Zack had been testing the guards, through provocation, to see exactly where they stood and what they would do. Once the older man had started to come back, with Nadia, Fowler, and co in tow, not bothering to notice the rabbit returning he would enter the room without a fuss. Any thought of gutchecking the old man was more or less gone at this point. The only other thing he did was, make sure his back was to a wall, within distance to attack anyone in the room if need be without having to waste turns time, but far enough that he would have time to react in the opposite. Waiting to see what was about to happen.

The old soldier pushes the captain into the room and into a chair. With an angry glare he gets the other two castle guards to move away from the door and take a seat before shutting the door and looking at everyone in the room. I always hated visiting this city He mumbles to himself.

So, Captain...care to explain what that is all about?  He points to the demoness corpse. The Captain doesn't say anything and just looks to the ground, a look of defeat clear across his face. Fine. You three, who are you? You clearly knew something was going on. Care to explain? He looks between Nadia and Zack before looking around for Happy. Happy discretely turns back to normal to avoid suspicion and when the soldier sees him he just chalks up the initial lack of seeing to his old age.

Zack had began leaning against the wall as the older man set himself up. His own glare glowering at Fowlers face. Zack still didn't fully understand what all was going on; So do they have a hand in the plague... the experiments.... or... both... or maybe even more? the older man began to question Fowler, and Zack passively glanced at the other two soldiers, to get a general read of them 'are they mad, or attentive' now, etc. The man however, once pressed, refused to talk. Eventually leading the older man to ask the others in the room. And seeing as no one else was forthcoming, Zack sighed and shrugged. I suppose I'll answer then. 

Getting up from the wall, and standing at attention, both arms behind his back ,like he was giving a report, though his tone was far more relaxed, he began - Well I'll start as close to the beginning as possible. We were passing through a town though we did plan to stay and rest fort a day or two, when we heard from the locals that the disease or plague, or whatever you want to call it that has been ravaging the countryside had swept through there. The one that kills all or most of a village over the course of just days from a man named Angar, he calls himself a Deathwhisperer, and I .. didn't exactly get along with him initially.

Then one of our .. friends, at the time he said, hesitating a bit at the memory. Discovered someone fleeing with a cart of fresh corpses. The tressym in our group came back to inform Nadia and myself. And while lacking in sleep we pursued. We were also assisted by Angar as we eventually discovered the cave where the bastard had holed up. A lot of fighting corpses and corpse eating creatures later, we came across some mad gnome or halfling, looked like a corpse himself. It turns out he had been making the plague. 

The fight was hard and Nadia was nearly uh.. whats the word... petrified. I nearly died. Angar nearly died. And Nadaar .. jumped in front of a massive ball of acid to keep it from hitting us..... Zacks eyes faded.. just a bit, but quickly, he hoped before it could be caught recomposed himself. The.. Nadaar.. Me and him clashed a lot but he wasn't a bad guy at all. Just culture shocked.  Either way, one way or another, we discovered the bastard had some kind of communication stone. So I used it, and discovered there was yet another 'head' to this hydra. 

Thus leading us here. I also have a personal past here, as Mr Fowler apparently knows. Not all my memories are back but enough to know that I was experimented on, and turned into what I am now, whatever the hell it is.  he said, removing his sword and throwing it at the far wall after making sure that it was obvious enough he wasn't intending to attack anyone.... and just before it hit the wall, he would summon it back to his hand, as if it had never left it.

I used to be a soldier in the Daggerford armies, but when my C.O, Angeal and I discovered what was going on, and even that is fuzzy to me still, we tried to leave. And it seems we were.. somewhat successful, only to be captured later on and turned into what I am now. And unfortunately, Angeal is.. dead. So the Duchess was involved in atleast one of these two crimes. So we ghosted ourselves in here to finish what Angeal and I started all those years ago.

And unfortunately due to the nature of it, we didn't have the luxury to try to explain ourselves. We just had to do what we had to do. because if we tried the slow way, we'd have been found in some back alley, dead by assassination, most likely.

But, as I was saying... we have a speaking stone.. the one that led us here ultimately. Want me to use it?

The two soldiers seems confused more than anything. As far as you can tell they are not involved in anything to do with the conspiracy surrounding the Duchess. The Captain on the other hand is clearly guilty even if he doesn't know everything that's going on its clear he knew about the Duchess. The old soldier listens to your story closely, giving the ducal guards the occasional glare of disapproval. When you finally mention using the stone however he says No. Now is hardly the time. It is not that I don't believe you, but there is much I don't yet know about this entire situation. The Captain here says you tried to assassinate the duchess before, but you don't remember why. If I had to venture a guess...He points to the corpse. That is probably why. Tell me Fowler, am I wrong?. The Captain just looks away, its clear from his face that the old soldier is correct. Unfortunately that prior attempt failed. And neither you or your superior saw fit to warn anyone of the deception taking place. Perhaps you feared you would not be believed, perhaps you would be correct in that assumption. But unfortunately you failed the first time, and thus this was allowed to continue. Still, the disguise was quite good. Its true the Duchess had become more reclusive in the past few years but no one suspected this. So...Captain...You clearly knew this was going on, maybe not initially but eventually you became wise to the fact yes? What happened to the real Duchess? 

The captain remains silent and the old soldier smacks him to the floor. Disappointing. Then perhaps you can tell us why the Duchess was having a plague created? Still no answer. The old soldier scowls and in a raised voice. Perhaps we drag you back to Waterdeep, see how long you can wistand torture. Or if you speak now you might be granted mercy. The captain remains quiet and again and the old soldier begins to walk away, ordering his men to take the guards to the dungeons to be held for the time being. The men are led put the you are alone with the old man. Perhaps one of you can get him to talk? But first I should probably introduce myself. My name is Taeros Bladesemmer, patriarch of our house and nobleman of Waterdeep. I had come here to discuss sending weapons to the Duchess in order to prepare for the Giant threat but...well that won't be happening now. Instead I don't think ill be heading g back to Waterdeep anytime soon. The people can't know what their Duchess was, it'll cause panic in the streets, but we can't leave the city without a leader. Word will need to be sent to Waterdeep, they need to figure out who will be ruling the city. And if things are as you say, there may be more threats to worry about. There's just one thing I'm not sure of right now and that is what I'm to do with you lot.

Happy tries to watch the proceedings very closely, but finds his attention wandering too much between the various people in the room. He peels himself off the wall on the captain's final note. "Now I don't claim to know the ins and out of society in this realm. Frankly speaking, there is yet a number of things that both confuse and concern me for someone to so casually speak of torture, punishment this one though deserves of this one." He thumbs Fowler's direction. "That said, I understand that there are rules of a sort that need to be upheld, and business not yet concluded here. So, I propose one of these two things."

By this point he has unstrapped his shield and set on his back for comfort. So, he is able to hold out his hands to the side as he made his points. "You can either temporarily conscript us, assuming that's within your power, to further detangle what's been going on here. And have us be being in part our "debt" owed for breaking certain rules. I know this one here--" He thumbs Zack's direction. "Is perhaps even curious about exactly what's been done to him. And you won't have further trouble out of us for the most part. Alternatively--" He holds out his other hand. "Those two, the swordsman and the bowsman? And this pain me to say, as my people have a low constitution when it comes to these sort of things, but..." He pauses for a moment and holds his stomach. "Mn. Yep. Definitely painful... But, you could say they were never here, and either continue to look into matters a different way. Or as they should be by now, if what Rillex has told me, helping easing matters with the giants."

Happy promptly holds up a hand in case the aged soldier might've been tempted interrupt. "I don't understand full details. But, they seem to have a connection to one giant that in turn seems to believe they are the key to settling that mess. You can believe me or don't. But either way, its less trouble for you. And if need be, you will have a scape goat... as I will be remaining in your custody or care, providing what assistance I can on this particular manner. After all, most outward witnesses know that animal's have been acting funny in town, so it would not be a stretch to say the trouble came from a rogue druid. So long as of course the main trouble -- that is whatever lingering threads that demon had wrapped up in this city -- is dealt with in the process. Thoroughly." He gives Taeros a meaningful look, hard to tell though it may be past the mask. "Oh, and you can call me Happy by the way."

5he old soldier considers the options for a moment, giving you each an appraising look before coming to a decision. I believe temporarily conscription you into my service will suffice. I'll need the extra hands as it is. Until I know how many of the guard or even dual servants are involved I simply can't trust them. For now, we act as if nothing has happened. If someone asks you are my guests. If someone asks about the Duchess she has retreated to her quarters feeling a bit under the weather and has asked not to be disturbed. This lie won't last us long however, If you folks think you can get the Captain to talk then head down to the dungeons. I need to know how many people are involved in this. And if possible I would like to know what happened to the Duchess. I think we can assume the worst...but it would be better to know for sure. And when this is all over...we need to discuss how exactly you snuck in here. But for now we should focus on the task at hand. I'll have my men take care of the corpse. If you have questions nows the time to ask.

That hadn't even been a consideration in his head, more due to lack of thought than lack of want. But overall it was an O.K. Idea, so long as we don't get forced to have to break out of this 'temp service' later. And we can't linger too long either or the Zhents will either get suspicious or assume we failed. We probably still have some time but we can't exactly hang out all day either. he thought to himself. listening to the rest with only mild interest until the part about asking the 'prisoner' some questions. 

Shifting as soon as the man was done talking. Considering Fowler might know more about what happened to me, I think I'll do just that. Considering me gaining from that will ultimately benefit everyone. And I'll figure out what exactly was going on Mr Bladesemmer. Just tell me where the dungeons he'll be in are. And unless stopped by the old man he'd only pause long enough to say And you're more than welcome to join me Nadia. I'd be happy to have you there to threaten his Cabronies.

Waiting long enough to get her reply and the old mans if he hadn't already, before going to 'interrogate'

Nadia was quiet for most of the proceedings. There were certain things she was good at, however this type of briefing was not among them, so she lets Zack and Happy take care of it. She did do all the work in killing the duchess and capturing the captain anyway, cut her some slack. Had there been a need to pipe in and voice her opinions, she would do so, but there isn't any at present. She looks to be in agreeance with the terms decided upon, though she did wonder how exactly they planned to tell Falkas of why they ended up taking so long... 

She lifts her head slightly when Zack offers her to join in on the interrogation, a light chuckle escaping past her lips at his attempt at Elvish. Having been curious herself at just what the captain knew, she had no issues with joining in. "Sure, sure. Always up to scare the balls off a man." She gets up from her seat then proceeds to join the fighter, waiting for Taeros had he wanted to add anything.

Happy lets the others speak their mind first.  By the end of which, he simply nods and says, "I could use a spot of rest quite frankly to refocus my strength. So, if you could provide somewhere that would do, and--" He looks between Fowler, Zack, and Nadia before turning on the old soldier. "-be a short distance from the dungeons, that would be appreciated. Even as guests, I fear your men would be better suit and more convincing in regards to quietly gathering or sifting through the guard and servants for questioning. For if there be more of her kind-"

Happy gestures over to the corpse. "Yet lurking about, it would be best we not tip them off any more than we may have... If need be as I rest, you can perhaps send servants my way for more gentle questioning. For while I do not have much the stomach for potential violent approaches on the subject, that much I can handle, and have an ear for any duplicity spoken." 

The Lord nods satisfied that all are agreed and directs you to the dungeons. When you get there the two knights have just finished locking away the Captain and his underlings, the Captain kept in a different cell. When you explain what was discussed and why you are there the Knights hand Zack over the keys and leave to give you all some privacy. Happy, unfortunately there aren't many places nearby to get a comfortable rest but you can lay down in a cot in an empty cell, far enough away from the Captain where it won't be too distracting hopefully.

As for Nadia and Zack the two soldiers look dejected in their cell, a mixed look of confusion and anger paints their faces. The Captain on the other hand looks angry and defiant and doesn't deign to acknowledge your presence.

Back before they left - Zack snirks at Nadia's comments, saying That doesn't sound like something that would normally come outta your mouth. You sure you're Nadia?

Down under the stones, in the deep dank dungeons of doom. Once the keys were handed over, he looks to Nadia and tells her, by whispering into her ear.... it's good that they separated them. he doesn't look like he's willing to talk, but sometimes its not threats against yourself but someone else that gets you to speak. So I'm gonna play a little bad-guard. If the other two play along.... this shouldn't take overly long. 

Zack walks over to the cell with the two non-Fowlers, and messes with the keys until the cell itself opens, before handing the keys to Nadia through the bars and having her lock the cell behind him. 

Well well well my friends. It seems everything has finally come full circle. So..... he says, drawing his blade, and dragging it across the ground, to be followed by shrill metal grating. Leaning in close enough to whisper. So, you have two options here. If either of you have any information on the plague, the duchess, or the human experimentation. I'd suggest you spill it now. If you don't and don't want to see how having a hot blade with active fire feels he says momentarily igniting the blade. Then you better start pretending like you're being hurt, very badly, and being tortured.

9 Intim.

"I just killed a demon playing duchess," Nadia snorts. "I guess you could say I'm feeling myself a bit."

Nadia nods at Zack's idea, hoping that it would be enough that the captain would spill some beans on just what the Hells is going on in here. She takes the keys from the fighter and locks him in with the knights as requested. After a minute to see if they would perhaps comply, the ranger moves to where Fowler is being held and simply leans back against the wall (or bars, if possible) across from him, looking for a reaction from him had the knights made a convincing performance. 

 The two guards looking more confused then fightened and even perhaps a bit angry. They are talk amongst themselves prior to Zack entering the cell. They don't seem particularly intimidated but still speak quickly and over each other. The one you hear most clearly says. We don't know anything you have to believe us! We had no idea this was....wait pretend? The last bit spoken in a whisper to match Zacks. The two look at eachother and shrug and do their best to pretend like they are being torchered but its frankly not a good performance. 

In his cell Fowler just smirks to himself. Doesn't sound like your friend has the stomach for real torture. He saya to Nadia.

Zack sighs as even he doesn't believe their performance saying Looks like I'm going to have to help you remember then, doesn't it? he says, sticking his sword to one of the mens crotch, in order to Help him do better.

 The help does encourage the guard to up his performance but now he seems far to nervous. The performance is clearly false and you're not sure anyone is going to be buying it.

At this point Zack is almost impressed at how BAD they are at this... and is starting to get frustrated. Leaning in, he whispers K, so here's the deal.... you start faking pain properly, or, imgith actually have to start hurting you. I told the elf I wouldn't but if you're going to be more a hindrance than an asset.... he says, grabbing one of the soldiers legs once more to Help him.

Tell me what I want to know, NOW!

 This time the performance is much more convincing as he wails in mock pain but real terror. In the other cell Fowler continues to smirk but there's much less confidence behind it.

Good boy. Now. Pretend you know something and are pleading for yourself to not be hurt. Like you 'saw' somehting and just never talked.

Zack continues pumping terror into the man to 'Help' him.

 The guards performance is much more convincing now. He starts wailing and offering up information he supposedly has though you can tell he is lying but that's only because you are in the know. In the other cell Fowlers face gets more stern, and a bit nervous when the guard mentions he thought he saw something once but was too scared to say anything. The guard offers to say it quietly causing Fowler to get nervous when he doesn't hear what is said, even though there's really nothing to learn from the guard.

Meanwhile Yog, a few servants are sent your way, a butler and a young lad who you recognize as the boy Zach attacked. We were asked to come down here the butler says, looking nervous as he hears the screams of a torchered guard. p-please we dont know whats going on but we will answer your questions...theres no need for violence.

Happy said nothing in reply, but instead motion the lot of them closer to the cot, if they had not already. This way they stood within arms reach. It was mean of him to do so, he knew, and frankly it unnerved him to stay silent. Nonetheless, a few seconds more of silent terror is allowed to dog their thoughts as looked them over regardless, searching for any signs of a deceitful acting in play among them.  Yes, even though the boy was not above approach, as Happy knew better than to underestimate the weak after living int he feywild.

The silence on his part finally ends with him making some simple gestures over the three and utter words in Sylvan. A simple request for the world's future guidance. Although to the unitiated, it could just as well be something else. He hardly gives the three a moment to think deeply before speaking up. "You will answer honestly." He finally corrects. "And I will know. So mask nothing, or...." He let the words hang there, genuinely considering what the or's would be. But between his great size and mask, it probably came off as more intimidating then intended. Shaking his head int he end, he continues on by saying, "Well, I'm sure you understand enough... So, What are your names? How long have you all worked for the Duchess? What do you know of Captain Fowler? And where, if anywhere, have you ever been forbidden to go?" He pauses to let the words sink in. "It don't have to be limited to this building, mind you. But I hear of these things first."