Phar speaks to Aureus as well, hoping the Wererat will no understand. "The rat wants the jewels as well as your cloak or my ring for the key and the blade. The cloak is less valuable than the ring. I would gladly give up any share of treasure and reward to help you replace it if you want to give it. If you feel you cannot I will give up my ring." He shrugs, "We could try and take both by force, but time grows short and the outcome less certain. If we can complete our quest in moments and be away that would be worth much to us I think."
"I agree wholeheartedly," Lorien adds in Elven. "With the key and Lord Pendour's body, we have what we came for."
Quin's Chain remains put away and he does his best to not show impatience.
Lorien notes Quinn's discomfort and gives the big human a knowing nod before handing the jewels to Aureus and then stepping off to the side to let the negotiations finish.
Aureus removes her cloak and takes the bag of jewels. She looks at the rat and says, "I believe we have an agreement then."
"Almost," Hornauer looks at Caerth.
Caerth considers what to do. On the one hand, this selfstyled rat king is a perversion of nature, a lycanthrope twisting the rats' minds to suit his own nefarious purpose. On the other hand, the negatiations seemed to be successful and maybe this fight was not meant to be won through combat.
The snake seems to sigh; a strange effect. Then he slowly rises, head growing and snout shortening, torso splitting into chest and arms, tail turning into legs. Soon the half-orc druid stands before them in his familiar shape.
With an apologetic look to his allies, Caerth turns to Hornauer, nodding slightly.
"My apologies, Hornauer, to you and the rats that live with you. They are strong and healthy, and I hope they stay that way."
Not knowing what to do next - the custom of shaking hands is alien to the druid, and either way it would not fit the situation - Caerth stands awkwardly for a moment, awaiting the wererat's response.
"How nice! Yes, that will do," the wererat says to Caerth in Orc with glee while his tail twitches. He turns back to Aureus "We do, indeed, have a deal furry woman."
He unclasps Kang from his belt and pulls the key out from a hidden pocket. He gathers them in one hand and exchanges them for the jewels and cloak at the exact same time. He puts the cloak on and is please with how he looks. He then rummages through the bag and picks out the rinks and places them on his bony fingers. "Very shiny," he says in Common with glee.
He looks at the heroes and his expression turns serious. "Now I ask you to please leave, quickly and quietly," the wererat asks firmly (and repeats in Orc for Aureus). "The last thing I want is to be discovered by any of those crazed crow cultists."
"Cultists? Do you mean the rooks?" Lorien asks.
"No, not the rooks," the wererat replies confused. "Oh, you do not know about them. Damn! I shouldn't have said anything!" He grumbles to himself before continuing, "Hmm, if you wish to know more, elf singer, you could hand over that ring of yours."
"No, that's okay," Lorien replies. "We should be going. We have a key to return."
"Yes, yes, go," the wererat says waving his hands. "And quickly, before my servants decided they'd rather try eating you again." He tucks the bag of jewels under his ratty clothes and heads back towards his hidey-hole.
