The baron nods and smiles at Vaclav's observation.  "A fair point," he concedes.  "So, what else did you have in mind?"

"Ahh... As much as I appreciate and recognize the generosity of your offer, I'm afraid I wasn't actually looking to settle down here," Claire says uncertainly, eying the others.  "I was hoping for a more... concrete sort of payment, in coin, so that I might have the funds to continue my journey across this land.  And eventually, across the sea," she adds.  "And while from what I've heard about it, I wouldn't mind in the least disrupting Baron Arvek's plans, I have no wish to make an enemy of Baroness Ilsa.  I would much rather remain a neutral party in those affairs, really." 

“Claire, what’s across the sea that’s so important? He’s offering a life of luxury. Which I’m happy to take. Although I’d like to know what constitutes success in this mission, and some money up front would go a long way towards trusting you’ll live up to your word, Baron sir.”

"... Family," Claire replies after a moment, in a more subdued tone.  Then starts as she realizes Louis used her real name in front of the baron.  Ugh... well, what's done is done.  She shakes her head and continues smoothly, knowing full well that Gilbert was too sharp to avoid the slip, but ignoring it anyway.  "Why don't you tell us first just what this mission is, as Louis suggested?  Then we can decide whether or not this matter is of a delicacy that we're prepared to handle."

The baron looks at you all, clearly a little uncomfortable.  "I am not entirely sure what the first mission might be," he confides in you.  "I prefer to keep myself detached from such ... details.   Varnell is organizing the efforts.  All I am interested in is that my position here remains safe and that my rivals do not inappropriately strengthen their positions at my expense."  He takes another sip of brandy.  "At present, my focus is on Baron Arbek.  So do not worry about Baron Isla, Theresa-Claire.  For now."

"On the subject of payment," this last word said with obvious distaste, "if you prefer to be employed like regular enforcers, that is your choice.   You can move out of the mansion and Varnell will arrange for you to be paid a daily salary, like the others."  He seems completely befuddled as to why anyone would want to take that option.  It's pretty clear he cannot comprehend the idea of "slumming it" in the local inn.

“It seems we should have this conversation regarding work details with Varnell then. The question becomes: is a job worth this? And can we take it with us?”

"I do hope that you do not take it as slight that we ask for payment as we have.  As has already been mentioned, we have additional priorities which must be met.  We have thoroughly enjoyed the amenities you have offered, myself especially.  You are truly a generous host."  Salazar takes a sip of the brandy, "This really is quite good.  Perhaps we could have a nip for the road?"

"All the time you are working for me, you may maintain lodgings here at my house - assuming you do not also wish payment.  If payment is your preferred choice then I am fine with that but you will have to relocate to the Torrent or wherever.  Varnell acts with my full authority, so if you wish to discuss payment on a job by job basis, you can do so with him.  And, yes of course, I will arrange for a bottle of Pembrose Smooth to be placed in each of your rooms, naturally."

OOC: Salazaar estimates the value of such a bottle to be about 30-40 gold coins, each.  And be aware that living in your current conditions is considered "Aristocratic" which equates to 10 gold pieces per day.

"I have one question before I make up my mind either way." Vaclav says, giving a casual glance to the others before continuing. "Why you Baron? It seems that Baron Arbek isn't a very nice person so I have no problems going after him but I want to know exactly why we should work for you? Forgive the uncomfortable question but I find I like to know why I'm doing something. Separates me for the common thug." 

Nos Heliwr will regard the Baron with a steady eye, "M'Lord, as some have suggested, it would be most wise not to be seen in to close o' company with us. One never knows whose eyes be watchin'.  As well, a spoiled mercenary company would nae be hard enough t' be realistically capable o' doing what it needs to.  We be the unsheathed blade to hand, nae the velvet glove o' those with a honeyed tongue.  So I'd be suggesting that we have a contact who would report to Varnell who, in turn, could convey anything important enough to bring to your attention.  Enen now I would nae be surprised that there be those who have marked you attention toward us. With the sort of separation I have suggested soon interest will slacken as we adopt a more . . . mundane aspect of hired muscle under the direction of less august personages, if ye catch my drift."

Claire considers the Baron's offer.  The choice of a life of luxury is tempting... and she does miss the finery, and the regular bathing practices she used to engage in back home.  

You're not home anymore, though, a part of her reminds herself.  A smaller part of herself wonders if she wants to go home at all, and back to her family's expectations and demands.  Claire thinks of the broken glaive in her backpack; it's the sole thing that's been giving her a purpose in this land.  Don't get distracted, she tells herself strictly.

"I'm afraid I have to agree with my friends... I didn't come here expecting to tie myself to the politics of the baronies, simply to earn some coin.  Though I will gladly partake of a final evening of your very kind offer, and that bottle of Pembrose, I do believe it would be for the best if we were to arrange any continued cooperation through Varnell."

Baron Gilbert pauses, takes a long drag on his brandy and closes his eyes for a moment, perhaps thinking carefully before answering each of you. 

He looks first at Vaclav.  "Master Vaclav, you came here to answer my request for skilled persons to help with a Delicate Matter, did you not?  You are, I had thought, mercenaries.  But perhaps some of you are more discerning than the average mercenary group.  I can offer you no moral reason that working for me is better than working for any other employer really.  I am merely trying to survive, for that, honestly, is where I think we are headed.  With no regent in the lands anymore the three forces in Northern Ibini will, inevitably, clash and it is likely only one will endure that clash.  I mean to be that one."

Next, he turns to Nos Heliwr,  "Master ...", he pauses, hesitant if he even knows your name.  "Sir, your point is well taken, and I find myself on a knife-edge, unsure if the time is for subtlety or swift and decisive action.  It is an uncomfortable position to find myself in, truthfully.  I suggest that you go and speak with Varnell and between you, you can decide how you wish this to play out."

Finally he looks at Claire.  "Milady, you were clearly born to live the life of luxury.  It is in your bearing and blood," here he flicks a glance at Vaclav as if aware Claire is not the only person from noble stock in the group.  "But if you would prefer to take up the role of a common mercenary, who am I to stop you?  Your presence here will be missed."

He then stands.  "Now," he addresses you all, "It is time for me to take my leave.  In the morning Nevil will escort you all to the gates and you can go and speak to Varnell at the inn.  He will be expecting you.  In the meantime, feel free to finish off the brandy and to have a long look around the books here - but please do leave them all in this room."

With that, he bows to you all and walks imperiously from the room.

Once the Baron is gone Vaclav will take the time to ritually cast detect magic and then wander the room, tapping the ring on his finger as he walks.

There is nothing of magic in the room, but as he's wandering Vaclav does note a book of particular interest to him.  It's titled "Musings of a Jade Magi".  Flipping through the book it appears to be the thoughts of a High Magi from the time of the Rainbow Empire some five hundred years previously.  Vaclav thinks he could gain some insight into the magic and history of that time if he could but study it for an hour or so.   A few hours would be even better.  Keeping the book, better still...

Vaclav will sit and begin to read the book for as long as he is able to stay in the room.

Vaclav is able to find out the following:

The author of this book was one of the High Magi who lived and worked in this region five hundred years ago.  He notes spending a lot of time in the Naja Tower - a structure which was located in the town of Paradin (which still exists).  There are indications that it required special magical abilities to enter that tower - only the Jade Magi could access it.  He also mentions spending a lot of time in the Library, which seems to have been located somewhere in the hills north of Grunal.

Hidden in the back of the journal are some notes.  Vaclav realizes they are inscribed spells.  He can see:

• Acid Arrow
• Continual Flame
• Shatter
• Tiny Hut

Claire sighs wistfully as she eyes the comfortable living conditions Gilbert situated themselves in.  But eventually, she leaves her chair, bidding the others good night, and retires to her room.  She spends her time there carefully packing away the Pembrose Smooth, choosing three or four outfits to change between, and taking one last longing look at the baths, before retiring to bed to get a good night's rest.

(Claire now has 4 sets of fine clothing in her inventory.  She just couldn't resist the fashion....)

Vaclav does not sleep, as the others slowly retire he is now sitting on the floor, his own book spread out in front of him with the copy of Musings beside it. He is frantically copying notes into his book, making gestures and then scratching a line before writing something else and trying again. His own book is a jumble of notes and symbols all over the pages, in no discernable order. After staying up the whole night he manages to copy down Acid Arrow and Shatter. As he wanders off to find breakfast with the others he unlocks a window and opens it slightly, letting the morning breeze come in. He places the book on a table by that window and then unlocks a second window, leaving this one closed. 

Louis goes to take a walk through the halls. He’s looking around, but doesn’t examine anything for too long. He paces quickly, doing a couple laps before returning to his room to sleep. 

The next morning dawns bright and crisp.  There is a hint of frost on the windows and on the well-maintained lawns outside.  Breakfast is served in your guest dining hall by tight-lipped servants.  If anything this meal is more sumptuous and delicious than the others you have enjoyed in the guest wing (though not as good as what you get when eating with the baron himself).  Perhaps the baron is trying to make a point about what you will be missing?

As your breakfast concludes, Nevil glides into the room with a warm smile on his face.  "I trust you all slept well?  I am sorry to see you depart, but Varnell awaits you in the Torrent.  He will be your main point of contact from now on.   I hope you all keep safe and perhaps we shall meet again in the future."

Unless anyone has anything extra to do, you are free to head on out into town, leaving the comforts of the manor house behind.