"And what do you make of these claims?"
"Hard 't say, really. I mean, it checks out on my end."
"I find that hard to believe. Challenge."
"Allowed. And I told you I mean it. I can't find any patterns in it. I don't think it's happening on his account."
The soft flop of playing cards hitting the table was lost to the general din of the Gilded Knuckle. Ambient noise of those gambling and talking in hushed, reverent tones made for relatively easy talking. It felt contrary to be open about maneuvers but that was just how things worked. Besides, the masks made for slight comfort.
"I've done my research. Why do you think I took such an interest in this to begin with? The Free Trade Company was well enough in hand, and harmless. The company that took over after was too interested in their own prattling adventures to be a concern, and the fledgling fill-ins between and after held no interest in maintaining the position. It was never more than an after-work gathering before, and you're telling me now that four score of armed fighters meeting in attendance just outside of the city is coincidence?!"
"Not coincidence. I just don't think there's a motive there."
"'No motive.' No motive?! He has met with both free swords and Syndicate alike! He has connections to both high rollers and low. Valdis has met with him, in private and Vann met with him nearly immediately after his self-imposed exile. He has been affiliated with the Sultansworn and their little 'Free Paladin' branch. They've worked for him! Monitoring his little exposition, and-"
"No money in it."
"What did you just say?"
"I mean there's no money for it. He's not paying anyone. They're doing it of their own volition."
"You're a fool if you believe that! A fool AND an imbecile! He has met with Immortal Flames, both current and former. He has spoken to Ala Mhigans, also in private. He has ties to Ishgard! You cannot truly believe he is not planning something! Too many are under his sway already, and-"
"And what? It's just a place for folks to vent spleen and maybe earn a little coin. Not everything is a plot."
"Those who do not inspect the shadows are consumed by them, and I will not have my head rolling in some bloody revolution or attack!"
"I'm out. Cards aren't going in my favor today."
Not long before his guest was out of earshot, his fellow pointed at him and nodded to one of his entourage.
"A turncoat. Make certain he is removed before he can report back to his new master."
"Hard 't say, really. I mean, it checks out on my end."
"I find that hard to believe. Challenge."
"Allowed. And I told you I mean it. I can't find any patterns in it. I don't think it's happening on his account."
The soft flop of playing cards hitting the table was lost to the general din of the Gilded Knuckle. Ambient noise of those gambling and talking in hushed, reverent tones made for relatively easy talking. It felt contrary to be open about maneuvers but that was just how things worked. Besides, the masks made for slight comfort.
"I've done my research. Why do you think I took such an interest in this to begin with? The Free Trade Company was well enough in hand, and harmless. The company that took over after was too interested in their own prattling adventures to be a concern, and the fledgling fill-ins between and after held no interest in maintaining the position. It was never more than an after-work gathering before, and you're telling me now that four score of armed fighters meeting in attendance just outside of the city is coincidence?!"
"Not coincidence. I just don't think there's a motive there."
"'No motive.' No motive?! He has met with both free swords and Syndicate alike! He has connections to both high rollers and low. Valdis has met with him, in private and Vann met with him nearly immediately after his self-imposed exile. He has been affiliated with the Sultansworn and their little 'Free Paladin' branch. They've worked for him! Monitoring his little exposition, and-"
"No money in it."
"What did you just say?"
"I mean there's no money for it. He's not paying anyone. They're doing it of their own volition."
"You're a fool if you believe that! A fool AND an imbecile! He has met with Immortal Flames, both current and former. He has spoken to Ala Mhigans, also in private. He has ties to Ishgard! You cannot truly believe he is not planning something! Too many are under his sway already, and-"
"And what? It's just a place for folks to vent spleen and maybe earn a little coin. Not everything is a plot."
"Those who do not inspect the shadows are consumed by them, and I will not have my head rolling in some bloody revolution or attack!"
"I'm out. Cards aren't going in my favor today."
Not long before his guest was out of earshot, his fellow pointed at him and nodded to one of his entourage.
"A turncoat. Make certain he is removed before he can report back to his new master."
![[Image: yEROfKO.png]](http://i.imgur.com/yEROfKO.png)
