Shady

"...That's fair," Aeron allowed with a nod. "How about you go get her and we meet you on the main road?"

Kaelan stood up. Rifkin gave him a look . He glanced at him, then at Talia, then blushed and dropped his gaze. He'd just get them both executed if he ...

"I need to get Aenyra," Aeron reminded, following close behind.

"Good day." The messenger bowed to him and Borrond offered a nod, both of them turning towards the door. Kaelan had been scheming trying to figure out how to feed ...

"I believe so." The messenger inclined his head. This felt unsatisfying; but he didn't know how to fix it.

"Okay. Let's go." He turned back towards where they'd come from.

Was he trying to get in his head? Seemed like it. And it was slowly starting to work. What was he writing? Why so distant? The messenger watched him, but ...

"I see... well Governor Makata would be delighted to engage in trade with his lordship if that is still something that interests you." Redirect. Maybe if he bribed him enough ...

(Ah fair) "We'd love to know a bit about what drew your interest to Austraka." The messenger offered a polite smile.

"Mm." Aeron glanced around. "Do you have all your stuff?"

(What sorts of demands would he have made? Diplomacy brain is not braining this morning)

"We're not trying to make accusations," the messenger said smoothly. "We're simply interested in getting to know you better and understand your desires."

"Yes, sir, of course," the messenger agreed quickly, nodding. "But we're aware of his lordship's... displeasure. And hoped to soothe tensions before they rise too far."

Well, that wasn't very friendly. Very well. "Governor Makata desires peace with his lordship. We've brought gifts as good-will offerings and are very interested to know how we may move ...

"Tomorrow."