The Silver Skeleton.

"You weren't really my target employee."

Cale and Verano both looked over to Noct, with a grin and carefully neutral look respectively. Cale being upsidedown with his feet on the cieling.

~The Sacred Stone Tavern~

Noct looked over at Marcus, and took a step toward him. "Are you Marcus?" She asked, "The one going to take care of the Silver Skeleton?"

--

Iliad put a hand on the butt of her gun when she saw Noctis storm in, thinking something was wrong. Likewise, Jeanne grabbed her blade and tried to pull it free but only managed to send herself barrel rolling through the air in a completely useless mass. When they realized Noctis wasn't in any danger they both calmed down. Iliad looked at Senthose, "So, any idea what she is on about?"

*Rygar stops at the mention of the Silver Skeleton and leans against the bar, observing the conversation.*

*Marcus keeps his eyes on the floating Gnome and maintains his cocky smile.*

Marcus: "I am, why? You volunteering to get your hands dirty, your grace?"

*He puts a sarcastic emphasis on the last word as it leaves his tongue.*

*Namond quietly watches the conversation between the Queen and Marcus*

Namond:[Hmm...he might have the right idea, but I don't see the queen herself coming. Maybe she's offering her support.]

Levin too had moved to pull his blade free of its sheath but stopped when he noticed there was no danger.

*Senthose never moved at any point, save to narrow his eyes.*

"She isn't in danger. But we are."

~The Sacred Stone Tavern~

Jeanne looked back at Senthose, and asked "What makes you say that? Did you do something to her?"

Noctis let out a sigh, "Yes, you're so mysterious and sarcastic and smarmy. Lets skip the part where I threaten to behead you, you pretend that it doesn't bother you, and I realize that you're just the devil-may-care attitude guy I need, and go right to the part where we actually talk like adults and get shit done. I don't have time for story book cliches." Noct gestured to Madge, "I hear there is a Kobold infestation, as well as a local legend about a skeleton in the aqueduct. I also hear you're going to do something about it, or try." She then gestured to the table, "I'm willing to dedicate warriors to that cause, as well as compensate anyone willing to help." She raised her voice at the last part so that others would be able to hear her.

Iliad frowned, "I get the feeling she is including me in that."

Verano sighs a bit. So much for following after some people and seeing if it was worth his time. He'd have to go ahead of them or with them, if he bothered at all.

Musing, he flipped a coin into the air. Glancing at it in his palm. Heads. Damn.

============================

Cale cheers and waves. "I'll come! Yes, if there'll be trouble and adventure you can count on me to help!"

S"I told you. I am like the Prophet that no one ever listens to."

E"Oh, come on, we could do some real good."

S"Yes, doing good does have a tendency to get you knee-deep in Kobold, with some smelly undead screeching in your face, does it not?"

E"...Are you evil?"

S"Quit asking me that."

E"...Is evasiveness a sign of evil?"

*Namond smiles*

Namond:<(She read you pretty well there.)>

"I know that feeling" Levin says in response to Illiad. He stands though and walks towards Noct before sighing heavily, "And what sort of 'adventure' are you volunteering us for now Noct?"

*Marcus just winks at Namond's comment and turns back to Noct.*

Marcus: "That hurts...maybe I just don't care about pompous royalty. But, personal feelings aside, I doubt the healer and I can handle a horde of Kobold and an undead. So I'll take any help you're willing to offer."

*Rygar is no fool to miss an opportunity and steps towards the pissing contest.*

Rygar: "I'll help, as well. Seems we share similar goals."

~The Sacred Stone Tavern~

Noct looks at Levin, "I actually wasn't going to throw you in since you're not exactly mine to command."

"But I am?" Iliad asked, speaking softly.

"But if you insist, you're more than welcome to prove your worth to the good people of Aldecia. Show them what it means to be a man of Salis, you might even impress one of the beauties this land has to offer." The females dwarves still remember that they were insulted by Levin. The dirty looks are almost tangible. Noct shrugged then looked down at the dwarf. "It is not my choice to make. It seems Marcus is the lead of this little expedition," She said, gesturing towards him.

Iliad furrowed her brow, "Oh, like hell I'm going to listen to that pretty boy with a sword."

Noct then pointed to her group, "That said, you'll be traveling with an adviser to the throne. His word outweighs all others in this matter."

Iliad let out a small sigh of relief, though Jeanne felt herself get a bit more tense.

Madge clasped his hands together, "Thank you for this, your grace! With the kobolds gone, and the aqueduct restored, this town will be back on its feet."

Noctis smiled and spread her arms, "What kind of ruler would I be if I did not care for the people of my realm? Trust me, your Queen cares, and I will help." A round of applause breaks out after that, followed by a few 'Hail to the Queen's.

*Senthose shrugs, then stands up, passing by in full view of Noctis.*

S"Well, let's get this show on the road. We'll head outside to discuss what preparations we need, if any. Marcus isn't technically part of the group, so I don't care what he does."

*At "you guys," he points at Jeanne, then points at Euryale, & at "I don't care," & shrugs again, still pointing at Euryale.*

~The Sacred Stone Tavern~

"This is Marcus' fight as well Senthose," Noct said, "You're to work in tandem with him, not at his exclusion, or without him. Think of it as... co-captains."

Jeanne let out a small sigh, then looked at Euryale, "Are you going as well?"

Iliad just followed after Senthose, smiling a bit to herself.

E"Yes, I'd love to help. This is exactly the kind of thing I became a monk to do."

*Marcus sits silently for a moment, wondering who that woman was to be able to convince the queen to offer aid and to allow him to maintain authority. Perhaps he could find out after this was over.*

Marcus: "I appreciate the co-operation, your grace. Of course, master dwarf, you are welcome as well."

*Rygar nods his head.*

Rygar: "Good to hear. Hopefully, we can take care of this quickly, I have much to do."

*Marcus gestures to Senthose and the others.*

Marcus: "With help like this, shouldn't take long at all."

*Namond nods*

Namond:<If everyone who wants to come has spoken up, we should get moving.>

*Marcus stands up and stretches his arms.*

Marcus: "Agreed, we accomplish nothing sitting around in a tavern."

*He heads for the door.*

"Its fine. I was thinking of doing some adventuring anyway. I'm in."

Verano heads out the door, followed shortly by Cale who has alighted upon the floor.

~The Sacred Stone Tavern~

"I see," Jeanne said with a small nod, "She said something about a skeleton, and I have a particular dislike of the undead, so I'll be going too."

~Outside the Sacred Stone Tavern~

As the group heads out Iliad let out a small chuckle. "Alright then, anyone know where this aqueduct is?" She said after making a headcount, and coming to the conclusion that with ten people they were more than capable for anything.

*Rygar pulls out the map that Madge had given him.*

Rygar; "The aqueduct is just north of here, through the trees."

Marcus: "Simple enough. Anyone need to stock up before we go?"

Namond:< I could use more crossbow arrows. We might as well go check out some shops.>