Jaxsen Reiter
Jaxsen stands and makes a quick bow to the assemblage. He then tells of his adventure to the mine, starting at the point he separated from the rest of the company. He tells of the long night stalking his way up the side of the trail and finding the edge of the compound almost by accident. He apologizes for only being able to get a good look at the east side of the compound, but explains that the Dwarves have very good security, including the two-man patrols and a willingness to investigate, in force, on very little provocation. He also tells about their weaknesses, including not being willing to investigate in the areas they use for a latrine, and that it can be a useful approach if necessary.
He talks about the work being done on the mine trail, and how it sounded more like they were widening the trail. "That could have been either for moving goods or forces, I suppose. Perhaps both and just it's just a general improvement. But it is also possible they are waylaying it there. I advise a little extra caution once that area is reached." He also mentions that there seemed to be more patrols on the Loggers Trail as well as the mine trail. "Perhaps we stirred them up with our visit, and the later disappearance of one of their patrols."
Then, he addresses the compound. He points out what he saw as far as buildings, the communal dinner area, the mine itself, and from where he saw the slaves brought. "And make no mistake," he adds. "They are slaves. Men, women and children, half-starved and ill-treated. Little ones crying for food while forced to watch the Dwarves eat in plenty."
Finally, he addresses the Dwarves themselves. "Going in, I suspected that they might be victims of the same parasite that affected one of our own. But once there, I saw no hard evidence of this. I didn't see anyone subjected to it. I didn't see any sign of it spreading. Only the very evil nature of a people not known for being evil left me with any doubts, but I cannot prove them."
Everyday Life in Beachtown
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
"There is no spoon."
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Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Marge becomes visibly upset once the prospect of human slaves is mentioned.
When Glansandi notices her concern, he calls upon her to speak next.
"I probably shoulda said something sooner, but I dint want to create a panic. It's fairly common to lose folks around here at times, what with all the adventurers comin and goin. But I know of a few other folks that went missing too, and they aint the types to go out searchin through the jungle, if ya follow me."
"How many common folks didja see there, Jaxsen?"
When Glansandi notices her concern, he calls upon her to speak next.
"I probably shoulda said something sooner, but I dint want to create a panic. It's fairly common to lose folks around here at times, what with all the adventurers comin and goin. But I know of a few other folks that went missing too, and they aint the types to go out searchin through the jungle, if ya follow me."
"How many common folks didja see there, Jaxsen?"
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Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Paladin wrote: ↑Sun May 30, 2021 11:19 pm Sir William Narramore
Attracted by the commotion, the haggard knight trudges closer to hear his comrade's report. His expression darkens at the mention of malnourished slaves and the muscles in his jaw clench. "Faithless swine," he whispers sharply. "Let me regain my strength and I will cut a red swathe through their savage hides." Narramore's blood is up, but his body is not yet in a state to act on his anger. He sighs and designs himself to waiting...resting. Healing while he dreams of converting or killing the heathen. Mostly killing.
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Jaxsen Reiter
"I saw (best estimate from when Jax saw the 'morning shift' being herded into the mine) men, women and children going into the mine early in the morning. I don't know how many, or if there was another shift down there already, so I cannot give a reliable accounting of the total number of slaves." He considers for a moment and adds, "Also, the light was still a bit dim, so I am not sure that some of them might not have been Native people."
"I saw (best estimate from when Jax saw the 'morning shift' being herded into the mine) men, women and children going into the mine early in the morning. I don't know how many, or if there was another shift down there already, so I cannot give a reliable accounting of the total number of slaves." He considers for a moment and adds, "Also, the light was still a bit dim, so I am not sure that some of them might not have been Native people."
Last edited by SirOwen on Thu Jun 03, 2021 2:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"There is no spoon."
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Liam jots a few notes as the meeting goes on and mostly stays quiet though he is visibly upset at the mention of the suffering being inflicted especially on children under the oppression of the Stoneguts. Internally he gnashes his teeth wondering what is taking so long for answers to his many letters home to get back. They need help.
He finally raises his hand and waits to be called upon. Once he is called on: Master Glansandi, considering all we have heard here, I feel we need to take action in some way, but I do not believe we are remotely equipped or manned for a traditional front-on assault. I believe we need to gather more information like our brave man here, Jaxsen. Intelligence will be key in our endeavors here. Regardless of what course we take, we need to prioritize freeing these slaves.
This will undoubtedly lead to conflict. These Stoneguts have proven that they are greedy and vindictive, and now we know flat-out cruel. Once we free the people they hold as slaves they will doubtless view it as us stealing their property. We all remember the extremes they took when some of the people here... myself included for full disclosure, used some of the piled rocks found at the trailhead. We have mounting problems, and aid from the mainland seems delayed.
My question is this. What can we do now to scout for more information? Is there another route we might consider other than the trail since it is being watched? I heard the tale of a northward trail that is west of our town, perhaps that is an option to help us get closer through a back door of sorts? Do we have any seasoned rangers or scouts? The what and the who and the how. Those are our main questions...
And then we have the more critical collection of looming problems... After we find the information we need... how do we free them? Can we petition the mainland governments again for aid? Surely information about slavery would incite more to the cause of freeing them? Could we see if the Natives would help us? I would volunteer with aid from a druid to speak with Snarku again of the Phantatons to see if they would help. Surely these Stoneguts are an equal threat to the Tree Folk.
And most importantly, and I hate to beat the dead horse or segway into our other topic for this meeting too soon, what are we going to do about when the dwarves come rampaging down the trail with blood in their eyes? Are we ready to move the town? Are we moving the planning up? Are we going to try some other strategy to defend what, I am sorry to say, is practically an indefensible position with a minimal amount of experienced fighters and a competitive lack of equipment?
He runs a hand through his thinning hair, and sighs. I hate sounding pessimistic... but we need to be honest about the dangerous game we find ourselves in right now. It is now apparent, in my own opinion, before those Stoneguts come down the trail, provoked or otherwise, looking to make slaves of all of us. If a man will take 1, he will take all.
He finally raises his hand and waits to be called upon. Once he is called on: Master Glansandi, considering all we have heard here, I feel we need to take action in some way, but I do not believe we are remotely equipped or manned for a traditional front-on assault. I believe we need to gather more information like our brave man here, Jaxsen. Intelligence will be key in our endeavors here. Regardless of what course we take, we need to prioritize freeing these slaves.
This will undoubtedly lead to conflict. These Stoneguts have proven that they are greedy and vindictive, and now we know flat-out cruel. Once we free the people they hold as slaves they will doubtless view it as us stealing their property. We all remember the extremes they took when some of the people here... myself included for full disclosure, used some of the piled rocks found at the trailhead. We have mounting problems, and aid from the mainland seems delayed.
My question is this. What can we do now to scout for more information? Is there another route we might consider other than the trail since it is being watched? I heard the tale of a northward trail that is west of our town, perhaps that is an option to help us get closer through a back door of sorts? Do we have any seasoned rangers or scouts? The what and the who and the how. Those are our main questions...
And then we have the more critical collection of looming problems... After we find the information we need... how do we free them? Can we petition the mainland governments again for aid? Surely information about slavery would incite more to the cause of freeing them? Could we see if the Natives would help us? I would volunteer with aid from a druid to speak with Snarku again of the Phantatons to see if they would help. Surely these Stoneguts are an equal threat to the Tree Folk.
And most importantly, and I hate to beat the dead horse or segway into our other topic for this meeting too soon, what are we going to do about when the dwarves come rampaging down the trail with blood in their eyes? Are we ready to move the town? Are we moving the planning up? Are we going to try some other strategy to defend what, I am sorry to say, is practically an indefensible position with a minimal amount of experienced fighters and a competitive lack of equipment?
He runs a hand through his thinning hair, and sighs. I hate sounding pessimistic... but we need to be honest about the dangerous game we find ourselves in right now. It is now apparent, in my own opinion, before those Stoneguts come down the trail, provoked or otherwise, looking to make slaves of all of us. If a man will take 1, he will take all.
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
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Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
The council members nod at all the points mentioned so far, agreeing with most of them.
Glansandi speaks up after Liam's diatribe. "Try to remember where we are, master Liam. Those of us who have been here the longest know just how difficult it is to get information and supplies from the mainland. Captain Quark is only one man after all, and can only do so much for us. We are lucky that he sails here at all anymore. Correspondences from Saltmarsh and beyond could take months to receive, not days, sir. As we all knew when we came here, we are likely on our own, left to fend for ourselves."
"Your idea to gather more information about the dwarves is sound, but I agree with you that we must be better prepared for an attack. Especially now that we have not only interfered with their affairs, but fought against and killed some of them. If the dwarves are as tainted as you say, they will surely not let something like that pass without some kind of a response."
"How close are we to finding a new place to settle and how quick can we pull up stakes here? Do we even know if everyone in town is really willing to move yet?"
Glansandi speaks up after Liam's diatribe. "Try to remember where we are, master Liam. Those of us who have been here the longest know just how difficult it is to get information and supplies from the mainland. Captain Quark is only one man after all, and can only do so much for us. We are lucky that he sails here at all anymore. Correspondences from Saltmarsh and beyond could take months to receive, not days, sir. As we all knew when we came here, we are likely on our own, left to fend for ourselves."
"Your idea to gather more information about the dwarves is sound, but I agree with you that we must be better prepared for an attack. Especially now that we have not only interfered with their affairs, but fought against and killed some of them. If the dwarves are as tainted as you say, they will surely not let something like that pass without some kind of a response."
"How close are we to finding a new place to settle and how quick can we pull up stakes here? Do we even know if everyone in town is really willing to move yet?"
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Daisy
We know these fellas call themselves Stoneguts- do we have any idea what Nation they belong to? We've talked before about the chance that they're a bunch of renegades.
Jaxsen, honey- did you see any banners or sigils that might help tell whose Kingdom they came from? It wouldn't be a short-term solution, but might help us contact their leaders on the mainland. We still need to take quick action to protect ourselves, of course- but sending a message back to their leaders might help stop them long-term.
We held off on scouting for a new homestead while we tried to find out more about the Dwarfs- Ah think it's time to step up the pace on that.
We know these fellas call themselves Stoneguts- do we have any idea what Nation they belong to? We've talked before about the chance that they're a bunch of renegades.
Jaxsen, honey- did you see any banners or sigils that might help tell whose Kingdom they came from? It wouldn't be a short-term solution, but might help us contact their leaders on the mainland. We still need to take quick action to protect ourselves, of course- but sending a message back to their leaders might help stop them long-term.
We held off on scouting for a new homestead while we tried to find out more about the Dwarfs- Ah think it's time to step up the pace on that.
FA FO
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Jaxsen Reiter
I believe this would be correct, and it is up to OM. OM, If Jaxsen could have made out anything in the pre-dawn and dawn light, please let me know.
"I'm sorry, Mayor," Jaxsen says. "But most of the time I was near the compound, it was too dark to have made one out. I might have been able to see if there was a banner, but I wouldn't have been able to see the details. Does anyone remember if there was anything on their armor?"
I believe this would be correct, and it is up to OM. OM, If Jaxsen could have made out anything in the pre-dawn and dawn light, please let me know.
"I'm sorry, Mayor," Jaxsen says. "But most of the time I was near the compound, it was too dark to have made one out. I might have been able to see if there was a banner, but I wouldn't have been able to see the details. Does anyone remember if there was anything on their armor?"
"There is no spoon."
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Dexter Broadleaf
Dexter speaks up at Daisy's words. "I have lived in the Principality of Ulek most of my life, and that's probably the closest and largest Dwarf Kingdom in this part of the world. I hadn't heard of the Stoneguts, but I have a lot of friends back there I can ask. But, as we have learned, it will be weeks, at least, before we hear back from them."
Dexter speaks up at Daisy's words. "I have lived in the Principality of Ulek most of my life, and that's probably the closest and largest Dwarf Kingdom in this part of the world. I hadn't heard of the Stoneguts, but I have a lot of friends back there I can ask. But, as we have learned, it will be weeks, at least, before we hear back from them."
"There is no spoon."
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Monsieur Rose
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Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
The Princess
She listens to the discussion politely, taking the measure of those present. "Mayor, if I may. A dose of reality may be useful. There is no reason to assume that the Stoneguts are a renegade clan, or in fact, no reason to assume that dwarves can't be greedy manipulative evil bastards. As can all the races." The Princess nods at Dexter. "The Dwarves of Ulek are by and largely beneficial, but they are by no means a shining beacon of positivity and welcomeness."
She addresses Liam. "No nation is going to come here to help this motley gang of settlers. This group is comprised of people who, for whatever reason, chose to leave civilization and strike out on their own. Settlements fail, and even those with official backing can't always be protected. No. This town is on its own, especially if word gets out that a clan of dwarves has claimed the island. No ruler in her right mind would send a force to fight for this place. Unless there is profit to be made."
The Princess speaks to Daisy. "From my previous dealings with them, I thought they could be negotiated with. It's still possible they can, it's better than the alternative. I'm no fan of slavery, but I'm also pragmatic. If the clan has roots on the mainland, the increased presence over the last few weeks indicates approval of the actions here. If this is a new clan, that copper mine plus the unknown ore are more than enough reasons for them to settle here. Unless you advocate genocide, these Stoneguts are here to stay."
"Staying out of their way and fortifying an area is the best way to avoid bloodshed. If that is the overall goal." She looks around at the hard faces and lives gathered. "That may actually be the big question. Does the town fight, whether now or eventually, or avoid conflict?"
She listens to the discussion politely, taking the measure of those present. "Mayor, if I may. A dose of reality may be useful. There is no reason to assume that the Stoneguts are a renegade clan, or in fact, no reason to assume that dwarves can't be greedy manipulative evil bastards. As can all the races." The Princess nods at Dexter. "The Dwarves of Ulek are by and largely beneficial, but they are by no means a shining beacon of positivity and welcomeness."
She addresses Liam. "No nation is going to come here to help this motley gang of settlers. This group is comprised of people who, for whatever reason, chose to leave civilization and strike out on their own. Settlements fail, and even those with official backing can't always be protected. No. This town is on its own, especially if word gets out that a clan of dwarves has claimed the island. No ruler in her right mind would send a force to fight for this place. Unless there is profit to be made."
The Princess speaks to Daisy. "From my previous dealings with them, I thought they could be negotiated with. It's still possible they can, it's better than the alternative. I'm no fan of slavery, but I'm also pragmatic. If the clan has roots on the mainland, the increased presence over the last few weeks indicates approval of the actions here. If this is a new clan, that copper mine plus the unknown ore are more than enough reasons for them to settle here. Unless you advocate genocide, these Stoneguts are here to stay."
"Staying out of their way and fortifying an area is the best way to avoid bloodshed. If that is the overall goal." She looks around at the hard faces and lives gathered. "That may actually be the big question. Does the town fight, whether now or eventually, or avoid conflict?"
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Dexter Broadleaf
Loyal Subject of the Prince of Ulek
"As a citizen of the Principality of Ulek," replies Dexter with emphasis. "Who this self-proclaimed Noble says is no shining beacon of positivity, I challenge the .... ahem.... Princess to name another Dwarf clan that mines with slaves. And if she wants to bring up Duergar or other distant kin of true Dwarves, I'm sure she will understand when I compare her people to Drow. The Mountain and Hill Dwarves of Ulek are a shining beacon to those who live under their rule and around their borders. Only the Pomarji and their allies would argue that."
"And," he continues. "If this... noblewoman wishes to negotiate with slavers and murderers, that is her issue. I will have nothing but violence for them from now on, and neither will any other decent person. Her last insistence that we talk to the Stoneguts nearly got us all killed. But you should all make sure not to mistake her 'pragmatism' for appeasement of slavers."
"I say we need to contact the Native people. If the Stoneguts have been taking our people, they have likely been taking theirs as well." Dexter finishes and takes a seat.
Loyal Subject of the Prince of Ulek
"As a citizen of the Principality of Ulek," replies Dexter with emphasis. "Who this self-proclaimed Noble says is no shining beacon of positivity, I challenge the .... ahem.... Princess to name another Dwarf clan that mines with slaves. And if she wants to bring up Duergar or other distant kin of true Dwarves, I'm sure she will understand when I compare her people to Drow. The Mountain and Hill Dwarves of Ulek are a shining beacon to those who live under their rule and around their borders. Only the Pomarji and their allies would argue that."
"And," he continues. "If this... noblewoman wishes to negotiate with slavers and murderers, that is her issue. I will have nothing but violence for them from now on, and neither will any other decent person. Her last insistence that we talk to the Stoneguts nearly got us all killed. But you should all make sure not to mistake her 'pragmatism' for appeasement of slavers."
"I say we need to contact the Native people. If the Stoneguts have been taking our people, they have likely been taking theirs as well." Dexter finishes and takes a seat.
"There is no spoon."
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Monsieur Rose
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Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Why? Just why are you such an ass?
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Jaxsen Reiter
Standing once more, Jaxsen says, "I can only speak with the wisdom of Queen Bralm. These Dwarves are heartless slavers. I have seen it with my own eyes. And when two hives of ants meet, they go to war. The winner will make slaves of the losers. And those enslaved ants will toil until they die from starvation. I have seen nothing to make me think these Stoneguts are any different. If we lose to them, we will die in the fight or starve in their pit. I would rather die defending my hive."
Standing once more, Jaxsen says, "I can only speak with the wisdom of Queen Bralm. These Dwarves are heartless slavers. I have seen it with my own eyes. And when two hives of ants meet, they go to war. The winner will make slaves of the losers. And those enslaved ants will toil until they die from starvation. I have seen nothing to make me think these Stoneguts are any different. If we lose to them, we will die in the fight or starve in their pit. I would rather die defending my hive."
"There is no spoon."
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Dude, Dexter is saying what he would say. The Princess insulted Dexter's liege and his nation and he responded with truth and a bit of anger. That's called roleplaying.
"There is no spoon."
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Monsieur Rose
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Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Bro. You take every opportunity with all three of your characters to belittle, insult, and fight with me. That's called being an ass.
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Monsieur Rose
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Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
The Princess
The Princess stands, visible smoke rising, with a whole speech prepared. She looks around and shakes her head.
"If anyone would like to discuss things in a reasonable manner, I'm available." She looks at Dexter with disgust. "You're insane. I'm done with you. Keep my name out of your mouth and don't speak to me again. You're not worth my time."
She leaves.
As I told Sir Owen in some heated PMs, I'm done with him. I will no longer subject myself to his disrespect and abuse.
The Princess stands, visible smoke rising, with a whole speech prepared. She looks around and shakes her head.
"If anyone would like to discuss things in a reasonable manner, I'm available." She looks at Dexter with disgust. "You're insane. I'm done with you. Keep my name out of your mouth and don't speak to me again. You're not worth my time."
She leaves.
As I told Sir Owen in some heated PMs, I'm done with him. I will no longer subject myself to his disrespect and abuse.
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Dexter Broadleaf
"Is that how you think this works.... Princess?" Dexter says, standing once again as she turns her back to go. "You give people orders and they have to obey? You might be royalty somewhere, but it ain't here. You led us into what would have either killed or enslaved us, and now you say you think the Stoneguts might be negotiated with, and I'm insane?"
"Is that how you think this works.... Princess?" Dexter says, standing once again as she turns her back to go. "You give people orders and they have to obey? You might be royalty somewhere, but it ain't here. You led us into what would have either killed or enslaved us, and now you say you think the Stoneguts might be negotiated with, and I'm insane?"
"There is no spoon."
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Monsieur Rose
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Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
I have SirOwen on my blacklist, so I will not be able to view any posts he makes. I apologize to anyone who this may inconvenience.
Dude. Take a hint and stop writing me.
Dude. Take a hint and stop writing me.
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Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Wow.
I honestly don't see a lot of options for players who can't play nice together, but I simply do NOT have time to deal with silly butt-hurt bickering between two grown ass men.
I have a busy weekend planned that I am not about to ruin by dealing with this shit right now, so I wont be addressing the long string of PM's I got from either of you for a few days.
I am not in any way, shape, or form a qualified professional counselor. (if anyone here is, please feel free to jump in) This is a GAME!!!! Games are supposed to be fun for All the participants.
Stuff like this is NOT fun!
If Daisy, Liam, Narramore, etc. would like to try to continue this effort, please do. Any more posts containing unnecessary arguments or fighting will be deleted.
I am sorry that the rest of you had to read this mess.
I honestly don't see a lot of options for players who can't play nice together, but I simply do NOT have time to deal with silly butt-hurt bickering between two grown ass men.
I have a busy weekend planned that I am not about to ruin by dealing with this shit right now, so I wont be addressing the long string of PM's I got from either of you for a few days.
I am not in any way, shape, or form a qualified professional counselor. (if anyone here is, please feel free to jump in) This is a GAME!!!! Games are supposed to be fun for All the participants.
Stuff like this is NOT fun!
If Daisy, Liam, Narramore, etc. would like to try to continue this effort, please do. Any more posts containing unnecessary arguments or fighting will be deleted.
I am sorry that the rest of you had to read this mess.
Re: Everyday Life in Beachtown
Sir William Narramore
The knight wears a pensive frown as he considers their options. "We gain nothing by fighting one another," he rumbles in a measured tone. "We'll live or die together on this unholy rock. I intend to live."
Narramore sighs. "And as much as I detest the idea, negotiation might be our only chance at surviving long enough to resettle the town and prepare defenses. Or to forge an alliance between the natives, treefolk, and townspeople." His eyes narrow. "Though, as has already been stated, our last attempt at negotiating peace between us ended in the Stoneguts attempting to kidnap us for labor and pleasure, neither of which is palatable to me."
The big man shakes his head with a humorless chuckle. "A rock and a hard place, eh?" His sun-browned face creases in a weary smile. "If you'll excuse me."
After taking his leave, the knight in dented armor heads for the fuming princess, marveling at the ability of her short legs to outpace his ground-eating strides. "By Heironeous, woman, slow down!" He urges, masking a grin. "You're magnificent when you're angry--or sitting astride a giant lizard trampling Stoneguts--but I can't appreciate it properly at such a pace."
If she'll pause to speak, his humor is quickly replaced by genuine curiosity. "What diplomatic arrows yet remain in your quiver, highness? I fear we'll need them all before this is over."
The knight wears a pensive frown as he considers their options. "We gain nothing by fighting one another," he rumbles in a measured tone. "We'll live or die together on this unholy rock. I intend to live."
Narramore sighs. "And as much as I detest the idea, negotiation might be our only chance at surviving long enough to resettle the town and prepare defenses. Or to forge an alliance between the natives, treefolk, and townspeople." His eyes narrow. "Though, as has already been stated, our last attempt at negotiating peace between us ended in the Stoneguts attempting to kidnap us for labor and pleasure, neither of which is palatable to me."
The big man shakes his head with a humorless chuckle. "A rock and a hard place, eh?" His sun-browned face creases in a weary smile. "If you'll excuse me."
After taking his leave, the knight in dented armor heads for the fuming princess, marveling at the ability of her short legs to outpace his ground-eating strides. "By Heironeous, woman, slow down!" He urges, masking a grin. "You're magnificent when you're angry--or sitting astride a giant lizard trampling Stoneguts--but I can't appreciate it properly at such a pace."
If she'll pause to speak, his humor is quickly replaced by genuine curiosity. "What diplomatic arrows yet remain in your quiver, highness? I fear we'll need them all before this is over."