North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-03-24 - Extending an Embertation (log)

Charlatos 24-25, 5123

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the TownCrier

Disclaimer

This log is purely intended as an archival record of spoken words and actions of characters within the game as could be witnessed by the character or characters who were present to record them. Leafiara's player and the TownCrier hold no position on the veracity, falsity, legitimacy, nor illegitimacy of any character dialogue, opinions, perspectives, interpretations, and stances presented herein.

Synopsis

Some time after adventurers discover a destroyed wagon on the Old Mine Road and a loresong reveals the adults of the wagon being killed and the children taken in sacks [OOC note: not shown in the log], Rheshay meets with Landing adventurers for parley in the Lower Dragonsclaw again. She says they have their children and won't harm them, as Warchief Haidan does not involve children in wars and will punish those who took them. Furthermore, Haidan invites the adventurers to the Ember Vale tomorrow to bring the children back, assuring that no harm will come to anyone. Councilor Kayse asks if Haidan's willing to negotiate instead of going to war; Rheshay reiterates that there is war with the Empire, but the Landing can avoid it by staying within its walls.

Log

Consideration

A clap of thunder shakes the sky.

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the Niffly disk, a variable will-o-wisp spirit that is flying around, the mist-hazed Asthenea disk, a tri-taloned mottled amber grik'mlar, the Evia disk, the Lylia disk, the Jagganoth disk, some sun-shaped fruit tarts, an angry forest spirit that is flying around, the Stormyrain disk, the Kialeigh disk, the Alosaka disk, the Kelfyr disk, a grizzled porcupine, the discordant Tikba disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the Vaemyr disk, an animated flayed gigas disciple, a dirty river rat, the ice-covered Algerone disk, the Arahnim disk, a large acorn, the Izaneth disk, a sinuous bone white serpent, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a round silver-banded barrel, an herbal remedy donation bin, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it and an old well.

Also here: Astrilyn, Niffly, Asthenea, Town Councilor Kayse, Cleasai, Dame Evia, Imperatrix Lylia, Town Councilor Kiyna, Jagganoth who is kneeling, Lord Thrassus, Great Lord Izaneth, Valdorin, Grorin, Darklin, Lord Ilyumar, Stormyrain, Kialeigh, Grand Lord Arahnim, Alosaka, Kelfyr, Bernadette, Tikba, Pukk, Irval, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Algerone, Goldstr, Mongur, Mourdeyan, Ealeaf, Conquerer of Reim Cryheart, Vasilious, Nodejs who is sitting

Irval asks, "So are we gonna make sure those of the ember's will finally be put down for good ?"

Goldstr says, "As we kin."

Mourdeyan says, "Were that it be so simple."

Speaking to Irval, Vaemyr says, "If they give us the opportunity, I'd be happy to add a new pike."

In a botched imitation, from behind Wolfloner, Pukk's voice exclaims, "I am here!"

In a fair imitation of Wolfloner, Pukk exclaims, "I am here!"

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "I'm not interested in burning their villages and murdering their housewives. But if the children-stealers face me in battle, I will destroy them."

Lylia says, "I would like to eradicate them, yes. I suspect it is likelier to engage in some hand-wringing and self-flagellation about it for a bit. While standing in a rainstorm."

Tikba mildly says, "I understand that they are all warriors."

Irval says, "While im of the same thought. Would this of happened if we did not put down Haidan when he was smaller..."

Pukk exclaims, "This just in. Kiyna claims that she will destroy the reivers!"

Wolfloner darkly says, "Well then. Seems things are worse."

Mourdeyan says, "Yup."

Tikba says, "We have chosen our course and should not restrain ourselves."

Mourdeyan says, "Restraint is always called for."

Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna asks, "Honest question. Suppose last night the council had declared neutrality. Would you leave this current matter alone?"

Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna says, "We don't even know if they're imperials or ours."

Goldstr exclaims, "Ye Grand Lady Aimright!"

Vaemyr says, "They could of been Icemule citizens for all we know."

Mourdeyan asks, "Whot?"

Mourdeyan says, "Don't Dooooo that."

Speaking evenly to Kiyna, Kayse says, "Why does she need to leave anything alone? She is allowed to have her opinion and voice it."

Speaking evenly to Kiyna, Tikba says, "I would say that we must find the children, as I said tonight."

Nazarr asks, "Who could have been Icemule citizens? What happened?"

Evia recites:

"Hoozah Mourdeyan!"

Irval says, "Well let us hope the other clans then will take the ember children and wives into their own. And hope they can learn a better way. But I for one. Will shatter the remnants of the Hag. Its time to put this menace to bed once and for all."

Speaking to Nazarr, Lylia says, "I believe they are speaking of the deaths earlier tonight. Some travelers were killed, their children taken."

Mourdeyan says, "Nope, just Mourde."

Lylia says, "You are aware that the women of the reivers fight with the men. This squeamishness about women is a dangerous half-measure."

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "Ahh but that's what was requested us in the meeting last night, to force people who had different opinions to not voice or follow those, basically to act as kings and queens of the town."

Tikba mildly says, "I believe that is called the law."

Pukk exclaims, "Everybody knows that Lylia will blow you away.....with her fashion!"

Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna says, "We couldn't sign a law last night if we wanted to. There's a whole process - it takes time. It was only ever going to be a suggestion, on such short notice."

Meeting with Rheshay

Atop the wooded hills, a lone figure appears, moonlight glinting along her huge mithril claidhmore.

Speaking to Pukk, Nazarr says, "Which is color-corrdinated with her balefire."

Maikoya says, "Her again..."

Pukk exclaims, "To the hills!"

Irval says, "I say we send her head back as a message."

Maikoya says, "Wonder if anyone else will get shoved off the hill."

Cryheart says, "Aye."

Speaking mildly to Kiyna, Tikba says, "Better to do nothing, perhaps."

Cryheart says, "Join up."

Evia says, "Oh...her."

Cryheart says, "Headed to the wooden hills."

Lylia firmly says, "The Town Council was doomed to give only wrong answers last night. When we understand this, we can move on from it and allow them to do the actual work of governance. Assuming we still wish governance and not so much 'freedom' we all choke on our own blood."

Tikba says, "Let us meet, and see whether we may recover the children."

Evia says, "Whatever her name was."

Kelfyr says, "Let's see if anyone can touch her sword tonight then."

Pukk recites:

"Join Cryheart!"

Cryheart says, "Moving in three....."

Cryheart says, "Two...."

Cryheart says, "Leaving."

[travel]

Tikba mildly says, "I am always happy to answer the questions of the councilors, if they are so kind as to direct them to me."

[Lower Dragonsclaw, Wooded Hills]

This face of the hill is completely bare of trees, and doesn't even have many bushes. You notice that even the bird and insect noises are gone, leaving you with an eerie silence, broken only by the wind. Off the side of the trail, you notice a depression in the hillside, with a dark pit at the bottom. You also see the Vaemyr disk, an animated flayed gigas disciple, a seed-eyed dusky-grained zebrawood mandrake, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, the web-draped Missoni disk and a lazy wild midnight black dog.

Rheshay squints.

Cryheart says, "Evening, a wet evening."

Rheshay presses her claidhmore into the ground.

Alosaka says, "Well, here we are again."

[General] Axanders thinks, "Don't talk about my grandma like that."

Speaking to Alosaka, Perigourd says, "So it would seem."

Speaking to Rheshay, Alosaka says, "We would like the children back."

Speaking to Rheshay, Vaemyr says, "And the ones responsible."

Vaemyr says, "For their parents murders."

Rheshay says, "We have yer children, and dey will nae be harm'd."

Irval asks, "Did you take part?"

Speaking to Rheshay, Perigourd asks, "Why take them then?"

Cryheart asks, "So why kill the aduilts?"

Rheshay says, "Or as should be said, yer imperial children."

Lylia prompts, "Our children. Whose children -- ah."

Speaking in Faendryl, Thrassus says something you don't understand.

Tikba evenly asks, "When will you return them?"

Thrassus says, "Hostages, obviously."

Lylia says, "Return them to whom? Their parents were slaughtered."

Speaking to Rheshay, Vaemyr asks, "Do you even know if they are imperials?"

Speaking evenly to Rheshay, Kayse says, "They are definitely Imperial children? We were not made away any caravans would be arriving."

Mourdeyan says, "Children know no boundaries, nor recognise any empire. they are innocents."

Cryheart says, "This was a lone wagon from what I saw."

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "Let her speak. And choose her words carefully."

Irval whispers to the group, "We should take her hostage and force an exchage."

Cryheart says, "Dinnae appear to be a whole caravan."

Rheshay says, "Warchief Haidan does nae involved children in wars. It is nae theirs tae fight."

Kelfyr whispers to the group, "We should consider speaking less and listening more."

(OOC) Evia's player whispers to the group, "Glwt."

Rheshay says, "Those who took em, dey will be punish'd."

Irval whispers to the group, "They do not negotiate in good faith ever."

Speaking to Rheshay, Perigourd says, "Than return them and let them go to their living kin, or those who can care for them."

Cryheart asks, "So what did this one wagon do, to warran an attack?"

Mourdeyan says, "Good t'hear, return them an we'll be on our way."

Speaking to Rheshay, Tikba says, "That is right."

Speaking to Rheshay, Vaemyr says, "You killed two already, maybe a little bigger than these, but kids in a field nontheless."

Rheshay says, "Tomorrow eve, Warchief Haidan invites ye tae da Ember Vale."

Nazarr asks, "At what time?"

Cryheart asks, "For what purpose?"

Alosaka says, "It is a curious mix of hospitality and slaughter that you offer."

Speaking measuredly to Rheshay, Kayse asks, "Is he willing to negotiate and not go to war now?"

Speaking to Rheshay, Pukk asks, "Will you have some good drinks?"

Lylia whispers to the group, "They negotiate the terms?"

Wolfloner darkly asks, "Perhaps we let the council handle this?"

Tikba whispers something to Kayse.

Speaking to Rheshay, Kiyna asks, "You will return the children? Unconditionally?"

Vaemyr whispers something to Kiyna.

FUNPAUSE.

Interim Discussion

Alosaka whispers to the group, "If it gets the children back, we can certainly afford to talk."

Irval whispers to the group, "Forget talking."

Irval whispers to the group, "Get the children back and turn them to ash."

(OOC) Vaemyr's player whispers to the group, "Oh no the dreaded funpause."

Alosaka whispers to the group, "Talking costs us nothing."

(OOC) Tikba's player whispers to the group, "Charades?"

(OOC) Cryheart's player whispers to the group, "Aye, he has to break for some reason."

(OOC) Vaemyr's player whispers to the group, "Kids."

(OOC) Irval's player whispers to the group, "Probably little one."

(OOC) Mourdeyan's player whispers to the group, "He's got other kids?!?"

Lylia says, "Children are only potential power. By acquiescing to their demands and allowing them to define the terms of meeting-places and times, you show your bellies."

(OOC) Lylia's player whispers to the group, "MAN, I hate when I say stuff out loud that I meant to group whisper...geez." [would ordinarily edit accordingly, but Alosaka reacted to it regardless and then Lylia followed up his followup, so I won't]

Speaking to Lylia, Alosaka says, "You are not wrong. But if it gets these children back, I am willing to sacrifice some measure of pride."

Nazarr whispers to the group, "If we meet with the war chief, we should make sure that we are seeb as guests under the rule of hospitality rather than foes."

(OOC) Cryheart's player whispers to the group, "It happens to us all."

Tikba mildly says, "I am happy to face whatever danger to recover the children. Afterwards, you may determine whether to recover me."

Lylia acknowledges, "I suppose I have enough pride to give a bit up."

(OOC) Vaemyr's player whispers to the group, "It's ok, I'm treating everything atm as frozen in time hah."

Kayse steadily says, "Considering this is further than we got last week, I am willing to accept their invitation."

Evia whispers to the group, "I am uncertain the Embers follow our rules of...anything."

(OOC) Lylia's player whispers to the group, "Seriously, makes me blush when I do that. Alone in my computer room, red-faced. :D."

Alosaka says, "But, we are premature. Our honorable interlocutor hasn't promised anything about returning the children yet."

(OOC) Tikba's player whispers to the group, "I know exactly what you mean haha."

Kayse notes, "We did not get the chance to talk through things with Gnul. Perhaps we can save our town some damage and violence now."

Lylia whispers to the group, "A fair point, Perigourd."

Kiyna whispers to the group, "So long as they have the children, we will talk. However, their return will not bring back their parents. If this is a mistake, they have misstepped gravely - I will be expecting grave reparation for this."

Nazarr says, "I am curious about this war chief and what he has to say."

Pukk whispers to the group, "Well if Jock is to be believed. The reivers discuss everything over drinks. Good hard drinks."

Kayse calmly says, "I am tired of Wehnimer's being in the crossfire, so if he wished to speak then I will listen."

Lylia whispers to the group, "Grave reparation? Reparation in shallow graves, more like."

Irval whispers to the group, "'They'll want something we cannot possibly have to give . Something they know that we can't deliever. Or some other impossible request."

Xorus whispers to the group, "Whisky. With minimal vowels."

Pukk asks, "Have we discussed possibly trading Irval for the children? Yes? No?"

Kialeigh stares at Pukk.

Kialeigh pulls Irval closer to herself.

Speaking to Kialeigh, Pukk says, "It's for the children."

Speaking to Pukk, Kialeigh asks, "Have we discussed trading you?"

Tikba amusedly asks, "But what would be the rate of exchange?"

Speaking to Tikba, Kelfyr says, "By volume."

Speaking to Kialeigh, Pukk says, "Yeah. I'm not worth trading. Irval on the other hand..."

Mourdeyan says, "Good idea."

Kayse says, "Pukk is too valuable."

Speaking to Pukk, Kialeigh exclaims, "I mean if it's for the children... you should prolly offer yerself up!"

Nazarr whispers to the group, "I'd also like to know how the children are being treated. Let us be honest, none of us can adopt the children, and the orphanage is not ideal."

Kelfyr whispers to the group, "I'm rather curious where they've established their Vale. Dikirk said they'd split off to establish new territory."

Speaking to Kialeigh, Pukk says, "But he is a healer and they would love him and his joyful personality."

Irval whispers to the group, "Its a trap."

Speaking to Pukk, Kialeigh says, "We should keep our strength... trade the other stuff."

Irval whispers to the group, "Know that."

Alosaka whispers to the group, "They may have relatives who survived in the Settlement already."

Tikba whispers to the group, "They are children of the imperial settlers. I would expect that Elidal will want them within the settlement."

Cryheart whispers to the group, "Rheshay says they hae nae been harmed, but I would like to see them with my own eyes."

Kiyna whispers to the group, "Doesn't matter if it's a trap. If it is, they will sorely regret entrapping us."

Lylia whispers to the group, "Children are useless in and of themselves. They are merely for bargaining, and that means they are probably kept reasonably well. Returning dead children is like melting down silvers. Loses a great deal in the melting."

Pukk whispers to the group, "Let's get Roblar. Then it won't matter if it's a trap."

Evia whispers to the group, "Harmed, I would say seeing your parents butchered and yourself and friends hauled off is indeed harm."

Nazarr whispers to the group, "So would I, Cryheart. So would I. And belike it is a trap, but it wouldn't be the first trap we've disarmed."

Irval whispers to the group, "I envy those who pull attention to that Titan."

Lylia whispers to the group, "True enough. They have already been damaged in that way."

Kialeigh whispers to the group, "We need some leverage back in said meeting.."

Irval whispers to the group, "Lets take Rheshnay."

Irval whispers to the group, "Im sure there are Reivers lurking about watching us even as we speak."

Xorus whispers something to Lylia.

Irval whispers to the group, "So she not be the one to deliever said message. And it gives us a position of power to negotiate from."

Cryheart whispers to the group, "Taking Rheshay is risky as we dinnae know if they will harm the children."

Vaemyr whispers to the group, "I say we take her into custody here and now, if they want to trade, we trade one hostage for the others."

Kialeigh whispers to the group, "She just said herself they have no reason to harm the children as they have no part in the war... Rheshay on the other hand.."

Irval whispers to the group, "I can get behind that."

Evia whispers to the group, "And I say they are already harmed, not all harm is physical."

Nalver whispers to the group, "Why don't we send one of the councillors to the children in exchange for bringing Rheshay into to talk to some more people? Councillor can see if the kids are okay."

Alosaka whispers to the group, "Our chances of retrieving the children are best if we treat with her for now."

Kelfyr whispers to the group, "She came here to talk, alone. If you take her, there is no chance at peace. It is a sure declaration of mal intent."

Irval whispers to the group, "Traumatized by the loss of their parents in a foreign land then to be taken hostage but the very people who killed their parents. Yes they are already harmed."

Lylia whispers to the group, "One powerful fighter for a handful of orphaned children? It would not be anything like an even exchange, and they would slaughter them before coming after Rheshay. It is not viable."

Kiyna whispers to the group, "I agree with Cryheart. Let her go. We accept their invitation. If they are willing to apologize- and it will take quite an apology- then perhaps we can put this to rest without further bloodshed."

Invitation

Rheshay says, "Tomorrow eve, Warchief Haidan invites ye tae da Ember Vale."

Vaemyr whispers to the group, "Our best chance at getting the kids back alive is to show strength."

Irval whispers to the group, "Time to take the padded gauntlets off."

Nalver whispers to the group, "Sounds like Amasalen's work, not a reiver."

(OOC) Mourdeyan's player whispers to the group, "Ever feel like a bobblehead doll?"

Evia whispers to the group, "One thing was very clear, the war chief has trouble conversing with a bunch of folks commenting all at once."

Speaking to Rheshay, Perigourd asks, "To what purpose?"

Rheshay says, "Ye will see yer children, and ye take 'em home."

Pukk asks, "Can we not get them tonight? Since they are not part of all this?"

Kialeigh whispers to the group, "Why not now? If it was a mistake.. why not now?"

Rheshay says, "And ye will see his justice."

Speaking to Rheshay, Nalver asks, "Will you and Haidan be attending the auction on Restday?"

Speaking to Rheshay, Kayse repeats, "Is he willing to negotiate and not go to war now?"."

Kelfyr whispers to the group, "I don't know if they're Landing children or if she just sees both places as the same peoples now."

Pukk says, "Let us get the children now. Tomorrow we will see reiver justice."

Speaking to Rheshay, Goldstr asks, "An when?"

Rheshay says, "Thar is war, dinnae doubt it."

Alosaka says, "To be clear, we are not exchanging anything for the children."

Tikba whispers to the group, "There are many Imperial knights present. No doubt she refers to them."

Irval whispers to the group, "Stop sancting the area! Im going to bind her."

Lylia whispers to the group, "They are well aware of the local squeamishness about imperiled children, no matter what species or provenance. They are using that weakness of mind."

Irval whispers to the group, "We must have some leverage."

Rheshay says, "But yer people can avoid it, if ye stay within yer walls when the imperials and guardians clash."

Speaking to Rheshay, Goldstr says, "Why war? We be friends wid yer clans."

Alosaka whispers to the group, "There is no reason to attack her. This is a truce."

Irval says, "Not her clan."

Irval says, "She's a follower of the Hag."

Speaking pointedly to Rheshay, Kayse inquires, "Why was that wagon even attacked?"

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "Stand down. This isn't the time for violence."

Lylia whispers to the group, "Indeed. We stay our hands, because we are not children."

Cryheart whispers to the group, "This is a parlay."

Rheshay says, "But know the children are safe, tomorrow ye will see. We are nay much differen'."

Irval asks, "Oh so they are allowed to commit violence against our friends and allies and innocents? And Im suppose to ...stand down?"

Speaking to Rheshay, Vaemyr says, "You continue to target innocents and you can be sure you will see some war, killing kids in fields, shepperds, now parents of a family in a wagon? Dispicable."

Wolfloner whispers to the group, "Let the voice of reason prevail."

Rheshay says, "But ye will draw no blade or bolt in da Ember Vale."

Rheshay says, "Ye will be guests, and no harm to ye and yers."

Speaking to Rheshay, Nalver says, "I hear if you let Ta'Vaalor think they are taking over your area, they'll feed you too. Might be something to consider."

Irval whispers to the group, "Reasoning with those that have no reason is not reasonable."

Speaking to Rheshay, Perigourd asks, "Why not simply return them to us here?"

Tikba mildly says, "Then we would have no reason to enjoy the Warchief's hospitality."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "He can come himself and we may have a picnic."

Lylia says, "The children are to secure our polite behavior and attendance."

Kiyna whispers to the group, "Irval if you attack her and her people kill the children, their blood is on your hands. Keep your blade to yourself. If we need it, it will be there."

Rheshay says, "It is our way, our rite. Those who overstepp'd, dey will see thar crime."

Kialeigh says, "It shouldn't take kidnapped children and murdered people to enjoy it... it seems a little rude of an invitation."

Tikba politely asks, "What lands does the Warchief rule, that he may make law?"

Rheshay says, "Ye will see the Vale tomorrow, and ye will come as guests, wit' no sharp blades or tongues."

Speaking to Rheshay, Alosaka says, "We will be the judges of that. Tomorrow, then."

Rheshay nods.

Guardian Rheshay just went southwest.

Discussion Afterward

Irval glares.

Irval says, "TWICE."

Kelfyr whispers to the group, "If any cannot hold to their terms, they should not attend the meeting tomorrow, lest they threaten the lives of children and the rest of the group."

Pukk yells, "Bye!"

Irval screams!

Irval says, "TWICE."

Tikba lightly says, "She is not as ready for debate."

Leafiara concludes, "That went pretty smoothly--"

Leafiara glances at Irval.

Irval says, "The rook mother."

Mourdeyan whispers to the group, "No sharp tongues? good luch wi'that."

Irval says, "And now this wench."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I thought for sure somebody would die."

Irval says, "You don't get a third chance counselors."

Goldstr says, "No one be oversteooin er wabtin yer Village."

(Irval spins around.)

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara agrees, "Relatively speaking."

Thin, tenebrous lines of energy creep along the ground before Irval, heading southeast.

Vaemyr says, "Will you shut the heck up."

Wolfloner darkly says, "You should go take a nap."

Vaemyr says, "Sigh."

Kialeigh says, "They likely aren't even alive.."

Vaemyr says, "He left."

A cloud of dense silvery fog suddenly appears. The fog quickly dissipates to reveal Irval.

Speaking to Irval, Alosaka says, "Easy, friend."

Irval glances at Kialeigh.

Lylia calmly says, "My tongue is sharp by nature, and I would have to sever it to make it blunt. You may ask for peace and get it; you do not have the right to demand soft speech, anymore than we would expect it of you."

Irval asks, "Coming?"

Kialeigh joins Irval's group.

Irval says, "Remember what I said."

Speaking to Kialeigh, Perigourd says, "A possibility."

Kialeigh says, "Yes... always with you love."

Irval says, "There will be no third chance."

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "Were you listening to a word I said? You strike her down now, YOU will have killed those children, you absolute fool."

Thin, tenebrous lines of energy creep along the ground before Irval's group, heading southeast.

Cryheart says, "We dinnae want them to bring harm to children due to rash behavior."

Thrassus says, "I am sure the council is shaking in thier boots."

Alosaka dryly says, "Well, someone is more strident than I am, at least."

Tikba amusedly says, "I will let him know that I and not the council was responsible for the sanctuary."

Goldstr says, "We be jess chattin here."

Cryheart says, "At least we should give them a chance to speak again."

Speaking to Tikba, Missoni says, "Thank you."

Speaking darkly to Kayse, Wolfloner says, "Well done."

Cryheart says, "We need to get the children to safety."

Mourdeyan whispers to the group, "They expect us to attend unarmed."

Pukk says, "Well my friends. That is that."

Lylia brightly asks, "Well, now. What does one bring as a hostess gift to a hostage situation? Suggestions?"

Cryheart says, "Well..she came with her claid."

Speaking to Lylia, Kiyna says, "Plinite bombs."

Vaemyr whispers to the group, "Not unarmed, just... unweilded."

Stormyrain murmurs, "Pardon me, all."

Xorus says, "I will mostly be going to see what sort of 'justice' they have in mind."

Speaking amusedly to Lylia, Tikba says, "Our best behavior."

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "A good wine is always also welcome, I think."

Lylia says, "I have two flavors."

Cryheart says, "I say dinnae hae weapons out, but stored."

Missoni muses, "I was just debating what to wear."

Tikba says, "The reiver said we will leave with the children."

Speaking to Tikba, Lylia says, "Alive, I presume."

Tikba says, "They will not be given to us until the dinner is complete."

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "He never said alive."

Cryheart says, "Our first task is to get the children back, I think."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Alosaka says, "I am hoping that is what he meant."

Cryheart says, "Without promising anything."

Kiyna asks, "Here's a question. If they're so sure these are imperial children they've captured, why are they coming to us to get them back?"

Speaking evenly to Vaemyr, Tikba says, "If you would like to take that chance, I will not restrain you."

Bernadette softly says, "Mus'keep lil ones safe."

Pukk says, "Just remember to bring some good drink. Reivers respect the drink."

Kiyna says, "They belong to Elidal, if so. But they don't seek the campsite's leadership."

Xorus whispers something to Lylia.

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr asks, "I held myself back tonight didn't I?"

Kelfyr says, "She also indicated justice would be done."

Goldstr says, "I now be unarmed an jess want da lil ones."

Cryheart says, "They could be testing our resolve."

Pukk says, "If Gutstorm was here we could see what he has."

Kelfyr says, "I'm curious whether that attack was sanctioned or not."

Evia says, "The war chief's justice, she said."

Lylia whispers something to Xorus.

Speaking to Kelfyr, Pukk says, "I thought she waid it wasn't."

Tikba says, "She said those who took the children would be punished."

Alosaka says, "I'm not sure how they will justify attacking shepherds with their flocks, but somehow condemn attacking a wagon filled with children."

Tikba says, "Perhaps she meant that we will see that punishment."

Speaking to Kelfyr, Kiyna asks, "What does it matter? Their previous attacks were unconscionable, too. We draw the line only at children? Cut down all the adult civilians you wish?"

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "We will certainly see."

Cryheart says, "That is a good thought, Tikba."

Speaking to Tikba, Missoni says, "She did say we would witness it. Whether before or after the dessert course, I do not know."

Evia says, "We saw an example of their justice in the killing of a pair of young people, the killing of shephards."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Not all thing can be detemined at the point of of a sword. If you choose combat when negotiation is available the result is own your head. Better not to have to own that. Let the council lead."

Speaking to Kiyna, Kelfyr says, "It tells us how they intend to carry themselves in the days to come."

Speaking to Kiyna, Lylia says, "Oh, just so! I have never understood the special circumstances of children. An oak is manifestly more useful than an acorn, which is only suitable for livestock to eat."

Pukk says, "I think Kiyna would be a great leader in all this. She is a halfling and you know how they feel about halflings."

Tikba calmly says, "I am able to hold my tongue for as long as required to retrieve the children. I hope to see those of you who are similarly capable tomorrow night."

Lylia murmurs, "Not that I suggested feeding children to the livestock, but you understand my metaphor."

Cryheart says, "Children are like gems to their families."

Lylia repeats, "Metaphor."

Speaking to Tikba, Kayse says, "I think that is what she meant. The justice is us seeing them punish those who over-stepped."

Cryheart says, "Precious and something to protect."

Speaking to Cryheart, Goldstr says, "And ours."

Lylia says, "Gems are like gems to my family."

Raelee whispers something to Lylia.

Evia says, "Without children, there would be no Lylia."

Cryheart asks, "Ok..shall we return to within the walls?"

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "The words were quite vague, for all we know, they'll be executing more imperials or something."

Evia says, "Yep."

Cryheart says, "Moving out."

Vaemyr says, "But I do hope you are right."