# RP 10 Group direction
[Pine]
When the group had roused from their rest, thankfully undisturbed by any outside forces attacking them, Pine would be found alert and thoughtful. It was not an unusual state to find the tabaxi in, but there was a sort of tenseness in how he held himself, while at the same time something almost more relaxed in the way his gaze took them in. Either way, he would make it clear that he wanted to say something to the group, and so while they gathered around to eat rations and start their day, Pine would, unusually, speak to the whole gathering at large.
"Before slumber, I sought guidance on our situation here at Axeholm," he says without preamble, far more given to statements than charisma. "I got it."
He looks away from them for a long moment, the tenseness showing to most likely be discomfort with the sheer number of eyes on him, listening to words that were notably not his strong point.
"To allow the banshee to rest, the reason for how she ended up like that has to be dealt with. I must put her daughter to rest, and she will follow. This will then make the rest of the restless dead vulnerable. The king will try to stop it, but he must not succeed."
He ran a gauntleted hand over the top of his head and over his fur in what might be a self-soothing motion, or merely discomfort. He'd made some attempt at cleaning himself up since their various combats, but he was notably not looking as pristine as when they had first met him. The days had been long and not filled with time for bathing or regular grooming, and his fur was notably still a bit dirty in places for want of a bath.
"I believe the three will aid in the culling of the restless dead below once that is dealt with," he said, a less firm statement, but it would be clear enough that although perhaps given to him in less certain terms, he truly believed the three shadowy figures would aid them when the time was right. In this he had faith. "But the restless dead will need to be held back, as they currently are, if we are to get the body of the daughter and that strange plant to a place outside of Axeholm and for me to put her and her mother to rest. If there is a way to jam the mechanism and stop the king from releasing them, that will be necessary. A spell, or a device to hold the mechanism perhaps, but I believe him to be a cleric in skills, no matter that his god is said to be dead. Much of my own abilities will not be as useful against him. In his place of power especially, our task to defeat him will be difficult, and if he is defeated, he has been bitten by the curse and will likely rise again."
He looked back up and around to those listening. He was more used to them talking strategy now that they were more seasoned. More used to relying on others when his own skills were not optimal. He waited to see what they had to say.
[Zenari]
Zenari would nod in respons. "That was my thought also, wanted to try to open the cell Doors to see if it were possible. I also think we should try to do this without the king knowing, maybe he will stay in his slumber as long as no one get near the Doors to downstairs but it is a possibility he would notice us opening the cell Doors but he also knows that to control the banshee we need the bones of her daughter so perhaps we can trick him."
[Siax]
Siax is intensely listening to the others. His head is cocked and his finger is on his chin as he ponders what his comrades are saying.
"This whole ordeal is a immensely sad turn of events. Trying to save both the banshee and the King as morally ideal as it is, has proven...difficult."
Siax looks to the group once more.
"If we are to use Axeholm as a safe haven for the town of phandalin whilst we deal with the other threats in the area, then unfortunately I believe both the king and the banshee will need to die."
Siax looks up at Pine with an intense expression on his face.
"I do not know who those mysterious beings are who are putting you to the test. I also do not trust them. I do however trust you Pine. If you think the 3 will help in culling the restless dead behind that door, then I trust your judgement. Beware though this is a very risky leap of faith. We will be in the fight of our lives if they decide to not honour their agreement...."
Siax then goes to grab his makeshift map of Axeholm and his charcoal writing implement and kneels on the ground inviting everyone to huddle down.
He starts to furiously show different scenarios to the group on the map as they discuss tactics further and form a plan for the day.
[Zenari]
"Fighting them both does not sound like a good plan. If anything that banshee can help us kill the king, getting her daughter out of here might make her do just that."
[Siax]
Siax nods to Zenari taking her point onboard as he starts to create a new scenario and battle tactic on the makeshift map.
[Pine]
He listens to them both, taking in their points before answering.
"I agree fighting them both is not a good plan, especially when there is no need. Gaining her help against the king would be best, but if not, at least her lack of hostility."
He would then look over to Siax, his words turning turning over in his head, attempting perhaps not to have them come out in a poor way when so much rode on this.
"My path is not one that people find comfort with. Or comfort with me. They never have. The three, for now, are my guides on this path, and they too are not comfortable to be around, even to me. But they want to see this restless dead in this place put in their proper place beyond this world before we move on. The eight of us are not sufficient for that task. They will help."
His words sound firm, but his body has always been far more expressive. The end of his tail ticks from one side to the other, and his ears are not quite as perked up as one might find in confidence. Those that have paid attention to Pine's behaviour, and indeed perhaps cats behaviour in general, might guess that although he believes they will help, he is not utterly confident in what is to come. In truth, Pine has not been nearly as confident generally as their time together around Phandalin had progressed, so it may just be that too.