The Aftermath

A'lar lounged in his favorite chair in the First Step's private sitting room. He was flipping a medal in his hand, his legs kicked up over one of the arm rests. "You have to admit, it was masterfully done."
 
"Can't argue with that," Elinari said from her own chair, swirling some wine in a glass. "She's Councilor for a reason. Wrapped you all up next to her cause with a pretty bow."
 
The amethyst half dragon grinned at her at that, placing the medal back around his neck. "It doesn't change much, even with the little back door to our minds she built into these."
 
A portly man reached up with a hand towel to wipe his forehead, having just joined them after closing the tavern. "These anti-dragonists are going out and butchering people with ogres. City thinking we're aligned with the Ary may bring us trouble from them."
 
Elinari waved her hand dismissively. "We can distance ourselves easily enough 'til we have a better feel for the politics."
 
Roark put his towel away. "Distance? Didn't I hear Clover and Gaelyn talking about how they had been spotted following the other heroes of the hour?"
 
They both looked back towards A'lar. "Hmm?" He asked innocently as if he hadn't been paying attention.
 
Elinari's eyes narrowed. "Wait, I thought you were just curious or playing an angle. You mean to stick with this group that went into the hatchery? Why?"
 
The amused half dragon seemed to be considering an answer when a quiet and low voice spoke. "Because it's starting."
 
The other two turned towards the small moon elf who has been brooding over against the wall. Bliss stared back at them, her face passive, but her town implying they should know better. They seemed confused before Elinari's eyes widened briefly. She turned to once again narrow her eyes at A'lar.
 
"The discordance? You think it's happening."
 
He took a moment to answer, his eyes staring off into the distance as if measuring something. "The threads are starting to appear. To intertwine. Still too far off to see where they lead, but I believe this group will play a part. So I plan to wait with them and see."
 
Roark looked back and forth between the two half dragons and moon elf before shaking his head some and standing. "Well, reckon my job doesn't change much either way. But, if you're gonna be poking hornet's nests I suspect you should hire some more guards. But, the missus will be needing me." He'd give a head bob to them and off to the side before exiting the room.
 
Elinari had been watching A'lar closely since he spoke, causing him to grin back at her. "Yes, Eli?"
 
"I assume you want me to keep having my people look into them?"
 
"If you don't mind. Be polite, though. Just a general interest to see how their paths are going for now. If the temple guard gives you issues, back off. He made some noise about violence."
 
Her eyes narrowed again, causing him to roll his. "Yes, yes. Tell them not to take chances. Play it safe."
 
That seemed to mollify her, as she toasted her wine glass and finished it off in one gulp. "Honestly the security captain and elf working for your sister worry me more. We'll keep our distance and have a light touch." She'd leave without any other words.
 
Bliss watched the other two exit before turning her purple eyes onto A'lar. "How soon?"
 
"When it's time, of course." He'd reply with a smile that seemed far more sincere than the ones he normally threw around. The somber woman nodded at that and walked to the door. She'd stop as she opened it, turning to look back at A'lar. Her eyes moving pointedly to the fifth chair before back to him. With her message sent, she'd exit and close the door behind her.
 
A'lar would chuckle looking over to the elven woman who had sat quietly up until then. "Don't mind, Bliss. She just worries for my safety is all."