I compose myself with effort and do my best to "take a second look" as Baldir calls it. I mean, it's a good thing the Old Dwarf isn't here now...we'd have an interkingdom incident on our hands. But his calmer teachings are no less valid. Yes...no less arrogant but not incapable either. See how his hand rests comfortably upon the pommel of his sword. His armor is more decorative than the others but it is functional, well fitting, and well taken care of. Note the barely perceptible dings and scratches. He has practiced swordplay only this very day! His sneer is firmly set in place upon his features as he takes in the grand Dwarven architecture. But note the small changes in expression when his gaze slides over the solid outer gate and the powerful defenses set in place there. This is a practical man, and well versed in his trade. Note also how his men stand to attention with rigidity and readiness. There is a fierce respect in their stance and in their eyes. When I wandered the city yesterday, I kept my eye on the guardsmen as they moved about. They were competent and efficient, sure, but nothing like this. This is a trim unit and it speaks volumes about the man who commands it.
No, this is not a man to be taken lightly. I realize with a start, as his stern gaze finds me lingering a moment in the doorway, that this is a man above my station. I find myself very suddenly wishing it were someone else approaching this arrogant, terrible warrior after all. But I was a frontier colonist and I remain a healer. I was raised in an environment of practicality myself and I have never flinched from duty or hardship. Without further ado, I stride into the room to greet him. I can see he is irritated to have been kept waiting this long. Were this not an Embassy, a pageboy would've been dispatched to deliver the message. The assignment must've grated on the man's nerves. Still, he was here, doing his duty so it would be difficult to fault him if he truly felt that way. As I come to a halt a respectful distance away, I perform the traditional Dwarven greeting, fist clasped to chest over the heart accompanied by a sharp, short bow.
The Captain does not seem impressed. "Where is Baldir Stonebrow?" he asks, brow arched.
"My apologies, Captain, Master Stonebrow was injured in a training accident, else he would certainly have come to greet you himself. Please don't worry," I say, smiling, "we have some of the best healers on staff. By tomorrow, he will be fit as a fiddle. He sends his regards, though, and hopes that you will not be offended at his absence. He is an admirer of your work." I nod to the men behind him, gleaming in their armor and pride. "My name is Kurgen."
"Hmh," he grunts, all too familiar with the nature of these things. Simultaneously, he brushes it aside, eager to be about business. "Fine. My men will set up here." His eyes flicker again to the defenses. His men move without further order to take up positions around the entrance hall.
"I regret to inform you, Captain. That will not be possible." I keep my face as blank and respectful as possible, swallowing the urge to punch him in his smug nose.
"Excuse me?" His gaze turns slowly back to me, dangerous.
I look apologetic, spreading my hands in a gesture of obeisance. "We had a great sickness spread through our population here over the last day or so. A healthy messenger has already been sent to inform your King." One of the servants begins coughing violently and excuses herself. I resist the urge to smile. I know she has gone to have someone write up the message and send it out. Oh, I like her. What was her name? Matilde? I turn back to the Captain and take a little pleasure in the nervousness that has come into his stance. I'm impressed, however, with the fact that he hasn't moved an inch. "It should be nothing to worry about, Captain. That's why I'm here. I worked in a colony for years as a Healer and I've dealt with this particular strain of illness before. We believe it only affects Dwarves but we can't be completely sure." I look back at the men who have moved to take up position around the greeting hall, seeing the nervousness in them as well. "Could you have your men move away from that side of the hall, Captain? That far end is where we kept our sick until I could identify the strain." He nods sharply, his brow furrowing. The men move gratefully back toward the gate. I watch him while we wait for the clatter of armor to clear the air, hoping he's buying into this line of bull. I've mixed it with the truth, as Baldir taught me, so I hope at least he doesn't know whether to make heads or tails of it. I can see plainly that he is not happy about it, though. "Thank you, sir. As I was saying, I was sent to clean this area and eradicate the illness for good. Unfortunately, I will be alone in this task," I gesture about the great hall, "until some of the other healers can step away from tending Master Stonebrow to take over. And then, of course, there will be a quarantine period of at least a week to ensure the work is done safely." I speak confidently and easily as this is my area of expertise.
The Captain's expression grows darker as the implications begin to hit him. Now, Baldir would say, smooth the wrinkles. "However," I say, "we are honored to receive your men in this difficult time and are more than happy to cooperate. We understand you have a job to do and it is of paramount importance to catch these filthy traitors. Thus, I propose a compromise that will serve both our interests. Please feel free to station your men outside our walls. We would not want the sickness to spread to them and then, of course, to the King's great city. Before I begin the eradication process, I will personally see to each of your men to ensure that they have not been affected by their time here. Then, we will be at your full disposal. Anything your men need until these traitors are caught, I will see that they are provided with. They have only to knock and ask and it will be done, by my honor." I smile helpfully. He stares at me carefully for several seconds before he responds...
I hope I didn't take too many liberties there.
, the captain: 15) "Very well, we will take position outside. The palace will decide how to deal with the desease. We have our orders. We will gratefully accept your offer and let you know if we require anything, Kurgen." He salutes perfectly and leaves the hall with precise strides. His men follow without a command but with equal discipline. When they are gone you let out a breath you didn't know you had held. Quickly you hurry to one of the hidden peepholes to watch the soldiers take position outside. Not a moment too soon, because the captain has just sent one of his men away. Let's hope Matilde's message gets to the palace first. 
