"You will have my services as well then, ser." Itzal spoke up with a warm smile, though it was more polite than friendly. The gravity of the situation didn't escape him. Munus' words made it obvious he wanted a scapegoat and a reason to blame the daeva. No doubt there were many more seraphim who thought that way. How many of them would go to lengths to ensure the Council would condone a genocide? "I've dealt with forbidden magic in my line of work, I might be of some use."

"There! He admits knowledge of such magic! He's obviously a conspirator!" Munus cried out, desperate to make his case... or was it to hide his guilt?

"Councilman, you're rather keen on blaming us for the crime. One might suspect you of ulterior motives." Itzal replied gently, but his accusation no less stinging. "I have knowledge of forbidden magics, but that alone does not make me capable of wielding them, whether in terms of skill or character. It is simply a necessity for a hired sword like me to know best to kill my enemies. Nothing more. Besides, if one truly wanted to wield magic of such caliber, the forbidden archives would hardly be the only place they could look. As much as we seraphim like to claim we are the most scholarly of the races, there are tomes and ancient knowledge that elude even us."

If his words weren't enough to convince Munus, his glare certainly made the point clear. The Council was powerful, but not above the law. Itzal could very well demand a duel to settle the accusation and he was fairly confident the fool knew his own abilities well enough to acknowledge that he was no match for a seasoned killer. Justica seemed to nod in approval at his words and voiced her agreement, though a little more diplomatically. Perhaps it was a little premature, but he'd like to think she was convinced he was trustworthy for having delivered news of Halden's "and Shade's" deaths.

"There's no way something like this happened without some whispers escaping into dark alleys. I'll ask Fiora to look into it and get in touch with some of my old contacts." He whispered in an aside to Neon. "For now though, I suggest the rest of the party lay low and keep out of trouble."

---

Kayla listened to the whole exchange, her brow furrowed in frustration. This wasn't simply a mere complication to their talks, but a blow to the belief in seraphim superiority. Normally she would be all for shattering that myth if it meant dealing with the bigotry that her race was famed for, but cold-blooded assassinations of high profile Council members? There would be blood in the streets.

"The Elemental Masters would gladly offer their knowledge on any possible old magic that could have done this, of course." She offered to Caelum, with a humble bow of her head. She was dressed in formal wear and without her staff, but the pair of wings, made out of crystal clear ice and moving exactly like an actual pair would, reminded every one in the room that her voice carried just as much sway. Munus had, in the past, made it clear what he thought of wingless Seraphim like her. Not out loud or straight to her face, but she knew the man's mind was shut more tightly to reason than a nun's chastity belt.

"I'll get in touch with the Council of Elements. We will assist in an official capacity." It wasn't unheard of for the Elemental Masters to assist investigations when powerful magic was involved, but that wasn't the only reason why the mage suggested her offer. The Council respected their expertise and rarely denounced their opinions publicly. That also meant that Council members like Munus would have to tread carefully if they wished to sabotage Neon's reputation and by extension - the daeva's. She was effectively bringing more eyes to provide scrutiny while currying favour by offering some official form of aid to the seraphim. 

[i]We don't play politics like the High Council, Kayla, but we need to know their Game to beat them at it.[/i] The words of her old mentor rang in her mind. Diplomacy was one thing, but smear campaigns, currying favour and forging connections... All of that sickened Kayla. The fact that people were already using Vates' death to their advantage made her blood boil. She could forgive fear and paranoia, but the Council members were collected enough that they didn't have the luxury of that excuse. Not truly.

"I hardly expect our negotiations will make any headway until the matter is resolved. Shall we consider this meeting adjourned until we have the truth?" Kayla asked.