North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-08-04 - Dilly-Elidally (log)

Phoenatos 4-5, 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

Future Baron Elidal invites Landing adventurers to Commander Sablo's tent (though Sablo's not there) for a discussion. He says he's been having trouble sleeping, but expresses looking forward to continuing to work alongside Landing leaders, however the current election turns out. He confirms that Envoy Tikba received his letter that the prisoner exchange is set to take place on Leyan, then says he's spoken with Rheshay, who doesn't trust Tyeid and thinks he might try to kill her and/or Aronia and attack the Landing to draw people's attention.

Elidal brings up a proposal that Magister Enisius raised, saying he (Elidal) doesn't want to risk Aronia's life, but the proposal is to turn Rheshay into a beacon to find the Ember Vale--having the reivers take her back and then she unknowingly helps the barony decipre the Vale's location. Kelfyr asks why risk it; Elidal says he hasn't made up his mind and that's why he's bringing up the topic; Tikba says Haidan recognized Magister Raelee's efforts to discern the Vale's location last time she tried; Elidal says Raelee isn't Enisius. Irval and Kialeigh says Elidal and Aronia have a lot to lose if the ruse is uncovered.

Elidal acknowledges uncertainties, then shifts to asking: even if the exchange is successful, have we moved forward? Kelfyr, Leafiara, and Gutstorm say yes, and Kelfyr elaborates that the Ember Vale reivers currently see Elidal as duplicitous and rash, but he can demonstrate honor and integrity, be a better man, and finally get some sleep. Tikba asks if Elidal believes that Darkstone may one day make peace with the Ember Vale; he says yes; she says he must begin with it.

Various conundrums follow for several minutes as Faiyth, Leafi, Gutstorm, Kelfyr, Pukk, Tikba, and others essentially challenge Elidal as to why he's considering the proposal in the first place and review the history of how the war started with the reivers feeling ignored and their territory violated. Ultimately, the debate concludes after Tikba says that if Elidal can win Rheshay's trust and respect as a leader who wishes peace, then she'll be his "beacon" without magic, and Elidal says he won't approve the beacon.

Elidal thanks everyone for their insights and says maybe we'll forego fancy courts when the barony is born and just meet in tents when not dining in Darkstone Castle.

Editing Protocol of this Log

• NPC dialogue, NPC actions, and PC dialogue or actions which NPCs react to are bolded.
• Actions are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria, or are within the first three of a PC's responses to an NPC who was directing actions or dialogue toward them.
• Greetings, farewells, dialogue on OOC ESP channels, and dialogue related to various services including but not limited to healing, resurrection, locksmithing, armor adjustments, and spellups are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are directed toward NPCs, or are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria.
• Dialogue in languages other than Common is presented from the perspective of a character who only knows Common so as not to give preferential treatment to languages which the logging character knows.
• IC group whispers are excluded so as not to give preferential treatment to the group which the logging character is in.
• OOC whispers that don't come from NPCs are excluded due to being OOC.
• Visible whispers are presented from the perspective of a third-party observer.
• Other dialogue not mentioned above is included.
• Travel between a starting room and destination room is excluded unless it shows off unique and newly created rooms.
• Combat is excluded.
• Rights are reserved to include anything that seems especially amusing, all of the above notwithstanding.

Log

Elidal's Invitation

[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 flaming Nairena disk, a gargantuan cloudy grey tiger, the Luon disk, the Arahnim disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the alabaster Kialeigh disk with interlocking silver knotwork, the bright pine green Faiyth disk hung with tiny ceramic kobolds, the Ehlron disk, the Littlemelody disk, a large acorn, a bone-inlaid wooden sign that reads, "Bigger is Better. Vote for Irval!", a painted winged heart sign that reads, "Vote Saraphenia: For Love, For Wehnimer's!", a round silver-banded barrel, an herbal remedy donation bin, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an old well, a mistwood serving cart with some stuff on it and a tiny forest mouse.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Dominikov, Erilk, Nairena who is sitting, Jaffrey, Markx, Buuic, Luon, Faiyth, Irval, Kialeigh, Conquerer of Reim Arahnim, Ehlron, Jouster Littlemelody

[General] Leafiara exclaims, "Looks like another storm in the Landing!"

[General] Rysul exclaims, "I loves storms!"

[General] Wonkus exclaims, "Everybody should move to the Iced Mule! We don't have storms here! We have penguins!"

Pukk asks, "How can I make tonight more interesting?"

[General] Elidal thinks, "Good evening."

Pukk says, "Oh I know."

Leafiara optimistically says, "Maybe we have news from Idolone or news from Rodnay or news from Samfelt or news from Casiphia or news from Enisius or news from Alendrial."

Leafiara disappointedly says, "Oh, it's Elidal."

Pukk yells, "It's just a bit of weather. What can go wrong?"

Emperia says, "Looks like Elidal."

Pukk says, "There."

Leafiara sighs, "Of course it is."

[General] Chuco thinks, "Good morning, early morning."

Tikba uncertainly asks, "I suppose he wishes to speak about the exchange?"

Speaking curiously to Pukk, Leafiara asks, "Who are we joining?"

Tikba points at Leafiara.

Pukk says, "Oh yeah."

Tikba joins Leafiara's group.

Dominikov joins Leafiara's group.

Emperia joins Leafiara's group.

Pukk recites:

"Everybody join Leafiara!"

[more people join]

[General] Leafiara greets, "Eve there."

Leafiara recites:

"Heading for wherever he is once he tells us where he is"

Faiyth says, "So many people licking toads today."

Bernadette softly says, "Mystery."

[General] Elidal thinks, "I am in Sablo's tent if any wish to join me for a brief time this night."

Irval says, "Brief he thinks."

Leafiara wearily relents, "Fine, Sablo's tent it is."

Pukk exclaims, "Sablo's tent!"

Leafiara says, "Onward."

[travel]

[Imperial Campsite]

A line of silk pavilions casts a colorful array of numerous Imperial flags representing the different territories of the Empire. Craftsmen work diligently outside their shops, the aroma of hops, meat, and freshly cut lumber consuming this division. You also see a large black leather tent, a length of sturdy wooden walls and a small crystal structure.

[The Circle Stone]

Crafted from thick lengths of heavy black leather, the tent's edges sway slightly. A varnished wooden desk is set near the back, with evenly stacked sheets of vellum organized neatly upon it. A rune-etched circular stone table dominates the center of the pavilion, bordered by several wooden stools. Wisps of yellow, green, and cyan smoke curl up from crystal beakers that continuously bubble within a rhimar-lined rack. You also see a tent flap and a flame-etched glass mirror.

[General] Wonkus exclaims, "Who is Sablo? Where is his or her tent? Whatever's going on in that tent is the only thing I ever wanted to do!"

Leafiara says, "Nope, not that one."

[General] Zhagen thinks, "Sounds suspicious...."

[Imperial Campsite]

Smoke coils up from some nearby fire pits as dozens of settlers converge upon a boiling stew pot bordered by several logs. Each passerby helps themselves to the ladle, filling their tin bowl before heading off elsewhere into the camp. Stretching wide in a field across the way is a huge dusty brown canvas pavilion. You also see a steel-roofed huge wooden tower.

Leafiara tentatively says, "Think it's this one..."

[Sablo's Pavilion]

Dark brown walls of canvas are pulled taut along several wooden posts, providing a wide center floor for the command pavilion. A large cot occupies one corner, a heavy ermine blanket tossed haphazardly upon it. Dominating the middle of the tent is a huge modwir table littered with dozens of maps, carved wooden miniatures, empty scroll tubes, and a shrunken skull paperweight. You also see a tent flap.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Seaward Gutstorm who is sitting, Lord Elidal

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Shpider tryta pick me node."

Leafiara yells, "Yep, it's this one!"

[people enter]

[General] Pukk thinks, "Now. I want to make sure everybody knows that while we are in Sablo's tent, we should NOT burn down the tent."

Elidal says, "Good evening."

Elidal asks, "Or morning?"

Elidal smirks.

Leafiara concedes, "Something like that."

Pukk says, "Either works."

Bernadette softly asks, "Are ye wakin up er goin ta bed?"

Irval says, "Greetings."

Kialeigh carefully but quickly opens her spore and gazes in at its contents. Noxious gas spews out of the spore and onto her face.

Kialeigh sneezes.

Tikba politely greets, "Good evening, Elidal."

Kialeigh scrunches up her face, losing focus on her environment.

Kialeigh sneezes twice in rapid succession.

Kialeigh sneezes.

Kialeigh suddenly lets out a noise sounding much like a stuck rolton.

Pukk says, "Please excuse Kialeigh." [OOC note: at this time there was a giftbox available where the package was a spore that caused a sneezing fit for a few minutes]

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Gudoontight."

Kialeigh says, "I'm using my duck call."

Speaking to Kialeigh, Dominikov says, "My goodness, bless you."

Elidal paces back and forth.

Irval says, "Errr."

Irval says, "Thanks."

Kialeigh says, "Too much kissing Irval."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Cubber yoo mout when joo shneech."

Elidal says, "Sleep is not a common thing these days."

Elidal nods at Bernadette.

Bernadette appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Elidal says, "You have an election going on. An exciting time I suspect."

Bernadette softly says, "Aye."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Why ye chummint uish ere Elidal? ye misht ush er shumpin?"

Leafiara thoughtfully says, "That is one way to put it."

Wonkus says, "I found the tent! Nobody set it on fire! I heard that was bad."

Bernadette softly says, "Lotta choices ferdem."

Elidal says, "I look forward to continue to work alongside your leaders, however it turns out."

The tent flap lifts up and Kayse steps into view.

Prisoner Exchange

Elidal asks, "Tikba, you got my letter?"

Speaking drunkenly to Tikba, Gutstorm slurs, "Yoo in league wit him?"

Pukk says, "We all know that Saraphenia will win."

Tikba asks, "The exchange to take place on the next Leyan, yes?"

Elidal says, "So it seems, yes."

Elidal says, "I've spoken with Rheshay."

Tikba nods understandingly at Elidal.

Speaking wryly to Kayse, Tikba says, "Elidal said he looks forward to continuing to work alongside you."

Elidal says, "She has some concerns."

Elidal says, "She does not trust the Spider."

Elidal says, "I can't say any of us do."

Kialeigh says, "Rather a spider than a snake."

Speaking to Kayse, Wonkus says, "I'm sorry! You got nice wings! I just wanted a closer look."

Speaking crisply to Wonkus, Kayse says, "Do not touch me."

Leafiara calmly asks, "Does she anticipate any specific possible moves worth preparing for?"

Speaking to Kayse, Wonkus exclaims, "I wasn't gonna!"

Faiyth says, "Now I wanna touch."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Wonkus says, "You got nice wings too. In spirit."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me tryta clip her wing afore, she git all wierd bouttit."

Elidal says, "She thinks he might try to kill her, or both prisoners, and attack the town to draw your attention."

Kayse offers Tikba an ayanad crystal.

Tikba accepts Kayse's ayanad crystal.

Speaking helpfully to Tikba, Kayse says, "You dropped that."

Kelfyr says, "Odd, your counterpart was worried about a similar issue."

Speaking to Wonkus, Pukk whispers aloud, "Doesn't Kayse's wing look so pretty and touchable?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Did me drop anythin Kayse?"

Elidal says, "I just want our efforts to be aligned, and prepared for anything."

Irval asks, "But she's sure he is to do one if not both of those things?"

Elidal says, "I am keeping Sablo at bay, but not too far, of course."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Kayse says, "I do not want to come near to find out."

Elidal shrugs at Irval.

Tikba says, "If you both expect an attack by Tyeid than surely he cannot sow dissension by carrying it out."

Elidal says, "She isn't certain for sure. no."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Why not shent Sablo on speshal mission out to like...dat Volcaner on Glaoveln, tell him to protect it."

Irval says, "I concur that we should plan for both moving forward."

Pukk says, "I concur on concuring."

Wonkus exclaims, "I am confused as to what's even going on, but I'm happy to be here!"

Leafiara says, "This doesn't seem too complex a scenario. We're well used to being ready to pivot to fight on multiple fronts and split forces if that's what it comes to."

Elidal says, "I don't think it needed to be said, but I didn't want to presume. We should be ready to pivot, for whatever might be planned."

Elidal asks, "Jinx?"

Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.

Elidal peers quizzically at Leafiara.

Elidal smirks.

Leafiara says, "Seems so."

Leafiara nods at Elidal.

Speaking drunkenly to Wonkus, Gutstorm slurs, "Am think they do pritner eshchange."

Enisius' Proposal

Elidal says, "I also wanted to bring up a proposal my brother brought to me."

[General] Pukk thinks, "New word for tonight is pivot."

Elidal says, "He said it is something he and Magister Raelee had entertained."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ye know, yer brudder wrong bout da lady in da cryshtal."

Elidal says, "But, for the sake of transparency and cooperation, and I do not want to do a single thing to risk Aronia's life..."

Faiyth says, "Proposing doesn't seem right either. Seems kinda insane."

[General] Kiks thinks, "Hmm."

[General] Zaaldine asks, "Trying to carry a couch up some staris?"

Elidal says, "My brother wants to..."

Elidal says, "How did he put it.."

Elidal says, "Turn Rheshay into a beacon."

Tikba says, "For the obelisk."

[General] Kiks thinks, "Some people hear pivot and they think about moving around. some people think about pivots and they think about data."

Elidal says, "No."

Irval asks, "A beacon?"

Elidal says, "To find the Ember Vale."

Kelfyr says, "Though, of course, yes."

[General] Zachriel thinks, "Accepting duels on Upper Dragonsclaw, Boulder."

[General] Lexbubba thinks, "I only think about tables."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Am shore nuttin kin go wrong wit him idear."

Pukk asks, "A deacon?"

[General] Wonkus thinks, "Apparently we're turning someone into bacon. There's wizardry afoot! Also cooking."

Elidal says, "If they take her back, she could help us, unknowingly of course, perhaps decipher its location more easily."

[General] Kataric thinks, "I think about our unscrupulous candidates for council and mayor."

Speaking to Pukk, Kayse mouths, "Bacon."

Pukk says, "Bacon."

[General] Zaaldine asks, "Nobody else thought of friends?"

Kelfyr asks, "You have a chance to make an honest, honorable exchange to get Aronia back. Why risk it?"

[General] Zaaldine thinks, "Pivot."

Elidal says, "I haven't risked it."

[General] Zaaldine exclaims, "Pivot!"

[General] Wonkus exclaims, "Pivot!"

Tikba carefully says, "I believe Magister Raelee tried some such efforts when last we visited the Vale. Haidan seemed to recognize them."

Irval asks, "Is Rheshay aware of whats suggested?"

Elidal says, "No offense intended, but Raelee is not my brother."

Elidal looks over at Irval and shakes his head.

[General] Zachriel asks, "Is anyone here cunning or strong enough to defeat me at Boulder?"

[General] Pukk thinks, "No."

[General] Zaaldine thinks, "Yeaaa!! I'll drink to that."

Leafiara says, "I'm pretty sure she would disagree in a comparison of talent, but... regardless, Kelfyr's point stands."

Elidal says, "I have not made up my mind. I've brought up the topic, since I'm trying to respect our cooperation."

Irval says, "Im not sure, as its you have the most to lose."

Elidal says, "It's one thing to float fancy words, I can do that all day. But I prefer sticking to them too."

[General] Zachriel exclaims, "I'll offer 1 million silver to anyone who will try!"

[General] Iriena thinks, "You obviously don't have a lot of confidence in yourself only wagering 1m."

Elidal says, "Yes, there's a risk Haidan will detect it. Or Tyeid himself, or even Rheshay. Nothing is guaranteed. Just like nothing is guaranteed Aronia is returned to me alive, or without spiders buried in her gut."

[General] Zachriel thinks, "It is a gift only, if anyone is brave enough."

[General] Pukk asks, "So, 1 million to try? Not win but try?"

Kialeigh says, "I dunno... Aronia has the most to lose if it's discovered before the exchange can fully be made."

[General] Zachriel thinks, "Yes."

[General] Xess thinks, "I wager one gajillion."

Elidal says, "But even if the exchange is successful..."

Elidal asks, "Have we moved forward?"

Kelfyr says, "Yes."

[General] Sraven thinks, "I will but im play the wheel righ now\."

[General] Pukk asks, "How hard can they try? Can they like barely try?"

[General] Lexbubba thinks, "Eleventy bajillion."

Leafiara simply says, "Yes."

[General] Zachriel thinks, "There is not wagering, only an offer, the note will be dropped before the start."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yep, cuz ye got one lesh obtackle to odorcome."

Tikba carefully says, "It depends."

[General] Kataric thinks, "And I wager one Gejillion."

Kelfyr says, "You will have demonstrated to a people that see you as duplicitous and rash that they are led by someone of honor and integrity."

Wonkus offers Kayse a dirtokh potion.

Faiyth asks, "What's to stop Haidan and Tyeid from doing the same with Aronia and putting some kinda spell or trap on her?"

Irval says, "Perception tends to become reality, regardless of intentions."

[General] Zachriel thinks, "There's a 1,000,000 silver Icemule promissory note on the Boulder."

Kayse offers Wonkus some wolifrew lichen.

Kayse accepts Wonkus's dirtokh potion.

Wonkus accepts Kayse's wolifrew lichen.

Speaking drunkenly to Faiyth, Gutstorm slurs, "Dey already know where we are shilly."

Speaking to Wonkus, Kayse asks, "Why do I have this?"

[General] Kiks thinks, "Plur had a larger bounty for just being alive. meh."

Elidal slowly empties his lungs.

Faiyth says, "I said trap.. not beacon."

[General] Iriena thinks, "Oh gross think of the taxes you have to pay to convert that to a useable not."

[General] Zachriel thinks, "I will not hurt anyone who takes it, although I ask they do battle against me, that is all."

Speaking to Kayse, Wonkus says, "I felt bad about thinking about touching your wings."

[General] Iriena thinks, "Note."

Kayse offers Wonkus a dirtokh potion.

Speaking to Kayse, Wonkus says, "So I figured I would give you one of my treasures."

Wonkus declines Kayse's offer.

Speaking to Kayse, Wonkus says, "No, we're best friends now."

Kayse assures, "It is fine, just don't do it aga--"

[General] Markx thinks, "I'll take ya up on that."

Speaking to Elidal, Kelfyr says, "Be a better man. If only because it will help you finally get some sleep."

Speaking carefully to Elidal, Tikba asks, "The judgement must be yours. Do you believe that Darkstone may one day make peace with the Ember Vale?"

[General] Zaaldine asks, "Eh.. where is the boulder again?"

[General] Zachriel thinks, "Glad to hear that, Grand Lord Markx. I trust you can find your way to this note."

[General] Kiks thinks, "Where hobgoblins play."

[General] Kasparaitis thinks, "9th green at 9pm."

[General] Painz thinks, "Sure, ill do battle but you will lose, lol, and ill just take your note."

Elidal nods.

[General] Painz thinks, "Sympathy wins."

Elidal says, "I have been clear from the beginning."

Elidal nods at Tikba.

Kayse evenly asks, "I would hope so considering the lives lost already. If we are moving forward, even in small steps, why risk that trust?"

Tikba says, "If you wish to make peace, you must begin as you mean to go on."

[General] Zachriel thinks, "Painz is next in line, then."

Elidal says, "I would welcome, sign, and honor peace with the Ember Vale."

Elidal says, "With conditions, but of course, yes."

Speaking drunkenly to Wonkus, Gutstorm slurs, "If ye want shoody her, he need one dem bug jar."

Irval says, "IF they are even amendable to that..."

Elidal says, "I tried to forge peace with the Obsidian Tower, but they refused to release their slaves."

Faiyth asks, "So knowing their location is on yer path to making peace?"

Tikba nods slowly at Elidal.

[General] Markx thinks, "I just forget where the ol boulder is."

Faiyth says, "Or more likely you wanna wipe em out so they are no longer an obstacle."

Kayse neutrally says, "Their slaves are voluntary."

[General] Zachriel thinks, "It is in Upper Dragonsclaw."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Den dat make dem not shlave?"

Elidal says, "If I could wipe out the Ember Vale with but a drop of my blood on the obelisk, I would not do it."

Elidal nods at Faiyth.

Speaking knowingly to Emperia, Kayse says, "It is a life of service. You can be released at any time."

Speaking to Kayse, Emperia says, "Forgive me if I am a bit hesitant to accept that immediately."

Elidal says, "I am not naive to believe Darkstone will be settled with no death and no blood. But I am honorable enough to want not an ounce of either."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Everone lose in war Elidal, peace besht option."

Elidal says, "The moment we stop trying to stop bloodshed and death, and just accept it as what must be...well, is the moment we are no better than the monsters we face."

Speaking measuredly to Emperia, Kayse says, "It is your choice to accept it or not, I speak from experience so I know the truth."

Tikba politely says, "If that is your wish, then you are right not to place the beacon."

Wonkus exclaims, "I faced a monster once. It was a cyclops with two eyes. A biclops!"

Faiyth says, "Some of those "monsters" are just people trying to do whats best fer their own families and forces."

Leafiara says, "Then follow through with the actions most befitting your ideals, which don't involve trying to set a trap in this scenario."

Faiyth says, "War is made up of many people trying to do what's right... in their own minds."

Elidal says, "I record every death in my camp. I know their names, their lives, their faces don't leave me. I do not take the burden of leading them, in life or in legacy, easily."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Me mish Lacie."

Elidal says, "The Ember Vale has made it their mission, so far, to bring war."

Elidal nods at Faiyth.

Tikba carefully says, "You have brought them to dangerous ground."

Faiyth says, "War takes two parties."

Faiyth shrugs at Elidal.

Elidal says, "One cannot claim to only want to farm, if they continue to only pick up the sword."

Elidal asks, "I see...and you would have us what then? Surrender? Lay down and die? Flee?"

Elidal peers quizzically at Faiyth.

[General] Eiroc exclaims, "Goodnight everybody!"

Faiyth says, "Consider their side. Maybe they fear your intentions."

[General] Wonkus exclaims, "Goodnight fella!"

Elidal says, "Darkstone would not exist. Nor would Wehnimer's Landing with that logic."

Elidal nods at Faiyth.

Faiyth says, "Maybe they don't trust you."

Faiyth says, "Trust is earned, not taken."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ye kin alway go back to Sholhaven?"

Irval says, "Honor the dead by honoring their sacrafice. They wouldnt want you to lose sleep over them if a better way forward can be found. But unless their demands have changed since last I heard. I dont think you'll find a resolution without bloodshed. Regardless of how the exchange goes. Best pray for peace but prepare for war."

Tikba says, "Thus, the prisoner exchange."

[General] Wonkus exclaims, "Woo! I guessed right for once! You're a fella! Goodnight fella!"

Elidal asks, "Is trust earned by warhorns? By charging into the field and slaughtering shepherds, and settlers, and young lovers?"

Elidal peers quizzically at Faiyth.

Speaking to Faiyth, Kayse says, "To be fair, the Ember Vale did not once try and negotiate with Eli or the encampment at the beginning. They just attacked."

Elidal says, "If Haidan wanted peace from the beginning, he would have led with words not warhorns."

Kayse airily says, "I am unsure how trust is formed from that."

Irval says, "When it goes to trust, someone must be willing to take the first step in trusting."

Speaking politely to Elidal, Tikba asks, "Have you spoken much with Rheshay?"

Speaking to Elidal, Faiyth says, "War is the end result. So we're already past that. But you're talking about tricking them right now.."

Kelfyr says, "They started with words. They felt ignored, then their territory violated."

Elidal says, "Only a few times in the last few days."

Elidal nods at Tikba.

Kelfyr says, "It didn't come from nowhere."

Speaking to Elidal, Faiyth says, "So no.. you're not working towards trust."

Speaking to Leafiara, Wonkus exclaims, "What we talked about at the manor? This is it. I'm still confused. But I'm here!"

Pukk says, "Let's start with the reason of why the Ember Vale is warring with this camp."

Pukk asks, "Why is that?"

Kayse diplomatically corrects, "They started with words with Wehnimer's Landing not the settlement."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Cuz dey move in uninvited and take take take."

Speaking diplomatically to Elidal, Tikba says, "If you can win Rheshay's trust and respect, as a leader who truly wishes peace, then she will be your beacon in the enemy camp without a spell being cast."

Kialeigh says, "Is trust even going to help at this point? Blood has been spilt on both sides."

Speaking to Kayse, Pukk asks, "What was the reason the Ember Vale started this war with the camp again?"

Irval asks, "Rolton?"

Kialeigh says, "If war is what they want, maybe it's all they know."

Faiyth says, "Roltons are a powerful resource."

Wonkus says, "I got a jumper made of roltons. Parts of ones, anyway."

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Because the reivers--back when they were only a single clan and the Ember Vale hadn't even split off yet--were very clear that the camp wasn't welcome, asked us to pass that message along, and then they persisted in settling here anyway."

Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm slurs, "Dat wot me jush said."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "Why weren't they welcome? Did they invade any of the reiver lands or take any of their livestock or anything?"

Wonkus exclaims, "Wait, is this what this whole thing is about? Reivers? Those guys up there on that ledge just seem to be trying to live their lives!"

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Because the reivers don't trust that they won't continue to take progressively more and more land."

Elidal slowly empties his lungs.

Pukk says, "Exactly."

Elidal nods at Tikba.

Pukk says, "The sudden push for land by the empire. It scared them."

Kelfyr says, "And once they crossed the river, that suspicion was confirmed."

Faiyth says, "But in answer to yer question... be better then yer "enemy" and exchange in good faith."

Elidal says, "I will not approve the beacon."

Faiyth says, "That's my belief."

Tikba nods understandingly at Elidal.

Parting Words

Elidal says, "You have convinced me. Or at least, convinced the part of me that still needed to weigh it."

Elidal says, "Sometimes our heads wander a different path than our hearts."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo feel better by doin honorable fing, Elidal."

Elidal says, "Sometimes right, and opportunity, do not co-exist."

Elidal says, "Thank you all, as always. I appreciate your company and your insight."

Tikba carefully says, "Indeed, we must do what is right without counting the cost."

Elidal says, "Perhaps when the Barony is born...."

Faiyth exclaims, "And without even any rum!"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me be a Duke?"

Elidal says, "We just forego fancy courts and halls of stone."

Kayse dryly says, "Good luck with that."

Elidal says, "We'll meet in tents, when not dining in Darkstone."

Tikba amusedly says, "We have always foregone them."

Irval says, "Appreciate you including us in this. I think it strengthens our bonds that we wish to grow."

Faiyth says, "Ye all have the worst taste in castles."

Elidal says, "It is also what is signifies."

Elidal nods at Faiyth.

Elidal says, "Darkstone Castle as it is, is no place for me to take a wife, and build a family, my mother would tell you."

Elidal says, "As she has me."

Elidal smirks.

Faiyth says, "It'll certainly be a challenge."

Tikba says, "Yes, your children would have difficulty with the short swords."

Faiyth says, "And yer a guy... so ye like a challenge."

Pukk asks, "Where are you going to hang the curtain right?"

Elidal smirks.

Speaking politely to Elidal, Tikba asks, "Did you speak with other advisors, before us, who were more convinced of the utility of the beacon?"

Elidal says, "No."

Elidal says, "I came to you first."

Tikba nods appreciatively at Elidal.

Elidal says, "Goodnight everyone. Be safe, and rest well."

Lord Elidal just went through a tent flap.

Discussion Afterward

Pukk says, "He just about ran out of here."

Wonkus says, "I feel like I helped. Did I help? I need to go to the penguin slide to decompress."

Tikba says, "He must be tired."

Emperia says, "It is rather late."

Speaking to Wonkus, Pukk says, "Take Emperia with you."

Speaking to Emperia, Wonkus asks, "Hey you! Wanna slide with penguins?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Well, this was different. I'm not used to being in this camp."

Speaking to Wonkus, Emperia says, "No."

Faiyth asks, "I love how it's all great and wonderful until they don't hear what they like and then they split. Men right?"

Speaking to Wonkus, Pukk says, "Keep trying. You might win her over."

Speaking thoughtfully to Leafiara, Tikba says, "I wondered whether the idea came from the father, or Sablo."

Speaking to Pukk, Wonkus exclaims, "I'll do that!"

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara asks, "I thought he said from Enisius?"

Speaking to Emperia, Wonkus asks, "I have a dart! Do you want a dart?"

Wonkus offers Emperia a faenor dart.

Tikba says, "I suppose the Magister is enough to give Elidal doubts."

Speaking to Wonkus, Emperia says, "...no."

Emperia declines Wonkus's offer.

Pukk says, "Okay. I'm heading back into town."

Wonkus says, "Nobody ever wants my dart."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "No trush da magitatorsh."

Bernadette softly says, "Aye me too."

Leafiara says, "I trust Enisius a lot more than Elidal."

Speaking to Kialeigh, Pukk says, "Okay. I will hug you too."

Pukk hugs Kialeigh.

Pukk says, "There."

Speaking wryly to Leafiara, Tikba says, "He is harder to persuade."

Speaking amusedly to Tikba, Leafiara asks, "...which he?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba says, "Enisius."

Kialeigh says, "I have Pukk cooties."

Leafiara says, "Because Enisius is actually consistent."

Tikba says, "He does not doubt so much."

Irval says, "Right well."

Leafiara says, "Elidal will bend any which way that suits him in the heat of the given moment."

Irval says, "Best we can do is prepare."

Irval says, "In any event."

Tikba says, "I suppose I would rather have a baron plagued with doubt than one who is always sure."

Kialeigh says, "At least he listened to all gathered and considered our opinions."

Leafiara says, "In theory, maybe. In Enisius against Elidal specifically, give me Enisius."