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Post by HorizonsDream on Nov 29, 2019 23:42:43 GMT -8
"Well," Ladonna says as she rejoins her group. "We came to an agreement. They are going to relocate to the Hartwood."
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Post by Daos on Nov 30, 2019 14:14:57 GMT -8
The others all look at each other in confusion and surprise.
"You convinced a bunch of elves to go live in a forest full of goblins?" Finbul asks. "That's...pretty impressive, actually."
"It is impressive," Jonas agrees. "And I don't wish to sour such a victory, but have you thought this out? What exactly are you going to tell the count when we return? That you let the lawbreakers go to occupy another forest that is also in his county?"
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Post by HorizonsDream on Nov 30, 2019 16:08:44 GMT -8
"I've thought it out. The chances of them checking on the Hartwood are pretty slim considering how far away it is," Ladonna explains. "As to what we tell the count, couldn't we just explain that the wolf beast that occupies this forest ran the poachers off before we could get to them?"
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Post by Daos on Nov 30, 2019 16:33:47 GMT -8
"You mean lie?" Liala asks, a bit horrified. "To the count?"
"That's incredibly dangerous...and even if it works, it means admitting we failed to catch the poachers," Jonas adds. "Ladonna, think of the Marche name. We need this victory. I get sympathizing with these exiles, but is protecting them really worth it?"
"It is wrong...in the eyes...of Gonto...to deceive...anyone much...less one's liege," Ingot observes stoically.
"There is something else to take into account," Sidhanar adds. "The count is a paladin of Gonto. He is able to sense most lies told to him."
"Most, but not all?" Finbul asks.
The ranger nods. "It is possible to deceive him, but very difficult. It takes incredible willpower and skill. It can be done, but it is a great risk."
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 1, 2019 0:12:20 GMT -8
"I wouldn't say it is a lie," Ladonna says. "It is more of a half truth," she explains. "That wolf creature does pose a very real threat to these people, so it makes sense to take their families and get out while they can," she says.
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Post by Daos on Dec 1, 2019 13:31:27 GMT -8
"Do you think the count will buy that, though?" Liala asks, concerned.
"Even if he does, he might still be angry that we failed in our first mission under him," Jonas points out.
"Half of a...truth is still...half of a...falsehood," Ingot adds. "And...is still wrong."
"I have no interest in seeing my own people carted off to Hart to be hanged or worse for poaching," Sidhanar says. "However, this is a dangerous path you propose and if you are committed to it, you best make sure you know what you're doing. It's not just your own careers you are risking, but mine, as well."
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 1, 2019 16:08:24 GMT -8
"Lillian is the only one that hasn't weighed in yet," Ladonna says. "And I'm willing to listen to other ideas too."
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Post by Daos on Dec 1, 2019 17:19:26 GMT -8
"If you're letting us vote, then I vote we round these people up and take them back to Hart, like we agreed to," Jonas says. "It's too bad for them, yes, but they are breaking the law. And we'll be well rewarded, I'm sure. It might even be enough to help convince the garrison commander to finally hire me."
"I agree, but...failing that, I...think we should...at least be...honest to...the count," Ingot adds.
"I'm with your plan," Finbul says to Ladonna. "This land shouldn't belong to anyone, and the count has no right to dictate who can live here. Or in the Hartwood, for that matter."
"I don't know," Liala admits. "Letting them go could get us all in a lot of trouble. But on the other hand, I know well what it's like to have to hide from those in authority to live your own life. Maybe we could compromise? Arrest only a handful of them, and let the rest go. The count gets his poachers that way, just not all of them."
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 1, 2019 18:20:32 GMT -8
Ladonna looks towards the elves for a moment. "Would one or two of you be willing to be arrested?" She asks. She doubts it, but it doesn't hurt to ask either.
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Post by Daos on Dec 1, 2019 18:37:23 GMT -8
"We would not," Castien answers. "And how would we choose? How would you choose, in our place? Draw straws? Pick the oldest, the sickest among us?"
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 2, 2019 12:17:29 GMT -8
Ladonna looks between her father and Ignot, then Finbul and Liala. She then looks to the elves, and lets out a sigh. "I'm going to try my luck," she says finally turning back to the group. "I managed to convince the elves to live with goblins, so let's see what I can do with the Count. He use to be an adventurer, so I think we have that working in our favor."
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Post by Daos on Dec 2, 2019 14:34:55 GMT -8
"For our family's sake, I hope you are right," Jonas tells her.
"You should think ahead of what you're going to say," Liala advises. "Try and find a story where you can tell as few lies as possible, so as to have less chance of getting caught. You should also try and predict how the count might react to anything he does or doesn't believe."
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 2, 2019 16:35:09 GMT -8
"I'm already thinking about it," Ladonna assures the group.
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Post by Daos on Dec 2, 2019 17:46:40 GMT -8
"Well then, you may as well rest here for the night," Castien tells them. "We have food and drink, if you need it."
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 2, 2019 19:39:51 GMT -8
"Thank you," Ladonna says. "I think all of us could use the rest."
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