Bonte and Hanna watched in disgust as the audience slowly joined the sentiment of denying any and all services to Natasha.
Although not in concrete terms, there was a subliminal agreement among the business owners to make up some excuse if the Halve approached their stores.
“It would be terrible if all my products were reserved for the foreseeable future,” a Shishi Tigea chuckled a few rows to the front.
“Right, summer hasn't been kind so the amount of produce went down,” an Argo Dwarf laughed to the left. “We have to prioritize our regular customers, after all.”
“That thing's companions, too,” one of the Elves at the front row pointed out, then sarcastically added, “I'm sure our services pale in comparison to what the Halve can provide.”
Their words were mocking, non-committal, and attempted to avoid incrimination.
Every time someone added to the fuel, Kulmonari praised them with big nods.
“As for your question, my friend,” an old Auno Dwarf with plenty of wrinkles on her face addressed the Changeling. “There would be no loss. We've ran our businesses for quite a while now, and depending on our individual approaches, nothing would seem out of the ordinary.”
“I see,” the leader-like individual replied. “Thank you for answering my concerns. I was simply worried about everyone,” they admitted with an apologetic smile. “I don't want you to get in trouble, is all.”
Bonte wanted to shake his head in disapproval but kept his cool.
Hanna had a deep scowl on her face, however. She disguised her disgust with nods that could be taken as support, though.
For the following hour the two listened and watched people share their ideals, opinions on various matters, personal theories-of which there was an abundance-, assumptions, and more.
The debate or discussion the Elf that guided them had mentioned were nothing more than a bubble of rubbing and recycling what others said, yet they got applause as response and overwhelming support each and every time.
By the time the meeting was nearing its end, every participant had gone up to the dais except for those who were there for the first time. Those would be Bonte, Hanna, the flirty Tigea, and the Human she was harassing.
“Now friends,” the Changeling began, taking a deep breath with a big smile. “As much as it pains me to say... we've ran out of time.”
The audience nodded in understanding.
“Please follow the people who guided you today, be respectful to each other, take good care of yourselves, and I'll see you next week,” Kulmonari announced with open arms. “Spread the word if you can, friends.”
The audience stood up and slowly made their way to various individuals around the room, probably those who had guided them.
“Excuse me,” a voice came from behind Bonte.
The man turned to the source.
The Elf that guided them there stood with a polite smile. “We have a procedure to welcome new members, if you wish to partake in it,” he offered.
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Bonte looked up to the man and gave a short nod. “Alright, lead the way.”
Hanna simply nodded, a frown on her face.
The Elf noticed it and arched an eyebrow. “Anything the matter, friend?”
The disguised woman sighed. “My eyes were opened today,” she muttered. “Quite illuminating.”
“I'm glad to hear that,” the guide chuckled. “Would you like to follow as well?”
Hanna nodded, looking deep in thought.
“Perfect,” the Elf cheered and turned to the other two newcomers. “Excuse me, friends...”
After a short exchange, the Elf convinced both Tigea and Human to join the welcoming procedure.
The Tigea had a neutral expression on her face, the king that has nothing better to do but would agree if the invitation is interesting enough.
The Human had a doubtful expression, but looked like he could be convinced if given the proper push.
And so, the four followed the Elf through the sea of people towards one of the room's exits and into a tunnel that led to the back of the room.
After a few minutes of silently walking through brightly lit and empty corridors, they arrived at a lone door.
The guide knocked three times, took a pause, then knocked two times, then paused again, and finally knocked once.
“Come in,” replied a voice Bonte had grown tired of hearing.
The Elf opened the door and gestured the four to go inside.
Kulmonari was sitting on a chair, holding a book with their left hand and holding a pipe with their right hand.
Bonte, Hanna, the Tigea, and the Human walked in.
The Elf closed the door behind them, staying outside the room.
The room itself was pretty sober. A desk, a small bookshelf, and a few chairs. A simple chandelier hung from the ceiling.
“What do you think of today's meeting, friends?” Kulmonari asked the four, then put their lips on the pipe and inhaled.
“I admit I'm not quite convinced,” the Human spoke first. “I apologize if I offend you, but I think the very idea that Halves are unnecessary is flawed. I agree that they hold too much influence and authority, however.”
The Changeling nodded and blew out smoke. “Hmm,” they hummed. “I see. I was like you, once. Hopeful, optimistic, and... naive.”
The smell of burnt hemp drifted towards them.
Bonte had to make great efforts to avoid pinching his nose. Dwarves weren't as sensitive to smells as Tigeas, after all.
Hanna was unbothered by it.
The Human had no reaction.
The flirty Tigea openly waved her hands in front of her face.
“Naive?” The Human repeated in confusion. “What if a Wild Dragon descends on Paarjo, then?”
“The Army and Chasers can handle that,” Kulmonari replied.
“Giants?” The Human insisted.
“You'd be surprised to know there are people as powerful as Halves, especially the new one,” the Changeling simply stated, then took another drag from the pipe.
“How powerful is it?” Bonte inquired, almost cringing at how he referred to his friend.
Kulmonari eyed Bonte and smiled. “One of our agents came across it's level in Riverfield during an investigation. A Cleric helped the Halve write a form for the Church. We're talking around level 1300,” they replied.
Bonte hummed and appraised the Changeling.
[Changeling, Lvl 192 Deceiver]
Hanna did as well and turned to her temporary partner.
It was now or never.