Veldan was all too familiar with wearing different faces for different circumstances, so the radical shift in demeanor didn't worry him one bit. In fact, he returned the saccharine smile and shook the dwarf's hand with gusto. "You are too kind, Commander Broodfist, far too kind!" He exclaimed dramatically. "I'd not neglect to mention the excellent response time of Emon's forces, under your command, to the high council. After all, it is thanks to your impressive structure that we were able to deal with such a threat promptly and efficiently!"
Stepping backwards beside Tal, the wizard reached over to take the bag containing the gathered hoard from the archer's hands, still facing the Commander with a smile. "And of course we've brought the stolen goods with us, here I'll just-"
Turning to the small kobold, Krenak knelt down and replied quietly so as to not interrupt the others, "Shaking hands is a form of greeting for the tall ones above ground. I believe it started as a way to show that you had no weapons in hand and thus have come to meet peacefully. It is strange, I know, but all customs are to those new to it." Standing back up, as Tal started bringing out the stolen goods from Highness's ill-gotten hoard, Krenak asked Broodfist, "Madam, would it be possible for I to stay with the little cousin here? I mean no disrespect, but kobolds, especially after the attacks by the Conclave, have not been treated fairly, even when encountered under peaceful circumstances. I fear that there might be some guards among your men that would treat him harshly, and mayhaps even harm him."
Broodfist listens to Krenak with focused attention, ponders for a moment, and nods. “Very well. We wouldn’t want any harm coming to a potential ally, of course. As long as you keep him out of trouble. We’ll have to pick him up sometime tomorrow for his testimony to the Council, so I’ll need to know where you’ll be residing for the evening.”
"I will be staying at the Dying Drake, ma'am, and I shall endeavor to keep an eye on our small companion here, two if I can spare it!" Krenak said with a laugh at his little joke.
Tal stiffens at Veldan's approach and his asking for the stolen goods. Something felt wrong about this, he doubted that a woman of such high stature was going to tell the council that she couldn't protect her own people and needed mercenaries to help do her job. Dwarves were never in line with elves and Tal couldn't shake the sinking feeling she was asking them to sign their own death warrents. If they gave her the goods and the dragon head to show the council what went on down there what proof was there that proved that their group actually did any of this? It was the word of a Military officer against theirs and Tal didn't like it one bit.
In Sylvan, Tal whispered to Veldan, "I don't think we should give all our proof away...something seems wrong about all of this." He prayed to the gods that she didn't hear or know the language.
Veldan grunted a little at the resistance Tal provided. His smile widened apologetically to the Commander before he turned his head to Tal, enough to obsucure his lips. "Our proof consists of stolen goods, Thalanil. If she wants to sell us up the river, it'll be that much easier with these things on our persons. Let the dwarf steal the glory as long as we have our pay." He replied in Sylvan, then pulled the sack from Tal's hand and held it up as if to hand it over, then paused.
"Ah, of course, before we hand the hoard and head, we'll need to see the promised coin, as well as an affidavit with your prestigious seal. You know, to keep these things all above board. There wasn't enough time to write up contracts beforehand, and I wouldn't want you to be accused of offering work under the table, after all!"
"The Dying Drake. A fine establishment! Now, let's-"Broodfist begins, but is cut off by Razz's abrupt exit. "Erm... Odd. Well, no matter, you'll still receive your pay..."
She stops when she realizes that there is some whispering happening right in front of her. "Everything alright there, gents? It isn't very kind to conspire in a foreign tongue in front of those who cannot understand you. You can speak your piece if you like."
When Veldan offers the pouch of goods, she reaches out to take it but stops upon hearing Veldan's words. "An... affidavit. Why, of course, how could I forget to write a contract?"Broodfist lets out a laugh and pulls a piece of parchment from the desk along with a quill and records a brief contract. "'As commander of the Azalea Street Precinct of the Central District of the City of Emon, I, Werryd Broodfist, hereby authorize the investigation into the recent brutal attacks on our citizens to those in possession of this contract.' Sound alright to you, Ser Veldan?"
Veldan leaned forward a bit to read the note upside down. "...'and have been compensated to the amount of one-hundred gold per individual upon identification of the potential source of said attacks and submission of information to my', that is your, 'office.' Yes, that sounds fantastic!" Veldan beamed as he suggested the final addition before setting the heavy sack of coin and goods onto the Commander's desk with a heavy thud. With a bow, Veldan took a long step back and glanced at Tal.
"Go on and take the Commander's contract, so as to put your mind at ease, my friend." He urged in Common.
Seeing the conversations transpire in front of him, Shaw remained silent. He could see the worried look on Tal's face. He was about to turn and whisper something to Razz, but he had already left the room past him. "Veldan, you and Commander Broodfist seem to have the technicalities taken care of. I feel I am overdue for prayer." Shaw announced to room. He walked past Tal and whispered, "I feel uneasy about this and for the safety of the Kobold's in the sewer," however, Shaw continued moving out the door. "We should all meet back at the Dying Drake. Veldan can collect the money on my behalf." Shaw said with a raised hand as he left and attempted to catch up to Razz.
"Forgive my rudeness, ma'am," Krenak apologized with a small bow. "My friend here finds it easier to speak in the language of dragons than in the more common tongue. I shall try to keep to the trade language while in your presence. If that concludes our meeting, I shall escort this fine kobold to our rooms and wait for the coming day." With that and another courtly bow, Krenak took Erxuk and left for the Dying Drake.
Shaw heard Krenak leave the room after him. Shaw whirled around and in a quiet whisper so that only Krenak could hear. "This seems almost too simple and convenient. We find the spawn of the Cinderking underneath Emon and it's nothing but smiles and paperwork. Not to place blame, but some of those Kobolds killed citizens and served an evil creature in the eyes of Commander Broodfist. In Vasselheim, they would send every member of the Slayer's Take down into those sewer's to exterminate the threat, just to make sure. Can we really expect them not to do the same?"
Tal felt as if weights were on his legs. He forced them to move one step at a time to the desk. Only one thought wondered through his mind, 'This is what I hate most about cities, not the crowded streets or the crime, it was the web that the upper class wove to gain riches or power, the thought that the acts of the few decides the fate of the many.' Tal was so sure that tomorrow something would go wrong but he didn't know if he could live with the consequences of such a fate.
Deftly he grabbed the note. To think, such a small piece of paper would be security for him and his party yet it in no way ensured Erxuk's people's safety...then he remembered his manners at long last, "Thank you for your quick action in this matter commander, I'm sure whatever comes tomorrow, hopefully it will ensure what is best for Emon and the rest of Tal'dorei." Curtly he folded the note and without waiting for an answer he brushed past Veldan and out the door holding back some rage and tears. What was it he was focused on this morning, money?! What good was money that was tainted by the fact that it might come at the death of an entire people?! He prayed that tomorrow the council and Broodfist would at least listen to Erxuk and not ask for genocide. Perhaps his fears were unfounded; but at the same time he knew a little bit of history, and he knew dwarves had supported Drassig in his tyrannical rule. He only hoped the council wouldn't follow his example.
Veldan raised a brow, watching Tal leave while having to strain a bit to keep up his smile. It was then that he realized that he and Adran were the last ones left in the room. With a sigh, he turned back to the Commander.
"My apologies, we don't all have experience attending to important figures. I can attest that they are all brilliant combatants, however." He said with a wink. "My dear Adran here will take the purses and ensure that everyone recieves their share." He assured, and remained at attention, waiting to be dismissed.
Krenak's jaw clenched at the mere thought of pointless slaughter for an entire people. "If it comes to that...If it comes to that, my course is set," he said ominously to Shaw. "I believe that I shall escort Erxuk to the meeting tomorrow to make sure things go peacefully. If possible, would it be possible for one of you magic casters to keep an eye on the tribe down in the sewers to make sure nobody takes any...preemptive actions?"
Shaw stood in slight shock from Krenak's response, thoroughly impressed by the quick resolve and intensity shown by Krenak. "Your scales truly reflect your integrity, Krenak. I don't believe I've fully introduced myself before we were thrown into this mess, Shawsten Spark citizen of Vasselheim, acolyte to Bahamut. I apologize for my earlier quips regarding the Changebringer, I can be judgmental at times when it comes to the gods." Shaw reached out a hand, "Pleasure to meet you, formally. We should regroup with everyone else and discuss our circumstances. I believe everyone will be at the Dying Drake shortly."
"Hold on there, Ser, the pay I am offering is one hundred gold for the entire party," Broodfist says with a look of annoyance growing on her face. "My precinct simply cannot afford to be so generous; one hundred total is all you will get... But... as a show of good faith, I am willing to put forward some of my own personal funds toward the pot."
She opens a drawer in her desk and removes a small lockbox, opening it up with a small key and produces a small purse. Broodfist sets it next to the larger purse containing your previously agreed-upon reward. "Five platinum pieces are in that wee thing, bumping your reward up to one hundred and fifty. That is all you are going to get."
The commander writes out another contract identical to the other, but this time adds information about the payment. She signs it and hands it to you and gestures for Adran to pick up the purses, which he does while narrowing his eyes at the dwarf on the other side of the desk.
"Now, please, go. I must prepare to address the Council about... this," She indicates the dragon head and chuckles with disbelief.
As Veldan and his retainer leave the building and head toward the Dying Drake. "Shocking that the stout one was willing to part with some of her own coin to get you off her back," Adran says. "I cannot tell you what these humans must see in dwarves, putting them in charge of a district guard like that."
Meanwhile, the Dying Drake is busy as ever. The band plays in the corner, the patrons are drinking, and Callie the halfling is at the bar serving patrons. Seeing you all come in, she waves and moves toward you, but stays behind the bar. "Well I thought that little incident this afternoon might have scared you off, but here you... are..." She says with a smile that turns to wariness as she sees the nervous and confused-looking kobold shifting his gaze all over the room. "Um... friend of yours? If he doesn't cause any trouble, he's welcome, I suppose..."
"You're too kind. It has been a pleasure, Commander Broodfist." Veldan's smile remained transfixed on his face as he takes the parchment with another bow, then turns and makes his way out with Adran, a quickness to his steps. "Of course she did. The Commander is going to take credit for our accomplishment. To do that cleanly, she'd prefer I left happy, and coin from her own purse need not be reported." He explained, hands laced behind his back as he made his way to the Dying Drake. "Dwarves are unbearably miserly and pig-headed to boot. From that perspective, they make for perfect low-level bureaucrats." He flashed a smile over his shoulder at Adran, then motioned towards the tavern in the distance. "Come, we must stop and deliver the others their coin."
Stepping into the Dying Drake, he'd find everybody else already arrived. Putting on another smile, Veldan approached the group. "I did the best I could with our dear Commander, but I was only able to get another five platinum out of the pincher I'm afraid. Nevertheless, Adran, please distribute to these fine men their well-earned shares."
"Please do now worry, my dear, Erxuk here is a perfectly fine gentleman," Krenak said with a wide, toothy grin. "Indeed, without his help, we might not have survived the troubles we face! He is a bit shy around so many new faces, though, so would it be possible to have dinner brought up to my room for the two of us?"
~~~~~~~~~~
As Veldan and his retainer finally arrived, Krenak gave a happy wave. "I do trust the esteemed commander wasn't too hard on you?" he said with a grin as he took his portion of the payment.
Veldan was all too familiar with wearing different faces for different circumstances, so the radical shift in demeanor didn't worry him one bit. In fact, he returned the saccharine smile and shook the dwarf's hand with gusto. "You are too kind, Commander Broodfist, far too kind!" He exclaimed dramatically. "I'd not neglect to mention the excellent response time of Emon's forces, under your command, to the high council. After all, it is thanks to your impressive structure that we were able to deal with such a threat promptly and efficiently!"
Stepping backwards beside Tal, the wizard reached over to take the bag containing the gathered hoard from the archer's hands, still facing the Commander with a smile. "And of course we've brought the stolen goods with us, here I'll just-"
Turning to the small kobold, Krenak knelt down and replied quietly so as to not interrupt the others, "Shaking hands is a form of greeting for the tall ones above ground. I believe it started as a way to show that you had no weapons in hand and thus have come to meet peacefully. It is strange, I know, but all customs are to those new to it." Standing back up, as Tal started bringing out the stolen goods from Highness's ill-gotten hoard, Krenak asked Broodfist, "Madam, would it be possible for I to stay with the little cousin here? I mean no disrespect, but kobolds, especially after the attacks by the Conclave, have not been treated fairly, even when encountered under peaceful circumstances. I fear that there might be some guards among your men that would treat him harshly, and mayhaps even harm him."
Broodfist listens to Krenak with focused attention, ponders for a moment, and nods. “Very well. We wouldn’t want any harm coming to a potential ally, of course. As long as you keep him out of trouble. We’ll have to pick him up sometime tomorrow for his testimony to the Council, so I’ll need to know where you’ll be residing for the evening.”
"I will be staying at the Dying Drake, ma'am, and I shall endeavor to keep an eye on our small companion here, two if I can spare it!" Krenak said with a laugh at his little joke.
Tal stiffens at Veldan's approach and his asking for the stolen goods. Something felt wrong about this, he doubted that a woman of such high stature was going to tell the council that she couldn't protect her own people and needed mercenaries to help do her job. Dwarves were never in line with elves and Tal couldn't shake the sinking feeling she was asking them to sign their own death warrents. If they gave her the goods and the dragon head to show the council what went on down there what proof was there that proved that their group actually did any of this? It was the word of a Military officer against theirs and Tal didn't like it one bit.
In Sylvan, Tal whispered to Veldan, "I don't think we should give all our proof away...something seems wrong about all of this." He prayed to the gods that she didn't hear or know the language.
Razz, not caring for anything states, "If we're done here, I'm gonna do something."
Without waiting for a response, Razz turns around and heads back to the Dying Drake.
Veldan grunted a little at the resistance Tal provided. His smile widened apologetically to the Commander before he turned his head to Tal, enough to obsucure his lips. "Our proof consists of stolen goods, Thalanil. If she wants to sell us up the river, it'll be that much easier with these things on our persons. Let the dwarf steal the glory as long as we have our pay." He replied in Sylvan, then pulled the sack from Tal's hand and held it up as if to hand it over, then paused.
"Ah, of course, before we hand the hoard and head, we'll need to see the promised coin, as well as an affidavit with your prestigious seal. You know, to keep these things all above board. There wasn't enough time to write up contracts beforehand, and I wouldn't want you to be accused of offering work under the table, after all!"
"The Dying Drake. A fine establishment! Now, let's-" Broodfist begins, but is cut off by Razz's abrupt exit. "Erm... Odd. Well, no matter, you'll still receive your pay..."
She stops when she realizes that there is some whispering happening right in front of her. "Everything alright there, gents? It isn't very kind to conspire in a foreign tongue in front of those who cannot understand you. You can speak your piece if you like."
When Veldan offers the pouch of goods, she reaches out to take it but stops upon hearing Veldan's words. "An... affidavit. Why, of course, how could I forget to write a contract?" Broodfist lets out a laugh and pulls a piece of parchment from the desk along with a quill and records a brief contract. "'As commander of the Azalea Street Precinct of the Central District of the City of Emon, I, Werryd Broodfist, hereby authorize the investigation into the recent brutal attacks on our citizens to those in possession of this contract.' Sound alright to you, Ser Veldan?"
Veldan leaned forward a bit to read the note upside down. "...'and have been compensated to the amount of one-hundred gold per individual upon identification of the potential source of said attacks and submission of information to my', that is your, 'office.' Yes, that sounds fantastic!" Veldan beamed as he suggested the final addition before setting the heavy sack of coin and goods onto the Commander's desk with a heavy thud. With a bow, Veldan took a long step back and glanced at Tal.
"Go on and take the Commander's contract, so as to put your mind at ease, my friend." He urged in Common.
Seeing the conversations transpire in front of him, Shaw remained silent. He could see the worried look on Tal's face. He was about to turn and whisper something to Razz, but he had already left the room past him. "Veldan, you and Commander Broodfist seem to have the technicalities taken care of. I feel I am overdue for prayer." Shaw announced to room. He walked past Tal and whispered, "I feel uneasy about this and for the safety of the Kobold's in the sewer," however, Shaw continued moving out the door. "We should all meet back at the Dying Drake. Veldan can collect the money on my behalf." Shaw said with a raised hand as he left and attempted to catch up to Razz.
"Forgive my rudeness, ma'am," Krenak apologized with a small bow. "My friend here finds it easier to speak in the language of dragons than in the more common tongue. I shall try to keep to the trade language while in your presence. If that concludes our meeting, I shall escort this fine kobold to our rooms and wait for the coming day." With that and another courtly bow, Krenak took Erxuk and left for the Dying Drake.
Shaw heard Krenak leave the room after him. Shaw whirled around and in a quiet whisper so that only Krenak could hear. "This seems almost too simple and convenient. We find the spawn of the Cinderking underneath Emon and it's nothing but smiles and paperwork. Not to place blame, but some of those Kobolds killed citizens and served an evil creature in the eyes of Commander Broodfist. In Vasselheim, they would send every member of the Slayer's Take down into those sewer's to exterminate the threat, just to make sure. Can we really expect them not to do the same?"
Tal felt as if weights were on his legs. He forced them to move one step at a time to the desk. Only one thought wondered through his mind, 'This is what I hate most about cities, not the crowded streets or the crime, it was the web that the upper class wove to gain riches or power, the thought that the acts of the few decides the fate of the many.' Tal was so sure that tomorrow something would go wrong but he didn't know if he could live with the consequences of such a fate.
Deftly he grabbed the note. To think, such a small piece of paper would be security for him and his party yet it in no way ensured Erxuk's people's safety...then he remembered his manners at long last, "Thank you for your quick action in this matter commander, I'm sure whatever comes tomorrow, hopefully it will ensure what is best for Emon and the rest of Tal'dorei." Curtly he folded the note and without waiting for an answer he brushed past Veldan and out the door holding back some rage and tears. What was it he was focused on this morning, money?! What good was money that was tainted by the fact that it might come at the death of an entire people?! He prayed that tomorrow the council and Broodfist would at least listen to Erxuk and not ask for genocide. Perhaps his fears were unfounded; but at the same time he knew a little bit of history, and he knew dwarves had supported Drassig in his tyrannical rule. He only hoped the council wouldn't follow his example.
Veldan raised a brow, watching Tal leave while having to strain a bit to keep up his smile. It was then that he realized that he and Adran were the last ones left in the room. With a sigh, he turned back to the Commander.
"My apologies, we don't all have experience attending to important figures. I can attest that they are all brilliant combatants, however." He said with a wink. "My dear Adran here will take the purses and ensure that everyone recieves their share." He assured, and remained at attention, waiting to be dismissed.
Krenak's jaw clenched at the mere thought of pointless slaughter for an entire people. "If it comes to that...If it comes to that, my course is set," he said ominously to Shaw. "I believe that I shall escort Erxuk to the meeting tomorrow to make sure things go peacefully. If possible, would it be possible for one of you magic casters to keep an eye on the tribe down in the sewers to make sure nobody takes any...preemptive actions?"
Shaw stood in slight shock from Krenak's response, thoroughly impressed by the quick resolve and intensity shown by Krenak. "Your scales truly reflect your integrity, Krenak. I don't believe I've fully introduced myself before we were thrown into this mess, Shawsten Spark citizen of Vasselheim, acolyte to Bahamut. I apologize for my earlier quips regarding the Changebringer, I can be judgmental at times when it comes to the gods." Shaw reached out a hand, "Pleasure to meet you, formally. We should regroup with everyone else and discuss our circumstances. I believe everyone will be at the Dying Drake shortly."
"Hold on there, Ser, the pay I am offering is one hundred gold for the entire party," Broodfist says with a look of annoyance growing on her face. "My precinct simply cannot afford to be so generous; one hundred total is all you will get... But... as a show of good faith, I am willing to put forward some of my own personal funds toward the pot."
She opens a drawer in her desk and removes a small lockbox, opening it up with a small key and produces a small purse. Broodfist sets it next to the larger purse containing your previously agreed-upon reward. "Five platinum pieces are in that wee thing, bumping your reward up to one hundred and fifty. That is all you are going to get."
The commander writes out another contract identical to the other, but this time adds information about the payment. She signs it and hands it to you and gestures for Adran to pick up the purses, which he does while narrowing his eyes at the dwarf on the other side of the desk.
"Now, please, go. I must prepare to address the Council about... this," She indicates the dragon head and chuckles with disbelief.
As Veldan and his retainer leave the building and head toward the Dying Drake. "Shocking that the stout one was willing to part with some of her own coin to get you off her back," Adran says. "I cannot tell you what these humans must see in dwarves, putting them in charge of a district guard like that."
Meanwhile, the Dying Drake is busy as ever. The band plays in the corner, the patrons are drinking, and Callie the halfling is at the bar serving patrons. Seeing you all come in, she waves and moves toward you, but stays behind the bar. "Well I thought that little incident this afternoon might have scared you off, but here you... are..." She says with a smile that turns to wariness as she sees the nervous and confused-looking kobold shifting his gaze all over the room. "Um... friend of yours? If he doesn't cause any trouble, he's welcome, I suppose..."
"You're too kind. It has been a pleasure, Commander Broodfist." Veldan's smile remained transfixed on his face as he takes the parchment with another bow, then turns and makes his way out with Adran, a quickness to his steps. "Of course she did. The Commander is going to take credit for our accomplishment. To do that cleanly, she'd prefer I left happy, and coin from her own purse need not be reported." He explained, hands laced behind his back as he made his way to the Dying Drake. "Dwarves are unbearably miserly and pig-headed to boot. From that perspective, they make for perfect low-level bureaucrats." He flashed a smile over his shoulder at Adran, then motioned towards the tavern in the distance. "Come, we must stop and deliver the others their coin."
Stepping into the Dying Drake, he'd find everybody else already arrived. Putting on another smile, Veldan approached the group. "I did the best I could with our dear Commander, but I was only able to get another five platinum out of the pincher I'm afraid. Nevertheless, Adran, please distribute to these fine men their well-earned shares."
"Please do now worry, my dear, Erxuk here is a perfectly fine gentleman," Krenak said with a wide, toothy grin. "Indeed, without his help, we might not have survived the troubles we face! He is a bit shy around so many new faces, though, so would it be possible to have dinner brought up to my room for the two of us?"
~~~~~~~~~~
As Veldan and his retainer finally arrived, Krenak gave a happy wave. "I do trust the esteemed commander wasn't too hard on you?" he said with a grin as he took his portion of the payment.
You all find a table and Adran begins dividing the coin among all of you, handing each of you twenty gold pieces and one platinum piece.