The Duke picks up a goblet of wine, swirling it around as he looks at you all, "So, the fall of Ballentyne was no fluke, I thought something was awry. And I suppose others like you have been helping this horde in the field as well. It would certainly help explain their victories. I just got word that Lorrinsgate has fallen as well. Somehow the entire horde snuck around three separate army groups to take the fortress from behind after it had sent reinforcements elsewhere."

"But that won't last. Those bugbears are still outnumbered and of poor discipline, soon or late they'll be caught and destroyed, and then the Mitrans will be seeking out those who helped them, in other words you. And me if I do anything other than turn you over to them." He turns and gestures towards a large portrait of two elves, a man and a woman, with regal bearing, "I was too young to fight at their side against house Darius. Both my mother and my father died at the battle of Tamberlyn. That youth was the only thing that saved me at the time. I was offered a chance to 'repent' because of it, and even keep the title the victor bestowed upon me by killing my parents."

"As much as I hate them for it, I have seen exactly what happens to those who oppose the Mitrans. And this newest king? He almost makes his forbear look like a secular man by comparison. There will be no forgiveness from him this time around, even if I were somehow a child again."

He turns back to you, taking a drink of wine before continuing, "You come to me as beggars, the last remnants of a forbidden faith.  You promise me land and power, but all that I am likely to earn from helping you is the inquisitor’s pyre. Tell me, as much as revenge appeals, why should I risk what I have helping you? The lands and office I hold are not enough, as you say, but they are better than the executioner's pyre.”

"You should risk it because you must. House Darius, the Mitrans, are becoming increasingly stringent on anyone labeled 'other.' Just look to the previous King's actions and towards the current King's defense of those actions. Sooner or later, they will turn against you. Whether it be due to your elven heritage or due to your history as an Asmodean. Oh and, the bugbears are not just some random tribe. No, they are led by an unusually intelligent and charismatic leader. They aren't as easy of a foe as you think. But even that army isn't close to what's in store next.  Join the more powerful side.  Aid us and win back your glory!" Eya pleads. 

Respar senses that Eya's words struck a chord with the duke, but he hides it well.

"And if I agree to this insane thing? What exactly is it that you would beg me to do on your behalf?"

Eya smiles, "The main thing we want is not to be hassled by the guards. Our sister team here, the ones in the white over there led by her, will be conducting operations on our behalf in the city. My team will as well, though we may be out of town from time to time. I would also like to request access to any libraries, magic shops, or workshops that you have. If you have any ideas on how we could lay low, where we could stay, that would be immensely helpful as well. Some of my companions are...large, to put it lightly."

Eya then turns to the rest of her group for input, "Is there anything else that you all can think of?"

The duke hesitates a moment before nodding "A blind eye from the guards can be done, but bear in mind there are limits, if one of you gets caught red handed committing murder or something equally heinous, there is only so much I can do without alerting the inquisitors. Not to mention those of my own men who are not aligned with this cause, which includes the vast majority of them."

"As to shelter, that is simple enough. I maintain a country home about a half day's ride to the southwest along the coast. It has not actually been used in some time, but I could have it opened up for you. Bear in mind that this too has limits, the place is isolated, but if you still manage to attract attention, I will have to claim that you are squatters on my property and react accordingly. Of course, my response would be slow enough that you would easily get away."

"If these are the largest of your demands, then I might be willing. Know this, I will not be fighting your battles for you. Not until you prove this claim that you actually have a chance of victory."

Kiven steps forward to the front of the group, the pretty elf that was his illusory disguise slowly fading away to reveal pale skin and hair with tones of gray held back by the thin crown that Eya enchanted for him.  He bears quite a few similarities to the Duke in this regard.  Kiven's tone is even and dispassionate but strong as he speaks.  "Duke Vandermir, I am Kiven of House Aloro of Daveryn.  What House Darius did to your family, and what I am ashamed to see my family become under their rule, is an offense that cannot go unpunished.  I can think of no greater end that either of us can hope to achieve than correcting this atrocity.  It is logical to assess our current situations and conclude that you have much more to risk than I, and thus we will take on the lion's share of it.  We wish for you take on only the duties my companion has laid out, and otherwise maintain your good standing.  When the time is right, an alliance of House Aloro and House Vandermir will mark the return of our people to prominence."

Duke Vandermir looks Kiven up and down, then gives a short nod, a gesture of respect, "Kiven Aloro. You are supposed to be dead, killed during an attempted recapture."

"I suppose that was merely a ruse for your family to save face. I don't know if you have heard, but your brother already had to resign in disgrace after your escape on his watch. He barely avoided accusations of allowing you to get free. Your family's reputation has been harmed severely by the matter." He takes a drink, smiling. "As far as I am concerned, they deserved it. Well done. I'm not sure how you got from a prison escapee to working for Asmodeus, but I can make a few guesses. I think we will get along just fine."

Blau sticks with the others as they are led to the country house, waiting until they are settled in before saying "Well done on swinging the Duke to our views, Nessus Knot! While he isn't actively advocating our cause nor fighting to achieve or goals, his supplying us with valuable resources is an excellent result. Once again, our Knot proves it's superiority over all other contenders and shines in the bright flames of Asmodeus' pleasure!"

Respar also compliments Eya and Kiven.  "Excellent work.  Now we need to cement our control.  Optimally, we need proof of his helping us, so if he decides it would be expedient to throw us to the Mitrans, he will get dragged down with us."  He pauses, "Unless someone comes up with a better idea, we can also attempt to forge some documents.  Ideas anyone?"

"I concur" says Kiven, grinning a bit at the Duke's reaction and giving the Duke a similar nod in turn while looking him in the eye with respect.  "While we are pursuing our next objective, if our... disciples... here can be of any assistance to you in the tasks we require, or any other that suit you, do make use of them."  Kiven glances towards Elise and her crew in this regard, giving a stern look in their direction and then back at the Duke with a slightly raised eyebrow hoping to convey his mistrust of them in some small way.  "Otherwise we shall not burden you with our presence any longer.  We will utilize the country estate.  If you have access to certain enchanting reagents and the like we might look to obtain some before departing Farholde, but it is not essential.

Kiven takes one step back and bows his head slightly to his fellow elven Lord once more, ready to depart pending any further words from the Duke.

Later to Respar's question Kiven responds "I believe that is more your area of expertise, but it seems to me that Tiadora would not let any such offenses go unpunished."

"Very well then, thank you for your time Duke Vandermir. If I may ask one last thing, if we do need to speak to your guards, is there anything we can show them in the moment to let them know that we are very important individuals? Perhaps a seal or a writ of some kind? If so, one for each of our teams would be very much appreciated," Eya asks.

Eya smiles to Elise, but it's more mischievous and haughty than sincere. She winks slyly at the white witch.

As they leave, Eya sends a message to Kiven in his head, "Your brother resigned? Tyris is alive? So, you couldn't go through with it after all. This loose end will surely cause problems later. They always do." 

Before heading to the country manor and parting with Tiadora, Eya says to her, "So we found the map already last night by the way. I stumbled upon Aiden's old room and we're moving quickly now. How do you think it went in there with the Duke? Any final words of advice before you leave again? Also I don't trust that ***** Elise at all."

When everyone is ready, she prepares for the trip to the manor.

The duke nods, "I can issue general letters of mark, so long as you swear not to abuse them. Remember that paper makes for a flimsy shield, being discreet is your best defense. I will have my manservant show you to the country estate, as well as the entrance to a secret passage that connects from outside of the town to this manor. If and when you need to meet with me again, I request that you make use of the secret passage. It would not do for others to notice that we are meeting multiple times."

Throughout the meeting Elise stays silent, her lips tightly shut, merely nodding at appropriate moments. Perhaps she doesn't trust herself to speak without anger ruling her voice. Or perhaps she was expecting you to fail to convince the Duke and wished to avoid any claims of having added to the failure. Either way her only response to Eya is a glare.

Tiadora simply nods at the news that you had already found a map. In response to the request for advice, she states, "no doubt the temple will have its defenses, creatures, traps, wards. If you can leave them intact I strongly suggest doing so. Soon or late you will have to defend that Temple, and the better its built in defenses the easier that job will be."

After that she turns, unceremoniously kicks Abraxxus out of her cabin, and orders the captain to ready to make sail. If the half dragon objects to this treatment, she pats him on the cheek, "You were a pleasurable toy while it lasted I suppose. If you want the chance of me adding a few more marks to those lovely scales of yours some day, impress me by fulfilling your duties exceptionally well."

---

The Dukes manservant is an older human, in his sixties, but still spry enough to ride a horse well enough to lead you to the Country Manor. The man keeps his distance, barely looks at you, and says as little as possible to you.

The Manor proves to be fairly spacious for what amounts to a minor noble's vacation home. There is only a small amount of dust within, it looks like it is cleaned every few months or so.

There are more than enough rooms inside for everyone to have their own space, but with the two knots clustered in there it certainly does not feel large enough.

Kiven snaps back at Eya through the spell.  "Concern yourself with the contempt you breed with Elise and let me worry about Tyris.  It is the former that is sure to try to remove us from the equation as soon as we have succeeded on this mission.  Tyris may prove to be an asset before this is all over."

  Abraxxus looks at Tiadora stunned.  " Wait...what?" As she pats him on the cheek he grits his teeth.  Merely nodding in response he joins the others.   

  As they head towards their temporary home he remains silent.  A glare is fixed on his face as he looks ahead.  He keeps his huge axe in his hands as his grip causes the handle to creak ominously.  

"Do not be troubled Abbraxxus.  You are not the first nor the last to fall prey to her charms.  Perhaps you, Respar and Blau have more in common now, even."  Kiven keeps a stone cold face while making his remarks, but will reveal a tiny smirk at Eya if she happens to look at him.

Eya snaps back at Kiven, "I am concerned with that arrogant, future-backstabbing, white-fur-wearing *****! I do not trust her at all. She is a witch, literally a witch. The difference is, I am willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate her when the time comes. I hope for your own sake, for my own sake, and for your own future Kingdom's sake, that you too are willing to do the same. I'm on your side, now do what it takes to seize what is rightfully yours no matter who stands in your way."

---

Eya can't help but chuckle a tiny bit at Kiven's joke, but she does feel a tiny bit bad for Abraxxus. He didn't know what she was or what he was getting into after all. She says to him, "Sorry big guy, this is the same woman that abandoned me shortly after I was born. Don't expect a woman like her to ever be loyal. Focus on the mission and we'll get some treasure to cheer you up. There's a lot of gold and magic out there for us to find."

Kiven relaxes a bit, unable to resist the notions of his 'future kingdom' and 'what is rightfully his', and simply responds in an amused tone "now who would argue with that?"

Eya relaxes as well, and smirks back to Kiven as the trip continues.

---

When they arrive at the manor, Eya hops out and glares at Elise, "Your room better not be anywhere near mine. I have proper magic to practice and I can't have you contaminating my area with whatever weird nonsense you do. It's unfortunate enough that I have to work with you in the first place. But if you do your job well, we won't have a big problem."

Eya checks in on both Grumblejack and Kili. She makes Kili a large ice bath and some big ice cubes and finds some food for Grumblejack. 

She explores the manor, doing a detect magic spell around the place and looking around to be safe. She finds a nice room, preferably near a bath and mostly ignores Elise's presence for the most part. Though she will respond or glare at her as needed. 

She places alarms spells all around the Nessian Knot's rooms and stuff.

Elise glares straight back, "If you're actually out doing your job, then I could 'contaminate' the entire place with the essence of the Endless Winter and it won't matter for one instant now will it? Don't worry about us, we're more than capable of our part of the task. If only I could say the same for you." She quickly stalks off before Eya can reply, immediately claiming the master bedroom for her own.

Later, Kili sinks into the ice bath with a more than contented look on his face and a slurred, "Thank you Mistress..."

Grumblejack is gone by the time Eya checks on him, but he returns shortly, dragging a massive elephant seal bull behind him. He grumbles out, "Not sure what dis is. Lazy things just lyin' around on the beach. Should cook up nice though, lotsa meat and fat."

The manor proves to be devoid of magic or much of anything of interest for that matter. Other than the heaviest pieces of furniture there's little of real value here. The place lies empty most of the time after all. Best to avoid giving would be thieves something worth the risk that could actually be carried out.

Alarm spells are established easily enough, but at least for now both knots seem to be largely avoiding the other.

Blau finds a convenient corner of the mansion, some place like an inner courtyard, with a fire pit and plenty of flammable oils, and sets up an impromptu altar for worship of Asmodeus. Nothing fixed or permanent to mar the house or raise significant smoke, the altar burns multicoloured flames in a metal bowl as he adds various mixtures to it, praying in rumbling atonals. During the height of his hours long ceremony, he ritually passes his hands through the flames, letting the heat transfer enough to singe his stony flesh without harm. Passing his time in this manner, he waits until duty calls once more, ready to prove his worth yet again to his Diety.