"Ah, I knew engaged and married. Though they're not terms 'Taur use often. Just never heard it referred to as betrothed. Makes sense."

Maybelle brushed her hair back absently as she helped herself to a few berries, seeming to mull over the concept. Finally she gave a little shrug.

"I tried to wrap my head around marriage before because of Brig's parent's, but I guess it still just seems odd to me. But hey to each their own yea? I know its important to many. I'm sorry you got called away from your lover though, that must be rough."

She blushed. "He was not my lover!" she replied with a blush. "We were just to be married. My goodness, we never even kissed! He was a nice man, but we didn't even know each other."mmmmm

"But I thought marriage was between lovers? Is it different where you come from?"

Maybelle seemed confused a moment before sighing, what was wrong with humans. Sure she get the whole ideal of marriage, a lover who would always be yours. But she wasn't sure she'd ever fully get why it mattered to them so much. Whatever. Playfully she waved a finger at Brigitte on the other side of Victoria.

"See, marriage is confusing even when I know what marriage is supposed to be. Told ya so. At least now I don't feel bad for it taking me so long to get it when you tried explaining it to me."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:25, Sat 02 Feb 2019.

Andrew taps one of his claws onto the table.
Looks hard at the little Kolbold.
Ah  He says.  You have already come under her spell Rifnox.
Puffing yourself up like a mating grouse and telling us all you will let her live.
When it is not your place to do so.  She has made a fool of you already.  Even without trying.
As for her telling us she is a mentalist.  It could be one great double bluff, who knows.
So the question is what cards does she have in her hand.  Is it  just a two and three like she say.  Maybe she bluffing and really has the king and queen of hearts or is worse the Jack and ace of spades?

A wolf like grin appears on Andrews face.  The wolf-elf makes a sideways look at Victoria.

I say for what it worth, let her live or die by how she treats others.
Although I do know Lady's not going to like her.
As for marriage, I prefer the pack structure and three cycles of the moon.
Then one has a mate equil to ones status and no one is alone unless they need to be.
But I know my pure blooded kind like marriage it seems.

"I can offer her shelter and sanctuary for the night, but come morning we need to figure out what to do with her.", Jenna comments conversationally letting much of the stern tone fade as she does so.

Victoria was a pretty girl, and many of the males actively or passively were already smitten by her.  Even Maybelle seemed affectionate.  Was it just a natural inclination or... more?

Jeanne's offer was probably the 'safest' offer on the table, but would only be good for a night.  Come morning Victoria was going to have to figure out what she was going to do, else she was going to become a bounty for someone to turn in at the fort.  Not a pretty fate for Jeanne to contemplate, but perhaps... it wont have to come to that.

Jeanne turns a glance to Daubra, to get a sense of what she was thinking.  They often had similar outlooks, and Daubra had more interaction that Jeanne with the pretty princess.

"With Royalty, a daughter is often married to an ally to strengthen the bonds between the two kingdoms. I knew from an early age that I would have no choice for a husband. And as I grew older, I realized that I could not indulge my affections for another because my parents had already decide who I was to be married to."

She inclined her head to Jeanne. "I thank you, Mistress, for allowing me to stay even a night. I know that it is a burden, but I truly have no other options," She gave a slight sideways glance at Rifnox, despite other offers. I give you my word that I shall cause no troubles."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:34, Sat 02 Feb 2019.

"Who says you haven't fallen under her spell" Rifnox counters back at Andrew before listening in to the conversations.

Taking a sip from his tankard, he tilted his head a bit "If it's so much trouble that she is human, why can't we just disguise her as another race" he suggested to the rest "Heck, I even used a bit of magic myself pretending to be a halfling once.".

Andrew tapped another claw onto the table.
Lady will most likely be judge of that Rifnox.  So let hope she does not judge baldy.
The wolf-elf answered.
Then added.  Don't be silly Rifnox.  We all know your a halfling trying to be kobold.
We also know that your interest in magic just a front.  Deep down all you want to do is grow turnips and smoke weed.  Behind that magic of your, you are fat and hairy.  With chubby cheeks and stupid grin on your face.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Sat 02 Feb 2019.

Gar says "don't dismiss the stupid grin. Most of his people have it, and it's their most disarming feature."

Narrowing his eyes, rifnox gripped his tankard more firmly "Says the mutt who likes to sniff others people behind and pisses against trees" he says before grinning "Bet you take the bitch of yours when nobody is looking cause who would love such a ugly bastard like you". Taking a long sip from his tankard, he then turned around and walked back to the fireplace "Let me know when you come to a conclusion with the human, I'll be warming myself by the fire".
This message was last edited by the player at 08:59, Sun 03 Feb 2019.

Andrew makes a nod to Gar and what he said.
As Rifnox turns away from the group Andrew add in as leaving shot.
Just to help with your education Rifnox.  You are wrong about one thing.
As my parents were Moon Mates at time I was conceived.  Then I was born in wedlock by common standards.  So I may be ugly but I am not as you put it a bastard.
You really should find out about someones genealogy before using such words.  You could up set someone if you don't.

This message was last edited by the player at 10:12, Sun 03 Feb 2019.

Nisor listened carefully but remained silent. What Victoria had said was unsettling at the least. An unknown, potentially hostile being that admittedly uses mind-altering magic. He considered his own words and thoughts up to this point carefully. Was he under some effect that he failed to resist? He didn't have wards against such things even if his natural resistances were high.

He gave a suspicious glance to his allies who had seemed to accept it and moved on, even bantering about trivial matters. Were they even still his allies or had they too be caught in the woman's magic? One thing was for sure he would be investing in a particular spell now.

To Jeanne's suggestion Nisor spoke.

"I think that's best. In the morning we can take her to the guild and have her registered as a trial member. From there she can stay were she wishes so long as someone watches her. I'd like to explore some avenues of investigation while we assess if she is to be trusted."

Were these his own thoughts? Or was it simply a disposition she was forcing him to take? Nisor knitted his hands together under the table. How distressing to question the sanctity of your own mind.

Daubra seemed nonplussed about it all so Jeanne was paying particular attention to the rim of her cup.  Really when talk turned to such vulgar discussions, she had little to say.  She found it embarassing for herself, and her companions and wonders what Victoria thought about it all.  Sadly... reading thoughts was beyond her.

Jeanne glances at Nisor and nods, "That seems reasonable enough.  What should we register her as?  Certainly not the ... truth ...", she says slowly.  It was akin to requesting a death sentence and volunteering for North Shire Militia duty to do so.

Jeanne was not a fan of dishonesty, and while she could be incredibly convincing when moved to it, she did not do so lightly or without good cause.  Someone else was going to have to register Victoria, she was not going to vouch for something she knew to be a falsehood.

"Daubra... Maybelle, i believe it will take two members to sign her in, could you please see to it, and... while you're there, perhaps see if theres a new mission available?"

Nisor looked to Victoria and considered a few possibilities.

"A Skinwalker. They typically appear to be human or at least humanoids. Combined with her status as a mentalist we could easily feign that she simply appears to be human."

Gar points out "that, or a Lesser Aasimar. They too approach human appearance."

Victoria, staying quiet as they talked about her fate, finally had to speak up.

"I really don't know what either of those things are. I am not sure I would know how to act. Perhaps I could be a part blood, like part Elf? I don't know, for I truly do not know how this world works."

"A skin walker... is a sort of shape changer... Much like Andrew here.", Jeanne nods towards Andrew, "They might appear human... or elvish... but take on a more savage true form when motivated."

"An Aasimar, are often called 'outsiders', and often serve as mortal agent to serve the divine.  Like... myself."

Andrew added an extra thought.  He asked Victoria.
You don't have any elven blood in your resent past do you?
I know from stories of before elves and high born human have often married.

Jenne gives it some thought before speaking out loud.

"I'm curious about these mentalist abilities you claim ... powers of ... persuasion?", Jeanne speak slowly, almost reluctantly.

"It would be easier for you to claim some kinship to the Aasimar, using these mental powers as proof.  Easier to feign than your ability to change your physical form... unless... your mental abilities extend to shape change.", Jeanne frowns in an unhappy manner.

There was a lot unknown about Victoria, and where there was the unknown there was room from deception... worse... where secrets were kept, led the path of Nyx.

She sighed. She was clearly tired and not sure what she should say. So she spoke as well as she could.

"My mental abilities are innate... I can sense thoughts, but I am not as well trained as I should be. Just say I can reach out and make one confused, or I can charm one, because I am beautiful. But to read thoughts, or change thoughts, or see through another's eyes... I cannot do that as yet. So if those around me think I am beautiful and they wish to know me better, that is because I am thought to be beautiful. If you are confused, or think you are in love with me, then that is me. But I am not doing that."

Maybelle stayed quiet because to be honest, she had no idea what Victoria could pretend to be. Being a 'Taur wasn't easy to hide or pretend what with the horns and hoofed feet. Finally she gave a shrug and spoke the thought that was on her mind, even if it might cause trouble.

"Maybe being human but willing is enough? Brigitte's parents had a hard time of it but eventually people accepted that there were exceptions to humanity. Hiding who she is might be easier, but if she wants to stay... Might be worth being honest and being herself. If the lie comes out, ain't no one gonna trust her."

Nisor looked to Maybelle.

"I can't say I am in favor of that plan but you do pose a good point. If you and the Taur will vouch for her I will have no objection to Victoria working with us, albeit from the front."

His point was clear, at least to himself. He wouldn't put his name and reputation on the line for Victoria. A lie revealed could be spun as a grand deception but the truth was what it was. If she was revealed to be more sinister in the future then those who supported her would at fault.

Gar shakes his furry head. "Her abilities as described seem more appropriate to Diplomacy than to combat. As such, I would suggest she would need the same protection from mayhem that a wizard or sorceror would require. Not a front-liner at all."

Jenne was sort of quiet, not quite willing to throw her opinion behind Victoria.  She had presented options for the others to consider, she really wasn't totally on board with this entire concept.  She had made the effort to champion humans and been burned for the effort, at the stake no less.

There was really one word that considered Jeanne, Victoria had said 'yet'.  Would she be able to at some point in the future?  Was she simply biding her time till that moment?  These were not comforting thoughts for her.

Victoria looked horrified. "I... I am not a fighter! Even my magics are not anything like what... what you all did. I am not fully helpless, but I dare say any of you could... could kill me and I could not stop you."