Astella listens politely to the council, putting in a good word here and there if any of the members need convincing.
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[ooc]Question for the team: The infiltration team would focus on opening the gates mainly.
All things getting considered, the doubters get convinced by their fellow council members.
During the following 4 days, a group from Fairhaven heads for Fairbrook to collect those willing to participate in the covert mission. They return with two from Fairbrook, which includes the redhead ranger.
From Fairhaven, a trio complete the team.
Infiltration team consists of a muscle, ranger, cleric, rogue, and a jack of all trades.
Fairhaven constructs a several 10ft wide portable barriers. It looks like a large portable version of those woven fences, but high as a tower shield. By plan, about 40 able townsfolk will assist in the diversion, carrying the barriers and fighting if need be. Generally divided into smaller groups.
However, with Estelle and Strom staying in town, the town asks for a cleric to join you.
"AND FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODS, TOMAS, DON'T FORGET TO BOIL THE BANDAGES FIRST!!!"
Strident alto tones resonate through the street. A much quieter tenor offers muttered reply. "No, Tomas, I don't know when I'll be back. You are more than capable-- for f%!&'s sake would you stop asking and get back to the temple! NOW!!!!! One set of approaching footsteps scampers off, moving away from you, while another set approached with a determined march.
Rounding the corner is a human woman, clad in white and blue robes, with auburn hair pulled back at the sides but streaming down past the creamy vestments. A shield and mace are stowed over her back and a satchel is slung over her shoulder. Flushed and scowling she quickly rearranges the expression as she espies the party and any assembled townsfolk. Smiling sweetly, she does her best to summon dulcet tones. "Good lords of Harmondale, I understand you are in need for the services of a healer for a mission. I am Sister Seska, in service to St. Elaine--and of course, to all of you."
Managing to keep a straight face, Astella ignores the overheard conversation and replies politely.
Welcome Sister Seska. We are indeed in need of a healer. Thank you for agreeing to join us.
She looks the Cleric up and down.
Have you by chance ever been in a battle, or, uh, a fight of any kind?
"No, I just carry a mace and a shield for fun-" Seska mutters, then pauses and catches herself. She smiles. "Forgive me. That is to say, like nearly all of us here, I got caught up in the conflict years ago. My parents had been part of the militia and taught me to fight as well as field medicine. I was too young, at the time, to enlist, but I first worked as a supply runner and still had to keep the raiders off my tail. While blessed St. Elaine has smiled upon my undeserving self and led me on the path to the healing arts, I have no issue crushing the soulless skulls of the horde if I must." She sustains her sweet tone throughout. "And you? I regret to say I don't know your names or what you do."
Astella looks relieved that the woman seems to have experience and isn't just a temple acolyte.
Ah, yes, that makes sense. ... Caught up in the conflict. I'm Astella. I was orphaned in the war and have been fighting to survive ever since. Our group came together originally to compete in a contest to win a bit of land and a new start. We won, but the situation is much more complicated than expected, and so here we are, still trying to prove ourselves and protect the people on the land that we have deed to. If you join us, you are guaranteed a place with us there if you want it. Although, to claim it we will still have to fight for it. We ran goblins out of the castle, and it still needs massive repairs.
Anyway, getting ahead of myself. Focusing on this mission, the job is to create a distraction so that another group can infiltrate with the information that we've gathered. We might get hurt because our job is to be noticed and draw attention, most of it hostile, I'm sure.
Seska's strained smile relaxes into a genuine sympathetic look. "My parents died in the war too. High time we stop such tragedies from happening again, so I'll happily help you fight for this land and keep it. And the two things I'm good at are being loud and healing hurts."
Astella laughs.
Okay, perfect. Glad to have you on board.
Severa smiles and bows politely in the elven fashion to Seska. "Greetings, Seska. I am Severa Elanariel. You may simply call me Seska. I am an ambassador's apprentice from Avlee, attempting to help calm these lands where those like you have seen such trouble. I am an illusionist and somewhat inclined toward social charms and stealth."