Vasandoral will nod, "Very well then, good luck to you. The fate of our people, and all folks of Alaria, may very well rest on this council." He leads you outside.

You see now that possibly every elf in the camp has come up to witness this council. Folks stand around making idol conversation with each other, and watch you expectantly. Despite the numerous people around, the smell is pleasant and somewhat intoxicating, with whatever magical foliage the elves can create bunched around as makeshift decoration in this dark looming cavern. You are lead through the crowd to a clearing just outside the King's residence in the rockface. Sitting on a chair covered in flowers id King Ivaran, dressed in formal High Elven attire, with majestic colours and flowing drapes, he wears a small but beautiful golden crown on his brown hair.

The King addresses you formally, "Welcome, emissaries of my son, Prince Lukian Eldari. You have come not only with news of my son's mission to The Scarecrow, but also return great treasures thought lost to our people after the Cataclysm of Kholias. Is this correct." He looks at you all expectantly.

Valar bows to the King, then looks to the group, encouraging the presentation of the axe/ 

(Who had the axe?)

(I suppose it must have been Amiz. Perhaps someone would have remembered to grab it off him? Or did he take it with him?)

[[Sorry, I wrote a post accidentally deleted it, then had a relapse then a birthday celebration. I'm currently running my live game, I'll post tomorrow, but can we assume we got the axe back? I'm TOTALLY COOL with playing through with Amiz walking off with it though.]]

You go to hand over the Greataxe of Amalkim, but before the King takes it, he starts. “Something is not right. The axe, something feels wrong. Where did you find it? Where had it been?” There’s a muttering amongst the crowded mass of elves.

Valar will explain how the axe was found in the mine, being used by an evil creature that they defeated.  

King Ivaran listens to your story intently, "Well, it seems the Greataxe has fallen to the same energy afflicting Kholias. This is a sad day indeed. But surely the Sarris Talisman hasn't fallen to the same fate. You may now hand it over." He hands you back the Greataxe of Amalkim, and holds out his hand for the Talisman.

Note-who wants the axe then if he is returning it?

The Axe of Amalkim functions as a Berserker Greataxe so do with it what you will, the elves are not currently interested in it unless you can remove the curse. Will you be just handing over the Sarris Talisman as well? 

Quote from drumdigby >>

The Axe of Amalkim functions as a Berserker Greataxe so do with it what you will, the elves are not currently interested in it unless you can remove the curse. Will you be just handing over the Sarris Talisman as well? 

 Valar can carry it until such time he can find someone to remove the curse. His paladin abilities do not have that capability

[[Sorry, Back with full attention now.]]

Thelanis turns over the Talisman.

King Ivaran happily takes the Talisman from you, smiling serenely, then turns to the other elves gathered. "Know this, that these people have risked their lives to bring us news of our beloved Lukian, and to deliver the Sarris Talisman back to it's rightful owners. May this amulet protect us far into the future." He then turns back to you, addressing you loudly so all around can hear, "If there was anything you needed that was in my power to gift. You may ask it of me." He looks at you smiling.

Valar will bow deeply to the King, "If it is within your power, as we have sworn to rid this land of this dark cancer at Kholias, anything to aid our quest, to strengthen our arms or armor, means of healing, even a map of the city so we may plan our strategy." 

King Ivaran hesitantly agrees to your request, "If you are intent on heading into the city then so be it. But may I ask why you would want to go in? Even my ranges barely head into the city proper anymore." Vasandoral nods at you from his place next to the King.

Valar explains, "I have sworn to exorcise the corruption from Kolias on behalf of my god, and so I will venture in on this quest to purge it at all costs. This darkness needs to end, as you can see, it has an impact on everyone who is near it. No one should suffer that dark influence. If it is an invasion by the mind flayers, then they must be stopped before good people are taken as thralls against their will. This is what I have sworn to do." 

"I'm searching into Kholias for reasons involving making up for past mistakes."

"We need to bring you," turning so all can hear, "all of you, information from the prince. He has convinced the scarecrow that you are ready to attack Kholias and has convinced the Scarecrow to help. We were not asked to be the messenger for this, we neither approve or disapprove, it was simply dropped on us.  We are going in no matter what you do, we just wanted you to know what your son has gotten himself into."

Persuasion: 23

There are noticeable gasps and then silence as Thelanis explains Lukian's situation. Mutterings then start up amongst the crowd, which are quickly shut down by the King, who seems put off by your announcement. "Quiet all! These adventurers come to us with gifts and news of our lost son, but this could be a low trick to commit our forces to Kholias, straight into a trap! What proof do you have that you are in contact with Lukian?" King Ivaran seems unnecessarily furious, although the rest of the crowd clearly aren't as angry. Everyone wants to see what you present.

Valar will turn to the group, do a slight shrug to try and keep from being noticed, and mouth "the stone." 

Thelanis will turn over the stone to the King saying, "This stone will send a 25 word message to your son's companions, not sure how soon he would take to respond. Again, I'm not trying to convince you of anything, just informing you of the facts as they appear to me."