At the windows, a familiar trio of scraggly cats watches with furry scowls as the procession of peasants from Stachys march up the hill and swarm the estate. It calms them by a sliver when they see the party accompanying the crowd, at least proving that this is not some angry mob storming the house.
Chana is the first to enter the manor, withdrawing into her room and remaining there for the duration.
Greenly emerges and stands at the top of the front steps, her elven curved blade in hand. She eases her stance once she understands the situation. She proves to be an ineffective bailiff, though, as she begins chattering quite familiarly with members of the gathered crowd.
There is much hemming and hawing from the crowd, unsure whether the trial will be held on the front lawn or within the manor proper. However, the residents of Stachys are primarily interested in landing their peepers upon the accused, obviously craning their necks around to spot Mag.
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The commoners are welcomed into the manor proper for the trial. Amandine sits upon the most throne-like chair found in the house, while three shaggy cats watch the whole event. A few seats are set out for the elderly and the crippled, but most stand. Olivia brings in Mag in irons, closely watching in case she tries anything sudden.
Bartolo welcomes in the crowd, explaining the trial of Mag. Mag will get a chance to defend herself, and the crowd will get a chance to make their case as well. After a recess, the sentence shall be made.
To Amandine, Olivia explains:
"My lady, Lucinia is charged on account of multiple petty thefts, disorderly conduct, and assault of a Tribune. She has also disobeyed exile orders multiple times, and has shown little to no remorse nor guilt for her actions. She has expressed no interest in an honest life, and remains a plague upon our people. A bandit, who never made enough friends to survive in the wilderness."
Lucinia may now defend herself against these accusations. Amandine can ask questions to anyone.
Dro'gan steps up quickly, and speaks in a clear voice.
"I will stand and help the accused during the trial. I have no official standing other than what is given to me by the court and the accused, but I will remain her advocate as long as she and the court allows."
He then Nods at Amandine and Olivia.
Amandine has never really seen the inside of a courtroom or anything. She only has Olivia's outline of proceedings and stories she's heard as a guide. Aside from her own place at the front, she has chairs set out for the defendant, her representative, and the prosecutor.
She waits seated until the crowd has gathered and mostly settled before standing. Amandine signals to Olivia to bring the crowd to order, and when it is done she addresses the crowd.
"Before we begin today I would like to take a moment to express my cousin's and my own great appreciation to Onora Piscum. Ms Piscum has filled the role of Tribune for many years while the Betony family was absent from Meratt. She has filled the office of Tribune with great distinction. The Betony family is grateful to Ms Piscum beyond what I can express in a few simple words, my cousin and I hope this is understood by all. Now that she is stepping down and we take on the responsibilities she has born so well, we hope Ms Piscum will be open to consulting with us so her wisdom can help guide us in the years ahead. Many thanks to you Ms Onora."
Amandine is sweaty palm nervous. One-on-one with people isn't a problem for her but public speaking makes her extremely uncomfortable. Besides, she would rather be doing just about anything else in the world other than rendering a legal judgement. Rather than sitting again, she remains standing, hoping that a little pacing will seem more confident and engaged than fidgeting uncomfortably in the chair.
After pausing for a moment She opens the floor for Olivia to deliver the charges leveled against the defendant. She then turns to hear Dro'gan's and possibly Lucinia's defense.
"Ms Lucinia, how do you and your representative respond to the claims of crimes brought against you?"
Nodding, Dro'gan turns to talk to Lucinia in whispered tones.
"I trust Amandine to make a fair judgement here. However, with the evidence they have...if you don't plead 'Guilty' Lucinia, she may be forced to enact even harsher punishments against you than ever before. I'm sorry."
"We all know I'm guilty!" Mag declares. She tries to raise her arms like she's putting on a show, but the sudden physical reminder of the irons upon her wrists quickly stifles the gesture.
"My knuckles're still sore from walloping Piscum, and I can still taste the Oldlaw I stole. Especially when I burp."
She settles her posture, her shoulders sinking down with the weight of her shackles and guilt.
"I ain't runnin' this time. How d'you all like that?" she says to the crowd, offering the words like a challenge. She then turns to Amandine, whom the foyer full of peasants tacitly acknowledges as the authority in the room.
"So what d'you got for me?" Mag asks, this time sounding much less like a challenge. Instead, there is a curiosity in her voice as she wonders how the new Lady Betony will be handling such business around Stachys from now on.
"In other words, She pleads Guilty."
Greenly yawns and rests her hand on the hilt of her blade. Being bailiff sucked. She really thought that pledging her life and loyalty to the Princess would lead to more exciting tasks, like dying or something. She couldn't imagine her descendants would, like, sing songs and tell tales of her long stretches spent standing and waiting.
"Do you wanna split some food after?" she asks a villager beside her, uninterested in the proceedings.
The quick and direct admission of guilt isn't quite what Amandine expected. At least a guilty finding won't be controversial. It's going to be a very short trial though.
Amandine blinks and pauses, slightly wrong-footed at having to move on so quickly to pronouncing a sentence. She glances over at Olivia, who shifts her eyes meaningfully toward the crowd. Amandine catches her meaning.
"Very well. Is here anyone here to witness this trial who wishes to speak on it before sentencing?"
Amandine's entreaty leaves the crowd awkwardly mute. For a brief time, only the man beside Greenly - asking what kind of food she's offering - speaks anything audible, while some of the other witnesses to the proceedings lean over and mutter to each other indistinctly.
Despite Mag's guilty plea, which seems to have taken the audience by surprise, it remains clear that much of the crowd is wary of the accused's past reputation. Perhaps fearing reprisal from a drunken Mag, no one is forthcoming at first.
Finally, a jowly man steps forth and recommends that she be pilloried for a week, insisting that "She oughta suffer like she's made us suffer!" This a bit more extreme than the day or two in the pillory that Piscum has delivered as punishment in the past.
This first suggestion seems to encourage a few others to speak up against the local bully, with most of them calling for her to be banished outright.
Although her peers are far from sympathetic, none of them are apt to call for blood. For her own part, and despite her reputation for short-fused anger, Mag bites her lip and keeps herself in check. Perhaps the party's influence during the pre-trial prep has had an appreciable effect on her after all?
Dro'gan whispers to the woman.
"Be strong: Show them you are willing to accept the punishment, but are not weak. It might make her a little more lenient."
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After the last few people share their opinion and a silence starts to set in, Olivia says
"Right. My Lady, let us take a short recess so you may process what has been said and make your final decision."
With Amandine's permission, Olivia herds the commoners outside, saying it should only take ten or fifteen minutes at most. Mag gets to stay inside in order to remain under guard.
"So, what do you make of this, Amandine?"
Bartolo shrugs as the peasants are corraled out of the manor, before scratching his beard. "It'd have probably been easier to adjourn somewhere for your decision. Can't say that I'd argue with their solution, banishment is good enough for the woman.", he harrumphs, but his facial expression suggests that he's not particularly invested in the courtly proceedings. Turning towards the bailiff, he flashes a white grin. "You seem to have the right idea.", he jests, before crossing his arms and looking back towards the ladies of the house.
The cleared room makes it easier for Amandine. She wants to consult with everyone before making a final decision in case what she's thinking is weirder than she thinks it is.
On the other hand, a long consultation in front of the crowd might have not been a good look. Her request for comments wasn't something the villagers seemed at ease with. A length meeting before the sentence might create an impression she is indecisive or dependent on those around her. It would be counter to the impression needed: Stachys is now in capable hands.
Amandine calls Olivia, Bartolo, Greenly, and Dro'gan to a huddle and lays out her thinking.
"The trial hasn't changed anything. We're where we expected to be, a clear guilty verdict and the need to a punishment that is proportional and also satisfactory for the injured parties. In sense we're also on trial today."
"I still think my idea to begin with a month of service then increasingly harsh sentences, banishment and death, if the milder sentence isn't completed is a sound one. But instead of saying the month would be served at labor, I want to change the terms to 'service' because of the talk I had with her."
"She wants the trial ended quickly because she is in pain. That's what she told me, and I noticed things about her that convince me it's true. Her body would twitch in certain ways, and I've seen similar before. I once was acquainted with a man who's legs would do the same. He had an old injury from a riding accident and continued to suffer pain from it afterward."
"He was disliked by those who knew him because he was mean and bitter. But I noticed the degree of his foulness rise when he showed physical signs of greater pain. Something of this sort may be the reason for Mag's unchangeable behavior. She's not simply ornery, or stubborn, or lazy for no reason. The pain drives her to it."
"If this is true, assigning her to labor is sure to fail as the pain would prevent her from finishing the sentence. Requiring service instead gives us flexibility to look into this matter. I want to have someone well trained in medicine examine her. If a way can be found to cure her problem, her behavior might change."
"Of course I may be wrong, or there might be no cure. But if so, we're no worse off than we are now."
Amandine looks from person to person, waiting to hear what they think.
Nodding at Amandine's perspective of the woman on trial, he agrees.
"Yes, I didn't specifically notice it before, but the signs ARE there. Long term trauma is difficult to identify, and even more difficult to manage or remove however... Hers is physical, and I had assumed they were emotional or mental. Such is a more common result with such behaviors from my experience."
He waves at the ceiling and wiggles his fingers.
"There is always magic. A strong healing magic like a 'Heal' spell or 'Regeneration' spell might remove her pain. A minor 'Wish' spell too would be more than enough I think...but I'm not a healer by trade. Please note that those are some of the more expensive magics too, unless one of us can provide such important magics? We also might be able to find alchemy or some potion of similar nature that removes pain for much less cost. Alcohol obviously works too, but it also makes her more belligerent. Such minor things could be offered as incentive to help her work painlessly and diligently too."
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"It will be a very long time before I can cast anything even close to a miracle, if ever. I hope some day I can do such things in service." Olivia says. "If you both see her having some sort of illness, I believe you. If she can be cured, or even treated while still being a proper citizen, then by all means. I still think the townsfolk will want to see some form of justice, though. She has committed crimes, and despite being ill, she's still responsible for her actions."
Nodding, Dro'gan doesn't hesitate to agree with Lady Olivia.
"Absolutely. I'm just saying make it part of her judgement. If she works hard to do as the judge requires and tries to exceed our expectations, we offer the possibility of removing her pain at some point when we can afford it or can trade for it. Also, we could offer her some sort of basic pain remediation while she is working too. Truthfully, making her do manual labor of any sort with the kind of pain she has would be a form of torture itself really. But that could be part of her punishment if you wanted it as well, but she might break at that and try to run off. I really don't envy Amandine's decision here."
It's clear from Amandine's long pause and her expression she is unsure how to answer the questions being raised.
"I haven't had much time to think about the details. Hopefully we can find tasks to keep her occupied for a few days until we can find someone to examine her, and we can gather some of her history to find if she did suffer some serious injury in the past. I'm open to any ideas you have."
"When we know the results, we would be able to tailor her service to exclude things she would not be able to do. It's also very possible she will be found fit, or that there's no remedy within our very limited means for her incapacity. While I think I'm correct, I'm still following a hunch."
"Changing the wording of the sentence from 'labor' to 'service' doesn't exclude labor, it widens our options. If it is possible for her to perform labor, it should be part of the sentence. But the point of the sentence is to make it possible for her to complete it while applying pressure through a harsher sentence to replace the milder one if she refuses."
"I don't see any value in the stocks. Putting her in the stocks would satisfy those residents who want to see retribution, but it does nothing to solve the problem. We would have a month at least to demonstrate to the village she is paying for her misdeeds. If anything goes wrong during that time banishment is the next step, and that is a harsher punishment than some time in the stocks."
Greenly rolls her eyes at Bartolo and passes the time by watching her cracked ioun stone orbit her head, oblivious to all around her.
"So Amandy, should I, like, get everyone back in here or something?" she asks when Amandine finishes.
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Amandine nods in the affirmative for Greenly and Olivia to bring the crowd back in.
Best to get the done and over quickly. At the very least I've come to agree with Mags on that part. Nothing coming is going to be worse than the waiting.
She doesn't imagine her feelings can compare at all to the dread Mags is probably feeling, but Amandine also dreads the sentencing. She has no solid reason to think the sentence she has devised will work. Amandine worries she has overthought the trial, trying to fix things and taking risks, when instead she should opt for for a simple solution just to get the trial out of the way.
But, everyone has been in agreement about trying sincerely to turn the page for Stachys, to improve lives there. A pledge of that kind can't be limited to only rebuilding some infrastructure and attracting more residents. It has to include the law as well. If her role in the Meratt mission has saddled her with the legal responsibilities, Amandine believes she has to act responsibly in carrying them out. That means starting now; and simple rulings for the sake her own convenience won't do.
If things go sour in Stachys, at least I can explain why I'm choosing this hill to die on.
When Olivia and Greenly have the crowd back inside and sufficiently quieted, Amandine raises her arms to gain everyone's attention.
"I have considered the criminal complaints brought against Ms. Lucinia Mag, and her statements regarding those complaints. Because Ms. Lucinia has stated she is guilty of the crimes of assaulting Ms. Onora Piscum and theft, the verdict against her is 'guilty'."
Amandine looks at Mags. "Ms. Lucinia Mag, stand now so you may hear your sentence."
When Mags is on her feet, Amandine continues.
"Assault and theft are serious crimes. But your willingness to admit your guilt is to your credit. I see your forthrightness as a sign you may still be able to turn over a new leaf and become a valuable and respectable member of this community. In light of this possibility you will spend a period of one month in service to this community. I and my household will determine the specifics of the service. At night you will be confined within Betony Manor."
"To your discredit Ms. Lucinia, I am also aware that you have a history of repeated offenses, and of not abiding by previous sentences when you have been guilty of breaking the law."
"Keeping your poor past decisions in mind, I will also now lay out for you the series of consequences that will follow should you fail to complete your sentence or engage in criminality while serving it."
"If you do not complete 30 consecutive days of community service, fail to return to Betony Manor in the evening, or commit any new crimes, your sentence will immediately be converted to banishment for a period of two years."
"If you are banished and you return to Stachys before two years have passed, your sentence will immediately be converted to death."
"By giving you this opportunity to make restitution to Stachys, this court is placing trust in you Ms. Luciana. If you violate this trust, the consequences to you will be severe. You will complete one of these three sentences, best you complete the first one."
Before anyone can comment, Dro'gan stands next to Mags, and loudly proclaims in his best 'supportive' voice:
"Praise the excellent wisdom of the Lady! Taldor justice is served!"
At the announcement of the verdict, Bartolo stands up, barely containing his energy. "Excellent, clear and concise.", he claps his hands. "Now that matter of the day's concluded, and we've given the town it's fare of bread and circuses. I'll politely ask the keepers of the house to prepare the guest's premises." Rubbing his palms, he turns towards the rest. "We can endevour to solve the other, one may argue, more pressing issues plaguing this town, and they plague it well."
The verdict elicits surprise from the assembled residents of Stachys. However, that surprise soon converts to satisfaction and approval. The longtime residents accept that a different approach might finally manage a change in Mag's disposition. What's more, many members of the audience contemplate this new approach to justice and the new noblewoman who put it forward, and they begin to suspect that maybe, just maybe, things will get better around Stachys.
Satisfied with the justice delivered, the locals quickly pour our from Betony Manor to return to their homes and fields. The domovoi, as cats, watch every one of them warily, looking for signs that they might have purloined even the smallest item from the manor.
"I could only follow some of your tense deliberations." Onora says, the last one to leave. "For what it's worth, I'm impressed. Well, maybe I should hold back on saying that until Mag's put in a couple days' work. Still, that went well. I think you managed to appease the crowd, anyhow."
As the day winds down, consumed by the trial proceedings, Photinè brings forth the bit of stationary that arrived two days prior. She reminds you of your next challenge, one of a decidedly different sort: tea at Dame Crabbe's home.
Amandine feels very drained by the end of the trial. She thanks Onora for her support, and also takes the opportunity to ask her a question.
"Who would you say has the deepest medical knowledge in Meratt? We need an examination, and it may be a difficult diagnosis."
Amandine doesn't mention who it is for.
Greenly gasps at Photinè's announcement. "Ooh, maybe I can finally try my hand at trucco. I was too busy, like, winning the joust to smash balls with the Crabbes."
"Unless you are keen to the notion of being hounded by a frustrated Dame Crabbe, you'll need to visit her home the day after tomorrow," Photinè replies. "I hope you won't mind terribly if I excuse myself and stay here to attend to other matters."
There is little remorse hidden in your friend's voice when she makes this request.
Once Mags is sequestered and locked up for the night, Dro'gan will inquire upon the group's next assignment.
"Can someone inform me of Dame Crabbe? What is her specific role here and why/which/how are we trying to influence her? I just need context. Once I know more specifics I can suggest how my talents can be used to help."
Greenly examines her nails and yaws away on some cheese or something else edible she found.
"She has no role. She, like, is a knight or whatever in the service of Count Jackass and is the political leader of the teensy township of Moost. But she's also a gossip and if we, like, get on her bad side, then she'll slander us and hurt our standing here. Gotta take tea with her and play nice. She's also a huge godsdamned flirt, so, like, enjoy that. Prolly will try to get you to, like, woo her sad ass daughter in front of everyone, too."
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"She's an overbearing mother who's managed to silence her daughter Sepsinia in everlasting depression. She's trying to marry her daughter off to high nobility, and doesn't seem to care how lecherous the man is. I want to save Sepsinia and shall we call it 'bring her back to life', but I have no idea how."
Photine's reminder elicits a grimace from Amandine.
Damn, so much to do before then.
"We should start with getting Mags settled in a room we can secure. We will have to find some things for her to do toward her sentence for two or three days until we've returned. Hopefully you and Chana can handle that while we're gone Photine? Perhaps by the time we've returned we can get Mags's physical condition examined."
"Bartolo and Dro'gan also need to be brought up to current about what we know so far about Meratt and the major actors here. I'll take care of that part. I won't be able to make it to dinner this evening. Will someone please see to it Calix eats a vegetable?"
Amandine retires to her room. She isn't seen again until breakfast the next morning. She comes to the meal looking like she could really have done with more sleep, and with two copies of a handwritten document about a dozen pages long. She hands one copy to Bartolo and the other to Dro'gan.
"This details our most currant information about Meratt. It includes profiles of all of the individuals among the local aristocracy who were present at the Tanager Jubilee, or who were mentioned there, as well as their notable retainers."
"You will need to memorize the contents and return the whole document to me for destruction before we leave for our visit with Dame Crabbe."
Returning a few hours later 'better informed' Dro'gan offers his advice on the Dame situation.
"Sounds to me the easiest way to deal with both the mother and daughter is marry her daughter off to someone of 'possible' high nobility, and make sure the Dame understands we helped manage it. That would make her indebted to you AND make both her and the daughter happier I think. I would offer my services as presumptive husband, but I'm afraid my ancestry would call me out eventually, even with the best makeup and magic. Bartolo you remain unmarried? Your family is some form of old nobility right? Interested in a political marriage? You would be rescuing a pretty young woman from her horrific mother and helping our dear Taldorian princess in the end too."
Pausing only for a moment, Dro'gan offer a single thought.
"Has anybody talked to Sipsinia on what SHE wants? She may also have insights into the Dame, or the situation, none of us could possible have. Always skeletons in the closets so to speak..."
Waving his hand dismissively, he continues.
"I could alter my appearance again and then offer my services to the Dame's estate before your meeting if you wish? See if I can infiltrate a bit and gather information. Maybe plant some seeds in your favor in advance. Or I can simply ride along as your footman/servant for the entire endeavor as Gandro. Less direct access, but still possibly valuable. We can also introduce Bartolo there as a possible suitor, if we can manage the details correctly."
Bartolo brays dismissively at the mention of Dame Crabbe and her character. "Awful!", he shakes his head. "I can handle the lecherousness of an aged hag, that's not a worry. I could have a conversation with the young lady, one person annoyed with their kin with another."
Chuckling at Dro'gan's suggestion, the nobleman crosses his arms. "Bah! Considering my personal standing with my family, anyone marrying me will be met by poison, be it social or literal! Not to say, the only one arranging my marriage will be myself and my potential bride, whom I have no desire to meet just yet." Rubbing a hand across his trimmed beard, he adds. "Though, I'd be more than willing to play the part, should it be required. "
Snapping his finger for the follow-up, he nods. "True. I've always found that when one keeps their hands, minds and wits busy, malaise struggles to find the chance to schedule an appointment! There's nawt to say we shouldn't ask the young lady for her opinions and thoughts, as it's brutally obvious few others do."
In the morning, Bartolo is dressed up in his travelling attire as the letter from Amandine finds its way in his hands. Giving a long, scrutinising look at the woman, he sits down on the side of the couch and lets the lute hang next to him. A few minutes later, filled with the occasional chuckle and a loud grumble, he nods, turning the letter back over to Amandine. "Courts are courts, whether it's in Oppara, or in this overgrown countryside. Thank you for bringing me to speed, and I'll be sure to repay that in kind." Putting on his hat and curling the feather, he adds. "I'm off to Stachys. I've buildings to view, farms to inspect, and shinemakers to instruct. I'll prepare a list of what we may wish to present to the good count, were we keen to ask for his favour in aiding the town."
Before she retires back to Stachys and the Wolf's Whisker, Onora admits that she doesn't know any doctors, surgeons, or even barbers in the area. She suggests that your best chance at finding someone with medical knowledge would be asking around in Lotheedar.
Later, when talk turns to tomorrow's business, Photinè - having thrown herself into the role of seneschal for the household - calls the party's attention to the framed map of the county in the drawing room.
"Moost, the village around the Crabbe estate, sits on the far western end of the county. It's a distance of about 55 miles, so it might be wise to get an early start on the trip tomorrow. Might I suggest departing in the afternoon, stopping in Lotheedar for the evening and using the time to inquire after a doctor, then pressing on to the Crabbe estate on the following morning?"
Photinè also reminds the party that the materials and workmen donated by Baron Okerra should arrive tomorrow, so Mag could be put to work in the morning helping with the first of the renovations in Stachys.
The lowest noble rank in Taldor is the knight. Newly awarded nobles almost always begin at this rank, especially those who achieve the rank through military service. The second category of nobles referred to as "Sir" or "Dame" are the lords. The primary difference between knights and lords is whether or not they hold land of their own.
While knighthood is not inherited, lordship is. Thus, should Dame Parthena Crabbe pass on, Sepsinia would inherit the ladyship and ownership of their estate.
Dame Crabbe is middle aged, although she does her best to disguise this with makeup and jewelry.
Nodding at Photine's words, Dro'gan asks for a minute with Amandine.
"If I may lady? Would you object if I traveled tonight to Moost? I would like to get a 'lay of the land' and see if we might find allies or information that we could use in advance of our meeting with Dame Crabbe. Once you arrive in Moost, then we can meet back up and I can appear as Gandro again if needed."
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"You can definitely ask her if you wish, but I wouldn't expect an answer if I were you. I couldn't get more than a couple words out of her in the entire event. She's in a really bad place. But thank you for not suddenly jumping to marrying her, Bartolo. I think there are a lot of men who would try to claim saving Sepsinia from her mother, while their real motivations are far from just."
Olivia busies herself in fixing up a place for Mag. She's trying to balance comfort with security, but it proves a challenge since nowhere is really designed to be a cell. The locks don't work from the other side, there are windows everywhere, and it isn't like she just happens to have fetters to secure Mag with.
Greenly volunteers her silk rope to Olivia.
"Frankly, from what I've personally seen, the strongest prison is that of the mind. If the woman is keen on making her escape, there's little point in binding her in a dim room and earning her envy.", the nobleman replies to the suggestion. "Were it me, I'd simply mention that were she to escape, she'd best not return for a couple of years."
Crossing his arms to furrow his brow at the knight, Bartolo's bolsterous voice retorts, "I'm the other type of cad, my Lady Espinosa! There's little that a political marriage can give me, that I'd want right now, and it would cost me personally far more than I'm willing to pay." Sighing deeply, he adds in a more firey tone, "Moping nobles should be aided in working for their land and people, not being shipped around as a prised mare to be won at a tourney! I'd certainly welcome a chat with the young woman, but only to help her see that the first person to stoke the flames of your ambition and grip their fate is themselves."
Smirking, Dro'gan can't help but comment at Bartolo's words.
"Sounds to me like you are perfect for the Dame's daughter then. By the gods...you never know! You could fall for her. Just remember you could 'inspire' her to fall for you, whether you like it or not, with such inspirational words. Lion's Rule#4: Never...EVER...underestimate desperate people. Besides, leading a blind person from the cliff doesn't help if you let them fall into a dragon's den on their way home..."
Amandine is unhappy there isn't a room with a door that can be adequatey locked, but concedes Bartolo's point.
"Tying her up every night for a month straight isn't reasonable. She knows what will happen if she leaves, and bed checks can be done late and early. The honor system will have to suffice."
She's fine with Dro'gan going to Moost ahead of the rest of them.
"Just be sure to keep a very low profile."
Dro'gan bows easily and deeply, trying to set the woman's mind at ease.
"That goes without saying...unless something urgently becomes necessary to be bold and obvious. I will use my best discretion of course Lady Amandine, and will also do my best not to embarrass you...or the cause. I will find you, but keep an eye for a signal or message from me if you do not see me appear once you reach Moost. I may have laid a plan in motion that requires tending directly that may delay me. If you doubt any signal or message you receive, I will add the code words: 'Peacock Spirit' to any I truly send. Anything else will be false or meant to be misleading on purpose and is to be ignored or considered to be a warning. Agreed? Don't worry my Lady. I don't think Moost will be a hotbed of intrigue, but I believe to always be prepared in advance whenever I can. Lion's Rule#2: A sharp mind is the sharpest Blade of all!"
He then gives some advice to the others with regards to Mags.
"Take the advice or not, but I suggest you find a large closet or pantry. Then wedge the door shut from outside with hammers and wooden wedges until a heavy latch or lock can be fabricated. Ask the Fae to take turns simply keeping an eye on her door while she is here, offer them extra treats in exchange. They can alert us immediately quite easily. Then give her heavily watered wine and some buttered bread for her meals here. The watered wine should help her sleep at least, but keep her from becoming belligerent or screaming in constant pain or a drunkard's withdrawal while she's here."
Turning to Bartolo again, Dro'gan will again politely bow.
"I have a mission. Could I borrow you excellent horse for a day or two? I promise to return him to you once you reach Moost."
"Fie on that," Mag barks, leaning against a door frame. Her interjection comes in response to Dro'gan's suggestion. "You ain't sealing me in no pantry or cellar. You don't need to. I ain't going anywhere. I'm done running."
She eases herself off the door frame. For a moment, it seems like she will approach, but instead she merely scratches her rear.
"I overheard you talking about doctors and such. Talking about fixing me, getting rid of the pain. I ain't going to do nothing that'll make you change your mind about that. I'll play along if it'll make the pain go away."