Ulric watches as his companions seemingly turn on him. He grows slightly uncomfortable under their scrutiny, but he doesn't show it. You can see him struggle internally for a moment before he signs and says exasperatedly, "Fine. If you need to know, I'm a Zhentarim agent. My higher-ups have discovered that there are ancient elemental cults in this valley vying for world domination of sorts. They tasked me with investigating the area to see what information I can gather in them. I have already infiltrated one of them that I'm not going to name at the moment. Based off of what has been said already and by the consorts that man has, I'd reckon he is a member of the water cult." He gestures to the robed man not too far from them. "This meeting was unplanned for, and I wasn't ready for it. I was going to try some delaying tactics or try to set up a meeting with them later after I have more information. These are not the kind of people you want to interact with unless you are absolutely sure you can outmaneuver them with words. If you aren't ready, you'll end up dead, or worse." He looks at each of the group individually as he says with a serious expression, " I'm sorry I didn't share this information earlier, but it was necessary. I truly want to stop these cults, because if they aren't stopped, the world as we know it will not exist in a few years."

((Sorry DM. Sometimes the best lies are the truth))

When the others chime in and reinforce Ulf's suspicions, he examines Ulric's words more critically than he might have otherwise. Definitely something about this one, it's not just me. Stay wary.

He listens carefully but can detect no lies. A good liar, or telling the truth. He glances around his companions to see how they are reacting to the smooth and honest-seeming words.

At the end of Ulric's speech, he nods. "Then we all should hear what they have to say, but remain wary. I see no reason for you do speak to them alone."

The robed man seems mildly annoyed but also somehow patient, as if he expected some degree of resistance. Nodding to Ulf to let him know it was 'Fine' even if annoying. 

As for Yin, some part of her past was filled with learning about the Water Genasi, whether it be by book or by practice of her arts, one way or another she had studies water genasi specifically to the point one could almost call her a master on the subject. Knowing Genasi are wild and independent, and the water genasi tend to be heavier than their fire or air brethren these two seemed exceptionally large even for their folk. 

However in regards to Ulric, it was an even match of wills. Ulric wasn't lying about not knowing these people, though that didn't mean he didn't know others of their ilk, and simply hadn't met 'these' specific people. However she could just barely tell that everything he said once under the scrutiny of the group seemed more or less true - perhaps a snippet or two of information was left out but otherwise he was being as honest and open as you had ever seen him.

The robed man seems to be tapping his foot, but still remains waiting patiently, atleast for a little longer. But it was in fact rude even by commoner standards to call someone to share the equivalent of your hearth only to then leave them so you could conspire.

Two more hours. And Yin may add to her notes in 'other' "Water Genasi Expert" she can know all but the specific details of an individual Water Genasi (such as who they bed, and other information that would be on the 'individual' level as opposed to the racial level. She gains a +2 to anything involving them.

"Zhentarim?" Shautha tries to remember if she had heard about such an organization before. The name sounded familiar...

"...Whatever. If what you are saying right now its true, then that's an issue. I'll keep an eye on them, and on you." She states, glaring at the mage before turning her back to him. "Now let's be quiet and go talk to them, or something. If they are cultists, then we shouldn' be making them wait like this."

Ylnira’s stern expression bores into Ulric for another few moments. Then, she slightly inclines her head - as far as she could tell, he had been truthful. “Very well, Ulric. It seems you are being truthful. I recommend you continue being honest with us. Keeping secrets is only a hindrance, I have found. It has caused our ‘guest’ some impatience,” Ylnira continues with a sidelong glance towards the robed man. “Your information on the cults is intriguing. The two large men are Water Genasi, meaning we are likely speaking with the water cult. I am familiar with Water Genasi. I believe I am quite capable of reading the expressions of the living - Ulric, if you wish to part ways with the group, I would like to be present in the conversation. Learning more about their goals runs the risk of placing us in danger, and that is something I would like to avoid.”

At hearing their responses, Ulric says, "I never had the attention of leaving you people. I would much rather stay with you all until these cults are stopped. The chances of me stopping them by myself is very slim."

 He takes a deep breath, calming himself before he says, "I was simply trying to protect us from signing up to do anything rash without knowing the consequences, that's all."

 "For now, let's say we're interested in what he has to offer, but try to avoid agreeing to anything at the moment."

 ((Note: I'm totally fine with doing whatever y'all want to do. Ulric is a very cautious person, so I'm just RPing. Sorry if that put a dampener on the mood))

((Note: I'm totally fine with doing whatever y'all want to do. Ulric is a very cautious person, so I'm just RPing. "Sorry if that put a dampener on the mood))" Not sure whatcha mean, I'm perfectly fine with it, just Rping the NPC's to the best guess I can under these unique circumstances.

 As no one has actually stated they actively and actually move to the robed man again... All I can adjudicate is Shautha's history rolls

The name sounded quite familiar even to a wild woman. Though she only knew a few details personally. Shautha knew the Zhentarim were very much like the dark-side of mercenaries, and that they regularly were at odds with the Red Mags of Thay, though that much was common knowledge. They worked as assassins, thieves, mercenaries and other things. They had connections throughout the entire known world, and were always looking to expand their power. Sometimes they employed Beholders through sheer force. They weren't necessarily evil but they were willing to do evil things so long as the price was right. More specific details eluded Shautha but depending on her personal perspective they would be a group she either respected or detested for their power.

When the group is agreed, Ulf moves with them back to the newcomer, "My apologies again, kind sir. My name is Ulf. And I must again apologies for my earlier distraction...the history of this place is long and storied. You and your folk have a great undertaking before you. One worthy of a god, no doubt."

"I do not wish to pry into your plans, but we had heard rumours that there might be bandits and such on the road, waylaying travellers. Have you encountered such?"

The mans foot-tapping finally ceases as the group returns, and he lets out a sigh. It is.. fine. We did interrupt you in the middle of setting up your camp, after all.  he crosses his arms, and ruffles the inside of his robe to get more comfortable. Taking a look once more at those around him as Ulf started speaking once again, hrm-ing by the end of it. 

We have not. Though bandits would be fools to attack a group as large and well armed as us. Sometimes force never needs to eb applied, but simply the show of potential force to prevent conflict from being necessary. Ebb and flow, cause and effect. And those few who we've come across that proved hostile were dealt with accordingly, though I don't know if they may be these bandits you speak of.  If they were, they are now dead.

But as you left me just after calling me here, I hope you don't find it rude if I ask you to divulge first? You say this place has a long and storied history. Tell me what you know, so that I may benefit from it. And have you come to a consensus on my offer to join us? There is power to be had, and we seek to empower ourselves with many allies. We believe that we should try to see eye to eye with others, so long as they seem amicable.

Ulf glances at his companions, waits a moment, and if none show signs of responding, he nods. "I don't know much, but there are legends upon legends here. It started, I believe with the drow, though the details of their ending are not known to me. Then came the dwaves and their fortresses. They do like to build!" he says with a smile. "Sturdy, but ugly."

"They did not last long eithe. Some dark fate at the hands of trolls and their kin overtook them. Others have tried..." he shrugs, "...men and orcs and other races...but details of their failures are not known to me. A common thread seems to be a threat from orcs and trolls, but I know scant details. One of the elvish lore makers likely knows."

"I think you have the right of it though: the dwarves may be the only ones to have left an enduring mark."

"I hope that is helpful...do you perhaps know any more details?"

The man closed his eyes and continuing to cross his arms, hrming and hmming. The man didn't seem overly surprised by this revelation. The swordbearer seemed quite bored, and the two genasi were neutrally uninterested. The group of swordbearers who had been left to their own were pacing about in boredom, more proof that this wasn't a professional army. Though at the same time, having this group here also likely meant that little else was likely to attack either group so in some way it provided security.

Finally when Ulf was done, the man nodded thoughtfully Most of that I didn't know, though it matches what I do. We have likely taken over one such landmark ourselves. I suppose I shall be a bit more forthcoming. First off, do not expect all those who share my associations to be as well spoken as I. I am an exception, not a rule. But compared to other ... similar organizations we are more open to the idea of opportunity. But we seek to as I have already stated, bring back our patron to this world so that she can bless us and those who share our vision. 

We are and were the broken of society. They had cast us out, exiled us, spit on us, harried us, treated us like so much detritus. We had no homes, and no love, and only the food which we could scrounge or... steal. We were the scum of societies and our leader .. gave us hope... a home... and our companions you see gathered around us. He gave us.. the broken, family, and purpose. 

I cannot tell you more without commitment to our cause. But you know what we offer... Power in return for service, and a home for those who've lost their homes, lost their families....

Once she remembers what the Zhentarim were, Shautha stops thinking about it for the moment. "He could sell us out for the right pay... But I'll cross that river when we get there, I don't care" She thinks.

She gives a glance to the genasi before speaking. "Ya, people can be merciless towards whatever's stronger than them. Fear creates hate." She shurgs. "All of what you say sounds great, but we have other compromises. Can' stop what we are doing at the first good cause that comes by, do you understand? This commitment you are talkin' about... It wasn' on the plan. Need to think about it first, and all that."

Her voice sounds both gentle and a little bored. This guy is talking like he's a worshipper of a higher being or something along those lines, and she has no interest in neither swearing loyalty to a cult nor worshipping any deity other than Luthic.

Ulf nods and smiles at the half-orcs comments, a mixture of amusement and gratitude for cutting to the core issue, "Not delicately put" he says, "but correct none-the-less: we all have reasons for being here, duties if you like. And we value our word." He glances at his companions, ending on Ulric. At least some of us.

He takes a deep breath before continuing, "As I'm sure you would agree, if we were to easily give up on a task we have undertaken -- then how could you trust we would not do the same to you? Your offer is intriguing, and generous, but alliances must be based on well-forged relationships, on trust and on mutual respect...not chance meetings in the dead of night."

He holds up a hand to forestall any angry response, "I mean no disrespect, and as I said, the offer is intriguing. The first steps might be at least to agree to work together for a common goal. Perhaps, we may visit you some time in your fortress, to discuss how we may work together? Or perhaps there are things that you would like us to watch for, and report to you? There are many possibilities for mutual benefit, it seems."

The man clears his throat as if he's heard such protestations before and thought little of them, locking eyes with Ulf, though not threateningly so, but more to reinforce his point he was about to make.. the man puts his hands on his knee's and speaks once again. That much is true to a degree. But by your logic you'd never have any friends or allies. You'd never seek a woman or man as a partner because you didn't know them well enough. What is a friend other than someone you used to not know? Before you were their friend, they were a stranger to you. Everyone in the world is a stranger until you meet them. So I don't really buy this 'long and well forged' nonsense.

By your logic everyone in the world would be alone unless they had prior trust, and prior well forged bonds which would be impossible under your scrutiny. You need to let the ebb and flow of life take you where it will, like water flowing down a river. You call this a chance meeting, I call this destiny. it was inevitable that we would meet, on this night, at this hour, in this moment. It may have been as friend or foe but the meeting itself was inevitable, and predestined.

Despite his long speech, he sighed, heavily, with the look of one who feels defeated but not done. But it also seems you are not entirely unwilling to lend an ear. If you truly wish to see if we may come to an accord... I will take a calculated risk. I can take you to the fortress now, if you wish.

Ulf frowns, "We are clearly not understanding each other. All relationships need to be built on small steps, which is why I suggested that we discuss how we might work together in the future."

He glances at his companions, frowning. Was I not clear?

Turning back to the man, his frown deepening, he continues. "I think I also mentioned that we had other commitments which bind us. These are not things that we can just drop on a whim. You call it fate, I call it chance. Your offer is, as I also said, interesting, but ... as I said ... not something we can take up immediately."

Ulf stands, confusion plain on his face, "Perhaps one of my companions will be able to explain more clearly..."

In her traditional calm manner, Ylnira maintains her focus on the robed man. An old Dwarven fortress. Do you think those Dwarves we spoke to may know more? Probably, but you should keep your mind on the conversation. You're telling me? Get out of my head.

Ylnira shakes herself, forming eye contact with the speaker of the group. "I find those who label fate as a predetermined course of events are the ones to avoid responsibilities for their actions." Ylnira cuts a look at the two Water Genasi behind them. Hey, Ylnira, do you remember when you went by a Water Genasi in Waterdeep some years ago? Vividly. I learned much about them. Far too much. I agree. Ylnira blinks, continuing on. "You seem to enjoy using water as an allegorical tool. Let me attempt the same. Water follows a path, yes - both of our groups are following one. When two rivers are nearby, they may eventually form a confluence and cross paths. Time is required for that to occur - much like erosion slowly wears away sand and silt, skepticism is eroded with time and a mutual foundation of trust. You mention fate has caused us to meet, much like a waterfall, and yet rivers constantly change courses. Our group has committed to one path. This does not mean I do not want to stay in contact with you - I think quite the opposite. I am only suggesting that possibly, by the next time we meet, enough trepidation has ebbed away enough for us to fully investigate your offers." Ylnira folds her arms and slightly bows in respect. That was downright poetic of you. I am proud, Ylnira. Sometimes you surprise me. Shut up.

The man sighed once more in defeat once Ulfarion finished speaking, seeing that his trinkets weren't going to sell today -to use an old idiom- though soon Yin starts to speak, and the mans attention shifts to them, he was about to cut in to retort to her first comment but she managed to continue before he did. As her words continued to flow as smoothly as the water of an aqueduct, his expression goes from it's defeated expression it had with Ulf to serious,  but slowly, if it weren't for the darkness of the night itself, everyone gathered would swear they would see his eyes start to sparkle as his expression tensed and his face quivered ever so slightly.

By the end of it, his expression had been softer than any of you had ever seen it be before, and his body was ever-so-slightly shaking, his jaw quivering as faint moisture built up at the corners of his eyes. My word... That was.... Beautiful... I have never before heard such ... I don't even know how to describe it. Even our leader... even our patron... would be keeled by such words like honeyed rain falling from the sky to bless the world with its bounty. He reached for Yin's hand even as the few around him looked at him with confusion for saying such things, though he wouldn't force it, and if allowed, he would take it and kiss her knuckle in both respect and admiration, and if not, he would return her bow but simply much deeper to emphasize the fathoms of his admiration. I...I am sorry. I knew not you had one so gifted with words and knowledge among you. Though i admit it only makes me wish to introduce you more... but like the tides, I shall recede in my effort to persuade you. But please... consider the offer in the time we spend apart.

The man swallowed hard, seeming smitten by Yin Please, do take care um... I don't know your name but you may call me Arthur if it pleases you. We will withdraw so you can rest, if only to maintain your beauty. I do hope we meet again as friends...

And unless stopped for whatever reason, he would signal for the other three to start to move back to the other group his eyes lingering on Yin's face .. whatever of it could be seen as he turned around like someone tearing themselves away from a scene they don't wish to stop seeing but are forcing themselves to anyway.

Ulric mentality chides himself as the conversation carries on. He knew his cover was going to be blown sooner or later, but it he didn't expect it to happen so soon. He'd have to build up their trust again.

Ulric nods to himself slightly as Ulf evades the robed man with his words. He did surprisingly well for one of his background, but Ulric takes it back when Yrnila speaks. He looks at her with new eyes, impressed with her verbal prowess. When Arthur is out of earshot, he quietly says to everyone, "Well done."

As Cyrin orbits tirelessly overhead, he continues, "We're lucky that didn't come to blows. I've heard the other Cults aren't as generous as this one."

As soon as Arthur is out of hearing range, Shautha yawns loudly before turning to Ylnira. "Thanks, I was starting to think they would never leave..." She says, before looking at the camp they had set up before the group had arrived. "Now, are we just going to stand here, or are we gonna rest? So much poetic twaddle got me sleepy."

Ulf grunts at Shautha's remark, but smiles, "Rest. We've got a camp site setup, let's use it."

"I don't need much rest, so we should be able to have two people on watch most of the time."