Catarina didn't like anything about this at all. They were hired to get the chalice and that was it. Catarina herself was willing to lay down her life for Vivian and Malkus, but that didn't mean she was going to go back on her contract with the mage guild. Then again... It's not as if she signed anything either. Lawfully speaking, Catarina had no obligation to work with the mage guild aside from the promise of payment. Now maybe if the guild was as crafty as the inquisitor and had her sign a binding document, Catarina would have had to fight her way out of here. But for now... She and her allies were merely freelance adventurers, who happened to chance across this deadly and powerful artifact in the middle of the desert. It would go to the highest bidder. Frankly, Catarina didn't care who's hands it lands in. She was more concerned about keeping her friends safe.

When it was Catarina's turn to sign the contracts she looked at the both of them. She still didn't like this deal. She wasn't signing on with a messenger of Pellenor so much as a demon. Sign off their loyalty and life to be at this woman's will. Catarina didn't want to sign it. But she knew what would happen to them if she did. She signed off on the contract to reliquish the chalice, but before she signed the other contract she had some questions. [color=fff79a]"First of all, what exactly do you want us to do? Our money is no good if you want us to sacrifice our wealth on behalf of your inane mission. Second, if or when our contract ends, can you guarantee that we will still be under your protection? Because I would rather much not get into a situation where you and your goons try to kill us because we've outlived our usefulness."[/color] This wasn't just for Catarina's sake, but for Vivian and Malkus as well. She didn't know how much they read their contract, and sure this was just Catarina being paranoid again, but she wasn't going to let them get into a tight spot. Catarina was going to protect them, whether it is with a pen or sword.

[hr]

Parum noticed the two newcomers enter the room. A warrior woman and a male who looked like a bard. he had a pretty face, but Parum was able to get a good read on him. He was a manipulator and charmer; the sort of ladykiller who could say sweet nothings and the cold truth in one breath. Parum has dealt with his types before and she was immune to their charm. But that didn't mean she didn't know how to play along. [color=brown]"Hello, you two must be the other two who will be helping the Inquisitor. My name is Parum, a humble halfling merchant. Pleased to meet you."[/color] Parum would have shook hands, but the room was rather cramp. Any more people and they'd be getting very close to one another.

Parum turned her head back towards the three strangers when the female fighter spoke about the contracts. It was smart to question a contract; if Parum had written it she would have put in a few hidden conditions to ensure an upper hand in legal matters. However because Erika wrote this contract herself Parum had no idea what she had written, but Parum wasn't going to let the fighter blow her chances at working with the inquisitor. [color=brown]"Oh it'll be nothing like that. What the inqusitor really needs is able-bodied warriors to help her in her quest to slay a... Powerful influence. I don't mean to be vague, but you have to understand that this information is sensitive. We cannot tell you more if we cannot assure your silence, should you choose to deny our contract."[/color] Of course if the warrior woman did, she would die. [color=brown]"As for your protection, rest assure that while the inquisitor's means are certainly harsh, she is not a maniac. Should you fulfill your end of the contract you shall be paid accordingly, perhaps even with a bonus for your loyalty. So long as you remain loyal and follow your contract, you shall never be useless to use."[/color]

Catarina still didn't like the deal, but she felt the halfling was somewhat more trustworthy. She still considered both her and the Inquisitor to be treacherous, but Halflings had a tendency towards honesty. Which may also serve well to make them great liars, since anyone would believe that a halfling is being honest. As if reading her mind, Parum spoke out to help ease Catarina's worries. [color=brown]"I am not affiliated with the church or the inquisitor beyond my own interests in helping her. If you ever feel unsatisfied with her, you are free to work for me. I can assure you that while my job for you will be far less exciting, they are honest jobs with honest pay. Knowing what the inquisitor faces, I cannot stand idly by and pretend that it isn't my business. But once it's settled, our business would be done and we would part ways. If you'd like, you may come along with me."[/color]

Catarina was feeling slightly more willingly, but only if Erika would include it into the contract. [color=fff79a]"I want to be able to leave this job after we're done. I don't intend to serve as a paladin of the church if I have any say in the matter."[/color]