Chromeknight

Nerwen nodded at the guard's information. I am not surprised. He is difficult. I do hope he is not causing trouble? Hearing Arthur's quiet question, Nerwen replied. I do not know. Both sides are stubborn, proud and untrusting. But we must try. Neither side is strong enough alone to eliminate the other and would require our help to do so. However, helping one side over the other is an extremely difficult choice. You will see when we get inside what the elves have done to make this place a home. You looked troubled this morning, as we were meeting. Is there something on your mind?

Nerwen nods. Very well. Let us go.

Heyo beautiful octolady. I've got a bit of time free, come over here and let me make you feel good. cromeo encourages Kharybdis.

Beautiful lady! Not cleared, just a punt based purely on odds. Fourty two heroes. Some small number are secretly evil. The rest are not. Choosing a hero at random as Ysp was, is more likely to be good rater than secretly evil. In fact, Ysp' alingnment is of no consequence to the first investigation. There are four possibilities (listed in order of probability) Ysp is good, emmanuelle is good. Ysp reports emmanuelle is good. Reporting is truthful. Ysp is good emmanuelle is evil. Ysp reports emmanuelle as evil. Reporting is truthful. Ysp is evil, emmanuelle is good. Ysp cannot report emmanuelle as evil since she'd be immediately lynched, which would expose Ysp. Therefore Ysp MUST report emmanuelle as good. Reporting is truthful. Ysp is evil, emmanuelle is evil. Ysp either reports emmanuelle as evil. emmanuelle gets thrown under a buscart, reporting is truthful. OR reports emmanuelle as good, revealing Ysp's own alignment being revealed when the second glass looks at emmanuelle also. reporting is false, but reveals two evil players anyway OR messes with the result in some other way. reporting is inconclusive, but reveals two evil players anyway. Anyway you cut it, we get true information to act on regardless of Ysp's alignment.

Oh, beautiful silly person. Because of the very unlikely, but possible situation where Ysp is secretly evil and Voros is secretly evil. Voros has been trolling for a lynch or at lease an investigation. If Ysp uses the glass to 'clear' Voros it'd be a little while before we straightened the mess out. A more likely scenario is Ysp is a true hero (odds are that he is, even if he dragged his feet over the glass) and that Voros is a true hero, but a fool. If that's the much more likely case, it's better to investigate someone else anyway since if Voros is a fool finding his alignment doesn't matter either way.

Heyo Beautiful people! I am here now! You may bask in my sculpted physique and enjoy my penetrating... wit. Oh, you want some work before pleasure? Ok, how's this? Now my ears may be pointy, but I think my head's on straight when I say this is the statement, not of a Nephilim, but a very confused hero. But two players then targeted this poor wretch with theft actions? why? would they please share their reasons, do you really think he's scummy?

It is surprising that a man of your experience seems to know so little about how trust works. I am certain that you would be happy accompanied by armed men, but equally I guess that you would be less comfortable having a party of armed elves in your own home. You expect trust but extend none yourself, that is a poor attempt. I suggest this. I will go unarmed, and you may have one blade, sufficient to kill me should the elves prove false in some way. You will meet Lady Calaryl alone of the elves, accompanied by none save a weaponless Lord Boomingham, who will stand as sureity for your own undeceitfulness. Lady Calaryl will also have only one blade, but you need have no concern, there will be two bodies between her and you always. We will not meet inside the keep, where you might be separated from your retainers but in the entrance with the door open, that you might flee should fear overwhelm you. Should negotiations succeed, you will remove an obstacle to your control of this town, you will have the support of the elvish forces and the heroes of heroica will back you unreservedly. You stand to gain much by doing this, and you loose nothing in the attempt.

Nerwen spoke gently How long have you been in the town Sir Shawe? When you say the elves have never tried to defend the place is it perhaps because others here did not want them to move about the town armed and they withdrew to avoid unnecessary conflict with townsmen? As for seeing them, I spoke to them yesterday and I am taking Lord Boomingham to see them after we have spoken to you. If you are willing, we would be happy to have you along and you could speak to them also.

R'kilf is Flickr? Der me... I'd always thought it was a bastardized bRicKsheLF, to go with brothers brick and mocpages as LEGO sites. Well. If R'klif is getting a new look we've a lot of work cut out to get rid of all the white space on the map. And will we fight the terror-bite?

Nerwen listened to all that was said as each spoke. Well then. Lawernce, if you would lead Arthur and myself to Shawe and then we shall visit the elves after that. Ellaria, Alexander and Throlar, since you're not set on visiting anyone, you could see what there is to see in the marketplace or elsewhere if you like. Ahvialyn, perhaps you might go with them, a larger group is less likely to be harassed. And then we will, as Lord Boomingham has suggested meet back here around noon and see if we can track the pongcanis to his lair. Does this sound good to everyone? Nerwen looked around at the group trying to guage reactions.

Seeing Throlar stomp in looking tired, Nerwen nods once. We are all here. Good. Let us make an arrangement that if we get separated, wherever we spend the night we return and meet here in the morning. As for today, we seem to have agreed on some tasks. Lawrence wants to visit Lady Calaryl, which will require my being there also to make introductions and smooth over cultural differences and prevent him being offensive, intentionally or otherwise. Arthur suggests Lawence visiting the blacksmith. I wish to see if it is possible to speak to the Pongcanis, though I take your warnings about them. In response I would say the same things have been said of Orcs, Men, Naga and countless other races through time. I agree that we ought all go together on that errand. Are there any other tasks you would like to do today? In regard to the Mopag, Arthur. They desire control of the town and the road to Mopag. Their Warlord seems a prickly sort who operates on a 'if you're not totally with us your are against us' sort of thinking. Perhaps I did not make the best impression and others might fare better. Once everyone has spoken we will head out for the day.

I understand and want to play.

Quest#52: Tower of Doom - Finishing the failure of 13. Sorrow and the nature of undeath. continuing the interaction with Guts. Quest#29: Journey to Dastan - The weight of what to do with the traitor Emeraldo Quest#44: My Best Friend - The conflict with Guts over the book Quest#13: The Darkstar - First quest finding her feet as a hero, and party leading. Guts. Quest#65: Breaking Down the Door - managing a disparate group and conversations with Dyric on nature of justice Quest#58: Brothers-in-Arms - Guts. Again. Controlling the anger that fuels shaman magic.

It is not a matter of what I want Lawrence, but of what is wise and best for the town. They have withdrawn because that was what the men of the town wanted. And you would do the same, you have done the same. When the reckless dwarf challenged the elf in the bar it was right to stand back even though Master Wineghilm might have been hurt. That is hardly murder. And neither is what the elves chose to do in the face of opposition. If a child refuses to heed wisdom and acts contrary to counsel and hurts themselves does the blame lie with the parent or the child. Use right judgement and do not merely listen to a man you admit has dishonourable motives. I myself have met the Grand Warlord and Lady Calaryl. I will gladly meet Shawe if he will and I think this Indiacca may be worth speaking to also.

As soon as the gate keeper unbared the keep gate,Nerwen travelled to the inn in the early dawn. Entering the lower lounge area she saw Arthur up early. He looked like he had not slept well. 'Quel amrun Arthur. Before she could ask about his night the druid Ellaria entered and spoke of finding the resistance and it's leader, the Shadeaux Shawe. Arthur chimed in with the gossip from the marketplace. Nerwen listened to all that was said. The silence stretched for a little while and Ellaria said Nerwen drew breath, looking directly at the young girl. I do have things to add. I spoke to Lady Calaryl myself and that is where I spent the night. It is informative to hear the opinions of the people in the town and their feelings toward the elves. But those feelings seem mixed. Some resent the elves for withdrawing and others for acting in the first place. However, the elves are here now, this is their home and they have begun the work of transforming the keep into a fitting residence. They will not leave their new home except by force and the effort to remove them would cause great harm to those who go to do so. I would counsel strongly against such a course. Having made their home here they will lend aid to anyone trustworthy who seeks to bring order to the town. Is it your opinon that this Shawe is trustworthy? Has he been open and honest with you? You say he hates elves, I wonder would he be so nice to me? Turning to Arthur. As for the Pongcanae, I stand by what I said on the road into town, there may be more to them than their portrayal as savage beasts. I know you do not want to hear that, but you need grant that it is possible and that non-violent means may be found to end the raids. That is the task for some of us today. Boomingham's entry breaks the tension that is beginning to gather around Nerwen and she smiles again at the people before her. So. we need only Alexander, Ahvialyn and Throlar. Are they upstairs?

Nerwen blinked. Her body was telling her it was morning, but looking outside it was still night. She stretched. It felt like she had meditated for two whole days straight, not merely a few hours. Walking down to the front gate of the keep she found it secured, further proof that the sun had not yet risen. But why was she awake then? Returning to the gardened upper levels she looked up at the clear stars. She recalled looking at the same stars with her grandmother when she was much younger. En Naug, tira ten' rashwe! she had said The dwarf, beware of him Nerwen shivered, though not from cold. This place was formed to allow her people to meditate and glimpse the future in memory and vision. But why this memory? Was it the dwarf from the party? Nerwen sat again, striving to clear her mind.

As is her custom, Nerwen rises early at sunrise. Thinking that the others will have gone to the inn she goes there to meet them. Thank you for your hospitality. Yes, I know some party menbers haven't reached the inn yet, but when they do, that's what Nerwen will do.

Nerwen frowned slightly. Trust is not forged in the making of promises but in their keeping. What does it matter if men's words are prompted, only that they by their actions prove themselves faithful to their commitments. No parent says to their child 'do as thou wilt' and then complains of disobedience. How much more then should we guide the actions of men by wise council? I know some of your sad history and the betrayals you have suffered and thst these have made you wary. Though, it seems to me that if you expect betrayal that is what you will often receive, fostered by your own suspicion and lack of acceptance. Nerwen paused, sensing the conversation was reaching an impasse You have said that you are willing do your part. That is all that I am here to ask, that when I call on you, you will answer me and uphold my trust in you. When speaking to the men at the gates I will recount your position clearly. That the keep is yours and that you do not wish to lay down your arms. In return for those you will contribute to the welfare of the town seeing that doing so makes the city a fit place for you. Is that a fair summary of our conversation? Nerwen looked up at the stars, the constellation of the hunter now past zenith and the hour growing late. If that is acceptable, I would beg for a place to rest and reflect on my day ready for the work ahead tomorrow.

The keep is yours. It is your home and your ongoing work. Those in the town must accept that if they are to be trusted. But what is your position of power? My masters taught that power only exists in its use. Strength unexercised withers and iron unforged is brittle. I know you fought at Bric'Bay to repulse the lions and are prepared to defend this keep but you know how men think. They think in concrete terms, like children. If you are not for them you are against them. And when the village is quieted they will turn on you. And should you win, it will be at the cost of Elven blood and destroy the men who come against you, leaving a void to be filled with unrest yet again. It seems to me that if you give aid where asked then those who emerge as leaders in this town have credible reason not to refuse your place here in the strong keep. How else might the men demonstrate trustworthiness?

Nerwen stood. Her pose relaxed and her thoughts meditative. For her, this place was more conducive to rest than a room in an human inn. I understand the dilemma, and the short-sightedness of the edan. Your plan to bide time seems wise. If the town is organised and forms a governing body, will you send a representative? Would you send martial aid if requested? For, your path entails that you are well provisioned and can procure what is lacking. You can defend the keep, I have seen that. But if you cannot move about the town unmolested then this place becomes a cage no matter how beautiful. We walk to a different music to them, still, we are in the world for good or ill, the same sun shines on all, the same rain brings water. Seclusion is a profitable path, though it cannot be total isolation. Will you have me as an emissary until one of your own steps forward to take that mantle?

Forgive me, but why do you say this place has no hope? Could not a new hope be found?

Elen sila lumenn olmentilmo, arwen en amin. Nerwen looked around in wonder. The brutal human architecture of the keep transformed into a place of serene beauty. Her heart sang within her and a thousand memories of the glades of the White Towers of her childhood rushed over her. She knelt, willingly and spoke in reverent whispers. My Lady. I have been sent with others from Heroica to this town to preserve order and restore prosperity. I did not mean to intrude on your place of sanctuary. But I thank you for admitting me. What would you have me do? Nerwen remained kneeling waiting for Lady Calaryl's reply.

Nerwen looked up. Although standing in the middle of town, there were few lights to obscure the sky. Looking to her right she saw the familiar stars of the huntsman shining in the gathering dark. As always when she saw him she thought of Lenwë, grief still sharp in her heart. Looking at the keep she could see lights beginning to shine from the windows. She wished that she'd asked the dwarf to find and send Alexander to her. But now it was too late, she would have to walk in alone. Nerwen put fear of treachery aside. She was Cala'quessir. Those within could not be so fallen as to offer violence without provocation, surely?.

Nerwen nodded in satisfaction as Throlar's voice took on the rolling cadences of diplomacy. She replied quietly If you wish to forgo your quest reward, I am sure the others will happily divide it up. As for moving the horses, that sounds like a good idea. Keep an eye out for the others too.

I do not stand here as your enemy. And I would be your friend and ally.