War of the Lost Kingdom

When Johan enters the room, Greta scowls down at the diminutive hunter and points her javelin towards him.

"It was suggested, Legate, that I not waste my time in line an come ta see you directly. I'm not sure if that soldier had'the right idea by your thoughts or not but'e seemed well convinced that I should seek you out directly." He pauses just a moment before continuing, "He'was right, a'course an I'd have sought you out even over their disagreement if'n they'd given any." He puts his hands on his hips, over the hilts of his rapiers, "But Liam Mardelik does so swear fealty an ta follow the laws'a this kingdom. My weapons'a choice are my swords or crossbow." He gestures with the papers, "An my travel papers were already spread b'fore you."

Johan raises an eyebrow at the raised weapon in Greta's hand and then gives a meaningful look at Legate Cassium.
No Sir, I did my processing. But this group seemed a bit too interesting, just to let wander off.
Johan can't keep a sheepish smile from his libs when he looks Greta in the eyes. I did swear to uphold the laws of this land...

Zifu smiles and reaches for the spare quill, before she looks over the paperwork. She reads carefully, noting what is written therein and supplying her answers where appropriate:

Name: Xiao Zifu
Country of Origin: Morveth

Weapons of Choice:

Here, she pauses, remembering the crowd's reaction to Finnan's display. Finally, she writes:

Weapons of Choice: A keen mind for investigation, a dagger for protection.

On the back of the document, she skims the text and pauses again.

"Legate Cassium," she says, looking up at the man. "I am uncomfortable with the wording here. We both know that I am here as a diplomat under the regency of King Rosemont VI. Obviously while here I shall abide by the laws of Drathis and respect the wishes of those in authority; however, my sovereign is not yours. I cannot swear loyalty to the noble King Drathis, lest it conflict with my responsibilities in Morveth.

"May I amend this document before I sign?"

Name: Docanter Balanitis
Country of Origin: Drathis

Weapons of Choice: Sickles and Divine Intervention

Doc takes a cursory look over the last paragraph then signs

Name: Ferruld Redswig Country of Origin: Southrun

Weapons of Choice: Hand Crossbow and rapier if I must get close.


I look over the last bit and sign my fake name.

Greta says to the legate "You will fill mine in too, like you done for Ian ... I mean Liam? I am Greta Ingvarsdottir. I use any weapons. I am from da North, I'll obey da laws, and swear to feel da King if he wants. You can put my name down on da back too, I don't care."

"I think it's a lisp," Ian says, waving his hand dismissively. "I -hope- it's a lisp." He starts to scowl at Greta, eyes narrowing to thin points, "Otherwise -I'm- Ian, yer a 'let gate' and one or both'a us is gonna feel up the king."

He leans forward onto the desk, lowering his voice to a loud whisper, "Y'know how it is with mercs. They come in three flavors, 'skilled, cheap an sane'. Pick two. Am'I right?"

Zifu crosses out the references to fealty, then signs her name. She sets the quill back into the inkwell, steps back a bit, and clasps her hands in front of her as she prepares to follow the Legate.

The large woman returns Ian’s hard look and as she leans forward to sign the contract, her broad shoulder knocks into the red-haired charlatan. Taking the quill in her fist, Greta’s face scrunches in deep concentration as she scrawls her name in large block letters across the back of the document.

Each letter is painstakingly drawn, necessitating several dips back into the ink well, which results in the pen dripping ink spots across the legate’s desk and all over the paperwork.

She breaths a sigh of relief after the last ‘r’ is completed and then stands proudly admiring her handiwork.
With a nod to the legate, Greta resumes her position in the back of the room.

Rolling his eyes as Greta shoulders him, Ian says nothing, keeping his poise and effeminate grace until the Legate stands and announces his invitation. "It's been a journey, Greta. Bribe someone fer'a nicer bed fer yerself." He passes the tall woman a short stack of five silver coins. "Someplace with'a view."