[Story] Party Banter (Day 1 to Morning of Day 4)

[Moridain]

Naa, all good I think. The clothes were the biggest bit.

[Shadow Heart]

Mardigan finally catching a glimpse of Elana through the thickened crowd, gets up and heads over to her. Pushing his way through why dodging the questions being fired at him.

Hey! Elana, See you finally made the party. finally reaching her he leans in close, Just for the record I do not like this one bit, not after this mornings adventures we had, Crowds are not the safest place to be right now. Looking about for the others and as he finally spots them he grabs Elana's arm, Come on, I am sure they are making their plans without us.

Like a man on a mission Mardigan is focused on the group and wondering if Traskin had filled them in on the events prior to their return, Certain they at least knew of the Jail House burning down, but what of this Shape Shifter?.

With a few of the other locals seeming to crowd the group, Mardigan speak aloud to those closest to the party and informs them to move on because of official business. All Right folks, time to move on and let the Officials do their business without you all naying around us. , ignoring the few scowled looks from those not to fond of Mardigan he gets right to business.

Greetings, there are somethings I do know and a lot I do not know, and there are events that took place here in your absence that seem to be tided together. Sitting down, and tilting his head towards Elana in a guesture to do the same, Mardigan continues, Just so you know Traskin Hired Elana and myself this morning to watch the dead ones belongings at his Jail House. Until what appeared to be him came in and set the place on fire. Burning almost all of my stuff in the process, mind you. His eyes rolling back and forth stopping briefly at each of them while talking, a chase broke out, got alll the way to the docks. thought i had the impostor, till it jumped into the water and changed shape. Pausing for a moment to think, Well, regardless on what has happened, Elana and I are in this, whether or not Traskin, or yourselves wish it or not, I know we do not know all on what happened on your journey but i am sure you are making plans on the next leg of this investigation. so when are we heading out?.

Mardigan hoping he was not to forceful to the group, but he knew they would most likely be heading off soon, possibly tonight. decides he to will grab a bit of food himself. looking about the table seeing one of the plates of food one of the locals lef,t he slides it in front of him and starts eating what is left.

[Casino Jack]

"No," Mezio said quite plainly, leaning back in his chair. The badger had dropped down from its clinging, landing on the floor with a thunk. Scios traveled around the table, where he seemed to be investigating the newcomers.

"No, no, and for a third time, No!" He turned to face the stranger, who he recognized as one of the nightwatch. He was getting sick of this bandwagon, quite sick indeed. Everyone wanted to be a hero, and this man reeked of arrogance and annoyance.

"Now, allow me to explain why I'm saying no. One, so, you fought a shapeshifter, all Hail the Stag! you must be so brave and strong. Except, I don't care, because this is bigger, and so solly, cholly, but I'm afraid that your whatever reason you want to come isn't enough for the world. I'm tired of this group allowing every single Man, woman, and child showing up in. It's like this group wants a body count. This isn't an army, there is no volunteering. The only reason this group exists at all is because of the blasted fae." Mezio took a breath, his face was starting to become a bit ruddy, and he looked very irate.

"And finally, three, the Fae, the Fae, the damned to inferno and back Fae! The fair folk do no like mortals. What they do like, is tricking mortals, killing mortals, and enslaving mortals in deals that they brought upon themselves. This group is going to have a hard enough time with the numbers we have now, and I refuse to babysit a bunch of yokels who'll be perfect patsies for a fairy pact! Now, go away, or I'll sick my badger on you." In response, Scios raised his hackles and bared his very sharp looking teeth. A low growl emanated from the dense ball of fur. A few of the nearby patrons scoot away a couple of feet, knowing full well that Mezio's companion had taken bits of people before.

[11cclark]

Elana scowled at Mezio's words, and rage flamed in her eyes. She leaned in close to the man and spoke in a soft, yet demanding, voice.

Listen, she said, I don't care whether you want me, or us rather, to tag along. We're coming with you. I swore to myself a long time ago I wouldn't let another murderer escape my grasps. Unfortunely, though, that happened today. Now I'm learning that this is all part of a plot to enslave the world. I won't stand by and let that happen, and I'll be damned if I let some backwoods, tempermental druid stop me from doing what is right. You don't like it? Fine. You don't feel like "babysitting?" I don't need it. You're stuck with me, and that's that. And I've seen worse than your little badger.

[Casino Jack]

Mezio's hard expression softened just a bit as Elana busted into the scene. Ahh, they always knew his weakness, beautiful lasses. Women, they'd be the death. He stood, his body rigid and defiant. The badger had scooted under his feet, and proceeded to claw its way back under the cloak.

"Listen, and just listen, please. I'm not doing this because I'm irate, or because I'd prefer to do it alone. I'd love it if I could bring a whole army into this. and if this was any other race on this green world I would. But these are not normal creatures. These are things of material and not, magic mixed with blood. They won't follow the same rules mortals do. It's more then likely our allies would try and do us in, or suffer us some horrible fate." He grimaced, and his eyes shut for a moment, when he opened them again, they possessed a hard as steel glare.

"It is in my power, at this moment, to turn the floor you stand on into a living carpet of vines and weeds that would wrap and twist around your legs, until you were literally rooted to the spot you stand. Then, I could call an eagle to come and peck out your eyes and tongue.And I'm a dust mote to the things we'll be facing. The only reason we're here is because the Swamp Queen drafted us all, and to ignore her word would be quite suicidal. So please, just think about it. You're not a part of this,you don't have the protection we have, it'll be so much more dangerous for you then us, more then you could handle."

[11cclark]

Elana softened at Mezio's words, feeling the sincerity in his voice.

I apologize, she said, But you must understand, it's in my nature to do what I feel is right, even if means risking my life. If I die on this quest, so be it. I'd rather that than sit around here and know the world is in imminent danger. So now I come to you, not as a paladin, not as a prideful warrior, but as a humble servant of good, asking to aid you in your quest. So please, please, will you allow me... she turns to Mardigan, will you allow us to come?

[Casino Jack]

Mezio stared, and stared. His eyes, just for a moment, softened, and he turned his away.

"Your own damn life. I warned you, my responsibilities are filled.Get what you need, we'll be leaving in the morning." he said, harshly, returning to his meal.