It is a hot summer day in Leaphaven, when some children, scared almost to to death, come screaming through the gates.

"ORCS!"
"Strange Lights!"
"I SAW DEAD PEOPLE!"
"I WANT MY MAMA!"

One of the constables on duty roughly grabs one of the boys in the group by his arm and spins him around to face him.

"Look here boy, what is this all about, hmm? You can't just go screaming what you like through the streets and scaring everyone! So, what is it? You think this a funny game?"

The boy with tears in his eyes from both fright and the pain in the arm the constable grabbed just sort of whimpered out, "It's true sir, there were strange lights about a mile outside the city gates. They looked like a swarm of fireflies, but when we tried to catch them they flashed bright. It almost seemed like I was in a house and there were long dead men walking towards me, then they disappeared."

"Well, I'm going to have your mum summoned and we're going to all see the Governor together and we'll see what he thinks of your story! And as for your friends, we'll deal with them soon enough. I will have order here, and no hooligan kids are going to wreck that order! Come along boy!"

It was a long day. All the children involved and their parents were summoned before the Governor and were questioned separately. All, that is, except one. One of the children with the group did not return with the others. The stories of all the children matched with exception to what they saw. Each recalled that after the bright flash, they seemed to be in a room like in a house. Some saw ogres, some saw an old man, one saw a group of orcs, and one of the children, a little girl, the sister of the missing boy, saw a black dragon.

The mother of the missing boy was hysterical.

"But my son is missing! This constable is treating our children like criminals and trying to hush them up like this is some fantasy that they concocted to get attention.
I believe there is a real danger outside the city gates and my son could be lost in it! Please, give these children the benefit of the doubt and do SOMETHING to find my son!"

She backs away with head in hands sobbing her heart out and tries to take a seat but misses the chair and sits hard on the floor making her only cry harder.

The Governor takes the rest of the day to deliberate on the situation, and by the next morning, comes to a plan of action. He sends the constable, and four of his best guards to the location of the disturbance to investigate, but not to enter, just for the purpose of reconnaissance.

The constable returned humbled and looking worse for wear with only two of the four guards he was sent with.
When the Governor saw the remains of the group he sent out, he stood up in surprise and exclaimed, "What in the god's names happened to you people?"

"Oh Sir, the children weren't lying! The lights they saw are starting to form something big. It looks as if its supposed to be a house or some kind of building, but just as soon as it begins to take shape it fades away!"

"Well that's all fine and well but what happened to you? I sent you out to gather information, not to do battle!"

At that point one of the guards steps up and says,"Remember what the kids said they saw? Just as the house, or building or whatever it is faded away, it apparently deposited five ogres and they immediately attacked us. Those of us who stand before you now just barely made it away with our lives, sir."

The Governor contemplatively strokes his beard and after a moment that seems like an eternity to the others says,"This looks like a job for professional outsiders. This city can't afford to lose any more guards or constables. We're short handed as it is. Crime has risen by half of what it was two seasons ago and we need eyes and ears here in the city to keep a watch out for these new nefarious guilds springing up in the city's underground. No, this is not a time we can afford to be weak. Constable, I want you to summon five of my best couriers, preferably those who can travel magically."

"At once, Sir!"

----------------------------------------------------------

During the hour in which the Governor waited for the couriers, he sat down with ink and quill to write out five letters of summons.



Talking to the remaining guards he says as he writes, "The children mentioned seeing walking dead. My brother wrote to me before he died of a cleric of Eilistraee that he took under his wing. He said if she ever came into Leaphaven to take care of her. She could probably use the work.

I hear tell of a half orc barbarian that lives on the outskirts of our neighboring city. I believe his name is Irgune. One of the children said they saw orcs. Well, fight fire with fire I say and I've never known a barbarian to turn down a fine wage.

The group is going to need a mage and I think I've got just the one in mind. Poor girl, she's a moon elf and she lost her twin sister, but she must be powerful, though for she did defeat a priestess of Lolth, from what I've heard.

There is this one man that frequents the Nightshade Inn once or twice a week. I'm not sure if he is part of one of the guilds we've been having trouble with but he's been doing a bit of bragging about his exploits and word has reached me about it. Strange man too, I hear he once bet that he could eat a raw fifteen ounce venison steak without getting sick and won the bet. If he thinks he's as good as I hear he is, I would like one of you to take this letter to him to see if he's up for the task and hand him this letter. Tell "Xavier", I believe that's the name he goes by, that I will pay handsomely. He seems like the kind of chap that's interested in that kind of business talk.

We will need someone who can lead such a motley crew. Someone who can inspire the best in the others and from his reputation he might even be able to get along well with Xavier as well. Who knows? But he's the most investigative paladin I've heard of if not the most unorthodox. Do you remember when I was on a diplomatic mission to get medical help from Shaarmid, for the epidemic of Red Fever that spread through here two winters ago?"

One of the guards rubbed his throat and eyes at the mere mention of the sickness, "Please, sir , don't remind me."

"Well anyway, that's where I met the Reverend Father Turalyon. During our talks he told me of Chiron Po one of his newest Knights of the Order of the Champions of the Noble Heart."

The guard cocked his head and said, "Wow, that was a mouthful. I've always wondered how you know of so many people, even those who don't know of you."

The Governor shoots a glance and a smirk up to the guard as he replies,"I've got friends in both high and low places."

The couriers showed up finally as he finished the last summons and the Governor hands one wax sealed letter to each of them to deliver.

"I believe if we can get all four on board for this mission, we can rescue the boy and eliminate this threat, once a for all"

The letter reads as follows:

"Dear Sir (or Madam),

We in Leaphaven are in dire need of help, for we are short handed in security staff in this town and a new development has arisen only a mile outside our city gates that could very well be a threat to the city. Two fatalities have already occurred and a little boy has gone missing and we believe this to be connected to the same problem. I don't want to go into too much detail for fear that if this letter falls into the wrong hands it may be viewed as a sign of weakness on our part and open us up for attack. All I will say is that this summons reached you for the reason that your reputation precedes you and though you seem young and just starting out in your career, you are good at what you do. If you accept the mission of investigation and elimination of threats outside of our city gates, please teleport to Leaphaven with my courier and come meet with me. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Cordially yours,

Governor Bailash Castor"

---------------------------------------------------
Satya, a beautiful, yet rough around the edges, young woman leaves a dark past behind, hoping to travel far enough to find a brighter future. Her long, dark, wavy hair is blown about by a wind, a wind that seems to push her, guide her in the way she should travel, and being the ranger that she is, she takes the hint from nature itself....

Satya entered Leaphaven after finding what appeared to be a dead courier from an unknown town. Because she is illiterate, she didn't bother trying to figure out what the strange markings the letter the courier was carrying meant. The only clue she had to the letter's origin was a pictogram or symbol visible within the wax seal on the letter. So she began to ask around for information, and she finally wound up with directions given to her by a traveling merchant. Following those directions brought her to a set of city gates with the same symbol in the wax seal burned into the hardwood doors. While looking for the sender, she found out a child, a young boy of around 10, was missing from the murmurs and gossip whispered and clandestine talk about town. Satya figured returning the letter to its sender can wait (still not knowing what the letter is about) for she felt a great need to find this child. An old guilt fills her and she hopes helping the child might make amends with the powers of fate. She set off in the direction of a glowing disturbance that she took notice of, northwest of the city almost a mile away, towards a glowing in the woods....

The courier arrived just after dawn.

The innkeeper directed him to the shack out back “I've nothing against his sort personally, you understand, but what would folks think if I let someone like that stay under my roof? This is a respectable establishment”

Just past the corral, not far from the pig wallow, the courier approached a small ramshackle hut slightly larger than the outhouse that sat a few yards away. As he raised his hand to knock, the door was flung open. The courier stepped back eyes wide with surprise at the sight that emerged from the darkened interior of the shed.

Standing only five and a half feet tall, the massively muscled being stepped out into the sunlight naked but for a loincloth. Its leathery gray skin was scarred everywhere he looked. Beady black eyes blinked at the bright morning light from beneath a deeply furrowed brow.

“Are you Irgune?” asked the courier.
The half-orc grunted with a nod.
The courier extended the letter, “I've a message for you.”
The half-orc took the offered letter and unfolded it. Scratching his chin with one thick fingered hand he carefully perused the message. Then handed it back to the courier.
“I don't read” he said, with a voice that sounded like a distant landslide.
The courier took the letter back and using his most imperious voice read it word for word to the half-orc.
“So? Work?” grunted Irgune.
The courier nodded.
The half-orc stepped back into his shack and emerged a few minutes later clad in dragonhide armor, weapons and equipment slung on his back.
“Let's go.”
With that the courier invoked his teleport spell and the two vanished.

Ardulace reclined in her bath after a day of tending to the poor. The endless poor, with their myriad woes and worries... what little good she could do, she did. But it was never enough. A discreet knock at the door started her from her thoughts.
"Yer ladyship, 'eres a man what says 'e's got a message fer ye down in the common room. Wouldn't give it over, says e's got to hand it to ye 'imself." called the maid.
"Feed him well and let him enjoy the hospitality of this house. I shall hold audience with him presently." replied the weary priestess.

As the maid's footfalls dwindled down the hall, Ardulace rose from her bath and reached for her robe. A few minutes later, clad in her vestments, she stood before a mirror studying her reflection. Taking a battered old hat from a peg on the wall she slipped it onto her head, secured it with a pair of long pins, concentrated for a moment, then watched as the reflection in the mirror changed from that of an ebon skinned drowess to that of an ivory skinned half elf. The hat even concealed itself,now appearing as a simple leather thong tied tight to hold the cleric's hair back.
Satisfied with what she saw, the priestess slipped through the door and descended the stairs. The common room was only just beginning to get crowded. As she entered, a tall young man rose and turned to her.
"I come seeking a priestess of Eilistraee that is said to be in these parts. Are you she?" he asked.

Attributing his lack of manners to his youth and impetuousness, she stopped before his table. "Verily, I am she. Pray, what succor dost thou require?" She remained standing and cast a single sidelong glance at a chair beside the table.
The young man started to speak, then noting her glance, pulled the chair out and held it as she sat. He then resumed his seat, and pulled a sealed message out of his jerkin.
"I have an important message for you from the Lord Governor of Leaphaven, Bailish Castor". He placed the paper on the table and slid it across to her. "I am to await your response."
Taking the paper, she briefly inspected the wax seal to be sure that it had not been tampered with, then opened it and began reading.

When finished she turned back to the courier. "Know ye naught of what troubles afflict Leaphaven?"
The courier shook his head. "Nothing, my lady. Only that the Lord Governor seemed quite agitated by the matter."
"Yea, verily. I shall return with thee to Leaphaven, but I am weary and in need of rest. The rising sun shall see us off. Be thou ready at first light." She rose and gestured to the rapidly filling common room. "Let not your mission burden you o'ermuch. The night is young and so art thou. Enjoy!" With that, she returned to her room.

Once the door was securely bolted, she removed her hat and instantly transformed from Lacey, the half-elf to Ardulace, the drowess. She extinguished the lantern, and opened the window. The newly risen moon shone into the room, its pale light glinting off the black elf's silvery hair. Kneeling in the pale light, she turned her face up to the moon and prayed.
Blessed Maiden hear my prayers. Grant thy humble servant the wisdom to be worthy of thy blessings. Help me to ease the suffering of the afflicted, to heal the sick and the injured. Grant me the strength to battle the foes of peace and freedom, and the perseverance to redeem my people in the eyes of the world and to free them from the insanity that binds them. Keeping her Hat of Disguise close at hand, she slipped beneath the blankets and sank into the seductive softness and warmth of the feather bed and was soon asleep.

In the morning, she quickly and quietly packed her few belongings, and dressed in her armor, sword at her side, she descended the stairs once again in the guise of Lacey the half-elf. After settling her bill with the innkeeper. She met the bleary eyed courier in the yard of the inn.
"Lead on good sir. Prithee, how long is the road to Leaphaven?" she asked.
The courier smiled, "'Tis but a few seconds away." He then intoned a spell, and after a dizzying moment of disorientation, Lacey found herself standing before the gates of a strange town.
"Leaphaven" said the courier. "Come I shall show you to the Governor."
Slinging her pack onto her back, she followed as the courier lead the way.

Dear Sir,

We in Leaphaven are in dire need of help, for we are short handed in security staff in this town and a new development has arisen only a mile outside our city gates that could very well be a threat to the city. Two fatalities have already occurred and a little boy has gone missing and we believe this to be connected to the same problem. I don't want to go into too much detail for fear that if this letter falls into the wrong hands it may be viewed as a sign of weakness on our part and open us up for attack. All I will say is that this summons reached you for the reason that your reputation precedes you and though you seem young and just starting out in your career, you are good at what you do. If you accept the mission of investigation and elimination of threats outside of our city gates, please teleport to Leaphaven with my courier and come meet with me. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Cordially yours,

Governor Bailash Castor
Xavier read the note, a small grin forming on his face. He hung from the rafters in his room, where he had recently had the note delivered to him. He had to hurriedly throw the covers over the bed to hide his... dinner, but he managed to do it in time so as to not seem suspicious.

"So... Leaphaven eh? Well... might be a good time to hide myself... it would seem as though I won't hide forever... and all hell is gonna break loose if they find me. Maybe I'll take this job up... see if I can't make a few gold." Xavier muttered to himself.

He had his things all over the place though, so he smoothly dropped to the ground, landing silently, and proceeded to walk around the room, opening small secret compartments and pulling out small objects, potions, and other miscellaneous items. Throwing the covers away from his bed to permit him to access the holes in his mattress with items in them, he took a small moment to glance at his meal. The now pale woman lay there, motionless. Blood was blood, and she wanted him. He moved her aside, and pulled out a handful of shuriken, which he placed in his boots. Wonderful. Now, he had everything. Placing the blanket back over the woman, he blew her a kiss, then decided to leave the city, before anybody began to ask unnecessary questions about the man who always stayed home, had guests come in, but never come out. The Xavier von Richter who showed up one day, tired and weary, and had made a bet to eat a raw steak, both to get food and blood. With the money, he'd bought the house atop the hill, and rarely went out. Too many possible questions, no answer's that Xavier wanted to give.

"Leaphaven... heh, I wonder if I'll meet someone like my half-sister Camille. Ever since she got caught up with that assassin, I haven't heard from her since. Pity really. We got along fairly well. Oh well, I'm sure I'll meet up with her again."

With his thoughts in his head, his gold in his pouch, and his weapons hidden on his person, Xavier began the trek to Leaphaven, and the security which that town offered him.

Seluumiel Ithil'Luume sat on the floor of the temple, its stone surface cool to the touch. Moonlight poured through an opening in the roof. Bathed in moonlight her silver hair and pale blue white skin seemed to glow. Her sapphire eyes stared at a small silver vessel at her feet for a moment before focusing on something in the distance. The moon elf whispered an esoteric word and flicked her fingers at the vessel. A spark cracked inside and a fragrant white smoke poured from holes along the silver surface as the dried plants and flowers it held began to burn. Seluumiel breathed deeply relaxing her body and stilling her mind. Watching the swirling smoke dance with the pale moonlight pulled her awareness from the here and now. She asked Sehanine Moonbow for guidance and visions of constellations and moonlight swallowed her. Time twisted around her as she followed the rhythm of the trance and the elf delved wholly into the vision.

"My Lady?" a soft youthful voice and a gentle touch on her shoulder roused her from the reverie. Seluumiel turned to face the wide eyed temple acolyte that rested a hand on her shoulder. The girl's eyes widened as they fell on the silver mark on her forehead, a full moon topped by a crescent-shaped haze. She smiled at the acolyte. The girl was young, perhaps no older than fifty years.

"What is it my child?" she addressed the girl in cool melodious voice.

"A man is here for you Lady Seluumiel, a human from Leaphaven." The elf woman narrowed her eyes. What possibly could a human from a far off town want of her?

"Send him in child,"Seluumiel said softly. The young moon elf nodded and made her way out of the temple to bring the courier. Seluumiel stood waving a hand and the white smoke extinguished within the silver vessel. She wore a diaphanous silvery white gown, the skirts fell just below her knees and were split at her hips exposing her legs covered in pale grey leggings tucked into dark grey boots. The moon elf made her way to the temple entrance to meet a copper skinned courier.

"Welcome to Evereska," Seluumiel greeted the man in the common tongue as she took the letter he offered. She broke the wax seal and pulled out the enclosed letter. Sapphire eyes traced the letter's words several times before glancing up at the copper skinned human. A strange thing indeed the letter was. She had arrived in Faerun not even a year ago. With the exception of the brief journey to the ruins of Cormanthyr she had spent the entire time in this very Evereskan temple. It was odd that any in Faerun outside the moon elf city would know of her, odder still that they would send her a summons for aid. She would go with the courier to Leaphaven, at the very least to unravel this curiosity.

"If you will wait here for a moment," she addressed the courier. Not waiting for a response she turned and picked up the silver vessel before disappearing behind a gossamer curtain. Seluumiel walked through the temple hallways to the small private chambers she had been afforded. As a priestess of Sehanine Moonbow she had been offered shelter in the Evereskan temple to the goddess for as long as she remained in the city. Reaching the ascetic chambers she sat and quickly wrote a letter of gratitude to the keepers of the temple. Leaving the letter on the table with the silver vessel Seluumiel gathered her few possessions and donned a white traveling cloak.

She made her way back through the temple to the waiting courier. Walking past him she exited the temple. The young acolyte waited at the entrance and Seluumiel nodded her head to the girl mouthing 'May the Lady of Dreams light your path.' She turned to face the human courier that now followed out of the temple and she smiled at him.

"Shall we be off my friend?" she inquired of the young man as he reached her side. He let out a quiet sigh of irritation before nodding and taking her hand. As the courier whispered a string of arcane words magic swirled around the pair and Evereska disappeared from view.

(OOC: casts prestidigitation twice, spends 1 MP)

...If you accept the mission of investigation and elimination of threats outside of our city gates, please teleport to Leaphaven with my courier and come meet with me. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Cordially yours,

Governor Bailash Castor

Chiron looks up from the letter to the courier standing across the table. He had just finished his morning meal at the Raven's Nest when the letter had been dropped nearly into his lap. "Are you Chiron?" the letter-bearer had asked. "Chiron Po, paladin in the company of the Companion..."

"Yes. Yes, my name is Chiron Po. For what purpose do you seek a paladin?"

The letter made its appearance.

Dear Sir,

We in Leaphaven are in dire need of help, for we are short handed in security staff in this town and a new development has arisen...

Something about this didn't make sense. Anyone who knew him by reputation should also know that he was all but thrown out of the Companions of the Noble Heart. "My reputation precedes me, huh?" he asked, almost to himself, then turned to the courier, "Tell me, what have you heard of my reputation?"

The man could only offer a confused look and the stammered beginnings of a response at the unexpected line of questioning. Realizing he'd just tried to stab the proverbial messenger, Chiron let the man off the hook, "Oh, never mind. I speak out of place and much too harshly to one who is only doing his job. I thank you for delivering this summons to me and accept the offer presented within.. unless you can give me a reason why I should be suspect of this invitation?" Chiron paused just long enough for that panicked and lost look to return to the messenger's face. "Kidding. I do accept. The letter was non-specific, but I assume from the wording that you have the means to ferry us quickly to your town of -- what was it? --Leaphaven? Just give me a few minutes to collect my things and we can be on our way."

-----

As he was fitting the last few items into his pack, it dawned on Chiron that maybe this governor fellow, whoever he was, had heard of him before he was sent out on this extended mission of goodwill. "This could be a chance to rebuild some of my standing with the Companions, especially if I get to work without the preconceived judgments of those who know why I've been sent this far away," he thought to himself. Then he remembered the messenger, and how rude he'd been to the man, so he dug a few silver coins out of his belt pouch as he headed back downstairs.

The courier was still waiting at the table, but the paladin had one last stop to make. "Hey, Keep. Something has come up that requires my immediate departure. Don't worry about refunding me for the room... take the remaining paid days and gift them to the next person who is in need of shelter but lacks the coins. I thank you and may Ilmater bless you for doing what is right in this." Now he was ready to leave.

"Alright. I have everything I need and have almost done everything I need to do. I should not have reacted so harshly to the words in the letter. You did not know what message you conveyed, were only doing as you'd been ordered, and in no way deserved the treatment you received."Chiron held out the coins as he finished, "Whatever compensation you've been given for this errand, I'm sure it didn't include the price for dealing with an ornery knight. Please, take this along with my apologies."

"Now let's see what we can do for your town!"


((OoC: -3sp to the courier; -2gp, 5sp to pay for 5 nights in a common inn))

One by One, the couriers, as they arrived, led their charges to the Governor's Mansion and, within, to his large office. The last one to show up was Xavier, for he traveled on foot without the aid or guidance of a courier.

The office sprawled out in front of the would-be adventuring party, and it was impressive indeed. The space was twice of what one would find in the best and most expensive room at any inn. The air was perfumed with an exotic incense and decorated richly with fine tapestries and the eight chairs that surrounded a large glossy varnished rosewood table were deeply cushioned and leather upholstered.

Governor Castor gestures to the seats in a circular motion, giving each in turn their cue to sit down and make themselves comfortable.

"Please, sit and make yourselves at home in my home. Simon?"

A man appears, dressed in the traditional coat and tails accouterments suited for servants and butlers.

"Yes, Governor, you require something?"

"Yes, Simon, please bring in a bottle of my finest wine and a variety of refreshments for my guests and I for this meeting may take a while."

Simon clicks his heels together stiffly and bows saying, "Very good, Sir!" and leaves with a sense of urgency to carry out the order.

"Now, as we wait for refreshments, maybe I should explain the situation and why I felt it necessary to request the presence of you fine ladies and", as he scans slowly over the gathered party, he stops at the Half-orc, Irgune, and clears his throat roughly and quickly spits out, "gentlemen" , now looking Irgune directly in the eyes says, "We can be gentlemen about these proceedings, now, can't we? Good form, That's what I like. As the letter stated, for reasons of lack of city security, I cannot afford to send anymore of my guards or constables to investigate the disturbance outside the city gates. We have already had two fatalities as a result of an ogre ambush during a reconnaissance mission. Also what was not mentioned in the letter was that our cities armies and militia are dealing with a disturbance caused by a civil war in one of our kingdom's territories in Unther to the north, which has left this city in a compromising and weak state. Now, this disturbance shows up, a child comes up missing, and I'm sitting here with my hands tied and mud on my face in the eyes of the community."

As Bailash waits for the group to take this all in, Simon enters with a roller cart of different exotic foods, mostly decoratively cut fruits and vegtables, but also biscuits and multiple varieties of meat pates. Simon places a fine crystal wine flute in front of each, the women first then the men, and fills their glass then does the same for Bailash.

"Thank you, Simon. You can leave the bottle, that will be all."

Simon bows submissively to Bailash and leaves the room. Bailash waits for the doors to click completely shut before resuming speaking.

"So, here is the details of the situation. It has decidedly been described as a ethereally glowing house that fades into and out of existence from time to time. It is not consistent with its coming and going. This house scared a group of children, who were the first witnesses to the phenomenon, by flashing suddenly into existence around them and then, just as suddenly disappearing, apparently taking a little boy with it. The children report seeing undead within the house. It definitely contains horrors to scare children and dangers able to kill seasoned guards. And now, understandably, I've now got a city full of panicked citizens. I am prepared to pay each of you one thousand gold pieces when you've investigated and neutralized any threats to the city and hopefully gathered information as to the origins of this phenomenon. I will also be willing to pay an extra five hundred gold to each of you if you are able to return the child alive and well from the house. I also have an impressively sized collection of weapons, masterwork in quality and some even have special abilities. If you agree to go on this mission, I will gladly give each of you one of your choice to help you in this great undertaking. You will have today and tonight to prepare yourselves for the mission and I have already set each of you up the finest rooms at the Nightshade Inn. Now, as I'm sure you have many, now would be a good time for questions, after which I shall show you to my weapons room."

Since there is no one present to make a proper introduction, the priestess waits until the Governor finishes his explanation of the situation, then steps forward and drops into a low formal curtsy before him.

“Would that our meeting might have been under more pleasant circumstances, Your Lordship. I am Ardulace, a humble priestess of Eilistraee.” She turns to her companions, nodding to each in turn. "Prithee, call me Lacey."

“'Tis a dilemma most curious. I fear that if we are to save this losted child we must brook no delays. And still more dire is the nature of this house... if it truly comes and goes as thou say, then we may have but a single chance to enter before it vanishes. 'Twould be wise to take all that we need with us lest we find ourselves stranded and ill prepared.”

Taking a good look at her companions now, and noting the heavily scarred half orc, she turned back to the Governor. “I fear that we will need whatever healing aid you can offer us, be it wands, potions or merely mundane unguents and clean bandages. Though I am well armed, still, I would see what your armory might offer.”

With that said, the priestess helps herself to a piece of the offered fruit and resumes her seat, waiting to hear what the others might say.

"Now, as we wait for refreshments, maybe I should explain the situation and why I felt it necessary to request the presence of you fine ladies and", as he scans slowly over the gathered party, he stops at the Half-orc, Irgune, and clears his throat roughly and quickly spits out, "gentlemen" , now looking Irgune directly in the eyes says, "We can be gentlemen about these proceedings, now, can't we?”
Irgune remains utterly impassive at the Governor's implied slight, but says nothing. Even a wounded animal will snarl at those that come to help it he thinks to himself. Still, he gives neither the food nor wine a second glance.

As the Governor continues, Irgune watches the man, taking keen notice of his mannerisms. “Now, this disturbance shows up, a child comes up missing, and I'm sitting here with my hands tied and mud on my face in the eyes of the community."
And which makes you lose sleep, the lost child or the mud on your face?, the half-orc muses silently, familiar enough with politicians despite his limited time in civilized lands.

Confident that he has the Governor pegged, but impressed with the reward being offered, Irgune asks no questions, eager to get to the weapons room and replace his morningstar, last seen in the partially crushed skull of an ogre that had attempted to waylay him on the road.

He eyes up the others gathered in the room, taking particular note of the elf women. Try as he might he could never quite figure women of any race out. Both seemed fine examples of their race, but they were far too delicate for his tastes. Neither looked sturdy enough by a good measure.

“You will have today and tonight to prepare yourselves for the mission and I have already set each of you up the finest rooms at the Nightshade Inn. Now, as I'm sure you have many, now would be a good time for questions, after which I shall show you to my weapons room." said the Governor.

I'm sure they'll have a lovely shack out back for me, Irgune stifled the urge to snort in derision, and simply waited to be lead to the weapons room.

Xavier's eyebrows raised as he noticed the wine. It was a very old vintage, and it looked to be well kept. If this governor had anything, he had a good taste in wines.

Taking the man's advice to heart, or what he had left of one, Xavier slumped into the nearest chair, enjoying the comfort. He smiled his thin smile as the governor told his tale of woe and misery. Keeping quiet however, he decides to listen to everyone else who seems to have showed up.

First, there was Lacey, a female cleric of Eilistraee. He had heard of Eilistraee, the Dark Lady, the Moon Maiden, the goddess of drow with less malicious intent. His half sister had told him about her, and how she was completely open to aiding all those innocent and helpless. No wonder Lacey seemed so eager to help.

Then, there was a human in shining armour. Oh great, a Paladin. It would seem that this became much more difficult to keep his own guise in check. Most Paladin's generally didn't like the idea of seducing someone and sucking their blood dry. Or attacking them and sucking their blood dry for that matter. Just generally sucking blood of people. Just the thought of blood almost made Xavier drool. He hadn't had some for a while...

And then there was an elf. Moon elf if he wasn't incorrect. She wore no armour, so his guess was that she was an arcane practitioner of some description. His sister had a pure aversion to anything that was donned save her clothing. And sometimes that had been questionable. But he just knew that she said it had done something with her arcane talents. Well... as long as she didn't probe his mind, Xavier thought she would be alright.

The silence in the room however became unbearable. So, in a dramatic flash, Xavier leapt from his chair, did a small somersault, and landed on his feet. "Well, I myself am Xavier von Richter of the noble clan of von Richter. It's doubtless you've heard of my sister, Camille von Richter, evoker of the highest order. I myself pale in comparison - and complexion - to her. However, it would seem as though these citizens have requested my aid due to my... talents, we shall call them."

"Now, it would seem as though this city is in quite a predicament governor. The question is - what are we about to do? And of course..." Xavier casually, yet dynamically, walked over to the food tray, and picked up a various assortment of meats. "What's in it for us? We are out there, possibly risking our lives by the stories we've heard, and you haven't exactly offered us anything yet. So what'll it be?"

"Miss Lacey, I understand your eagerness to begin this mission, but, you must understand that two seasoned and very experienced guards died in the investigation. Even when hiring outsiders, they are treated with the same respect and dignity of anyone locally employed within or by the city. I would never send one of my men out half-cocked and I'll surely not send any of you out that way either. I want you fed, well rested, and supplied for this mission in 24 hours.
I want all of you at your best, not your half best."

Irgune stared, or was it glared, at the Governor as he spoke not saying anything.
"Intense fellow isn't he?", he thought inwardly to himself, "Almost as if he's taking it all in, taking notes on me and the companions I've chosen for him to work with. Curious fellow indeed. I'll have to keep my eye on him, just as he seems to be doing with me."

Just as Bailash was finishing a thought, he was jolted out of his concentration by an uncalled for display by Xavier.

"Yes, Xavier, I know who you are or at least of your reputation, and I know of your sister as well. It may please you, or displease you to know that your sister was my first choice for a magic user in this group, but unfortunately she is a bit indisposed at the moment and I have no real control or bargaining power to have her brought here."

Bailash glares at Xavier for his brazen behavior, and pauses a moment to allow what he said to sink in.

"When have you ever been paid for a job before it was finished? It's bad business, Xavier. What would stop you or anyone else for that matter of taking the money and run?
The only thing I can offer you, other than the one thousand gold pieces, a unique weapon of your choice from my armory, and this city's hospitality, is the location of your sister Camille, but that isn't going to happen unless you start exhibiting some self restraint and civil behavior. Blast it all! A half-orc barbarian would have shown more restraint than you!"

Bailash's demeanor softens a bit as he turns his attention back to Ardulace.

"Being as I assume you have accepted this mission, you are now in the employ of the city as officials, similar to constables and I wish for all of you to conduct yourselves as such. This means you have access to the petty cash account in which each of you are allotted five hundred gold pieces a month for job supplies such as healing accouterments, weapon and armor maintenance, and potions. I would never send a constable or guard on any mission without the ability to prepare himself."

"And as for you Xavier, you may recall that I mentioned a civil war to the north in Unther? The war's issues are basically on the perceived evils of magic. It is mage against non-mage and the clerics of both sides are caught in the middle. From what I understand your sister was traveling through a contested territory with a man dressed all in black and she was taken prisoner by the non-mages while her companion was executed. We believe she is being used as a bargaining chip, but the mages will not claim her as one of their number. No telling what they might do with her if she is not claimed soon. The armies and militia of Leaphaven are there mainly to quell the fighting and to help both sides reach a truce, then negotiate for peace. I can send one of my couriers with orders to attempt a rescue mission of Camille, or even for one of the Generals to negotiate for her release, But that is the best I can offer to you, on your promise to conduct yourself in a professional manner during this mission. Are we agreed? Oh, and by the way my exuberant friend, being OFFERED one thousand gold and a possible fifteen hundred gold is NOT being offered 'nothing yet'. Keep that in mind as well."

Irgune almost... almost smiles when the pasty-faced half-elf starts bouncing around the room and the Governor snaps at him. He grabs a glass of wine and drains it to hide any trace of amusement.

Irgune clears his throat, a sound like a slate flagstone sliding across an oaken floor.

“I'm in" he says.

He then carefully sets the wine glass back on the table, the fluted crystal appearing absurdly small and delicate in his calloused fist.

"Miss Lacey, I understand your eagerness to begin this mission, but, you must understand that two seasoned and very experienced guards died in the investigation. Even when hiring outsiders, they are treated with the same respect and dignity of anyone locally employed within or by the city. I would never send one of my men out half-cocked and I'll surely not send any of you out that way either. I want you fed, well rested, and supplied for this mission in 24 hours. I want all of you at your best, not your half best."
“Half-cocked? The term falls foreign upon mine ears. Forsooth, I know not what burdens my fellows bear nor what labors weary their hearts, but 'twas a mere two hours past when I rose well rested, from my bed. Yet if thou insist it must be so, than so it must be. I pray the delay proves not fatal.” says the priestess quietly.

Somewhat taken aback by the bouncing Xavier, she remains silent and thoughtful as the Governor addresses the energetic young man. “Methinks this one needs no further rest”, she muses to herself.” She cast her glance to the half-orc who also did not seem unready.

Her gaze fell next upon the man in the shining armor and the moon-elf, wondering at their silence. “A reticent pair. Can'st only hope 'twill be livelier company on the road,” she thinks.

Seluumiel picked up the crystal flute of wine and lifts to her lips. It was not bad for human wine, at the very least the man had a sense of civility. She watched the man carefully as he recounted the tales of dancing lights and walking dead. Phenomena such as he described did not happen spontaneously, finding the source would be the key. The elf did not speak her mind yet, but rather sat back to observe.

Watching the others she sat back in her chair and took a sip of wine. They were an eclectic collection of companions. There was a strangeness to the half elf woman, Lacey. She spoke an antiquated style of the common tongue and claimed to be servant of Eilistraee. Few other than the drow worshiped the Dark Maiden, but the dark ladies were a goodly lot and dedicated themselves to the preservation of peace and life more so than the followers of most gods. She glanced to the warriors; one a man in simple armor and the other a grizzled half orc. The orc man would have to be watched lest he fall into the traditions of his brethren, but it was the pale skinned red eyed man that drew her gaze. The others were what they were, but it seemed he held much in secret. His outbursts only furthered her resolve to pay close attention to him.

"It would seem that introductions are in order," the moon elf addressed the group in a melodious cool voice. Standing she continued "I am Seluumiel Ithil'Luume, I offer what services I can to this expedition."
The elf glided across the room to stand by Bailash Castor. "Perhaps we should see what you're armory has to offer, shall we?"

Xavier smiles at the kings remark about Camille. "It does me know displeasure to know that my bloodline has not been sought out once, but twice. However, she does seem to hand around that assassin quite a bit, and he isn't about to let her go. So, it's for the best I guess."


Xavier pours himself another glass full of wine. "Also, I've been paid many times before the completion of my job. Though I must admit, after tasting this wine, I would say that this is good enough. A very fine vintage, I must say. And contrary to what you believe, payment bounds me. I learned that from my sisters lover. It seems like a good outlook, and fair enough."

Xavier's red eyes glinted dangerously. He took another large gulp of his wine, finishing the glass. "I agree with the Miss Ithil'luume. Let us travel to this armoury so that we may see what we have access to."

Grabbing the bottle and filling his glass again, he casually begins to walk toward the door, when the governor begins speaking about his sister's situation. Stopping in mid pace, the glass slips from his hand, shattering as it hits the ground. Whipping around, he stalks over to the governor, his red eyes fiercely narrowed at him.

"Listen you. Camille is too good for that. And so is her lover. But if what you say is true, then I am very tempted to say 'aroint thee' because I'm off to save her." Xavier's tone is biting and sharp, as though he means to cut into the governor with words. "The only reason I'm here still is because I know she's better than that. Though if it IS true, then I am holding you to your word, that you will do your best to get her out. As the governor, I'm sure that will be enough to save her, should she need it. If not... I will be back. And I won't be looking for a job."

Backing up a bit, but keeping his eyes locked on the governor, he says in a slightly cheerier tone. "One thousand to fifteen hundred gold? Like the man of few words, I'm in. Let's see your armoury."