<div class="floatleft">(https://s25.postimg.org/ajx7lljxr/tumblr_nx0ifbow7m1sxz68do1_1280.jpg)</div>"So we are to pay because no one decided to put ownership signs on a bridge which isn't part of the river you claim to own?" Serena asked from where she had been trailing in the back of the party. Her voice was light and her manner carefree. If the threat bothered her it did not show but how much of what she showed was real or artifice even she could not begin to guess anymore. "And threatening us before even telling us what you want in exchange for crossing seems like a poor way to do business."<br/><br/>Truth be told - if such a phrase could ever be used in association with the halfling mage - she was not truly concerned about the fishmen or being taken captive. Escape was easy enough from almost any prison but with two of them almost offering a way out it was too easy. They wanted Rose and if need be Serena could give them Rose. She could be any of them and after touching the fishpeople she could be them too.<br/><br/>"How about we lower the weapons and talk this through? I am sure we have something you want," the halfling said idly turning towards the seeming leader of the fishmen as her dress became like mist parting long enough to give him a glimpse of her - to give all of the extortionists a glimpse - and keeping a sharp eye out for who seems interested.