"Hold! Hold! They're but boys.  What would you do with them ?"  , he said, looking at the boys with concern, and then to Leonidas austerely.  He did want to see justice dealt out, he did want the boys to learn their lesson, but he didn't like the way that they were being handled.  It seemed to him as if they would be dealt with harshly.

   He sheathed his sword, looking around for the fishermen who'd left with the Elven female.  He found himself groaing inside.  Hopefully he could just talk to the old man and get it done with, pehaps the Elf would have left already.

"I don't know how it all started, we arived when they were already exchanging heated words, but I saw him" she points at the boy "throw the stone that caused the escalation. They are just kids, though, barely able to see the consequences of their actions. And you are right, Lord," she continues, looking around, "all kinds of folk seem to run around here."

Elder Dalsean thanked Siliwen, promising to return quickly, before heading out to talk to Lord Leonidas.

The young lord addressed Haruuna and Lyra.

"So, we're certain it was these lads that turned the tide."

He shifted on his horse to look at the prisoners and the approaching.

"I think a good flogging or a day in the stocks would be a suitable punishment, don't you, Elder?"

The old fellow winced, a waved his hands in a gesture of contrition.

"My lord, your words are as always wise. But the boys are needed here - as you know, the lake is unusually barren this season, and there is work to do in the fields if we're to ensure a good crop this year. Please, allow me to punish the boys. I assure you I can make this next week a misery for them. I'll show them the error of their ways."

Muttering awkwardly, the lads began to plead with Leonidas to be leniant, professing that they had intended no harm.

OOC: Onlookers may make a sense motive check to see if they seem genuine in their remorse.

Leonidas quickly silenced them, and appeared to be considering his options. One of his guards spoke up in support of the flogging, saying he'd teach them a lesson with his strong arm that they'd never forget, a mean glint in his eye.

Milo stood, arms crossed, staring at the young lads, unsure of how sincere they were.

(OOC: 12:17, Today: Milo Neek rolled 20 using 1d20+1. sense motive.)

   The Knight knew that justice must be served, but knew also that it shouldn't be so harsh on ones so young.  There would have to be some middle ground that he hoped that Leonidas would take.  Lyra took note of the other Guards' reaction and said, "Let's not be hasty, now.  Surely there is something less severe that could be given to the boys as a punishment.  "

[Private to Milo Neek: Nice roll! They don't seem hugely sincere to you, it's more like they're saying what they think needs to be said in order to avoid a flogging.]

Elder Dalsean seemed to sense an ally in Lyra, and continued to plead the case for a more lenient punishment.

Leonidas looked on in amusement before finally holding up a hand.

"Very well, I propose this: the lad that cast the stone will be flogged, then all four of the louts will be turned over to you, Elder. Any objections?" he asked, looking at Lyra and the two strangers.

The stone-thrower turned pale at the mention of flogging, while his three companions became strangely quiet. Perhaps they didn't think the Elder's punishment would be such a hardship.

"Think well before you act!" mutters Haruuna silently, nodding to the Lord.

Siliwen moved quickly into the inn and found a table near the corner and she sat at it wiht her back to most o fthe room.  She kept her cloak on and hood up waiting for the Elder to enter. She lifter her hand to summan over a serving wench and when the girl arrives she orders a tankard of ale.

Hearing no objections, the young lord nodded.

"So be it. Let this be a lesson to all of you" he said, looking around at the gathered crowds.

He barked orders. One of the guards marched the stone-throwing lout to the middle of the green, whilst the other made off towards Leonidas' estate. Two locals went to fetch a pole.

The Elder saw to it that the remaining three culprits were gathered together by a few of the field labourers, after which he approached the small group of strangers.

"Milo, isn't it? It's fortunate that you and your client are here. If the two of you would be so kind as to wait for me in the inn, I have a proposal for you."

He spoke up, addressing Lyra. "Sir knight, this may interest you too, if you would care to join them."

The Elder looked towards where a pole was being hammered vertically into the green. Ropes were being prepared to bind the young man to it. Dalsean shook his head.

"I don't have the stomach for this" he muttered, before heading into the inn. There, he spotted Siliwen and joined her table. Expression glum, he commented on the events of the day. It was of concern to him that, whilst punishment had been meted out, the cause of the argument had not been addressed.

   Lyra sighed and shook his head, mirroring the elder, "Indeed, but hopefully he'll learn his lesson and try harder to act within the confines of the law next time to avoid himself a beating.  Let's just hope he doesn't do the exact opposite after such a severe punishment.  "

   He thought about the Elder's proposal and commented, "Yes, I may be interested.   "

   It may be noted that Lyra seemed distraught about the physical restraint and flogging of the young man, his face was grim and he cast a look over his shoulder; the last thing he did before following the elder into the pub.  He inclined his head slightly to the other half-elf present, and to the hobgoblin as well.  His chiseled brow arched slightly as he noted the Hobgoblin's presence, wondering what brought such a creature into the better parts of society.

   He wondered what seperated her from the rest of her kind, but didn't let his musings draw unwanted or rude staring to the Hobgoblin.  He looked briefly at her in acknowledgement, and said, "Good evening to the both of you.  "

   Then he passed into the inn where the elder sat.  He noticed the Elven woman and smiled, there was something subtle about the smile, as if he were smiling at somebody who's joke wasn't quite that funny, but simply doing so to be polite.

   He turned to the old man, "So explain to me what's going on.  "

"So let's go to the inn and see if they serve 'my kind' some drinks there." Haruuna says, looking a little unhappy but accepting the fact of racial discrimination in the village.

"I shall hear what you have to offer, Elder," Milo replied as he began walking towards the inn, arms up and fingers interlaced behind his back.

"You know, I don't think the bartender's ever met a Hobgoblin before," he noted as they walked toward the inn.

The innkeep - a small, thin, clean shaven man of about 30 - raised an eyebrow as Milo and Haruuna entered, but said nothing. He nodded in greeting to Lyra, recognising the local knight.

The Elder warmly greeted each new arrival in turn, and ordered a round of drinks, graciously refusing any offered payment. There were no other patrons in the small-town tavern. Sounds drifted in from the green outside - including, after a while, the cries of the young man receiving his punishment.

"Thank you for agreeing to join me here, my friends. I'm sure you're all aware, painfully or not, that you're a disparate group. Lyra here" - he gestured to the young knight - "and Siliwen" - he indicated the young lady sat with hood raised - "are locals, and I've met Milo before when he's come through on business. This fine lady is unknown to me, however."

Dalsean coughed violently for a moment, then spoke to Haruuna.

"I see from your attire that you are a priest of Nym-Weselyn. Your name and race I do not know - though I would guess there is something of the goblin in you - but I assure you that you're welcome here. Despite the reactions you may meet from some villagers, we are a tolerant folk and glad to greet all who do not mean us harm."

The Elder paused to cough once more, before continuing.

"Times are changing around here, and I'm getting on in years. Though Lord Leonidas is well-meaning, he is young and arrogant. There are some local issues that I have kept from him for fear he would handle them badly, so I would like to ask you, as a group, to aid me. I can promise little more than goodwill and payment in kind, for I do not have much coin. I'll explain to you what troubles me. There is talk of plans to erect a castle in the local area. I'm not sure if it's truth, but if it is, I fear such construction would bring disruption to our quiet corner of Alasch."

"It is my hope that the four of you may be able to find out the truth behind the rumours, and perhaps help me to plan a way to discourage such an endeavour if it is indeed intended. But such a thing will take time, and where to start? In the meantime we have a more pressing matter. There are some poachers living in the woods nearby. These men are probably desperate to live in such a way. Perhaps they are criminals, or dispossesed villeins, but in any case I fear Lord Leonidas's reaction. I would be grateful if you could find a solution, without bloodshed. Poachers are usually punished harshly, those in the woods may have family nearby, so I don't wish any harm to come to them."

Clearly tired, the Elder stopped to wipe his brow.

"There are also rumours of someone or something living out in those same woods with a pack of dogs. I'm just curious about that - and I don't know if it's just more talk of the poachers. So, are any of you willing to aid me?"

   "Aye elder, rest your worries, and try to take ease, I will aid you.  ", he said, reaching over and patting Dalsean on the shoulder in a show of affection; and to put him at ease.

   "If you can't rely upon the guard, we Knights are a step above, for we right wrong where ever it may need to be righted; we never shrink away from a challenge in cowardice, no matter who issues it.  Although I am unsure as to whether or not I could hinder the advance of the castle in the area, I can say that I will aid you when the guard can't.  ", he said in a soft, bur firm tone of understanding.

   "I can speak for myself only, however,", he said with a pause, looking at the rest of the strangers gathered.

   None of them he recognized, though he was sure he may have seen the Elven girl on passing once or twice.  A man couldn't trouble himself to speak to every commoner that he may chance upon in the street.

   Then he continued, "What else should I know before venturing out to set these poachers straight? "

"I am used to being treated with some prejudice. I promise to help you!"

OOC: I will be back and active tomorrow!

The Elder smiled at Lyra.

"Thank you, sir. I would advise taking a guide - those woods are wild, and vast. Milo here should be able to help, if he's willing. I'm glad to hear you're in too, noble priest. I trust you know how to use that blade you carry, but pray that you will not have need of it!"

Dalsean looked around the table.

"What of you, Siliwen? I know you could use the distraction from your troubles here, at least."

"It pains me to see any harm come to the forest. If my employer wishes to help, then so will I," Milo finally answered.

   Lyra nodded, "A guide? That sounds well.  Who would you recommend, Sir? "
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Mon 25 May 2009.

For most of this time Siliwen had just listened to what was being said by the Elder and the others.  It was her way, but when asked direction to speak her thoughts she responded politely but thoughtfully.

"I will help you with these matters, Elder Dalsean. Such matters should be taken care of so that with sensitivity for those involved.  Evil doers should be punished t but those who had hard pressed by circumstances beyond their control should be helped.  Lord Leonidas is young and new to his position as Lord.  It is unfortunate that he spent many years away form his father's lands, duties and responsibilities.  He acts the Lord without understanding his people and their needs." Siliwen voice was soft and low but could be heard easily enough by the others at the table, but not much further."

The seemed that the still hooded half-elven girl seemed to be very conversant with the Lord Leonidas's comings and goings.

Dalsean smiled gratefully at the group.

"Thank you Milo. Lyra, since Milo here is a guide by profession, I think he'd be eminently suited."

He turned to speak to Siliwen.

"I agree that Leonidas is inexperienced. I feel that with time and my continuing influence his ways will improve, but for now we must be cautious around him."

"Well then, it seems you're agreed to help me! The day is fairly early, so I shall leave you to your devices. Siliwen and Lyra know where to find me should I be needed. I'm afraid I cannot offer you any assistance with my request, but I'm sure you're resourceful people. Time for me to see  how things are out there..."

The elder looked towards the green with an expression of reluctance.

Haruuna looks around at the people with her, shrugging: "So, let's start at the beginning. I am called Haruuna Dhacuul, of the Khraarul Tribe. I serve my God, Nym-Weselyn of War, to the best of my abilities. He grants me the power to slay our enemies and heal your wounds when needed. I usually teach others how to fight, showing different techniques and their respective counters. I don't claim to be the best, but I aim to do the best I can in all situations, as my god demands."

Siliwen looked up still hooded though she meet the eyes of each of the others. Her voice is pitched low so that it will not carry far.  I am Siliwen.  I have some skills with sword, bow and some simple magics.  I know the local area which might help us for some of this quest.

   "A pleasure to make your acquaintence, Lady Haruuna, and Siliwen; and Milo.  I'm Lyra Duphaneus, son of Sir Vernum Aprostius.  ", he announced to those there.

   "Shall we make leave? I don't know how long such an endeavor will take us, we may need to get some supplies and such.  Though I'm not against eating some good venison; freshly hunted.  I just need to fetch my waterskin and some other things before we leave, as I don't have this gear on me at all times.  "

"I am ready to go except for fetching my horse." Siliwen informed the others

"I will meet you here in the inn as soon as you are all ready."

Lyra nodded, "Yes, I'll be back shortly.  I must go and fetch my gear, then I'll be ready to leave.  "

With that he pardons himself and heads home to get his gear.