Nirael had a lot to be thankful in that day already. Having Lunari's company during the day had him smiling and feeling a lot more at ease than he was with Anju, though even there he imagined spending more time with the woman would ease things out. Yet time was of the essence and he had a lot to study. Thankfully he had began to unravel some answers from the writings and the information on the staff had him stroking the wood in a gentle fashion admiring the figure in the staff's surface a bit thoughtfully, yet wondering on the pieces left unwritten. He was curious, yet there was a time and place for everything and he wasn't really ready yet. Still, he had learned a fair bit even before he set out to continue his lessons.<br/><br/>The blush on his face at the thought of how things had carried out with Lunari and Mara alike present had him shiver a hint, and Sirana's curiosity had earned a long look from him at the time. He had appreciated learning of things with them, the mourning stone had set a somber mood to things to begin with yet he understood the nature of death was part of life, and something he respected. Sirana's magic was different yet at the same time respectable as was his own. Even if not all would agree so readily, on either of their crafts for a bit different reasons though. Both would be called deviants by certain uptight people he figured, again for different reasons. Still, teaching had been fun given the nature of these lessons, and had him shiver a bit in pleasant tremble even afterwards.<br/><br/>The time spent learning of the people in town as well as the time at the service had soothed his thoughts, but spending time with the Matriarch brought his thoughts to the situation at hand. It appeared that there were more little signs pointing out towards the direction he had already been feeling. He was meant to be here, if not permanently to stay, at least to stand besides these people. He wasn't sure what lay at the source of the water but to be revealed there lay something there had him briefly consider that it might help hiim stand against the fiend.<br/><br/>Having read about needing a steeled will for the matter at hand, he wondered if the fiend's approach would end up forcing him to fight not only in the world around him but in a mindscape within. He did not know, but the one dream he had previously experienced had made him wonder. His stay here had earned him some peace from that, but the peace would soon be at end it seemed. Almost as if to prove that statement, the shouting had began and lead to the quick interrogation that Nirael had followed with a raised brow and a curious expression on his face.<br/><br/>He had to admit he was a bit of a shameless guy in his own manners for looking at the figure of the blue skinned creature, this kobold, but this particular one was definitely different from any he had come across in his travels before. He had to wonder what had brought him forth on a trail where he'd come across such visions, wondering if the Goddess' guidance had been part of things to show him a beauty in other races in doing so. Hearing her out to learn what lay behind the face though had him wonder. Enough so that when the question about what to do with her was asked, he found himself already considering the matter.<br/><br/><strong>"If she was a shaman that advocated staying in the depths and avoiding battle, and was banished for that, I believe she is someone who hopes to simply live another day. It is apparent the other diggers are not in agreement and her ideas were not accepted by the ones that lead the diggers. While I would not show mercy to any who come here to fight, a weapon drawn or a spell readied and making gestures of casting at one of the people here, she came with a warning. Perhaps an ultimatum and demand, but she still came, even if she probably knew it could cost her life. She offered a price for her survival, so she isn't looking for death but accepted the possibility of it."</strong>He hummed briefly and rubbed his forehead. It was a difficult situation all things considered. He doubted the people here would like what he had in mind.<br/><br/><strong>"I'd ask that you let her live. I don't think it would be smart to let her leave, giving the other diggers any information they might pry out of her would be unwise. Holding her captive until the conflict is over wouldn't be too much strain I think, though? I doubt her ideals can catch on with the other diggers anytime soon but if they see their kinsmen attack and die, they might start to think differently."</strong>He grit his teeth together briefly.<strong>"From what little I had heard earlier it seemed likely I would <em>eventually</em> find myself involved in this fight as well, and I will stand besides the elves of this settlement, protecting the waters and the people. I will kill any foe that makes their way here with hostility in their heart. Yet she came with a message, and was banished for wanting peace, even if not for altruistic reasons perhaps."</strong>He cast a look at the Matriarch seriously.<br/><br/><strong>"Would you consider me a fool to ask for her life to be spared? I may just be, but I would like to think that if the ones that are good judges of character find no deceit in her, then killing one who has come with a message would draw poor fortune upon us. <em>'Don't kill the messenger'</em>, I've heard mentioned."</strong>He smiled a bit apologetically.<strong>"Of course I realize it may be a difficult request given her kindred are not exactly known for peaceful intensions. If I were not a guest myself, I would seek to watch on her behaviour myself, but I am a guest here myself."</strong>He smiled a bit, but turned to regard Pooit seriously, speaking in a touch of draconic as well then.<br/><br/><strong>&lt;&lt;Sometimes people win most by not fighting. It sounds that cannot happen here. Both the new shaman and the chief sound like they want to fight. Having allies might make them stupid, it might make them rush. I think you are smart to not trust in those promises, but your chief and the new shaman do not sound that smart. I would prefer to know more, but not here, not now. Hopefully they will agree to let you live, but IF that happens, will you swear not trying to escape?&gt;&gt;</strong>He addressed her seriously at this. If she was intent on fleeing, he couldn't really do much. Having her return to the other diggers would let them learn what she had seen, and a reply was unnecessary anyway. The enemy would come, and they would have to be ready to defend the settlement and the waters by then. Yet her life would depend on the Matriarch and the others, as well as herself.<br/><br/>He had a feeling that despite his word to fight by the elves side his request to let the kobold live might have them somewhat suspicious, and Anju in particular who seemed to want the kobold dead might not be too pleased. Yet he wanted to peer beyond mere race himself, and from the actions the kobold in question had mentioned this individual might be an ally in time if given the opportunity. Yet if he was being naive, it could come back to haunt him. Either way, the final decision was not his, merely the suggestion, and request.