Ye Olde Adventure Worlde session 60
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Summary
This log is still incomplete :x Korivan gives his apprentices an assignment, and Halgalaz gives him a warning. Ferko updates May about the demon situation, and she updates Saḫḫiru. Korivan then seeks out [Ahgrath Stonesleeper]]. Eyllia returns to Nēšu Abamātu and May comforts her after what happened with the Quom.
Session
- Session date: 2020-05-10
Korivan consults the apprentices
<Korivan> (I was goin to say he calles them to his tent, but then I realized they probably set it up and potetially know better than he does where it actualy is at the moment ;)
<Korivan> (So, probably still there but they might have to gather him :V)
<YOAW_Narrator> (hee)
<YOAW_Narrator> They can do so.
<Korivan> We have had a report.... from Nesu Abamatu's... scout leader
<Halgalaz> What news, then?
<Korivan> Ferko
<Korivan> We had heard the enemy was raising armies of undead.... and had planned for that @_@
* Faasha nods.
<Korivan> But they are taking the slain... and binding demons to them @_@
* Faasha and Halgalaz both frown.
<Korivan> (sec dog)
<Malak> Empty-vessels?
<Korivan> Yes
<Korivan> They have made a pack... with Orcus @_@
<Korivan> (Pact)
* Malak frowns at that.
<Malak> That's bad.
<Malak> He's too strong.
<Korivan> too strong... for what? @_@
<Malak> To join with.
<Malak> It's dumb.
<Malak> It's not balanced.
<Korivan> yes
<Korivan> It will anger their gods @_@
<Malak> Huh?
<Korivan> The Turathi gods.... have long warred with demons.
<Korivan> So I have learned.
* Korivan shrugs
<Malak> Oh. Like your gods. Um, our gods.
* Korivan frowns a bit.
<Korivan> Bane, yes, has his own war.
* Malak nods.
<Malak> Against the demons.
* Korivan nods
<Korivan> Yes.
<Malak> But that's not what I mean.
<Malak> Gods and demons aren't the same.
<Korivan> ahh. Yes.
<Malak> Demons are more like spirits.
<Malak> You bargain.
<Korivan> The tuathi gods.... are also...that way
<Malak> That's dumb.
<Malak> What's the point of a god if it needs to bargain with you?
<Malak> But that's kind of what I mean.
* Korivan shrugs
* Korivan listens though
<Malak> Like...they told me about how you bargained with the river.
<Malak> And it helped against the halflings.
<Malak> But you don't bargain with the whole ocean.
<Korivan> Yes. @_@
<Malak> And gods. You serve or you don't get anything. It's not a...negotiation.
<Malak> Orcus is like that.
<Malak> He's too big.
<Korivan> Hmmm.
<Korivan> I wil... think on that.
* Malak nods.
<Halgalaz> Well, at least we have experience defeating demons.
<Korivan> yes.
<Malak> And Gurluk will fight them.
<Faasha> I don't think you and Gurluk need to be near the fighting, Malak.
* Malak gives a petulant look.
<Korivan> if they have some power over demons.... then perhaps.
<Malak> But Gurluk knows how to fight other demons.
<Korivan> But you have your own power @_@
* Malak nods and points at Korivan.
<Malak> See? Gaath Korivan understands.
<Malak> Demons follow power, and Gurluk is strong.
* Korivan nods and looks to the Halgalaz and Faasha
* Faasha gives Korivan a look like "Why are you encouraging him?"
<Halgalaz> We'll all do what must be done.
<Korivan> It would be.... beneficial to find a way to turn this magic against them.
* Malak grins.
<Faasha> Yes, Gaath.
<Korivan> We do not now how.... strongly bound these entities are
<Korivan> but the they cannot be so powerful @_@
<Korivan> I have another task to attend to... But the three of you, I trust, can some up with some way to turn this against them.... and weaken their forces.
* Halgalaz nods.
<Halgalaz> You're going to talk to the other orc shaman?
<Korivan> I trust you also.... to take care to do so in a way that will not.... anger Bane.
<Korivan> Yes.
<Faasha> We will honor him and you, Gaath Korivan.
* Korivan says that esp to Halgalaz sonce she is the more responsible of the three ;)
* Korivan nods
<Halgalaz> Are you taking people with you?
* Korivan looks at her
<Korivan> Some.
<Halgalaz> Who?
* Korivan frowns
<Korivan> Why?
<Halgalaz> Because we have allies among the orcs, but not all the orcs are allies.
<Halgalaz> And you're going to be wandering off into their territory.
<Korivan> I have... a guide.
* Halgalaz frowns.
<Halgalaz> But you're taking more than that, right?
* Korivan 's hand drifts to the scar on his thigh
<Korivan> Yes.
* Halgalaz nods.
<Halgalaz> Okay. We'll get your things ready.
* Korivan nods
<Korivan> Good.
Ferko reports to May
* Ferko will come see May upon returning to the city.
<May> Ferko!
* Ferko bows with a flourish.
* May will run up and hug the shifter as soon as she sees him.
<Ferko> My lady. :)
<May> You're back! I was beginning to worry!
* Vess_AFK is now known as Eyllia
<Ferko> None the worse for wear. I knew I could disappoint your ladyship.
* May smiles.
<May> What news from the south?
* Ferko frowns.
<Ferko> Would that I had good news.
* Ferko will relate the information regarding demon-undead.
<Ferko> Quite simply, Siru, it seems they've gone mad.
<May> That's... not good.
<Ferko> I know we've all had times of desperation following the Empire's collapse, but this...it's insanity.
<May> Why would they do that? Don't they understand the sconsequences of something like that?
<May> This is... gods... can we even fight this?
<Ferko> They don't seem to care? From what I gather, the 'emperor' deemed it acceptable under the circumstances.
<Ferko> We can and must.
<May> Acceptable?!! You're right, he must be mad.
<May> How did you discover this?
<Ferko> Magus Auspex is conferring with his compatriots in the city, and Gaath Korivan seemed to think there were countermeasures to be taken.
<Ferko> I have my charms. ;)
<Ferko> Even warlocks seek companionship.
<May> Ok... question retracted.
* Ferko laughs.
<Ferko> Truth be told, most of my reconnaissance was in animal form. No one notices a rat or crow in a military camp.
* May nods.
<May> Thank you. I know it's dangerous work, but you're the best we have.
<May> I need to talk to Sahirru. Have you seen him since returning? Does he know?
<Ferko> I live but to serve you, Siru.
<Ferko> I came straight to you.
* May nods.
<May> What of their other forces? Anything we didn't know already?
* Ferko shakes his head.
<Ferko> I can confirm their numbers, and they've spread through much of the plain beyond the mountains, at least in force.
<Ferko> They remain mostly centralized, but they are prepared to march, I fear.
<May> They won't wait long. They may have begun already.
* Ferko nods.
<May> Ok. Go and get some rest. I'm sure we'll need you again before this is over.
* Ferko bows again.
May confers with her uncle
* May will seek out Sahirru, wherever he is in the castle
* Sahhiru is presumably in his office/quarters.
* lan_phone (uid135102@id-135102.charlton.irccloud.com) has joined #gnomeland
* May will knock
<May> Uncle?
<Sahhiru> Mamitu, come in.
* May will do so.
<May> Ferko came back. I just saw him.
<Sahhiru> Yes, I'm looking at his written reports.
* Sahhiru says, frowning.
<May> It's... not good.
<Sahhiru> No, it most decidedly is not.
<Sahhiru> I'm beginning to wonder...
<May> Beginning?
<Sahhiru> How much of this did Lady Morelos know already?
<Sahhiru> The...artifact would be a powerful weapon against this blasphemy.
<May> How can they claim to be the rebirth of the empire and consort with demons?
* Sahhiru frowns.
<Sahhiru> The Empire has a long history of enslaved demons, but it was considered...uncouth.
<Sahhiru> Especially later in the age.
<Sahhiru> And I personally always found the practice abhorrent.
<Sahhiru> They are to be destroyed, not made use of.
<Sahhiru> Cancers upon reality.
* May nods.
<May> How are they controlling them? Demons are not easily focused.
<Sahhiru> Demons only follow stronger beings, and even then only for so long.
<May> Exactly. They'd be almost as likely to just turn on them once the battle starts.
<Sahhiru> Though I suppose the traitor Grazzt has some facility for discipline among them.
* Sahhiru practically spits the name.
<May> I wonder... maybe there's a way we can sever whatever control he has over them before the battle. That would put the cat in the henhouse, so to speak.
<Sahhiru> *nods*
<Sahhiru> I gather Rufus and Korivan both have plans to that effect.
* May nods.
<May> I'll speak to them. Three magic tradition together. If anyone can do it, we can.
* Sahhiru nods.
<Sahhiru> I have every faith in you.
* May smiles.
<May> Thank you, uncle.
* Sahhiru smiles.
<May> Have you heard any more from Laris?
* Sahhiru nods.
<Sahhiru> More reports came in with Rufus.
<Sahhiru> Gaath Korivan has made allies among the southern orcs.
* May nods.
<May> Good. We need every warrior we can find right now.
* Sahhiru nods.
<Sahhiru> He's seeking more mystical allies, as well.
<May> Who?
<Sahhiru> He's recruited an orc warlord called "Stormeye", and now he is seeking out a mountain shaman.
* May nods.
<May> As soon as he returns I'll talk to him. In the meantime I'll see Rufus and find out what I can from him.
* Sahhiru nods.
<Sahhiru> I worry the time is upon us.
<Sahhiru> This war has begun.
<May> Then let's end it.
* Sahhiru nods.
Korivan seeks and finds Ahgrath Stonesleeper
<Toroga> This is it.
<Korivan> (did we have any trouble getting here?)
* Korivan nods
<YOAW_Narrator> (Not especially. It's not an easy trip, but doable.)
<Korivan> What shouls I expect within @_@
<Korivan> Does she live with any but the spirits?
<Toroga> I'm not sure. I've only spoken to Ahgrath a handful of times in my life, and I'v never been inside.
* Toroga shakes her head.
<Toroga> She has no physical company.
* Korivan nod
<Toroga> It is said she no longer needs mortal sustenance.
<Toroga> Though an orc who doesn't eat is barely an orc.
* Korivan nods
* Toroga smiles.
<Korivan> well... we shall see... what she is @_@
<Toroga> I...think it best if you go alone.
<Korivan> Yes.
<Toroga> That is tradition.
* Korivan nods
<Toroga> I will make camp and wait for you.
<Korivan> Very well.
* Korivan will gather his own things and then proceed alone @_@
<YOAW_Narrator> Korivan can make his way into the cavern. The opening is worn, as if many feet have tread it before, but the path becomes more treacherous as he progresses.
* Korivan will be as careful as he can, but also trust to the ancesors to help him.... and pay attention to the spirits of the place too
* Korivan is glad to have his staff though
<YOAW_Narrator> (Roll me Awareness)
<Korivan> (regular awareness?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Magical)
* Korivan rolls [ 6d6 ] getting [ 5 3 5 6 2 5 ] for a total of [ 26 ]
<Korivan> (21)
<YOAW_Narrator> You can hear strange echoes, clearly not your own.
<YOAW_Narrator> They whisper of your passing, down into the dark.
* Korivan expected he would be... expected
* Korivan will follow them @_@
<Korivan> Yes.... I seek Ahgrath Stonesleeper @_@ tell her... I come.
<YOAW_Narrator> They'll sort of lead the way further down, til you come upon an extensive grotto filled with all manner of mushrooms, with phosphorescent lichen spreading here and there creating an almost twilight effect.
* Faasha is now known as Ahgrath
<Ahgrath> Who has come to the World's Womb?
* Ahgrath voice echoes through the chamber with no discernible source.
<Korivan> I am Gaath Hrieffen Eryvet Korivan
<Ahgrath> A shaman of the northern goblins.
<Korivan> I seek you.... at the Mountain's behest - If you are Ahgrath Stonesleeper @_@
<Ahgrath> I have been called by that name.
<Ahgrath> Mountain told me of your coming.
<Ahgrath> Why do you seek its aid?
<Korivan> A great army masses in the plains to the south that would bring ruin to those that stand before it. They call them selves Turath risen again.... Yet they have made a pact with Orcus, to bind demons to to the slain and increase their numbers @_@ I seek power... and alliances... to stand strong against them
<Ahgrath> That is no concern of mine.
<Ahgrath> The world above is of little consequence to me.
* Korivan nods
<Korivan> Yes, in your place of power, what could they do to you @_@
<Korivan> But Demons... are forces of chaos. They do not respect the land, or its spirits... They are destruction... corruption.... that they will bring that to this place.
<YOAW_Narrator> You hear the magical echoes again, and the ancestors' voices rise in answer.
<Korivan> They will covet your power, and it will draw them...
<YOAW_Narrator> A moment later, a orc woman steps out of the cave wall. She is tall and strongly built, and it is difficult to determine her age. She seems young and hearty, but her gaze carries the weight of ages.
<Ahgrath> It would seem my family agrees with you.
<Ahgrath> Both of them, in truth.
* Korivan nods
<Ahgrath> But I ask: are you not here now, coveting my power?
<Korivan> Bane has promised me power enough - my strength is needed.... for other battles.
<Ahgrath> What other battles?
<Korivan> To stand against the enemy I spoke of.... and if our strength is sufficient, to gather the gaburrim towards our own destiny.... in the north @_@
<Ahgrath> So you wish me to fight for you to conserve your own strength?
* Korivan take a minute to process how she pulled that from what he said, just staring @_@
<Korivan> No. We will not hold back - But strength breeds strength.
<YOAW_Narrator> The echoes grow louder.
<Ahgrath> Hush!
<Ahgrath> What of my people?
<Korivan> Which ones @_@
<Ahgrath> The orcs. My people here endure.
<Korivan> They will have more success in resistance.... if they stand with others. Our allies have no interests in these lands... But already they have freed many of yours from enslavement... and worse @_@
* Ahgrath sighs.
<Ahgrath> You serve Bane?
<Korivan> Yes.
<Ahgrath> And your people?
<Korivan> Yes.
<Ahgrath> And the spirits?
<Korivan> I keep my bargains @_@
* Ahgrath nods.
<Ahgrath> As do I.
<Ahgrath> Mountain sent you. I...will aid you.
* Ahgrath strides past Korivan in the direction he came from.
* Korivan will follow @_@
May consoles Eyllia
* Eyllia is glad to be back in Nēšu Abamātu and tracks May down
<May> Oh Eyllia! You're back!
* Eyllia will give May a hug
<Eyllia> You look busy
* May will return it
<May> Gods... You have no idea.
<Eyllia> Probably not, but I can imagin
<Eyllia> I'm glad to be back and hope I can help
* Eyllia smiles
<May> Thank you. I appreciate that. I owe you so much already.
<Eyllia> I'll have to thank Laris as well for the ships sometime.
<Eyllia> We can walk and talk if you need to
* May nods
<May> How did things go?
<Eyllia> Not as expected, thats for sure
<May> What happened?
<Eyllia> The Quom seem to have different... I don't know... sects.
<Eyllia> The ones that are raiding are an aggressive sect... the ones we attacked are not.
<May> So you attacked the wrong ones?
* Eyllia nods
<May> Oh...
<Eyllia> we came in hard on them too... I mean we were expecting fanatics.
<May> What happened?
<Eyllia> fortunately after boarding the first ship, I managed to figure out something wasn't right before the fleet had fully engaged.
* May nods.
<Eyllia> So the attack was stopped before we sunk them
<Eyllia> and were negotiating with them
<Eyllia> getting thier help in dealing with thier raiding sect, whom they are also opposed to.
<May> So they are still willing to work with you?
<Eyllia> for now I guess... its not exactly a smooth sailing relationship right now
<May> I can imagine.
<May> I mean, there's no way you could have known, right?
<Eyllia> Maybe I could have seen somthing earlier?
* Eyllia runs her hand through her hair
<May> Hey...
* May stops and takes Eyllia's arm.
<May> You were on guard for attackers. It was a mistake. You can't change it, but you can learn from it.
<Eyllia> I was just so sure that what we were doing was the right thing to protect my people
<Eyllia> So focused
<May> Eyllia, I know you. You would never hurt innocent people on purpose. It was an accident.
<Eyllia> an accident I keep making
* Eyllia turns away
<Eyllia> I shouldn't be bothering you like this
* May turns Eyllia back towards her and hugs her.
<May> You're never a bother.
<May> You're a good person.
<May> You just have... really shitty luck.
* Eyllia holds her tight
<Eyllia> thank you... I think I just needed to hear something like that
* May nods.
* Eyllia wipes something from her eye
<May> Ruling.. responsibility... being in charge of people's lives... it sucks sometimes. There's not always a right answer.
<May> Trust me.
<May> I know.
<Eyllia> so how are things on this front?
<May> Oh... they suck.
* Eyllia takes May's hands in hers
<Eyllia> how can I help?
<May> We've learned that the "Empire" is controlling demons, putting them in the bodies of the dead.
<May> That's not just insane it's... blasphemy...
<Eyllia> thats beyond unnatrual
* Eyllia is visibly aghast
<May> I don't know if I can fight that...
<May> But we have to try.
* Eyllia nods
<Eyllia> Is this widely known? Such a horror could bring more allies to us, but could drive some away.
<May> No. Not yet. That's something we'll need to decide. The war is starting. Our time to gather allies may be quickly ending.
<Eyllia> I know we were all hoping to have another season
<Eyllia> is that not going to happen?
<May> No. If they're not marching already they will within the week.
<May> We've already engaged them once.
<May> Just a small force, but it was enough.
<Eyllia> we can figure something out
<Eyllia> I know we can
* May nods.
<May> I hope so. I'm going to talk to Korivan and Rufus. We need to gether all our casters. We'll see if we can't turn these abominations against their masters.
<Eyllia> or plan to target thier masters if that doesnt work
* Eyllia suggests
<May> We'll see what we can do.
<Eyllia> I'll let you go... we can talk again later.
<May> Are you... ok?
* Eyllia smiles
<Eyllia> I'm a little better now... thanks to you. It's nice to have someone I can just open up to sometimes.
* May takes her hands and smiles.
<May> You can always come to me.
* Eyllia nods
<Eyllia> I'm here for you as well.
* May hugs Eyllia again
Induriel and May bargain with Lady Morelos
<Induriel> Mamitu, do you have a moment? I wished to discuss our approach to Lady Morelos
<May> Of course. Have you considered what Lanwa said?
<Induriel> Of course - I have been thinking of it a great deal.
* May nods.
<Induriel> I cannot do anything that would compromize my loyalty to the Queen - but as Lanwa says, that may not be required
<May> So what do you want to do?
* Induriel sighs
* lan_phone (uid135102@id-135102.charlton.irccloud.com) has joined #YOAW
<Induriel> I think we must see what Morelos requires - if she indeed wants me, or you, as her agent. And what she wants out of it, and is willing to give in return.
<Induriel> Can she offer enough power to put a stop to this invasion? I do not know.
<Induriel> We must ask her in order to find out, I think.
<May> I doubt she can, but she might be able to help. I agree, it's worth at least hearing her out. The problem will be getting a straight answer out of her. I suck at all this political doubletalk and inuendo. That's more your department.
<Induriel> Me?
<Induriel> I'm a scholar.
<May> You're an ambassador
<May> You're supposed to know this stuff ;)
<Induriel> And you're a ruler. Between the two of us, I hope we can figure it out.
<Induriel> In any case, I thought we could contact her through dreams tonight, perhaps, with the right rituals.
<May> (Josh, how much longer about until Lanwa arrives? Or is she here at the castle already?)
<Jimba> (Sorry, yes, she will be at the castle by this point.)
<May> Ok. I'll tell Lanwa to meet us at the ritual circle before dusk. That should be the strongest time for this type of casting, I think.
* Induriel nods
* May will head off to do research and make the necessary preparations, then.
* NPC1 is now known as Lanwa
* Lanwa will meet you at the ritual circle at the appointed time.
<Induriel> (Sorry, otp)
* Induriel nods in greeting
<Induriel> Thank you for helping us with this, Lanwa.
* Lanwa nods.
<May> Yes, thank you. I think we're ready to begin.
* Lanwa looks over your ritual circle appreciatively.
<Lanwa> These would be those benefits of alliance we spoke of?
* Lanwa smiles.
* May blushes slightly.
<May> You should see the library.
<Lanwa> I look forward to it.
<Lanwa> Shall we?
<Induriel> Indeed.
* May will nod and take her place in the circle.
* Induriel does the same
* Lanwa will lead you in the ritual, using mostly things she has brought with her and prepared.
<Lanwa> (Hope you like hallucinogens! ;) )
<Induriel> (Wheeeee!)
<Jimba> (Why don't y'all test Will for me)
<May> ( We'll find out!!! :V )
<May> !roll 8d6
* Daifan rolls for May: [ 8d6 ] getting [ 5 6 1 1 6 3 2 6 ] for a total of [ 30 ].
<Induriel> (Um... I don't have my char sheet handy. I think it was 5, though? :/ )
<May> (26)
<May> (Assuming it's for the ritual)
<Jimba> (That's cool, Charles.)
<Induriel> (Or 9 keep 5? :P )
<Jimba> (I know you have a crazy roll)
<Induriel> !roll 9d6
* Daifan rolls for Induriel: [ 9d6 ] getting [ 5 2 2 1 3 5 5 1 3 ] for a total of [ 27 ].
<Induriel> (Say 21, then? Whatever...)
<May> (hah! The student has become the master!)
<Induriel> (Maybe it was keep 6 :P )
<Induriel> (Anyway, I'm nervous about asking Morelos to the prom. Er, for a Pact, i mean. )
<Jimba> (Hee)
<Jimba> You both do fine, and you'll find yourselves drifting off in a pleasant slumber, finding yourselves before a large, ornate garden gate.
* Induriel looks around for a herald or gatekeeper
<May> Whoa...
* Lanwa steps up to the gate, knocking upon it. It resonates with an eerily beautiful note for much longer than would seem possible.
* NPC2 is now known as Huinemait
<Jimba> Just as the note fades, you see Lady Morelos' majordomo, the insectile-looking fae Huinemait step out of the darkness beyond the gate.
* Induriel nods to him
<Huinemait> Lord Antalanon.
* Huinemait nods.
<Induriel> Huinemalt. We have come to seek an audience with Lady Morelos, if she will receive us.
<Induriel> I bring with me Heri Mamitu, ruler of Nesu Abamatu, and the lady Lanwa of the Rucina.
* Huinemait bows deeply towards May.
<Jimba> The gates open of their own accord as he does so.
<Induriel> Thank you.
<Huinemait> A pleasure, Siru Lalu.
<Huinemait> And Manquenta Lanwa is known to us.
<May> The pleasure is mine.
<Lanwa> Greetings, Huinemait.
<Huinemait> If you will follow me.
* May will follow.
* Huinemait turns and will head further into the garden maze.
* Induriel nods, and follows!
* Lanwa does likewise.
* May will try and fail to not ogle the scenery with obvious amazement and curiosity.
* Huinemait leads you to a part of the garden you've never seen before, a small, clear brook flowing from a modest waterfall.
<Jimba> A figure stands in the brook, under the waterfall.
<Huinemait> My lady, you have visitors. Siru Mamitu of House Lalu, Lord Antalanon, and Manquenta Lanwa of the Rucina.
* Huinemait is now known as Morelos
* Induriel bows
<Induriel> Lady Morelos, a pleasure to see you, as always. I hope we do not inconvenience you.
<Jimba> The figure steps from the waterfall, though it does not appear to be Lady Morelos. The being before you appears young and beautiful, a graceful drow maiden who rises from the water, naked and unconcerned.
* Morelos smirks.
* May does... whatever the appropriate greeting for another ruler would be. Bow I guess?
<Morelos> Of course not, Lord Antalanon.
* Morelos steps up to Lanwa and grabs her shoulders.
<Morelos> Lanwa, it has been too long.
* Morelos leans forward and kisses Lanwa once on each cheek.
* May blushes slightly.
* Morelos turns to May and extends a hand palm down, fingers relaxed.
<May> Lady Morelos. It's good to finally meet you.
<Morelos> Siru Mamitu, be welcome here.
* May will take her hand and, not knowing what else to do, kiss the back of it.
<May> Thank you.
* Morelos smiles.
<Morelos> You are sweet, child.
<Morelos> Huinemait, my robe.
<Jimba> With surpassing grace, the bug far retrieves the garment and holds it for Morelos to shrug into.
<Morelos> You may leave us.
<Jimba> He does so.
<Morelos> Walk with me.
* Morelos says to the three of you.
<May> As you wish. Thank you for accepting us into your home.
* Induriel nods, and complies
* Morelos begins strolling through the garden.
<Morelos> What brings you to seek me out?
<Morelos> I would have thought you all quite busy at the moment.
<Induriel> Indeed, my lady.
<May> We are always busy. But I think it's been overdue for us to meet face to face. To thank you for your... coronation gift... for one thing.
<Morelos> Oh? And here I thought you had rejected it.
<Morelos> One can hardly be said to have had a coronation if one is not crowned.
<May> I have kept it very safe, I can assure you.
<May> I'm afraid Haven't yet found the right outfit to wear it with.
* Morelos smirks.
<Morelos> I think perhaps you should consider your wardrobe choices in the near future.
<May> I'm sure my uncle can tell you that I'm not always the best at considering how I appear.
<Morelos> A poor trait for a ruler. Appearances are powerful.
<May> So is honesty.
<May> As the strategist Alevian said, "In the company of dishonest hearts, be only honest, and your enemies will deceive themselves."
* Induriel watches this exchange with interest...
<Morelos> Yet did not the Turathi general Nuḫšu say, "Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak."
<Induriel> The Turathi have their own way of addressing things, I'm sure. Perhaps it is simply a question of timing.
<Morelos> Time grows short for Nesu Abamatu, I fear.
<May> Not if I have anything to say about it.
<Induriel> Perhaps more honesty is called for under such circumstances - or more plain speaking.
<Induriel> My lady, I have thought a great deal about our last meeting.
<Morelos> Oh?
<Induriel> It seems that your kinsman has a fairly direct influence on what is happening in our world.
<Induriel> Exercised through his own agent, Lord Damasuhu.
<Induriel> You yourself have expressed - well, at least some interest in keeping track of what goes on.
* Morelos nods.
<Induriel> This leads me to think that you might not be opposed to the idea of having an agent of your own to help you do so.
<Morelos> I suppose that would be prudent, yes.
<Induriel> Since you employed me in such a fashion temporarily before, is it possible that you would entertain the idea of coming to an agreement for a more lasting such arrangement?
<Induriel> Similar to that enjoyed by Lord Damasuhu and his own patron?
<Morelos> I could envision such an arrangement coming to pass.
<Morelos> What would you queen think of it, though?
<Induriel> It would require some negotiation, of course. I am already sworn to the service of Queen Alcarinel; but it has been pointed out to me that Lord Damasuhu is similarly sword to his own Emperor, with no conflict on that part.
<Induriel> And I am sure that you might wish to be careful not to create a direct conflict with your kinsman, though of course I must perforce resist Lord Damasuhu's invasion if I am to survive and serve your interests.
* Morelos nods.
<Induriel> But I gather that your kinsman is less interest in who wins, so long as there is conflict?
<Morelos> As you say.
<Morelos> The Huntsman has...simpler appetites.
<Induriel> It seems to me that there is an opportunity to come to some sort of arrangement, then.
<Induriel> If it will be of benefit to both sides.
<Morelos> Your terms, then?
<Induriel> I cannot foreswear my duty to Aethrennar and the Queen. Any arrangement we come to must respect that.
<Induriel> However, where there is no conflict, I can serve you as well.
<Induriel> But what do you wish from such an agent in the waking world? And what abilities willl you offer to aid in such tasks?
<Morelos> Access to my power and knowledge, both of which are considerable.
<Morelos> But what use is a hobbled servant?
<Morelos> Tell me plain: What is Alcarinel's intention towards Nesu Abamatu?
<Induriel> For the present, to keep it within Aethrennar's sphere of influence. Which means preventing it from being overrun by those who threaten it now.
<Morelos> And in the future?
<Induriel> Who can say? While I am sure she would welcome closer ties, that depends on the city's current ruler.
* Morelos sighs and shakes her head.
<Induriel> I have not been given specific directions to pursue anything beyond our current alliance - though I am sure she hopes Heri Mamitu will choose one of the suitors from Aethrennar.
<Morelos> And your place in this?
<Morelos> You would be the servant of three masters, rather than two.
<Induriel> A difficult position, if any of those three were to come into conflict. But is there a danger of that?
<Morelos> Only Siru Lalu may be the true judge of her interests, but you know Alcarinel and I serve different courts.
<Induriel> Indeed, my lady. But perhaps their interests may run in parallel, at least on the mortal plain.
<Induriel> And that *is
* where you would have me serve you?
<Morelos> Who can say?
<Morelos> I will tell you this, Induriel of the House Antalanon: You are one of many servants of Alcarinel of the Summer Court.
<Induriel> Yes.
<Morelos> Serve me, and you will be my sole mortal representative.
<Induriel> However, I seek to be a *faithful
* servant, whomever I serve.
<Morelos> And a faithful servant is what I seek.
<Morelos> Tell me, do you enjoy your post as Aethrennar's ambassador?
* Induriel grimaces
<Induriel> It has brought me back to the company of my cherished student, at least.
<Morelos> That is little enough, charming as she is.
<Induriel> Other than that, it is not necessarily a post I would have sought for its own sake, true.
<Induriel> But that's beside the point, as far as this is concerned.
<Induriel> If you wish me to serve you and only you, then that means asking the Queen to release me from my vows of obedience to her.
<Induriel> Of course, I think you might get some satisfaction from that...
<Morelos> I would not deny it.
<Morelos> Though I think you might achieve some satisfaction from such as well.
<Induriel> But would Alcarinel agree to it?
<Induriel> The very request would be disloyal, of course. Though less so than breaking my vows.
<Morelos> Perhaps if you had another to offer in your place?
<Induriel> Hmmm.
<Induriel> There are others of Aethrennar present in the city, true. But... well, would they be suitable replacements?
<Induriel> There is Nasan... but he's young.
<Induriel> And Vanya...
* Induriel shudders
<Induriel> Vanya does not strike me as cut out for a career in diplomacy.
<May> What about Faire?
<Induriel> Can you marry the Ambassdor from Aethrennar?
<Induriel> I would not arbitrarily remove him from consideration.
<May> ... I didn't say I was marrying him.
<Induriel> No. But you haven't ruled him out. And I think he must appeal to you - if we are engaging in plain speaking.
<Induriel> He would be a worthy consort, in his own right, I think.
<Induriel> And do you not like him?
* Morelos watches with interest.
* May narrows her eyes a bit but says nothing.
<May> I am... not opposed to the idea in theory.
* Induriel nods
<Induriel> Forgive me if I offend, Heri Mamitu. I did not mean to.
* Induriel bows deeply to May
<Induriel> In any case, there are ramifications to be considered.
<Induriel> Quickly.
<May> No... it's not your fault.
<May> Yes.
<May> If it would mean you being released from your service and Nesu Abamatu gaining an ally... then I suppose I would have to.
* May looks at Lady Morelos.
<May> Lady Morelos, if I help release Induriel to your service, would you be willing to form an alliance? Your kingdom and my city? For mutual defense?
<Morelos> I should like nothing more, Siru.
* May takes a deep breath and releases it.
<May> Then so be it.
* Induriel nods
* Morelos smiles.
<Morelos> Splendid.
<May> Induriel... you'll need to contact your queen I imagine...
<Induriel> Yes. We should send a message as soon as possible, to finalize the arrangements.
<Morelos> Return to me when you are prepared to seal our pact.
<Induriel> Indeed. So long as the Queen accepts... but this will be agreeable to her, I think. And as you say, Lady Morelos, she has many servants. I do not think she will miss me.
* Induriel bows
<Induriel> By your leave, then, we shall go to arrange this with all speed.
* Morelos curtsies.
<May> Lady Morelos, thank you for the audience. I hope that this is the start of something beneficial for both our people.
<Morelos> I feel the same, Siru Mamitu.
* May nods to her.
<Morelos> Lanwa, dear, a pleasure, as always.
<Lanwa> Likewise, my lady.
<Morelos> Huinemait will show you all out.
<Jimba> As she says his name, he is there behind you, to show you to the gates.
* May will follow.
<Jimba> He leads you back to the gates. As you step through, you'll wake up back in the ritual room.
* Induriel releases a breath
* May opens her eyes and sighs.
<Induriel> Well.
<May> I am never taking mushrooms again.
<Lanwa> Somehow I doubt that, Mamitu.
<Lanwa> ;)
* May rubs her temples.
<May> Ok. I guess we should... tell someone... something.
<May> I need to talk to my uncle. And Faire.
* Induriel nods.
<Induriel> And I need to draft a letter. *We
* need to draft a letter.
* May nods.
* May looks at Lanwa.
<May> Thank you.
<Lanwa> I hope this has been helpful.
<May> So do I.
<May> But either way I'm in your debt.
* Lanwa tries to smile encouragingly.
<May> If it means the survival of my people... it will be worth it.
* Lanwa nods.
