"I know I could carry one or two torches, just in case." She goes on to list her daggers, short bow; assures them she has sufficient spells at the ready; though she is lacking healing spells or potions.
"I have no torches, if we are to be going underground then we should carry several I think."
“Outside of what you can see, I have rope, torches, and a bedroll”
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Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
'This woman is batty,' Engelhart thinks as Martha tells her tale. 'Taken in by a bard and then abandoned. It's a story I've heard more times than I can count on one hand.' The young female stands in a shadowy corner, listening to the room full of strangers and wondering how she can leave without seeming rude. She did have a brother to find after all.
But when Dobbian's fate is revealed, Engelhart's mouth opens in a silent "Oh." Bringing someone back from the dead. Now this is interesting!
"And the rest of you - Daisy, Engelhart, Tarysaa, Tyrgram, are you joining us?" Ardana asks.
Engelhart steps forward into the light. "You can call me Hart," she says. She makes eye contact with the pregnant woman and gives a little nod of encouragement. "And worry not. Not all of us are inexperienced. While I'm used to working alone, there is strength in numbers." She looks around the room, again sizing everyone up, and trying to hide her disappointment in the sight of the cobbler. "If we can all pull our weight, we should be able to procure ... whatever it is we're supposed to find."
Martha exchanges a look with Thia, then seems to make a decision and sighs: "If you find that you are missing basic equipment of not exorbitant cost, make me a list and I will send one of my ranchers to get it. After all, as payment for your services, I'm ready to give you a fair amount of money, four of our best horses and even 'Amazon's Guardian', the legendary shield that belonged to our ancestor Hippolyta Sharnshield... If necessary, I will put at your disposal a small part of the money as an advance".
Martha exchanges a look with Thia, then seems to make a decision and sighs: "If you find that you are missing basic equipment of not exorbitant cost, make me a list and I will send one of my ranchers to get it. After all, as payment for your services, I'm ready to give you a fair amount of money, four of our best horses and even 'Amazon's Guardian', the legendary shield that belonged to our ancestor Hippolyta Sharnshield... If necessary, I will put at your disposal a small part of the money as an advance".
“What exactly is this shield? Does it have any special properties?”
(OOC; Here’s a base d20 roll if I need to roll something: 11)
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Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Martha exchanges a look with Thia, then seems to make a decision and sighs: "If you find that you are missing basic equipment of not exorbitant cost, make me a list and I will send one of my ranchers to get it. After all, as payment for your services, I'm ready to give you a fair amount of money, four of our best horses and even 'Amazon's Guardian', the legendary shield that belonged to our ancestor Hippolyta Sharnshield... If necessary, I will put at your disposal a small part of the money as an advance".
“What exactly is this shield? Does it have any special properties?”
(OOC; Here’s a base d20 roll if I need to roll something: 14)
"Oh, 'Amazon's Guardian' is very special!" Martha's eyes light up as she tells you about it "It's a shield created by the Fey for the amazon heroine Hippolyta Sharnshield. Have you ever heard of her?"
(OOC: Your roll for possibly hearing about the shield or Hippolyta should have been History, so 14-1=13. You've never heard of either)
"No?" the woman continues "Well, I see, she's a heroine from a long time ago... Hippolyta 'Riding Reaper' Sharnshield reached the pinnacle of her fame in the year 1123 DR by single-handedly saving a caravan of merchants from the onslaught of a band of disbanded bugbear mercenaries. She did it by making the most of her mount's mobility to divide them and deal with them one at a time! How many times have I dreamed of being able to have the tactical lucidity (in addition to the martial skill) to do something like this!"
"However, the shield that was theirs, 'Amazon's Guardian', is exquisitely crafted from a light, flexible metal, that glows with a pale radiance in moonlight" Thia's eyes grow dreamy as her mistress describes the enchanted object. "If the bearer is mounted, the shield grants them supernatural instincts, making it very unlikely that they will be caught off guard".
Martha exchanges a look with Thia, then seems to make a decision and sighs: "If you find that you are missing basic equipment of not exorbitant cost, make me a list and I will send one of my ranchers to get it. After all, as payment for your services, I'm ready to give you a fair amount of money, four of our best horses and even 'Amazon's Guardian', the legendary shield that belonged to our ancestor Hippolyta Sharnshield... If necessary, I will put at your disposal a small part of the money as an advance".
“What exactly is this shield? Does it have any special properties?”
(OOC; Here’s a base d20 roll if I need to roll something: 14)
"Oh, 'Amazon's Guardian' is very special!" Martha's eyes light up as she tells you about it "It's a shield created by the Fey for the amazon heroine Hippolyta Sharnshield. Have you ever heard of her?"
(OOC: Your roll for possibly hearing about the shield or Hippolyta should have been History, so 14-1=13. You've never heard of either)
"No?" the woman continues "Well, I see, she's a heroine from a long time ago... Hippolyta 'Riding Reaper' Sharnshield reached the pinnacle of her fame in the year 1123 DR by single-handedly saving a caravan of merchants from the onslaught of a band of disbanded bugbear mercenaries. She did it by making the most of her mount's mobility to divide them and deal with them one at a time! How many times have I dreamed of being able to have the tactical lucidity (in addition to the martial skill) to do something like this!"
"However, the shield that was theirs, 'Amazon's Guardian', is exquisitely crafted from a light, flexible metal, that glows with a pale radiance in moonlight" Thia's eyes grow dreamy as her mistress describes the enchanted object. "If the bearer is mounted, the shield grants them supernatural instincts, making it very unlikely that they will be caught off guard".
“Ah- so she was some kind of local hero a few centuries ago? I can’t speak for everyone, but I can’t say I have much ability for mounted combat”
Ilwythe turns to the others
”Do any of you have any need for a horse or a shield for mounted combat?”
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Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
“Ah- so she was some kind of local hero a few centuries ago? I can’t speak for everyone, but I can’t say I have much ability for mounted combat”
Ilwythe turns to the others
”Do any of you have any need for a horse or a shield for mounted combat?”
"Not only 'local'..." the woman corrects you "Hippolyta became famous throughout the North! Only, that was a long time ago".
"And as far as mounted combat is concerned, trust me, a well-trained warhorse (and ours are the best) is a blessing from the gods!" exclaims Martha passionately "You just have to try once... you'll never go back. It gives you mobility you wouldn't have otherwise, it can overwhelm enemies as you tear them apart, it becomes part of you - I don't know how else to explain it to you - a faithful ally in the peril of battle and an understanding friend in all other situations. However, fear not, 'Amazon's Guardian' unlocks its full potential with those fighting on horseback, but even used by an infantryman it still defends more effectively than any other mundane shield".
Tarysaa nods. "Food for those who need it. Definitely fill up any waterskins." She looks at all in the room. "I think between all of us, we have enough to do a basic search. Beyond that, we won't know what we face until we face it."
Tyrgram packed up his things, stood up and straightened his back. Collecting someone from the afterlife and bringing them back was impossible of course, but the best stories were built on overcoming impossible odds. Now that he thought about it, had he not heard of such a thing been done before? A bard, mortal but divinely gifted, who went on a katabasis to rescue his true love. But that one was a tragedy. Perhaps this one could be different.
'If nothing else it would make for a good tale.' Tygram easily hoisted all of his belongings onto his back. 'And no knight should leave a lady in distress. Aye, not if anything could be done about it.'He put one hand on his heart and bowed to the lady Martha Sharnshield. 'Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight is at your service.'
Would Tyrgram's background relate anything more about the shield or Hippolyta? If needing a history check: 16(campaign log)
Would Tyrgram's background relate anything more about the shield or Hippolyta? If needing a history check: 16(campaign log)
Well, given Tyrgram's deep interest in stories and his connection with the fey, I would have allowed him to roll with advantage.
Anyway, he rolled already high enough to remember that...
What Martha told is accurate. Comparing scattered parts of legends that come to your mind about it, you understand that, in game terms, 'Amazon's Guardian' is a Mithral Shield, +1. In moonlight glows with a pale radiance, shedding dim light in a 5-foot radius. As long as the bearer is mounted, the shield bestows a supernatural instinct, granting the same advantages of the Alert feat. But you also know something that Martha doesn't: when the bearer isn't mounted, the shield causes a sense of discomfort (and nostalgia for the mount) while bearing it (but not to the point of giving effective harmful effects).
Tarysaa nods. "Food for those who need it. Definitely fill up any waterskins." She looks at all in the room. "I think between all of us, we have enough to do a basic search. Beyond that, we won't know what we face until we face it."
Martha is evidently satisfied by your eagerness to begin and hastens to have everyone's waterskins filled and to send for three days' dry rations for each of you (you can add them to your character's inventory).
After that, Thia, excited that her mistress has finally found someone who will try to help her, begins to guide you along the reverse path she made you take before: out of the room and along the corridors of the Sharnshield Mansion...
"And the rest of you - Daisy, Engelhart, Tarysaa, Tyrgram, are you joining us?", as she goes to stand with Ilwythe.
Ardana says to the others:
"For my part I am ready to travel immediately, so that we do not waste the light."
Daisy looks to Ardana with an odd look, not recalling giving her name to anyone. "Well, I didn't walk all this way for nuthin', but yeah, we should get a move on. Seems like time isn't on Dobbian's side right now."
The dwarf turns to Martha and gives a reassuring smile. "Don't you worry none, dear. Daisy, here, will do what she to get you and your groom-to-be back together." She downs the remaining ale and rises to follow Thia to the exit.
"And the rest of you - Daisy, Engelhart, Tarysaa, Tyrgram, are you joining us?", as she goes to stand with Ilwythe.
Ardana says to the others:
"For my part I am ready to travel immediately, so that we do not waste the light."
Daisy looks to Ardana with an odd look, not recalling giving her name to anyone. "Well, I didn't walk all this way for nuthin', but yeah, we should get a move on. Seems like times isn't on Dobbian's side right now."
The dwarf turns to Martha and gives a reassuring smile. "Don't you worry none, dear. Daisy, here, will do what she to get you and your groom-to-be back together." She downs the remaining ale and rises to follow Thia to the exit.
”Agreed. No need in wasting daylight if this is so time-sensitive.”
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Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Tiring of all of the chit-chat about payment and shields, Engelhart is one of the first to follow Thia back out of the room toward the front door. She replays her recent memory, trying to find any clue to this mysterious cave she must have walked right by earlier in the day, but she can't recall noticing a white marble arch.
While Thia is leading you, quick and vivacious as always, without ceasing for a moment to congratulate you on how kind, brave and good you have been in agreeing to help her mistress, you come across an elf in a corridor. His clothes, practical like those of ranchers, but also elegant and well kept, are in various shades of brown that make little contrast with his copperish skin. Seeing you, he winces, betraying surprise (and perhaps annoyance too?) at the bottom of his impenetrable black eyes and slightly curls his fine nose: "Sellers of false hopes, I suppose" and, in a gesture of ironic false courtesy, raises his hat from the short straight black hair. "The pleasure is all yours. So you, instead of helping Martha to accept reality, have given her to understand..." he looks you up and down each one of you, with evident contempt "that you can bring that scoundrel back to life?"
"Bravo," he begins to clap his hands slowly, in a parody of sarcastic applause, "bravo... You must be really proud of yourself and your actions".
Thia seems to be seething with anger - and with the desire to argue, but she's holding back...
Angelhart smirks to herself, evidently enjoying some private joke of her own. "Let's go," she says to Thia, encouraging the woman along. After she's a few paces away from the elf, the shorter, dark-skinned female turns to narrow her eyes at the elf, and attempts to memorize his face. She no longer displays any signs of mirth. When the door is in sight, Hart asks Thia, "What's his story?"
The elf doesn't seem to know how to react, seeing Hart who simply stares at him and then walks away, but to Ardana's words he replies, with an annoying smile of superiority: "Oh, 'who can see what the future holds', you ask? Let me thinks about this... Common sense people, maybe? People who believe in reality and not in vain hopes? But what do you think, that it really does Martha good to squander the family's assets behind this vain plan dictated by desperation, instead of realizing the luck that happened to her in getting rid of a parasite like Dobbian and go on with her life? Ah, yes, I almost forgot..." he slaps his hand theatrically on his forehead "...the family's assets will be squandered to pay you! Is this what really you care, don't you?"
The elf doesn't seem to know how to react, seeing Hart who simply stares at him and then walks away, but to Ardana's words he replies, with an annoying smile of superiority: "Oh, 'who can see what the future holds', you ask? Let me thinks about this... Common sense people, maybe? People who believe in reality and not in vain hopes? But what do you think, that it really does Martha good to squander the family's assets behind this vain plan dictated by desperation, instead of realizing the luck that happened to her in getting rid of a parasite like Dobbian and go on with her life? Ah, yes, I almost forgot..." he slaps his hand theatrically on his forehead "...the family's assets will be squandered to pay you! Is this what really you care, don't you?"
"Thank you for sharing your thoughts, but we must be on our way, good day to you," Ardana extracts herself from this conversation and follows Hart out the door.
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“Outside of what you can see, I have rope, torches, and a bedroll”
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
'This woman is batty,' Engelhart thinks as Martha tells her tale. 'Taken in by a bard and then abandoned. It's a story I've heard more times than I can count on one hand.' The young female stands in a shadowy corner, listening to the room full of strangers and wondering how she can leave without seeming rude. She did have a brother to find after all.
But when Dobbian's fate is revealed, Engelhart's mouth opens in a silent "Oh." Bringing someone back from the dead. Now this is interesting!
"And the rest of you - Daisy, Engelhart, Tarysaa, Tyrgram, are you joining us?" Ardana asks.
Engelhart steps forward into the light. "You can call me Hart," she says. She makes eye contact with the pregnant woman and gives a little nod of encouragement. "And worry not. Not all of us are inexperienced. While I'm used to working alone, there is strength in numbers." She looks around the room, again sizing everyone up, and trying to hide her disappointment in the sight of the cobbler. "If we can all pull our weight, we should be able to procure ... whatever it is we're supposed to find."
Martha exchanges a look with Thia, then seems to make a decision and sighs: "If you find that you are missing basic equipment of not exorbitant cost, make me a list and I will send one of my ranchers to get it. After all, as payment for your services, I'm ready to give you a fair amount of money, four of our best horses and even 'Amazon's Guardian', the legendary shield that belonged to our ancestor Hippolyta Sharnshield... If necessary, I will put at your disposal a small part of the money as an advance".
“What exactly is this shield? Does it have any special properties?”
(OOC; Here’s a base d20 roll if I need to roll something: 11)
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
"Oh, 'Amazon's Guardian' is very special!" Martha's eyes light up as she tells you about it "It's a shield created by the Fey for the amazon heroine Hippolyta Sharnshield. Have you ever heard of her?"
(OOC: Your roll for possibly hearing about the shield or Hippolyta should have been History, so 14-1=13. You've never heard of either)
"No?" the woman continues "Well, I see, she's a heroine from a long time ago... Hippolyta 'Riding Reaper' Sharnshield reached the pinnacle of her fame in the year 1123 DR by single-handedly saving a caravan of merchants from the onslaught of a band of disbanded bugbear mercenaries. She did it by making the most of her mount's mobility to divide them and deal with them one at a time! How many times have I dreamed of being able to have the tactical lucidity (in addition to the martial skill) to do something like this!"
"However, the shield that was theirs, 'Amazon's Guardian', is exquisitely crafted from a light, flexible metal, that glows with a pale radiance in moonlight" Thia's eyes grow dreamy as her mistress describes the enchanted object. "If the bearer is mounted, the shield grants them supernatural instincts, making it very unlikely that they will be caught off guard".
“Ah- so she was some kind of local hero a few centuries ago? I can’t speak for everyone, but I can’t say I have much ability for mounted combat”
Ilwythe turns to the others
”Do any of you have any need for a horse or a shield for mounted combat?”
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
"Not only 'local'..." the woman corrects you "Hippolyta became famous throughout the North! Only, that was a long time ago".
"And as far as mounted combat is concerned, trust me, a well-trained warhorse (and ours are the best) is a blessing from the gods!" exclaims Martha passionately "You just have to try once... you'll never go back. It gives you mobility you wouldn't have otherwise, it can overwhelm enemies as you tear them apart, it becomes part of you - I don't know how else to explain it to you - a faithful ally in the peril of battle and an understanding friend in all other situations. However, fear not, 'Amazon's Guardian' unlocks its full potential with those fighting on horseback, but even used by an infantryman it still defends more effectively than any other mundane shield".
"I'm sure you'll reward us well, Lady Martha."
Ardana says to the others:
"For my part I am ready to travel immediately, so that we do not waste the light."
Tarysaa nods. "Food for those who need it. Definitely fill up any waterskins." She looks at all in the room. "I think between all of us, we have enough to do a basic search. Beyond that, we won't know what we face until we face it."
'Suppose it could be all right.'
Tyrgram packed up his things, stood up and straightened his back. Collecting someone from the afterlife and bringing them back was impossible of course, but the best stories were built on overcoming impossible odds. Now that he thought about it, had he not heard of such a thing been done before? A bard, mortal but divinely gifted, who went on a katabasis to rescue his true love. But that one was a tragedy. Perhaps this one could be different.
'If nothing else it would make for a good tale.' Tygram easily hoisted all of his belongings onto his back. 'And no knight should leave a lady in distress. Aye, not if anything could be done about it.' He put one hand on his heart and bowed to the lady Martha Sharnshield. 'Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight is at your service.'
Would Tyrgram's background relate anything more about the shield or Hippolyta? If needing a history check: 16 (campaign log)
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Well, given Tyrgram's deep interest in stories and his connection with the fey, I would have allowed him to roll with advantage.
Anyway, he rolled already high enough to remember that...
What Martha told is accurate. Comparing scattered parts of legends that come to your mind about it, you understand that, in game terms, 'Amazon's Guardian' is a Mithral Shield, +1. In moonlight glows with a pale radiance, shedding dim light in a 5-foot radius. As long as the bearer is mounted, the shield bestows a supernatural instinct, granting the same advantages of the Alert feat. But you also know something that Martha doesn't: when the bearer isn't mounted, the shield causes a sense of discomfort (and nostalgia for the mount) while bearing it (but not to the point of giving effective harmful effects).
Martha is evidently satisfied by your eagerness to begin and hastens to have everyone's waterskins filled and to send for three days' dry rations for each of you (you can add them to your character's inventory).
After that, Thia, excited that her mistress has finally found someone who will try to help her, begins to guide you along the reverse path she made you take before: out of the room and along the corridors of the Sharnshield Mansion...
Daisy looks to Ardana with an odd look, not recalling giving her name to anyone. "Well, I didn't walk all this way for nuthin', but yeah, we should get a move on. Seems like time isn't on Dobbian's side right now."
The dwarf turns to Martha and gives a reassuring smile. "Don't you worry none, dear. Daisy, here, will do what she to get you and your groom-to-be back together." She downs the remaining ale and rises to follow Thia to the exit.
”Agreed. No need in wasting daylight if this is so time-sensitive.”
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
Tiring of all of the chit-chat about payment and shields, Engelhart is one of the first to follow Thia back out of the room toward the front door. She replays her recent memory, trying to find any clue to this mysterious cave she must have walked right by earlier in the day, but she can't recall noticing a white marble arch.
While Thia is leading you, quick and vivacious as always, without ceasing for a moment to congratulate you on how kind, brave and good you have been in agreeing to help her mistress, you come across an elf in a corridor. His clothes, practical like those of ranchers, but also elegant and well kept, are in various shades of brown that make little contrast with his copperish skin. Seeing you, he winces, betraying surprise (and perhaps annoyance too?) at the bottom of his impenetrable black eyes and slightly curls his fine nose: "Sellers of false hopes, I suppose" and, in a gesture of ironic false courtesy, raises his hat from the short straight black hair. "The pleasure is all yours. So you, instead of helping Martha to accept reality, have given her to understand..." he looks you up and down each one of you, with evident contempt "that you can bring that scoundrel back to life?"
"Bravo," he begins to clap his hands slowly, in a parody of sarcastic applause, "bravo... You must be really proud of yourself and your actions".
Thia seems to be seething with anger - and with the desire to argue, but she's holding back...
Angelhart smirks to herself, evidently enjoying some private joke of her own. "Let's go," she says to Thia, encouraging the woman along. After she's a few paces away from the elf, the shorter, dark-skinned female turns to narrow her eyes at the elf, and attempts to memorize his face. She no longer displays any signs of mirth. When the door is in sight, Hart asks Thia, "What's his story?"
Ardana takes a second to consider the elf's words, and responds.
"I think Lady Martha's hopes are worth respecting, whether they are false or not who can say, who can see what the future holds?"
The elf doesn't seem to know how to react, seeing Hart who simply stares at him and then walks away, but to Ardana's words he replies, with an annoying smile of superiority: "Oh, 'who can see what the future holds', you ask? Let me thinks about this... Common sense people, maybe? People who believe in reality and not in vain hopes? But what do you think, that it really does Martha good to squander the family's assets behind this vain plan dictated by desperation, instead of realizing the luck that happened to her in getting rid of a parasite like Dobbian and go on with her life? Ah, yes, I almost forgot..." he slaps his hand theatrically on his forehead "...the family's assets will be squandered to pay you! Is this what really you care, don't you?"
"Thank you for sharing your thoughts, but we must be on our way, good day to you," Ardana extracts herself from this conversation and follows Hart out the door.