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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 8049457" data-attributes="member: 7015827">Shortly before the evening Clan Council meeting, the company gathered in the Ironhelm guest quarters. Rahnee had been unsuccessful in making her packed black velvet evening dress presentable – Darrow, upon arriving, playfully mocked her inability to get along without servants – so she resigned herself to wearing her leathers. Shanni was openly considering not going at all, but was reminded by Aerikoth that such an act would be an insult to the clan elders. Dermot more subtly gave her a look that said if he had to go, so did she.Darrow said he had spoken with his father, who told him there were to be extra guards at the meeting. The dwarf had no further information, other than the meeting’s topic would be opening up trade to the outside world. In response to a question from Aerikoth, Darrow said there had always been a bit of trade, but that had ceased during the Prince’s illness. The dwarf stated he was thinking about recommending Teziir merchant Queron Ulanthar as a trading partner, which Rahnee encouraged. Shanni, still grumbling, wanted to know why the extra guards and their presence were required, for which Darrow did not have an answer.With some good-natured and encouraging banter, Darrow got Shanni and the others headed for the Prince’s audience hall, which was only a short distance away through the citadel’s tunnels. Walking in past the guards, they saw an expansive chamber with a large gathering of nobles wearing their finery, along with a good number of the other citadel inhabitants. Dwarven defenders were prominently posted at the entryway, along the side of the chamber, and behind the Prince’s throne at the far end. As they advanced into the hall, Dermot muttered that he felt under-dressed. Darrow replied that no one there besides him knew what human formalwear looked like anyway. (It is easy to forget that humankind is not the center of existence, if one does not leave human lands. We must remember that other places with different rules exist, especially if  - like these adventurers - we may find ourselves as unusual visitors among them. --C)The group stopped a short distance before Prince Dalgan, seated on his throne, the room falling silent except for some whispering among the nobles. Rahnee curtsied toward the throne, evidently knowing something about court protocol, while Aerikoth tilted his head and spoke a few words under his breath. As usual, the Prince was flanked by several dwarven nobles, including the clan war leader, Koll Wallbasher, and the sergeant of the guard, Darrow’s father Boirin. The smith Lorn Ironbeard, who greeted the company as they arrived, quietly explained that everyone appeared to be awaiting High Priest Iskar’s arrival.As they continued to wait, with some in the crowd murmuring in anticipation, the librarian Maximar Thrax approached Aerikoth. Thrax evidently was excited to be at the Council meeting and mentioned that the last one attended by outsiders had occurred ten years previously. During that ceremony, the warrior Thessar had received his promised award from the clan for his mercenary company’s defeat of their hill giant enemies. Aerikoth dryly acknowledged having heard about this from Thessar. According to Maximar, this was, however, the first council meeting attended by a human wizard, something he found invigorating. (It would be a mistake to assume that all dwarves, or even those of a particular clan, normally think and act alike in their preferences. Clan Ironhelm is obviously one of the more insular ones, with relatively limited contact with the world outside their valley in the Giant's Run Mountains. However, clan members like Maximar Thrax or even the "mad" Helrud display a very different attitude towards outsiders. As we shall see, such differences can offer opportunities for adventurers, but equally can be mortally dangerous. --R) Rahnee meanwhile had been studying Prince Dalgan’s appearance and softly remarked to Darrow that he seemed a little better, although was still pale-looking. Maximar finished his chattering, remarking that it seemed the meeting was about to begin, and moved off. Dalgan had a brief, inaudible exchange with Koll Wallbasher, then announced, in a soft voice that nonetheless carried throughout the room, the official start of the Council meeting. High Priest Iskar still had not arrived in the hall, but it seemed the Prince did not feel he could wait any longer.The Prince formally welcomed all the clansfolk, dwarf-friends and guests, stating that anyone present was invited to speak, if they had words to share with the Clan. A murmuring went around the room at this, and Lorn explained that often only the clan nobles were allowed to speak at the Council. Shanni appeared about to say something, but an elbow nudge from Dermot and a worried look from Darrow led her to sulkily hold her tongue. The Prince continued by saying that the meeting would be conducted in the Common tongue, because of the presence of their guests, which briefly elicited louder murmuring from the crowd before silence again reigned.With the meeting officially opened, Dalgan asked that the guests and dwarf-friends approach the throne and introduce each of themselves to the assembled clan. Rahnee stepped forward first, graciously acknowledging the Prince’s welcome and stating it was her honor to be called dwarf-friend and be invited to attend the Council meeting. As she curtsied and backed away, Dalgan formally recognized her previous service to the clan in the fight against the Abomination, what they called the ancient lich Ashnakzeroth. Aerikoth glanced at the others and then approached in turn, formally bowing to the Prince. He introduced himself as a practitioner of the Art of magic and stated it was an honor to be at the meeting. As with Rahnee, Dalgan recognized the wizard for his service against the Abomination and in helping recover the legendary axe Haelgrim.As Aerikoth bowed again and returned to his place, Rahnee under her breath reminded Dermot and Shanni to keep their introductions short and sweet, patting Shanni on the shoulder. Dermot grunted and nodded, stepping forward to clear his throat. He introduced himself as Dermot Kenner of Iriaebor, saying it was a rare thing to be there and thanks. The Prince then welcomed him as an honored companion of the wielder of Haelgrim. The ranger bowed his head in response and resumed his place with the others. This left Shanni, who straightened up and stepped forward, a sweet and innocent expression on her face. Dipping a curtsey before the throne, she stated she was proud to be there, and then backed away to rejoin her comrades. Dalgan declared her welcome as well.</blockquote>

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