I shake my head, "With all due respect madam, you just confirmed my suspicions. The nature and history of conflict is something I have studied. There are a few universal constants, one of them is that there is always a reason when one group attacks another. Now, some reasons are better than others, you may or may not agree that the reason is sufficient to justify the conflict, but there is always a reason. If you think there is no reason, then chances are you have not been listening or paying attention. Again, I mean no disrespect with that last, very few people do pay enough attention to others outside of their immediate circle, a large part of my reason for studying such things in the first place was how amazingly common it is for conflicts, both large and small, to start over relatively simple misunderstandings."

"Whether you intend to make peace with someone, to utterly destroy them, or something somewhere in between, at least seeking the counsel of someone who understands them and their reasons for acting the way they do is the first step that I would advise any ruler to take. I have not met the druids of this world, but without knowing anything else I would guess that this kingdom was attacked because it was in one way or another causing significant harm to the creatures and environment that they are sworn to protect. I would further guess that they warned you or your people multiple times, but that the warnings were ignored. My guess on their reason may be correct, it may not. You might have been able to avoid the war entirely through some simple and relatively reasonable action, or perhaps not. Either way chances are you will never know what caused that war, or how you might be able to avoid another one, unless you communicate with them in at least some fashion."

"Well I can see that you have just a one track mind young man.  Since there seems to be nothing more to discuss I will be in contact with you when the full council meets.  Have a good day."  She gets up and leaves the room.  Jorel stands up and says, "Well I am not sure how well that has gone.  But seeing that she is done I suggest we all leave."

I wince as she leaves, "I shouldn't have kept going on that subject. Sorry guys, Watching people make mistakes like that is not easy for me. Let's get going, thank you for the introduction Jorel."

Jorel will lead you all back to the inn.  While walking he will talk to Jason.  "I know she seems to be very set in her ways but as the minister of diplomatic relations she can be open minded on a lot of stuff.  As long as it is not about druids though I have come to find out.  I wish I could tell you something about that conflict but it was way before my time."

Answering Jorel, I say "It may have been before your time, but apparently not before hers. What do you know of her history? Has she truly been around more than 50 years, yet looks so very young? I, for one, am very curious about this series of events that brought the Druids out in force against them, a couple of generations back. Perhaps some research is in order, when we have the time."

Jorel answers, "I do not know how old she is but she has been on the council for as long as I remember. She is one of four that have held their seats for at least 50+ years.  The king himself has been in power for some 200 years I have been told and still does not look over 80.  Him being half elven like your friend Jason means they live longer just how long I am not sure.   As far as the history of the druid war you may talk to the mages to see if they can tell you anything."

"I'll do just that, soon. It could make the difference in acceptance or denial of our requests for ambassador credentials and audience."

Travis, looks over to Grant as he made the comment. "I think I might accompany Grant when going to have a talk to the Mages about the history and Druid war," Travis says to him.

  I will go to my room and change out of my clothing.  After a restless night of sleep i bathe and put on my armor.  I head out with Caesar once the sun is up the next day.  My focus will be to find a druid or anyone who can point me in the right direction.   No smile crosses my face as i am angry about the current situation. 

As an FYI, yes I would have followed Rachel.

Everyone makes it back to the Inn with no issues.  Travis and Grant are you going to the mage tower now or wait until morning?

No, I will wait until morning. The political situation isn't going to change overnight. 

I will also wait until morning. Then, I will accompany Grant to the Mages tower!

As the first sun comes up you will hear people getting ready for the day.  The inn you are at serves a break fast and you are more than welcome to have some before starting your day.  Soon Travis and Grant head to the mages tower.  After a nice walk through the market square and then the poorer part of the city you exit the south gates and see that the mages tower is off the the east and a bit south.   After walking through a nice maintained garden you come upon a door.  What do you do next? (Check private message)

What is everyone else going to do this new day.

From the door encounter in PMs:

Making sure no one knocks on it, I approach the door and respectfully say to it "Good morning! If you would be so kind as to inform the Lady that Grant Bear's Son has returned with a friend, and if possible allow us to enter within? We have some historical research to do."

The Door responds, "What lady are you talking about I do not see any ladies here just a couple human fools Be off with the both of you."

With a smirk I answer back "The Lady Diane has granted us access to the tower, when we wanted to. If you'll recall, I was here just the other day with Jason. Perhaps you should call her and ask?"

"Well if you were granted access then you know what to do so far all I hear is a person ranting about this lady or that lady. By the way there are more than just one person in this tower that would be called a lady. Now if you do not know what to do just turn around and be off with you."

"Well, I told you my name, as I was requested to do by the Lady Diane the last time we were here, and you were told to grant me access. Unless there is something wrong with that procedure, that is all I was required to do. Do you need to hear it again? Grant Bear's Son."

The Door opens

 We (who ever all is with us) proceed inside. I announce myself to the guardian statues "Grant Bear's Son to see the Lady Diana or whomever is available on a recent historical research matter, if you'd please let them know."

As everyone enters the tower and approach the two figures they come to life.  The female figure will tell everyone to have a sat as the lady is summoned while the male migure heads over to the alcove and fetches a heavy tray with meats and cheeses as well as two pitchers. One pitcher is full of a rich red wine while the other is full of chilled water.  There is plenty of mugs for everyone to have a mug.

Travis, follows Grant inside the mages tower. Then sees the male figure come to life and offer wine meat and cheeses. He, calls out to the lady "I would like to know more about the land and its rich resource of fresh herbs to be found,"? he says.

"Now, we are talking yes please," Travis says as he takes a pitcher of the red wine and takes a sip while simultaneously sampling the cheeses and meats from the tray. Offered by the male figure.

Everyone will notice that the tray has slices of their favorite cheese and meat on it.

I sample some of the meats and cheeses, and well as the water. Other than that, I wait patiently. 

OOC - by favourite, do you mean Earth-based or Realms? 

yes  Your favorite from back on earth