Chapter 1: Lady Luck's Curtsy

Typical. Those who must use words to convey their importance in the food chain never seem to get to the point, Baraq thinks to herself, silent from her perch. She waits for these so-called "pleasantries" to end.

"Why was I called here?" It suddenly occurs to me: If all these... creatures... know this man, then this very well could be some kind of ambush. Why else would he send a message with promises of large rewards? How could I be so stupid? How did he even find me, I was living deep in the woods by myself and he still managed to get a message to me? This smells of trickery! I rise from my chair and slow walk (trying to look super casual) towards the door, keeping everyone in my sights.

Catriona is still trying not to burst into tears, and failing. She stands, trembling, hands are clenched at her side. The room begins to tremble with her.

The young wood elf sneezes as he looks upon the inn's sign. He is clad in simple, practical clothes and if one were to inspect closely, his hair is matted with a sort of thin dust.

The trip has been long, but he has great expectations. A baron summoning him is an event that will surely bring him good fortune. He had promptly told his masters and colleagues - of course they were sceptical, as they often were - that he would bring success back with him. Bearing the symbol of his clan, he opened the door of the Jewelled Bottle with a timid push, and the instant he saw the serving girl he straightened up and his elven features contortioned into a mockery of a stern expression, as if he were trying to look unshakeable.

There girl. I am supposed to meet the baron. he says in a - forced and unnatural - deep voice as he pulls the letter from a toolbag.

Baraq gives a few chirps, before translating into Common, "Me."

Aera considers the offer for a moment; the gold and research time could be invaluable in locating the fabled Rod of Seven Parts as well. A slight chirp and he leaps down off of the table, "Me as well," squawk!

"Do you even need to ask? You know I could never turn down a treasure hunt."

As he is scolded by the serving girl Neraduin tries to conjure up a clever reply from thin air but he is too focused on keeping up his hostile and serious expression to find anything.

He enters the room and hears the end of the baron's speech. He nods his head to the small crowd, and it takes all he has to not lose his focus. He was not expecting a group of such diverse origins, and some of them look quite frightening.

He clears his throat but his voice is still squeaky, after all he had no time to prepare.

I apologize for the inconvenience, baron Harketts. By additional salary, how much should I envision ? As you can understand, I must know every detail of our agreement before I sign anything. he glances at the scroll with a faint distaste but does not comment any further.

I slowly head back to the table of food and grab another tankard of ale before answering. "Alright." I'm here already. I might as well see this through. It's not like I had any other plans.

Rolen stands from his chair with a long sigh, not the least bit shocked that his so-called-allies are just blurting their acceptance to the mission at hand. He walks over to Yahvitz, doing a slight bow when they meet.

Neraduin holds his chin up proudly at the mention of his dwarven training and even looks to the other members of the party, as if he was provoking them into commenting.

After the baron has finished his explanation he holds his hand and clears his throat again to deliver another fake deep voice.

Still vague, at least for me, but I suppose we will see when the time comes. May I write down the names myself ? he asks, just before quickly adding Free of charge, of course.

"It is an esteemed honor to be summoned by one such as yourself and it is a pleasure to meet you." Rolen extends his hand towards Yahvitz, briefly shooting a look towards Orseas, a voice impedes inside his mind "It is funny you thought yourself worthy enough to touch me."

"Elves." Full of self-importance as usual. I roll my eyes and keep drinking before noticing the child. "Eat. The meat is fresh enough. The pies are also acceptable."

Orseas was quickly bored at the long explanation from the baron, and had long calmed down from his fit. He was enjoying the wine he found at the back. Once the baron wrapped things up, he figured out the gist of the deal presented before him.
"I suppose hunting rumors, or even an object, is not much different than a man. A bounty is a bounty." He is thinking to himself.The other elf's words startle him from his thoughts, and he looks up in time to see the insult. His cheeks go red and he steams. He walks up to the baron and aggressively agrees. "I'll go on this mission. Though, I'm sure any who are too afraid to..." Looks obviously and abruptly at Rolen, "...shouldn't be looked down on. Cowards shame themselves after all." His eyes are daring the other elf to sign up too.