The Six Kingdoms of Talia

"A war of religion, as I suspected", Aramae says out loud but not directed to anyone in particular.

He approaches Ambassador Terevan.

"Sir, I take it since you are here, Tulcanis and Novgortah can be considered allies in this endeavor? Whatever the case, what is Tulcanis' plan going forward, if I may ask? I would of course help however I am able."

"I will have to send a message to the Baron with the information you have just given me but I imagine that we are in this together. She is not known for her forgiving nature and I imagine that she would take an attack on her person quite personally. As for yourself, you've proven adept at finding information so if you would like you could return and formally register in the Negotiator Corp. I would be happy to write you a letter if you like. You could also join the army if that suits you better, or a sellsword company, those will likely be enlisted as well. Or continue on whatever business you had before. You do not need to get involved in the war if you do not want to. Finally, if I get approval from the Baron, I could also hire you to deliver an offer to the Baron of Urthar in Bost. Of we share what we know with him I'm sure he would join on our side as well. The three of us together should be able to make quick work of Schirit." 

"The Negotiator's Corp does sound appealing. A recommendation letter would be greatly appreciated. I am in the Aurelius Trading company already, so I am already close to sellswordsmanship. Traders are expected to be able to defend themselves as well. As for the letter to Urthar, I would be more than happy to deliver it for you if you like. One last thing, regarding the culprit we had found. Would you like him to be brought here?"

The Baron holds up a hand to interrupt. "You say the man was hired. Do you know exactly by who? If we could possibly find that out it would give us a bigger edge. The more kingdoms we can get on our side the better. Nehimah is likely in chaos right now but more proof for Urthar or even the possibility of getting Kahbrador on our side as well. Any way we can get more information would be best." 

"The man, named Alan, said his friend had met the one who hired them. Said friend was unfortunately cutdown by the crownsman guarding you, Miss Baron. Alan also mentioned he was to meet the one who hired them at some point today for payment. As far as I am aware, he is still with my friend at the temple where we found him. I had immediately sought you out, Ambassador, after hearing what he had to say. I think it is safe to say he was not told much, merely one of a small band of sellswords hired to assassinate you, Miss Baron, not expecting such resistance from myself and my friends."

The Baron nods. "That'll be who we want then. Do you think you and your friends would be able to capture this contact of his? Too many Brass Guard around would likely scare him off. If you could bring him in we could question him and that could help us gain the information we need." 

"I agree. In the mean time I will send a message back to Tulcanis. I will also write both the letter of recommendation for you and the letter to Baron Urgak that you could deliver for us. Bring this contact back and then we can discuss the next steps based on what information we learn." 

"I can guarantee that we will try. We know no more about this mysterious person than you do. Should I offer Alan a reduced punishment for giving up his employer? And regardless, what should we do with him should this person fail to show themselves?"

"Offer him prison rather than execution. And if the employer doesn't show up then bring this Alan back and we will get as much from him as we can." 

"Very well. If you will excuse me."

Aramae gives a polite bow to the Ambassador and Baron and leaves the keep, returning to the temple.

Approaching the rest of the group who remained outside.

"Edgar, my friend, I need your stealthy expertise once more. I need you to hide yourself in the area, keeping an eye out for anyone potentially suspicious. Anyone who might look to be coming to this temple for a reason beyond worship. Oryxis, I would ask you to do the same if you are able, but I understand that is not your preferred method. As long as you do not drive anyone away with your intimidating presence, please. Lyrika, I would ask you to accompany me inside to help keep a certain individual calm. I had just come from the keep and now am conducting very important business, with even more to come. Fenro is inside with a man named Alan. We are to keep this man in our custody but he is not to be harmed. I will head inside and look for Fenro. Will you join me, Lyrika?"

He holds his arm to her.

Whether she joins him or not, Aramae steps inside to find Fenro again.

He casts Message to Fenro before approaching.

'We need to keep Alan with us for the time being. We cannot let him go.'

And then he approaches the two, putting a hand on each of their shoulders.

"We must speak privately.", he utters quietly.

Lyrika follows Aramae, playing her most peaceful music and wondering what the heck is going on. (perfomance 25 )

((So we’re together now?)) 

(Unless I'm mistaken, Lyrika, Edgar, and Oryxis were hanging out and waiting outside the temple, right?)

Fenro had been sitting, chatting with Alan and waiting for his contact to show up. So far, nothing. As he watched the sunlight from the windows move he realised that soon both his disguise and his influence on Alan would wear off. Worrying what the reaction would be when they did, Fenro thought it would be better to address the issue now. 

“Alan, when we first met, you were very upset and about to run away. That was going to be very dangerous for you. I truly believe that whoever got in touch with George was either not going to return, or else come here to tie up any loose ends by killing you. I needed to calm you down so I used some magic to help you. That spell is going to wear off soon and I don’t want you to panic when it does so. Also,  I need to return back to my true form. I am the Firbolg you ran from earlier.” As he says this he allows his disguise to slip and he returns back to his natural form. 

((No we’re in a tavern sharing stories xD ))

Quote from gosset92 >>

((No we’re in a tavern sharing stories xD ))

 (Well then ignore the part of my post where I speak to the group :P)

”What do you guys say, should we go see if Ara and Ferno need our help or do we wait for them here?” 

Alan looks quite shocked. "Um, well, that's a lot to take in. I just need to get my money, people to think about, you know. I don't think the guy is going to kill me though, why kill someone who did the work you wanted them to do?" 

You get the sense that Alan in remarkably naive and probably won't be convinced that he's in danger.

Aramae, when you arrive Alan nods and leads you back out the door into the alley.

"Alan, I had just come from the keep, informing those within, among other things, about you. Obviously I had to, as I am sure you know. I will be perfectly honest, they had said that you were slated for execution. However, they will be willing to reduce the severity of your punishment to mere imprisonment if you help us arrest the man who had hired you and your friends. I realize with George gone that may not be easy to do, but as the only survivor you have the best chance. If you can tell us everything you have heard regarding this man it would help greatly. A name, a description, a location he may be found, anything."

Aramae puts both hands softly on Alan's shoulders.

"I understand that what I have said is alarming to say the least. Please just calm yourself. Take a breath and a moment to think. Even if we do not find him, you may still get your reduced punishment if you do your utmost to aid us."

"Ok." Alan says, staring right back at you like you're doing to him. "All I know is he's human, apparently very dangerous if you don't do what he wants, and we're supposed to meet in this alley at dusk. Oh, and if he sees anyone but one of our team out here he'll kill us and run. You're not gonna let him kill me, right?" The more Alan seems to have time to think the more Fenro notices he's getting nervous and jumpy, despite the spell.

"I can assure you, should this man attempt to harm you, he would have to face me and the wrath of Tisus flowing within before he does. Fenro, we must find the others and get as many of us as we can on this."

Aramae casts Message to Fenro as well.

'I do remember we had planned a meet at a bridge this evening. If the two events are not simultaneous we can do both. Otherwise we may have to split ourselves up. I do not know where they have gone, they were not outside when I returned. I also do not have a means of long distance communication variation of this spell. Do you have any such means of quickly locating our friends?'