Torsus waits nearby, to keep the giants mollified as much as possible while the others 'get things in gear' (Not much I can post until more is posted by others :P)

Artys, you find the Lords and Aeyd finishing evacuating civilians through the back and the two Lords are now trying to get Lord Roaringhorn to come with them, the elderly Lord currently being asleep at the table from too much drink. The Lord Warden, Lord Illzimmer, sighs as the young Lord Amcathra has to practically carry the drunken Lord. As you enter however the Lord Warden approaches saying Have you any update? I hear no signs of battle, was this perhaps a false alarm? We still need to rally the guard but what exactly are we facing out there?

Artys shakes his head. "The threat is quite real, three giants, but the adventurers seem to have possibly pacified them, for now. They knocked down a bird carrying the Lords invite to his party and seem to think that gives them the right to attend. It could be that if we just feed them they'll be on their way and no one has to be harmed. I believe, in terms of sparing the village, that this might be our best chance."

He considers for a moment. We may have gone all out for the celebration but not enough to sate the appetites of three giants. However if they are docile for now, we may be able to end this peaceably. I'll order the guard to gather as much food and drink as they can carry and load up a wagon or two. Perhaps you and these adventurers can figure out a way to use them to get these giants to leave. If we can avoid a fight in the middle of town that would be ideal.

Artys nods heads back to tell the others. "I'll admit to not being the most flexible of minds. Does anyone have an idea about how we can end this without damage?"

Narz need stroke his chin in thought for a few moments before nodding faintly to Artys. "If you are referring to without damage to the town and its people, then there's at least a chance. A well crafted lie about the deliver your lord has in the works being all the town can muster for the month could work. And that, hm, they can come back then to a far greater feast, eh?" He suggest, if albeit with a note of uncertain in his voice towards the end. "Although I would prefer not to rely on the graces of either Tymora or Bashaba in hoping they'll forget the deal and the town altogether by that time, it is the least bloody option. And with Torsus magic, convincing them should be all the easier." At that point he calls over the tortle and lays down the suggestion, 

(Err, I'm technically by the giants, while I think you guys are still within the walls. I'm staying by the giants to help keep them convinced to stay put so i don't think you can say anything to me if you're still with the other inside the town)

(To Rai: Thought we followed at least to some extent. But either way, Narz would go out and call Torsus over to talk... And rather stubbornly if trying to use mind talk, won't reply until Torsus comes over or its clear the tortle gonna be stubborn as well. :P)

As Torsus is called over, he tells the giants I shall be back momentarily, it seems they need to tell me how your food is coming along. I expect that means it'll be on it's way soon!  he says, leaving out the 'or so I hope' at the end. Flying over with whatever is left of his spell, he listens to the parts Narz needs to tell him and telepathically Hrm, while a peaceful resolution is overall preferred, aside from hoping they forget, they could also become either dependent, or expectant after this. As in they cease hunting or whatever they do aside from pillage and 'rely' on the town after this, or become expectant in the same way a cartel or other criminal accepts 'tithes' to 'not hurt' the people. While I know these two are brutes, it's always possible. It's even possible that they tell their 'giant friends' "Oh hey, there's this human place that you don't have to fight, and they just give you food!"  and we risk leaving this place thinking all will be well, only to hear it's been ravaged after we leave.

Plus, I think my original lie of the foods flavor lasting months and filling their bellies for weeks will break down within a few hours.

Artys looks slightly annoyed at the tortles seeming reluctance. "So what then, we just kill them for the crime of being giants? That seems to be overtly harsh. They have been peaceful so far and there is no reason to think that if we told them that this was the end of the party and from now on they would have to pay for all food they would not respect that. There is no justice in ending them for what they might do."

The tortle mentally smiles a mentally-wry smile and shrugs. However you wish to proceed. I do not particularly care wither way. One of us will be correct, and the other will not. However if my prediction comes through, I will accept none of the blame should we proceed with this course. If we are agree'd, then do whatever you will, my spell of 'friendship' will last roughly an hour, so whatever we do we must do within that time.

Will post some magically enhanced words in relation to Narz's suggestion once i get a response.

Claire seems at a loss.  "I too wish to avoid bloodshed, but the hill giants are easily manipulatable, and giants have been attacking the area lately in bulk.  If we let them leave, they may simply fall into the ranks of the next organized attack.  Perhaps a more long term agreement can be made... food for protection from other giants?  How much DO giants eat?  Is it really impossible for a town to feed three?"

The moment Torsus begun speaking in his mind, the corner of Narz eyes began to twitch just every now and then so long as the tortle remained persistant to in 'speaking'. Although visibly rather he shared Artys annoyance for the relunctance or something else would be difficult to say. Just after a while he crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and gritted his teeth.

"Two things, Torsus... When it is not absolutely necessary for you to commune mentally-..." He opens his eyes into narrowed slits. "Refrain from doing so. As much of an inconvenience as speaking can feel for you... apparently, I'd rather not have to invest in acquiring personal telepathic dampeners. Secondly, while I do agree with your sentiments on the subject, we are not being paid for their execution. Nor do we have anything to personally to gain in avoiding a possible scenario. So, use your magic. Worst case scenario, they'll force our hands either way, and those in town -- the Lord included -- can only blame themselves for... I don't know.. Poor security, eh?" He sighs and massages his forehead.

"As for your suggestion, Claire, if they were anything BUT hill giants, such an agreement might be tenable. Unfortunately, their whole thing, if I recall correctly, is that the fatter they are, the better they are in their own society. Or something along those lines." He says, making an offhand gesture. "Frankly speaking, If Hill Giants procreated as much as you humans or le-... Goblins, the world would be without food in a matter of years."  Narz adds alongside a soft chuckle. "... But where was... right. Anyhow. The town couldn't support them and themselves even if they wanted to; especially in this season, my dear."

Artys stares down the Tortle in disbelief. "So you are perfectly fine with killing them just because of what they are? I do not know if I have words to describe what type of horrible that mindset is. Either way, a diplomatic solution should be attempted first. We may not be able to feed them forever, as Claire suggests, but a one time feast and an agreement to not return may be possible. We should pursue that."

Torsus Sighs and shrugs at the jumps to conclusions about his personality. While not far off, they weren't on the mark either. He didn't have much to say in response to Claire since her words were more personally speculative than anything. You're rather off the mark there Narz. he says as he crosses his arms, not in defiance or defense but out of habit. I am perfectly fine with speaking normally, but I do not trust that perhaps anyone has better hearing or seeing -if they can read lips- than they seem. I speak only thus when trying to keep things from being known by others, for what is more silent than a word unspoken? My intent when I speak to the mind, much as it may chagrin you is only to help give us as much of a strategic advantage as possible by not giving away our plans and intentions by speaking it.

If a group shouts 'I'll go that way' or 'you handle that thing, while I handle this' the enemy is likely to overhear it, and adjust accordingly. That is the only reason I do so, to keep our plans 'Our Plans.' he was surprised with how otherwise intelligent Narz seemed to be that he didn't understand that. No matter how much of a personal, religious, or other reason he had to atleast see the sense  it even if he still didn't particularly enjoy it. But I shall endeavor to remove you from such mental counsel permanently, as I can see your mindset on it will not change. perhaps that was a bit extreme but the Tortle was no longer going to bother with the arguements, whether now OR later.. (From now on, all mental communications permanently exclude Narz)

After exhaling a tired breath, You are right though, we aren't being paid and outside of a meal we truly don't owe these people anyway. his head swiveling as he floats a few feet above the ground, looking to Artys , chewing the air as he speaks his disbelief. That is a gross oversimplification of my overall... I believe the word is pragmatic?... mindset on such subjects.  I am more than willing to kill anyone, or anything that could potentially harm me, and has on multiple occasions proven harm to be its singular goal - Even prior to mine own joining of this band, giant kind has attacked at-least two locations that we know of, one a hamlet, the other a city - Utterly unprovoked, and with such overwhelming force in the first case that from what I heard, the survivors of the attack on Nightstone could be counted on a single, human, hand. So I am not judging them by what they 'might' do but what they have done.

And if my mind was so bloodthirsty, do you truly think I would have already done as you just suggested, and gone the diplomatic solution as I already have, as opposed to simply blasting them to bits? Your take on me is far too simplistic, and relies heavily on assumptions. It is only, because I chose a diplomatic route when i saw the chance, that we have the option to bargain or kill to begin with. Not to say that a similar outcome couldn't have been brokered by another, but as it stands presently, it -wasn't.- But I can forgive it, given we've just met.

His face grows slightly more stern before he finishes.. So if they do ultimately return in force and lay waste to this town, it will be solely your fault. I will accept no blame. Regardless, I suppose we should get this done with. Both my spells will only last so much longer. he took a long moment to ponder which of the options laid before him was most likely to succeed. Asking them to never return was one way, asking them to pay in the future was another, all the while emphasizing that this was a 'one time thing' regardless of which he chose. Asking them to pay was likely not to go over well, so he ultimately felt the 'one time thing, thanks for playing, go home' card was likely the best route.

Asking whoever was going to be joining them (Like the Lord, etc) and whoever was going to bring food and so forth to be ready as he approached. Flying with the last few minutes of his spell before it wore off, and he took foot on the ground to speak up to the 'esteemed guests.' leaving before Artys could reply and extend the argument.

Oh great and powerful giants, I apologize for addressing you simply, but I do not know your names. However if 'giants' is acceptable to you, I shall proceed as such! The food is on it's way now. I have been informed that such an event is meant to be a one time event, and celebration. For the Lord has always held Giants in the highest esteem, especially Hill Giants! he said, using what Narz called them. And he wanted to meet your kind atleast once in his lifetime, so he sent that missive to garner your attention for this one time event! We do apologize about the initial confusion about the 'street food' but it is a common mistake, I assure you! he says, laying on the flatter as hard as he could, while dealing with bafoons. 

But please remember, this is a one time event, as the poor smallfolk cannot make enough food to do this more than once, and it was only done for the sake of you three in particular! So please, enjoy yourselves, eat your food, and then we can all go back to our own homes and relax with full bellies and a comfortable nap! Does that not sound positively delightful?

Oh and should you find any other birds with such notes, they were ALL for this event, but birds don't always go where they're supposed to, and not all the notes say the same thing, so if you see anymore, ignore them. For they ALL were meant for today, and today alone! he adds in, in case a 'repeat' of the same thing happens. And last but not least, please do not tell other giants, for they might get jealous and attempt to harm you, and though we know you could easily throttle them, it would make us sad if you were to come to even the smallest harm!

If they give names, replace Giants with one of their names in the above, otherwise 'giants' is said. 

Artys simply watches for a moment as Torsus leaves and then turns to the others. "Is he always so pompous and needing things to go his way? Surely you can all see that attacking people for what others of their race have done is wrong? Should we condemn all humans because some of them have become thieves? I will not kill one for the sins of another, not again. And if you are expecting me too, speak now, so that I may do like your companion and absolve myself of blame."

 The seemingly lead giant seems to cross his arms in dissaproval. Ugh no fool turtle man! Invitation say Birthday Party! Ugh know Birthday Party! Hoomans have one!  He nods to.himself and his two friends seem.to nod in agreement though they don't really get it. No more talk. Now food for party! 

At this time Lord Ilzimmer steps outside followed by several carts that have been hastily filled with food stuffs. Of course of course! We have prepared a feast for you our giant friends in celebration of the good Lord Roaringhorns birthday. His one birthday! Please enjoy the food and drink up! He signals some guards that start rolling out barrels from the Inn.  Only the best for our friends!! 

The giants eagerly begin feasting and drinking barrels of mead and liquor. It seems it won't be nearly enough food but more carts soon come to replace what they already ate though its clear this is mostly spoiled food yet the giants eat it with just as much enjoyment.

The Lord whispers I think its working!

During the discussion prior, Narz mirrored Torsus in crossing his arms, as well gave the Tortle a dry look. At the mention of sharper ears and reading lips, he glanced over the Tortle's shoulder to the giants; who more than likely at that point had occupied themselves with innane conversation among themselves or some other silly activity. And even if they were looking to the group by happenstance, the normally rather paranoid hobgoblin just looked back to Torsus with most incredulous look.

But while his lips parted at first to perhaps amend, counter, or correct any misconceptions on the tortle's point, they close without a word. He would take the future annoyance of being barred from any silent communion or allowing himself to get too comfortable with it. Although time might rectify things anyhow. At Artys later questioning while Torsus is away, Narz gives a noncommital shrug. "He is... certainly as our fallen compatriot was, a byproduct of much age and great trauma. A perhaps gross oversimplification as he would put it. But not entirely untrue." He then looked full on to Artys. "There's little telling in what the future truly holds for us all, eh? But if there's assurance you want, know that what you fear is not what I or any of us expects of you. But we will be challenged in more ways than one going forward and will have to find a means to adapt within reason."

His attention is then drawn to the arrival of Lord Ilzimmer and the rest, and with a renewed wariness, he followed and watched the proceedings. "Certainly makes cleaning up the party easier, eh? They'll need a little more.. talking to convince them to depart after they've fed a bit more. But I'm sure a lord of your standing can perhaps smooth that part over?" He whispered back. 

Claire prepares herself to cast Plant Growth in the event the Giants become hostile, which would quarter their movement, but refrains from actually casting as of yet.  She looks to Artys. "He's... fairly consistent.  At the last town he wanted to kill a law-woman for questioning us after we burned down an inn- which we had.  Granted, it was in pursuit of a vampire that was terrorizing the town, but the woman had no proof of such and so didn't believe us right away.  She followed procedure for such an occasion and in return, Torsus was quite offended and vindictive... but he tends to air on the side of hesitation when it comes to acting on such inclimations, and is willing to compromise.  Don't take his long-windedness as pride though... I think he's just afraid of being misunderstood.

After his lie managed to fail, Torsus decided that staying silent past that point was likely the most prudent, aside from assuring the Giants that he meant well. And when the carts finally rolled in, Torsus exhaled in mild relief - If only because he'd be the closes to their ire if not. And when the situation seemed to be working his only worry was how this would effect the economy of the town. Again in his own mind, he overall didn't care whether any of these people lived or died - But that didn't mean he wished harm on them either.

As the 'feasting' went on, and drew closer to its end, he scanned the faces of the giants, hoping they seemed 'happy' with what they were getting. Dear giants he said, resisting the impulse to say 'friends' for fear the giants would take that as 'you're welcome back' and avoiding saying 'ugh's name since he didn't know the others... We hope you've found this food welcome, and we're glad we could be with you during this time. Please, take a few moments to rest, and then find your way home, the poor little folk here worked hard but they don't have your strength and endurance, and they require rest. Let us all take our leave and head back to all of our homes so we may rest.