-----Raven says, "Um, Right. I also do not expect payment for bringing Krondor to justice. Now that we've all said 'Hi'. What news do you have on Krondor's location?" Raven quickly looks over at Seth and Dread as if they're going to say something.
-----"Destine!" Sarah exclaims, while looking at the remarkable crystal. "This is quite a find. I haven't a clue what it is, but I bet it does something cool."
-----Sarah gives Sol a look that says, 'I'm insulted you even had to ask me if I wanted compensation.'
-----"What do you think of this, Chessie?" Sarah shows Chessie the crystal. "Say 'Crystal' Chessie." The owl squawks. "No, Crystal." Sarah repeats. The owl squawks again. Sarah feeds it some more beef jerky and pets it on the head. "You are too cute for words." She says, kissing the little owl on the beak.
-----"So, uh? I may have missed it, but what exactly are we here for? Did you find Krondor or the black gem?" Sarah asks, expectantly.
-----Sol has his faced screwed up in desperate concentration, trying to remember how he could have offended Sarah this time. Unable to come up with answers and already feeling bewildered at the speeches flying back and forth, he just finds himself nodding in agreement to Raven.
-----Sarah groans as she keeps looking at the crystal. She glares at Kazel, Seth and Gimplefwick. "Do you people care about anything other than money? The last time I quested for Hearthorn, me and these guys," meaning Sol and Raven, "Killed orcs and bandits, defeated evil priests, overcame evil magic and saved souls from the fate of undeath. I think I can overlook a few copper pieces if I can leave the world that much better of a place. If you want to make money, go back to your butcher stores and taverns and...." She looks at Gimplefwick "...wherevers...me and Sol and Raven can probably handle this by ourselves anyway." She tosses the crystal back to Gimplefwick. "Here, keep this, it might bring in a few silver coins. I hope they make you happy." Sarah looks back at Sarius, awaiting an answer to her and Raven’s inquiries about Krondor.
-----Kazel blinks a few times and then gives Sarah a funny look. "Well, Lady heroine, I don't know which house of noble blood you're from. But where I've been and what I've seen, people have got to make a living. How'd you think this town hall was built? This town itself? Slave labour? And I'm sure the city guards would be a little sad if the Lord strips their pay and ask em to lay down their lives for free and feed their families with nothing but good will."
-----She speaks in a calm and even sincere voice. "What the hey, I pay my taxes just like everyone else, so I really just end up paying for my own mission. Is that so much to ask? I sure hope missions to save the kingdom is part of the city budget, else I wouldn't know what it's good for."
-----"Besides, what makes you think only the treasury and the church would know how to put money for the betterment of this world. You yourself should be a prime example of what private citizens can aspire to."
-----Leaning back and stretching a bit, Kazel then stifles a yawn and smiles again. "Then again, whoever said anything about money?"
-----Gimplefwick catches the crystal, shrugs, and places it back in his pack, "Fer someone who is so hasty to snatch what I freely give ye are right quick in yer judgements of me friends and I. Fer yer information I have a wife and several little ones to feed. Can ye blame me if'n I try to keep 'em from livin on a diet of dirt? And try to keep a roof over their heads? Besides which, this be a hazardous profession we be in. The rewards should suit the job. How else can I provide fer me little ones if'n I meet me maker on one 'o these little jaunts." The Dread Pirate sorrowfully wipes at his eyes with an old handkerchief. "Now makin the world a better place to live is a noble aspiration, and I aim to do me part as far as that goes. But I'm not leavin me family to starve in the meantime. And I'll thank ye to keep yer judgements to yerself. Bein the daughter of the Lord Wizard, ye might not have to worry about the petty concerns of us lowly folk, but we'll all be dependin upon each other in the days ahead and I think we'd best try a bit harder to get along."
-----Seth looks angrily at Sarah as she makes her speech, as he can remember running and running and not eating and being hungry and it was only days ago really.
-----When the Dread Pirate mentions a wife and children, Seth's mouth drops open and he stares with amazement at the Halfling.
-----Seeing the sincere passion in the Dread Pirate, Kazel, and Sethanales and the tone of reassurance from Sol and Raven, the Lord Chamberlain bows to the extraordinary halfling. "Captain Wispybeard, I offer to you my sincerest apologies for I can see the high esteem your friends hold for you."
-----Turning to everyone he continues, "You are all correct. You are all quite worthy to be here and Hearthorn owes you a debt for what you have already accomplished. Therefore, I shall not waste any more of your time and explain to you the mission of importance that remains at hand."