The Preamble

"Are you sure this is a smart idea?"
 
"Which part?" A'lar would inquire as he looked over a map.
 
"Well, any of it, really." Elinari would respond before clarifying. "But, specifically you going to some unknown meeting in territory belonging to the violent activists."
 
The amethyst half dragon would offer one of his roguish grins, clearly enjoying the thought. "It is exciting, isn't it?"
 
"Or a death trap." Bliss would mutter as she studied the map.
 
"You both worry too much in this early stage." He'd answer as he tapped his lip in thought.
 
"Well if you die I-" Bliss would begin before stopping abruptly. She glanced quickly at Elinari who was eyeing her with a raised eyebrow before continuing. "We would be out of work."
 
A'lar would glance over at her, amusement and understanding on his face. "You can come along if you're worried, Bliss. Elinari and Mummer will be keeping an eye out on the streets. And let's say Garr and Gwen with them for backup."
 
"What of the other...'Heroes of the Ary?' Will they be there?" Elinari would inquire, her tone dry at the title.
 
He'd shrug. "Perhaps. I'm not sure how they plan to be involved and I don't lead them. I can only point the Raven where I wish them to be."
 
The other two didn't respond to that, both seemingly lost in their own thoughts.
 
"In other news," Master Oakley would speak up from the other side of the table. "Your new priest stopped by earlier to inspect the sanctum."
 
"Oh? Was it to his liking?" A'lar would ask as the other two looked up interested at the topic.
 
The portly man would shrug some. "He seemed to be surprised that it was so well maintained I think. Seemed a bit less theatrical than you, though sounded similar sometimes when he spoke."
 
A'lar would chuckle at that. "Well, we were trained at the same Temple, though a bit apart. " He'd glance up to see Elinari watching him. "What?"
 
She'd offer a shrug. "You just don't talk much about that time is all."
 
He'd offer his own shrug back to her. "It was a long time ago. And I find the present and the future far more interesting to think about, don't you?"
 
She'd smirk. "Perhaps. These fellows you've fallen in from are interesting."
 
"Some of them dangerous." Bliss would add.
 
"And that's why it's exciting." A'lar would respond, a glint of something in his eyes. "I expect you all to make nice with our new cleric. He will be joining us in these chats going forward."
 
"He's in the know?" The other half dragon would inquire.
 
"He at least understands what a Fate Scribe is, if nothing else."
 
"And Lirien?" Bliss would query. "Will she be joining us again?"
 
"I hope so. But, it's up to her to-"
 
"To choose her own Path" Oakley and Elinari would interrupt in tandem and laugh.
 
A'lar would frown and look to Bliss who almost appeared to smirk. "Am I getting predictable?"
 
"No. You're just a bard who likes performing the same song a few times a week."
 
The half dragon would frown more, before laughing at himself and offering them a grin "Yes, well. I will endeavor to be more unpredictable with you in the future."
 
The two laughing suddenly seemed to be second guessing their previous humor at his expense.