Silvanost Council -

26 Gildember 348 AC

Grotto is totally lost in his own thoughts. The only things that bring him back to the moment are the raps of the gavel. He hears the barbs and snide remarks but the words may as well be the chirping of birds in the distance. He continues to weigh the offer of becoming head master of the healers college.

Kysek unable to hold his tongue any longer as Ornforithalas is; in his opinion being disrespected steps forward. He slightly bows as he says, “Esteemed council members. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sir Kysek Creepingshadow Knight of the Barrie Grange. Rest assured; we were not out and about to break treaties. We were out to lay witness to unverified rumors of your enemy possibly breaking the very treaties you speak of. We were out to observe; should we have found the evidence we needed, we were merely going to bring it back and report it. We were ambushed on our journey by something worse than the goblins we expected. We were ambushed by Dragonfolk who were clearly there to nefarious end. They were mapping the lands and apparently thought they could do this unimpeded. If it hadn’t been for Ornfornithals’ foresight to check things out; you’d still be in the dark to apparent evil making plans and maps in secret of the lands this Counsel should be trying to protect. While I realize you have no idea who I or my companions are; you can rest assured we by no means harbor any threat to the fine people you serve. We only aim to help.” The gold elf takes a step back as Bubo shakes his head from side to side ever so slightly as he remains perched upon his master's shoulder.

Cedron almost falls over leaning forward trying observe the council members nuances of reactions as a result of Sir Kysek’s statement. Cedron, not being an elf, feels that perhaps Kysek’s words will be carried with a weight heavier than by an outsider of a different race who prays to a strange god.

Elamyar, the red-robed councilor, rises. "Sir Kysek, you are correct. We know nothing of you, or your companions, or this 'Barrie Grange" you speak of. We do know that you are some sort of planewalkers, perhaps lost ones. It is admirable that you seek to defend Captain and I am willing to concede that your intentions are well meant. However, you have been here but a few weeks, the first or which you were unconscious for, I might add and therefore lack to cultural context for the reasons we do things the way we do. Silvanesti is in no position to go to war against the Dragonarmies. We need time to prepare our defenses, train our warriors and mages, stockpile supplies, and develop strategies and your interference, even if this intelligence you have gathered proves useful in those endeavors, has placed this nation at risk!" The councilor pauses and takes a breath, his tone more subdued, "Now, if I may be so bold as to offer a word of advice, if you wish to spare my brother-in-law further grief, please, refrain from any further outbursts."

Shadow will remain silent and listen to the other’s speak and the Counsel’s remarks.  He almost snickers at Cassidy’s attempts to sneak into the meeting. The kender, for his part, does his best to stifle giggles as the hay tickles his ears and nose. The suppressed laughter finally becomes intrusive enough that the guards roll their eyes and approach. "Let's go, Kender," they command quietly. Cassidy hops to his feet, proclaiming loudly, "I do not know this 'kender' you speak of. I am Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis III and I have come to view these proceedings on behalf of my father, Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis II!"

An exasperated sigh escapes the guard's lips as he hoists Cassidy from his seat and drapes him over one shoulder. He turns to Shadow, "You may collect your pet at the watch headquarters as soon as you are ready." The guard then departs, carrying Cassidy with the care and dignity that one would show to a sack of potatoes, with 'Bonzu' protesting the entire time.

Ra’ziir stands and quietly makes for the exit. Romulus follows, confident that politicians are going to politic, a prospect that leaves him disinterested. He parts from Ra’ziir as soon as they make it outside and fetches Macula and takes a ride through the forest to clear his head. Four days in a city, even a elven one, has begun to grate on his soul in a way he had not expected.

The Eldritch Knight, on the other hand, makes his way back to the library to gather information.

This time he focuses on learning as much as he can about the so-called Dragon Highlord that made the treaty with Lorac and what it entails, as well as the deity known as Takhisis. It occurs to him as he feels the pendant beneath his robes that was gifted to him during the Test, that there is much still to learn about this place. He finds out surprisingly little about the man, rumors of cursed lovers and an unholy blade. But only his military conquests over the course of the last year are verifiable.

He next turns his attention to Takhisis and quickly comes to the conclusion that she is essentially the same as Tiamat, the Queen of Chromatic Dragons and a deity of the nations of Chessenta and Unther. As he reads, he can feel the pendant thump softly beneath his robes, a sensation that stops whenever he pays attention to it.

Back in the Council Chamber, after Ornforithalas' testimony has been reviewed, Cuinar leans forward, "Without evidence beyond your report and some burned scraps of parchment, I cannot take this matter before the Speaker of the Sun. I, unlike most of our people was alive when we were struck by the Cataclysm. I lived through the starvation, the disease, the chaos. I remember the suffering and I Will Not recommend a course of action that will invite war and a return to that suffering unless no other option is presented to me. Captain Ornforithalas, I have no choice but to suspend your command. You may retain your rank but are confined to the city walls."

Several cries of protest erupt from the Council but these are silenced with a single rap of the gavel. "As for the rest of you, you may remain in Silvanost but make no mistake, should you do anything that jeopardizes the Non-aggression Pact with the Dragonarmies, you will be banished immediately."

The old elf rises from his seat, "There is No War in Silvanesti. This council is adjourned."