Valaith grits her teeth in annoyance with this ‘governor’ and did not quite understand the nuances of power and control in the small people society. When the man turned away from them she looks at the others expectantly. “I do not understand. Is that his way of saying he wants us to leave?”

"Fer now," Bründir manages to whisper through clenched teeth, "Ye get paid in freedom from bein' locked aw'y. Assault, trespassin', an' jest bein' a plain arse...ye're lucky I don' lock ye'way m'self." Bründir hustles out of the office while herding the others - more pushing for the larger ones - out of the office.

“First of all, I haven’t touched anyone so there is no assault.  Second, this is an office filled by an elected official making it public property and therefore not trespassing. And lastly societal and economical infrastructure is based on a system of trade between goods and services.  If we are providing a service In order for there to be order we must be paid.  I might bear the Swiftstep name but I am no criminal!”  Archibald is becoming blue in the face because he hasn’t taken a breath yet as he is walking out of the building.

"If we had charged into Chief Gartul's tent like that, he would've stopped the meeting to shred us with his cleaver." Vark remarks, mostly to himself. The half-orc didn't have much experience with cultures beyond his own. "Uhm... anyway, uhh do any of you know where we can find Anders?" he asks, looking at the dwarves and Sylelor.

"Quenlan Row." Valaith offered the answer to Vark's question. "Not that I know where that is..." She looks to the locals and smiles. While she follows behind the others, she tries to work out the answers to the strange gnomish riddle that Archie had just spouted while they were exiting the building. 'If he's not good at being governor, why is he doing it?'

Hurrig starts walking towards Anders office in the barracks. "Well that was a bust, thought that was gonna go a lot better."

"Listen ye flow'ry twit, Gov'nor Quinton's done us right, even if he's ne'er been th' best. As f'the assault, ye can look t'the elf 'ere an'is loose bow." Bründir points across town, "We can fin' Anders this way."

Syl looks at Bründir, "They were the ones who insulted my parentage."

Valaith looks at Syl with a strange look. "Is that how your kind handles disputes? If one of my people insults another we settle it with fists, not arrows." She shrugs. "A strange custom, but my uncle always said you northern folk's blood runs hot and..." She suddenly falls silent as the smile slips from her face. He glances back to Brundir. "This way you said?"

Archibald put his hand on Valaiths back “things get a little hectic when you mix different kinds of people.”  Some don’t like others just fer the sake of their heritage or bloodline.  Kind of like if people think you’re just a crazed barbarian.... the arrow, that was just a message.... you got some long legs, I bet it’s real easy to walk in the snow for you, how bout a lift?”

"Don't let em git to ya, cheap labor comes with cheap attitudes. Anders'll be able to help us out."

“My anger just takes over sometimes. Especially when my family is involved. I know what I did was stupid. “ Syl states Solemnly as they continued walking. 

I'm picturing this little gnome reaching way up to put his hand on Valaith's back and patting her on the ass instead! lol

Valaith glances down when she suddenly feels a hand touching her lower back. "I'm used to such thoughts being directed at me. Especially by dwarves, they typically don't like my kind. I heard a word once that someone told me. They said it meant when people believe things about you simply because of what you are and not who you are." She shakes her head. "And yes, it is easy to walk in this snow." She removes the hand from her back. "Your legs are not broken. You can walk."

In the end I had to go with the old goliath ways of self sufficiency! At least for now, Valaith is slow to trust new folks after all the bad treatment she received during her long journey north. 

“Yeah, but one of your steps are like 4 of mine.... I’m working four times harder than you here.  Just so you know.”  Archibald says with a wink as he continues to walk next to valaith.  (Being overly dramatic and putting on a show a bit)

After a short walk across Quenlan Row the party arrive outside the barracks. It's a broad, squat affair of only a single story. The outer wall is a ten foot palisade of thick logs that breaks on one side for a large double-doored gate leading into the inner yard. The gate's tall doors stand wide open and inside it can be seen that a continuous building runs along the inside of the wall. Those familiar with Sheercleft know that Anders' office can be found inside at the back.

Two guards flank the gate on each side, much as they did before. They narrow their eyes when they see Syl with the group and their hands twist around the hafts of the pikes they hold besides them. Clearly word of his behaviour has spread.

"Come to beg Anders for your job, savage?" One asks, spitting n the snow.

Archibald rolls his eyes and puffs up as he passes his dwarven compatriots.  There are no savages here, nothing but outstanding gentlemen and ladies.  WE are here under the orders of governor Quinton himself, here to speak with Anders about a job we already have.  It’s probably not as glamorous as standing like slack yokels and being ignorant, but it looks like they already have the best for that.  So either send word or out arrival or let’s us pass by, or gives us your names so Quinton will know exactly who is responsible for slowing down official business.” in classic Archibald fashion, he continues to walk pass the guards

The guards roll their eyes at each other, but do not otherwise attempt to prevent Archie from passing.

"*****," one mutters as the gnome strolls by.

Bründir steps forward, looking clearly frustrated by the whole affair, "Jonny, do w'need t'go back to when ye hit th' floor after two drinks just this week? Let us see Anders, we've got business."

Jonny blushes slightly, although in the cold weather it's barely noticeable, and stands a little more upright.

"Uh, sorry Bründir. He's in the back. Um, carry on."

He looks off into the distance as though suddenly very occupied by guard duty.

Archibald nods in appreciation to Brundir and waits for him to lead the way.