Liberty Beguiling

"Was he really? How interesting, you must look even more impressive than I thought Aleixo." Xan grins as he speaks. " I liked the spell you cast to make it sound as though people were talking about you a minute ago, nicely done by the way. All I am saying," the sorcerer quickly adds, holding up his hands in a conciliatory gesture "is that we had already noticed you too Petros, please join us, if you will."

While Petros and Amiri strike up a conversation with Aleixo and his companions, it seems that they are not the only ones forming alliances. The loud-mouthed gnome from earlier seems to be deep in conversation with the dour-faced dwarf and the pale-skinned elf - just one of several groups forming around the room. 

Aleixo wipes the cracker dust and olive oil from his hand onto his tunic before extending it to shake Petros' hand. "Nice to meet you Petros. My name is Aleixo. The mayor has heard of me? That is an honour. Perhaps he heard how we vanquished Mlepnos? We have experience in dealing with unusual bandits you see. This is Sval, my partner in battle, and Xan, who has helped us on occasion before."  He gestures to each of them in turn. "And Azul and Luthien we met this afternoon."

Azul gives a joyous smile to Petros & the large woman who had stood out to him earlier as a capable warrior, he was very eager to meet them both. But the man especially, Azul always enjoyed learning about others magical abilities. He says " Welcome Petros it was quite the introduction even if it was magically created. I am Azul of Clan Kassis, you and your companion seem quite formidable. What has brought you to this quest"?

Sval nods in greeting to Petros and the heavily muscled woman, but remains quiet, observing and eating a piece of flat bread. He wasn't quite sure what to think of this whole situation. If he had been back in the Norscan isles, it would have made no sense. You only get the reward of a feast after  you complete your quest, not before. These Hellenian's though, were cut from a very different cloth, it seemed.  The mayor and general did their best to not directly answer my question, he thinks. But Aleixo's right. We'll go and see for ourselves before we act. No killing until we're sure this "bandit" deserves to die. He glances around at his new companions. He wasn't sure that all of them would be so sensible. He did his best to keep an open mind, though. Rather than judge their new allies like his brothers would have judged someone -- purely by strength and size alone -- he would reserve judgement until their actions could speak for themselves.  I'm sure I won't have long to wait,  he thinks. 

"You are the ones who took out Mlepnos, eh?  Very impressive."   Noding his head as though weighing information in his head, he continues, "Yes, yes.  What brings me to this quest, Azul?  Well, I think perhaps you could catch the subtext of the Mayor's presentation...he wants an ally controlling the north.  As I'm sure you can understand, an ally, rather than some gods-damned bandit, helps Hellenia's military situation as well as their economic one.  Law and order in the north, along with increased trade, will bring riches to both sides, rich and poor alike.  Well, as I said he wants an ally running the north, and so he wants me to be sure to head the best team.  The fact that you all noticed my performance earlier strengthens my belief that you are that team.  What say you?"

Aleixo shrugs. "Of course, the more the merrier." He gives a broad grin before turning back to the buffet table to grab some of the bread and spooning on some dip. With his back turned to the rest of the group he gives Sval a wink before turning back around and listening to the rest of the conversation as he eats.

Azul nods he likes the confidence and bluster of this man. Something his people lacked and a trait that Azul greatly admired. But as he spoke Azul gets the feeling that he is not being completely honest. He hides it well but Azul can tell there is something important he is not saying. Either way he could be very useful. "We would be honored to add your strength to our team, but to be nominated the leader is a big ask. I would love to meet the mayor and learn more about this mission, can you introduce us? I would happily lend you my vote after hearing his thoughts."

Nodding sagely, Petros replies, "Of course Azul.  And I don't mean to direct your actions or take command of this group per se.  More that I could take on the administrative duties in the north once our quest is successful.  Although I enjoy a good fight, I am not an adventurer like yourselves. My talents and interests lie in those things that come after the fight, and I assumed none of you would want to be tied down after the fight is won.  In any case, I don't think anything need be formalized or decided upon at this time.  If, after a time, you all don't think I'm fit to govern, then I say I haven't done my job well to begin with, eh? The matter takes care of itself."  Very obviously looking around for the Mayor, Petros continues, "I think the Mayor as stepped out for now.  To be quite honest I'm not sure how much more he intends to take a direct hand in the matter.  I suspect he wanted me to just handle this project for him...he does have a city to run, after all.  Maybe he will make himself available later, and I can introduce you."

Luthien with arms crossed stares dismissively at her cup as she sloshes it around. "I have no interest in those such duties," she looks up grinning at Petros, "As long as you're better man than the mayflies that occupy the north currently I have no qualms." Luthien, while doesn't show it, enjoys  the company she finds her self in. While walking with her around the city you noticed she always was behind everyone, being one of the smaller ones of the group she easily escapes view while traveling closely with everyone. she likes that she is no longer the only one drawing eyes.

A bell rings, drawing the attention of the guests to the mayor's butler, who invites them all through to a great banqueting hall where the evening meal awaits them.

Azul nods as he listens to Petros and says "I can't speak for the others but I would be more than happy to have you and your companion join us. She looks to be quite the capable warrior and with your magic it will put us that much closer to being able to rid the North of the bandit menace."  Azul pauses and adds with genuine interest right before the bell rings "I am most curious to learn more about your magic, the study of the arcane is one of my favorite past times, I would love to hear more about your powers and how they work? I have a small gift for the arcane myself, but my talent trends more towards the defensive or scholarly magics."

"Interesting, Azul.  For myself, I don't quite know how my magic works.  Sometimes I just will something to happen and it does, and at other times it seems more like I am asking something of the gods and they heed my desires.  But these powers have certainly gotten me out of tight spots before.  Although, on more than one occasion, I've used these powers to get into the tight spots in the first place," Petros says with a knowing smile and a gentle elbow to Azul's side.  "Anyway," he continues, patting the pair of daggers at his waist the Mayor generously returned to him after his release, " I've often had to rely on good steel when the gods aren't as forthcoming in their favor as I would like.  But mostly, I find a quick wit and a light step to be the best way to stay out of trouble in the first place." Glancing up at the owl on Azul's shoulder, Petros asks, with a smirk,  "so, what kind of owl is that, and why does it like you so much?"

A long table, piled with a cornucopia of extravagant food runs the length of the room and six round tables have been laid - three on either side. At the top of the room, the mayor dines with with the general at the high table. "Eat, drink, enjoy yourselves, get to know one another!" He declares, raising his glass to the gathered adventurers. "You are all invited to spent the night as my guests here at Dimotikó Mégaro. In the morning, you depart"

Aleix takes Sval by the elbow, drawing him aside to where they will not be overheard.  "What do you want to do? We can stay here, play fair end try to determine what is happening as we journey. But I suggest we sleep at the inn, leave before first light and get there first to make up our minds before any others arrive. In doing so I do not know who we should involve. Petros for certain, if he works for the mayor will not appreciate our wishing to make judgments . Xan I trust as ever, with my life and yours, Azul, was hesitant  to fight people and could warrant our faith, Luthien seems to come as a package with Azul now, whether that will last or not I do not know. We could tell them all our plan to leave tomorrow, make the journey with them but abandon them the morning before we will arrive the the bandits territory, taking their horses. I will trust your thoughts as ever though my friend." 

Azul smiles at the mention of Sofia he reaches up and pets his companion and says "This is Sofia" as he says this the bird spreads her wings and bows her head. Her brass feathers and amethyst eyes catching the rooms light. "She is a bit of an anomaly, in purely academic terms she is a familiar. I can show you the spell work needed to summon your own if you are interested, but from the way you described your casting I'm not sure if my notes would be useful. The interesting thing with Sofia, is that she appeared before I summoned her. She first came to me in a dream, spurring me to leave my people. She then appeared overhead the day I left my village following me in my journey. I would then see her following me in various stages of my travels, until I dreamed of this spell learning the materials, hand motions and words necessary to summon my friend and bind us together. After I summoned her, she flew out of the night and landed on my shoulder and we knew each other completely. The biggest surprise was when I arrived in Hellania, and discovered the goddess Athena and her Owl. She is not worshiped among my people but has become my patron goddess ever since. Which of the gods do you favor Petros"

"The only one I'm not certain of is Petros," Sval says. "He's hard to read. But I think your reasoning is sound. It sounds like a good group." He pauses, scratching his beard for a moment. "If it turns out that this 'bandit' is in fact not a bandit, we can fjord that river when we come to it. There probably is more going on with in the north than they're telling us. But tricking twenty or more misthios into pursuing an innocent man just doesn't make sense." The smell of the feast fills his nostrils for this first time. "Proceed with caution, I suppose? Anyway, lets eat. I know you're still hungry." Sval leads the way towards the banquet table and then beckons Azul, Luthien, Petros, and Xan to join he and Aleixo at a table.

Luthien joins Alexio and Sval at the table carrying her food with her. She can't help but feel eager to start this quest, her drive for competition is overwhelming at this point as she intently watches the many teams forming around her. It almost makes it easy for her to justify killing a group of people she has never met before. her excitement slowly washes away from her face and is replaced with an array of uneasy emotions as she looks down at the table and thinks to her self, "this is dangerous Luthien, traveling with others with your condition. what do think will happen if they find-... when the find out, you will be lucky if they don't kill you on the spot. you need to tell them. but can you trust them?" Luthien shakes her head and pushes her food away. looking distantly at the musician playing the lyre, it reminds her old life with her troupe and calms a little as she quietly hums along to the music. 

Xanthos filld a large plate and settles in next to Luthien " Good to see you have the sense to eat when someone else is footing the bill, very wise, very wise. And who knows when we'll be getting another meal as fine as this!" He begins to eat with gusto, and spares little attention for his companions at first until his hunger subsides slightly. Turning to Sval and Aleixo he asks quietly " You are happy with this? " His expansive accompanying gesture could easily mean the banquet or the situation they find themselves in. "I know you both well enough, remember, you are good men." He stops speaking leaving the rest unsaid before adding " In this I will follow your lead, I feel you will need me somewhere along the way."

"I wouldn't say happy ," Sval says. "Perhaps cautiously optimistic? I was just saying to Aleixo: why hire misthios that you can't directly control to take out a rival leader when you could send your own military? If they're trying to trick us, the set-up is a strange one."

Aleixo nods along to Sval's summary. "We shall stay alert and stay ahead. What else is there to be done?" He has shovelled more fresh food onto his overflowing plate. "For now, let's eat fresh food while we can, before we are back on the road and forget what taste means."

"We need more information about this ' Capricornus,'" Sval says. "I think we need to talk to the mayor and the general about a charter." Sval stands and cleans the crumbs out of his beard with his sleeve. "Petros, perhaps you would introduce us?"

Azul sips on his wine and enjoys his plate of lamb and olives he picked from the buffet, he interjects from his conversation with Petros, when he hears Sval mention the irregularities of their mission. "I've had the same thoughts, I understand why he would want to use mercenaries and adventurers but allowing the sellswords to run the nation vs giving control of it to an underling seems very suspicious . There is something they aren't saying."

"There are probably many things they are not saying, we will hopefully learn them in time.  Let's keep our eyes and ears open and pray to the gods we see true." Xan speaks whilst continuing to eat although he is slowing down a bit now, having eaten at least two meals worth of lamb and vegetables.

Petros is glad of the distraction so that he need not  discuss the gods further with Azul...at least not yet.  Addressing the group, Petros says, "Your suspicions are not unfounded.  This is exactly why I am to accompany the best team, so that the Mayor has someone he trusts out there, not just some random adventurers.  But I think you all need to take the longer view on this mission.  It is not an assassination...or I should say not merely an assassination that we are undertaking.  We need to win the support of the people there.  To do that, we need to know the people there.  Know how their sympathies currently lie.  How to win them over to us.  Find out what they want.  What they need.  I think, perhaps, moving out quickly before the other teams is not a bad idea.  But I do not suggest we merely rush to kill this bandit.  We rush to gather information and local contacts.  Perhaps we resolve some local disputes and win over the populace, such as it is." Turning to Sval, he says "Yes, I'd be happy to introduce you, although it might be a bit much to bring everyone over."

"Lead the way, then. I'll come. We can report the information back to the group," Sval says, motioning to the head table.

Luthien still watching the musicians, "I'll stay here if its best to introduce a smaller party, but I am curious if we will be met with more opposition up north than just the bandits. what if the civilians there are just as aggressive  as the leading occupants?"

Azul nods looking at Petros and says "You speak wisdom my new friend. My clan has said that it is easier to squeeze blood from a stone than it is to govern a people who do not wish to be ruled. I think we will need to come up with a balance between moving quickly towards our objectives and building good will with the people." Azul looks at Alexios "You should go with them as well. Being natives to this land, both you or Petros would be the logical candidates for leading the northern province. The rest of us no matter how talented, are new comers to this land and it will be difficult for us to gain the trust of the people." After they leave Azul sends Sofia to fly up to the rafters/ceiling and stealthily listen in to the conversation.

Petros rises to escort Sval and Aleixo over to the Mayor's table, arriving with a bow.  'Lord Mayor.  Allow me to introduce two of our team members: Aleixo and Sval.  The rest of our compatriots are seated just there.  I believe you will be pleased to see me attached to this mighty party and us out of the city and on our way north early in the morning .  As I shall not have the good fortune of seeing fair Zoe before I depart, and never again unless I return victorious as a new Lord of the North, please give my regards to your daughter."

Sval mimics Petros' bow and stares at the mayor. This is a rich man,  he thinks. He could send the general here and the army up north and conquer these lands on their own. Either they don't want to commit their own forces, or this is just a sport to them. Either way, it seems unlikely that they'll be letting whoever ends up conquering these lands keep them. "Thank you for this opportunity," Sval says. "Are there additional instructions that you have?"

The mayor watches Petros with hard eyes, but says nothing to contradict the man. The general, on the other hand, is much more approachable. "Welcome, brave warriors! With a Norscan amongst you, no less. Your peoples' skill at arms precedes you, Sval. What brings you so far north?"

Sval inwardly blanches at the question, but remains stoic on the outside. During his time in Hellenia, he had been asked this question multiple times. He had only told the truth once. To Aleixo. After a night of drinking following the successful completion of a contract. He wasn't sure why he never told the truth. It wasn't as if his brothers were big travelers. Aside from raiding trips to the mainland, they were pretty remote. And he wasn't even sure if they would recognize him if they saw him. "I hunt monsters," Sval says. "I have for a few years. Eventually made my way here." He stops, and then looks to the mayor and quickly adds, "To your beautiful city."

General Alanis smiles kindly with a touch of amusement. "That's kind of you to say. It must be very different to the south? Tonight we are allowing all of our guests to socialise and get to know one another. Tomorrow morning, when everyone has found themselves a group to work with, official charters for the exploration and subjugation of the savanna will be issued to each band."

Sval looks around at the misthios in the room, feasting and toasting and drinking, and gives a soft smile. "I think you'd be surprised at the similarities," he says, with a pang of longing for his home. Sure, he had committed evils there, with his father and brothers. But it was still home. "Thank you for your time,"  he says. "We look forward to receiving  our charter tomorrow."

"One last thing before we go, General, if you please: Do you have or know who might have the best maps of the regions we shall be traveling to and through?"

The General gives Petros a penetrating, yet curious look. "There is a wall map of Appolitan lands in the mayor's study that I could show you if you are interested, but there are no detailed maps of the Hellenian savanna. Charting it will be one of your primary tasks. The road north will take you where you need to go."

"Thank you very kindly.  I'd be delighted to accompany you there after you've had your fill.  By your leave?" Petros asks, with a bow, backing away from the pair to head back to their table.

Sval also bows and takes his leave, heading back to the table. He offers a meaningful glance to Aleixo, and says, "Seems like our friend is on the level. He's going to inspect a map with the general. But it seems that we should retrieve our armor and gear from the inn, stay here for the night, and then in the morning, we'll be given a charter. So our plan to leave early seems to be out."

"Shall we?" The general asks, rising and holding Petros's gaze as he rises from his bow.

"I would be honored and delighted,"  Petros replies with a nod of his head.

The mayor waves off the general and Petros dismissively, and Alanis leads the way out of the banqueting hall and upstairs to the mayor's study. Much of the mansion's interior is familiar to Petros, but this is a room that he has not yet seen. Spacious and lined with bookshelves, the wall on the left side of the room is dominated by an enormous map of Hellenia, while a sizeable table stands in the middle bearing a scale model of the city. What must be the lord mayor's own desk stands facing the map on the right hand side of the room, and on the far side large double doors open up onto a balcony. General Alanis opens the door and stands back, allowing Petros to enter first.

Turning to walk in backwards, maintaining eye contact with the general and sporting a grin, Petros says "General Alanis, I've never had the privilege of studying under a military commander before...perhaps before the map you could demonstrate the advantages of a perfect flank?"

The general rolls her eyes with a predatory smirk. She advances on Petros, backing him into the room, and he's left with no doubts as to why they call her I Léaina . "You know, Zoë Samaras takes after her father," Alanis begins, closing the study doors behind her. "She knows what she wants and she's not afraid to take it." She circles Petros thoughtfully. "So, what did she want with you ?"

"I'm not completely sure," Petros says, making an arcane gesture coupled with a mutered word, conjuring a spectral hand that lightly brushes the nape of her neck before continuing down her back.   "But I have a few ideas,"  he finishes with a smirk.

Azul calls Sofia back to his shoulder, and looks at Sval and says "It appears he is, I thought I picked up on a hint of deceit earlier, but I must of have misread him. He greeted the mayor like an old friend and now has a private audience with the general. He could be a very valuable addition to our group."   Azul adds with a smile as he pets Sofia  He then adds  "It is unfortunate that we can't get a head start on the other groups. Hopefully our new ally takes detailed notes on the map. Should we wait for our new friend before leaving to retrieve  our armor?"

"Perhaps some of us should still leave early." Aleixo offers, "Do we all need to collect a piece of paper?"

Almost faster than Petros's eye can follow, the general has a knife in her hand. She holds it backwards against his throat, edging him towards the wall until he rests against the mayor's desk. Her other palm squeezes against the front of his britches. "So do I," she purrs. "Time to live up to your reputation, Pantelis." It's some time before Petros returns to his new-found companions at the party.

 Azul nods taking in Alexios suggestion "I don't believe that we would need everyone there, but I don't know if there is much to gain by splitting up. True or not, gaining rule of a state will push men to do terrible deeds. Splitting our forces could potentially cripple us, if the other teams decide to pick off the competition once leaving town. My vote would be to leave as one." He then stands and says "I will feel much better having my armor & horse prepared. I'm going to retrieve my gear from the Tavernia. For any who like to stay and enjoy the revelry I can grab yours as well. I fear this may be a difficult journey so I'm going to enjoy my last night in a true bed, and turn in early after securing my gear "

Aleixo also rises. "I will join you. I have similar inclination towards a soft bed and rest."

"I agree, Azul. Splitting up may not be the best move," Sval says. He looks at Aleixo and mouths 'grab my things.'