the temple then so be it, but that would prevent Lily and myself from having direct involvement in aiding that child in finding an apprenticeship.
Sclivian, I can't justify even using a noble child. The risk is too great to me that word would get out about who I am. That negative outlook would not just affect myself but Lily as well.
I have said my piece, I would like to here from Pollux and Meraxilar about this.
If it is a morality issue then you might as well strike me down as well as most of the nobles.
When Tal speaks this line he notices a predatory gleam in Caldazar's eye...
Not sure how to take the look that Caldazar is giving him, Tal looks to Pollux and Meraxilar to see where their thoughts lie. However, Tal does keep 1 eye upon the inquisitor to see if he makes anymore gestures. perception
Rising up and crossing her arms, Lily turns to face Sclivian her full ire directed at the man before her.Are you saying sir that you find no fault with his actions? That as long as it is within the pervue of the law, no matter how corrupt or reprehensible the law may be, you are ok with it? You just admitted that the sacking of your business was unjustified, but as you say not illegal that you know of. Why then are you scowling so? Now, if you will excuse me, I will go fill your ales if you don't want to talk openly in fornt of me.
Turning and wispering quietly to her husband but loud enough to be heard by the others if they wanted to, I thought you said that they were the kind to help
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"I simply wish to keep undue scrutiny away from your household, Mrs. Mainz," Mr. Ruttle calls back. Turning back to the group, he adds, "If certain institutions are unwilling to prosecute the matter due to the activity's legality, then it is reasonable to conclude that they will act to maintain the activity. If the activity is turned into something illegal, then certain institutions are compelled to prevent it."
Maintaining a calm face despite Lily's outburst, Sclivian includes, "The Bastards are an interesting case. They were illegal, but had protection by negligence. Indeed, we were reading how their protection was on the wane. We may have been merely useful tools for certain institutions. As a result, hunting down the Children of Westcrown is not a priority, if they prove themselves useful to these institutions. But now, we find a noble activity that needs to be stopped. Caution is advised, if only not to end up on the same list as the Bastards."
"With due respect to all, I'm of the opinion to let this task go in favor of more direct tasks against the city's government. Cheliax is full of cities with atrocities galore. On the other hand, rescuing children would endear us to the masses if we can get the word out to the public anonymously.
A waste of time to me, but I will follow the group either way."
Caldazar strokes his manicured beard for a few moments deep in thought, then a devilish smirk besets his face "Perhaps dear companions we can achieve both our goals in one swoop.... though it would be very risky indeed." he takes another deep breath as though mulling his idea one more time before laying it out.
"We have a noble hunting children. Legal under the duiwel's laws, but reprehensible. To me it would be naive to think that his sport would stop without his death, and we must also make an example to others that might follow him. But, he is a noble and to slay him would be to bring the wrath of the hellknights against us.... unless... he is slain by the hellknights."
"We would need to re-acquire the metal and cloth of the enemy, and also leave some of his hunting party alive to spread the word - but this could be a way to spread dissent and chaos among them." stopping to gauge the reaction of the rest to the hare-brained, crazy dangerous suggestion.
Pollux has been uncharacteristically quiet since he arrived. He seems nervous or even frightened which is odd seeing as he has clearly gone out of his way to prepare. A new black scholar's robe and a large bright yellow fez atop his unruled locks complete this far more civilized image of your companion. Castor seems to be absent.
Pollux hands Lilly a sheaf of the white flowers that are her namesake. "I hope you live well and are always accompanied by flowers."
As the meal progresses Pollux still seems nervous. Eating from a course only after others have begun and adding little to the flow of conversation.
As the talk turns to the child hunter Pollux seems confused. "So this hunter buys and kills children? There is not much sport there, and it seems a bad investment. They can't even run very fast, though they can be tough to pry out of their hidey-holes.
If we want to stop him then we should simply do so and move on.
The large dead man hunting the small dead men places himself in the open. We mearly need to find his hunting ground and make sure he does not leave.
Though I wonder if there is an easier way. If the small dead man escapes then the large dead man pays. Is there not a way to help the small dead to bleed the large? After paying a few times the large dead man might well tire of this sport and the ridicule of his fellow corpses. In fact if we were to wager with deadman then we could bleed him all thee faster. Frankly the children could use the funds. Our supply of cake-white is disgracefully low."
When Pollux first arrives, Tal tries to introduce the man before him to Lily, but stumbles over his words. So overcome is he by the change in appearance and mannersims. After the dinner and the conversation turns, Tal is still surprised by the quieter normal acting Pollux.
I had not thought of that option, mimicking a hellknight or armiger. That could work well to hide our identities, but would that not incur the wrath of the hellknights even more when they find out that someone is impersonating them. NOt only would a noble be killed under their watch, but we also show open disrespect them by wearing their garb.
Tal's eyes open wide when the talk turns to gambling with the noble. If we could ensure our involvement with the noble and therefore knowledge of who the child is, we could provide assistance before hand. What are the legal matters such as this Sclivian? Also, would there be a way to exchagne the child before hand and disguise one of us as that child. Then it would be one of us hunted and might have a better chance of escaping.
With little patience left for this debate, Merax speaks up. "Caldazar's plan is sound. The only questions left are the where and when's of the hunt. I say we continue our escapades sooner rather than later as my axe could use another coating of diabolist blood, It reduces the drag of one's swing."
Meraxilar gets up to get another ale and winks at Lily instantly changing to a less murderous note. "Lady Mainz, your roast is delicious. Would it be considered rude to ask for a helping to take with me on my merry way?"
"Tal, I doubt that any of us would be mistaken for a child... however there are those among the Children of Westcrown who could pass for young enough."
"We do not need survivors. The Children of Westcrown can get the word out through contacts."
Either way we need more information. Have they already chosen the child? What is the date of the hunt? Is there any underground passages/ sewers that we could use to get there without being seen? know (local) for the information perhaps
Caldazar, I do not know enough of the Children to know who would fit that build. I was just introduced a day before I met you into the group. If you know of someone that fits the description and is willing to risk their life then I am open to that possibility. I would still prefer to embarass the noble and hide any involvement but if Pollux and Sclivian agree with you then you can count on me to do my share. It may be a moot point if he has already chosen the child he is hunting. Then there is little chance of having him choose one of the Children in his stead. Without being able to have inside knowledge or be able to direct the child we have no way of laying an ambush successfully.
If we are to pursue that option, then I would agree with Meraxilar that no witnesses be present that can point the finger at one of us. No trace must be left of those who performed this deed. There will be enough talk without us promoting it. If Pollux and Sclivian agree to it, then I will volunteer to be the focal point of the ambush. You 4 would then be able to target and prevent those that try to flee. I will protect the child as well.
Pollux: Why thank you for the flowers Pollux. Tal did not say that one of his colleagues was such a distinguished gentleman as yourself. It is reare to find such men these days. A man of honor is a man worhty of being praised and we have not had much to praise lately in Westcrown.
Meraxilar: Why if you would like I can send some home sure. A healthy meal is always welcome when getting home from work. Whatis it that you do when not with the Children as my husband calls it? Here is your ale sir. I thank you for listening and being willing to help Tal with this problem with the noble. We both wish for something to be done, we just don't want the children hurt anymore.
Caldazar shrugs and leans back in his chair "Fair enough, so this becomes a simple murder and death in the night. This I can do also."
If this is the course of action that Pollux and Sclivian agree to. I am uncomfortable with outright murder of a noble but yes. Tal looks to the others hoping to see a sign that there are for the less blood thirsty method of helping the children, however he still keeps watch on Caldazar's actions. He hasn't forgotten the gleam in his eyes.
Intimidate: (+1 CHA, +1 Trait)
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Sclivian observes, "In theory, if we were to surreptitiously replace the hunted with one of ourselves, another child, etc., and keep the child safe for the duration of the night, then the terms of the wager would be met and the child would be due the prize. Of note, however, is that this is true regardless of what we replace the child with--ourselves, an animal, a straw dummy, anything."
Changing tack, he adds, "Regarding gambling with the hunter, there is nothing wrong with entering into an agreement which hinges on a particular outcome. Nothing illegal there."
Gesturing toward Pollux, he finishes, "There are a number of reasonable options here. We could hide and replace the child. We could wager with the noble. We could present ourselves as Hellknights. We could perform all three simultaneously. I am honor-bound to inform my clients that impersonating a Hellknight is a crime, but the other two options do not break any laws."
Pollux seems lost in thought as he stares into space past his drink.
"Tea!" He suddenly cries.
"We can defeat them with tea! Far better an un-maker than an axe, Merax! Tea!"
Looking swiftly about the room at your uncomprehending faces Pollux makes a valient attempt to pull his scattered thoughts into some coheasion. He fails and the pace of his speach accelerates.
"We bisect the big dead and the other big dead will draw together in fear and affront and the small dead will pay. Another big will feel the challenge and take up the hunting horn to show no fear and nothing will change. Not that it really does anyway, the problems of such little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world....but we want change, because otherwise you pay more. So we have to kill the big dead without killing the big dead. The big dead depend on the other big for respect and honor. There are really very funny but noone can laugh. They get quite unhappy if you laugh but it is worse if they laugh at each other. The big dead seeks sport, we make the big dead sport, make a jesters cap for all the other big dead to see. Teach them that this hunt only finds themselves fools then the big will choose to hunt elseware and the litle dead can starve untroubled and alone. Which is what we want."
Pollux pauses for breath. He glances at Lilly. "I think that made sense? It felt like it did. Do you understand?"
In the pause that follows Pollux takes an inch square block of roast and places it under the fez that still adornes his head.
Slightly taken aback at Pollux's sudden outburst for tea, Lily starts to head to the kitchen assuming that it is not ale that Pollux wants but actually tea. As Pollux continues on, Lily stops half-way to the kitchen and turns back trying to catch the thoughts of the now rambling gentleman before her. Lily however has not had the chance to listen to Pollux's ramblings before and quickly looses herself in the flow of his speech. Even though the exact wording is cryptic, Lily hopes she guesses right at the thoughts behind the words. Looking to Tal for support, or correction in case she misunderstood something, So you want all the nobles to witness the failure of the hunt, thus scorning Draven and hopefully preventing further hunts? And your way of getting the nobles together is by having tea in the ruins of the hunt? Or is your mentioning of tea just an analogy for something else to use that is as innocuous as tea? Either way, I think you lost me with the mention of tea. Even without full understanding, Lily does smile with appreciation at the excitement willingness in Pollux's voice. His words and manners are different, but there is a genuine caring behind them.
The idiosyncracies that Pollux possesses does throw Lily off a bit. She could have sworn she saw him place a piece of meat under his cap. The gesture was so odd that Lily assumes he placed in his mouth and then rearranged his hat. She must have missed him eating it as she was caught up in trying to figure out exactly what he said.
A very concise summary Sclivian, but what are your thoughts on the matter besides from a juridiction standpoint? What path do you see as having the better merit and chance of success?
In other words quit acting like some brain on a shelf calculating percentages and reciting by rote. Use your heart once in a while and tell us what you feel.
After his outburst at Sclivian, Tal gets up and walks into the kitchen. Lily follows behind to get the drinks that she meant to get earlier before she go the food ready for Meraxilar. In the kitchen Lily, I think Pollux has had a bad history with tea as he mentions it in all different circumstances. I don't rightly know what he is talking about half the time when he mentions tea. Good luck understanding him. You may be more perceptive than I when it comes to that. With that Tal and Lily return handing ales and tea to Pollux.
Caldazar listens to Ruttle, Pollux and the Mainzs as they speak in turn - but from his demeanour you can tell that he is skeptical. "A muzzled dog with rabies will still snap at it's owner. The only way to stop the slavering is by removing the jaw."
"I still think it naive to think that the bastard will stop just because we stymie his hunt once or twice. Most of the nobles I know of this city are more hard headed than that. But if you have no stomach for what needs to be done, then perhaps we can settle for bleeding his purse."
Leaning close to Merax and whispering an aside.
Perception
That is just it Caldazar. We differ on the notion of needs to be done. I don't see the need to kill to accomplish our goals this time. If done properly and with enough stealth, they won't even know we are there.
"What exactly are we accomplishing? A child goes free, he loses a small amount of money. I assume that since the coward has been at this some time he has more money and will repeat himself. Would you have us act as his nursemaid for the next few years until he tires of the sport?"
"If we embarass him, what's to say he will not channel that into vengeance? Perhaps he'll cripple the prey he chooses for the following hunt? Cripple the child with poison before he sets it loose to be hunted and slain."
"Nay, this duiwel and those who hold his views must be put down. We need strike at him with such fury and brutality that it will render his fellows scared at what awaits them if they step out of line. An example must be made!" clearly impassioned and a hint a bloodlust is evident in the strident manner that Caldazar is using to express himself.
So you want to place his head on a pole as well with your mark on it again? You saw the brutality the hellknights did just 2 weeks ago. Countless public executions in the square, inquisitions, just a name a few problems that caused. Is that necessary here? I think not.
Caldazar does not respond immediately to Tal, merely regarding him with a fiery gaze. After a five count of seconds he rises from his chair to standing and speaks quietly "At times one must pay evil unto evil. I am surprised that a follower of the Lord in Iron is so afraid to fight..." letting the words trail off as he holds eye contact for a few more seconds.
Giving a short bow to Lily as he makes to leave "My thanks for the meal milady" before moving away from the table to the back stoop of the house, away from the conversation. There he stands looking into the blackness outside.
After listening to all involved, Merax speaks again. "I did inform you that this is probably not one of the tasks we should see to from the beginning. That said, if the majority is bent on seeing this ended as I believe this will be the case, I will agree vigorously with Caldazar's solution. To our knowledge, this Draven is the only noble at these shenannigans. We unmake him and move on .... ... so let us stop this bickering and put things into motion. If we are to ever complete our goal and change Westcrown we must be more decisive than this."
Calming himself, and turning toward Pollux...
"Giving this Draven dolt some of your tea, and assuming my comprehension of the Pollux dialect is correct, embarrassing him somehow after drugging him would not guarantee that he would cease his activities. Tying him up somewhere naked with a note stuffed into his maw or arse by an escaped child might further enrage him just as it may set him into a crazed fury. The only dependable enemy is a DEAD enemy. A worthy Idea though, a tad humorous as well."
Merax smiles at Pollux, grabs his and Caldazar's mug after refilling them and stops before Lily before heading for the back door. "Once again, an exquisite dinner Lady Lily. If I may be excused from the table, I'd like to finish another ale or two with the angry Caldazar, Bane of the Roast and Offender of the Host."
Merax waits for Lily's response with a grin.
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Sclivian watches the exchange between Caldazar and Tal bemusedly, taking advantage of the proceedings to stay quiet.
As Tal and Lily watch Caldazar storm out, Sclivian replies, "That is why I do not operate on feeling, Mr. Mainz. My opinion is that we need more allies in higher places. I believe our purposes are better served if the Hellknights deliver the killing blow."
Shocked and appalled by the outburst form Caldazar, Tal remains in his seat until Caldazar leaves the room. Once the volatile man leaves, Tal will signal to his wife to remain with the rest of their guests as he goes to confront Caldazar directly.
Moving silently behind the man staring out into the darkness Tal gets close to Caldazar before whispering in his ear. I don't care who you think you are, I don't care if this is a religious crusade, I don't care if you are surrounded by a fist full of Hellknights. You come into my house as a guest and have the gall to insult me like that in front of my wife, you will lose half your face before you realize it. If you are lucky you won't lose the other half before I am done. I warn you this one time only. Now I don't have a problem fighting, in fact I relish a good scrum, but a fight is not worth fighting if there is nothing to gain and everything to lose.
Now, I heard what you said to Meraxilar. I will tell you this, if we do it the way I propose and you and Meraxilar turn this into a bloodbath needlessly, I will walk away. I will take the child and run preotecting him as best I can. Your fates will be your own and I will wash my hands of the whole situation. If...if we decide to do it your way, then rest assured that you will see me put up such a fight against Draven that you will wish there was something left for you to smash with your shiny toy that you carry. Do we understand ourselves better now? If not and you can't keep a civil tongue about you, I will throw you out of this house now and let the darkness enfold you. The shadows of the night will come calling and nothing will remain of you come morning. His message delivered, Tal will reurn to the other guests. upon pasing Meraxilar Tal will turn, Talk some sense into your friend before he finds himslef in a situation he is ill prepared for.
"Have a care Tal. I have shed blood with Caldazar longer than you and he is spirited, yet honorable. He has a right to say what he wants about any given situation just as much as the next righteous person. If we put down this noble with an accidental or intentional swing, we do not expect you to do as we do. We have also never demanded that you deal with any particular situation in any way other than your own."
After a moments thought, Merax continues with a hard resolute look in his eye...
"Caldazar might have been slightly rude by walking away but in his defense, he did thank the Lady of the house for the meal first, and he excused himself rather than spoil the mood for others. That said and with the greatest respect for the Lord and Lady of this house, I must say that I will not be able to stand idle if you would attempt to harm him.
And if I may further be so bold as to ask a favor of you, I would ask that you accept my apologies on behalf of Caldazar for any offense to the lord and lady of the house. I'm sure Caldazar is merely angry for the plight of the children, as the situation is a perfect example of the kind of oppression that followers of Milani crusade against."
Turning to Lily with a light-hearted look. "Milady, I still await your permission to excuse myself from your generous table to share a drink with Caldazar whom I might add had two portions of your roast to my one. I would love a second helping of my own before the night is done. I can not in good faith allow Caldazar to have more of your roast than I have had."
Caldazar endures Tal's anger as he unleashes his diatribe, a small smirk at the side of his mouth betraying somewhat that it was expected. Saying nothing he allows the Gorumite to disgorge his verbal volley without troubling him with a response or interjection.
Only once he has gone quiet and still does Caldazar give the slightest tip of his head in acknowledgement before turning his gaze back out towards the dark outside. Feh - they are too focused on the children... to treat the disease once must strike for the heart of it with a scalpel - not content oneself with allieviating the symptoms.
When Merax joins him at the stoop, he takes the offered ale with a wordless thanks and stands without speaking - though clearly appreciative of the company.
When Meraxilar gets outside, he stands alongside Caldazar gazing at the dark as well.
"By the Unmaker, that Tal is a large fellow. Just once, I would like to see a puny follower of Gorum. Just what in the abyss does that woman cook with?" Laughing to himself, Merax takes a large gulp of his ale.
Just once, I would like to see a puny follower of Gorum. J
Meraxilar before he gets to Caldazar: Do not misundersatnd me Meraxilar. No insult was taken at the approach Caldazar wishes to take. No offense was given or taken to Lily that I am aware of. In fact if he were not so passionate, I would doubt his genuine support of such an undertaking. The only issue that I have is him calling me a coward. That is the issue that I have with him. Know this though, as harsh as my words were to him, as host and hostess, I would not let harm befall him as a guest under my roof. I have too much honor for that to happen. That being said, I will stand by what I said to him about this turning into a bloodbath. With that Tal will excuse himself for a moment to control his thoughts before he makes any more outbursts.
By all means kind sir. Give me but a minute and I will have a sandwich prepared for you to dine on at your leisure on the back stoop. You must forgive my husband's courser speech. Ever since we have agreed to join with the Children, he seems to have gotten it stuck in his head that all of Westcrown needs saving. That is mostly my fault I am sure for convincing him that something needs to be done and who better than we in a situation as this. Know this also, that it is not fear for himself that causes Tal to not take a fight to the noble Draven but out of respect for my wishes. I wish for change but not for death. If that is not possible, than for as little bloodshed as can be. Perhaps I have influenced him too far in this matter. You and the vocal Caldazar do have valid points that I concede. My goal is to aid the children. I was hoping that by shaming the man the child would live and have a hope at a better life with the money given him. Unfortunately that may be impossible as you suggest. I will talk to my husband as you talk to Caldazar. I will let him know that I agree with the plan that you have presented. No witnesses, no marks of who was there, no way to trace it back to us. Let others do the talking and rumor mongering to spread the tales.
After making the sandwich, Lily will check to make sure that Pollux and Sclivian are comfortable before going to find Tal.
10 minutes later, Tal and Lily return with Lily holding on to Tal's arm. Tal in that amount of time has changed into his metal skin, adorned with shield and axe. The change in appearane is quite alarming, not to mention that he proceeds to the rear of the house to Caldazar without a word being said. Once there, Tal will stare into the eyes of both Caldazar and Meraxilar for a long few seconds. Finally with a great deal of force Tal extends the hand with the axe pointing it at Caldazar. Behind gritted teeth, Tal utters these words, Lily has told me about her conversation with Meraxilar. Perhaps we have been trying to do too much in this one instance for the children of Westcrown. If the best we can do is to save this one child from death, then so be it. I will accept that and go on. If the death of this noble is what is needed, consider him dead. There will be enough left of him to be recognized but beyond that I guarentee nothing. Once this decision is made, nothing can change it. My one request, if there is time, we help Sclivian to make the contract binding that if the child lives then the payment due him is paid no matter the condition of the noble who entered into agreement with the child. In that way, I hope that other nobles will not take up the chance to continue where Draven left off. Tal will drop the axe and let it rest on his chain. The hand now open for a handshake to seal the agreement.
To Merax:
"Aye, they seem to attract the stout sort don't they?" smiling at Merax, but not offering much else by way of conversation.
To Tal:
Listening to Tal's words, Caldazar awaits him being finished before responding "You look to the child and we'll look to the cancer." Offering a warrior's handshake, grasping by the forearm and not the hand, Caldazar nods an acceptance of his words. "If any of the nobles follow then they'll meet the same fate as Draven"
Standing about idly for a few moments as he awkwardly looks at Tal's armament, Caldazar breaks the mood "Are we to go now?... I mean we don't even know where the bastard is, but you're dressed and ready?"
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"Mr. Mainz, do you mean that if, for whatever reason, House Eravengio cannot, or cannot be compelled to, complete its end of Draven's bargain with the quarry, that we step up and make the aggrieved party whole? Put more simply, do you mean that if Draven won't pay up for the child, we will, instead? We could agree to that here and now, and requires no extra party."