The Baron reached the Palaza and there seemed to be some sort of commotion, his thoughts and doubts about the town, keeping him preoccupied all night, made him forget about the hanging of one John Ford. The Baron approached the crowd on his high horse, there was a split-second moment where something malicious was lit ablaze in his eyes, everything going slow, everyone below him. He was quick to dismiss the dreamy thought, got down from his horse and one of his men immediately took after it. The Baron greeted those that were eyeing him, shook hands with a few elderly, being extra courteous that day. He could see the Judge standing still, the Baron understood what he was going through and he certainly understood his whims of justice, and the greater good.
Judge walked over to the Baron, he was this town's sheriff and a close person to the Baron, not that they truly trust one another. The Baron always had a certain amount of respect for Beauregard however, and that respect slowly grew into admiration every day. The judge said something about Alcohol, and the Baron jokingly replied, "You worry about the gallows, I will worry about running this town, Judge." The baron held a serious face, but his reply was more friendly and he made sure that impression got through. The baron commended the judge's work, and told him he appreciated his sense of justice, even when it came to close friend. As the Baron was discussing the details of John Ford, a young One-Eyed Iris approached the two men, the Baron forced a smile and greeted. He knew this one, he heard of her story and of her commitment to redeem herself. She was working for him, indirectly, for as long as she fulfills her end of the deal, catching every last one of the Higgy Bottom Boys.
"I will deliver the speech and after that all three of us will have a drink, you included exclusively Judge. On me." The judge signaled one of his men to round up the townspeople in preparation for his speech. He came back to the Judge and Iris, they were conversing, he asked to be excused as he made his way to the Ford widow. The Baron knew John Ford, in honesty the Baron knew each and every one of his townspeople. He walked over to the widow, carefully and trying to look as humble as this harsh world would allow. He stood before Lily Ford and offered a handkerchief, she was bitter, she held her tears and had a dangerous look. One that the Baron is very familiar with. She nodded after a while and took the handkerchief, the Baron payed his respects, and before leaving he declined to retrieve his handkerchief.
"Keep it, you will give it to me tonight in my palace. There is much to talk about, and you could use the company. You are free to dismiss the invitation, but I a must insist." The Baron held Lily Ford's gentle hand, looked at the body of her husband slowly swinging in the most morbid fashion, and kissed her farewell. The Baron adjusted his lapels, his men following him as he made a fast stride atop the hanging platform. He paused, then grabbed the attention of the townspeople with a clap, "Gather around friends, family, and loved ones. There is something we must talk about, something I must address you. I don't think this will be news, or any sort of revelation hence it is a fact we are witnessing. THRIVENSHELL is in danger, in danger of crumbling from within. The causes? Demons, our own Human Nature, after all, we are living in a world that has moved on. Resources are dwindling my people, and that can cause a lot of troubles, conflicts we may deem too ugly to imagine."
The Baron kept a cheerful tone as he went on with his speech, the people were admiring his honesty and visions, some were gloomily skeptical but still saw his efforts. It disturbed him internally, the burden that lays on his shoulders, the things he must do and yet have not. The Baron men's stood beside him, two of the Elites were present, and one of the best was approaching the plaza. Fox, his favorite Elite.
