Fredricus, the ruler of the Kingdom of Kindance sat patiently. As a king, he rarely experienced refusal, even more so right in front of his high-ranking aides. 

But he was willing to let it slide. He, after all, prided himself as a just ruler. He nodded and gestured Cedar to leave if he wished so.  Not going to lie, it was a terrible loss, really. 


“If I may ask. Why would you task us with this new mission? What do we offer now that your own cannot?”

Asked the doctor. Fredricus let the question hanged between them for a moment, understanding the weight and how easily it was to be satisfied by heart-swelling flattery; [i]because you all have performed well[/i], [i]because the king trusted you[/i], and nobody would debate that, usually. 

But they were not his usual myrmidons, who would carry his will without question. And when he saw the elf detach herself from the group and sit nonchalantly spewing her trademark observation hogwash, he suddenly missed the old days, when the commoners spoke only when asked to, and were only permitted to answer, not asking back. 

[b][color=a187be]"What I am going to say is all you have the qualities that are suitable for my needs."[/color][/b] Wearing his stern yet calm expression, Fredricus gestured for his chamberlain to uncork a bottle of wine before leaning on his chair, playing along with Jazdia's deliberate insouciance. The elf looked at him back, smiling snidely. 

[color=ec008c]"That's vague,"[/color] she said.[color=ec008c] "We are also suitable to be a scapegoat, prisoner, meatshield--- or whatever you wished us to be, or if you need a sacrificial lion to tie loose ends. Come on, Fredricus, you also need to be more specific."[/color] 

There was an obvious gesture of anger being displayed behind him, yet it was immediately shushed by his calm disposition. 

[b][color=a187be]"I apologize if it was not the answer you want, but I think I'm entitled to say whatever I wish to disclose, and you will have to be satisfied by that for now I am afraid."[/color][/b]

Fredricus swirled the wine, letting its pungent aroma permeating before sipping it without offering a toast. 

[color=ec008c]"That's not fair..."[/color] the elf shrugged, her tone was lackadaisical, though it was hard to discern the true seriousness of her words. "And here I thought Kindeance is the land where the contract is honored and its clauses fair." 

[b][color=a187be]"It still is. It's a take-it-or-leave-it sort of agreement." [/color][/b]

[color=ec008c]"Just saying, that kind of contract is illegal."[/color]

[b][color=a187be]"I am the king of the land, I make the law if you haven't noticed."[/color][/b] Fredricus sipped his wine again. his temper rose but still at a manageable level. The elf smiled bemusingly, yet a sigh escaped her. 

[color=ec008c]"This looks shady, no offense, Mattie."[/color] Quickly she shifted to Fredricus again. [color=ec008c]"Fred, we have known each other for years, and I know exactly what you are thinking without having to wait for you to disclose the damn nation's top secret. But I am not the only one being summoned here, and I believe my friends deserve to know what they are signing up for a bit more than just a spoken promise. Well, of course, the option to leave your chamber now is still open, sure, but a bit more elaboration is decent." [/color]

[b][color=a187be]"I think you heard me when I said I shall not disclose anything until we have an accord--"[/color][/b]


[color=ec008c]"Then this is a goodbye. Not sure with Doctor Solomon and Young Mist Rosenving, but I'd say keep your guard up before signing everything up."[/color] Jazdia jumped out from her seat, but before the elf turned toward the door the king added. 

[b][color=a187be]"Don't get me wrong, I have my reason for not being forthright, and that's for your own safety. You know that my enemy would kill to have this plan leaked out."[/color][/b]

[color=ec008c]"They will try to kill us anyway. Too late now to feel bad for it."[/color] The elf stood straight, the playfulness in her expression gone now, and her blue eyes were dull. [color=ec008c]"Fredricus, I don't care if you think your kingdom would crumble or if someone out there is still stupid enough to try slitting your throat in broad daylight. You had your chance to explain why we should continue working with you and you offered none. I have done my part, and now because you refuse to give me something to consider even as a small gesture of goodwill, I then I simply must go, I have an investment to oversee."[/color]

As she walked toward the door, she added. [color=ec008c]"I still hope to see you at our grand opening. Don't forget to drop by, and tell Alec he is invited. Mattie is welcome too." 
[/color]