As she beat down Red Stain, she could hear the whispers in her mind. But she did not want to hear, nor did she want to know what kind of taunt it was going to throw at her. When it started to melt, she stumbled backwards as quickly as possible. Thankfully the liquid seemed to evaporate and everything became quiet. She let out a quiet breath that she had been holding. She then went over and picked up the ruby and the veinous stone. She commented as she picked up the stone, "A third one of these...we definitely need to get this to Aisha,"

She couldn't help but wonder if these stones were used to summon the slaads somehow.

She followed Shor, Buddy, and Shortfang into the next room. She looked around, and as Shor noted that the books, scrolls and maps were of areas in Gransys, she wondered how long the cultists had this keep as their base. Then her attention was drawn to a large egg. Her eyes widened once more when Shortfang was shaking with glee and he pointed out that this was a dragon egg. She drew out her tonfa once more as she asked in surprise, "A-A dragon egg?! As in...a Black Dragon Egg?!" She wasn't sure, but she had a feeling if this was a black dragon's egg, then they might want to smash it. But she didn't move yet. The fact that Shortfang was shaking in glee over this instead of fear was what stayed her tonfa.

Shortfang shrugged. "Dunno! Eggs look all same to Shortfang, but this egg very hard. Still warm too, means dragon inside alive. Not Black Dragon, color off. Blue orange... Not sure what kinda dragon, but it's dragon egg!" Shortfang seemed very eager to have this. Pylia looked at it with a more worried expression. "To think, if we didn't take on these trogs earlier, they might've had a dragon on their side. A baby dragon perhaps but... That's likely why the trogs were planning on killing so many kobolds. To feed this one dragon..." Shortfang turned towards Pylia with an angry look. "Not all dragons bad! Good dragons, bad dragons, like good humies or bad humies! Lots of them! Well, not a lot of dragons. But not all bad." Shortfang tried to pick up the egg but it was far too heavy for him. Seemed like Buddy's strength would be needed here again.

Speaking of Buddy, he seemed to have found some items of interest. A large brown bag that was hanging off a rack, which had a few items in them. Curiously enough when Buddy reached into them, it seemed like it had the same sort of extra-dimensional effect as your handy Havardsack, only this bag was much bigger. He pulled out what looked like another healing potion as well as a scroll and four arrows. They seemed to have a dull glow to them. "Ah, magic arrows? I wonder who these belonged to." Pylia commented. Meanwhile Shor had gathered up the books, scrolls, and other evidence into his own bag. "With Red Stain gone, the trogs will have no leader to rally around. I doubt we'll be able to fully rid these sewers of them, but at least now they won't be organized enough to be a threat for the city. Let's head back to the others and report of our victory! Hopefully we can help the kobolds resettle into Dragon's Watch, and with this new fortress they ought to be able to fend off any further threats that come through their tunnels."

Sylvia relaxed when Shortfang pointed out that the egg wasn't that of a Black Dragon. She noted that he seemed eager to take it with them, despite that he didn't seem strong enough to carry it. Sylvia nodded in agreement, and she answered Pylia, "Gransys and the Sewer Dragons would have been in serious trouble if we hadn't gone to visit Shortfang's Mom. Talk about being at the right place at the right time," After Shortfang's angry retort, Sylvia commented in thought, "Hmmm...Maybe we can raise the dragon ourselves. Think that's possible...?"

She then saw Shortfang try to pick up the egg and she told him, "Ah! Shortfang, we should let Buddy carry that. Bud-" She started to look towards him and call for him. But she stopped when she noticed that he found something too. He found a bag and it appeared that it was like the Handy Haversack. She nodded as he pulled out the items and praised Buddy, "Nice find Buddy!" She took note of the items. When Pylia picked up the arrows and made her comment, Sylvia replied, "I don't know. But I think Shortfang could use those arrows,"

She then turned to Shor when he approached and informed them that the trogs won't be a threat anymore. She nodded in agreement with his statement to go and report to the others of their victory. She answered "Alright. Let's gather our loot and head out," She put the stuff that was on the table into the haversack, and slung the bag of holding over her shoulders. She then looked to Buddy and she asked "Hey, Buddy. Think you can carry the dragon egg for Shortfang?"

Buddy nods, going over to the egg. It was already resting in a basket of sorts so he would have no problem holding onto it, though it was big and bulky, thus requiring both his arms. Shortfang happily took the arrows and stuffed them into his quiver. Though they wouldn't be able to fit his crossbow in their current state, you've seen him convert normal arrows into bolts before. With the loot gathered the party leaves the fortress and meets up with Aisha. Kor was also back with his team as the kobolds put out the fires and manned the walls. Aisha informed the team that Yorik went back to hold the rear while Longstrider and Cera took one of the Sewer Dragons back to Underhaven. For now, the other two Giant Crocodiles will stay here and help secure Dragon's Watch, and hopefully the kobolds will be able to settle in before long. To ensure a safe journey, Kor and his team of kobolds escorted you, Shor, and everyone else back to Underhaven, along with any wounded from the battle.

When you arrive there was a certain air of celebration for the kobolds. They were victorious this day, despite some of the loses they took. Brave warriors made sure their home was not only safe, but they regained what was lost. Skinwalker spotted her son and ran up to hug him, thanking the group for keeping him safe. "Thank you thank you! My son, safe. My son, hero. All you, hero." Skinwalker went up to you in particular, reaching for your hand so she could press it against her forehead. Shortfang helpfully explained what she was doing. "This kobold blessing! You touch kobold forehead, means you bless Kobold because you help them lots." He seemed a bit embarrassed that his mother was doing this, but he wasn't going to stop her. "Skinwalker make dress, for you. Tonight, Skinwalker find you, give dress. Okay?"

Sylvia listened as Aisha briefed them on what the others were up to, and she followed Kor, Shor, and Kor's team of kobolds, back to Underhaven. She could feel the air of joy and celebration when they reached the Underhaven. The war was over, and the kobolds got their home back. Soon enough she saw Skinwalker run up to them and hug Shortfang. She smiled at the sight and at the thanks. She was a little confused but when Shortfang explained, the smile came back. After Skinwalker said that she was going to make a dress for her, Sylvia answered her smiling happily, "Okay! Thank you, Skinwalker,"

Soon Skinwalker departed to help some kobolds father their things go leave for Deagon’s Watch. The party would soon arrive to the Grey Scale hut though this time they allowed everyone inside, though Buddy stayed outside simply because the hut was too short for him. He peeked his head inside to listen. Longstrider took a puff from her hookah and smiled at the team. “I cannot thank you enough for what you all have done for my people. When this war began I truly feared that we would lose our homes to the troglodytes. And I cannot dent that if it were not for Shortfang and his friends, we would have all died before this week’s end. On behalf of all of our people, we thank you.”

Taking another puff from her hookah the others elders spoke, but not in a language you understood. Longstrider seemed sadden and translates. “But there is still the matter if our own protection. We lost many warriors today, and what warriors we trained are still new, even after this battle. It would take us years before we could reach the numbers like we had before, and we know dark times are coming.” This was when Shortfang spoke up in an exasperated tone.

“No join bad guys! Bad guys don’t want help Kobolds! Why not work with humies? Humies prove helpful!” Shortfang said in protest. Shor himself set his bag down and looks to Longstrider. “Not to mention, if you intend to ally with Elysium, you’ll become enemies of the city. As a watch Captain I can’t simply ignore those cultists or their allies, not after the chaos they’ve already caused.” Even Pylia pitched in her thoughts now that she was allowed to be here. “Though it may just be a conspiracy, it’s plainly obvious that Elysium created this situation to force your hand. As you said yourself, if no one helped you you all would have died. They wanted your people to suffer so that you’ll have to beg them to help you. But we are nothing like them. Shortfang is our friend and we’ll never make him accept the destruction of his people, just to save us the trouble. So please reconsider allying with Elysium.”

Sylvia listened as Longstrider spoke, becoming serious when she mentioned the matter of their own protection. It was then that the others jumped in to sway the Sewer Dragons not to join the cultists. She pitched in, with a thought coming to mind, “I don’t think Elysium knows of our assistance as of now. If you do see the cultists and see that they are surprised at the fact that you are still alive, then you will know for certain that they planned for the Sewer Dragons to die,”

She then asked, “Perhaps Shor can send some guards down here to help protect the Sewer Dragons?”

She then remembered something important and she added, “Oh! And there’s the prophetic dreams to consider,” She then looked to Shortfang and she asked, “Shortfang, why don’t you tell them your dream? I think it’s much more pertinent to this situation,”

The kobold nods as he looks to Longstrider. “Shortfang see vision of Calamity Dragon.” He translates this back into draconic for the older Greyscales, with Pylia providing a rough translation. But he basically tells Longstrider and the elders the same things he told you. This got them thinking as Shor stroke his beard. “I don’t have many guards under my command, or at least not as much as I’d like. I can report what happened down here to the Seneschal, see if I can’t recruit a few good men to guard the sewers. It’ll be a dirty job though. Can’t imagine many wanting to, especially since most don’t take kindly to kobolds.” Shor sighed but clutched his fist. “But I’ll do everything I can to make sure this works out.”

Longstrider raises her hand, which signals Shortfang to stop speaking. “I have heard enough. I understand... Elysium cannot be trusted. Just as well, our tribe is still in danger. But if you can promise me, and by extension our tribe, of your protection as well as our freedom, than we shall not ally with Elysium. Can you do this?” Longstrider looked at the group, but ultimately her eyes stopped at you. She wanted to hear your promise.

Sylvia let Shortfang give his explanation. Sylvia turned her attention to Shor when he spoke, and when he mentioned the seneschal, she recalled that he was going to ask him for reinforcements for the Sewer war earlier. As far as she knew, only Shor’s team helped out. The Seneschal, for some reason, didn’t send help to an important part of Gransys. She felt a little suspicious. What kind of person is the Seneschal?

Her attention was then drawn back to Longstrider. When she asked for their protection, she answered her, eyes locking with hers, “Yes. I promise we will help protect the Sewer Dragons and ensure your freedom. Just call us if you ever need our help,”

Longstrider nods and stands up, clapping her hands together. "Then enough talk. The Sewer Dragons have won their homes back from their invaders, thanks to your heroic work! It is time for celebration!" Longstrider says with a big grin as a few kobolds came in barring fruit, drinks, and food. "Come to Dragon's Watch tonight, so we can celebrate our victory. We have big feast, big party, and rewards for you." Buddy tapped on the door, holding onto the egg in his arms. Longstrider's eyes widen. "By the ancestors! A dragon egg!?" She seemed so surprised that Longstrider walked up to the egg to get a closer look. "No, not a true dragon, but a wyvern still! Amazing! And those trogs had this?" Longstrider called for her guards to come over to take the egg somewhere safe. "We can take care of this for you, if you wish. Dragon eggs need a safe place to grow, like where we raise our Sewer Dragons. Of course if you want, you can take. It is your prize for battle."

Sylvia smiled at the mention of a celebration and she answered Longstrider’s invitation, “We’d be delighted to join in on the celebration! Thank you!” She then watched as Longstrider went up to the dragon egg and informed them that it was a wyvern egg. When she offered to help, Sylvia accepted the offer, “That would be great! Thank you! Honestly, I don’t really know how to take care of a dragon or wyvern,”

After discussions were finished, Sylvia headed out of the hut, saying, “See you at Dragon’s Watch!”

After speaking with Longstrider, she decided that she should speak with Shor and Aisha. Once outside, she asked Shor, “Before we go to the party, could we meet up with Aisha. I think now would be a good time to have her check those two stones that we found...”

"Ah yes, you got the stones right?" Shor asked you. Pyllia overheard and was curious. "Stones? Oh, like this one?" Pylia took out the stone they picked up from the trog. "Honestly I just thought it was a trog thing, like an effigy or something. There's also the key he had too." Pylia took out the rusty key from her pocket. Shor nods at both. "Could be useful. Let's go see Aisha." With nothing else to do here, your group would meet up with Aisha as she comes back from the front line. She reports that Kor and Cera are overseeing protection for the kobolds to Dragon's Watch while Yorik maintains the rear guard fort, though they're in the process of breaking it down to have supplies for repairs at Dragon's Watch. Seeing the whole group Aisha guessed you wanted her to check on some items. "I'm sure you've all picked up quite a bounty, so let's go somewhere where we can sit down and look it over."

The group convenes at the armory and sits around a table. It takes some time but with Pylia's and Shortfang's help Aisha is able to identify all the items within the hour. She sets aside two potions filled with a red liquid. "These are potions of healing, pretty basic level." Then she sets aside a potion with cloudy green fluid and a jellyfish-like bubble floating in it. "This is a potion of water breathing. Makes sense that one would be down here, though I'd hate to be the unfortunate soul swimming in sewer water." She then gently puts the two scrolls before everyone. "This one right here is a Scroll of Infestation. It's a cantrip level spell, very basic. Summon a swarm of insects to attack your foe and cause them to run around in a panic. And this one... Very interesting, this one is a Scroll of Find Familiar. Effectively, you can use this scroll to summon a create similar to your friend's owl." Aisha motioned towards Syfr. "Those arrows Shortfang has are enchanted with minor magic. Nothing unique, they're simply sharper to allow them to do more damage and more easily pierce armor. Every bit helps though right?" And finally there was the bag. "It seems like you all already have something similar, but this is a Bag of Holding. Very important for your typical adventurer, it allows you to put up to five hundred pounds of objects into the bag without ever feeling that weight. Just make sure you don't let it get damaged or put another bag of holding or similar object inside of it unless you like being teleported to an empty vastness of space."

Finally there were the three red stone veins. Aisha actually had to separate them with some sticks, because they seem drawn to one another. "Very curious. Alone, they hardly have a magic aura. When two are together, they seem to respond to one another but the magic is still weak. But now that I have three together, I can easily sense their magic powers." Aisha looked to Pylia who seemed nervous. "I can tell you noticed too. Powerful necromancy." Shor was concerned. "Necromancy? What the hells sort of undead abomination would this summon?" Aisha simply signed and shook her finger at the captain. "Now now captain. I understand that when you hear Necromancy, you'll think undead hordes, ghouls and vampires, and all sorts of nasty creatures. But there is also another function of necromancy. After all, Necromancy is the magic that controls death. To inflict it... Or Prevent it."

Aisha allowed the stones to converge. They slammed together and started to fit in a very intricate fashion, like seeing some sort of puzzle cube solve itself. Eventually it formed into a vibrant red stone in the shape of a heart, but an actual cardiovascular one. "Now I see what it is. I'll admit this is the first time I've ever seen one myself. But this is known as a Wakestone. You can use these stones to bring someone back from the dead. Or if you happen to have one on you when you die, it will bring you back to life, restoring damage done to your body instantly. Those Troglodytes have no idea what they had with them."

Sylvia nodded in response to Shor's question. When Pylia brought out the stone they picked up from the trog, she answered her friend, "We found another one on the dead cultist from the Jabrani tribe. Aisha was able to sense magic from it, but not what kind. She needs these two stones to figure that out," She was honestly curious about the key that Pylia found as well, but she decided that that was a matter for later. She follows her friends to meet with Aisha and convened at a table. She brought out the items that they found and she listened as Aisha identified them. They really did find quite a bounty during this war!

She commented thoughtfully after Aisha identified the Potion of Water Breathing, "The cultist probably had that just in case he needed to make a quick escape without being found,"

When Aisha identified the Scroll of Find Familiar, Sylvia smiled giddily and she commented "Oh that's cool! We could have two animal friends in our group!"

When she made her comment about the Bag of Holding and the results of damaging it or putting it in another bag like it, "Duly noted," with a grave nod.

She then watched as Aisha analyzed the three veinous stones and kept them separated with sticks. It was actually kind of eerie with how the stones were being drawn together. She too grew concerned when she mentioned that there was Necromancy magic in these stones. When Aisha took away the sticks and let the stones form themselves into one, she muttered "Woah!" at the ending result: a stone that looked like a visually accurate heart. At the mention that this was a Wakestone and what it could do, her eyebrows rose upwards in surprise. That could be useful!

But then a thought came to mind. She commented "That's strange, though. If the Wakestone could do that as now...then why would the cultist, trog, and slaad carry pieces of it instead of a whole one? You'd think they would want a complete Wakestone if they wanted it to bring them back to life..."

“Perhaps they tried to bring the stones together? Remember, we found the cultist and the trog dead before we got the last stone from Red Stain. Maybe they did try to bring them together but perished before it could happen.” Pylia pointed out. Aisha nods in agreement. “From your report and what we examined from the body, I’d imagine gat the trogs were not quite as unified as we thought. The Jabrani tribe must’ve killed the cultist who was to deliver the stone without ever realizing his purpose.” Shortfang nods vigorously as he looked over the table. “And other trog killed by ooze cube! Maybe he try and bring? Just due in way.”

“In that case were very fortunate thy died before they could have gotten the stones together. Who knows what might happened if she had turn out backs in Red Stain after mistaking him for dead.” Shor says grimly, he holds the Wakestone in his hands and looks at it closely. “This might be rude to ask, but would you be willing to sell this stone to me? My men could certainly use something like this in our line of work. Of course, if you all choose to continue going in these adventures you might too. Still I’ll give you a good deal for them, say ten thousand gold?”

Sylvia listened to her friends as they answered her question, and she nodded as the answers sounded like the most likely. When Shor brought up the possibility of Red Stain having the Wakestone, she shuddered. Red Stain would have slaughtered them if they had mistaken it for dead. She blinked at the mention of selling the Wakestone to the guards. Her eyes widened a bit at the sound of Ten Thousand gold for the Wakestone. Sylvia thought over the offer. Yes, they could certainly use the Wakestone, but they do know of a store where they could use ten thousand gold to get something else...and she didn't think that the guards would go to the Beholder's store for anything.

She answered Shor, "Hmmm...That is a tempting offer...." She was considering accepting. She looked to her friends and asked, "Pylia, Shortfang, Buddy. Do you guys have any objections to selling the Wakestone?"

"Well..." Pylia thought about it. "Something like this... It's very powerful. We could certainly use it. And honestly? I feel like ten thousand is rather low for what is effectively an instantaneous resurrection. Takes no time to cast, no costly materials, just have it on your person when you need it. It has to be worth at least twenty thousand." Shor visibly flinched at Pylia's words. It was a mix of surprise and annoyance. "Your not wrong that this is powerful, lass, but twenty thousand... I can scrape up eleven thousand at the most." Pylia shook her head. "Then it won't be worth it. Sorry Shor." Shortfang on the other hand seemed more acceptive. "Shortfang think, Wakestone only good if we die. So if no one die, don't need Wakestone, yeah? But coin, coin help us not die! And! We real lucky! We find Wakestone in sewer! Maybe we find more Wakestone later, keep if need, yeah?" Shortfang said confidently. Buddy wrote his thoughts out for everyone to read. "For the sake or no stalemate, we should sell the stone for 12.5k. If we are careful we will not die. We can also use the money to invest in our adventure." He then flipped to another page and wrote a small question which he directed to Shor, but everyone could see it. "How much would it cost for a small house? So we don't have to live out of a inn."

Shor thought about it with Aisha helping him remember some real estate. "I mean, suppose if you wanted to live near the market district, decent place to live would cost you about three thousand gold. Of course, you don't have to pay that all at once, but depends who you go to buy from. Some places say you only need to pay five hundred as a down payment and you can work out mortgaging with the seller. Of course you'll also need to pay taxes to the city. Honestly, I don't really know much about that, Buddy." Buddy shrugged and scribbled a response. "I was just curious." Either way Pylia looked back to you. "That's two who vote to sell it. I don't mind selling it, but we should get more than 10k for it. I say 20k, Buddy says 12.5k, and Shor says 11k. Thoughts?"

Sylvia blinked rapidly at Pylia's words. She doubled the price for the Wakestone and she felt herself sweat a bit while wincing. While Pylia may be knowledgeable about magic, even Sylvia thought that doubling the price might be a bit much. Then Shortfang spoke his piece. She answered his comment about finding more Wakestone pieces thoughtfully, "That is certainly a possibility. Plus there is still business to be done in the sewers..." Then it was Buddy's turn. She read the book and she was impressed that he asked about real estate. Honestly, she hadn't thought about their living situation. They couldn't really stay in an inn forever and they may be here for quite a bit while the Duke isn't here.

After Pylia asked for her thoughts, Sylvia answered her, "I was definitely thinking of selling the Wakestone as well. As Buddy suggested, we can use some of that money to buy a small house here, and I was thinking we could use the rest of that money to buy some gear for us, like Shortfang was saying. We did come across an interesting shop that seems like they could have such gear. And who knows? Maybe there'll be an item that'll serve a similar purpose as the Wakestone,"

She then looked to Shor and she added, "I don't want to gouge you and the rest of the guard. You guys probably need it to help protect Gransys, right? I think eleven thousand would be the best price in this case," She figured it would be the best price as it would be the most that Shor could get together, and it wouldn't be too low as Pylia suggested.

With a relieved breath Shor extended his hand. "It's a deal. 11k for the Wakestone. Obviously I don't have that money on me here, so how about you hold onto that stone for now and we can do the trade tonight when we come back to Dragon's Watch for the celebration? I mean... I might not be here on account of reporting everything that's happened so far, but I'll make sure one of my mates has your money." After you seal the deal with Shor, Aisha would stand up and wipe herself down. Her body was drenched in sweat and sewage. "Yes yes, as much as I enjoyed all of this, I honestly have had enough of the sewers. It's only a few hours past noon and I feel like I haven't bathed in days. Why don't we head back to the surface, freshen ourselves up, and then maybe come back down here when it's smelling less... Sour." Pylia and Shor chuckled at the dark elf's distress. Shortfang was eating one of the massive burgers they got from this morning, questionably cold. Buddy simply stood up to leave as well.

Sylvia smiled to Shor and nodded answering, "It's a deal, Shor," She then shook his extended hand. She then looked to Aisha as she stood up and brushed off the sweat and sewage. It was only past noon?! To Sylvia, it honestly felt like an entire day had passed. Though, then again, she did just use a lot of her ki. She could probably use some rest. She stood up to leave as well, and as she did, "Oh! Shor, Aisha. Sorry, I have one more question, and this one is just out of curiosity as well. We can talk while we head out,"

While they were heading out, she decided to ask Shor and Aisha, "I apologize if this comes off as a little intrusive, but could you tell me about the Duke and the Senaschal? What they're like, what kind of impression do they give you...I'd like to know so I don't accidentally offend either of them when I go to meet the Duke..."

"Aye, tis a fair question. You seem like a foreigner, so I'm not surprised that you don't know much about em. Let's see..." Shor ponders as the group walks towards the surface. "Well, sixty odd years ago, the Duke, Erod Blackbane, slew the Black Dragon who was ravaging the lands. That foul wyrm tore through the Kingdom of Bray to the north, seemed like he was going to continue his war path down south, destroying anything he felt like attacking. Not to mention his army, thousands upon thousands of monsters, demons, fey, and the like, following the Black Dragon and bringing chaos wherever it went." Shor seemed to reminisce on these times like they're a fond memory for him. "Aye, I myself fought in his army, before he was formally a Duke. Back then he was but another mercenary looking to raise an army in the hopes of earning glory and prestige. I wasn't a captain back then either, just another foot soldier along with me cousin Ferric. In any case, the Duke is an honorable man by my reckoning. He kept to his word and paid all of us well, listened to our concerns and addressed out complaints in a timely matter. If I had to mention his faults, I'd say that he's far too beholden to his people, and seems to lack a will of his own at times." Shor sighed as he mentioned this. "Like for example, the war he committed to up north. Bunch of lizard folk had rallied and began attacking lands far to the north. Now, I'm a loyal man of my country, and I'd gladly die for it, but I also know when to pick my battles as well. The lizardmen up north, that's way up north. And for the duke to take his standing army up there seems... Excessive. Especially during these trying times what with Elysium out and about. They were a problem even before... You know."

"Anyways as for the Senaschal, I'll admit I don't know him too well. He's not the first Senaschal the duke had, the third in fact, but the first one died due to being elderly, and the second turned treasonous and was executed. This third one I don't really know where he came from aside that he came along with the Duke's current wife. Apparently as part of an alliance to some southern lords, the duke was to marry a Princess Eleanor, and an adviser from her father's court would come to serve as the duke's new Senaschal. As for the man himself, his name is Julian Fournival. As I said, I don't know much about him personally. Only worked as the Senachal for about four years now, and he keeps to himself and does his job well. Stays out of trouble at least, but not a married man either. A real mystery."

After Shor explained his thoughts Aisha spoke up, pushing her glasses up on her nose as she seemed a bit annoyed, as if she's restraining herself from speaking angrily. "While the captain has nothing but kind words about the Duke, I will speak far more candidly." Shor just sighed but did nothing to silence Aisha, so she continued. "The man is beholden to the nobility. The reason he committed to the war in the north is because of the warhawks among his court, who wished to use the chaos in order to elevate their own prestige as well as plunder the land taken by the lizardfolk. Land which I should inform was owned by the duke's own allies, simply under enemy occupation. Because the duke is toothless however, he essentially allowed his underlings to loot the burning home of his neighbor, under the guise of 'saving' their valuables. Indeed, when the captain says the duke is beholden to his people, he was putting it lightly. A leader must lead his men, not simply be their mouth piece. A king who does nothing but follow the commands of his people is nothing more than a figure head which can be manipulated by all and anyone. And frankly I would not be surprised if he already is."

Eventually the group would finally reach the surface. It was indeed somewhere around noon, as the sun was still very high into the air. The market place was loud and bustling, almost as if no one was even aware of the bloody battle that was fought below. After Aisha got out and put her hood on she continued speaking. "The Senaschal to me seems like a shady man. No mortal is without sin, and yet he seems to go out of his way to ensure no controversy by limiting his presence, using work as his excuse to minimize his interaction with others. Now, do not mistake me as some gossip. I've not interest in spreading lies and rumors for the sake of entertainment. But as a guardsman, it is my job to notice people who are acting suspicious, especially if it looks as though they are making preparations to commit crimes." At this, Shor seemed to give Aisha a stern glare. "Aisha, you aren't accusing the Senaschal of something, are you?" The dark elf however brushed off his concerns. "Captain, I am simply being cautious considering what happened to the second Senaschal. He was also a reclusive man, and needed to be considering his involvement in slavery and selling kingdom's secrets. The fact that sir Fournival is just as reclusive makes be concerned that he too may be following a similar pattern. After all, it's not as if there is anyone to grant over sight of his activities except the duke, who is current off to fight some pointless war."

The group would finally arrive to the main market street, and the sound of people going about their business was almost deafening. It was hard to hear Aisha's rant over the noise, and she noticed, so she tried to wrap it up. "In essence, I do not trust the duke, for he is a puppet, nor do I trust the Senaschal, because he does nothing to earn trust." With her statement made Shor just looked over to you. "Well, I hope that'll give you an idea of who they are. As far as etiquette goes, just don't bring any weapons into his court for obvious reasons, do not speak over or try and interrupt the duke or his Senaschal when they are speaking, and overall don't act a daft twat. The duke was a common man after all, so he is not going to offend easily if you are not familiar with the customs. As for the Senaschal well, same thing I suppose. He's an outsider too so as long as you can avoid looking like a fool, you ought to have no trouble."