2. Wyrm's Rock

The island-fortress placed between the two spans of Wyrm’s Crossing. The headquarters of the Flaming Fist. It isn’t the party’s first time within its massive walls, but it’s still awe-inspiring. It makes the Friendly Arm Inn look like a simple watchtower.

Scar meets them at the entrance with a welcoming nod and leads them through the twisting halls. "You’re early! Good. We’ve taken every precaution for your meeting this morning. Since your discoveries at the Seven Suns, we’ve been secretly testing all of our officers." He holds up a hand that shows several open cuts. "We found three of the things. Going through all the ranks will take time, but everyone you see here today has been tested and verified."

He stops outside a large pair of double-doors. "This is the council room. You’ll find Duke Jannath here already, preparing her briefing. Duke Eltan will be with you soon, and the others should arrive within the hour."

Scar pushes open one of the double-doors and holds it for all as they pass through. "I have other matters to attend to, but I won’t be far. May the gods guide your discussions today."

The chamber is large, with tiered rows of semicircular benches facing a dais where Duke Liia Jannath stands at a podium. Xan solemnly waves down at the party from the backmost bench.

Liia looks up from her notes to give the party a warm smile. "Welcome! Sit wherever you wish, it’s an overly-formal setting for my tastes. Functional though."

Duke Entar frowns slightly at Liia's words, but nods and takes a seat in the front row. "I hope your plans aren't already set in stone, Duke Jannath. For the good of the Gate." He shifts on the bench, which apparently isn't as comfortable as it looks. "This needs to be done right."

Liia Jannath's smile shows perhaps too much of her teeth. "Oh Entar, dear, just sit back and relax. Your input will of course be appreciated. When it is asked for."

Dieter decides to stand, he stands a bit further back giving room to those that would be speaking.

Aiwë sits next to Xan, and waves over any party members who wishes to join them.

"How are you today, Xan?" Aiwë asks, settling in.

Dieter finds himself in the company of Koveras, who has also chosen to remain standing. The half-orc's arms are folded across his broad chest, leaning against a wood-paneled wall as he watches the exchange between the two Grand Dukes in the room.

Out of the corner of his eye he notes Dieter's position and gives him a small but respectful nod.

Xan rolls his eyes and opens his mouth, no doubt to say something melancholic, but visibly forces himself to smile instead. Once he meets Aiwe's eyes though, the smile becomes genuine. "I am well, Shelur."

There's a small pulse of blue light from the unsheathed moonblade laying across his lap. "It doesn't love that name for you. It much prefers 'Aiwë'. Still, I'm happy with the progress it's been making. We speak of you often!"

A glimmer runs along the length of the blade, culminating in a shining point at the tip that lingers for a moment. Even without touching the sword, Aiwë gets the impression that it's cheerfully saying "hello".

Dieter returns the nod.

"I'm so glad you're well."Aiwë grins at them. "Do you? Well, it can use either name, they're both mine and I'm proud of them." She taps the sword gently in response to its hello.

"How do you think these talks will go?"

"As well you should be, Aiwë Shelur."

Xan's gaze drifts down to Liia Jannath. "She's worked very hard to care for this city. And the things she's accomplished are quite clever! She can be the most elegant and refined person in the room, but she won't lord it over anyone. And I've seen her debate with and entertain both nobles and beggars."

(Insight: The elf's face is impassive, but Aiwë knows what to look for: he obviously fancies the Duke. Come to think of it, he's apparently spent a lot of time with her. How long have they known each other?)

"I think if everyone listens to what she has to say and finds ways to improve upon it, her plan will work." His eyes drift to Duke Silvershield. "I suppose we'll see."

"I suppose we shall..." she says in lilted Elvish. "Some Dukes seem to believe that 'right' is always 'their way.' How long have you worked with Duke Jannath?"

The elf's eyes go back to Liia. "Not long. But I met her years ago, before she became a Grand Duke. She's one of the very few non-elves to visit Evereska. She was invited to study magic with some of our oldest teachers, and I was the Greycloak who led her into the city..."

The double-doors open again, and three people enter the council chamber, all three dressed in armor. Though they haven't yet met Duke Eltan, the lead figure is obviously him: a tall man in fine plate armor with the Flaming Fist emblazoned on his chest, he radiates a militant authority.

His dark eyes seek out Aiwë, Stella, and Dieter. "Well met, friends. I am glad we finally have the chance to meet. On the behalf of Baldur's Gate and the Flaming Fist, I thank you for what you've accomplished thus far in thwarting the Iron Throne." He gaze drifts over to and locks onto Koveras for a long moment, weighing and judging, before moving to one side and introducing the other two with him. "I believe you already know Khalid and Jaheira."

Khalid smiles shakily and gives a nod. "He-hello again! It's g-g-good to see you all again, though I wish it could be under dif...different circumstances."

With the fierce, piercing gaze of a hawk Jaheira takes in the gathered people. Her smile is tight, though not insincere. "The Duke called on the Harpers for aid, and our leaders saw fit to send the two of us. Together we will end the menace of the Iron Throne and avert war with Amn."

It isn’t long before the last attendee shows up. Duke Belt throws open the doors and strides into the chamber. The massive gold dragonborn’s wide grin shows a mouthful of fangs. "A new day!" he declares. "A new dawn. May Lathander guide us as we steer Baldur’s Gate to a renewed time of peace and prosperity! May we be united in purpose, of one mind and heart, putting aside our differen-"

"Good morning to you as well, Belt," says Liia dryly. "We’re very glad you’ve made it."

She looks around at the gathered group as Belt finds a seat. "Now that we’re all here, we might as well get started."

With an arcane gesture, Duke Jannath conjures a large illusion of a map of the Sword Coast, gradually zooming in to the area around Baldur’s Gate. Even Entar Silvershield seems impressed by the intricate spell.

"I’m not going to bother with a history lesson, we’re all aware of the Iron Throne’s schemes." The Iron Throne’s crest appears hovering over the representation of Baldur’s Gate, and then the face of a man appears next to it.

Koveras doesn’t bat an eye, but all the same he grows tense.