Nadia stares daggers at Qellah when she glares at Zack and delivers her words with every ounce of hate she could possibly posses in her body, causing the elf's hands to form into fists. Although, it seemed to her that he didn't mind it (or notice it), she did and it bothered her to the high heavens. "Stop looking at him like that," Her throat burns as those words escape her, her tone near threatening, but she manages to cut her words short before going out and calling her a pompous puta (as much as she really wanted to). The ranger looks to calm a bit when the fighter speaks up, yet when he asks of her opinion her mouth goes dry.

Dark brown eyes stared at the table space in front of her as she searched for things to say, and after a moment, she speaks. "It was humans who raided my village and killed my parents," She begins, her voice low, just so the table could hear. "They destroyed everything, stole anything even remotely valuable then set it on fire. Any man they saw they murdered, any woman they... and child..." Her voice cracks, the memories flooding in, and her fingers dig crescents in the palms of her hands once again. "They were going to... my sister and I... We were too young and they were so strong, a-and we had no one... yet..." Nadia takes in a breath.

"I... I should hate them for what they did, but... I can't." Her tone sounds defeated, but she raises her head to look at Zack. "Because it was a human who saved me and my sister's lives." Her gaze holds for just a moment longer before looking to the elves. "Had it not been for a squadron of soldiers scouting about I wouldn't be here today, a-and I'm unsure if Agis had introduced you to my sister, Natasha, but she wouldn't be here either had it not been for them. Bad humans exist, just as bad elves do, but the good out weigh them by so much."

She focuses her gaze onto Qellah. "Qellah, I understand your pain, but allowing your hate to cloud your better judgment... You are unfit to be sitting beside your grandfather and calling yourself one of his advisers. You blatantly lied to him about the deaths of innocent lives, most probably not even human. You should be ashamed of yourself." She sounded like a mother chiding a child, and she hoped the other elf picked up on it because that's how she was acting like. A child. Her hardened gaze softens when she looks to Evvryn. "Lord Evvryn, while I cannot change your views on humans, I do hope that you are able to set that aside to help the people of Nightstone when they need it the most because I'm sure, had it been the other way around, they would lend you all a hand to get back on your feet."

When she finishes her piece, she looks back down at her hands, not answering the question on the goblins because, truthfully, she had no idea.

At the sight of the Evvryn at work, it is enough to draw a respectful nod out of the Dragonborn. But any elation first felt fades quickly for the Dragonborn, and is replaced by a far away look. After a while he blinks a few times and shakes his head as if awakening from a trance. But following that, he gave Evvryn a faint, but sympathetic smile and nod.  Over the questioning that comes next, a complex array of emotion crosses the Dragonborn's features. He clenched his fist at the mention of the goblins, popping the joints, but just as quickly relaxed his hands. Then there was disappointment. A feeling chief among the rest, and is largely directed at Quellah and Zack continued to prod at each other, even if only in part due to his own spell.

And yet, as much as the Nadaar may have secretly been tempted to drop it, realizing -- remembering then that too much truth could be a poison, he held off and let things play out. 'This needed to happen eventually' He thought, grim-faced and grudgingly accepting of all that comes out. It is only as Nadia made her impassioned speech that he began to relax once more. That, and regard her in a new light. Although no words could accurately describe it. Not then, at least.

"... To stay more on point, Lord Evvark, these negotiations were not meant to solely make requests, and uncover or make clear certain truths and stances. Though I feel that the latter has been beneficial for both sides, what is being offered in turn for -- at the moment -- at least a means for Nightstone to recover, is for Nightstone in turn to become a sort of metaphorical bastion for the elves of Ardeep. One that will not only make a more concentrated effort going forward that the past misfortunes do not play out once more, be it from entities visiting Nightstone, or from those mentioned other outside influences, but also act as a... connecting point between the elves of Ardeep and the more mixed populace of the greater world. Because for good or ill, the world is gradually becoming a smaller place. And without some avenue to ensure co-existence, I fear certain negative outcomes are inevitable. And despite centuries of a fair amount of success, a graceless fall or devastating shift looms ever on the horizon. At least not without taking the right steps." He then looks to Alara and Morak expectantly, hoping either would confirm their willingness to act in such a manner for Ardeep. Not immediately of course, as the town still had to recover and a new lord chosen. But at least lay the ground work so that the new lord or lady would be inclined in that direction.

Qellah stares angrily at Nadia at first but as she tells her story her expression softens and she tears up a bit. By the end of Nadias spiel she had turned away, shame visibly painted on her face. Evvryn simply opens his eyes and speaks softly to Nadia. I see, so Natasha was your sister then was she? She's a good child. She stayed with us for a brief time, interested in...well in the woods are home to more than just our clan you see. The history of our people lied buried in ancient ruins, ruins we protect with our lives and have dedicated entire lifetimes to studying. She was interested in the history of our people. Unfortunately she didn't stay long. I believe she left after finding out Agis attacked the village Qellah interjects softly. Evvryn chuckles a bit before replying. Ha, I remember that night. Your sister and Agis got into an arguement. She left that night but not before she gave Agis that scar. Agis never told me what the arguement was over, I had assumed a typical lover's quarrel that had gotten out of hand. His face goes serious once again when thinking on the rest of what Nadia and Nadaar have said finally turning to adress Nadia again. My child, while the sting of loosing my only daughter will never fully go away, I do not blame humans. Those responsible were felt justice a long time ago. No human alive today is to be blamed for what happened. I simply mean that I have no special feeling towards or against the people of Nightstone. As to your statement young dragonborn, I will see to it that our people know to cooperate with the people of Nightstone. For now it will simply be to allow them to hunt for food and rebuild their homes. We still cannot let anyone in the forest at least not too deeply, but we will not respond with force so long as force is not used against us. As I said, our history lay in the heart of the forest, and it is our duty to protect it. But for now we can lay the foundation on which to build a lasting peace. Now unless there is anything else, I think we can continue these talks in more detail once the town has rebuilt and a leader chosen. Evvryn stands up to leave but waits to see If there is anything further, Qellah joins him soon after, but replies to a question Zack had asked first, one she avoided answering till now I do not know for certain what happened to the goblins...but I believe my brother may. Evvryn gives her a questioning look, not quite understanding what she means.

"A past point of contention, Lord Evvryn. Between us three and... Agris, it woudl seem." Nadaar says with a bit of a frustrated growl to his voice. "But, not one we would trouble you further in regards to, as it is an adjacent matter that has no bearings on Nightstone." He states, as he took a stand himself. "In any case, I believe I can speak freely for all of us in that we are thankful for the time you've given here today. And may the foundation wrought here yet grow into something wondrous and lasting." He declares, looking at everyone in turn with an almost hopeful grin.

Afterwards, unless bade by Alara or Morak to linger, Nadaar released his magics, and moved as if intent on escorting the elves out of Nightstone.

Despite how vocal he had been, Zack had been more quiet than even he expected. There had been several times he had wanted to interject only for the very interjection, or in some cases better ones were made than he would have done. He did also feel a bit bad about several things but.. there was time to talk of those later, unless he was avoided. And near the end of it all, even he couldn't dare ask for more than even the little they had gotten. It was a step that Evvryn seemed to be willing to risk taking farther in time. He closed his eyes and let out some of the tension he had been holding in an exhaled breath.

As  the elder elf was preparing to leave, Zack would say one final thing. Sorry I had to tear off the bandages to get my points across - One thing I've learned is the truth almost always comes out in the heat of anger - and it just so happened my friend there had a spell to make sure it was the truth or nothing. So I wanna say sorry I had to be brusque with you, and yours - I do have an amazing respect for your people - So maybe if you experience human culture yourself you may find us to be like flowers; Our lives are short, but vibrant. Some are beautiful, and some are poisonous and thorny, and like a flower, our lives are fleeting. So I do hope you will visit Nightstone in a decade or so, maybe spend a week here and see if my description is apt.

Hopefully if he agree's to.. he says, shifting his attention to Alara... And if he does, I hope you will all greet him warmly. This also means Nightstone has a duty to keep theirs in line; Not that I doubt they will. But also when you are thriving again, and.. foot traffic starts going back in and out, you'll have to make sure visitors respect his wishes of not going too deep, or using this as a base to go against their request too.

Zack hoped that Evvryn realized he had no intention to 'hold him up' further when he had began to address Alara. And after listening to any responses, and once the elves left and it was just whoever was still in the room, he would give them all a single salute, before starting to make his way out. And unless stopped he would slowly, but surely, make his way back towards Moraks. He looked tired in a different sense than usual. It was clear politicking wasn't something that agreed with him. Leaving the room silently and heading out the castles gates.

He would, however, stop outside the final walls, waiting for Nadia to pass as he leaned against them, hands in his pockets, looking up into the foggy sky. And when he saw her, even if she lingered there for a while, he would wait until she eventually passed by, popping out casually to walk with her, and say Sorry Nadia, for putting you on the spot there, and making you relive it again. It was in poor taste on my part, and I .. wasn't thinking of the other side of it, I was too focused on gettign the point across. Somehow I feel you're gonna say that its fine or you didn't mind, but I'll apologize either way. What say we head back and get one more good nights sleep and decide what we're going to do next with breakfast?

Evvryn considers Zacks proposal and simply nods, Alara in turn nods in agreement as well. As Nadaar goes to help escort the elves out Evvryn puts a hand on his shoulder and says quietly, just loud enough for the Dragonborn to hear Whatever foolish action my grandson did, I will see to it he is punsihed. I won't allow you to harm him yourself. Do you understand me? Evvryn lingers just long enough for a reply before leaving followed by Qellah. Shortly after Morak and Alara follow out the keep, Alara electing to help escort the elves to the gate while Morak retruns to the inn.

Nadaar, for all of his small but habitual mannerism displayed throughout the meeting, never lowered his head around anyone. If anything, he stood straighter, or only did so in a clearly mocking gesture(of which, none involved the elves. Yet). But at Evvryn's question, he did so without hesitation or reluctance. "You may find this hard to believe. But, I have been in your son's position before, and know that noone but family can truly extract the right punishment for a misstep. And make sure they either learn from it, or given no future chance to make it again." He admits calmly, but in an underlying tone that conveyed a deep sadness.

He then lifts head again and meets Evvryn's eye. "And though it need not be said, and perhaps matters little, but you have more than proven yourself an evenhanded elf worthy of respect... So, I hope you believe me when I swear now not to harm Agris in retribution for any misdeeds." Hopefully having convinced Evvryn at that point, he continues on to escort the elves. This time he learns from his past mistake, and keeps his eyes largely out of Qellah. A task made easier as he thought back to Zack's last words. While some of it had been beautiful in their own right, the fact that his magic had been used intentionally to provoke another /through/ another's actions... something about that did not sit right. So, it would keep coming back up in mind.

Even Rillex's presence, once he coaxed the Tressym back onto a shoulder, did little to ease it.

Nadia had kept herself relatively silent after her piece was said, at most giving a small smile to the elven lord when he spoke of her sister in good light, even giving a short laugh when he mentions that it was Natasha who gave Agis that scar before leaving. That sounded like something she would do alright, and honestly? She couldn't have been any more proud of her in that moment. When the meeting was adjourned, she thanked the elves for their time with a respectful bow and departed soon after. 

But something made her turn back around and approach Evvryn, Qellah, and hopefully Agis as they were being escorted to the gates, stopping them for just a quick question. "I apologize for taking up more of your time, but I... I just want to know; did my sister say to any of you where she was going? Or where she was planning to head to? We haven't seen each other in a few years is all, and I was hoping I could possibly catch up to her somehow..." 

 Nadia makes her way through the gates when she gets her answer, looking more tired than ever now. The mixture of intense combat training, diplomacy meetings, and literally spilling her guts out regarding her past did that to you it seemed. Truthfully, she couldn't wait to get into bed and sleep off the exhaustion, even fully knowing how sore she was gonna be the next day. Wish this place had a bath to soak in for a few hours... Maybe if I boil some water from the river or somethin'... Nah, too much work... Maybe Zack could do it... 

Speaking of the fighter, he just so happened to pop up beside her while she wasn't paying attention, the ranger jumping back slightly at his sudden appearance. She is quickly able to shake off the feeling as they continued walking forward, Nadia's gaze focusing on the path as he spoke. The elf sighs a bit, then looks up to the sky. "You're right, Zack," She chuckles lightly. "It's fine. I know why you did it, and truthfully? There isn't a single day that goes by that I don't think about what happened..." Nadia stops herself from going further into it, too exhausted to find the right words on what she meant by it. Maybe later. "But, um, yeah. Getting into bed sounds really good right now..."

Evvryn gives Nadaar an understanding nod and follows him out of the keep. The elven retinue now reunited finally heads back to the keep led by Alara and Nadaar. Once at the keep Nadia asks about her sister to which Agis gives an annoyed snort but doesn't say anything. Qellah answers in a quiet tone She was heading North when she came to us. I assume she continued that way when she left though she never told us where she might go next. Evvryn just nods as he is fond of doing I'm sure your sister is fine and that you will meet again soon enough. You needn't worry about her too much, she's quite strong that one. Unless there was further asked of them the gates were lowered and the elves slowly made their way back to the forest, disappearing  in the evening fog. Once out of sight Alara gives a sigh of relief, Glad that's over. I must say it went better than expected thanks you guys. Thank you, Nightstone owes you another debt of gratitude. Now If you'll excuse me, I need to get some rest. And with that Alara makes her way back to the keep leaving the rest of you with only a few hours left in the day. Those of you outside start to notice drops of rain slowly starting to fall, picking up as the night comes to an end.

"A sentiment shared by all, Lady Alara. Mam." Nadaar gives her a curt nod, , and after a lingering look back outside the walls before the draw bridge is doubtlessly raised once more, the Dragonborn returns to Morak's Inn. But unless spoken to or given reason to stop, he leaves having absconded with a blanket and pillow, for he intended to sleep in one of the still standing guard towers this night. The whole while he appeared still contemplative about something.  Even the mild discomfort from a barely fitting chain shirt lost its place as a concern, before sleep eventually claims him.

Zack was glad for his extra padding, since he absolutely hated feeling more than 'cool' at worst. The chilly night air starting to caress his skin where it was exposed. It seemed things had ended amicably, and they likely wouldn't have to worry about  an attack, at-least not imminently. Well Sorry either way. I was a bit too caught up in the moment. What say we go get warm? and at her reply, it seemed she was of the same mind.

Making their way back to Moraks Inn, to the same room, and once again, Zack chose not to use the other bed... However.. he did fully utilize the beds OTHER blanket. At this point, assuming Nadia wouldn't mind company. However, this time, the fighter took it all off except his underclothing, leaving little more than that tiny bit of fabric between them. Shuffling beneath the sheets, depending on how she lay herself when she did, he would either spoon her or press her close, if nothing else, sharing warmth, but either way his hands, by accident or intention, would explore just a bit... never quite reaching certain areas but definitely testing the perimeter. Until sleep finally catches him.

No matter how easy it was to take off her leathers, Nadia was sluggish in her movements in removing them. Her energy was near depleted and the bed looked so comfortable, that as soon as her leathers and boots were off, she laid down with her back to the fighter and closed her eyes... then soon felt Zack climb into bed with her. The company was more than welcome though, the elf leaning back into him once his arms were around her comfortably, keeping her close, safe, and she would find herself lulled into her trance-like sleep by his touches alone.

One by one you each slowly drift off into the land of dreams. Tonight no dreams of the past plague anyone, and the fog surrounding the town slowly fades as a light rain takes its place. The sound of the raindrops hitting the roof provide the perfect soundtrack to fall asleep to, Zack and Nadia in the inn and Nadaar sleeping in a guard tower. Nadaar had kept watch, either hoping for the Goblins to appear or wary of elves, but he would find neither show their head this night and finally he too falls asleep.

The next morning Nadaar is shaken awake by a guard in a panic

 Screams can be heard in the village as people gaze skyward. Wake up sir! The Giants are back! We need to get everyone out of here! as Nadaar comes to and looks up into the sky he sees enormous tower floating on a billowy cloud a thousand feet overhead. The tower must be hundreds of feet tall, and its spire looks strangely like a pointy wizard’s hat. As the tower drifts closer, stairs made of clouds begin to form underneath it and descend totowar him. 

Nadia and Zack both wake up to Morak banging on their door Wake up you two lovebirds! Nightstone be under attack again! Giants have returned!

Zack had been dreaming but of fleeting flashes of images in his mind. None of them really mattered. A bunch of unconnected events that made no sense. Just his mind sorting through his memories of the day, and memories of the past. Finally the dream was gettign to a coherent portion, and just before something really really good was about to happen.... Bang Bang Bang his eyes shooting open almost instantly, looking around the room for any immediate threat, and finding none when Moraks voice rang through. Shit! The giants?! was all he managed before he rolled out of the bed, only making sure he didn't kick the blankets off himself or drag Nadia off with him, and as he got op, doign a half cartwheel to right himself, he would see if Nadia had woken up. If not, he'd wake her up by shaking her on the shoulder until she responded.

Once she was up, whether by her own volition or his assistance, he'd start scrambling to get his armor on, not wanting to face something like a giant without it. During this time, he was quickly telling Nadia to make sure she stayed back far enough to not be hit I know you already know.. but.. y'know.. he says, giving her a general idea of what he intends to do if it comes to a fight, and generally sounding positive, trying to make her feel more confident they can handle it etc. (Feat Gain + 7 temp HP)

It would take Zack about ten minutes to both don his armor and talk, so he did them both at the same time. And once his armor was on, he'd rush out the door, parkouring over the railing to the ground below to save time. Potentially other stuff happens but regardless if it does... Zack will head out the door, thanking Morak and saying Get the kids, and anyone nearby, and take them............. somewhere safe. he said hoping Morak would have a better idea of where that would be than he would. 

Waitign only long enough to hear Moraks reply before rushing out the door then and testing his ability.... desiring his weapon to be in his hand and after the briefest of moments, it would appear as if he had already been wielding it. Though covered in water from the nights rain, which he then made sure if anyone, especially Nadia was near him before giving it an air-slice to shed most of it off before heading out. After which his eyes rose up, tryign to track where the castle is/was/might be... and if any stones or giants had come to town..

Nadia’s eyes were wide open at the first bang on the door, and whatever sleepiness that still remained was shaken off by Zack’s hurried movements out of the bed. She thanked the Gods that her leathers took way less time to throw on than Zack’s heavier armor, the elf rushing over to help him put it on when she was finished. She listened to his impassioned speech, cracking a smile at his optimism considering the situation now at hand. When all was said and done, she gives him a pat on the chest and says, “I’ll be okay, Zack, I promise. Just watch out for yourself, okay? Don’t wanna lose you just yet.”

With her bow in hand, she follows behind the fighter, her eyes darting about to see if she could find a target of any kind before focusing sights on the castle in the sky. “That’s... that’s not good. Why did they come back here?”

Nadaar awakens growling, but awakens he does nevertheless, glaring at the guard until the words or screams finally register. "Understood!" He states as he sprung to his feet, bereft of only his weapons. For while chain shirts were not the most comfortable to sleep in, it paid to have been ready for anything. That, and to be a Dragonborn. As he snatched up his weapons, he nudges Rillex awake for good measure, if the Tressym had been around, and climbed the guard tower ladder.

".... And my kin called me eccentric." He half-murmured as he stared as wide-eyed as any other. Oddly enough, the sight of stairs being lowered more or less towards him set him back at ease. Was this the same giants from last? Or another seeking... what exactly at this point? The intrigue alone brought a small and brief grin to his features, before turning towards any nearby guards. "A moment! See if you can -- I dunno, calm the citizen's down. This... just get them order and ready for anything." He said/call out, before hurrying his own way down to ground level and positioned at the base of wherever the stairs end up stopping at. While waiting he tried to project an air of confidence and readiness. That way any that had a mind to stop and look might feel more at ease in a 'hero' of the town already being in position to meet whatever threat lie above them.

Air of Confidence!: 20.

The towns folk panic and the guards try their best to calm people down, Morak grabs his axe from his room, not wanting to be caught off guard again, and heads out to calm people down and start evacuating the town again. Outside the stairs spiral down from the tower in the sky, stopping only a few inches off the ground directly in front of Nadaar who notices that these stairs are sized for humans. A few minuets go by, guards aim arrows at the tower not sure what to expect but when no rocks fall, no giants come out, and no spells are slung everyone slowly starts to calm down and stare in confusion. Nadaar is at this point joined by Zack and Nadia at the base of the stairs. At this point Zack and Nadia would also notice that this is no castle but a singular tower, massive in size but still only a single tower. The human sized spiral staircase floats just off the ground, made out of cloud but firm to touch and seemingly safe.

Zack, still with weapon in hand reaches the base of the 'stairs' as he responds to Nadia, seeing Nadaar there as well. No idea what they could want or why they'd be back but... wasn't it supposed to be a castle? I suppose maybe from the sky this could have looked like one.... He'd look between the two of them then and wait for their reply, as well as to see if anything else happened, and assuming no attacks came.... So, what say we see what's going on? if both agree'd he'd lead the way up, sword ready .. just in case..

Nadaar gave a brief sidelong glance to Zack and Nadia upon hearing at least the former's footsteps. His attention, however, remained largely on the structure before them. As it turns out as well, no verbal reply from the Dragonborn's forthcoming. But rather, he hops up the first few steps casually, taps them with his foot to confirm they'd hold firm, and then looks back to the duo. "I do not believe this to be the same giants as before. Hard to mistake a castle to something like that, if one is able to see a structure at all." He throws a thumb back to the hat.

"So, let's keep an open mind, shall we? It could be the clue needed to discover more about the attack. Or failing that, an interesting end for us." He grins toothily. "Either way, we advance! And perhaps with the right word, these giants could send us towards your home far quicker than any steed, so long as neither of you mind heights." Nadaar then calls out for Rillex if the Tressym wasn't already about, and direct him to rest on a shoulder as traveling chronicler made his way up the stairway to the heavens!

Assuming Nadia follows the party slowly starts making their way up the cloud stairs which despite looking light and fluffy and as firm as stone. The stairs spiral upwards to about 1000ft, making the trek quite arduous and tiring. Besides being tiring, the trek is also quite dangerous as you cant help but notice a distinct lack of a railing of any kind preventing one from falling the remaining way down. However you all make it to the very top layer and find yourselves standing on an enormous cloud which feels as firm and safe as solid ground. In front of you is a tower clearly Sized for giants, topped with the wizard hat looking spiral. From where you are standing it is almost equal parts intimidating and silly. The massive door leading into the tower appears to be cracked open just enough for small folk to come through without having to worry about how they would open the door.