Fiona watched as the fellows she'd called for appeared, though one by one, nearly all at the same time. She regarded the majority of them as both equals and comrades, and her sword went to her shoulder as they approached. She gave them all a smile, and then began to answer their questions.<br/><br/>To the shadowy woman who'd seemingly appeared from nowhere, Fiona said, "I'm about as ready as I'll ever be. As for the rest of you, I wouldn't imagine that you weren't prepared if you've come in the first place, so I think it to be safe to say that we are all ready." Her voice was powerful, though not masculine, and had enough underlying strength that she could topple a bear if she yelled into its face. A hand went to her hip.<br/><br/>Looking at the tiny woman that had shuffled forward with a gun bigger than her head, Fiona took note of the massive weapons she had. She'd always taken a bit of interest in the marvels of black powder and its uses in warfare, and to see such ingenuity as a pistol that could fire six times before needing to be reloaded filled her with pride for humanity. "You ought to be careful with that," she said playfully. "I'd hate to see such a cute face be ruined from an 'accident', as you call them."<br/><br/>And finally, the duskblade had come. That she was undead was of little matter to Fiona, as all that should be relevant is cause when joining others. As a matter of fact, one of the greatest protectors she'd ever heard of was a lich, having kept a city thriving for over a millennium and a half. Based on that, Fiona had decided to always look on the bright side, and show trust where others would not. That the lich that stood in front of her was a rather new one, and therefore still open to accept change, only gave Fiona greater hopes for what could blossom into a great friendship; such things were always an aid in conquering the current dark times that the world had sunken into.<br/><br/>"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am the one leading here," Fiona answered to Ellura, "and I assure you that it's far from a dog and pony show.<br/><br/>"The lich Ajax, known to some as The Mourning Reaper, has taken several maidens hostage, and plans to use them in experiments for things that are probably best not to dwell on. We're gathered here to hold a meeting with the mohrg Erastus, who is one of Ajax's lieutenants, and are to discuss the terms on which the lives of the hostages may be spared. Partly, the reason I've brought you all here is that Erastus is formidable, and more than likely has a group of minions with him, and I'm not willing to risk the lives of others because of arrogance. I doubt this will go well in the first place, and if things sour and we make it through our encounter relatively unhurt, we're to follow Erastus to Ajax's tower and have a rescue mission."<br/><br/>Fiona scanned the group again, and said, "So, I imagine we should steel ourselves a bit while we still can. Are there any other questions?"<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>