Seila observes but otherwise remains silent quietly counting down in her mind when the spell would wear off. All the while reminding herself that her place here is to ensure the fairnes of the proceedings and to pry out the true intent of those gathered here. No more. No less.
Nodding to his friends to indicate his understanding, Daeron turns to face Sonavut. Not wasting further time, he asks his questions, pausing to allow her to answer between each, "Did you ever mention the secret shrine to Nalvanaq? Were you aware that the symbol liberally scrawled around said shrine are symbols of a cult devoted to the demon lord Sithug? Have you noticed any changes in Tunuaq's behavior in the recent path?"
After hearing the answers to these questions, he bows to Nalvanaq and asks the Eruaki chief, "Nalvanaq, would it be acceptable to ask a question that will not have a yes or no answer?" Assuming the chief allows it, Daeron asks, "Why did you keep this shrine a secret?"
"Thank you for your forthrightness, Sonavut. With your permission, Nalvanaq, may I suggest that we interview Tunuaq next? I would like to close in on the truth that Sonavut has begun to reveal" Waiting patiently for her response, Daeron eyes the shaman warily. If my suspicions are right, he is an accomplished liar. I am hopeful this Seila's magic will be sufficient to compel him to truth. Not heartened by the thought, Daeron waits anxiously for a response.
Nodding in return Seila renews the spell upon the area of the pillow and guiding Tunuaq by his shoulder .
Perception to gauge crowd reactions
Sense Motive to read Tunuaq's reaction as he goes to the zone.
Studying Tunuaq as he is lead to the pillow with a disapproving frown, Daeron cuts straight to the heart of business once he's in position. "Tunuaq, did you smash the dragon Icy Scourge's eggs? If you did not, did you order someone to do so?"
Feeling numb as Tunuaq reveals his part in the role, Daeron simply watches the man for a moment. So he did it after all. What kind of man can kill a dragon on his own? Setting aside the worrying thought, Daeron asks, "Did you lie to us about Sonavut's involvement? Did you hide the true nature of your worship in your cave from her?"
Grimacing in distaste as the crowd nods their agreement with the shaman, Daeron tenses as he spots movement in the corner of his eye. Head snapping around, he calms as he sees an orange ball, swiftly followed by Ameiko, enter the hall. What on earth? What's going on here? An what is that ball? The elf accepts her nod with a puzzled smile and turns back to Tunuaq, shaking his head at the oddity of the orb. "Why did you smash the dragon's eggs, Tunuaq? You have claimed it is for the good of the tribe, but all it has brought is death to its hunters, fear and terror. Did someone direct you to do this evil?"
Leaning in near Pavel, Theoden keeps his voice low. "You know, mighty Pavel, I'm thinking this is one big waste of time. You see how they agreed with Tunuaq when he mentioned about 'some parts of the cults must remain a mystery'? I would gather that none of them truly care what happened to the dragon or its eggs. Or anything else for that matter. And if that is the case... then this case is over." He leans back out, shrugging, as if to say: 'What are we to do?'
Akulayok coldly glares at Tunuaq. He spits while waving his hands about in a mocking manner, "Mystery kill many hunters. If spirits want mystery of this kind, they make war on us. If they make war on the Erutaki, we make war with them back. If you are on their side against us, you are an enemy. You must be killed. Just like the wolf that seeks to take Erutaki children. Or the bear seeking to feed on us. If you hunt us, we hunt you. You are caught."
Akulayok looks to Nalvanaq, "What say you, Nalvanaq? Tunuaq has admitted to raising the dragon against us at the behest of some evil spirit. Do we let this stand unchalleneged so that other spirits think it is easy to murder the Erutaki? Or do we take stand up to protect our own?"
He stands and walks about the room hitting his chest as he talks [b]"Who here has lost family to this act? Speak up. No one here should allow this murderer to hide behind the spirits."
Leaning in near Pavel, Theoden keeps his voice low. "You know, mighty Pavel, I'm thinking this is one big waste of time. You see how they agreed with Tunuaq when he mentioned about 'some parts of the cults must remain a mystery'? I would gather that none of them truly care what happened to the dragon or its eggs. Or anything else for that matter. And if that is the case... then this case is over." He leans back out, shrugging, as if to say: 'What are we to do?'
Pavel shrugs himself. "Whuh'we had to try I guess..."
"Daeron- whuh'what about the demon he worships? Ask him about it spuh'spuh'.... specifically, by name."
Akulayok grunts, "This is a farce. I'm leaving. Keep this demon worshipper amongst you if you wish. This entire farce is a waste of my time. You can have them all if you wish Tunuaq. This farce is done for me. Do not ever come near me. I am leaving this tribe if my word is not trusted. You can listen to this scum if that is what you want."
Akulayok leaves.
Theoden steps up, no longer able to remain silent. "Akulayok is right. If you all wish to worship demons then you will bring death and ruin upon yourselves. Mark. My. Words. To allow such, Nalvanaq, is a testimony to your rulership. As Akulayok put it best: a farce. Because that is EXACTLY what it is! BUT, you rule your people how you see fit, regardless of the fact it will bring them to complete ruin. Obviously they do not care, seeing how they support your MADNESS!" He stares directly at Nalvanaq as he emphasizes, unblinking and unconcerned. After a pause that feels like an eternity, "We will be leaving as soon as possible. I do not tolerate demon worship, and nor do my companions. And so, with that, we will bid you adieu. We've wasted enough time here. We've far more important matters to attend. Good day." He nods. Turning to the others, "Let us leave before these people bury us with them. I do not wish to be part of the suffering that will befall them. It's one thing to have it thrust upon you; it's another to bring it upon yourself." Theoden speaks freely to the party, unconcerned whether or not the Erutaki hear him.
Pavel shoots a panicked look between Daeron and Theoden before addressing the paladin.
"Whuh'would you think for a second?! We gotta suh'see this through- until wuh'winter's over, this place is our only chance for sur'survival. He admitted everything- all we had to do is fuh'finish convincing the chief he deserves to be puh'punished- at least 'till you both decided to insult her! It's not just Tuh'Tunuaq we need to beat, it's his position as shuh'shaman. They think he's unquestionable because of their suh'society. You think you're gonna undo that with a tirade like that?"
He crosses his arms.
"We gotta finish this if we want any hope of guh'getting to Minkai."
"Besides- don't you wanna stuh'stick around while we wipe that smug look off his face?"
Akulayok says, "No. We risk life killing dragon to save people. Now they have to talk about what to do with man that rouse dragon even when he admit what he has done. It's foolish. I'm leaving with all of you soon as we can. I have no patience for this kind of foolishness."
"I be just outside. I listen for trouble. Maybe his demon spirit show up to talk. Maybe all Erutaki decide to listen to demon spirit like Tunuaq." He spits.
Akulayok will stay where he can hear trouble just outside the meeting place.
Seila turns to Nalvanaq and whispers
Surprised by Akulayok's outburst as he finishes asking his questions, Daeron translates his friend's words from Erutaki. Nodding as Akulayok touches on many of the same points he had wondered about, Daeron listens for a response from Nalvanaq. It is odd that this revelation hasn't caused an uproar. Why has Nalvanaq not responded with anger? What about the rest of the tribe? Discomfited by the tribe's relative silence, Daeron nods idly to acknowledge Pavel's questions, though it's obvious he's distracted.
Gritting his teeth at the tribe's reaction, Daeron glares at Tunuaq for a moment before opening his mouth. Clicking his teeth shut as Akulayok and Theoden both erupt in angry tirades. Wincing and meeting Pavel's panicked gaze, he motions calmingly to Theoden, declining to translate his friend's words. "Pavel has the right of it. We must remain calm, rational and unflinching in the face of their disbelief. Prove them wrong again and again and they'll see sense." Nodding thankfully as Ameiko chimes in, Daeron claps Theoden on the shoulder (as much as a thin elf can) and says, "Have a seat and we'll give you some time to rant. I don't want to leave these people in thrall to that monster. I can't imagine you do either, no matter how frustrating it is."
Adding a meaningful look, Daeron turns on his heel and clasps his hands behind his back as he strides towards Tunuaq. "Tunuaq, my questions were as follows. Why did you smash the eggs of the dragon, Icy Scourge? As you have explained, you believe it was for the good of the tribe, but I fail to see how killing its hunters could qualify as 'help'. Enlighten us, if you would. Second, did you act alone in doing this evil or did someone, perhaps your patron Sithug directed you to do this? I'm sure it would please a demon, who are notable for thriving on chaotic destruction, to see your tribe frozen and dead on the Wastes after Icy Scourge has killed them." Daeron pauses, levelling a disgusted gaze at the shaman for a moment, before he asks, "Did the Demon Lord Sithug direct you to incite the dragon to attack?"
Pavel steps to Ameiko's side, thick forearms crossed over his chest.
"I'm guessing our nuh'next priority is them monoliths, then."
Torn between disgust at Tunuaq's confession, admiration for Ameiko's dramatic timing, and surprise at Garand's decision, Daeron manages to look conflicted for a moment before settling on curiosity. Ignoring the hubbub rising at Nalvanaq's decision, Daeron focuses on Tunuaq. He was able to finish a dragon after descending into that hidden place. Who knows how he'll react here. Taking a protective step alongside Ameiko, Daeron readies himself for trouble as he waits for Tunuaq's answer. In an aside to Manulani in Auran, Daeron says, "Go fetch, Akulayok. He'll want to hear of the news. Tell him of Nalvanaq's decision."
Akulayok stands outside pacing, listening with the keen ears of his father for signs of trouble.
Rolling his eyes at Daeron's request, Manulani thumbs his nose at the elf's back as he flits out towards the door. Giggling as he sees Akulayok pacing, the little elemental mimes the hunter's pacing for a moments. Quickly growing bored with the game his tugs on the half-elf's cloak and point into the door, "Incubant venandi, ut ingressus. Herus te vult! Animus eicientur in questus nix homo."
Pavel nods toward Seila.
"So is this Pruh'Prince of the Moon satisfied with the trial? We all muh'mediated up?"
SEila gives a small smile to Ameiko. "I'll see what I can do but I make no promises. There is much to be done before this is resolved and my stay here is but temporary."
As PAvel walks up just before she starts to step away and makes his statement she leans back involuntarily at the mans strong smell. She shrinks a little at his question and sighs. "No. This was not a trial. This was merely an orderly way to find answers. The actual trial is what the village must face afterwards. You must understand, Tunuaq did an unspeakable thing to hurt this village. But, there are those who believe that he would only do what is best for them. Those that beleive that you made him do it, even make him confess. There may even be those that join him in exile or even kill you, me, and Nalvanaq long before they would allow their shaman to come to harm. He represents the guiding spirit of the village and though you may present a willing replacement for many it is as if cutting off their right arm and tying a stone in its place. I did not exaggerate when I spoke of the consequences of your actions. This may end in tragedy no matter what happens next."
With that Seila turns to the agitated group and raises her hands.
"Please! Peace!"
"There has been much said and much to consider. MAny to mourn for and many more that need love, care, and compassion. Tunuaq has served faithfully for many years. But he has also done you a great wrong. It is a time of change, as the face of the moon changes and transitions so too will this village change and transition into a new time. It is not a time to fear, or to hate, but to remember what was and prepare for what is to come. Go home. Prepare your goodbyes, contemplate how you will welcome tomorrow, and do so knowing that the village will go on. That the gods still watch over you. Go home, and be at peace."
Leaning in toward Pavel and Daeron, wondering where Akulayok might be, "She has done quite well, hasn't she? I will confess, I do applaud her. But onto more important matters. Now, there is something I must discuss with you two that is of the utmost importance. Remember earlier when I spoke in a fantastic tirade, and good Daeron would not translate for me? What was your take on that? I'm curious." He cuts his eyes back on forth between them, a hand upon his chin, readying himself to listen intently.
SEila turns back to Ameiko. "I will speak with her, but beyond that I cna promise nothing. She is the leader here and she is furious. She may have already declared him walking dead. And thus it is taboo to even acknowledge his presence once he is formally exiled."
With that Seila leaves the tent following NAlvanaq.