>>6112494>>6112045Scarlett tries a tactful reconciliation, though she can see the Windsworn shake their heads. It seems - to them - eminently unlikely that people working for a Company where this "Ink" their master wants has no heard of her at all.
The fact Scarlett hasn't interacted much with Commander Isenfrii's clients don't factor. Maybe the Windsworn do things differently.
The Operative shakes her head a little and holds up a single hand, inviting silence. Something about the gesture makes even Monotosi pipe down. The Windsworn look at her, glancing sideways, and a few of them shuffle a little away. All that from a gesture?
All that from a gesture.
" I agree with you, Miss, that it is unfortunate that you will have to suffer or die. I would have preferred a more slow and subtle series of activities but some things have a harsh time-table and virtue must die to expediency.
Your Commander and his clients meddle with things they do not understand - must not understand - and you, for all your professed innocence, will simply be caught up in the chaos. "
She lowers her hand again. The Windsworn don't look less nervous. As far as her statue goes she does not come across as particularly grand or imposing. Why do the people around her fear her so?
Edwards takes this opening chance to apologise for his associate and try to paper over the first cracks in diplomacy but he accidentally starts the sentence so boneheadingly wrong he ends up accusing her of lying to everyones collctive faces.
The Operative sighs.
" So, we are at an impasse. I have requested your surrender, and you seem disinclined to do so. You have one hour while my offer of consideration still stands and after that I can make no further recourse. "
The Whispergrain does not smile or say anything, but somehow, the feeling of a smile bears down. The expectation of something grand. He flicks his spear aroud loosely, just to prove he can. Seems the type to look forward to a short and brutal storming, a light spot of urban combat.
He fishes a knife from his clothes and underhands it near the door. It glitters in the sun. A sharp wicked little thing.
Montosi groans, visibly, and fires off some rapid-fire answers to Edwards questions.
You probably can trust them as much as you trust anyone to keep their word, they have a reputation and it's an honour matter. You surrender before you fight because otherwise they kill you. They're not going to stab you to death afterwards, but if you lose the Knifegame you're probably going to get treated as a servant and used to do menial tasks. Don't you have that where you're from? Ah probably not it's not exactly civilized behaviour, point is they -apparently- let captives fight for their freedom.
She doesn't know the rules of this duel, and the silent, staring Windsworn say not a word. Just eeriely glancing. Montosi ventures that it's probably not to the death and it likely involves knifes, she knows that much.
