STAR WARS: RETROSPECTION- The Council of Taneshla

"No," Rand says. "The only way I will tell you what Gallador's vision was is if you do something for me."

"Oh? And just what would that be?" Rianna says, glaring at him.

"Leave this place!" Rand says. "These arrangements have nothing to do with you. Aside from Borm, I have only been brought to negotiate with the Empire of Pity. Do you honestly think I have any personal interest in the Tri-Staff of Duke Akarti? No. If I want the Mecrossans to assist me, I must assist them.

"Tanic is a small prize to be won, I suppose, and yourself. But for now, you are merely antagonizing me."

"As you've antagonized me for quite some time now? How dare you!" Rianna replies, incredulously. "You are the reason I am here. You, Rand, who murdered the only person I called a friend. Whose machinations ruined my chances of ever being able to continue as a Jedi Knight. Who thought that you could continue to manipulate me through Gallador and Tanic."

She pauses for a moment, glaring at him and trying to keep from losing her temper entirely.

"No, I will not leave here. You have destroyed so much for me, that I will take any small victories against you that I can."

Rand just laughs.

"You might even say you've become attached to me," Rand says. "An obsession, whether you come for me or avoid me. You cannot win, Rianna. That is what your vision shows."

Rand will not say more for the rest of his walk; he appears to be enjoying the cool afternoon air more than tormenting you today. You walk on in silence until you return to the front door of the manor.

"Remember what I have offered," Rand says as he moves indoors. "The vision in exchange for your departure."

"No..." Rianna says when he reveals that bit of information, and suddenly feeling much less sure about herself.

She doesn't say anything else as they return inside, and she isn't feeling much in the mood to talk with anyone else.

Rand parts with you as Tanic approaches.

"I caught Gallador trying to Mind Trick Lord Geful," Tanic reports. "I stopped him. That silver-tongued elfin darkling better watch his step..."

"What was he trying to do?" Rianna asks, trying to calm down after Rand leaves them.

"Rand knows about the staff, and he claims he has no interest in it, by the way. I still don't trust him..."

"He was trying to convince Geful to readily accept Mecrossan requests," Tanic says. "I'm sure the Mecrossans know about it too... do you think Rand and Gallador want it?"

"Did he think that neither of us would notice anything odd?" Rianna replies. "And...I don't know. Rand seems to know what it is, but he said that he wasn't interested in it personally. The Mecrossans themselves may be, though."

"I don't want them to have it," Tanic says.

"I don't think anyone should have it, and certainly not them," Rianna responded vehemently. She sighs. "Sorry. Talking with Gallador and Rand unsettled me..."

Tanic cringes at your first line. You sense it more than see it. Fear.

"We can stop them if they try," Tanic says. "We should keep watch tonight. Just in case."

"Fine with me. I don't sleep much anyway," Rianna replies. "We should be careful. I'm not recovered yet, and while I don't think Gallador is much to worry about...but Rand is. And while he claims to want me alive, twice now he's lost control and actively tried to kill me."

She pauses for a moment.

"Also...it seems that they want you, too."

Tanic frowns.

"What do they want with me?" he asks.

"Rand referred to me being a prize to be won, and you as well. He's been trying to sway me to the Dark Side for...months now. I would guess probably the same," Rianna replies. "Consider yourself lucky. Rand knows exactly how to get at me...I don't think they know you so well."

"I hope not," Tanic says. "I'll look out..."

Rianna simply nods in response.

Alright! The banquet has turned into a semi-intoxicated revelry in your absense. Calthell and Geful are loudly boasting the abilities of their minions. Rand and Gallador have retired to their quarters for the evening to meditate.

...well, Rianna's certainly not interested in joining in with any sort of drunken party, and her ability to be social is about exhausted at this point.