IC Thread while waiting at the Tower

[Jaokith]

Aerikoth stood calmly after the guard Jomo departed. Silence reigned for a time as the others looked for places to sit or just remained standing as they waited. After a moment of glancing at each of them briefly, he broke the silence in a neutral tone.

"As I stated earlier the reasons why all of you have altered your opinion on the matter of our next course of action are inconsequential... However, being an inquisitive individual, I have a mild curiosity why the change was made."

The wizard paused a moment to allow his words to be understood. "So, tell me, if you would, what was the cause of this sudden change? The last I knew the three of you were to speak with Losifan Urdo and, one of you, had a concern about leaving me alone. You can, perhaps, comprehend my interest in such a dichotomy."

Aerikoth looked at each individual as he waited a response.

[Vanya Mia]

"It's simple," Shanni said with a roll of her eyes, her tone anything but neutral, "like we said at that time. We didn't want to end up hounded out of town and chased as criminals for takin' down a bunch of criminals. Dancin' in and committin' what could be called wholesale murder by some, includin' any remainin' Cormaerils who might come out of the wood work, or any flunkies who might seize the chance to gain power, without findin' out how the nobles in the city would feel about it, was not a good idea."

"Nobles don't like people who go against nobles, it sets a bad example. If they decided blamin' us was a good way to stop others thinkin' they could get away with it then the best case scenario would be havin' to leave town." Shanni waved a hand around, gesturing to their surroundings in a general fashion. "Second best would be endin' up somewhere like this, but it goes all the way down to heads on spears over the gate. Talking to Urdo made sure they were behind us in doin' this, and that they ain't goin' to hang us out as scapegoats once it's done. Bottom line is, when you're workin' for someone you check with that someone before you do anythin' they could think too drastic."

"Mind ain't completely changed, though." The young woman nodded towards Dermot. "I agree, we're still better off findin' sure and certain proof of what they've been up to, if we can, so there ain't no one who can point a finger at us and say we had no reason to go up against Cormaeril. Urdo seemed straight but if they back us then someone might try to use that as a way to take Urdo down. Evidence is good armour 'gainst backstabbin' bastards. For someone who always think they know best, you don't know much about people."

Shanni finished, and turned and flopped down on a stool irritably. "And as for stayin' with us, weren't me pushin' but the reason you should've was because of what you just said there." She attempted to mimic Aerikoth's voice and manner of speech. "The reasons why all of you have altered your opinion on the matter are inconsequential." She snorted. "No idea what a dichotomy is, but you don't give a horse's arse for the feelings and opinions of those around you. And they ain't lesser bein's, they're people and your comrades in arms."

[Jaokith]

"Putting your mewling diatribe about myself aside for the moment Shanni and taking your beliefs about the nobility in this city as … Factual", Aerikoth began plainly, "What makes you believe any approval from Urdo for an assault will matter to the other noble houses? Or are you planning on taking a survey of the rest of the nobility and Losifan was the first questioned? Do you truly think a noble house sanctioning our efforts to eradicate another will truly ameliorate any potential fear the others may have about... How did you put it..? Ah yes, 'people who go against nobles'?"

The wizard cleared his throat and continued, "If I have not already stated, I find the need for approval to strike against a foe, noble or otherwise, that has consistently sought our demise not only naïve but a wasted effort in this city specifically."

Aerikoth calmly stared at Shanni as he finished, "But then that is just my opinion... Something I am used to not getting a 'horse's arse' for, as you so eloquently put."

[Vanya Mia]

"And there, that's what I mean." Shanni waved her hands in a dismissive fashion. "You're the one wantin' an answer, and then when you get one you don't like and get insultin'. Then describe exactly why we said we want proof in the first place as if it were your idea, and after that say you disagree. You obviously already understand why we went, so exactly what point was there to askin', apart from the opportunity to say you were right and we were wastin' our time all over again?" She snorted, turned away and lapsed into a haughty silence.

((Edit: Saw a spelling mistake, and can't leave them....))

[Jaokith]

"It was not my intent to provoke irascibility", Aerikoth began in a neutral tone of voice, "the prevalence of which is stronger in some of you." He quickly cleared his throat before continuing, "I just fail to see how any approval from House Urdo or potential proof of wrong doing found will prevent the rest of the nobility from feeling fearful of our actions or taking steps to see all of us removed if your beliefs about that are accurate."

The short wizard paused a moment and tilted his head in thought. "Consider for a moment, there has been proof given of their illicit actions to those in authority in the past and nothing has been done. So one is left to wonder what possible proof you are hoping to find that will suddenly make a difference."