030. "I refused to serve a man that would murder his own flesh and blood!"

[Corwin]

[19:16] <Kotono> ---
[19:19] <Kotono> After too long on the difficult paths of the Barbarian Lands, the arrival towards the United Baronies at last is a relief. It look longer than Demedais thought by a fair margin, even with Horse and means that exceed normal travel several times over. It's been long weeks and weeks since Demedais was at the city, but now he approaches it again. Intelligent trolls are left behind, only the warm, late summer city of Balmuria is ahead. Engan looks
[19:19] <Kotono> Engan looks on with muted, quiet noises, "It's grown," he observes as the pair slowly approach.
[19:20] <Demedais> "It has, and it plan on expanding further west." Demedais nods solemnly as he looks over the walls and guards.
[19:21] <Kotono> The walls are being expanded - the new quarter of the city looks to be well on it's way to completetion. AT the gate are Wedge and Biggs, the two waiting and dealing with a caravan of carts with fruits and vegetables, chatting with earthy farmers before letting them go in.
[19:22] <Kotono> "Your city is blessed," Engan agrees after some thought, "Lead on, Demedais?"
[19:24] * Demedais nods, gesturing Engan toward the gates as he gets behind the caravan. To barge back into the town after vanishing would likely be just a bit presumptuous.
[19:26] <Kotono> Engan clears his throat. "Are you nto going to lead on into town? You are the Crimson Guardsman...I'm just a refugee from Malmuth," he lowers his voice.
[19:27] <Demedais> "I am going to. However, it'd be... let's just say that I feel distinctly uncomfortable leaving my duties here without notification, so..." Demedais shifted slightly, uncomfortable. "I want to do this as formally as possible. Rest assured I'll make sure you get through, however."
[19:29] <Kotono> "Yes." Engan looks on, and begins to walk towards the gate. He checks his sword, cloak and leather armor, before walking up to Wedge and Biggs.
[19:30] * Demedais accompanies him, nodding with as cheerful of a smile as he can to Wedge and Biggs.
[19:31] <Kotono> Wedge and Biggs straighten up, "Sir?" Biggs blinks, as Wedge salutes. "Welcome back, Sir. I suggest that you..." he begins, but then eyes Engan. After a moment, "Will you be going to see Lord Salman, sir?"
[19:33] <Demedais> "Yes, I will. I have much to explain to him, I fear. It has been... a complicated venture I've been on. This man," Demedais gestures toward Engan, "is with me. You know the magical equipment I carry with me, and his only magical belonging is his sword."
[19:34] <Kotono> Wedge salutes once more, "Very well, sir." Biggs peers at Engan curiously, looking the older man over. "...hey, Demedais, he isn't your dad or uncle or anything, is he?"
[19:35] * Demedais glances at Engan with a slight grin. "Not so far as I'm aware of. Was an orphan, so if he is my father or something, the coincidence factor is way over my head."
[19:37] <Kotono> "Hmph." Engan shakes his head, "I'm simply a traveller with Demedais."
[19:38] <Kotono> Drawing himself up, "Very well, sir," he allows again, "Lord Salman awaits in the garrison, as does Commander Oberuth."
[19:39] * Demedais nods grimly. "Very well. Thank you, gentlemen." With that he gestures to Engan, leading him to the garrison.
[19:39] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[19:40] <Kotono> The trip to the garrison is without incident. You pass the busy streets, more people than Demedais remembers walking down, business booming. The elven trade shop is open, the business district crammed. Engan's eyes drift to that as you pass, but he makes no comment. Instead, towards the garrison you go. As you approach, "Straight on now? Your lord is in town from all sounds?"
[19:41] <Demedais> "Yeah, sounds like it." Demedais concurs.
[19:41] * CC is now known as Seira
[19:41] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[19:42] <Kotono> So you enter the garrison. Your arrival does not seem unnoted, for as you enter a page runs up from inside. "Sir Demedais," he quickly salutes, a young man wearing training armor. "Commander Oberuth wishes to see you immediately. He's waiting in his meeting room."
[19:43] <Demedais> "Very well. Oberuth first, then." Demedais nods slightly, turning toward his meeting room in a resigned fashion.
[19:45] <Kotono> As you enter the meeting room, Commander Oberuth awaits. His face is patient enough, no simmering anger, roiling disapproval, or waiting stare. Nope, no signs of instant berating for vanishing. Instead he waits, Wrath of the Mundane noted to be strapped to his side. "Demedais..." he begins, glancing at Engan.
[19:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 17."12 [1d20=11]
[19:46] <Kotono> With a grunt, "Who'd you bring with you, first off?" he looks towards him. "This going to be s tory? If it is, at least sit down." Waving to the chairs nearby, "You've missed a bit here."
[19:47] * NeremWorld (~Neko@pool-71-164-226-63.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit
[19:47] <Demedais> "It will indeed be a story. Commander, I'd like you to meet Engan; Engan, Commander." Demedais says, hoping that explains some of it right there.
[19:48] <Kotono> "...it will be," Oberuth grunts once more, before standing. "It's a pleasure..." The two men meet eyes, Oberuth gesturing towards a chair again. "It Demedais brought you I doubt you'regoing to do anything worthy of unpleasantness, so go ahead."
[19:50] <Kotono> "I thank you, Sir Oberuth," Sitting down himself, "I'd heard of you from others, your reputation precedes you, as does the reputation of your guard." Engan looks on evenly, "I do come in peace."
[19:50] <Demedais> "...To put it simply, Helm teleported me to Engan and effectively had me escort him out of Malmuth." Demedais shakes his head as he seats himself. "I was given a vision by Helm in my sleep to travel out of town to a waiting portal, which brought me to him. From there, we went to a Malmuthian temple to Helm, then cut through the barbarian lands back to here."
[19:51] <Kotono> "Good to hear," Oberuth agrees, and then towards the paladin Demedais, "Well, that answers my next question. Alright, this is going to be worth having others hear, I suspect?"
[19:53] <Demedais> "Lord Salman, Captain Seira, Colonel Khardon, and Lieutenant Alicia would be perhaps the only others I would notify currently." Demedais replies, nodding.
[19:54] <Kotono> With another, thoughtful murmur, Commander Oberuth then raises his voice. "Pages, summon Alicia and Seira now." he calls out, "We'll start with them and cover our own adventures as well, then spread the information up as needed."
[19:55] * Demedais nods slightly, waiting for the two to arrive.
[19:59] * Alicia arrives shortly, looking entirely pristine and fresh despite just being engaged in some fairly rigorous training drills. Prestidigitation is so useful! "Sirs," she salutes to both Obureth and Demedais before eyeing the new arrival speculatively. "I trust your quest went well, Demedais?" she asks curiously, rather interested in hearing about a genuine holy quest.
[19:59] * Seira happens to be nearby, having observed the recruits, and makes a quiet entrance. She doesn't speak, but nods at Demedais politely, deferring to Alicia for the time being.
[19:59] * Demedais blinks. "How did you know?" he inquires, looking between Oberuth, Alicia, and Seira rather curiously.
[20:00] <Kotono> "Khardon mentioned it," Oberuth answers, "Why?"
[20:02] <Demedais> ",,,I told no one of my reason for departure, nor that I was guided by Helm." Demedais says in an odd voice. "Was Khardon, too, then...?"
[20:03] <Alicia> "He merely mentioned it offhand... I suppose you'd have to ask him?" Alicia replies, looking a bit puzzled.
[20:05] <Kotono> "Curious..." Oberuth muses, but waves his hand, "A matter to enquire on later. "But we have more pressing matters, I presume. Demedais, if you would?"
[20:06] <Demedais> "I will." Demedais says, musing on the matter. "For now, however... that you know this fact makes it easier to explain the rest. I was teleported directly into Malmuthian lands, to this man - Engan. I determined, due to the images presented to me in Helm's vision, that I was to protect him; from the context of the situation I soon determined that I was to escort him out of Malmuth without violence."
[20:07] * Demedais gives a slight sigh, before looking at Seira with a grin. "In some ways, I think you would've been incredibly amused with how well I bluffed our way to the nearest temple to Helm, on the borders of the Barbarian Lands and the Etrian Mountains."
[20:08] <Seira> "Do tell," Seira requests, raising an eyebrow curiously.
[20:11] <Demedais> "We ran into four patrolling groups for Engan; in each case Engan had hidden himself somewhere before the patrols met us. The first one I yelled at about harrassing a pilgrim and paladin of Helm. That one came back to bite me in the form of the fourth patrol." Demedais mused. "The second simply failed to do much of note, but the third established a base of operations right where we had spent the night."
[20:13] <Alicia> "Exactly why were they searching so earnestly for your new friend?" Alicia interrupts. Surely Helm wouldn't send Demedais out if it was an unjust errand, but even so, they had to have a reason...
[20:13] <Seira> "The fourth one should be the most amusing, then," Seira states, looking at Demedais expectantly.
[20:14] <Demedais> "That one... Engan had moved to hide behind a set of rocks; I again used my identity as a pilgrim of Helm to pretend in helping them search. I took the area I knew him to be hiding, and told the other two to check other places." A shake of the head. "After that, I proceeded to try and firm up my identity as a pilgrim by asking questions, explaining that the last time I'd been in a Malmuth town was about six months ago."
[20:15] <Demedais> "I wondered that, too, for a while. But... it is his place to explain that. Not mine. Once I'm done, Engan, would you mind explaining that?" Demedais glances to Engan.
[20:19] <Kotono> "Of course," Engan agrees, "It's a long story, too. One that will likely be of interest to your country."
[20:21] <Demedais> "Very well, then; thank you. After I left the third patrol and made my way to the temple, I met with High Priest Denegrean. At first, he wasn't happy to learn that we were, ah, both 'undesirables', but Helm... supported my claim. Denegrean gave us the right to stay for a few nights. The second day, however..."
[20:21] <Demedais> "The second day, General Olburt showed up, asking for me."
[20:22] <Kotono> At that Commander Oberuth scowls, but waves his hand to Demedais, as if prodding him to go on.
[20:24] <Demedais> "You see, with the first group, I had decided to effectively pull rank, so as not to have to visit Turant and then get deported to Valandia and then back here and that group was... rather insistent. Well, I said I was traveling to the Temple; so Olburt decided to call me on that, and found me there." Demedais closed his eyes in thought.
[20:26] <Demedais> "He only asked once about Engan, and I managed to deflect the question by acting affronted that he would even consider me capable of it. However, he did not believe that I was truly there for the Temple... I gave him a vow, there; that I would leave through the Barbarian Lands and notify him upon my return so he knew I wasn't 'sneaking around'." Demedais scowled. "The man called me a bloody spy. I was insulted."
[20:29] <Demedais> "However... that was the second conversation. He had approached me as I was praying at the altar, and said that he couldn't believe someone like me was acting as a spy. It was... irritating. I told him off, then tried to make up for it with politeness but was rebuffed. They left the next day. I... was lucky, there, that he didn't drag me off anyway. I wonder why he didn't, actually, but..."
[20:32] * Demedais shakes his head wearily. "We left that night, and headed north, then west through the Barbarian Lands. Chased off a troll, saw a lot of goblins, got back here."
[20:33] <Alicia> "Sounds like you had an eventful trip," Alicia murmurs, before turning her attention to Engan who will hopefully explain why he's apparently wanted in Malmuth.
[20:37] <Kotono> "My name is Viscount Engan of Malmuth, of the Southern Reaches and Disciple of the Forgotten Kensai. Or it was 5 years ago, before King Sardian abdicated following the fallout of the Baronies war." After a moment, "After Ferdi took power...no, killed the incompetent King Balmuth and took power..." (More)
[20:40] <Kotono> "King Ferdit ook the throne via coup, as Balmuth was a weak, young leader unfitted for the position. After disposing of the obsticle and sanitizing the entire affair, he's taken over. He takes the position of a distant, wise king, yet he is in invovled in every affair he can get his hands into. He's secured iron from the United Baronies, tightened the borders, and engaged in a grand military buildup."
[20:42] <Kotono> "I refused to serve a man that would murder his own flesh and blood," Engan goes on, a dark scowl. "My position fell over the years - I had vowed to serve Sardian with all my vigor, yet Ferdi?" The scowl is dark, brooding, hateful. "I will never serve that murderer. What began as gentle pressure and patience has escalated into outright force and open attempts to subdue me into service of Malmuth, even to the point of sending soldiers at me wi
[20:42] <Kotono> at me with instructions to subdue me by any means nesicary."
[20:45] * Alicia suddenly realises that she knows very little about the country she works for. On the other hand, they fight Devils and the Devils seem to really hate them, plus she's a reasonably good judge of character, so hopefully she's not in a similar situation to this man. "And that is why you had to flee your own home?" she asks after a moment.
[20:46] <Kotono> "It is." Engan speaks, "Were it not for Demedais I would have been captured orin hiding in the Enaldis Mountains. King Ferdi will not accept me sitting on the sides, even if it pushed me into this dire situation."
[20:48] <Alicia> "So instead he made you an enemy... though perhaps from his point of view it's preferable to have your position made clear now rather than take the risk of you acting against him when he might be weak later on," Alicia surmises, perhaps a little bit cold-bloodedly. "So what will you do, now?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "That is the question - are you going to ask for alysum?" Oberuth considers, eyeing the Malmuthian noble. "It's not my choice to make...it will certainly end up in Lord Salman's lap if you are."
[20:50] <Seira> "You could always go into hiding," Seira muses out loud, since they seem to be considering options, here.
[20:51] <Kotono> "Demedais brought me here." Engan shrugs after a moment, "If I'm to go on and hide, I only ask for a horse and supplies to continue onward. I know full well the political situation may be tense, but if you'll have me..." Engan looks towards Commander OBeruth.
[20:52] <Seira> "We never really liked Malmuth before, Sir," Seira comments, likewise looking at the Commander. "And if they are serious about peace, for now, this matter would not tip the scale, I feel."
[20:53] <Kotono> "It's not my choice to make," Oberuth says at last, "I'm sure Lord Salman will hear you within the day, if not sooner. You're right - regardless of what we choose, it is best decided on sooner than later." After a moment to listen to Seira, "I don't know. We don't know how seriously it would offend Malmuth if one of their leaders has openly defected to us."
[20:55] <Seira> "They don't have to know just yet," Seira responds with a light shrugging of her shoulders. "Bureaucratic processes take time."
[20:55] * Demedais nods slowly. "I'd presume not very well. Also... I honestly do not think that the military forces organizing in Valandia are for show only, and that was just six months ago."
[20:56] <Kotono> "Entirely true," Commander Oberuth matches that with a small smile of his own, "IF they're as you say, nor do I. We're also waiting on word from King Ferdi on the peace talks."
[20:57] <Seira> "Even if they are only a pretense from Malmuth's side, it makes sense to play along as we increase our own defenses and combat strength, and further our alliances," Seira adds.
[20:58] * Demedais nods. "I'm... not sure what the wisest course is. While he may not be immediately recognizable to many Balmurians, to any Malmuthian...
[20:59] <Kotono> "Yes. For now...get him a room in the garrison and put guards there. If you would escort him, Demedais, and we'll call you when Lord Salman is ready." Commander Oberuth pauses, before extending his hand towards Engan. After a moment Engan takes it and shakes. "Thank you," he murmurs politely.
[21:00] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods, going to perform these duties.
[21:02] <Kotono> This goes without incident. Demedais is not gone long, soon returning. Once he has returned, "Well then. What do you think?" he asks Demedais first, bluntly, and then looks to the other two questioningly.
[21:04] * Alicia shrugs. "If Demedais is willing to vouch for him, I feel we should assist the Viscount where possible. If war truly is inevitable with Malmuth, then he could be a great help to us, assuming he's willing to act against his former home."
[21:04] <Demedais> "As to what should be done? I'd propose quietly placing him somewhere southwest of Balmuria." Demedais says, having thought about this a bit. "As I said, most if not all Balmurians would fail to recognize him, and in that area he shouldn't be easily stumbled upon by searching Malmuthians."
[21:05] <Demedais> "And yes, I vouch for him. While I am not sure he would be willing to act against Malmuth... he has offered to train me in the path of the Kensai. I have decided to accept."
[21:07] <Kotono> "I'm inclined to agree. If Helm's all seeing and decided you going to help him was more important than a Devil's invasion, then I'm inclined to go along with his thinking." Oberuth considers, "If. Lord Salman keeps his own council, however. What of you, Seira?"
[21:08] <Seira> "Keep your friends close, Sir, and your enemies closer."
[21:09] <Demedais> "Wait, what? Devil's invasion?" Demedais says, rather alarmed at this.
[21:11] <Alicia> "A portal to Baator activated in some old gnomish ruins," Alicia explains. "That's where the corruption devil from before came from. We only drew the connection when the golem from the ruins began terrorising the farms outside of the city."
[21:11] <Demedais> "...argh. And I was unable to help. Damnit." Demedais mutters, looking away. "At least everyone survived, I take it?"
[21:12] <Seira> "It's closed now, and there was no permanent damage. Well, to us. There was quite a lot of collateral damage to the devils."
[21:12] <Kotono> "From there we founda large infestation of devils - dozens of lemures, with sizeable numbers of the bastardsw ith glaives who I can't remember the name of," Oberuth scowls openly, darkening, "Beautiful womanly demons and other horrors."
[21:12] <Seira> "None of them failed to die, Demedais," Seira assures the paladin.
[21:13] <Demedais> "Good. I'm glad that there were no problems." Demedais says, relaxing against the wall.
[21:14] <Alicia> "It wasn't exactly problem-free," Alicia looks away. "But everyone is fine, now, at least. More or less."
[21:15] <Demedais> "...fine, now, at least, more or less?" Demedais hesitates, looking from Oberuth to Seira to Alicia.
[21:15] <Alicia> "Donald's an elf, now," Alicia states bluntly. She doesn't really need to explain that he died for this to happen, does she?
[21:16] <Demedais> "Donald's an... what." Demedais pauses for a few seconds, then. "I... see. He coping well with that?"
[21:18] <Seira> "I don't see the big issue, he got to keep his gender and everything!" Seira exclaims, sounding a bit defensive.
[21:19] <Demedais> "Good. Calling him Donaldina would be intensely uncomfortable." Demedais chuckled.
[21:19] <Seira> "You would be pleased to hear he still hates you."
[21:20] <Demedais> "Why wouldn't he?" Demedais asks, puzzled
[21:20] <Alicia> "Although he can't remember why," Alicia points out. "Perhaps you could explain?" she asks curiously.
[21:21] <Seira> "It will come back, everything I've learnt seems to support that," Seira responds.
[21:22] <Demedais> "I effectively got his old sword taken away from him and landed him in a jail for a day. I take it his memory's spotty thanks to the reincarnation, then.
[21:25] <Seira> "He needs to exercize his mind more. I have sadly neglected that part of his training until now, and it is all rusted." Seira sighs in dejection.
[21:26] <Demedais> "I... see. That would be a good idea, then." Demedais replies, fighting the urge to laugh. "I have to send a message to Malmuth stating that I have upheld my vow at some point today... mmm."

[Corwin]

[18:08] <Kotono> ---
[18:09] <Kotono> The party continues to chat about what has happened. After a little bit of time, Commander Oberuth stands. "I need to go address Lord Salman. I suspect you'll be summoned sooner than later," he adds after a moment.
[18:10] * Demedais nods to Oberuth, somewhat lost in thought.
[18:14] <Kotono> So twenty minutes pass, before a page comesand bears instructions to join Lord Salman and Commander Oberuth. On entering, past the guards, Lord Salman sits. "I have heard the information," he begins, "Demedais, what say you on this man?"
[18:15] * Carthrat is now known as Shark_Wrestler_Kagami
[18:17] <Demedais> "From the time I traveled with him, I believe him to be a good, if bitter, man, who means no harm to Balmuria or the United Baronies." Demedais says, slightly distant. "If there is any threat to us, it is not from him, but from Malmuth discovering his presence here - and I do not believe giving him over to them is wise in any regard."
[18:21] <Kotono> Lord Salman nods thoughtfully, his head resting on his hand as he thinks. He is quiet long, deep moments, eyes far away. At last, "...Captain Seira, what do you say?"
[18:22] <Seira> "We don't have an extradiction treaty with Malmuth, Sir," Seira responds calmly.
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[18:28] <Kotono> "The point is taken," Lord Salman considers, before, "...I believe that we are best served to hold onto him until word from Malmuth comes. Quietly, of course."
[18:29] <Seira> "Yes, Sir," Seira agrees. "There is no need to make public announcements about our new friend. That amounts as a slap to Malmuth's face."
[18:30] <Kotono> "Yes. Very well then, dismissed," Lord Salman says, "You will be summoned when word comes once more."
[18:31] * Alicia salutes crisply and departs.
[18:31] * Demedais nods solemnly and salutes. "Very well, sir." With that, he leaves the room.
[18:32] <Seira> "Sir," Seira asks, lingering on for just a bit longer. "Has a decision been reached, by chance?"
[18:36] <Kotono> "We wait on word from Malmuth, it is prudent to wait for word on peace talks before pressing any issue," Lord Salman speaks, "...I worry that word has taken this long, however."
[18:37] * Seira nods, and leaves with a salute of her own.
[18:38] <Kotono> OOC - Skip ahead a bit?
[18:38] <Seira> OOC: To sudden Malmuth attack!
[18:38] <Demedais> OOC: Sure. May it be presumed I send the message I promised to Oberuth?
[18:39] <Kotono> OOC: To Olburt? Sure.
[18:41] <Demedais> OOC: Kay, then lead on!
[18:42] <Kotono> After another day passes, the party is summoned back. On returning to Lord Salman, his face is grave. He holds in his hand a scroll, a single unwrapped scroll. "World has come from Malmuth," he says, without preamble.
[18:43] <Alicia> "And?" Alicia asks, assuming it's probably not a good reply, considering Salman's expression.
[18:45] <Kotono> "They ask for...time to consider," He scowls, "No information or reason for the delay, simply that request that is not really a request."
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[18:48] <Alicia> "Time is something they've already had much of," Alicia observes. "Do we know of any trouble in Malmuth which could provide a more innocent explanation for them stalling?"
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[18:49] <Kotono> "Trouble, internal turmoil, disagreement in the ranks?" Lord Salman speaks all of those, pondering.
[18:49] <Demedais> "Sir, that sounds... awfully like they're planning on making a move, and soon." Demedais states, shaking his head. "There is only one thing, Alicia; they have had a multiple mines collapse up in the northern reaches. They are trying to get as much iron as possible. However, I cannot but think that that is... hardly enough for them to stall."
[18:50] <Demedais> "At least, apparently the mine I had heard of collapsing was one of many that had." Demedais thinks, shaking his head. "Perhaps the ostracization of Engan has caused some chaos, but..."
[18:51] <Alicia> "I was more thinking of some political problem that would require the Emperor's personal attention," Alicia explains. "In the absence of such, we can only assume they're stalling to reassess their plans."
[18:51] <Seira> "We could respond in kind and strengthen our eastern defenses," Seira muses. "We even have a ready pretext, should we need one."
[18:52] <Kotono> "Are the iron supplies in Malmuth truly so degenerated? I had heard and assumed from the trade, but is it so bad they risk lives so wantonly, Demedais?" Lord Salman ponders thoughtfully, "The question is: Do we know of anything that could be stalling them, at all?" After that, Lord Salman nods. "Yes, it's only sensible. I'm going to order troops to redeploy from the west towards more eastern based positions."
[18:54] <Seira> "A defensive line of entrapments would also be wise to have, even as backup," Seira comments.
[18:55] <Demedais> "Twelve dead, twelve injured." Demedais replies to Lord Salman, before nodding to Seira. "As much as we can defensively to our east. Also, sir, perhaps we should gradually slow the iron we sell, blame it on our own supplies getting lower? I am not sure on what is feasible there, but..."
[18:56] <Seira> "Perhaps if we staged a mine collapse," Seira muses. "And stocked up on our supplies, instead of selling them for the time being, to keep up the illusion and build up demand."
[18:56] <Kotono> "Indeed," Lord Salman considers. "We can try - trading with them provides money we need and helps keep relations stable. If iron slows down in production..." Lord Salman shakes his head. "We do not risk giving them an open reason to justify an invastion or territorial claim all over again. But..." Lord Salman considers those words, thinking.
[18:58] * Alicia doesn't know enough about trade or politics to contribute much, here. But even so, "It's sounding more and more like Malmuth is going to attack no matter what. We'd be better off if they weren't able to do it at a time and manner of their choosing, after stockpiling as much iron as they need."
[19:00] <Demedais> "Right. We need to hold as many trump cards as we can." Demedais nods. "We already have at least some intimidation value on our side; slaying Kondrux gave at least me a notable advantage in yelling off one group of recruits. Any chance we could mount his skull on a pike outside town?"
[19:00] <Kotono> At those words, Lord Salman bows his head. "It pains us...but you may be correct. We have tried long to avoida nother war, but I do begin to worry even more." AFter some thought, "Seira, draw up a plan regarding the mines and defenses. Demedais, collect any information you can get out of Engan whatsoever. Alicia, work with the guard and help them get any edges you can, while the other two are busy."
[19:01] <Alicia> "I will train them to my utmost," Alicia nods sollemnly.
[19:01] <Demedais> "Very well. I shall go speak to him, then." Demedais nods, saluting but not leaving yet.
[19:02] * Seira bows. "It shall be done, Sir."
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[19:03] <Kotono> "What has been said here does not leave this room, save to Commander Oberuth for the moment. As far as the public knows, we are at peace with the Malmuth Empire and will remain that way. I pray the status quo holds, but if you are correct...go forth." Lord Salman nods.
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[19:05] * Demedais bows and departs to talk to Engan.
[19:05] <Seira> "Of course, Sir," Seira responds, and with a salute, she heads back to her drawing table. Quite literally so.
[19:05] * Alicia salutes and heads off in search of some guardsmen who don't look too busy so that she can try whipping them into shape.
[19:09] <Kotono> So Demedais goes to a single, isolated room in the garrison. It's a room for five to ten soldiers, yet only one rests on one of the beds. Engan is here, lying down and looking up at the ceiling. His eyes are open, an empty plate and cup on a table a few feet away. On entering, he looks up, waiting.
[19:10] <Demedais> "How are you doing, Engan?" Demedais nods, sitting down on the bed across from him.
[19:12] <Kotono> "I should have requested a bath to be drawn if possible," he remarks, almost smiling. "Beyond still smelling of the road, well enough. Has your Lord made up his mind yet?"
[19:15] <Demedais> "We are holding onto you, for now at the very least, and likely for a while." Demedais grins for a second, before the grin fading. "I will be honest with you. I am here at Lord Salman's request to try and discover what intent King Ferdi may have." Before Engan can say anything, Demedais holds a hand up. "It may seem obvious, but... he wants to know what drives Malmuth currently."
[19:20] <Kotono> Engan nods, staying where he is. "It's a fair question. I've been seeing more than most in Malmuth and I still have questions myself," he speaks, "King Ferdi is very ambitious, difficult and meddling."
[19:23] <Demedais> "So you definitely wouldn't put him striking out at the Baronies out of the question." Demedais states.
[19:26] <Kotono> "I'd say I wouldn't put it past him even without the military buildup," Engan answers after a fairly lengthy pause. "He does what he has to obtain his goals. With it, it seems to be searingly obvious. There's little point to making a grand army if you're going to have it sit in town and drain the coffers."
[19:26] <Demedais> "That was my general suspicion, but I was unsure if Malmuth had any other enemies." Demedais nods.
[19:29] <Kotono> Engan shrugs. "To the north is the Barbarian Lands. To the far east is ocean and scattered minor countries. to the west are mountains and then wastelands. To the south is ocean and a few isolated states and cities." Speaking thoughtfully, "If King Ferdi wished, he could wage a campaign in a few seasons to take gains in those directions, barring the north. There's merely little reason to.
[19:29] <Kotono> "
[19:30] <Demedais> "Very well. Did you have any allies in Malmuth, or had those all been stripped away by Ferdi?
[19:30] <Demedais> " Demedais inquires next.
[19:32] <Kotono> "King Sardian..." Engan sighs at that, pausing, "I got on well enough with a few - I met Claris Brightsun a few times before things got out of hand, we got along well enough. General Olburt is a hidebound general, but he's not half bad." There's a pause after that, "A lot of the older cabinet and positions shifted, between new kings and fall out from the old war. Old nobles without any real fighting power are easy enough to replace, after all
[19:33] <Kotono> easy enough to replace, after all. It's the effective ones that stay on regardless."
[19:36] <Demedais> "And yet I think Olburt has no hesitation in hunting you down, and it would not surprise me to learn that Claris is the same way." Demedais muses after a few minutes. "So it is unlikely your departure caused much more than a small stir, except for the military's attempts to reclaim you."
[19:39] <Kotono> "Olburt would. He's a bastard like that," Engan grins, "He takes his duty very seriously..." But after those words, the grin just fades into a neutral expression once more. "There's the mine collapses and various rumors, but that's the norm. There's always rumors, especially in a huge country."
[19:40] <Demedais> "What sort of rumors, if I may ask?" Demedais leans against the wall, eyes closed in thought.
[19:42] <Kotono> "Lately?" Engan pauses, "The sort about undead made a comeback just recently, around Valandia and then southward towards Purinn. Those happen every so often, ghosts and ghouls make good stories for taverns," Engan snorts at the last, "I suppose they exist and are dangerous, but if there were undead for every time some tavern wench imagined there were..."
[19:45] <Demedais> "Actually, that one's likely to be true." Demedais says. "I never remember the full details on it, but a young man was pretty much almost turned into a zombie under our own nose - and the enchantment on him was making him try to change others, too."
[19:49] <Kotono> "Hmph. Damn," Engan sits up at that, "Do you think it's heading into Malmuth?"
[19:50] <Demedais> "Yeah. I'm pretty sure we notified Malmuth of the person we believe responsible. I would have to inquire to make sure."
[19:53] <Kotono> "Thank you." Engan says, quietly. "
[19:55] <Demedais> "If not... argh. I 'll get Oberuth to send it out, attribute our knowledge of it to a merchant or something. I'll be a bit irritated if it hasn
[19:55] <Demedais> "I'll be a bit irritated if it hasn't been done already." Demedais grumbles. "Any other rumors?"
[19:56] <Kotono> "A werewolf in Tauret was all the rumor. Some poor bastard was found torn apart a few months ago." Engan just shrugs. "Could've been that, or a wolf, or a deranged fool."
[19:59] <Demedais> "That I know nothing of." Demedais shrugs. "So nothing is likely to be internally wrong in Malmuth other than Ferdi being Ferdi... the iron, the stall tactics... This should be more than enough proof for Lord Salman, I'd hope."
[20:05] <Kotono> "As fara s I know...but a word of warning," Engan sits up at this, looking Demedais in the eye. "I -was- on the way out, and I presume not to know everything that goes on. I can give you all I have, but I know it's an incomplete picture."
[20:07] <Demedais> "And I know this, too." Demedais nods. "But things are beginning to add up in a way that makes Lord Salman uncomfortable; thus why he's asked me to do this. Any information is useful at this point."
[20:23] <Kotono> "I see." Engan agrees, "Is there anything else you want to know of me, then?"
[20:25] <Demedais> "I cannot think of anything currently. I'll report this to Lord Salman, and see about getting you a bath." Demedais nods, standing.
[20:30] <Kotono> "Thanks," Engan goes back to lying down. "Good luck."
[20:31] <Demedais> "Thank you." Demedais nods, heading to find Lord Salman first and then Commander Oberuth, unless he runs into Oberuth first. No real rush to speak with him.
[20:32] <Kotono> Getting to Lord Salman's chamber goes without incident. You find him there listening to a report from a well dressed official, stoppinga s Demedais enters. "We'll finish that later," Lord Salman says, as th eman nods respectfully to Demedais and departs.
[20:35] * Demedais salutes crisply before speaking. "Lord Salman, Engan has emphasized that he was on the way out, and thus lays no claim to complete knowledge of Malmuth's plans. That said... he would not have put it past King Ferdi to try and reclaim the Baronies even without a military buildup, and that there is very little this army could be focusing on other than Balmuria and beyond."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Foreboding words," Lord Salman's expression shifts into a seriousness that suits him well. "What I wished to hear the least, yet what my growing sense of dread expected."
[20:46] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods. "Engan... also considers King Ferdi a very ambitious and meddling man; the facade, Engan states, of his disinterest is simply a front. One that will soon begin to wear thin to all people, I'd imagine."
[20:50] <Kotono> "I see. Anything of other matters - anything on if this relates to our other, gnomish troubles?" Lord Salman inquires.
[20:52] <Demedais> "He seemed not to know of the gnomes." Demedais replied after some thought. "Although, admittedly, I never asked him directly... inquiring both after what Berlioz spilled to Malmuth and of the latest rumors yielded no comments in that direction."
[21:00] <Kotono> "I am not sure if to be heartened, or fear that knowledge of the gnomes is held in the strictest confidence in Malmuth and conceals matters further."
[21:01] <Demedais> "I'd just hope the gnomes slap them around a bit first." Demedais says with a shrug. "Other than that, I'm not sure what to say. Next time I speak to Engan, I'll inquire more into the matter."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Very well," Lord Salman agrees, "Go on."
[21:07] * Demedais pauses for a second, a bit startled. "The only other possibility Engan allowed for was that there are some scattered countries and city-states to the east and south, but he saw no purpose in doing so. That is pretty much all the information he seemed to have to offer, Sir."
[21:08] <Kotono> "No, I was unclear. I meant go on, talk to him, you can go," Lord Salman shakes his head, "Apologies, the recent days have been a duet of waiting and preparing."
[21:12] <Demedais> "Oh. My apologies, sir." With a salute, Demedais quickly exited the room, going to look for Oberuth next before returning to Engan's room.
[21:17] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth is found in his office, going over fortification plans. "Yeah...oh, Demedais. What is it?" Oberuth vaguely gestures towards a seat.
[21:19] <Demedais> "Only two questions and then I'll be out of your hair." Demedais replies, shaking his head. "Firstly, did we ever send a notification to Malmuth about Febras?
[21:28] <Kotono> "I believe it was passed along," Oberuth agrees. "Why?"
[21:30] <Demedais> "I wished confirmation, primarily. Engan told me of rumors of undead spreading from Valandia to Purinn, and I wanted to know if Malmuth should already know of it or not. That's not a good sign, if communications aren't spread to the people who should know... The other question is simple: mind if Engan gets a bath?" This is said with a slight twist of the nose.
[21:35] <Kotono> "Aahahahahahahaha." Commander Oberuth laughs lightly at that, "Yes, by all means."
[21:40] <Demedais> "Very well, then. Thank you, Commander." Another salute, and Demedais goes to talk to Engan again, making sure a bath's available along the way.

[Corwin]

[18:59] <Kotono> ----
[19:00] <Kotono> As the city goes on and the Crimson Guard waits, Demedais' noontime is disturbed. AS he walks out of the garrison, he finds Pollyanna waiting. She smiles a bit when she sees him, "Demedais!"
[19:00] * Demedais returns the smile. "Pollyanna, it is good to see you. How do you fare today?"
[19:01] <Kotono> Coming over, Pollyanna stops in front of him. "I fare well. Would you walk with me?" she asks outright.
[19:02] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais replies, nodding and stepping alongside her.
[19:03] <Kotono> She walks west, towards the new wing of the city. Construction is winding down - most things are finished, soon to be integrated fully into the city. As you pass through the arch in the former outer wall of the city, passing into this section, "Thank you," she begins, keeping her eyes ahead. "I owe you a lot for what you did for me."
[19:05] * Demedais begins to get a slight inkling of where this conversation is heading. "Think nothing of it. It was my duty, in many ways." After a small second, he snorts. "Although the High Priest and I would automatically disagree over which parts were and weren't duty."
[19:10] <Kotono> "Stop that," Pollyanna turns, smiling none the less. "I...what you did helped me start to smile again, even if you didn't see it before you left. You...I..." She just shakes her head again. "Just accept the thanks, will you?"
[19:12] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais says with a slight laugh. "I accept your thanks." After a bit longer, "Have you decided what you are going to do?"
[19:15] <Kotono> "Yes," As you walk down, the streets are full of houses and buildings. New and nice ones, and you walk towards a singles tory hall that's quite commanding, beautiful white stone and columns. "Seira offered me a position leading a squad, I'm going to accept it, I think," Pollyanna stops, looking at Demedais. "Unless..." she trails off, looking at him squarely. "Did you have any other plans or..." she murmurs.
[19:18] <Demedais> "I had considered asking you to help me train the paladins-in-training, but in all honesty working with Seira will probably be even more interesting for you." Demedais says, before turning to match Pollyanna's gaze. "Unless you were asking about that in a different way."
[19:24] <Kotono> Pollyanna flushes and sighs, "Oh, Demedais..." she wilts.  "Men..." Breathing out before she looks back at him, "I mean...just..."
[19:25] * Demedais pauses, looking out a bit away from her. "Do you know where I disappeared to this past month, Pollyanna?"
[19:27] <Kotono> "A mission," she asks after a momentary pause.
[19:29] <Demedais> "A mission. To Malmuth. That no one was told of except me. And was not given by Lord Salman." Demedais turns to look her straight in the face. "I don't know how Khardon learned Helm had sent me to Malmuth, but... This could happen again anytime. A week, a month, a year... I don't know. I can't know." (More)
[19:31] <Demedais> "Pollyanna. To be honest, I'd like nothing more, but... I cannot know where my duty will take me, especially not in these times. Perhaps, once peace has come for sure... but for now, I cannot promise that I will be here. I wish it were otherwise." Demedais said, deflating a bit.
[19:34] <Kotono> Pollyanna leans up, embracing Demedais a few moments. She smells faintly of fiery spices and vanilla, before falling back. "I know. Just for a moment I let myself live the fantaies every little girl has." Her smile stays on, as, "You got me with it in another way...I want to stay here now and help. You saved me, and so did Seira."
[19:37] * Demedais nods, a slight grin. "It may be longer than you had hoped to wait, but... perhaps those fantasies will come true someday. I'd like it, myself." After a second, he rubs the back of his head. "And... thank you, Pollyanna."
[19:38] * Sierra_SlightlyComatose is now known as Sierra_Showertime
[19:39] <Kotono> "You're welcome," Pollyanna returns with her own smile, standing on her tip toes. "But for now...I'm going to take your lessons to heart and help you, Seira and this city."
[19:41] * Demedais nods, grinning wider now. "Very well. And if you ever have the spare time, I wouldn't mind your assistance with teaching some of those students archery. Helm only knows I need to learn, too."
[19:44] <Kotono> "I will," Pollyanna says, and then, "Demedais, let me show yo uaround what's being built here, since you've been away?"
[19:45] <Demedais> "Sure. I'd appreciate that." Demedais nods.
[19:47] <Kotono> "Well, like that. I heard they're going to put some government positions there, as Balmuria's becoming more important," Pollyanna gestures towards the pretty hall. "A real city hall proper."
[19:49] <Demedais> "That'd be nice; having everything cramped into the garrison's getting quite irritating." Demedais says, making a mental note to keep Engan away from this area and the diplomats it'll draw.
[19:50] <Kotono> "Yeah," Pollyanna agrees, "It's strange practicing archery and stopping to allow Lord Salman to pass while he's in town."
[19:51] <Demedais> "Heh." Demedais nods. "He also looks kinda silly, in all confessionality, sitting in this austeric room that suddenly has splashes of royal color and all that."
[19:52] <Kotono> LAughing a little bit, "I suppose so, yes. He at least has the bearing to look like he fits nad not like it's entirely out of place." Pollyanna walks along, pointing to a bank of buildings a block away. "I know they're opening another trade center there, mostly for iron. I think they're going to route the iron trade through there at least partly, since the caravans come from Parsifal anyway."
[19:53] <Demedais> "That'll get interesting in the next few months." Demedais says, frowning.
[19:57] <Kotono> "Mmm." Pollyanna walks along, heading south now. In this quadrant there are many beautiful houses, all speaking of money. "I suppose these are to fit the growth," she murmurs, looking about them.
[19:58] <Demedais> "....how do people live in such things?" Demedais says, cocking his head a bit. "It looks so... big."
[20:06] <Kotono> "I don't know. It looks more like a real town's nice quarter and not Balmuria, though," Pollyanna observes.
[20:06] <Demedais> "I suppose Balmuria's becoming a real town..." Demedais mused, shaking his head in wonder.
[20:10] <Kotono> "And you're one of it's heroes," Pollyanna turns with a smile, "You're one of it's famous people."
[20:12] <Demedais> "While I don't mind being a hero, the famous part is something I could live without." Demedais grouches before a slight grin. "Besides, as I put it to a friend... I've been lucky in so many ways. The least I can do is repay it, you know?"
[20:14] <Kotono> "Just enjoy it," As they walk along, this time back north, "Do you want to see the new harbor they're adding?"
[20:18] <Demedais> "Sure, that'd be nice." Demedais nods.
[20:24] <Kotono> Onto the harbor. Here you can watch piers being build, seawater being buffered back with outcroppings. Pollyanna goes to the edge, sitting down and letting her feet dance across the top of the water."Pretty still, isn't it?"
[20:27] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais kneels next to Pollyanna, legs folded up beneath him. "And to imagine this town will grow bigger and bigger.."
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[20:33] <Kotono> "I wonder what the others think of that.." Pollyanna muses, eyes a little wet. "We saw a lot of towns, big and small, growing and shrinking. The ones that were growing were always the most interesting."
[20:34] <Demedais> "They would probably be happy, I'd think." Demedais says, perhaps a bit unhelpfully.
[20:35] <Kotono> "Yeah..." Pollyanna murmurs, before putting another smile back on. "Say, have you ever swum in the bay," Pollyanna asks, out of the blue.
[20:39] <Demedais> "...no." Demedais says, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't even really know how to swim at all, truth be told."
[20:41] * Sierra_Showertime is now known as Sierra_Lives
[20:42] <Kotono> "Oh." Pollyanna's face turns to a near pout a moment, "You never learned at all?"
[20:45] <Demedais> "No. Sometime, I'd like to learn, but I had fun attempting to cross a quick river in Malmuth. Ugh. Hate trolls."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Maybe I can teach you someday..." Pollyanna considers, "Trolls? What happened?"
[20:49] <Demedais> "To return to Balmuria, I had to cross through the Barbarian lands. We ended up getting tracked by a troll for a fair distance; he threw javelins while I was trying to get to the other side. No lasting damage, but..." Demedais shakes his head, slowly.
[20:50] <Kotono> "That sound dangerous. On the run from a savage troll the entire time? Wasn't that persistant for one, though?" Pollyanna winces.
[20:51] <Demedais> "It was. A man named Jonathan up there said the thing was intelligent for a troll. It wanted my sword, I believe." Demedais nods.
[20:53] <Kotono> "What a bastard of a troll," Pollyanna grimaces, rising up. "At least Helm watched over you, though?"
[20:54] <Demedais> "I believe so, yes. Got away safely." Demedais stood alongside her, stretching a bit.
[20:55] <Kotono> Brushing off her legs, "I should go talk to Seira soon...and get back to practice. I'll see you around town, Demedais?"
[20:55] <Demedais> "You certainly will, Pollyanna. You take care, alright?"
[20:56] <Kotono> "I will..." Pollyanna looks towards the ocean, "Let me know if you change your mind about the swimming sometime." With that she turnsand begins to walk away.
[20:58] <Demedais> "You'll need to teach me, first, Pollyanna... give me a few days, and I'll be ready. Alright?" Demedais shakes his head, slightly.
[21:00] <Kotono> "Alright." Waving back, Pollyanna leaves the paladin alone once more.
[21:00] * Demedais shakes his head slightly, before shrugging and going to talk to Khardon.

[Corwin]

[17:57] <Kotono> ---
[18:02] <Kotono> Finding Khardon isn't a difficult task. He's found at the docks this day, looking out at the sea as boats come in. He stands at the very edge of the pier, looking outward at the sea as Demedais tracks him down.
[18:15] <Demedais> "Colonel Khardon. I have a matter to discuss with you..." Demedais walks up to him, saluting slightly before getting to the point. "How did you know the purpose I left for?"
[18:16] * Carthrat is now known as Carthrat-Sleep
[18:16] <Kotono> Glancing back briefly, Khardon returns his gaze out towards the green bay waters. The soft waves splash against the docks, back and forth, leaving slow deposits of sea salt. "Hm? What do you mean, Demedais?"
[18:23] <Demedais> "When I reported in to Commander Oberuth, I was told that you told them I was on a holy quest. How did you know this?"
[18:27] <Kotono> Khardon blinks slowly, before starting to laugh. A real, honest laugh, holding up a hand. "...there is a very simple explanation for this."
[18:29] <Demedais> "Then I'd love to hear it." Demedais says, close to snarling.
[18:37] <Kotono> Seeing that look, Khardon composes himself. "Demedais, I'll be honest and give an apology as well. It started as just an offhanded joke. The paladin of Helm that goes about, here and there o nthe whims of Helm, vanishes. Where else does he go but on a holy mission? I said it a few times and it stuck on. I'm guessing I was right?"
[18:38] <Demedais> "You were 100% correct." Demedais says, relaxing a bit.
[18:38] <Kotono> Looking back out to the ocean, "I was playing the odds, but..." With a shake of his head, "Pfah. How was it?"
[18:41] <Demedais> "Hell, simply put. Glad to be back. Your guess... was rather damn accurate, although I suppose it should be obvious in retrospect."
[18:43] <Kotono> "I hear Malmuth's like that tehse days," Khardon banters back lightly, "Want to get a drink and sit down?" So offering, he looks head, to a little sea themed pub near the warehouses.
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[19:04] <Demedais> "...after a month of travel, with no good food or drink... and six months of barely anything at all? Sure, I'll accept your offer." Demedais nods.
[19:05] <Kotono> Walking towards the bar with Demedais, "It's a hard life," he agrees, stretching. "The rewards can be worth it, but travelling's a bitch."
[19:10] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods slowly, following Khardon with a wary eye.
[19:15] <Kotono> Into the pub you go. Sitting around you are sailors and workers, the bar busy even in the middle of the day. "Ale," Khardon orders, and after, "You brought back something interesting, at least."
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[19:22] <Demedais> "You have seen, then?" Demedais says, looking around a bit warily.
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[19:23] <Kotono> Glancing as well, "Something like. Anyway," As the ale comes, Khardon raises his glass. "To returning safely?"
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[19:29] <Demedais> "To returning safely." Demedais nods. "And to Balmuria's continued prosperity." He drinks down a bit of the cup - about a fourth of it - before putting the glass down and musing a bit. "What did you think I was doing during that time?"
[19:31] <Kotono> "Ideally, c hasing sweet nyphms of legend around beautiful ponds." Khardon chuckles at that, "I'll settle for you having been struggling on a holy quest."
[19:32] <Demedais> "That would've been far more amusing, certainly." Demedais grumbles. "But it never occured to you to question a member of the Crimson Guard suddenly vanishing?"
[19:35] <Kotono> "Of course it did," Khardon rolls his eyes a bit, draining his glass. "The current administration trusts you implicilty is all."
[19:48] <Demedais> "...on the one hand, I'm immensely flattered. On the other hand, that's... argh."
[19:53] <Kotono> "Why?" Khardon looks to Demedais, "Guilt eating you up or so?"
[19:56] <Demedais> "Oh, sure, that's part of it." Demedais waves his hand around irritably. "But... argh, that's just somewhat reckless, to my eyes. I dunno." He takes another swig of the ale, shaking his head.
[19:58] <Kotono> "Eh." Khardon leans back a moment, "I've never been sure how into the Gods and all that crap I am, but you're a good argument for it." PEering at the paladin, "Helm sent you on your merry way here and you've helped Balmuria and the United Baronies vastly just by serving here, all at the perfect time."
[19:59] <Kotono> "So..." Waving for another glass, Khardon starts to drink. "So why not?"
[20:05] * Demedais chuckles. "Some people require only that. It is refreshing."
[20:07] <Kotono> With a shrug, Khardon matches that chuckle. "At heart Hellman's too nice for his own good and goes along with suggestions a little too easily. It's not all flowers, there was...oh nevermind. I don't think you even met him, but perhaps as well."
[20:09] <Demedais> "Think I even met who?" Demedais queries? "Berlioz?"
[20:10] <Kotono> "No, another fellow, an elf. Came wanting to join the guard, left on the boat with Seira and Alicia, and then promtly wandered off. Strange." Sipping from his glass now, "It was a strange incident for all concerned."
[20:27] <Demedais> "Perhaps he was guided elsewhere by his god?" Demedais suggested.
[20:27] <Kotono> With a glance at Demedais, "How'd you k now he was a cleric, anyway?"
[20:42] <Demedais> "I didn't. But clerics and paladins aren't the only ones guided by gods."
[20:43] <Kotono> "Heh, heh." Going back to his drink after that, "So now what? Back in the city for now?"
[20:44] <Demedais> "For now, yes. Working with the paladins-in-training, keeping a patrol... all the basics, for now." Demedais nods.
[20:51] <Kotono> "Mmm. To that, then," Raising his glass to Deme's, "Good luck."
[21:05] <Demedais> "Thank you." Demedais nods to Khardon.