Avery listens intently to each person, nodding thoughtfully at their words. When it's his turn to speak, he leans forward, "Delmar's treasure, you say?" He grins at Gwen. "Now that sounds like the kind of fun I could get behind. Who wouldn't want to search untamed lands for hidden riches?"

Turning to Rin, he adds, "And Rin, supporting each other with our skills is exactly why I, too, seek out companions. Exploring together can be much more rewarding than going it alone."

He then glances at Lumaris, a curious look on his face. "Protecting the land from the Breach, huh? Quite the mission. I have to admit, the idea of helping shape this wild place into something remarkable is pretty appealing."

Avery leans back, a playful glint in his eye. "As for me? I'm looking for a bit of redemption I suppose you'd say, make a name for myself that is worth something. So, how about we mix a little treasure hunting with our noble endeavors? It sounds like a recipe for an unforgettable adventure, don't you think?" He pauses a moment and his eyes shift back to Gwen, "So, where should we start?" 

Upon looking across to Gwen, Avery spies a man approaching their table, battering his way eagerly through the thronged tavern. He appears to be in his late thirties or early forties, poorly clothed but nimble and strong.  He is dressed as a commoner, in layers of firs which look as though they would once have shrugged off the cold of a blizzard but are now ragged and patchy.  At first it appears as though he plans to pass their table but a sidelong glance as he does so changes his mind and he stops abruptly.

"By the Gods!  I was right!  I thought I spied your device upon your entry but scarcely believed my eyes! Blessings to Delmar, Lady fair.  I crave your indulgence and assistance." He appears flustered, hovering between a bow and dropping to one knee for a moment.  Meeting Gwen's eye for a second, he plucks up his courage, delves into a small pouch and places a lump of ore on the table. "Might I crave the benefit of your wisdom, Lady?  The assayer," he points to one of the larger tables vaguely, "states my mine's ore is worth but two dits per pound due to impurities, yet I do not believe this is true.  None would question the opinion of one of Delmar's chosen!"

He appears to realise that he has barged in upon a private group; noticing, it seems for the first time, that Gwen is not seated alone. "Oh! My apologies all for my rudeness. I beg your forgiveness. Allow me to settle for your meal and also obtain a jug of ale and finest mead for the interruption!"

Gwen smiles at the man, waving away his offer of a meal. "It is the honor of this humble servant to examine your findings; no recompense is required. Come, friend, please sit." She stands and offers her own chair up while she takes the offered ore, examining it closely before she holds it against her holy symbol across her chest. She closes her eyes and spends a moment concentrating as a bright glow suffuses the ore and the hand holding it. After a moment she opens her eyes and passes it back to the man. "Your intuition is correct, friend. This iron is of good quality, worth at least twice the assayer has valued it and that I would say is unrefined. Is there a smelter in this city? If so, you could easy get even more, as there is very little impurity within your sample. If you mined this yourself, I would suggest ensuring the safety of your mine and vein."

"Delmar be praised!" The man seems almost overwhelmed.  "Thank you, I shall seek a smelter as you suggest, once I have mined more." He bows once again and moves away to give you some privacy. Despite Gwen's kind words, the jugs arrive shortly afterwards along with meals (all paid for).

However, you have barely finished your meal when two more miners make themselves known and present samples of their own. The first states that the Assayer has deemed his mine and ore worthless, though he will buy him out for one gold piece. The second wants you to confirm how good his ore is:

"The Assayer has offered me a share in his gold mine in exchange for 25% of my ore!" He proudly proclaims.

While Gwen's attention is occupied with her growing number of "mining clients", her companions can't help but notice the angry glares from the Assayer's table at this unwelcome display of expertise. He speaks to a group of five burley men, gesturing angrily towards Gwen.

Lumaris smiles listening to Avery's enthusiastic appraisal of the various goals of the staves, and his calculated assumption presented to Gwen, the only one who had specifically given assent to working with him, as the leader of the group. A professional winner of men, certainly, this one, she thinks. One who seeks gain with unerring confidence in his ability to make things work no matter the opposition. Ah, such a spirit may be well used by the gods in a pitiless wilderness... and learn him a thing or two, besides, about his own soul.

But Avery isn't the only one who seeks the favor of the cleric of Delmar, it is soon seen. Seeing Gwen in the service of her craft, in that blessed by the god she has dedicated her life to, the elf watches, drinking in the scene, especially of how easily Gwen forgets for a moment her strange and insistent companions to slip into her clerical role like a well-worn and loved pair of boots.

Smiling, Lumaris turns and winks at Avery. "You've chosen a worthy leader," she says. As the jugs arrive, the elf accepts a mug of mead with her meal and shares a light-hearted tale with her table companions as they eat, about the mishaps of a Rienmari shepherd during lambing season high on the moors, when he forgot the weather for dreaming too fervently of a state in life which was not yet his.

As yet more grateful miners begin to flock to Gwen, though, the elf turns a wondering eye towards the tension building at the Assayer's table. She watches silently, her smiling expression fading into seriousness. Has greed so stolen the hearts of men already in this town?  "I think," she says to Avery, taking another sip of her still half-full mug of mead, but not taking her eyes off of the Assayer and the burly men, "that our opportunities to shape this place to the yoke of something remarkable are well and quickly showing themselves."

Avery watches the scene unfold, noting the growing tension at the Assayer's table. As Gwen continues to assist the miners, he leans back, considering his options. Conflict wasn't what they needed right now, especially not in a crowded tavern. He stands up, placing a reassuring hand on Lumaris's shoulder. "You’re right," he says softly, "but let's see if we can steer this ship into calmer waters."

Avery steps forward, making his way to the Assayer's table. With a charming smile and a confident demeanor, he addresses the Assayer and his companions, his voice carrying just enough to ensure he's heard clearly. "Gentlemen, I understand that the expertise of a servant of Delmar is highly sought after. But perhaps we can resolve this amicably." He raises his voice slightly, not shouting, but ensuring the nearby patrons can hear.

"A fair and open assessment benefits everyone. Perhaps we can arrange a formal session where Lady Gwen can offer her insights in a more organized manner. This way, everyone gets a fair chance, and no one feels left out or undervalued." Avery then focuses on the Assayer, his tone respectful but firm. "Surely, as a professional, you can appreciate the value of transparency and fairness in all dealings. Let's avoid unnecessary conflict and ensure that the wealth of knowledge and resources here benefits all."

(Idk, persuasion? 25)

Quote from Morinas >>

"Delmar be praised!" The man seems almost overwhelmed.  "Thank you, I shall seek a smelter as you suggest, once I have mined more." He bows once again and moves away to give you some privacy. Despite Gwen's kind words, the jugs arrive shortly afterwards along with meals (all paid for).

However, you have barely finished your meal when two more miners make themselves known and present samples of their own. The first states that the Assayer has deemed his mine and ore worthless, though he will buy him out for one gold piece. The second wants you to confirm how good his ore is:

"The Assayer has offered me a share in his gold mine in exchange for 25% of my ore!" He proudly proclaims.

While Gwen's attention is occupied with her growing number of "mining clients", her companions can't help but notice the angry glares from the Assayer's table at this unwelcome display of expertise. He speaks to a group of five burley men, gesturing angrily towards Gwen. 

Gwen enjoys the meal and the story from Lumaris, but just as she finishes her meal and begins to get comfortable finds herself being approached by more and more miners looking to get her and, by proxy, Delmar's blessings on their endeavors. She gestures for the men to make an orderly line to prevent the table and herself from being surrounded. She takes the first ore, and like before she closes her eyes and presses the ore against her holy symbol for a moment as that same glow suffuses the ore. She frowns as she looks towards the man. "You say the Assayer deemed your ore worthless? I would disagree with their assessment. It is not the purest of ores, but it is workable. Certainly worth more than the offer made." When she examines the ore of the second miner, she confirms the Assayer's finding; however, something about the gold nugget in his hands catches her eye. She holds out her hand and nods towards the nugget. "May I see that a moment?" There is a brief moment of hesitation before the miner hands her the nugget and she does not even need to focus through Delmar to recognize copper pyrite. 
She clenches her teeth in anger. "This nugget is what the Assayer gave you as a sample for their gold mine in exchange for a 25% stake in your mine?" She hands the man the 'nugget' back. "I need you to be very honest with me, goodsir. Your word before Delmar that this is what the Assayer gave you?"

[Gwen's Table]  "It is indeed," the miner replies, his earlier cheerful confidence now being replaced by doubt. "I trust I have not offended Delmar by offering so small a share?  The costs of extraction at this location have been higher than I had hoped. In truth and upon my honour, 25% was a little higher than I was comfortable with, yet the Assayer assured me the value of the gold would help offset my own costs and he can swiftly ensure that my mine begins to generate revenue." He wrings his hands anxiously, evidently misinterpreting Gwen's irritation as being directed at himself.  Behind him a couple of miners appear to be taking an interest in the exchange.  One other purses his lips and shakes his head.  He is among the oldest of the company they have seen this evening. He has not, so far, produced any ore for the Assayer or for Gwen but has been watching all the dealings with the interest of an expert who is himself above such things.

[Assayer's table] The Assayer's eyes narrow yet he hesitates a moment.  The young man before him is brash and confident. Upon what is this confidence based?  Much of the Assayer's credibility and financial gain is evaporating before his eyes. He has gone to some effort to gain exclusive authority in this town and it had begun to pay rich rewards. Discretion or an early show of force. Which to choose?  (Wisdom) 6 

"Perhaps this "Lady Gwen" is not what she seems!" He says eventually. "We have had false clerics peddle their untruths up here before. Fortunately, we have the means to deal with such evil. To prey upon the gullible in the name of a deity is a crime of the vilest sort. We burn such people up here - or cast them from the walls after they have been flogged through the streets. Those who aid and associate with such people, we flog and then we hang!" He stands suddenly to face Avery, a hand slipping to his waist to rest on the handle of a knife.  Two of his burly companions draw swords and move beside him. "Perhaps it would be best for you and the "Lady" to leave now before we enact our rights and enforce the law!"

Before Avery can reply a long, silver sword slides past his right shoulder. The tip hovers a short distance from the Assayer's throat. The hand upon the hilt is pale and slender. A cuff of brilliant blue cloth emerges from beneath a grey sleeve about the arm and a woman's voice speaks softly but coldly.

"I'd be careful invoking the law, Enarrion Greystone. The law has its eye on you and your dealings! I'd be more careful still threatening a true cleric of Delmar in your line of work. If the miners were to hear of such a thing, they'd never deal with you again. Perhaps you have outstayed your welcome in North Keep and should return to the wilds.  Take these men with you. If you ever seek readmission to this city you had best mend both your ways and your manners!"  The two swordsmen stir slightly. "Steady!" Her voice takes on an edge. "A dead master cannot pay your wages and you will not enjoy a stay in the cells beneath the mountain."  The two step back and sheath their swords, leaving the Assayer no choice but to mumble something unintelligible. He turns and begins to gather up his belongings.

The sword withdraws and Avery hears it being replaced in its sheath. Turning, he finds himself facing the woman who they briefly glimpsed earlier. She is not especially tall and much is hidden beneath the cowl of her cloak but a pair of intelligent green eyes meet his own. She appears to be in her early twenties. Her features are well-proportioned and defined by strong cheek bones and a jaw that belongs more on the field of battle than at a tapestry loom! Her skin is weathered and slightly tanned which is not typical in this climate and certainly does not suggest someone of high birth - though her mode of speech is very cultured.  "Apologies, master. He is one of those who needs reminding of his place from time to time. I was hoping to join you and your companions for a moment and speak with you if I may."

Quote from Morinas>>

[Gwen's Table]  "It is indeed," the miner replies, his earlier cheerful confidence now being replaced by doubt. "I trust I have not offended Delmar by offering so small a share?  The costs of extraction at this location have been higher than I had hoped. In truth and upon my honour, 25% was a little higher than I was comfortable with, yet the Assayer assured me the value of the gold would help offset my own costs and he can swiftly ensure that my mine begins to generate revenue." He wrings his hands anxiously, evidently misinterpreting Gwen's irritation as being directed at himself.  Behind him a couple of miners appear to be taking an interest in the exchange.  One other purses his lips and shakes his head.  He is among the oldest of the company they have seen this evening. He has not, so far, produced any ore for the Assayer or for Gwen but has been watching all the dealings with the interest of an expert who is himself above such things.

Gwen softens her gaze and places a gentle hand upon the man's shoulders. "Nay, goodsir, be still and know that my indignation is not directed to you. You have been swindled by the man you all name as the Assayer. He has led you falsely, that is not gold. It is a crystal known as pyrite... also called 'fools gold'. Given everything I have seen this day I believe this man to be a criminal and he has aroused the righteous anger of Delmar. I must have words with this man. If he is foolishly ignorant, then I shall have to educate him on his failings. If he is willfully leading the good people astray, then he may face Delmar's wrath. Can you point me in the direction of the Assayer's Office?"

"He sits yonder!" The man points across the bar room. Following his finger, Gwen sees Avery speaking to a narrow-faced sallow-skinned man and a couple of his burley companions.  Their aggression and displeasure is evident in their expressions and body language before becoming manifest in the drawing of swords.

At this point a cloaked figure behind Avery smoothly draws a sword of their own and, reaching past Avery, points it at the Assayer's throat. A brief exchange follows and the thugs back away, while the Assayer hastily begins to gather up his belongings.  A flash of blue is evident around the extended arm of the cloaked figure,  who is now easily identified as the lady seen earlier in the street. She speaks to Avery and together they turn and move towards Gwen and the rest of the party. 

The Assayer and his thugs make a hasty exit from the building. 

Lumaris nods to Avery as he moves to the other table to intercept the Assayer's ire. But she listens to Gwen's discussions of the ore, as it becomes clear that there is already deception and exploitation occurring in this poor northern town. Truly we have been doing a service to guard the Southlands from this wild place... but it seems we are not the only ones with a mind to bring the North under the right bounds of Law. As she recognizes the lady in blue coming to Avery's rescue against Enarrion's threats.

The elf stands respectfully as the woman approaches their table with Avery, and bows.

Gwen glares over at the man identified as The Assayer, but it would seem that the situation is already being handled and so waits for Avery and this woman to approach. “It would appear that what words I would have directed towards that man may have already been spoken. He is a cheat, a liar, who is exploiting the people of these lands. He should be expelled from his position and dealt a punishment just for his crimes.”

"I shall not deal with him again, My Lady!"  The man assures Gwen. "I thank you for your service and your honesty."  He lays a couple of gold coins upon the table. "A small token and rightly earned. It is meet that we should support Delmar's representative and ensure her every comfort."  There's a general agreement to this and even those whom Gwen has not yet helped begin to chip in a few coins, nodding respectfully as they do so before making their way back to their own tables to allow the party their privacy.  Gwen finds herself looking at a pile of 8 Crowns and 12 Quarts. It wasn't what she was expecting, but miners never miss a chance to honour Delmar as she well knows, and they will take comfort from having done so.

As she approaches the table, the lady pauses and bows to Lumaris in the manner of polite Rienmari society. "Hel netari ora meli kalienen", she says. Her pronunciation is very clear but in the manner of the Quelimari elves, rather than Rienmari. She does not appear to have elven ancestry herself; at least if she does it is several generations diluted. Her accent chimes with the hilt of her sword, which shows very fine elven craftsmanship of the type favoured by the Quelimari soldiers Lumaris has met. Silver and gold ivy leaves intertwine around the pommel and guard.  "I prey you forgive the intrusion on this your first evening in North Keep, yet I would welcome a few words with you all if you are willing."

She turns to Gwen and bows once more. "My compliments to you and my respects to Delmar, The Wealth Giver." She nods politely to Rin also. "Blessings of Maestos to you. We see few students of the Arcane arts up here, yet I believe this land has need of more like you if it is to be successfully tamed."  She smiles and turns to Avery. "It speaks well of you that you tried to prevent violence this night.  My thanks, and those of my employer on whose behalf I should like to speak to you.  May I sit?"

Rin hops out of her seat and offers it to the newcomer so that she has a place to sit.

"Hel natari ora meli filimar," Lumaris replies, with a quiet smile. "To tame this land and bring peace and prosperity rather than violence and exploitation is a goal dear to all of our hearts, I think. Please sit, my lady, and introduce yourself, and your esteemed employer." As the elf had stood to greet their guest, she moves to stand where she can keep an eye on the doors and the room, while still staying close enough to be part of the conversation. The elf offers Rin her own chair with a gesture, as she does so.

The lady accepts with a gracious nod of her head.  "It is welcome indeed to hear the familiar accent of Rienmarrien." she smiles. "I am named Aralyn Tregarth. My own story may perhaps have to wait until our next meeting. I am assistant to the High Sheriff, Gerant Feromar, whose task it is to bring some order to this territory.  The authority of Lord Lynnatt of Carvos is well established on the other side of the Underpassage, but up here there are many who offer lip service only. More still refuse to accept any authority at all, choosing to view the North as outside of the jurisdiction of Carvos."  She pauses, seemingly to choose her words with care. "My Lord has been tasked by Lord Lynnatt with consolidating Carvos' authority in the North. My task, and one that the High Sheriff has also undertaken, is to ensure that those powers against which the South has long defended do not regain a foothold here.  I have been asked to keep an eye open for any who pass through who might assist in this regard and invite them to meet with the High Sheriff to discuss the matter. There is no obligation, you understand, but we will offer you such assistance as is within our power. You may find that your own business and ours can be conducted together without inconvenience."

Rin can make an Arcana check

Rin gets 21 on Arcana check

Quote from JSenecal >>

Rin gets 21 on Arcana check

 The name Feromar is familiar to Rin from her studies of the "Roles of the Wise" which named some of the greatest wizards as well as those who have sat on the Council of Maestos.

Corwen Feromar was one of the greatest enchantresses of her age and she was born in this part of the world. Daughter of a nobleman from Pernor, she served Gerant "Ironfist" during the Prophesy War (the last great continent-wide war around 200 years ago). It was rumoured that she was also his lover and may even have born his child - though if so, that child never made a claim to Carvos Keep when "Ironfist" eventually died at the very respectable age of 87 years.

Corwen went on to become a Lore Master and took over the new Greater Tower of Wizardry at Breach Guard, (the original tower fell into The Breach due to dragon attack) sitting on the Council of Maestos until shortly before her death. By all accounts, Corwen had a formidable mind, both for politics and the arcane. She was a very shrewd operator at a time when a woman's influence in Carvos was far less than in these more modern times.

It seems a coincidence to hear the names Gerant and Feromar together, suggesting that the High Sherriff is probably a distant relation and has a very distinguished family history.  He may even have a slight claim to the Lordship of Carvos if the rumours about his distant relation are true!

Gwen looks astonished at the amount of money left for her upon the table as the miners express their thanks for her service through Delmar. She gratefully accepts each donation, placing the money into a separate pouch on her belt as she contemplates how she might be able to return said money to the townsfolk in someway before she joins her companions once more. She nods respectfully to Aarlyn as the elven lass introduces herself, then begins to explain her purpose within the city. 

Gwen shares a look with her new comrades and smiles. "Something like that would be within my ability to assist. Helping the people here is a commendable endeavour while exploring my own goals. Do you know what sort of work the Sheriff would be having us do?"

"Mostly, the High Sheriff would welcome news," Aralyn explains. "The hardest thing about the Northern Territory is maintaining a good overview of what is occurring and where. No doubt this will improve once we establish regular population centres. At present, with the populace widely scattered and there being little law enforcement to go around, what my Lord needs more than anything is intelligent eyes who can convey information in a timely manner. Thus, if there is a threat we can act swiftly.".