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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 8050788" data-attributes="member: 7015827">Toran, evidently undaunted by the previous exchange, requested to speak again. Taking a different tack, he stated that the deeds mentioned – regardless of whether they were considered shameful to the clan – served to illustrate the wickedness of surfacers and the dangers faced when trading with them. Calling slavers and thieves but a small part of what was outside the clan walls, Toran said they nonetheless should not simply shut themselves in and rot, but should find partners with great care with whom they could do business. Dalgan called this a reasonable stance, one that he did not find fault with. Dermot, brow furrowed, meanwhile was trying to figure out Toran’s angle. Shanni privately commented that he must have something rigged up, and in a low voice advised them to call his bluff.Darrow raised his voice and asserted that, despite their recent disagreement, he agreed with Toran – and could think of no better partner than Queron Ulanthar. He then ticked off the positive aspects of a trading relationship with Queron on his fingers. Toran in response said that the word of the bearer of Haelgrim carried much weight, and that he would be pleased to speak with Queron, to see what business could be done with the clan. Darrow showed obvious puzzlement at this benign reaction. Dermot and Rahnee in turn then spoke to the positive impact the clan could have in opening to trade in the region. Rahnee also mentioned her recent marriage into the Cassalanter family in Waterdeep, should the clan seek contacts even further afield. (?? - I do not believe this was mentioned before in the chronicles. A rather important point to ignore, I would think. --C)After the Prince indicated his agreement with the sentiments that had been expressed, Iskar finally asked leave to speak his piece. The high priest began by mentioning the dangers as well as opportunities involved with relations outside the clan. He then apologized for his delay in arriving, as he had been researching an old danger involving the Deep Delve. Iskar said it had once provided the clan a route to the outside world through the Underdark. The priest baldly stated that in the past, the clan may have traded with Duergar and others in the dark. He then speculated that some might consider doing so again – a prospect the Prince immediately rejected. Iskar nonetheless expressed further concern about possible Underdark links to the surface and the dangers of such evil influences, as had occurred with the Abomination, warning that the clan must not follow such a path again. (It is interesting and yet at the same time somewhat tiresome to read about - or directly experience - these types of meetings, where matters of policy are discussed. Words are carefully crafted and caveated, so as not to cause offense, when their actual meaning is stark and clear - although perhaps some miss these subtleties and take them at face value. What Iskar is actually saying is that he knows the clan traded with evil Underdark races in the past and believes that Toran wishes to renew this practice, although the high priest does not have enough proof yet to directly call out his fellow noble. --R)Toran asked and received leave from the Prince to close the discussion. He stated that Iskar was correct, in that the clan must be careful with any outside adventures, having before trusted outsiders and been betrayed. He continued by saying that if it happened again, those responsible should be punished by clan law and tradition, a sly smile briefly stealing across his face at these words. Prince Dalgan in response declared that of course the clan would uphold its traditions and formally concluded the meeting.As the crowd started breaking up, with many of the dwarves in hushed conversation, Rahnee curtsied deeply to the throne and gathered her companions, warning a still-muttering Shanni to save her comments for the privacy of their rooms. Toran Goldfinder smiled at the group as they passed, prompting Darrow to return it to his face, but then transform it into a mocking expression as soon as Toran turned his back on them. As the company exited the hall, they exchanged friendly goodbyes with Lorn the smith and Maximar Thrax the librarian. While walking toward the guest quarters, Aerikoth raised the fact of Rahnee now being married to another Waterdeep noble, something which she airily said she must have forgotten to mention before. Once they reached their rooms, they exchanged views behind closed doors on how the meeting had gone.</blockquote>

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