A Disturbing Letter|Clan Fira, Naurorod

[Kender Bard]

A messenger on horseback approached the clan warily, scroll in one hand and a sword in the other as he scanned the area.

[Northen Light36]

Ann, just finished her weapons lessons for the day and having been about to join the afternoon scouting group, spots the man. Tightening her grip on her spear and making sure she has her two daggers and Ember with her, Ann calls out, "Who's there?!"

[Kender Bard]

"A messenger!" the man calls back. "Where is Leader Damien?"

[Northen Light36]

"What's the message about?" Ann replies warily. She's not about to lead just any armed man into the clan like a tame pet. One thing her kidnapping has taught her is to be far more mistrustful of strangers then she used to be. Spear in hand, Ann stands as tall as she can manage, trying to mimic her uncle's imposing 'don't mess with me' expression. Although, considering she's a small and currently slightly grubby ten-year-old with only a copper circlet to indicate her rank, it's not very effective.

[Kender Bard]

"I'm not sure," the man says slowly, thinking Ann to be just an ignorant little child. "I was paid to not look inside it, and so I didn't."

[Northen Light36]

Ann thinks for a minute then orders, "Get off your horse and leave your sword there. I'll take you to my uncle, but you better hope this is worth bothering him over." She crosses her arms and scowls, trying to look theatening. "Cause if it's not, I'll feed you to Ember here."

[Kender Bard]

The man looks at the pup and snorts, getting off the horse and sliding the sword into the spare scabbard strapped to the pack. "Fine, just so long as I can get this over with."

[Northen Light36]

Ann scowls. "And you might think about being a little more respectful," she growls, lifting her chin proudly. "You are in the presence of the Heir of Naurorod." It's prideful and will get her smacked if anyone else hears, but Ann wants to put this arrogant man in his place.

[Kender Bard]

The man eyes her and then shrugs, growing impatient. "Kid, either let me see Damien or step aside."

[Northen Light36]

Ann glares and snaps, "That's Honored Leader Damien to you." With that she turns and leads the way to Damien's hut. "Uncle Damien, there's a very rude man here to see you." Damien, hearing the temper simmering in his niece's voice, comes out and looks at the messenger.

"Rude or not, you know it is your duty to be polite," he scolds lightly. Ann flushes and nods, turning to the man.

"I appologise for my rudeness... sir," she saids in a slightly forced tone.

[Kender Bard]

The messenger doesn't smirk but he gives the impression that he really wants to. Solemnly he holds the parchment towards Damien. "Message for you, sir."

[Northen Light36]

Damien, picking up on that impression, frowns as he takes the message and gives the man a look that says he might find himself going up in smoke if he too doesn't make amends. Giving Ann a very subtle nudge to get slightly behind him, Damien opens the letter, keeping an eye on the man the whole time.

[Kender Bard]

The messenger made no move to apologize but did sober up.

Leader Damien,

I regret to inform you that your time in ruling over Naurorod is coming to a close. While I will allow you to remain in your seat of power as a figurehead, I must ask you to succeed rulership of Naurorod to me. Since it would be imprudent of me to reveal my nature at this time, I will have spies posted outside of your current location. I will give you a week to get your affairs into order for this shift in power, and then you must place two white flags outside of your residence. My spies will confirm these sightings. If you do as asked, then I will send a messenger to pick up a five thousand coin donation of charity, after which time I will be sending an liege lord to act in my stead.

If you do not comply with these instructions, a series of violent and bloody confrontations will arise, starting with random peasants and working up to the assassination of your loved ones, and finally - if necessary - you.

Have a nice day.

[Northen Light36]

Damien scowls at the letter then turns on the messenger and snaps, "Who gave you this?!" Ann looks up in surprise at her uncle's sudden anger and stands on tiptoe to try and get a peak at the letter, although for the most part it's meaningless to her.

[Kender Bard]

The messenger blinks in surprise and holds up his hands, suddenly glad he didn't have his sword with him and at the same time, regretting the decision. "I don't know, sir. I mean, I saw a man's face but he paid me really well not to ask questions."