Ximix has closed his eyes as the tumult rises around him. He opens them as the woman finishes her latest demands, and fixes her with a sad, unblinking stare. His words are a bit more terse and clipped and the hint of frustration overlies his obvious disappointment.
"You ask me to speak... yet you have not heard what I have already said, so what further could I say that you would not bend to your preconceived decision? I can only say this, and hope that this time you will listen:
I wish to aid this mission because I believe the future of all peoples is at risk and I will do what I can to help. I have no loyalty to any one people or nation that clouds my mind such that I would place my own future freedom at risk, even though in joining you I place my very life in your hands. I can offer no greater proof of my loyalty than that."
[sblock=OOC: ] Wow, got me goin! Too bad no RP awards, I think the whole group is playing pretty darn well before the first initiative roll!
[sblock=rant: ] The following is my original post, written before I read Rystil's Diplomacy numbers and Nura's comments. Since my follow up would be adjusted by these things, I scaled back to the above. I believe it's a good thing I edited... things got a bit heated
"You are quite clear, there is in fact nothing I can say to convince you of my loyalty." Looking about the table at his sometime companions, the priest of the god of Knowledge and Learning speaks with slow and measured words,
"The mission is too important for this schism to continue. Though I could pledge myself loyal to the very throne of Hendrallia and still the blood of the past would deny this woman the ability to hear or understand anything but her hate." Looking sharply back to the representative, yet holding his tone to even once again,
"Yes young lady, you have much hate. It lies trapped, like an animal, which is how many of my people view yours. We each could outdo the other in stories of violence and bloodshed between our peoples. Meanwhile the real possibility that those same-said peoples, along with scores of thousands of others, will be destroyed or enslaved by a force so vile as to make our own people's atrocities pale by comparison.
Again I will say it, let your ears only hear," the priests voice raises, a tremor runs through his body as he speaks,
"I have only one Master, and that is my lord Gliran. I have only one passion, and that is Knowledge. My wish for peace for my homeland is simply that: Peace!. It is a scholars' wish for peace, not a warrior, conqueror or sadist. I place no-one's blood as a condition." The cleric sags a bit, looking once again at his wine, his hand plays idly at the stem a moment and he resumes his tired speech, his tone one of resignation, his body language speaks of defeat.
"As to why I have, and continue to offer myself into the very real possibility of harm for this mission is simple: The same-said lord that leads me to learning and enlightenment has gifted me with the ability to heal others and brace them in battle against those that would destroy civilization, destroy the bastions of learning and knowledge, destroy and enslave those great minds which could one day enlighten thousands... I offer myself for the selfish reason that I hope to one day enjoy the gifts of knowledge which only free society offers... for I have no reason to believe that such a place will be spared under the rule of the lich."
Ximix quietly stands, pays for his untouched drink and then holds the youthful leader's gaze once more, his words hushed,
"Bid me sit, and speak to me no more of borders and kingdoms, for you accept my loyalty in doing so, or hold your tongue, for I shall be insulted no further and will take your silence for the admission of your blind hate and burden this group no further.
Again, this is what I almost posted... but I spent so much time on it that I just had to share it... I don't get that much RP time
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![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
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