Mira

Awaiting the rest to speak up, Mira remains stern until Mays speaks; Her no-nonsense demeanour instantly fades into horror whilst her jaw drops when the hooded woman from another world decides to support Leevi and attempt to ally with a distrustful organisation. What is that woman thinking?! “Wha- Maya?! Are you nuts?! What are you even saying?! Why are you siding with that jerk and the People’s Army?! Weren’t you also against siding with them too? What made you change your mind and why?! Why are you also assuming Renar will join you as well?!” Clearly the future queen’s not happy with her response, but she’s also asking why that woman’s decision lies in allying with a potential backstabbing force. She must have her reasons for doing so, but if it’s because she’s intent on turning against her and the rest of the group before they can even enact their plot to overthrow Elmars instead, she won’t hesitate to retaliate and brand her a traitor to the people of Lancea. For now though, with her burning question directed at Maya specifically, Mira waits for her response.

Renar

Still feeling a little dazed, I struggled to absorb Okaa-san's words into my mind as I shifted between two worlds of my own; The only thing that finaly brought me to my senses was not Okaa-san stating that she chooses to side with those stupid bakas, but her dragging me to her side too as if I'd agree with her. What the heck! “Wha- hey! Why are you dragging me to your side?! I haven’t stood my ground yet!” I snap at my mother with wide eyes of horror and especially when Mira-san also snaps at her. After hearing the latter snap at Okaa-san for intending to side with him, I also wonder why on earth she decided to pull me into her grasp all of a sudden like the clingy mother she once was. But then I flashback to my initial plan where I aimed to cooperate with them... is that why? Does she see this opportunity to take advantage of them for our own use? I need to hear her answer as well...

Alex raises his hands, "Uh... sorry but... I've already sworn one oath and that's enough for me. I'll stay neutral if at all possible."

His eyes widen further when Mira starts ranting, and he puts a hand on her shoulder in attempt to get her to quiet down... this isn't the time to be making enemies. They need them to think that they are on their side otherwise things could get even more complicated. Plus, this tabaxi may not even be aware of what happened with the people's army considering one he was in prison when they met him, and two, he's part of the people's navy and who knows how much communication actually takes place between the two. 

In hindsight, despite being a relatively easy going kitsune in disguise, Maya is also sick and tired of getting sidetracked by even these stupid matters. She's going against her values again, but if this shaky alliance is supposed to assist the allies in gaining the upper hand against both groups they're targeting, consolidating their place in this awful world, and more importantly, retrieve what she and her son needs to turn the tide of the war in their homeland, then so be it. 

Without even batting an eyelid, let alone lift her shut eyes open, the hooded fox woman huffs at Alek’s neutrality; seeing that he doesn’t want to be involved, she for once doesn’t even think a microsecond about him. Over to Mira, who’s incredibly opposed to forming ties due to a mutual distrust in her family bloodline, her glare becomes slightly more hostile at the immature queen. She wants a response right? Well, Maya has the perfect answer as to why she’s standing her ground, just like her son before he turned to Shugo for ideas…

“We need them. Other... wise... we... w-we can't... we can't do this. Because... they... t-they know how to... we don't."

Shugo gives Mira a slight look of shock when she blatantly states that she wants nothing to do with the People's Army. Not that he can blame her, but seriously? Just because she wants to play by the rules doesn't mean she has to tell everyone everything that she's thinking or feeling, that's a great way to get cut down immediately among nobles. Then he gets more baffled as Maya seems to fully jump on board with this blowing up Elmars' bedroom idea. He facepalms, then runs his hand down his face. 

"Ok, first off we aren't swearing any oaths." He says to Leevi, "We don't want to be on bad terms with the People's Army, but we don't have any intention of joining either." He sighs, grumbling to himself almost inaudibly, "Does no one believe in alliances anymore? Why is everything all or nothing? Ugh." Focusing back on Leevi he says, "I think all of us here can agree that we don't want Elmars to win this election. That said I have no intention of stopping you from doing whatever you plan on doing. However, I don't think it's a good idea for us to get involved with any sort of sabotage right now. Not when half of us are about to go to trial, and up against Elmars' personal hound dog no less. If we are caught doing something like that then it could be used against us in court. Needless to say, we really don't need anything else on our records." He looks to the rest of the group, though he looks mostly at Maya, "Does that make sense to you all?" His tone isn't condescending in any way, he's not trying to make anyone mad he's just stating his mind. "In short, I don't think we should try and do anything drastic until after the trial. However," He looks first at Mira and then at Alex, "When I say that I'm not saying we will go out of our way to sabotage anyone. Right now I want to stay as neutral as possible." 

He looks back at Leevi, "I hope you understand that it's not my intention to make enemies with you or the People's Army, and i think i can speak for most of the people here." He says this in such a way as to also not group him and his companions ideals together on purpose. "As Mira said, while you in particular have done nothing to upset us, the People's Army are partly responsible for putting someone we care about in a dangerous position which resulted in her being permanently crippled. Now, I know there were likely factors to this that we don't know, and it was probably not their intention to allow her to get hurt, but until the People's Army can regain our respect I don't see why we would want to join that organization. That said, do know that we have a common enemy in Elmars. We will not oppose you in any way in your fight against him and I hope you know that we are against him as well."

"Well, sounds like you have your answer Leevi," Liivi says simply. "Sorry. Perhaps we should get on our way?" she says to the others. "We probably need to think about getting some rest before tomorrow's events." She takes a few more steps aways from the fortress, ready to leave this other tabaxi behind.  Though she does look to make sure the others are actually coming as well. 

Receiving a butt ton of backlash from Mira, Liivi (indirectly) and Shugo, Maya sinks back in defeat, her hidden fox ears and tail drooping underneath her disguise as her attempts to get her plan in notion was left in vain. Watashitachi ga chūritsu o tamotsu node wa naku, karera to dōmei o musubu hitsuyō ga aru to dare ga ittadeshou ka? Watashi ga hoshī no wa… iya… musuko ga jōhō o hoshi gatte iru dakedesu! Karera kara! (私たちが中立を保つのではなく、彼らと同盟を結ぶ必要があると誰が言ったでしょうか？私が欲しいのは…いや…息子が情報を欲しがっているだけです！彼らから！Who said we had to forge an alliance with them and not stay neutral? I just want... no... my son would want info! From them! She furiously complains in her head. The whole idea of abolishing their neutrality nor dealing actual sabotaging damage was never her idea to begin with. But as of this, the kitsune in disguise has lost her voice again.

"Whatever... you... do... d-do what... you want... I only suggest..." She grumbles as she withdraws in silence and walks out with a slouch besides Renar, only holding it in because her son is watching her closely. She wasn't surprised that they'd shut down her idea entirely and have her courageous attempts to be a little different condemned. After this, she feels incredibly misunderstood towards the Lancean allies that her son has teamed up with and is beginning to understand his frustration. Ima wa totemo dameda to kanjite imasu... (今はとても駄目だと感じています... I feel so useless...) She thinks pessimistically. No wonder why he's feeling incredibly sour.

The smile on Leevi's face was quickly wiped away at that moment. He glares at you, but he doesn't say anything after a while.

"Out of all six of ye, there seems to be the only one among ye who actually have some common sense." The Tabaxi walks closer to Maya, "But ye back down too easily, that's not something us People's Army likes to do. We will stand by our beliefs and our words, even if it means death."

"But have it ye way, then, don't say I haven't warned ya. We'll call a truce for now, but the moment we see ye side with Elmars, the only safe place for you is the sky." Leevi turns around and walks away, normally he'd invite you to another round of drinking, but not this time.

And finally, peace and quiet.

Muphrid is setting, the sky glows orange as people begin heading to their homes to rest for tonight, but that doesn't mean business is done for the day. There are still some shops, mostly food stalls, that are still open and bustling with people. A lot of cities like Madura are like this, everything must keep moving.

You find yourself in the city centre, a large square with a giant marble water fountain in the middle, depicting two hippocampi and a nymph. There is a platform on the other end of the square, and there are six empty pillories on it.

Back then, public humiliation and public execution were a family event. Thankfully in Kerwos, the death penalty has been abolished, but being put in a pillory is still commonly practised. It is not a pleasant experience, that's for sure, it's not only painful from all the fruit, fish, and rocks people throw at you, it's also incredibly shameful and people will not stop talking about it.

There are a bunch of general stores, a camping supplies shop, and a tavern within the city centre square. Is there anything else you would like to do before resting for the night?

Renar

I watched in silence as Okaa-san gets shut down by the rest. Even when I hear her reasonably explain her courageous decision, there wasn't much I could do to defend her. Though I was horrified to be dragged into her position, after she bravely attempt to explain what she intends despite her obvious language barrier, I had a change of heart; I wanted to raise my voice in defense if it wasn't for the rest moving to shut her down without even validating her in the first place. All of a sudden, I had no choice but to go with them. But inside, I felt scared that they'd turn on me for no reason too, hence why I suddenly stayed silent... even though I shouldn't have. And after what Shugo said, the doubt multiplied in me; I don't think Okaa-san was intending to be all or nothing at least to me.

I glanced around as they started leaving one-by-one. There's Alek and Liivi-san. Though I understand their neutrality, the way they said so whilst acting indecisively is making me question what they might do next. Especially with the latter still clueless and I can't even explain what's going on to her... I then look at Shugo... Though he was incredibly direct and just as blunt as I can be, I'm half pleased to find that he's standing , so I give him a slap to the shoulder... rather awkwardly as I sigh and close my eyes. "For once, I... I'm glad we're... I'm g-glad we're one the same page. Thanks for earlier." I half-awkwardly tell him just so he knows I'm still with him on this matter. Though what I actually meant was the entire alliance dilemma too...

There's also the troublesome Mira-san... The way she yelled at my mother was even a step too far for me; If it wasn't for Lancea and Rixi's strict code of conduct, I would have electrocuted her to death for accusing another experienced queen to her face, let alone my real mother. Without batting an eyelid, I walked towards the gates, but stopped just next to the rabbit girl, my shoulders stiff to convey how serious I am despite my laid back facial expression. "Mira... word of advice. Learn how to control yourself. Being a ruler doesn't mean anything if you constantly display that overly demanding attitude of yours to others." I coldly tell her without adding my honorific in her name, knowing that as a future prince of Neverwinter, even I have my own limits when it comes to berating people for this. I then walk up to Leevi, my expression and body language still unchanged... "Just leave us be from now on." I sternly tell Leevi as I stop to match my shoulder with his. Afterwards, I silently walked out with Okaa-san in tow, my face curling into a disgraced snarl over the Lanceans handling of this situation.

Finally, Okaa-san. The lady I trust the most out of the people in this fragile group. The one that breaks down the moment when anyone including myself denounce her... I gently pat her on the head as a sign that I acknowledge her bravery, but other than that, I was unsure of how to cheer her up. "Um... Let... L-Let me know when you've found a quiet place." I whisper to my demotivated mother. "Whatever you're thinking... I need to hear it. I'll make sure that what you're concocting sees some use after the trial somehow, if I can."

Outside the mall, there wasn't much of interest I could spend on. I suddenly ran through the chaotic events that unfolded today ever since we hit the city. From the recent kidnappings to the confrontation with Paulis and now this? I arched my head down in anguish. Sigh... Watashi wa nani ni muchū ni natte shimatta nodeshou ka? Watashi wa jibun no hahaoya mo nani ni hikizurikonda nodeshou ka? (私は何に夢中になってしまったのでしょうか？私は自分の母親も何に引きずり込んだのでしょうか？What have I got myself into? What have I dragged my own mother into as well? I mean, I could always restock my food supplies, but other than that, I don't see the point of wasting any more time out and about. And the trial… maybe I’ll just keep silent… and let those Lancean bakas… do the talking… unless if… sigh… "I don't know about you all but I'm ready to call it a day." I flatly comment and stare half-dead at the night sky, seeing that our stupid trial is only hours away. "If anyone has decided on where to sleep for the night, let me know asap. I'm not in the mood to talk anymore."

Mira

Mira had nothing else to add on her part. Despite Maya poorly explaining why she refuses to agree to stay neutral, the future queen herself is relieved that she and the rest of the team had at least stood their ground, because really. The fact that even one of her own is attempting to suddenly swap sides is insane enough. However, when Renar sternly warns her to control herself, she flinches in her spot. "Geez. Since when were you in a position to lecture me?" She scoffs before she zips out. However, deep down she took his warning in full.  Instantly, she didn't hesitate in giving a glare towards Leevi in the process. "Mark my words. I won't let anything stand in our way, regardless of who we're aligned with. Long live my people." And when she meant her people, she meant the rebellion that she hopes to revive in secret.

Outside the gates, she hops near the front in almost dead silence besides muttering a few unheard curses to herself. The past events that happened today have pretty much waned her from the inside out, from her brain all the way to her sore legs. Plus, when she checks her purse, there isn’t much for her to buy at this point. She flashbacks to whatever trial these allies of hers (minus Liivi) have; Now that their main judge is gone, she’s gonna have to step up being their main defendant, and by doing so, she’ll need to talk a lot; If their case isn’t successfully defended, then Mira’s chances of securing her own future will reduce significantly. There’s a lot on the line for he. She needs to step up her game if she wants to succeed as Lancea’s next ruler. Taking a moment to breathe, Mira asks if everyone is okay, then she follows up: "For once Renar, I agree with you. I don’t have much to shop for either. Let’s just… find somewhere to sleep and... and call it another day. You guys have your thing tomorrow right?” If Liivi asks what the rabbit girl is referring to, Mira reminds her about the trial they have and how she needs to defend them properly and honestly. Thing is, Mira has no idea on where the nearest accommodations are; After the recent heist against those goons down the Madura alleyway, she doesn’t trust the safety of the streets anymore.

It is not hard for Liivi to notice Maya's grumbling withdrawal as the rest of the group seems to stand firm against her opinion against Leevi. 'Does she really think this group cannot do anything without allying with that pirate? Granted, I am no expert at these types of subterfuge. But surely we can manage without him specifically.'  And it also isn't hard to sense the tension in the group, especially Mira's stern response to Renar's advice, followed by his expected response of clamming up. 

"Finding a place to stay sounds like the best idea," she says, hoping to get the group focused on something other than this animosity. "But perhaps we should see to a small bite to eat before retiring. I see a tavern over there."  And she points towards the place in the city centre square. "I'm not sure if they also have lodgings, but we could ask within and hopefully find something that way." 

She pauses to see what others want to do.  It may just be time to call it a day.  At some point the group does need to formulate their plan, but perhaps that is best done after this trial happens. 

Maya doesn't say a word to Leevi, but when she meets her gaze at the gates, she just huffs and leaves in an instant. Hearing Mira respond almost bluntly to Renar's advice shook her though. In a way he's right. Mira's current attitude can possess a problem to her progress as a queen. "He's right." She warns her before she leaves dejected. Reflecting on the most recent events, from the recent heist, to that horrific encounter with Paulis and now this... the recent struggles to understand her place in this world as well as having her own ideas shut down before she can even explain them has already sapped the last of the helpless kitsune queen's energy for the day. It feels disastrous. right now, they have the trial to deal with and with the current state of her voice in this world, she's not in a position to defend herself as the rightful queen she is today.

Outside the gates, Maya was staring blankly at the sunset overlapping the night sky she suddenly feels a light headpat and turns to the arm's direction... It's her son. He's head patting her, causing her to blush a little; This is a first. Renar is never the type to be providing something reassuring, even to his own mother. In fact, by doing so, he's reigniting the memories of her long deceased daughter doing the same when she was in a similar crisis. In a way, it's bringing her back to the time where her feisty young daughter is standing up for her when in need. And its warming her heart. "A... arigato... (あ... ありがとう, Thank you)" She mutters under her breath without letting anyone else hear her, though she moves away from him a little to avoid her embarrassment overtaking her tenfold.

When both her son and Liivi ask for direction on where to burnout for the night, Maya reverts back to her silent, expressionless demeanour. However, that didn't last especially when Renar is still intent on hearing what her original idea was in siding with the People's Army, which caused her troubled face to glow in surprise and hope, even if it was only her son who's interested. "Hai (はい)" She whispers, but in order to do so, the two of them will need to find another safe space by themselves first...

Liivi leads the way to the nearest tavern from you.

You push the door open and enter the tavern, this one is probably the largest you've seen so far throughout your journey, in fact, there are probably more people in here than the entirety of some villages. In the stage to your right, bards play their instruments to set the mood.

You notice some people pointing and whispering at you, saying something along the line of 'Look, it's those guys who fought those mercenaries earlier today' and 'I think they're the ones who fought with Cezars.'

Fame is what a lot of adventurers are after, and it seems people are starting to heard about your names and your deeds.

However... You spot another familiar sight—you see a white Dragonborn talking to the bartender, a deer centaur, that's Karina again, and she's showing him a piece of paper.

You are too far to hear or see what's in her claw, maybe it's time to confront her?

Liivi shakes her head. "Oh no, there's Karina. No doubt she's passing around more of those wanted posters!"  She watches her a moment before asking the others, "Should we confront her? Try and find out what she thinks she's doing?"  The tone in her voice clearly suggests that although posed as a question, speaking with the dragonborn is what she is in favor of doing. 

She looks about the tavern, catching some of the comments being bandied about. 'I suppose it might be nice to be known for fighting off those horrible mercenaries. But I think I would rather be more inconspicuous,' she thinks. As she looks, she tries to get an idea of what sort of impression these commenters have about the group, whether they are favorable or unfavorable. 

Mira

Mira doesn't say anything as she follows Liivi inside the tavern with the rest; The chatter The moment the quiet tabaxi woman takes notes of Karina however was enough to give the rash harengon queen a mood swing as her face curls up in anger and her eyes bulge. "Oh look. Guess who's back. What are the chances that she's trying to lay us off again... or rather, Shugo specifically... with that paper of hers?" She alerts the group; Despite the obvious aggression in her face, her voice was akin to a gentle lady when she spoke, almost as if she has reverted back to her kind and selfless act on the inside. But she is furious. And although the apparent pleas coming from Liivi herself and Renar's warning from earlier were true, the thoughts of Karina accusing her allies when she and Paulis were in the wrong first alongside the act that the latter nearly deluded her rebellion dreams was enough to brew a silent rage in her. Mira blatantly ignores Liivi's advice to stay inconspicuous and, without even telling the rest, stomps over to where Karina is sitting...

"So... We meet again, dragon lady. Any reasons why you intend to... proceed your own thing?" She greets with a mildly irritated smile whilst she hops onto a chair so that she's level with her, slamming a paw down besides her right as she braces for Karina to start ranting on about her allies.

 Renar

I uttered nothing but a short breath once Liivi-san made the wise decision to choose a night at a massive tavern... at least until I was forced to absorb both the raucous atmosphere alongside the fact that some of them are even taking note of us. Underneath my disguise, my tail stiffens in response to my increasing stress. All I want especially for my mothe is to retreat back into our shells and... wait...

My ears perk up when the ladies minus Okaa-san (obviously) notice... the dragon girl we fought at Paulis. I raised an eyebrow over why she's here. Chottomatte… kanojo mata? (ちょっと待って…彼女また？Wait... her again?) Needless to say, I wasn't in the mood to confront her either, so I let that thought go as I look behind the rest... "Sigh... best to not make a fuss about it, Mira- uh?!" I turn to my behind and... she's gone?! "Wait- where did she go-?!" The moment my own eyes catch her confronting the dragon lady head on, waves of anger and desperation surged my body down to my stiff tail; How can she be so sure that we're able to confront her in our current states?! Without even thinking, I gestured the rest to follow me and find a seat before things get ugly... "Damn it. Low profile! Either that or stop her!" I whisper to the rest as I hastily searched for a seat if there's any. In doing so I furiously arched my head down as I sat and pretended not to take notice whilst my eyes surged with electricity and anger. Kanojo wa nani o shite iru nodesu ka? (彼女は何をしているのですか？What the heck is she doing?!) You insane?!

Maya didn’t really hear Liivi point towards a tavern at first; Standing in the midst of nowhere dazed and heavy-hearted, she remains in a blank state until Renar suddenly disappears out of her sight, causing her to startle. Not wanting to be left behind again, she begins following Liivi and Renar but clumsily trips on her own two feet as she turns around. However she rises quickly and rushes behind the rest again.

Inside, the commotion is enough to deter the kitsune from batting an eyelid to anyone, including her allies... at least until Renar points out that Mira had suddenly vanished and is the last person to notice her confronting the dragon girl head on when no one is in a position to negotiate anymore. Instinctively, she panics with her tail stiffened in horror as she rushes over to the table where the two ladies are; She furiously cuffs Mira's mouth and restrains the inexperienced queen with her strength before she attempts to apologize to Karina for being interrupted by the latter's recklessness. “So sorry! So sorry!” She hastily panics as she attempts to drag Mira back to where the rest of the allies are; In doing so she actually forgets that the dragonborn that the rather reckless queen is confronting was the one they all fought earlier.

If Mira tries to resist: STR 21

As you walk closer to the barkeeper, you hear a little bit of chat going on.

"If you find an elf that looks like this, make sure to call me, I have something I want to talk about with him... One on one. He has black hair and fair skin, and his name is Shugo, don't know anything about his last name. I will pay you extra if you can give me the tips." Karina whispers to the barkeeper, who idly nods along as he cleans a wineglass.

When Maya tries to pull Mira away, the entire tavern goes quiet, all the chattering stops, and even the bards stop playing the music. It's so quiet that you can hear owls hooting and crickets chirping.

"Look, barkeeper, that's what I was talking about, those uncivilised brutes." Karina points at Mira and Maya, growling.

"So... What did they do exactly, Miss Karina?" The centaur barkeeper says, side-eyeing.

Karina takes a moment to glance around the room, then she begins speaking up, her voice is loud enough for everyone in the tavern to hear. "They broke into my mentor's home, and then they beat the living hell out of us, completely unprompted! We barely survived the ordeal, it's lucky they didn't take anything from us, which makes them even worse! They're no thief, they're psychopaths who love to beat up and torture people for fun!" 

She pauses for dramatic effect, then turns back to the barkeeper. "My mentor gave me enough gold to book every room in the tavern across this city, so I can be sure these six barbarians won't have any place to terrorise people with... And it looks like yours is the last place with vacancy, so." Karina fishes a cheque from her pocket, "Can I get forty rooms for three nights?"

The bartender doesn't say anything, but he looks shocked and flabbergasted with the amount of money and effort she is willing to sacrifice to make your day as inconvenient as possible. You didn't just bruise Paulis' ego, you completely killed it.

Mira STR: 10

Mira

“Hey-?! Le-Lemme-MMF!” Because of Maya’s strength, Mira couldn’t finish her banter with Karina before the hooded woman cuffs her in the mouth and is dragged back to where the rest of the allies are currently sitting. Her attempts to resist are made futile especially considering that the woman’s strength has taken her by surprise. But then she hears the dragon girl insulting her and reminding the group of what they did to her to try and ruin their reputation; Obviously she wants to strike back and remind Karina of how she got into this scenario, but as she muffles furiously under Maya’s arms, how is she gonna do so if she has her (almost) suffocating under her grasp?

Renar

Carefully observing, I felt my fur stir up when no one volunteered to stop the out of control rabbit girl from forcing us in her way. I wanted to unleash my fury on the Lanceans when Okaa-san suddenly gets up and does it out of the blue. I relax my shoulders slightly, especially knowing how strong she is despite her current build, I figured she'd be able to easily drag someone small as that rabbit girl back to where she is so we can plan out our next move... or so I thought.

Just when I thought things would easily quell without any trouble, I felt my ears sting and my heart swell over the word psychopath. I didn't care that she directed this at Mira-san or even myself... but... saying it directly at her face... This is my mother she's insulting. My sensitive mother, who I know will go into rampage if someone dares to label her as a monster even once; We're no stranger to these insults, but to hear these words of malicity be regurgitated in her face after hundreds of years of living a life of hell... I grit my teeth in frustration. “New plan. Back ‘em up.” Without even thinking, I gestures the rest to follow behind me as I stand besides my trembling mother, claws sharpened along with the massive urge to resist unsheathing Inazuma recklessly.

“And how so?” I snarl back. “What evidence do you have to prove it? Or are you just gonna sit there and wrongly accuse us when in fact you and your master were the ones that struck first? All we asked was to get out of your place in peace... and you refused to let us!” Behind me, I felt the tension course through my fur just from the three people that stood behind me, Okaa-san and Mira-san. I then turn to the bartender, my eyes squinting with anger and a dash of electricity sparking from them every once in a while. "If you're gonna just blindly believe what she just spat in your face... you all... you guys... you have no logic in your thinking." Alek… Shugo-kun… Liivi-san… Those three have something to say don’t they? I can’t argue for the team especially as I squint at the other Lanceans besides Mira-san. Time to hear what they have to say on their end. If they do.

Shugo had mostly returned to his usual self as the group departed for the tavern, however seeing Karina at the bar causes a flat look to cross his face. Seriously? Can they not get any peace around here? He glances at Mira as she suddenly attempts to yell at the dragonborn. Then he smirks, "Calm down Mira, Renar. We outnumber her and if she tries anything in the middle of this tavern she'll just prove that she's the one in the wrong."

Without telling Maya to release Mira, he casually walks over to Karina. "Renar did speak the truth. Heck i was the first who tried to leave. We came to warn you of an outside threat, and you and your master rewarded us by threatening to cripple us should we refuse to join his cause. We acted in self defense and that is that. Now, you wanted to speak with me? Is that all you want? Cause I don't appreciate the defamation of character these posters are imposing on me." He gestures to the paper in her hands. "If you want to talk, I'll talk. Just you and me if that's what you want. I'm sure this tavern has a private room we can borrow for this chat." He gestures around. "Also, you do realize that buying out all the inns is not just hurting us, it's also going to cause discomfort to anyone else in town." He glances at the barkeep, "Not to mention it could look bad on all of the tavern's business if no one can get a room. Honestly, if you are that set on not letting me sleep on a bed then fine. I'll stay outside, it wouldn't be the first time and it won't be the last haha. Just make sure that any other unfortunate traveler's can stay in a room tonight."  He is not attempting to hide this conversation from onlookers. He wants them to see that he is reasonable, he's also hoping that his comrades realize his intentions for agreeing to speak with her. Speaking with her at the inn is on neutral territory so to speak, not to mention she couldn't try any funny business if they are inside a room with his friends just outside the door. He's also hoping he can gain some information by speaking with her while at the same time complying with at least one of her demands.

Alex steps up as well, his expression taking on that serious tone that looks so out of place on him in spite of how often it's been coming up lately. "Actions speak louder than words, and words are all you have currently," he says, his voice stern. "Many people in town have already seen that we do not behave as you say. Of course, aside from that all we have are words as well, we know the truth, and honestly that's enough for me." He places a hand on Shugo's shoulder, "Perhaps it isn't much to say that I second my friend's words, considering you have grouped all of us together in this false accusation, but what he speaks is the truth. This I swear on my oath as a Paladin." He places a fist on his chest, over the holy emblem on his tabard. His eyes stay locked on the Dragonborn, "We came in peace, came to hear what Paulis had to say. He didn't like our opinions of his, quite frankly, cruel plan, so we asked to agree to disagree and leave without conflict. The only person who fits the description you just mentioned, is Cezars, who we helped put behind bars." He crosses his arms, then looks around the room, then sighs, "To think, I had been excited to speak with Paulis. Now I wish I'd never set foot in his home. " His eyes move back to the Dragonborn, "Your actions speak only of pettiness, a pettiness that as my friend has pointed out, doesn't just inconvenience us. It inconveniences every other traveler in town. But there I go again, spouting words that land on def ears."

With that, he turns to his companions, hoping that Mira's outburst didn't already ruin their chances of appealing to the crowd as he says, "I'll support Shugo's idea to speak with Karina if she agrees..." he looks back at the Dragonborn again, "Though I would prefer it if it is done at the church, cause quite frankly I don't trust you not to try to drag him back to your master." He shakes his head, "Oh how naive I have been. As much as I want to see the good in everyone, these last few weeks have shown me nothing but the wickedness that still dwells in this world." Those words hang heavy in the air, as the truth he'd left unspoken finally slipped out. He had been naive, he still was truth be told. The day he completely lost his innocence would likely be the day he broke his oath, and if that day ever came then all would truly be lost. Not a topic he'd ever given thought to, nor would he if he had his way. Perhaps that just further proves his ignorance of how the world really works. At least now the shiny glass covering the ugliness that still dwelled around him had cracked, letting him see what lay beneath. It was a hard lesson to learn, and it was taking its toll on him little by little.

He turns to the door saying, "Don't waste your money, we will seek shelter at the church. Leave the rooms for those who need them." He opens the door, prepared to leave, "Come on friends, this isn't a battle worth fighting. Not now anyways."

Whilst she was in the midst of wrangling the rather impatient Mira, the sudden outbursts of Karina shook her from the inside out. Though her Lancean isn't good, the moment she picks up the dragon girl calling a her a psychopath, her face suddenly jolts in horror. Her stomach felt like it sank, her grip on Mira loosens slightly and her head swirls with awful flashbacks of being called a monster when she was never one to begin with. Watashi… watashi… (私…私…) Maya could feel her head spinning ever so slightly. She was about to lose it again in decades; The first since she was hunted for her appearance centuries ago. The thought of going down her horrific past again is enough to destabilize her. She was on the verge of turning into the feral monster she had longer since avoided. She wanted to tear Karina's eyes out at this very moment… of it wasn't for a sudden pain to her stomach snapping back to her senses…  Feeling several painful kicks to her stomach by Mira, she briefly snaps out of her turmoil and coughs briefly; She also realized she had almost let her guard down in containing the furious rabbit girl. 

She's still unstable as she maintains her grip, but then out of the blue, she hears Renar and Shugo suddenly standing their ground besides her. Not long after, Alek also stands his ground too. She didn't ask for this. She clearly didn't have this in mind at all, yet it came. As if she hoped they would all be by her side when all hope was lost... However, what little she had left wasn't enough to get her mind back into order. She gasps in surprise at their courage… until she reminds herself that Mira is still in her arms and has to snap out of it if she doesn't want an unnecessary blowout to occur. Plus, everyone is still weakened from earlier, so to her, she isn't buying it. When Alek asks the group to just exit the tavern, her response was swift yet silent; It didn't take a genius to note that she's eager to avoid another conflict as she hastily exits behind the young paladin and with the second queen still strangled in her arms. Tears slowly streaming down her eyes out of sight from the res in thanks. Because of these three, she managed to hold her emotional crisis... for now. She owes her ability to control herself to them.