Disturbed

The guards increase their presence around the areas the beasts seem to accumulate.

The guards seem pretty nervous about the state of the animals gathering. They seem to be muttering things such as, "Wonder what has them riled" and "Don't do anything to upset them. Just let them be at peace."

The guard the cat rubs against would hold his hand out to be sniffed by the cat. He smiles a bit. "Cute thing."

The guard reads over the note and raises a brow, muttering to himself. "Makes deals with the Undead leaders...? Right...because that certainly makes sense. Why else would the Undead attack our town and kill hundreds of people." He shakes his head and goes to find Commander Vorik.

After Vorik reads the note, he seems taken aback. None of this makes sense to him, so he goes to find Captain Wester to see just what is going on.

Salutes the commander and reads the note. "I don't think this is me they are referring to. Our other Captain is Malik, but... You don't think! ... No. Not Malik. Maybe he's a bit unorthodox at times...". Gives the commander a disbelieving look.

With the increased presence and raucous activity of these strange creatures, the Helmite paladin, Rayfe Wiegand, finally takes it upon himself to also keep a watchful eye. He takes up a position by the boulder formation just off the road. His tower shield rests point down in the earth and and his bastard sword hangs off his left hip while his golden, wolfish eyes follow the animals as they move about. He otherwise takes no initiative to interact with them.

A messenger boy interrupts them and hands the Captain a letter with the seal of Seldarine. He opens it and reads then his eyes meet Voriks and he hands him the letter.

Quote :

.Captain Colt,

I found the Lyons and found information that I was looking for on the Unicorn. They seemed agitated by it and the one known as Leo wants to speak to you. I told him I would set up a meeting, as he seemed to be jumping to conclusions about your knowledge of it. I tried to explain but it was rather ignored. I hope I haven't caused too much of an issue, and apologize in advanced if I have.

I also spoke to the Keeper about trying to get you elvish troops to return and help your people. I made progress, I will travel to town soon to speak to you of it.

~ Alatariel

"Alatriel is a scribe from Myth, she's documenting our history. In passing I made mention of Asha, the unicorn and the rumors of its horn having magical wish powers. Seems there is some truth to those rumors."

He looks at the note again. "Pay his crimes in blood. Dark thoughts that match the liches. In league with the deaders. These wildlings are creative to say the least and aren't the most diplomatic."

Shakes his head, "Pixie dust snorting rainbow lickers. Are you seriously going to give these self deluded wildlings the time of day with these nonsense demands commander?"

Commander Vorik listens to Wester and raises his brow at what he says.

"C-captain, deluded or not, th-these p-people fought against th-the Undead, even r-right beside our own C-commander at the t-time. They are n-not our enemy. Their d-demands are over the l-line, yes. B-but they have always b-been like this."

He straightens up and looks at Wester in the eyes.

"You are t-to come with m-me to the g-gate to speak with them and explain your r-reasoning. History is an imp-portant aspect of l-life. Even th-they should understand that and r-realize you are n-not what they s-say you are. If it c-comes to violence, I w-will deal with it. B-but you are to handle this situation d-diplomatically and r-refrain from such r-remarks you have m-made to me. We d-do not n-need to f-fight on another w-warfront. Is th-that understood, Captain?"

Meanwhile on the crossroads, A tiny Fairy lands on Anyn's shoulder. Well prepaired it was clearly Aesa in Fey form, and she asks of her Familly What the latest news is. She is as determined as her brother to protect that what is sacred to the Lyon familly.

Wester listens to his words and his thoughts instantly go to Bryanna.  She would have bitched him out over this travesty of authority.  He could point out everything wrong with his last statement.  He could point out that he undermines his own authority as well as the authority of his officer by allowing this wildling an audience.  He could point out how he is siding with a people who have no investment in the town, who are accusing his man without evidence and threatening his troop with death.  Yet he doesn't.  Knowing any insubordination may cost him his life due to the conditions of his contract he returns Voriks look with a stony look of his own.  He replies in a practiced tone that masks his frustration at the commander decision.

"I understand Commander.  I will do as you Command" (Diplomacy score 41)

A tall, copper skinned hunter wearing earth toned leathers, a wolf fur cloak on his back and a black leather headband adorned with red gems stands watch by the guards one morning. The hunter watches the animals with interest and inspects them with a meticulous eye, while idly toying with the hilt of a sheathed black dagger at his belt...

The hunter seems to be gauging the animal numbers and positioning, and finally makes an approach and comments to some of the guards about the nature of the beasts, asks a few questions about their behavior and takes note of the calming presence of the elven maiden. The hunter then reassures the guards about strength in numbers and the fact that Shadowdale has allies against precisely any beast that wishes the folk of the town harm.

Commander Vorik would not make the group wait for too long before he comes out with Wester at his side. He holds a hand up to the guards who seem to be on edge and steps forward alone, leaving Wester at the gate for now. He doesn't show any signs of fear or aggression in any way. If anything, he seems pretty relaxed, quite sure that this is just a simple misunderstanding.

"Hail th-there. I b-believe there is some s-sort of misunderstanding g-going on h-here, and I'd l-like to know if th-there is someone that w-will step f-forward to s-speak on your b-behalf w-without these threats of v-violence."

Vorik had a longsword at his left hip, but it was peaceknotted. He made absolutely no signs of aggression.

While he stands there waiting for someone to step forward and speak up, more guards begin to show up at the gates. Then militia. Battlemages. Then Lathandrites. Knights of the Eternal Order. Rose Knights. Helmites. Chaunteans from the House of Plenty. Black Hounds. Mercenaries from Amn.

The entire fighting force of Shadowdale doesn't come, of course. But there is a diverse enough crowd standing at the wall of Shadowdale to prove that they stand by their own, and any unwarranted hostile actions towards the town and it's people will result in a swift defense. Seeing the quick flying figure in the sky, the defenses straighten up and Vorik frowns. He holds a hand up to the people behind him. Archers do not draw their bows, but they prepare arrows just in case. The Weave begins to swirl around the Battlemages in preparation for an attack. There were no signs of weapons drawn or spells specifically woven until the flying figure appeared.

Vorik waits patiently. Though he knows the defenses behind him are numerous and well in the town's favor in this situation, he does not show signs of arrogance. To him, this is simply protocol when someone comes to the town's door with a force and threats. He looks to the group and speaks up again.

"Once m-more, I ask someone t-to come f-forward and speak on b-behalf of you all. We d-do not want v-violence."

For those that have keen ears, they'd hear the people within town begin to be alerted to danger. Children begin to cry and the people of the town are in a flurry of worry once more, having faced an attack not too long ago.

((OOC: This is a warning that should anyone move to attack the town, they are under threat of permadeath.))

Lanan Kelm stood with the Knights of the eternal order. Quietly he watched the commander, his Cold iron great sword in it's sheath on his back, covered by a large shield. His eyes slowly move about the field, looking at the shadow-dale defenders, then to the leopard and dragon, and purple wolf/woman/cat

The corner of his lip twitches into a smile and he kneels down to give the small pet cat a scratch on the ears briefly. He then stands back up and nods to Maya.

"M-mushroom Princess M-maya. I b-believe there is a m-misunderstanding. F-from what the Captain has told m-me, all that had happened w-was an inquiry t-to l-learn history and he had m-made b-brief mention of this Lyoncorn t-to her. Shadowdale has n-no plans about it. I g-give you my word. If y-you would like to speak t-to the Captain about it, it is of c-course f-fine. B-but know that I'll n-not be tolerating v-violence against m-my officers. We w-will resolve this p-peacefully."