#fenixtj

Clearly they didn't expect this "Where did you get that?" Froth inquries

"Is this what you were talking about?"

"Yes?"

"Ok. Well, that's handy. Good." She sets the axe into her belt. "But it doesn't really help the question at hand. How can I let you go if you're just going to turn around and harm my people? We can afford mercy, but not foolishness."

"War eternal until all invaders are slain! " one yells

"Shaddup!" Demos snaps at that one

Frothfang mmmphs "I do not know. We could pay you tribute, ransom though. Food, blankets, magic"

"I appreciate that, thank you. But we don't need it, and I don't want to be an Empress. In fact, it might be that your people need those things more than we do. Maybe?" She's genuinely asking them in a conversation.

"We need all our land returned!" One calls out

"So I can't do that, but I'd love to work something out. I've offered other tribes my protection for the lands they have, and an option to talk about shared-use or protection for other important places."

"Bah" One says

"I know, it's not the best answer for you guys, but I have to balance both, right?" reasonably.

"It is.. reasonable" Frothfang says "I could, if you wish, pass on a letter or note or message?"

"I'd like that." Jess agrees.

"But how do I let you go do that when you might have a change of heart and hurt my people?"

"I would swear an oath to deliver your message and then return"

Head-tilt "Tell me about how your people view oaths." she invites Foamfang, and then repeats it for all present in cells.

"We are bound by them, as you are. " She explains "We do not take them lightly, but this would not be lightly"

"I'm honored, Foamfang. Thank you."

She thinks a bit.

"I should... tell you something of my Kith."

"Go on"

"I am a troll." she tells all "We are bound strongly to our word, our Oaths. Our souls are tied to what we promise. I say this to tell you that if you make me a promise, an oath, a pledge.... I will naturally see it as binding. Should you betray yourselves.... it will be difficult for me to forgive or forget."

She nods at this

Others mutter and mumble. Some impressed, some not

"I require no promise or oath from anyone who is not willing to make it. It will be freely made, or not at all."

"Now, that means some might stay here longer than others. Again, what I eat is what you'll be served. Water and even tubs for whoever needs them. I will take care of you as I do my own people."

"If you cannot give me your word, your oath, freely... well, I'll figure something else out. But you will all go home."

"Foamfang."

(Charisma plus Expression or Leadership)

/roll 2

They do not look convinced, but she has at least made them consider it

"I will give my word" Foamfang says

"I am honored. Foamfang, can I ask you to wait a bit? I apologize but... perhaps your people will learn from you? We might save some, get them home sooner?"

"I need time to find a way to word the oath so both of us accept it" A nod "So I will wait"

"That is fair. Thank you. Please speak with your people." She glances around... other non-redwaters?

There are non redwaters. Jaquar men, obsidian skins, and snake faces

Jess approaches those, respectfully. "Hello."

THey scowl

And then a voice "May I assist?" Otem from behind

"If you can, please." Jessica invites.

He moves in and says something in that language she only knows parts of. Words like 'sacrifice' 'tribute' 'Mother'