The revelation hit Tiberius pretty hard. In his long life he had heard many things, some profound, some strange and some unbelievable. Most of the time he was either inclined to disbelieve something outlandish or he was in a position to verify. This time though he was all too aware of the fact that he could not possibly verify but he also did not think that Claus was lying.

It's not that he could read him per se, but a combination of knowing the man's reputation with what he could glean from his aura gave him a sense that it was the truth. An old mentor of his used to have a phrase, 'trust but verify'. The man was a bit of a reactionary so Tiberius didn't often lean on his teachings, but that was good advice.

This is on top of the fact that Claus was one of the very few known to have rejected the path, which was reasonable to suppose that he had a reason why. The Crusader could not posit being a doubt that he was not being led astray for some nefarious reason or another, though his intuition told him that was not the case. As stated earlier Tiberius was not naive, although some of the more ignorant among this planet may have thought so. That would be mistake and to press the man based off of that misinformation would be to their peril.

The fact that the disciples of Lasandra walked exactly as he was about to learn information potentially unfavorable to their God was suspicious to say the least. Of course there were explanations, of which he was sure would be offered very soon. Regardless, this situation smelled worse than an Osterian border guard.

Claus looked very nervous, though his aura read more like frustration. Either his magic item had not worked, or the Goddess somehow knew both men were talking and wagered that it was about said Goddess. Tiberius looked around the room at that thought, he didn't expect to see much but there was one woman staring at them who turned away at his gaze. She was dressed in dark red robes and had a cloak over her head obscuring her face. He reached out to try and get a read, but she was either too far away or had strong aura defenses.

The Crusader told Claus to wait, and gave him a firm look, which would have scared lesser men. He walked to the front of the tavern, "what seems to be the problem?"

The barmaid had been overtaken by the establishments manager, but he wasn't taking any crap from these newcomers either. One of the mundane priests looked at him and with a tone between threatening and disgusted said, "what are you doing with that blasphemer and heretic?".

"Excuse me priestess, I am no more a member of your church as I am an owner of this tavern. It is of no mind to me what you label anybody, I will make my own judgement. Do not forget that my order represents all churches of the light but serves none.", he fixed her with a stare somewhere between intimidating and dismissive.

With that the head priestess gave her subordinate an ice-cold look, softening it she turned to the Gold Wizard and Master Crusader, "forgive her Master Tiberius, her zeal has apparently overtaken her manners and good sense. We merely wish to speak to you about your quest tomorrow, it was a surprise for us to see that man in your company."

Tiberius doubted it but he had little cause to question her word. Their explanation was plausible and sometimes odd coincidences did occur. He always disliked when someone thought they were clever by saying 'I don't believe in coincidences', because regardless of what someone believed in, they most certainly happened.

"The quest is known to me and unless you have vital information that will alter my chances of success, I will go back to my table to continue my conversation." he spoke the words and then starred at the head priestess with a neutral look. He was an impossible person to read, and since the priestess was not here for the reason she said this method was quite effective.

"Of course, no there is nothing groundbreaking about your quest...", she paused. She appeared to be listening to something although no one was speaking to her. It was not unknown for a God to speak directly to one of her followers, but it was very rare.

"Forgive me but information has just come into my possession that would change the very essence of your quest, we must move to a more private place and speak on it. Our church is not far, will you follow me, Master Tiberius." The woman was a talented and accomplished woman but had little talent for lying or changing tact on the spot. Her skill was in shepherding the flock and making sure none of her sheep strayed too far.

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He just looked at her for a moment, trying to get a read on her aura. It would be rude to push but if her or any of her followers gave something up that would be fair game. He could tell by the body language of the priestess to the right of him that she was beginning to break. It was like condensation leaking from a miniscule crack before the water started to drip. Very slow at first but certain, he needed to draw out the conversation a little.

"Is that the Goddess who speaks directly to you Matriarch?", he feigned surprise and amazement. It was quite impressive, there was no question about it, but he was becoming more cynical every minute during this exchange. Why would the Goddess not want him to speak to Claus unless what he had to say had merit. A lot of times it wasn't what happened that set important events in motion, it was how people reacted to it.

The Matriarch could not help but beam with pride at her sudden message from a divine being. Not her first time but most Godly discussions with mortals were had during worship or times of turmoil and want.

"Yes, the Goddess Lasandra has spoken to me. She knows your quest is sacrosanct being that it will be one of your last steps before blessed immortality. I am but her humble servant here to serve her and by extension you Master Crusader. Please let us leave this place and move to a more, Godly setting."

At that moment Tiberius could start to get the faintest hint of emotion from the weakest priestess. Thinking fast he decided to use an old trick, one thought below the usage of such an esteemed person as he. Not thinking he would be seen as false, especially considering the circumstances he looked at each woman in a row, until he reached the one to the right.

Holding her gaze, he held out his hand for her to take. She was startled but also flattered. The sudden surge of resentment came from the Matriarch and that's when he knew this ploy would succeed. The reason he attempted it at all was due to the stunning beauty of this particular women. With the bright green eyes that are common amongst the magical population of her people, they contrasted perfectly with her auburn hair.

No one would accuse Tiberius of being a charmer, but decades of experience had taught him how to press certain buttons. "Forgive me, I know this is an important conversation, but it just registered to my senses just how magnificent of a specimen you are, what is your name my dear?"

Auras were now firing off in all directions like matter from an exploding star. He was unconcerned with most of it until he caught a glimpse into the soul of the women to the right. She had said her name, but he didn't notice it. What stuck out was a tiny thread he noticed within her, she felt bad that they were not being honest. At first, she would never question the directions of her Matriarch, no less her God, but now that she had been flattered a natural sense of guilt pervaded her thoughts. Guilt at what, he just had to press a bit more.

There had only been a few seconds between the compliment and the head priestess realizing that things were getting away from her, "Rosalina!", she said the girls name louder then she intended which drew looks from the patrons of the tavern.

She blushed a little but remained composed, "do not entice this honest man with your charms." She laughed trying to appear magnanimous. "We have overstayed our welcome in this establishment anyway, can I expect you to accompany us Tiberius. Or are you unconcerned the monumental quest before you?"

This was more her wheelhouse now, forceful and confident in her instructions from the Goddess and diligent in her will to enact them. Daring him to turn down this opportunity for more information when the risk of missing out is eventual death.

Tiberius knew he had to make a decision, he couldn't just ignore what she was saying based off of one sentence by a man he was not particularly close with. Thinking fast he tried to hedge his bets.

"Of course not, your Goddess and church know of my dedication. Allow me to see off a fellow peer and then I will make my way straight to you. I will be on my way before you even arrive." He added on a little flourish at the end because if she refused, he again would be faced with a brutal choice, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "let me speak plainly, I know the man is troubled and has made grave mistakes for Gods know what reason. That only requires more from me when departing, probably forever, from such a person. I will simply say my good-byes and since you will have left the premises he cannot be offended thinking I abandoned him at your urging."

With that he used his most subtle power of aura projection; and even with divine protections a Master Golden Wizard, one who had survived the Halls of Solitude not only sane but stronger than before he entered, one who in order to crest the very peak of his wizardry had traveled the world using nothing but his powers of projection comfort. A person of that skill and stature if properly motivated could persuade even the most steadfast without them being made aware.

After what seemed like an eternity but was only a few seconds, against her better judgement but for some reason feeling accommodating, the Matriarch of Lasandra the Goddess of Heroes relented.

"If you are not there soon Master Crusader, we will be moving on. I trust we will see you before that unfortunate event takes place."

Tiberius thanked her for being understanding and laid it on just thick enough to make it plausible. He then walked slowly back to the table making sure not appear in a hurry.

Pulling out his 100-year-old pocket watch and checking the time, he then looked up at Claus, "you have five minutes, tell me everything."