Reactions varied vastly among her crowd that it was nearly impossible to keep up. Genevieve jumped slightly as Regina through a force of rage at her wall, causing a fracture in the wall. Spider line cracks formed beneath her fist and drywall dust flaked to the floor. Genevieve found it hard to conceal her grin. At the very least it told her that the little wench of a witch wouldn’t live through this venture. 

For the most part, everyone seemed to be of a similar mind.  They agreed with her terms and were up for the challenge. The mercenary of course seemed pleased with the sum. Fifty Thousand was indeed a lot, she was sure she would at least capture his attention with that amount. The others were of a different breeding though. The Knight indeed had accepted the terms, but voiced that he would not accept the coin, the youngest member of their group chiming in to accept alongside Ionathan. Such a notion would be unbecoming of a Knight, and she expected nothing else from him. 

Her interest piqued as the beast spoke up. Sakaala had spoken up before, her concerns all worthwhile. But her tone was different this time; careful and specific, sincere even, as if simply looking for reassurance.  “A tempting offer you make, Lady Genevieve. As I see it, you value greatly this relic personally, enough so to make a worthwhile sum the reward beyond just notoriety.”

Genevieve nodded along as she continued. “All I then ask is, if we were to procure it for you, what would [i]you[/i] in fact [i]do[/i] with it? Provided you have no ill intent or personal gains to be made, I see no further concern from myself”
It was certainly a fair question, she couldn’t blame Sakaala for asking. She paused a moment, looking to apply the same care to her words that the woman had chosen. Unfortunately, any answer to be given was abruptly cut off by Regina.

“That is a good question,” Regina said, floating to the Lioness’s side. “I have a way that would settle everyone’s doubts easily. All everyone has to do is let me in their minds.”

Genevieve was growing impatient with the hin, her demeanor suddenly changed. The inward shout she had given her previously had become outward. “For the last time, NO!” she looked at Regina with a scowl, her features become darkened by anger. “I will not open my mind to you, you meddling creature. The last time you so rudely entered, I was nearly overwhelmed and over run by not only my own thoughts but yours as well.” 

The sage sighed slowly, attempting to calm herself as the breath flowed through her, finally returning her attention to Sakaala. “Your question is fair, and therefore I –willingly- answer”, she glanced at Regina as her voice peaked. “In the battles long ago, the demon Zargon had appeared in our realm. Whether this was the doing of Jeltheor, an evil mage whose deeds plagued Waeldeshore, or if this was by the actions of Zargon himself, we do not know. However the peril he and his minions inflicted in many regions of our world is unspeakable. When our group had defeated him previously, he had not died, but merely went into hiding. There have been signs, odd happenings throughout this side of the world that indicate his return, or at least the coming of it. Once I am in the possession of all three keys, I will be able to defeat them once and for all; A feat that my order had striven to achieve, but had unfortunately failed at. I seek its power not for my own, but to rid the world of this evil. It will take much more than what was delivered upon him in Waeldeshore to take him down for good. And I do not intend to let him live this time. Zargon is not the only one that we have to worry about either. There are others that flock to his banner. That is why it is imperative that I acquire all three keys.” She turned, glancing over the others before her gaze finally falling on Regina. “Considering what you had gone through in your previous battle by my side, I do hope this satisfies your questions.”

“It is getting late, and I would have my champions well rested and prepared. Should you all be in agreement with my terms, I have prepared rooms for each of you, I do hope they are to your liking. Your beds have already been turned down, and there are hot baths waiting for you in your personal quarters. If there is nothing else, my aid will escort you upstairs.” She nodded slowly, waiting for their acceptance of her offer before moving from her chair.