[i]Althalus[/i]

The Assassin facepalmed as Alaira grabbed the diplomat, before he gave a slight jump and looked about worriedly. [color=00aeef][i]Where there are diplomats, there are guards.[/i][/color] He thought, nervously hanging a hand as subtly as possible a knife (one of four on him) he kept hidden. His nervousness was only increased as none of the diplomats reacted to Alaira's threatening, the dwarf even chuckling, and no guards arrived to get the Elf's hands off of their diplomat. [color=00aeef][i]Why did I stop wearing armor?[/i][/color] He wondered, eyeing the subject of Alaira's, 'diplomacy'. The man seemed unperturbed by Alaira's aggression, smiling still. As Lan stumbled backwards, a dagger flashed in the sunlight as he returned it to it's sheathe, almost to quickly for Althalus to notice. Hurriedly, lest Alaira consider it a challenge, the assassin stepped between Alaira and the rest, looking up at her. Fond exasperation dominated his tone as he stared at her. [color=00aeef]"I'm going to discuss the term 'diplomacy' with you. It means, 'don't threaten people right off the bat, ask them questions and see if they'll answer you first.' It's kind of a new thing, I know, but why don't we try it out, see if it works and doesn't cause a nation to declare war on the college."[/color]

Althalus rounded to face the human, who was still smiling. [color=00aeef][i]I'm beginning to mistrust that smile myself.[/i][/color] Not that he was going to let Alaira know that. [color=00aeef]"I'm Althalus. My touchy friend behind me is Alaira. As she so aptly put it, the College is concerned with rumors of what has been happening in Tidehome. Before we get to that, however, satisfy my curiosity please? What are three diplomats doing without any guards nearby?"[/color] He looked over his shoulder at Alaira. [color=00aeef]"See how I did that? And look, there wasn't the slightest chance they could call guards down upon us."[/color]

Lan shrugged. "We don't have any guards because Tidehome can't afford to send any. We have no money to buy mercenaries and our own troops are busy keeping the demons in check. We're more fortunate than the Snow Elves, certainly, but our forces are stretched thing as is with the random appearances and attacks. Besides, Gimal," The dwarf raised a hand in greeting."Urd," The Orc bowed, causing the Gimal to roll his eyes. "and I can all take care of ourselves. I know my way with a sword and daggers, plus my Geomancy helps make up for my lack of armor, Urd can smash things to bits with his precious flame gauntlets, pyromancy is scarily effective in the hands of a master you know, and Gimal can chop down just about anything with his axe and Aeromancy."

As Althalus stared at him in surprise, Lan shrugged again. "What? Tidehome can't afford to risk us in a demon raid, and Master Mages have a better chance at getting here than regular soldiers. We represent the three sides anyways." Althalus paled further, glancing at Alaira. [color=00aeef]"And that's why you don't assume anything about total strangers."[/color]

Lan grinned, and winked at the Forest Elf. "She's fine. It was refreshing to meet someone not scrapping or bowing or politely lying to us. Regardless, I'll give you the rundown on the Tidehome situation. We're broke. We can't afford to pay our debts and fight off the sudden surge of demons. Our parliament is divided into two main factions and one smaller faction. Urd's faction wants to become part of Eania. Gimal's wants to become apart of Djarkel. I want to align with the Orcs or the College to remain an independent nation and not drawn into their war." He clasped his hand in front of him, smiling. "Any questions?"

[b]Aramir[/b]

Aramir was terrified, an unstoppable chant echoing through her head. [i]Kin killer. Kin killer. I'm a kin killer and they'll recognize me for it immediately.[/i] She forcibly stopped her terrified chanting in her mind, looking up and smiling only slightly shakily at Annabeth. She couldn't just break down now, not in front of this human girl who knew her only by brief association on the Roc mission.  "I'll be happy to answer any questions you have after we get this over with, or even during the walk over if you'd like. In return, however, you have answer my questions about Eania. I haven't been there as much as I'd like, I'm afraid. Lets go meet Auriel and get this over with, shall we?" She unstrung her bow and slung it over her back, heading towards the courtyard.

[u][i]Grey[/i][/u]

[i]Do not ignore me boy! I am not a demon! I am Tirfing, created by the Gods themselves! Now you will answer me. Who are you? And how did you come about possessing me?[/i] The voice was angry, offended. Grey's axe shook slightly in his sheathe, as if it would leap out to stare him in the face.