The girl narrowed her eyes at Ashley as he replied. She took a step back, furrowing her brow. "What kind of traitorous scum do you take us for, sir?" Evidently, Ashley's implication had managed to deeply offend the little lady of the court. "We are not barbarians, whatever the rest may say!" The girl's hand balled into a fist. "My father may have soaked this ground with the blood of his enemies, but a great kingdom has grown from the fertile soil such a labor produced." A wave of red crossed the young lady's face. She clearly had not inherited her father's composure, or perhaps she just hadn't developed it yet. "You insult this land, its people, and the man who made our current state possible with your words. Bow your head and beg forgiveness, wretch, and you may live to regret your folly." The young girl glared at the man before her. "I said apolo-" The child's rising voice was cut off by Alec's interjection. "Emilia. Cease this. It is dangerous to trust a person you have never met. If this man questions my sincerity, then so be it. Though, to be clear, I do not intend to harm any of you. So long as you abide me my singular request, you may do as you please." Emilia grit her teeth, clearly frustrated, but said no more to Ashley as she returned to her seat.



   Having dealt with the situation his daughter had caused, Alec returned his attention to the table. A slight smirk crossed his face as Ira continued. "Though your appreciation of my city is admirable, I have no taste for honeyed words. This is business. Uphold your portion of this agreement and I will see to it that you are provided with whatever you need." With the scholar's consent, it seemed the entirety of the group had been persuaded. After the verdict had been solidified, the ashen-haired woman inquired about the first half of the lord's bargain: information. "Right then, being that you are all in agreement, I will give you an idea of what it is you will face in the Wastes." Cross paused for a moment. "There are few sources available, and many of those are little more than hearsay and legend. However, given the nature of your errand, perhaps such sources are to be believed."



  Before Alec could continue, the doors of the Great Hall swung open, and two more strangers entered the room. Alec eyed the newcomers carefully. One was an old man, the other a young woman with some rather peculiar features. Stopping his explanation, Cross turned toward the pair of new arrivals. "It would seem we have a pair of stragglers." He took a step toward them. "Since you were directed here, I imagine the two of you are also headed to investigate this temple in the north." He gave the newcomers the same piercing gaze that had been permeating the rest of the group. "I have set up a sort of bargain with this group of adventurers. I will provide information and supplies for your expedition, free of charge, so long as you report back to me with your findings. The others have already agreed. Will you be joining them?" The Lord positioned himself so that the two mountains of metal guarding his throne loomed behind him. "If so, you are welcome to partake in the meal I have provided."