(2024-07-30) Worgen In Need

Details

Author:	Luridel
Summary:	Lady Kenelly meets with Lord Graves by the lake in Stormwind to discuss her plans for her worgen outreach group. They are joined by Tyrrell, who is dryer than the Tanaris desert, Adamantia, who is wary, Eulysses, who is dignified, and two members of the Moonbloom Pack - Mrs. Underthorn and Lillian. ~5k words.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: Gravehowl Pack

Kenelly approaches cautiously, head dipped slightly in deference. "My Lord Graves?"

Rhenardt looks over his shoulder. He nods in acknowledgement. "Lady Kenelly."

Kenelly curtsies before Rhenardt.

Tyrrell lurks.

Rhenardt doesn't bow, but he nods again courteously. "You have Gravehowl business."

Mrs. Underthorn sits on a stump, looking out over the lake.

Tyrrell eyes Mrs. Underthorn up and down.

Lillian seems to be dozing with her head in Mrs. Underthorn's lap, her decorative antlered headpiece a little askew.

[Kenelly]: I do…in a sense. It's more worgen and Gilnean business. But I believe it is appropriate that I come to you before implementing it.

Rhenardt raises his eyebrows. "Very well."

Tyrrell's eyes track the draenei child that wanders by…

Kenelly reaches into a satchel, taking out a sheaf of papers. "It's called HOWL. That stands for Help & Opportunities for Worgen Living. It is intended as a foundation for assisting worgen in integrating into Alliance society, and improving our public image."

The draenei child notices the tall, severe, pale man in black watching her and hurries off elsewhere, as any child with half a brain would do.

[Rhenardt]: "… HOWL."

Kenelly clears her throat nervously and nods. "Any organization name should be memorable. It creates a strong association with our kind."

Mrs. Underthorn's ears twitch. "Lily," she rumbles quietly, shaking the woman next to her with a hand on her shoulder.

Rhenardt's lip curls a little. His expression is wry. "It… does. It also strikes me as… an awkward organization name, in an attempt to manufacture a 'clever' acronym."

Lillian stirs, sitting up with a lazy stretch. She straightens her headpiece.

Kenelly smiles a little. "Perhaps…but it does convey exactly what we're trying to do. Worgen may be officially accepted by the Alliance, but the people still fear us. We need advocacy; help finding jobs and living situations."

Rhenardt considers this, his flint gaze moving past Kenelly to some point in the middle distance. "I appreciate, as you say, the need. It is the… name I am not persuaded by. But tell me how you envision this organization working."

Kenelly offers the papers to Rhenardt. "It's all detailed there. In brief, we'll need plenty of volunteers as first; both worgen and the unchanged. We'll also need to establish a network of connections with merchant and labor guilds."

Tyrrell blows in darkly like a frigid wind, as is his wont.

[Tyrrell]: Do you think my presence here would expedite matters, Lady Kennelly, or obstruct them?

Rhenardt accepts the papers. He leafs through them idly, scanning. "Your proposal is specifically —" He looks up sharply and surveys Zath. If he were in worgen-form, there might be Hackles, but his expression remains cool.

Kenelly jumps a little. "Oh! Lord Tyrrell. No no, you're most welcome. Lord Graves, Lord Tyrrell helped me to refine this idea. I asked for his expertise, as I'm partially modeling it on his WEB program."

Tyrrell also seems to bristle slightly in return, a subtle posture easily read by another Alpha Type.

[Tyrrell]: I am the reason she is not presenting you with an organization entitled WOOF.

Kenelly's gaze drifts up to those on the stump, finally noticing them now that she's turned. She gives a little smile and wave.

Rhenardt lowers the papers and surveys Zath flintily. "I see." He looks at Kenelly and raises his brows again.

Lillian giggles at the word 'WOOF'. She clears her throat and gives Kenelly a little wave.

Kenelly blushes fiercely, feeling the judgement in Zath's comment. "Yes, well…it was a first draft."

[Tyrrell]: She was amenable to suggestion… eventually… so I'm certain if you have any objections she will be equally willing to hear them out.

[Rhenardt]: I'm not certain 'HOWL' is much improvement as a second draft. But.

Mrs. Underthorn raises a hand in greeting, pulling Lillian a little closer to her with an arm around her shoulders.

Rhenardt returns to perusing the papers as though Zath were not present.

Tyrrell's gaze strays toward the people Kenelly waved to, assessing them for a moment before turning back.

[Kenelly]: Consider it like this, my lord. How do we worgen call for help? Or answer that call? We howl. I believe it is a name that will speak to our clientele.

Rhenardt glances up from the papers with just his eyes, surveying Kenelly. He looks unconvinced, but doesn't say so. His frown deepens thoughtfully.

[Rhenardt]: It is meant purely to support our people in finding situations in society? Or as a public relations front as well?

Mrs. Underthorn speaks up: "If you intend to support uncursed Gilneans with this organization of yours as well, you may want a more inclusive name."

Rhenardt glances up sharply at the woman on the stump. After a moment, though, he nods to her and looks back to Kenelly. "We may not wish to emphasize… the curse, specifically, but the Gilnean refugees' common cause."

Kenelly nods. "It is both of those things, as well as providing services like counseling — inspired by WEB — and helping Gilnean families reunite." She gestures up to Mrs. Underthorn. "We would be serving unchanged Gilneans as well, yes."

[Kenelly]: But our primary focus would be on worgen, Gilnean or otherwise.

[Tyrrell]: Perhaps abandon the idea of an acronym altogether and use something more generally symbolic of Gilneas - the rose or the lance.

[Rhenardt]: If we integrate the uncursed Gilneans more clearly in the organization from the start, does that not emphasize to the rest of the Alliance that we have the support of our own uncursed people? And — *Lukas pauses, and then nods to Zath.*

Kenelly clears her throat, smiling to hide her annoyance. "Perhaps we can move on from the name and focus on what is most important: the foundation's function."

[Tyrrell]: The two are rather closely intertwined, but do as you wish.

[Rhenardt]: Indeed. That was my earlier question. Are we purely looking to establish a jobs-and-housing network, or a public relations organization as well?

[Tyrrell]: Both, was it not?

Tyrrell peers at Kenelly searchingly.

Lillian touches Mrs. Underthorn's skirt. "Matron, shall I introduce us?"

Kenelly nods. "It is both, as well as providing counseling from both clergy of the Light and the Old Ways."

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Certainly, dear.

[Rhenardt]: A broad premise, not to say ambitious. How do you envision it would be organized?

Mrs. Underthorn leaps off the stump and lands on all fours, then straightens up to two legs.

Lillian jumps down and Mrs. Underthorn catches her, then sets her on her feet.

[Kenelly]: In the beginning, I will administrate it. But as it grows it will need others. I envision a council of administrators to make major decisions and organize day to day operations. We'll need volunteer clergy and guild liaisons to start, as well.

Lillian takes Mrs. Underthorn's hand and guides her over.

[Lillian]: Excuse us, we couldn't help but overhear.

Tyrrell shifts to create one edge of a circle as others gather.

Eulysses casually makes his way over to the group, standing tall.

Rhenardt flicks his gaze from Kenelly to the newcomers. His expression doesn't change but there is that slight sense of Hackles again in his posture.

Kenelly smiles brightly as the two approach. "Not at all. Hello! I'm Lady Kenelly Ashewood. These are Lords Graves and Tyrrell."

Rhenardt nods curtly.

Adamantia stays hidden in the bushes, watching.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Ladies and lords all over! How grand.

[Lillian]: I'm Lillian of the Moonbloom pack. This is Mrs. Underthorn, my…

[Eulysses]: Eulysses Reeve, at your service. *he says with a bow*

Lillian looks up at Mrs. Underthorn. It's quite a height difference.

Tyrrell gives off the welcoming mood of a chunk of Northrend ice floating among the splintered remains of the ship it sank.

Kenelly dips her head in greeting to the newcomers. "Lord Graves is the leader of the Gravehowl Pack, of which I am a member."

Rhenardt nods curtly again. The hackles have not smoothed but he is not actively growling or anything. Public Relations master at work.

[Tyrrell]: I am the Count of Drakewatch, in Redridge, and and a member of the 7th Legion.

Tyrrell has practiced not saying 'captain.' :(

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Will the shy one come out too?

Mrs. Underthorn turns and looks directly at Adamantia.

Adamantia stiffens, looking ready to bolt. Instead, she steps out of her cover, though she remains at a distance.

Lillian looks Zath over, evaluating.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: What's your name, dear?

Adamantia replies softly, as if trying to hide her lack of Gilnean accent. "Adamantia."

Tyrrell also notably does not have a Gilnean accent. He sounds Lordaeronian, if anything.

Mrs. Underthorn gives her a warm wolfish smile and beckons her closer.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Are you also interested in the opportunities that Lady Kenelly's speaking of?

Adamantia cautiously steps closer, but stays out of claw range. She eyes Zath with particular wariness.

Tyrrell eyes her right back. He does not seem remotely motivated to make anyone feel welcome.

[Kenelly]: I'm glad you're all here. Tell me…have any of you felt out of place in this Alliance, being what you are? Felt constrained or judged? Lost opportunities because of it?

Tyrrell does not answer any of these questions. His face remains the same slightly displeased mask it has been since he arrived.

Lillian laughs. "Oh, yes. Also, we're broke."

Rhenardt turns a cynical gaze on Kenelly but listens politely — assessingly — to her Sales Pitch.

[Adamantia]: I'm more interested in… I haven't smelled so many worgen here before. Suddenly you're everywhere. I'm…curious.

Mrs. Underthorn sighs at Lillian's comment.

[Eulysses]: I certainly get looks on the streets, but I try not to let them get to my head.

Rhenardt addresses Lillian. "Employment is a concern, then. Everyone is agreed that employment is a concern?"

Kenelly gestures to Lillian. "You're suffering financially?" She then looks to Eulysses. "And wouldn't you rather others look at you as an equal…even take pride in what you can bring to the Alliance?"

[Lillian]: Employment is a concern, yes.

[Adamantia]: I'd settle for people not being hostile.

[Eulysses]: Hiding what I am would do little to help in that regard. Only delaying the inevitable. As to employment, I do have some promising prospects at the moment.

Rhenardt frowns and looks from Lillian to Adamantia to Eulysses.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: I had a place of business back in Gilneas that I no longer own. While the kaldorei have been very welcoming, they value finances and land ownership quite differently.

[Tyrrell]: I had not considered that angle. A salient point.

Rhenardt nods to Mrs. Underthorn.

[Kenelly]: At the core of our difficulties are public distrust, and a lack of organization of our small numbers.

[Rhenardt]: I will be blunt that insofar as employment and integration go, we do face an uphill battle here not merely because of public perception of us, but because the people of Stormwind and the Alliance are themselves suffering unemployment and displacement in remarkable numbers.

[Tyrrell]: I do not know that suddenly showing up and filling what few jobs are available will do much to increase our public perception - so we may need to choose between the two.

[Rhenardt]: I wonder if there were a way — by way of public relations — to integrate the two concerns? Worgen-led Outreach and Opportunities For… *He pauses, frowns.*

Kenelly pinches her lips.

[Adamantia]: I bet if we killed that big dragon thing we'd be welcome.

[Tyrrell]: Yes, I'll get right on that.

Lillian asks Tyrrell, "You have land in Redridge?"

[Kenelly]: Actually if you look on page six, you'll see I address the concern. We must find ways to create jobs. Yes, we'll surely fill some. Our natural strength and endurance will be highly valuable in construction work and the like. But…

[Rhenardt]: … at any rate, something that shows our own desire to integrate with Alliance society in part by doing some broader good. Obviously serving our own community, but offering some welcome to our brethren in the Alliance who are also –

Rhenardt turns to page six.

[Tyrrell]: I do have land in Redridge. The entire purpose of my holding is supposedly to keep watch for black dragons. So… my apologies. *Dry as Tanaris.*

[Adamantia]: What about worgen groomers? Oh. But I don't have any money.

[Kenelly]: …if we bring our talents and expertise to bear in starting new businesses and opportunities, I believe we can win the public over.

Rhenardt stares at Adamantia before tearing his attention away to nod at Kenelly.

[Eulysses]: I have inquired after joining the navy. I was referred to one Lord Siamus Fallon.

[Eulysses]: He seemed to be wanting for aid.

[Kenelly]: I believe the military will be very eager to have us, for obvious reasons.

Rhenardt looks to Mrs. Underthorn. "What would you require to reestablish your — Fallon?" These two things are not connected.

Tyrrell's expression goes briefly strange at the mention of Fallon.

[Eulysses]: Aye. My sister informed me that our family used to do quite a bit of business with his before the borders were closed.

[Tyrrell]: He is firmly on the side of assisting the refugees of Gilneas and all of those who share their curse.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: I was proprietress of the House of Flowers back in Gilneas City. I would need a building of sufficient size and quality to attract clientele, ideally close enough to a residential area. Enough money to start up the business again, hire staff and buy furnishings and whatever licenses I might need to operate in Stormwind, if any…

Rhenardt turns his stare on Mrs. Underthorn. He may or may not know what the House of Flowers was. He may have extrapolated.

[Rhenardt]: I see.

[Adamantia]: Why is it the Gilnean curse?

Tyrrell looks as though he may be on the verge of facepalming, but he manages not to. He clearly knows exactly what the House of Flowers is.

[Rhenardt]: So, thus far, we have promising employment opportunities in the military and… the private entertainment sector, *Lukas says dryly.* That covers a range.

[Tyrrell]: Because it was begun by a Gilnean archmage. Arugal.

[Tyrrell]: And completely overtook the nation of Gilneas.

Lillian smirks.

Adamantia wrinkles her nose. "He was Gilnean?"

[Tyrrell]: He was.

Rhenardt nods curtly.

[Tyrrell]: Not all worgen are Gilnean - obviously - but in the eyes of the Alliance, the worgen and Gilneas are inextricably linked.

[Tyrrell]: Also the Gilnean king is a worgen.

[Rhenardt]: Lady Kenelly is correct that it would seem to behoove our people to lead any effort to aid or represent the worgen in Alliance society.

[Kenelly]: There is one more aspect to this that I believe will be essential for gaining public support.

[Rhenardt]: Not the acronym.

Kenelly sighs at Lukas.

Mrs. Underthorn lets out a quick bark of laughter. It still seems friendly.

Rhenardt regards her flatly, though there is a suspect gleam in his gaze.

[Kenelly]: We must monitor worgen activity. Particularly feral worgen. We alone can engage with them with no risk of further spreading the curse. We must become the solution to what the people see as a problem.

[Tyrrell]: I think that is wise.

[Adamantia]: That's a job, right? Or are we volunteering?

Rhenardt nods thoughtfully to Kenelly. "I wonder whether S.I. Thorne would be interested in spearheading that initiative."

[Tyrrell]: I know of one mercenary company in particular who would be very interested in hiring people to deal with feral worgen.

Kenelly beams at Lukas, "Oh, a brilliant notion, my lord!"

Rhenardt nods at Kenelly. He is personally aware of Gabriella's skill at tracking and capturing feral worgen. >.>

Kenelly looks to Adamantia, "At this point, we would be asking for volunteers. If we can secure revenue streams, payment would absolutely be on the table."

[Tyrrell]: Talk to Elohad Ference.

[Rhenardt]: Ference. House of Nobles?

[Adamantia]: Payment would be nice… it's still a risk to us physically.

[Tyrrell]: His hatred of worgen is notorious - but do not let that dissuade you. If you point out that you are the safest people to send against the ferals that have overrun his ancestral lands, he will be more, not less, likely to hire you, if I understand the man correctly.

[Kenelly]: Lord Tyrrell is quite right. In fact…I'm happy to announce that I've been working with Cobalt Company…and they have finally accepted my application! I believe this will open the door to many opportunities for us.

Tyrrell raises a brow at Kennelly. This is clearly news to him.

Rhenardt raises his eyebrows and looks Kenelly over. "A mercenary."

[Eulysses]: Congratulations.

[Adamantia]: Oh, Cobalt Company? I've met a few.

[Tyrrell]: They are well thought of, and perhaps more relevantly, well paid.

Kenelly beams at Eulysses. "Thank you."

[Tyrrell]: And no displaced Stormwind refugee will object to worgen taking that particular job.

[Lillian]: It sounds dangerous, being a mercenary.

[Rhenardt]: I should speak with Ference, then, perhaps.

[Adamantia]: I was sniffing them out a bit in Northrend. They seem like good people.

[Kenelly]: I would recommend it, my lord.

Kenelly nods at Adamantia.

[Tyrrell]: But dealing with feral worgen is far less dangerous for us than it would be for others. It would earn us money and gratitude.

[Kenelly]: If we're able to move forward in association with Cobalt Company, it would go a long way toward legitimacy.

[Tyrrell]: We match the ferals in strength, exceed them in cunning, and they cannot curse us any further.

[Kenelly]: Precisely, my lords.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: In Northrend! Heavens, dear, that's another continent entirely.

[Rhenardt]: So. We have opportunities with the military — *Lukas nods to Eulysses* — and as mercenaries. We will still require more opportunity for the less martial among us. *Lukas gestures with the papers at Lillian and Mrs. Underthorn.*

[Rhenardt]: Lady Merelda and others, as well, will I think prefer less combat-oriented integration.

[Tyrrell]: Lady Merelda, as an architect, has her own contributions to make toward helping a shattered nation.

[Kenelly]: I spoke with Lady Merelda just yesterday. She is very willing to be a liaison with the labor guilds in the construction field.

[Rhenardt]: Good.

[Tyrrell]: She is also, incidentally, my first cousin.

[Kenelly]: Really!

[Kenelly]: I had no idea. How lovely.

Rhenardt surveys Zath again.

[Adamantia]: What about a lost and found business? Someone loses their stuff, hire a worgen?

[Tyrrell]: That has potential…

Kenelly smiles. "Anything is possible. Starting ventures that allow us to use our natural talents sounds ideal."

[Tyrrell]: Even the most ignorant of our basic humanity will associate us with tracking and so forth, and in the process of working with us can discover we are more than mere bloodhounds.

[Kenelly]: So, Lord Graves…obviously you'll want some time to consider the proposal. Please take those documents with you to peruse them in more detail. I would very much like your blessing.

[Tyrrell]: Where the name recognition for the organization come into play is that it can come to stand as a sort of guarantee, much as WEB membership does, that the person is dealing with an ethical and trustworthy person.

Kenelly nods at Tyrrell.

Rhenardt nods to Kenelly. "I will. Consider it, that is." Blessing in reserve.

[Tyrrell]: While there are many gathered here I should like to pose a seemingly unrelated question - but I assure you it is not unrelated - are any of you here particularly fond of children?

[Kenelly]: I adore children.

Mrs. Underthorn chuckles. "I adore children."

Rhenardt eyes Zath. Zath has met him, right? I mean, like half an hour ago, but still. The man seems sharp.

Tyrrell smiles crookedly.

Kenelly smiles at Mrs. Underthorn.

Mrs. Underthorn looks at Kenelly and gives her a big wolfy smile.

[Adamantia]: Are you trying to sell us something?

[Eulysses]: Never spent much time around them, to be honest.

[Tyrrell]: Drakewatch, as of this year, is the site of a privately-run orphanage, and I would like to have worgen other than myself interact with the children and educate them about the curse and the nuances thereof.

Kenelly's eyes go big. "I would be delighted, Lord Tyrrell."

[Tyrrell]: You must be prepared for and comfortable with a great deal of boisterous petting.

Tyrrell's expression implies that he is not.

Kenelly laughs.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Would it be a fairly compensated position with room and board provided?

[Tyrrell]: I pay my staff well, but in this case I am asking more for a charitable visit, to help our own cause as well as entertain and educate the children.

[Tyrrell]: Children are the future of a society, and those raised not to fear us will grow up to be the leaders of a new generation.

[Tyrrell]: I am also open to hiring permanent staff, if any are interested.

[Kenelly]: This is precisely the sort of thing the foundation could help to organize.

[Eulysses]: Hmmm. A wise decision.

[Rhenardt]: I agree it would be a fine volunteer opportunity for some few of us. We might speak with young Thaniel, as well.

Rhenardt does not suggest Oslynn or Zeke.

[Tyrrell]: I am afraid the children are somewhat terrified of me, and so I am not the best person to undertake this task.

Mrs. Underthorn puts a hand on Lillian's back. "I don't want you to have to compromise, dear," she says to the younger woman.

Adamantia glances around. "Are you all different packs?"

Lillian sighs.

[Tyrrell]: I am not a member of a "pack"… not a worgen one at any rate.

[Rhenardt]: Lady Kenelly and I are Gravehowl. None of the rest of these are mine.

Adamantia nods. She doesn't feel quite as out of place.

[Lillian]: Matron Underthorn and I are Moonbloom.

[Kenelly]: I should mention that the foundation would also, hopefully, help to match lone worgen to suitable packs.

[Tyrrell]: If they desire.

Tyrrell's tone is firm.

[Kenelly]: Of course.

[Adamantia]: That's a neat feature. I left mine.

Tyrrell is bristly again all of a sudden.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: A poor fit?

Rhenardt raises his eyebrows at Adamantia.

[Adamantia]: You could say that.

Mrs. Underthorn sounds sympathetic.

[Tyrrell]: I reject the idea that every worgen must form his closest bonds with those of his own kind.

[Kenelly]: Nobody is saying a worgen must, my lord. But we've noted that it's a strong instinct. I want to help those in need.

[Tyrrell]: Just ensure that you do not impose it upon those who prefer to identify largely as human and follow human social customs.

[Tyrrell]: Not every worgen wishes to make that portion of his identity the anchor of his existence. For some of us, it is an unfortunate twist of fate in a life already well established.

[Eulysses]: Is a pack truly so different from any "ordinary" group, though?

Rhenardt eyes Eulysses.

[Eulysses]: I admit I have difficulty differentiating the two. I was close with the crew of my old ship and my marines even before the curse took hold.

[Tyrrell]: I am not the man to ask. The only group I belong to is the 6th Expeditionary Unit of the 7th Legion.

[Rhenardt]: A pack is… bonded. Kin.

Tyrrell looks faintly uncomfortable for some reason.

[Kenelly]: It's different. Not necessarily superior. Just different. A special kind of family.

Eulysses makes a low sound in his throat, contemplating.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: I've always looked out for my girls. Even before the curse.

[Kenelly]: I'm very close with my fellow harvest-witches of my old coven, but the pack bond fills an instinctive need.

[Tyrrell]: Your instinct. You cannot speak for all.

[Tyrrell]: It is common to assume that one's own experience is universal. But rarely true.

[Lillian]: She already said she isn't. Cut her a break.

[Eulysses]: You speak as though any human doesn't have an instinctoive need for companions.

[Tyrrell]: She said the pack bond fills an instinctive need. Not her instinctive need.

Eulysses huffs and sniffs.

[Kenelly]: No, I am speaking specifically of the difference. I even mentioned my human connections. I very much feel that need for companionship. But a pack is different.

[Tyrrell]: And she has repeatedly offered to place worgen in packs who do not have them. And that proposal troubles me. It feels like indoctrination of a sort.

[Kenelly]: I did no such thing, Lord Tyrrell.

Tyrrell blinks.

[Tyrrell]: I appear to have collected more than one false memory, then. I will speak no further on it.

[Kenelly]: I suggested the foundation could offer services to match willing lone worgen who are in search of a pack with one that suits them.

[Rhenardt]: Lady Kenelly would certainly not indoctrinate. She offers only to assist.

[Tyrrell]: Very well.

Kenelly nods gratefully to Lukas.

Lillian says to Mrs. Underthorn, "I could still do house calls."

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Too dangerous, dear.

Rhenardt regards the two women resignedly. "We can… discuss your plans and requirements further."

Rhenardt | It's public relations in a sense.

Lillian looks Rhenardt over. "Did any of your wealth transfer over?" she asks with obvious interest. There might be some desperation in there too.

[Kenelly]: As you can all see, many of these topics will be sensitive ones. Which is why our people will be trained to treat our clients with the utmost respect and care.

Rhenardt smiles sourly. "My wealth was modest enough to begin with." He shakes his head.

[Lillian]: Because if we don't get a mage to portal us back to Darnassus tonight, we'll be sleeping in a cave.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Lily…

[Adamantia]: What's wrong with caves?

[Lillian]: We don't have a cave here. We'll have to find one.

[Rhenardt]: I can… accommodate you at one of Stormwind's inns temporarily. *There is some emphasis on that 'temporarily.'*

[Adamantia]: Or I can show you some nice caves in Elwynn.

[Eulysses]: I could assist in that regard as well, though I'm afraid my funds are rather limited at the moment.

Kenelly beams. "Very generous of you, my lord."

[Mrs. Underthorn]: We would be much obliged for any financial assistance.

Rhenardt nods courteously to Eulysses.

Tyrrell avoids eye contact with the nice ladies.

Lillian looks at Adamantia, considering.

[Kenelly]: If any of you have questions or concerns, please do feel free to contact me. Please be sure to address any correspondence directly to me, Lady Kenelly Ashewood, and not merely to my house.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: I'll most certainly be in touch, Lady Kenelly.

[Rhenardt]: I will review your proposal carefully, Lady Kenelly. And meet with Lords Ference and Fallon.

Kenelly beams proudly. "Thank you, my lord. I look forward to hearing back from you."

Rhenardt nods courteously to Kenelly. To Mrs. Underwood and Lillian, he says, "I shall go to the inn nearest here, in the Dwarven District, and arrange rooms in your names."

[Tyrrell]: I would have a brief word with you as well, Lord Graves, in private, if possible. Very brief.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: That's very kind of you, Lord Graves. We are in your debt.

Rhenardt surveys Zath with a look that suggests it better be brief. "Of course," he says politely.

Lillian steps around behind Mrs. Underthorn. "Where's your place?" she asks Adamantia.

Rhenardt gestures with the papers at Zath to suggest they might move off to one side.

Tyrrell moves out of earshot, though conveniently not out of log-shot.

[Adamantia]: Oh, it's out a ways. I've got a cave and a tent.

[Tyrrell]: Lord Graves, how comfortable are you with subterfuge if it assists someone in need?

Rhenardt raises his eyebrows.

[Rhenardt]: I will not pretend I am skilled at subterfuge, but I am a man with decades in the military. I am aware it can be useful.

[Tyrrell]: The two Moonbloom ladies seem to be in severe financial duress. What would you say to discovering a hidden pocket of ancestral fortune that allows you to ease their situation and help them get back on their feet?

[Lillian]: You're not from Gilneas. Where are you from?

[Adamantia]: I'm…

Adamantia takes a step back. "Northrend. I'm from Northrend."

Rhenardt opens his mouth to observe he has no ancestral fortune to discover, and then he gets it. He studies Zath. "Why?"

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Oh! You're from overseas.

[Tyrrell]: Because they have fallen upon hard times, and you have already expressed a desire to help them, and so it would appear quite natural.

[Kenelly]: Oh goodness. You came all the way from Northrend only to be bitten? I hope it hasn't been too hard on you.

[Lillian]: I didn't know anyone lived there.

[Kenelly]: Nor did I, to be honest.

Rhenardt glances over at the group.

[Lillian]: How old are you?

[Rhenardt]: I… suppose that I could.

[Tyrrell]: Very well. You will soon discover some unclaimed funds in the amount of [decent business startup sum].

[Tyrrell]: And of course we have never discussed any such matter. Hm?

[Rhenardt]: How remarkably fortunate, *Rhenardt says dryly.* Naturally.

[Adamantia]: N-no, I… Arugal and the southern king came to us. It was be a worgen or be undead. I'm twenty-one.

Tyrrell gives a stiff, shallow bow. "I am pleased we understand one another."

Rhenardt nods curtly. "Likewise."

Kenelly's brow shoots up. "Arugal…went to Northrend?"

Tyrrell returns the nod, turns crisply - almost military-crisp - and departs.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Oh, you poor dear. What a choice.

Kenelly waves after Zath. "Farewell, Lord Tyr-…ah, he's gone."

[Eulysses]: I think I shall take my leave now. I have some matters to attend to.

[Adamantia]: My family — my pack were a little too eager to work with them. So I left.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Good fortune to you, Mr. Reeve.

[Eulysses]: Ladies. *he tips his hat to the lot of them* Take care.

[Kenelly]: And you, Mr. Reeve.

Lillian dips a small curtsy.

[Kenelly]: For what it's worth, I'm glad you came south, Adamantia. The light of the new moon has blessed you. Please know that this foundation will be here to help you.

[Adamantia]: Sure, uh. Thanks.

Lillian tosses her head back and shifts, fur growing on her body.

Lillian gains a very significant amount of height in her worgen form.

[Kenelly]: I must be going. It's been a pleasure to meet you all. I hope our paths cross again soon.

[Mrs. Underthorn]: Good fortune, Lady Kenelly.

Adamantia tries not to look too skittish. "Yeah, I should… It's been nice to… Uh, bye."

[Lillian]: Farewell!

Rhenardt, perusing Kenelly's papers, passes by the little group of women on his way back up toward the city gates. He half-bows in passing.

[Kenelly]: Farewell!