You talk to the three guys

The three guys seem to be the best option for you. You walk over to them and they immediately stop chatting. You notice that one of the guys is not human but a halfelf like Omboran. This is interesting. Maybe you could use this if they don’t want to talk to you. And it looks like this could happen. The human farmboy watches you hostile, while the halfelf and the soldier are at least skeptical.

“Greetings,” you begin calm and diplomatic, “my name is Clare from the mage guild. I don’t want to disturb you, but would you mind if I ask you some questions.”

“A noble speaking to simple peasants?” the human farmboy mumbles a little amused but still negatively, “that’s new.”

“I am not a noble,” you answer calm, “I’m from a peasant family like you. From the village Hardwood, but I doubt you know where this is. My magic was discovered some years ago and by law, all mages have to undergo education.”

“Really, I thought only nobles can become mages,” the human farmboy replies surprised, “isn’t magic inheritable?”

“It is not,” you answer, “I know, most mages are nobles, but this is rather because magic is not easy to discover and the education is expensive. Around one third of all mages in the guild are not from a noble or even rich family.”

“Sounds like a trap,” the halfelf says thoughtfully, “you are **** to get the education and have to pay for it on your own. So the king or some other rich nobles can **** you to serve them with your magic to repay them. No wonder most farmers don’t run to the next town as soon as one of their child’s can do something strange. Better ignoring and hoping it is nothing.”

“I admit, that is one way to see it,” you answer and think this guy really has an interesting point, “but I originally came to you because of the chimera that was seen in this area and attacked some of your farms.”

“The what?” the human farmboy asks irritated, “what is a chin … chim … whatever you just said?”

“I guess she talks about the monster,” the halfelf says and nods bitter, “it was at my uncles farm last week. Took a whole cow and disappeared since then. He is … devastated to be honest. This cow was almost his entire livestock. Only some chickens are left. And now the mages guild takes care of this beast? Good. Make sure it is dead for good. My little cousin has nightmares since that.”

“So, the old man really dug up some coins to get help?” the soldier asks and smiles a little, “great. I was afraid my comrades would have to face this thing. You know, I like to be alive. Please ask whatever you want. I would like to help you.”

“Wait a second,” the human farmboy interrupts, “we don’t know her. I am not sure we should trust her. Even if she is not a noble, she still works for them. I think we should get to know her a little better before we give her anything for free. What do you say, Clare. I could show you our secret place, if you can keep it a sectert.”

“Come on, Justin,” the soldier replies a little annoyed, “this is not the right time for this. You don’t have to do this, Clare. I will tell you everything anyway.”