You start to find your voice

There was a lot of hustle in the town once you made it out to the street level and joined your new companions. Merchant caravans were double checking inventories and preparing their beasts of burden. Local traders were at their shops, streets sellers were hawking fruit and other goods to those preparing to depart. On one hand, it made the group the five of you together seem less strange. On the other hand, it was harder to hear and focus. Back in church, when Archdeacon Doolyn was speaking, everyone and everything else was quiet.

The group you were being introduced to was quite the collection. Glen had a knowing, smug grin as you were reintroduced. There was a venerable orc, named Kharn, his dark hair having gone gray and grown into a lengthy ponytail. His size and strength was intimidating, and like Gilzra, the scars along his body told quite the tale. He must have endured great pain and a number of fights to have so many. Despite his appearance, he was quite kind and respectful when introduced face to face. You watched his demeanor change as he heard your situation be explained; you were his to protect now, in his mind. A kiss between the two of them early on suggested there may be something between them, but you weren't going to dare ask about it. Besides them, was an elven sorcerer of some description. Despite looking young he was still likely the oldest of the group, and unlike wizards, he carried no spellbook. The distinction between the two was not something you had really understood or needed to know, but this redheaded lad, Rhian, was sure to make the distinction. Ironically, he was more uncouth than the orc; possibly simply just boiling down to arrogance.

"So, here's the situation" Gilzra spoke to everyone "Our new friend Demetria is in a bind. She got tricked by some demonic cultists, and used her for some ritual. She wants nothing to do with them, but the nature of the curse make her tied to them. They know where she is at all times." She looked to you for a discerning second, her eyes squinting slightly "she's also looking for a magical artifact that she thinks can help reunite her with her mother. Once we take care of this immediate problem, we'll help with the reunion."

"Another charity gig" Rhian groaned slightly.

"Another worthy cause" Glettrix retorted "we're not hurting for money, and you've got your whole life ahead of you to make up the difference."

"Right again, as usual." He says with a gentle, possibly feigned, bow. "So, what's the plan?"

"Well, we've seen from the bandits in the area, that there's some opportunities for ambush along these winding and rocky roads..." the conversation clues you into your own experience, those bandits must have confronted Gilzra before seeing you "they won't be the type to suspect anything, from what it sounds like. We find a spot, wait for them to get close enough, and than it's over before it started. Who's up for it?"

"I could snipe from a distance" Glenn started " but the others would probably run and scurry in other directions. Better to get them close where they can't get away."

"Agreed" Kharn replied "We'll see the terror in their eyes before it's all over."

"Wait" You say loudly "you're looking to kill them all?"

The four look at each other, collectively confused "Well, ya." Gilzra responded "That's how you solve this problem."

You take a short, deep breath in "I'm not okay with that."

"What?" Glenn asked "You want these folks to live, so they keep hunting you?"

"No! Yes" You respond quickly, holding a finger up for a moment to get your thoughts "I'm a Sister of the Phoenician Church. We believe that all people, all things are good, and must be given a chance to do the right thing. I can't support killing them, not unless they give you no other choice."

"Us" Kharn replied

"What do you mean?"

"I mean Us" he responds directly "We help you with the problem, but we will not do it for you"

"You're part of the family now" Gilzra responded "If you're going to have voice in how it gets done, that means you're a participant in it. If that's the way you want to play it Demetria, than we'll work with that. But you need to have a plan for how we do this your way."

"Okay..." your response is tepid as you rapidly try to think through this. You've never been in a fight, certainly nothing like this. "I'll need some help, but I think I have a way to do this."