Others may have balked at being part of a skeleton crew meant to maintain order within a Fort while the vast majority of the soldiers were out doing actual adventurous stuff, but for Tae, this was simply an opportunity to keep busy and stay useful. From ending tavern brawls by beating up all those involved to helping old grannies with their groceries to outrunning slick pickpockets to playing disorderly ball games with the local children, the ponytailed martial artist was certainly having her fair share of fun in this border town. The Chamberlain that hired her didn’t look to be an unjust tax collector, the few soldiers that had stayed behind were rowdy drunks but otherwise good people, and she ultimately had no reason to act out at all during her time as a member of the task force. Heckers, even Tae’s fellow adventurous colleagues were interesting people!

Though Meadowhall had its fair share of non-humans, from halflings to the gnomes to dwarves, all relatively stout folk, it was the first time that Tae had even met a Tabaxi, especially one so exceptionally yellow, and the nigh-magical archery of the elf was a delight as well, great for tricks at the tavern or what have you. As far as jobs went, the pay was a mere pittance, but as far as broadening her horizons went, Tae had no complaints at all. Granlow was dutiful, her fellow task force members were interesting, and it even looked as if the monotony of doing odd jobs may be resolved soon, if the Chamberlain had summoned Fort Rock’s vagrant guardians for some special task!

It was with a spring in her step as she abstained from eating the entire day to properly season her meal, before she hip-hopped her way into the castle’s dining room, her world’s possessions bound tightly in a knapsack. A couple others were already there, looking extra gloomy with candlelight casting red light and long shadows over their face, but Tae was happy enough to finally be seated, her extremities dirty from a day’s worth of work. She pat her stomach, enjoyed the sense of emptiness that heralds a great meal, and then turned to whoever sat beside her.

“Finally time for some good eating, eh?”

"I doubt that we will be getting titles, we are not exactly doing anything to be deserving of such," the yellow-pelted tabaxi spoke up, hearing the words of the one who so happened to be an optimist, her "friend" Jameson. Friend was an operative term given that they were more close associates than anything, after all the only reason that the tabaxi stuck around was to document him, which she was doing. In fact, she was very eagerly doing so by putting to memory of how he was acting the given moment, though that discussion would be for a later time for a different audience, or if she was prompted to. Mirror happened to be staring at Jameson, blinking a few times before forcing herself to stop mentally documenting him and looking down at the table, wanting food to be there.

"My only complaint is that our host is not here, he may be a busy man, but it is rude to keep guests waiting," Mirror said, not impatiently or with any notion of anger, but simple indifference. Her emerald green eyes danced along the table in a bored like fashion before letting out a silent yawn, the feline fangs showing themselves as she pushed back in her chair. In all honesty, Mirror had not been the most helpful of people as she had been distracted with learning the ins and outs of the local wildlife and the likes, finding the endless wonders of nature to be calling to her even now after a 'hard' days work. It was actually quite disappointing to those who had the luxury of working with her since she allowed the people to do whatever they wanted so long as she could stare at a tree pointlessly for a few hours.

However, Mirror would soon find her staring eyes to be focused on the candle light, glaring at it like any normal cat would look at a candle light. Her tail flicked back and forth, her ears occasionally twitching at any noise made in the room, but for some reason Mirror was just enamored by the fire of the candlelight. Perhaps there was the destructive force of nature being contained that had her mind occupied, or perhaps she was simply being a cat, no one would ever no.

It went without saying that, as a wood elf, Vadania was not exactly comfortable within the confines of Fort Rock. The atmosphere of the encampment, though calm as it was with the majority of its garrison off on peacekeeping endeavors, was suffocating to the young ranger. She was at her most relaxed away from the trappings of civilization, where she could keep to her element and remain relatively solitary in the freedom of nature, able to roam where she pleased and do as she pleased. Unfortunately, the woodlands could be a dangerous place, and a run in with an overly aggressive dire weasel left the ranger wounded and in need of a more secure place to rest than a simple cave or tree shelter. She had found solace in the town surrounding the fort's sturdy walls, and when she was able to travel free once more, she found herself drawn to the denizens of the hamlet and their plight for security when the company manning the walls took to their duties. It was her good nature which had landed her in this position, and being made to wait in a dank, dark chamber for a meal with rather mixed company only fouled her mood more than the stuffy nature of quasi-military life it entailed had.

"If they mean to give us titles, you can have mine. I'm not a fan of nobility." The elf piped up in a matter-of-factly manner.

She had seated herself, purposefully, away from the others who had seemingly clustered together out of some need for social contact. They seemed an alright enough company, barring the exception of the strange human male, but her isolated upbringing had always made her slow to trust those she considered outsiders. In this case, those without points tipping their ears and a millennia of life experience under their belts. Yet their very presence here, in a meeting room awaiting the chamberlain left a foreboding within the archer. If they had been isolated from the other rabble hired on to help around Fort Rock, chances were they were going to be sent off together on some form of assignment or another. That, or they were being let go from their duties entirely—a thought that excited the stir crazy Vadania—but so rarely did the human folk give generous dinners to those they intended to kick to the curb. At least, whatever it was that awaited them, it would like as not give her an opportunity to stretch her legs for more than night patrols.

"Eh?" Tae leaned over and grinned at the elf ranger. "It's not like they'd just make us nobles off the bat, you know? Probably gonna give us titles like 'Fort Rock Protectors' or whatever instead. Make us more official and all. Bet Granlow loves that sorta stuff."

Not that she minded signing more documents, if that's what was going to get her more dinners and what-not. Still, the tabaxi was right. It was one thing for the host to show up when a couple of the guests had already arrived, but it was an entirely different thing for not a single representative of the host to present when the entire group that had been invited over to dinner was present. Tae's own stomach was making audible rumbling sounds now, the martial artist making a conscious decision not to do what Jameson suggested and simply eat everything and ask for more, repeating ad infinitum until her stomach was bursting at the seams.

"Then again, maybe he's got us here to butter us up for a more unreasonable task instead? Mom always said that it's easy to get people to agree after you fill their stomach up with meat and mead, after all!"

Her ears flicked towards the oak door before it had opened, bringing her attention to the door as it opened to reveal the Chamberlain, curiosity on what she had heard began to become apparent as one of her eyebrows raised itself. Mirror would have spoken had the Chamberlain not gone before her, bringing in the much coveted food that she had been waiting for this entire time. Of course there was also the matter of the drink, something she had wanted even more so than the food itself. Mirror settled on both a glass of wine and a tankard of the beer, only that would satisfy the mighty quench that she had.

Mirror, in the middle of a swig of her beer, heard her name as Granlow recounted how she had helped Borin earlier getting to the Tanglewood. After she gulped down another swish of the drink, she shrugged and gave a good laugh, “It was nothing, my dear Chamberlain, you know the wilderness can be a most confusing place. I mean there are so many different ways a tree can bend in just the right way to get someone lost, as well as the constant fear of running into a bear or a buck that’ll gore ya the first chance it gets!” For a few minutes she continued on about the facts of how dangerous nature really was, unfazed if it were annoying or if anyone was actually listening. That was until she held up her bracelet of teeth and twigs, sat firmly on her right wrist.

“It is this that allows me some semblance of control over nature! I’m not incredibly adept at it yet, but the more I become intune with nature, the more I’ll learn!,” in fact, at this point she hadn’t even heard the man ask how their work was going, she just went on and on, wanting nothing more than to just blather on about the mystical power of nature. At one point she was eating and talking at the same time, eating some of the steak and break that had been present to her.

"Tae," the girl responded to Jameson's introduction, "Adventurer of the Iron Fist and all."

Before they could recycle through everyone else's introductions, however, their best friend Granlow finally showed up, and the party could REALLY get started. Paying no need to the scrapes of conversation she heard through the door, she was more enamored by the drink and food that was suddenly present, from fruity wines to appetizing stew to REALLY GOOD COOKED MEAT. Without hesitation, Tae dug in, downing a goblet full of wine in a single chug before moving on to the rest of the meal. Her stomach had been eating itself away in anticipation, and now that their dinner was actually here, she was certainly happy that nothing disappointed. With a flurry of fork, spoon, and knife, she finished the first segment in record time, polishing it off with a hearty chug of wine.

"Ah, that hit's the spot! Mirror, Mirror, toast to you and the meat!" Red-faced, the young woman raised her empty goblet and tipped the last few drops down her gullet, giggling all the while. "And Fort Rock's a grand ol' place, Granny~ Always so nice and busy, errands everywhere, feels like real work instead of adventure, you know? But adventure would be nice tooooooo."

Jameson's question caught her off guard for a moment, in her mind she had to quickly shift tracks in order to continue on with the conversation, but it took a bit too long and so it seemed more like an awkward pause with her just staring at the bracelet. Blinking a few times, she looked over to the human and decided to answer his question, in a more deliberate fashion. Her speak was slower, more thought out, "It was the shaman of my tribe that taught me most of what I know... Trees of Endless Green was his name." She was taking time in order to remember what exactly all the details were as she had been focusing more on nature than her past for the most of her time here, and in that focus it was harder to keep track of everything that mattered to her. With her train of thought derailed, she looked down at her plate and realized that she had hardly eaten anything, so she began to dig in.

Mirror, now actually tasting the food, let out a pleasure sigh from her mouth as the great taste of a damn good steak hit her taste buds. However, she did feel as though she were forgetting to say something, though it was not anything nature related because she would have definitely remembered it at that moment. Soon a noise of revelation came from her as she looked over at the Chamberlain and decided to ask him a question, "What situation are you dealing with at the moment. From what I had heard, you needed something 'nipped in the bud', yes?" Her eyes bore into the man's very soul as she continued on, "Could that be the reason you called us here?"

Granlow seemed very content that his guests were getting stuck into the meal. He relaxed further as Mirror talked about the woods, nodding along at how such places could be dangerous. Granlow rarely got outside the walls these days, and he seemed to momentarily be living vicariously through the Tabaxi excitement, despite her talking through mouthfuls of food. He raised his goblet with Tae as she proposed a toast.

"Here here." Granlow echoed Jameson's words, "Wisdom of the woods is sorely needed, and fine food makes the world go round." He gave a stiff smile at that. His position in life prevented him from being too forward about it, but he was proud of the workers of Fort Rock and the hunters and cooks that had made the meal possible. His pudgy frame betrayed his love of good hearty food. The man was no stranger to keeping himself well fed.

A twinge of distaste crossed his features at being called Granny, of all things. The Chamberlain stopped eating and placed his fists either side of his plate, watching Tae disapprovingly for a little while. He managed to keep his composure and did not voice his concerns, though. After all, he was in need of their assistance and didn't want to make it harder on himself convincing them.

His disdainful gaze turned to Johnson and his way of eating.

My goodness these people ate savagely. But then, he had kept them waiting longer then he intended.

"I have heard the men at the tavern do get quite rowdy. I hope they haven't been causing you too much trouble. Well meaning folk live in these parts, generally. I hope the drink made up for it." He approached his meal with a more refined grace then his guests, though he was not afraid to get stuck in. He did not interrupt the casual conversation around the table, and found his eyes lingering on the quiet ranger who had yet to speak. Granlow hadn't had many personal dealings with Vadania, though he had heard she had been very helpful around town the last few weeks. She wouldn’t be in the room otherwise, after all.

Mirror's final words seemed to jarr him out of his thoughts, and he quirked an eyebrow at her bemusedly. There was no escaping the Tabaxi's piercing gaze, and he decided against playing it off. "Ah. I had hoped you hadn't overheard and wanted to leave it till the end of the meal, but your sharp hearing has caught me out. Yes, I require your assistance in a matter a little more serious than your previous dealings. I was hoping the four of you would be able to deal with the situation as a cohesive unit." He nursed his goblet, his expression darkening as he stared into the liquid.

"Some of you may have noticed the group of travellers that have set up beyond our walls. We've had travellers come by our way before and it's never been a cause for concern. More trade and fresh news is always a boon to us, being out so far as we are. However, I've gotten concerning reports, and earlier today... there was an incident."

He sighed and regarded each of you carefully, his eyes lingering on Jameson's injury. He took a swig of his drink as he caught himself staring.

"I have been receiving numerous corroborating reports that the travellers have been harassing our people as they come and go from the gates. They have been making demands for coin and wine, and when denied, threaten to put curses on anyone who fails to give in to their demands. Earlier today, I sent out some guards from the walls to investigate and get the troublemakers to move along. When the men returned to me, they were bewitched."

His mouth tightened into a fine line. The candles above head flickered. The shadows danced.

"My men are good men, local men, with families inside these walls and history going back several generations. I won't have them played with like toys, and neither will the General when he returns. He will take this matter very, very seriously indeed. I fear his justice will not be forgiving."

The words lingered.

Granlow sighed.

"I have no interest in violence, but I can't stand ideally by while these strangers get funny and dangerous ideas in their heads. I don't want them harmed, but you must understand something must be done. I was hoping to enlist your help in this regard."

Humanity was often times quite foreign in its mannerisms to Vadania, but if she could relate to them on nothing else, it would be their ability to find solace and kinship over a good meal. The thick, porridge like dish deposited before her was certainly not her favorite; humans had such a strange fascination with grain and its many uses, of which she was not especially accustomed to. She made sure to take a few polite spoonfuls of the heavily spiced goop, but it did not capture her gaze half so well as the haunch of venison which presented itself as the main course. She could not speak for the animal's size or heritage, but feasting upon game always served as a comforting reminder of Nimtaure and its verdant forests, for which she yearned. The elf took several healthy slices from the roast and carved large mouthfuls from each piece, washing the decadent mineral flavor of meat the down with a goblet wine, something she could admit her round-eared fellows did make quite well. The sweet crimson liquid was always a favorite for her, and perhaps a few cups would assist in melting her less than personable demeanor. The... energetic nature of her companions certainly wouldn't, she was positive of that much, quirking a brow at the fighter's bone scraping.

The chamberlain's gaze did not escape her notice as he waxed on for a time, making tiresome conversation to try and soften the gravity of his request no doubt. The way "high-society" tended to be so indirect was a source of irritation for one of a rustic upbringing, and Vadania was relieved when the Tabaxi finally cut to the chase in bringing up the reason for their arrival. It was also interesting to learn the cat-like creature had also overhead what she had, a sign that her race was perhaps more reliable with the accuracy of its senses than many who she had previously come upon. A second goblet full of fruity wine took its spot in the ranger's hand as she listened intently to the happenings outside Fort Rock's gates.

"Gypsies," She was quick to pipe up, no sooner than the chamberlain had finished his declaration. "You want us to clear out the gypsies so that the General, in his majesty, doesn't string them up on the battlements when he gets back." There was some amount of scorn in her tone, but she hid it well under the same mask of stoicism she usually kept towards when making her voice heard in social situations.

It was a source of contention for the young elf, as she had little patience for the way most folk the humans considered "proper" would deal with these wandering caravans of traders and entertainers. Yet she also had little patience for the caravans themselves, having had her good nature exploited on more than one occasion while weathering with their ilk on the trail. The beloved beverage in her hand had little in the way of answers for her as she peered into its dark, mirror-like surface. Another gulp went down the hatch, perhaps to spurn her into a decision. That gulp turned into several, as she downed the entire goblet and placed it upon the tablet, mournfully refusing a refill from a dutiful serving girl, lest the drink for which she had such fondness dull her senses and aim.

"They're not gonna listen to us if they wouldn't listen to the guardsmen, especially if they've got those versed in the arcane among them. But, I'll lend my bow to dislodging them." Spellcasters, at least those who tapped into the more aethereal planes of magic to do their work, were always looked at with suspicious among Vadania's people, and the thought of actual, tangible curses being placed upon simple militia men doing their duty did invoke some anger in her.

"What sort of bewitchment befell these men, do you know? I like to be prepared for any happenstance, and I'd rather not be on the receiving end of an unknown charm."

Oh, right to the climax for Mirror, eh? Though Tae would have liked more time to eat and carve and eat and drink and chat and eat, getting straight to the point was fine as well, and having her curiousity sated so quickly was nice too. Her own face burned red from drunkeness, but the words coming out of Granny's mouth made more sense than not. Gypsies causing trouble? Tae certainly had no problems with beggars herself, but when those beggars turned into magically-enhanced muggers? Definitely a no go!

"No worries," she laughed, "Thought with all the build up you were gonna be sending us to clear out an orc tribe or something! Anyways, curse hijinks are great and all, but what 'bout 'em numbers? They a big group or something?"

Partway through, a server had opted to swap the wine Tae was guzzling with water, but the damage was clearly done at that point, and it was looking more and more unlikely that she would remember any of this in the morning.

Mirror took a moment to listen to everyone, happy to hear that others would be joining on a job that they did not quite sign up for, though her happiness was overshadowed by her own curiosity. Her tail flicked back and forth for a few moments as she pondered in whether she should join in this venture or not as she was not exactly thrilled with the idea of shifting a bunch of people away from shelter, even if a few were causing trouble. However, Jameson was planning to, and she had an obligation to study the man wherever he went especially since she supplied him with things to ease his pain. Thus leaving him would not be a great thing to have on her mind, especially if he were to be in constant pain due to her own actions. Mirror rolled her closed eyes before she decided to finally speak up.

“I suppose I can go along if Jameson is,” the Tabaxi started, crossing her legs and leaning back in her chair as she looked over at her subject. Her eyes soon shifted to the Chamberlain once more before she spoke once more in a softer tone, “So long as you can assure that those who are innocent are not persecuted once we are done with our task, otherwise we will have problems.” Her eyes blinked as she said this, she did not truly care for the lives of those people, but it would be morally wrong if she did not guarantee their safety.

“The actions of the few oft affect the many.”

Talked nicely...what was that again...a love potion? Ehhhhh. Tae rested her burning face against her palm, mulling over her weirdly plain and transparent wine while doing her best to think about what was happening with the whole gypsy situation as well...but then decided not to think about it at all. Work was work, after all, and getting too worked up about the work was only something that people who didn't want to work would do. The night? Not a problem! Being drunk? Not a problem! Time limits for extra rewards? That sounded wonderful! Downing her mug of weirdly water-y wine with the finality of someone drinking their last drink, Tae ignored the rolling of her bladder as she raised her hand up.

"Yeah!" the overexcited monk said. "Let's go!"

Really, what else were they gonna do? Just eat Granny's dinner and then leave to do nothing?