Rin looks to Gwen for guidance on this issue. While cleaning up lawlessness could be considered cleaning, it's not the type of cleaning Rin knew how to do. Still, she was inclined to do what she could to help others, like when she offered free boot cleaning to others waiting to get through the gate. But she would follow Gwens lead on this.

Lumaris listens closely. "Indeed, long has Skelvath held sway," she murmurs, "but that is why I, at least, am here. No Wayfinder can accomplish a purpose alone, but it is the way we find for others that allows all to be achieved. Step by step is how every journey is made. To bring the rule of Order, Law, Truth, Beauty, and Goodness to this land will be one more step in protecting all people from the lies of Skelvath, who defiles his just post by tempting hearts to the choice he himself has made, to turn his back on the Order that made us all. I am here at your service, for this purpose, and it is the reason I came."

The elf draws herself up, her eyes wistful and far away as she looks clearly at the High Sheriff. "Lord Gerant, I accept your request. If my fellow staves have a destination in mind, I will help them find the way to it, and whilst your duty is to Law, I will be your eyes and ears in the wilderness."

"Mel lian", (My thanks) Gerant bows. "I was taught that duty is many-layered. My first duty is naturally to the Lord of Carvos, yet I know enough to understand that there are many threats in the world. Guarding against those is a duty we all share. The one does not conflict with the other."

"The order of Maestos is well aware of the efforts that the Wayfinders have made to defend the South over hundreds of years," Aralyn adds. "It would be fitting indeed if one of their number was able to help finally bring peace to this region." She looks at Rin "Rin, you may find the North provides exactly the opportunity your Loremaster hoped it would.  My Lord Ralvast himself came north of the Breach for his trial to pass into the Third Circle. You would be welcome at The Wolf's Tower in Bran Tor once you return. The scribes would be glad to document your travels and observations."

Avery, still looking a little groggy and hastily put together, will reply "I love that we have the backing of the powers that be, and that nothing here seems particularly binding. So, I'm sold. Personally. You want info? Easy! That's what I do best. I'm happy to give you the details on any pertinent information whenever we come across it. That sounds absolutely fabulous, even. One question does come to mind, though, before I give an enthusiastic agreement... What is the commission for infobroker to the state these days?" He raises his eyebrow, curious.

"If you prefer a more formal arrangement, a retaining fee of 1 Crown per month, paid 6 months in advance, additional payments can be made depending upon the nature of any information provided or any expenses accrued." Gerant smiles, clearly not having taken offence. "I pay well for the right people, it's generally worth it I find. Either party may then withdraw after 6 months or continue with the arrangement.

On the more informal basis,  I'd provide additional supplies for your journey and pay generously on receipt of information; as and when you choose to supply it. Either way, I'll provide some papers of authority which will offer you a limited level of protection in the North."

Gwen takes a few moments to ponder, no quite having been prepared to speak for some of the group as she catches Rin's eyes upon her. "It appears that at least two of my newly minted companions are of a mind to assist you, sir. I, too, am of the same mind. I came to these lands with an idea of searching for something, but I found that my God had a higher purpose than mine own. If it is Delmar's will to bring order to these chaotic lands, then who am I to turn my back on him."

She glances around at her companions with an inquiring glance. "I do believe that a formal agreement would benefit all parties greatly. What say you?"

"As  my lady wishes," responds Rin.

"I am heartened by this," Gerant replies. "and humbled.  Your service is welcomed and I trust that it may compliment, rather than hinder, your own purposes.  Gwen, it may be that the Gods choose an unexpected path to which your own intentions may be achieved.  I have often found this to be so. Your faith does you great credit and I believe that Delmar will reward it." He bows politely.  "This opportunity has been as welcome as it has been unexpected.  However, I feel that such honour deserves something from me in return, besides coin.  My resources are limited, but there is a guest presently attached to my service who might accompany you, if you are willing to take her.  I believe you will find her abilities compliment your own. I should feel easier in my mind knowing that there was a sword among the staves, for each have their place in this type of work.  Her role will be to support whatever endeavours you undertake in whatever manner she may offer."

Lumaris listens to the proposals, turning each one over in her mind. Informal, as free as the breeze... to wander without direction and only a vague purpose, yet in that freedom to discover what work needs to be done... yet this is what the Lord Sheriff wishes to hire us to do. A formal arrangement, to lay our duty rooted, trusting in the direction Oriellen and Delmar have given in this association. One can only walk a singular path; to try to walk more than one path is to walk none at all. We must make our choice.

Finally, the elf nods in agreement with Gwen. "I think a formal arrangement is the best path to take," she says. "Then, our expectations are clear. Who knows what we may find, and what designs of Skelvath may lie embroiled in this forsaken place, needing urgent backup to unravel? I believe a probationary retainment will allow us to build a foundation to see if we meet your purposes, or if we will diverge. As for the use of the sword in your service, you make a generous offer, Lord Sheriff. I would like to meet this sword before making a final decision on the matter, if her accompaniment is to be part of our arrangement."

"Of course." Gerant turns to Aralyn. "Aralyn, I believe Eris is standing watch over the street at present, would you mind asking her to step up here a moment?"  Aralyn moves towards the door immediately.
"Of course, my Lord. I shall take her place."  Aralyn bows politely to the room before taking her leave.

Situated a few steps aside the entrance- three, to be exact, as she'd counted- Eris stood vigil at her post. Of average height and muscular build, the elven woman's sandy blonde hair was cut surprisingly short, putting the piercings dotted along her tapered ears on full display. Another decorated the curve just below firmly set lips. Unusual embellishments for one so militaristic, to be sure, but they didn't discount the careful, tempered stare with which she surveyed her portion of the street.

She wore a meticulously kept set of scale mail, its moss-like shade complimented by the earthy toned scabbards strapped across her back and looped into her belt, the latter shorter than the former. Her kite shield rested nearby, it's equally maintained surface emblazoned with a stag's head. It was within easy reach, which she did so as Aralyn came to retrieve her. 

The neutral expression brightened with the woman's appearance, breathing life into the previously stalwart countenance. "Time, then," She stated more than asked, and offered a quick, formal salute to her replacement and headed indoors. The walk was a short one, only two turns to the right and one third from the left before she found herself at the meeting room's door. 

Two knocks rapped against the door as she opened it to step inside. "You sent for me, sir?" She asked, then to the rest she continued, "Eris Tourmaline, at your service." Her hand started to come up, the movement almost instinctual. A faintly chagrined expression followed as she halted its progress for a shallow bow instead. The more insightful individuals in the room might notice a subtle, nervous edge to the woman; beneath the rigorously held exterior, she earnestly wanted to make a good impression. "I was informed that you may be in need of some additional protection in the wilds? It'd be my honor to provide it."

Standing behind the others was a red haired girl dressed in maid clothes. At first glance simply a servant, but in her hand was a gnarled walking stick with a carved image of an old bearded wizard head on top. Obviously a wizards staff. 

(a picture of Rin's Wizard staff is on page 3 of the OOC thread. My dad spent a lot of time on that walking stick!)

Lumaris, dressed in a Wayfinder's elven grey cloak and hood, presents otherwise unarmed, her weapons still laid aside safely in her room. As Aralyn departs, a few minutes later, a rap on the door presages the entrance of an elf woman. A Quelimari. Lumaris immediately recognizes the armor worn by their Eight Companies. The style of hair and jewelry is also somewhat foreign to Lumaris' own people. Yet she seems uncertain about her place here... likely, she has not been here long, either.

"Eris, it is my honor to make your acquaintance," she says. "I am Lumaris Flirore of Rienmarien. What brought you north of the Breach?"

While Lumaris speaks to Eris, Gerant turns to Gwen, Rin and Avery. "If you happen to make your way north from here, I'd appreciate it if you could visit Skirnvjar.  I have heard a couple of odd rumours from up that way. Nothing specific, just unusually large numbers passing through.  It may be nothing - when word gets out that someone has found minerals it can cause a rush to the area.  Hopefully that is all it is."

"The pleasure is mine, I assure you," The elf replied, taking in the various individuals that were crowded into the room. Recognition flickered in the oddly pale gaze as it set to the hooded cloak. "Work, for the most part. It was my understanding that many who cross the Breach require more protection than they'd originally presumed. Seemed a niche I could easily fill."

She stepped free of the entryway while a brief, closed lipped smile brightened the austere expression, one that creased the corners of her eyes. "And what of you and your company? A Wayfinder I can understand, though is there more than simple curiosity or wanderlust? If you don't mind my asking, of course," She quickly tacked on.

Since the question seemed directed at evey one, Rin answered, "In my case, my master sent me out in the world to get practical experience in the arcane arts. This seemed like it would be a good place for practical experience."

Lumaris smiles softly. "While to wander and see the beautiful places of the world is a great blessing, I have come here primarily to see the hold of Skelvath on the North overthrown. Long have my people helped to guard the Breach. To bring safety and law to the wild places, with virtuous hands, eyes, and swords, will diminish his power even further. It is a task of millenia, but we work patiently and steadfastly."

To Lord Gerant, and to the rest of the party, she says, "I am happy to journey to Skirnvjar."

"A noble cause," Eris commended, "One that I could see myself contributing to. On both fronts." That smile turned itself on Rin, warm and appreciative to the fledgling mage's studies. "While there's certainly kinder teachers than experience, there's few who could match her results. I'm looking forwards to what she can teach you."

At the mention of Skirnvjar, a gauntleted hand pointed a thumb towards the doorway. "Aside from grabbing my pack, I'm ready and willing to depart as well." She paused, brow lofted slightly in hope towards her potential new companions, "If they'll have me, of course."

Avery pipes up too, a young man with a confident smile, "And I'm Avery, and really just here to see the sights and make a name for myself. Maybe something heroic and noble to write about in my memoirs." He grins. "It is good to have a professional protector on hand, there are plenty of dangers on the untamed roads. And while I can talk myself out of a good many conflicts, I'm known to talk myself into a few too..." his grin turn a little sheepish for a brief moment. "Like earlier. Could have sworn I was about to get decked by that assessor's goons." Then just laughs.

After a moment, his face returns to seriousness. "Genuinely, glad to have you with us, Eris" And he smiles again, warm and authentic.

"It seems that all is well," Gerant says, standing. "May your chosen Gods bless you in your endeavours and may you return safeguarded ere long. Your payment and supplies shall be with the Innkeeper when you are ready to collect them, along with your papers of authority.  I shall leave you to your morning and take my leave."  He bows to each of you before letting himself out.