You speak, and the council members listen- albeit some with less judgment in their eyes than others. None of them seem to be particularly outraged by your actions, at least, which means that you're not liable to get chased from the town with pitch-forks... but as your tale falls silent, the atmosphere remains tense for several long minutes.<br/><br/>Finally, though, the pudgy shopkeeper speaks up,<em>harrumphing</em>loudly through his droopy whiskers to get the attention of everyone present.<br/><br/>"You... hrm... Well, the Captain did show us the request that she had sent out, and you were working under the binding of a Society Charter. This means that, while we may much prefer to have tried the man ourselves, the society's liberties do protect the validity of your actions." The man knuckles his mustache a couple of times, as if in deep thought. "And while the Captain did overstep her bounds in sending that charter, the onus of paying the society's fees does fall upon the Council. So, if I may..."<br/><br/>The man looks around the room, receiving curt nods from some, and slightly warmer nods from the representatives of the Merry Widow and some of the shop-keepers who had seen you fight alongside the captain against the goblin raid.<br/><br/>"Very good. Yes. Seeker Valen, as a representative of the Town of Sunwell, I grant you payment for your contributions in this case; per the request of Captain Sharille Fillear, you are being awarded a lump sum payment equivalent to two per cent of the deceased Marxus Corchin's estate. The total value is 3,250 gold pieces, distributed in Gold & Platinum coins."<br/><br/>There's a heavy<em>oof</em>, and your morose guide appears behind you with a heavy sack full of coins and platinum Taldan trade bars. The coins make a whopping<em>crunch</em>when they impact the wood floor at your feet.<br/><br/>"You are hereby acquitted of your contract to the Town of Sunwell, Seeker Valen. May your next hunt be good..." The big man bows, and for the first time since the proceedings began you see his lips twitch in a grin. "And remember our contract, m'boy. I will always pay for more of those little trinkets if you find them."<br/><br/>With that, the big man waves one chubby hand and motions you out the door, before pointing to Sharille.<br/><br/>"Madame Fillear, if you would stay after. We will finish debriefing you, and will discuss your actions from there."<br/><br/>The halfling nods, and turns one last time to give you a smile and a wave.<br/><br/>"Remember what I said, Elf. I know how to find Koko, and she knows how to find you... so don't try to disappear into the sunset, you hear?"<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Moments later, your morose guide leads you right back onto the street, handing you the bag full of coins and glaring at you with the sort of envy only a young man can hold.<br/><br/>"Lucky... You Pathfinders have it so good. Maybe one of these days I should join up, and show you all just how good<em>I</em>could be."<br/><br/>Sullenly, without waiting for a response, the boy turns once more on his heels... and the doors to the town hall seal shut, locking you out to enjoy the perfect weather and begin your long trip "home."