Apart from Marcus, no one in this room is aware that John is a fair match for Marcus in a fight.
Hopefully there is something reassuring in that lack of knowledge. If John (a cripple, comes the bitter, ghostly murmur.) steps in without fear, then it must signal something promising about Marcus.
For his part, John is relieved not to have been obliged to hop desperately to keep his balance, or worse, fall. It means he can meet this question head on, without a beat to gather his composure.
"Supplies," John reminds. "And the assistance of our people in training yours, as well as building the fortifications you'll need to even the odds."
The lack of obvious leader has been hampering this discussion. But John has hope in this continuation of earlier debate.
"Enchanter Rowntree can assist with the latter, and I'll see to the former."
Enchanter Rowntree does not lend his voice to Silver's reminders, enduring in silence the skeptical glance flickered his way. Whatever it is she sees there, or decides in spite of it, seems to cause that doubt to dissipate on its own, and she looks back to John Silver, nodding her head once.
"We can work with that."
The town hall style gathering shrinks slightly, with both men offered a seat at a table along with the woman, a Free Marcher named Kyri, and a looming presence of a couple of the other refugees presiding over the negotiation. Some ale is poured, the crowd thins, although an audience still exists as a less volatile circle of interest scattered through the tavern.
They are told of a Brother Jaimen who lives above the shrine, who knows best the needs of the village. He is invited and summoned there, slightly sleep-befuddled and wary as he joins the conversation, but sharp enough to cotton onto the matter at hand. It is agreed, as the evening hours slip later and later, that Kyri can keep her people in line in return of Riftwatch's support, and offer the village protection in exchange of refuge. Jaimen will manage the supply itself, ensuring fair distribution, and the honouring of deals.
The news will be disseminated amongst the village and the camps tomorrow morning.
Throughout this stage of the negotiations, Marcus remains quiet, sensing a way forward and opting to entrust John in its navigation. There is ale, which he drinks, and he offers agreeing sounds and nods at the correct moments.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
Hopefully there is something reassuring in that lack of knowledge. If John (a cripple, comes the bitter, ghostly murmur.) steps in without fear, then it must signal something promising about Marcus.
For his part, John is relieved not to have been obliged to hop desperately to keep his balance, or worse, fall. It means he can meet this question head on, without a beat to gather his composure.
"Supplies," John reminds. "And the assistance of our people in training yours, as well as building the fortifications you'll need to even the odds."
The lack of obvious leader has been hampering this discussion. But John has hope in this continuation of earlier debate.
"Enchanter Rowntree can assist with the latter, and I'll see to the former."
no subject
"We can work with that."
The town hall style gathering shrinks slightly, with both men offered a seat at a table along with the woman, a Free Marcher named Kyri, and a looming presence of a couple of the other refugees presiding over the negotiation. Some ale is poured, the crowd thins, although an audience still exists as a less volatile circle of interest scattered through the tavern.
They are told of a Brother Jaimen who lives above the shrine, who knows best the needs of the village. He is invited and summoned there, slightly sleep-befuddled and wary as he joins the conversation, but sharp enough to cotton onto the matter at hand. It is agreed, as the evening hours slip later and later, that Kyri can keep her people in line in return of Riftwatch's support, and offer the village protection in exchange of refuge. Jaimen will manage the supply itself, ensuring fair distribution, and the honouring of deals.
The news will be disseminated amongst the village and the camps tomorrow morning.
Throughout this stage of the negotiations, Marcus remains quiet, sensing a way forward and opting to entrust John in its navigation. There is ale, which he drinks, and he offers agreeing sounds and nods at the correct moments.