Acharn raises an eyebrow at the gardener returning. One of Maximilian's people indeed. I wonder what he found. I would love to question him about it, but he's unlikely to share.
Acharn thinks for a moment as he searches his memory for any hints of a relic worthy for the Demons to pursue. Finally he shakes his with a serious look on his face. "While I commend your bravery courageous Kobold, I do not think what you propose is very feasible. I've researched quite a bit on the topic of the demons, who wouldn't want to know what we are up against in these troubled times, but I can't think of anything that would whip the demons up in such a frenzy as to follow us. Stealing some loot from the fall of Mendev is unlikely to phase them I fear. Without an objective this mission would be very much like look for a needle in a heystack, a burning heystack.
"There is also the not insignificant problem of what happens after we steal something. Demons can teleport. Part of the reason their invasion was so successful was because they could instantly get to where they wanted to be to engage in battle, giving the defenders no time to prepare. The same ability would undoubtedly be used in pursual of the thieves. They wouldn't follow after with their whole army and engage whatever was in their path in battle, instead they would just teleport to us and fight us for whatever it is that was taken."
"If these problems could be solved though, then I would be happy to join you fierce champion of Apsu. Drawing the demons out of their lair and into the cold bone jaws of the Whispering Tyrant solve several problems in one grand move."
Zalika looks at the delegate with a watchful look on her face. " When you say 'profitable for you what exactly are you interested in, or looking for. I must admit, I have always disliked shadow dancing around an issue"
Maximo tapped his chin as he thought that out. "Then the problem is 3 fold. We need a solid objective, an object that would catch the attention of the demons, and a way to nullify their ability to just teleport to us..."
Ryx tilted his head, watching the kobold think a little. After a moment, his fringes perked up as the lightbulb in his head went off. "...what if there was an artifact that rendered a demon's ability to teleport inert? That would solve all 3, wouldn't it? An artifact that prevents demons to warping right to the wielder would certainly draw their attention! And it would keep the carrier safe...ish!"
Ryx made a face that almost looked like a smile at Maximo, before he tapped his foot. "Erm... but... does such an object even exist? If not... that means we'd be back at the start..."
If any such artifact did exist, it is likely we have no record of it now. How would we? Do you propose we look through the ruined libraries of the crusaders until we find some unholy artifact they cherish?" Jonathan pinches the bridge of his nose, shaking his head. "It is not a bad plan, but the execution is flawed. I... work on it, I think you will find yourself an answer."
"He is not here? Very well, I will wait. I imagine he would be back before nightfall, at the latest. A busy man, for certain." Although slight, you can hear a twinge of irritation work its way into the Gardener's voice."In the mean time... might I have a work with you? Privately, if it is not too much trouble." While he doesn't mention a name, Jonathan's eyes lock with Acharn's, his meaning obvious. "I believe we ought to have a chat, if possible. At your convenience, of course." The last bit sounds likely as close as Jonathan can come to sarcasm, although the deadpan delivery still makes it sound serious.
Maximo's shoulders drooped a little, looking at the ground. "...at least I'm trying..." he mumbled to himself, kicking at the floor. "Then... we need to find allies for the Free Nations? Why not start with Qadira, Lady Zalika's home. We just have to figure out how to get rid of... what did she call it? The Firebleeder? And a burning prince?"
Ryx circled around Maximo, brushing up against him and sitting next to him. The kobold frowned, before looking up at the map... and realizing he'd neglected something. He pointed to the eastward edges, quirking his brow. "What's over there? That's a lot of land... maybe it has some nations who would help us? And... hey, what about the Pathfinders? Aren't they stationed here in Absalom? They've got a lot of powerful stuff, don't they? Maybe they'd lend us some!"
"Be that as it may..." Triel shrugs. "...Maximo, if you need a route into the Worldwound, the Darklands may be a viable option."
"But we should leave such talk for after the conference, I believe."
"Yes, let's focus on something more realistic. Something we can actually do right away. Speaking of right away, why indeed, we can have a word. There are no pressing issues her that can't wait a few moments." Acharn says and nods towards Jonnathan, indicating that they could go find a bit privacy to talk.
Zalika lets the silence build after her earlier question, thinking quietly. Zalika is highly aware that she herself is probably being intently observed, and attempts to do just that herself against the Irrisen diplomat, as she watches for a tell, or anything that might glean some information into the other woman's true motivations or goals.
Zalika catches a little smile on the witch's face as she makes her last demand and suddenly comes to a realization. The witch is testing her. She's not looking for one specific item or offer, but rather she's trying to push Zalika as hard as she can, trying to see exactly what she's willing to offer and what she'll do in order of win her help.
Spotting this, Zalika considers her next move. One the one hand, she could promise something very significant, and probably get aid, although she would certainly have to deal with the consequences of that down the track. Irrisen likely wanted something exceedingly valuable and it put Zalika in a tough spot. If she made an offer that she thought acceptable but Irrisen thought too low, then she risked offending the diplomat. Aim too high and she risked ending up with a terrible bargain.
"Lets be clear, there is nothing I wouldn't do for my people. No matter what, that would remain a constant. I have a hunch this answers your unasked question, although not in the way you would like. If you wanted a firmer offer, we would need to discuss Irrisen preferences before we could proceed."
"I'll be back shortly." He says and gazes over the remaining group, especially letting his gaze linger on Triel. He certainly wants to see more of her. There is nothing inappropriate about his gaze though as she has warned him off.
Once alone he turns to Jonathan. "So, what do you want?"
Triel nods at Acharn as he turns to leave. She meets his gaze briefly before turning back to the conversation at hand.
"I need you to hold your tongue, General. This holds doubly true when in mixed company, and not among those who are more familiar with my... title." Jonathan looks back at the others, a telling motion given his intentions. "They have no need of knowing who I am, understand? We both have jobs to do here, and mine is much more easily accomplished anonymously. People have a tendency to share less information once those around you come to the realization that you are a member of the secret police. Especially not visiting delegates, if you catch my meaning."
"After all, do you really think they are going to stick around?" He gestures towards the kobold and drow, hooking his thumb back towards them. "Even if they stay on with us, you will likely never make their acquaintance again within a year, at best. Our Osirian princess, or Aramus? We would be lucky to meet them again in a lifetime. What harm is there in keeping such a secret?"
"Frankly, Irrisen is in a good position," the witch replies. "We have armies, magic, power, and we have something that you need to save your people. If you desire something from me, I leave it to you to find something that your people still have left to offer that I might find of enough value to consider an alliance." She smiles. "You don't have to answer me right away. We have until the conference ends to come to an agreement."
Madame Ross thinks for a moment. "The Firebleeder is one of the spawn of the great destroyer. Ending it's rampage would be a challenge equal to defeating Deskari himself, at least in open combat. I'm not certain outright defeating it is even possible." She frowns, clearly thinking about something. "The Pathfinders lost quite a lot of people over the last few years. But they still have a fair amount of power here. Perhaps they could help, but that would be entirely at their own discretion."
Zalika rises then, and inclines her head in a polite gesture. "In that case, I had best be taking my leave then. We both have much to think about, with the conference right around the corner. I'll keep in touch if I can think of something suitably valuable that might be of interest to you, and we can resume negotiations at that date. Thank you for granting me an audience, and for hearing me out, it was highly valued."
Zalika always knew the importance of being polite, even when the meeting had largely been a failure as little progress had been made. That said, she now knew that Irrisen was at least willing to make a deal should she find leverage, which was something she didn't know before. Swiftly exiting the building, Zalika decides to head in the direction of the conference, which was sure to be officially starting soon, as she makes her way down the streets, still on the lookout for any trouble.
"I am sorry. You are right of course. It won't happen again. My idea was to win their trust, hence making them open up, but sometimes more can be learned by remaining unseen or unknown." Archarn speaks in a terse voice. He's not used to apologizing, especially not lately. Still, he means what he says. He wishes he hadn't spoken about it in the first place.
"We need what allies we can in this though. I'm not sure we can count the crazy Kobold or the Drow out yet. They might offer a fresh perspective on things."
Maximo frowned, fringes drooping as he listened. "A spawn of Rovagug... that is... sad news. I... have no ideas of how to defeat that. Perhaps in time, but now... I need to think..." Maximo has little else to say until the conference starts (provided nothing else significant happens). He just sits and thinks.
He pauses a moment, inhaling before continuing. "Dahak... the Endless Destruction... I beseech your aid alongside your father's in these dire times of need. I know you have little reason to hear me out... but I believe I face powers greater than any Talon has had to overcome before... and I cannot do it alone. And even though you are called the Endless Destruction... you have still created in spite of your name. You made the first dragons from the Beautiful Metals... you created wyverns and drakes... and you created my kind, kobolds, from your tears following the defeat of your father, Apsu. If you truly did not care for your father, why would you shed tears at his defeat instead of celebrate in triumph? ...I believe there is some good in you, whether you realize it or not. You and Apsu have put aside your quarrel to help seal Rovagug away, and now one of his spawn rampage through Qadira. I ask you... no, I beg you to do the same once more, and help me bring stability back to our world. Together. Even though you are very different... you are still father and son."
Maximo stands up before stepping back out, scratching Ryx behind the ears. The conference should be starting soon and he should get going... Maximo suspected his plea would fall on deaf ears. But if even the slightest chance that he could repair the divine bond of Apsu and Dahak and earn them another holy ally... it would be worth the risk.
"Allies need not be privy to our secrets. You may give out your trust as freely as you like, but do not assume the rest of us would be so generous." Jonathan's eyes again linger over Triel, before flicking back to Acharn. "She does appear to be trustworthy, and perhaps she is. If you wish to bare your soul in an attempt to bed her, do as you will. But she is aware of your infatuation, as are we all, and if she was here as a spy you would make an easy target." He shakes his head, a loose lock of black hair shaking free of his hat. "I think I have made my point; we are done here. I must go wait until such a time I can make my report. Good day, Acharn." Not waiting for a reply, Jonathan turns and walks away, his footfalls light as he heads up the steps.
Triel wordlessly looks over and meets Jonathan's eyes before watching him leave.
"...right." She turns to leave the room. "Good day, Madame Ross."
"I believe I will be accompanying you," Madame Ross says. "The conference will be starting very shortly and I believe I've finished all my work here. If you'd like, please feel free to accompany me to the Keep. Everyone is welcome to witness the event and I'm sure you'll want to be there for the opening ceremony." She looks over at Jonathan. "And Representative Maximilian will have to be there, so you can present your report to him if you wish."
The witch says nothing, but nods as Zalika departs. "Take your time to think on it. I believe that your answer will say a lot about you. And I do hope to see you at the conference. Lord Gyr should be welcoming everyone at the Keep shortly."
"Hm." Triel turns to Madame Ross and nods. "Thank you."
"You've made yourself perfectly clear. It won't happen again. A good day to you as well. Though I imagine we might run into each other again at the conference. Then again, I guess I might not see you." Acharn nods seriously towards Jonathan before heading to the rest of the group.
As he walks over to the rest, he overhear the last bit of their conversation. "Ah yes, let me join you in going to the conference."
Zalika slips through the throng of people, gradually shifting closer to the conference. She moves hurriedly, wanting to get in touch with Father Makar. In truth, she doesn't really require a conversation as much as merely letting him know that she has a minor arrangement with Cheliax, and that Irrisen might be interested into making some sort of alliance, provided Osirion could find something suitably attractive to the Winter Witches, that would be a viable sweetener for a partnership.
Weaving her way in and out of the crowds, Zalika finally arrives at the conference, and joins up with her fellow diplomats from all nations around the world, as she prepares for the conference to begin.
The shopkeeper bids Aramus farewell. "You might want to head up to the keep you great fool. Otherwise you'll miss the opening ceremony. I'd be on my way myself, but the Court Guard put in an order for healing potions and I'm already behind."
Maximo looked down at the ground, before at Ryx. He had gone unheard... but not without answers. There may yet be some hope, and if Apsu believed as much, he may yet have a chance to appeal to his son... he would try again later.
Maximo rejoined the group as they headed for the conference. "Sorry. I wanted to pray for guidance before things started." Maximo moves up alongside Triel, nodding. "And my apologies for earlier, but I appreciate your confirmation of the Darklands as a route. I may make use of it in the future."
Triel's expression doesn't change. "You'll need someone who knows their way around those tunnels, then."
Aramus smiles and bows to the shopkeeper and Tessara. "Good luck, and I'll be sure to drop by again." With a wave, he heads back out into the streets, works his magic to protect his eyes, and starts heading to the keep. This should be a day to remember for a lifetime.
Maximo's fringes perk up a bit, before pausing and shaking his head. "Then, I hope to find someone who can guide me..." He lingered on that a moment, before shaking his head again. "...I'm sure you are familiar with their layouts. Drow hail from the Darklands, yes? You've worked hard to get away from that - else you wouldn't be here today. I could not ask you to go back to what you've escaped from. So... I will have to find someone who knows it as well as you would. But thank you."
Triel shrugs. "It'd be no trouble, really. At least it'd get us out of the sun for a few days."
...
...wait. Did I say 'us'?
She wrinkles her nose.
Our intrepid heroes make their way to the Azlanti Keep. The First Guard stand watch in squads of ten at every entrance, checking everyone who comes in and slowing the stream of people to a crawl. They don't seem to mind weapons or magical items being brought in, but it's made very clear to everyone that anyone who causes trouble will be taken down hard and fast. As the various groups make their way inside, a number of recognizable faces appear in the crowd. The Chelish ambassador is rather visible with his devilish adviser and the Winter Witches seem to have brought a pair of ten foot tall trolls as bodyguards. Another ambassador that no one recognizes off the top of their head has a bodyguard dressed from head to toe in solid gold. Zalika also seems the rest of her party gathering on the western side of the Grand Vault as she enters. The entire room has been modified to handle the meetings. Galleries large enough to hold thousands of spectators have been constructed in a circle like a stadium while a massive round table has been set in the middle to allow the representatives to gather. Jonathan sees a man already present in the Free Nations section, wearing nothing but a finely made, if a bit dull, grey outfit. His face is utterly boring, with sandy hair and an unimpressive, slightly rounded, face.
Zalika quickly casts her eyes across the entire conference. Truthfully, she is highly concerned that this meeting might be the focal point for an attack but had resigned herself to the fact that she herself was unlikely to prevent such a thing from occurring. Spotting the rest of her party, Zalika heads across to the western side of the Grand Vault as unobtrusively as possible as she casts her eyes around, her dark eyes appraising each of the major players present at the conference.
Triel glances across the gathered conference at Zalika and gives a slight nod in her direction. Noticing the way she's looking the other representatives over, she decides to do the same.
She isn't able to discern much--most of them seem interchangeable to her, with their odd fashions and the incessant murmur of people speaking buzzing in her ears.
"So... where do we start?"
Zalika scans the room once, trying to get a good look at everyone. She can only guess that the robed man with the golden warrior guarding him is the Thessalonian representative, but she hasn't had a chance to meet him yet. Mephiston gives her a nod as she walks near the Chelish delegation on her way to her own group. Everyone seems to have their 'game face' on, though you get a hint of cool confidence from Mephiston and a bit of disdane from a very ornately dressed man sitting with the Free Nations.
Triel looks around, taking in all of the people coming in. She sees people from every corner of the world cramming into the viewing gallery to try to get a look at the conference. One pair stands out to her in particular. One looks like an beautiful elvish woman, while the other is mostly concealed beneath a hooded cloak. A man pushes past them both, making the cloaked figure stumble and revealing that his arm is twisted. The woman quickly helps him cover it up again, looking somewhere between embarrassed and scared.
Maximo finds himself nearly lost in the crowd of taller people. Ryx didn't seem to be fairing much better, though his slinking through the crowds made it easier to keep pace with his kobold companion. Maximo was fine, though. He was more interested in keeping an eye out for danger.
Ryx had made the point earlier. With so many people in one space, it was like painting a big target on everyone's backs. If his vision truly was a premonition of the future...
Maximo lead Ryx around the the outer edges of the big meeting, trying to find a place high enough that he and Ryx could get a good look at both the meetings and the crowd. his yellow eyes snap through the faces in the crowd, trying to discern who may or may not be a threat... as well as a good climbing place. "Ryx. Keep your wits about you. If you sniff out anything, let me know." The white weasel lowered his head, nose huffing at everything around him. "Let's see if we can't find a good spot to see things."
Hmm. Don't recognize anyone here. Wonder if--
Triel's heart skips a beat when she sees the elven lady and the cloaked figure with her.
More specifically, when she sees the figure's twisted arm.
...oh, no. Those two had better not be who I think they are.
Being small has its advantages. Maximo easily picks his way through the crowd, dodging around feet and avoiding the press of the crowd. He notices a few people who seem to be watching the table from a distance, but the the demeanor of trained warriors. All three are dressed in nondescript clothing, but they all carry a pair of sabers on their hips with jagged back edges and red sword belts.
Idly wondering what precisely the Thassilonian representative had actually brought for protection other than a golden man, Zalika notes the man's seat in the large room, deciding that if nothing else, she would keep an eye on him. She didn't entirely feel comfortable negotiating with anyway from Thassilonian, due to its existing alliances but she was determined to keep an open mind if an opportunity came her way.
Her attention is slightly diverted by an ornately dressed man with the Free Nations. Zalika feels like she should be able to place him, especially as he is a member of the Free Alliance, but unfortunately cannot bring him into focus within her mind. Deciding that its no big deal, as she presumes people will introduce themselves when the conference fully begins, she starts to wonder why the look of disdain on the man's face. Supposing it was mere irritation at sharing the room with several distasteful representatives, Zalika decides to give the matter no more thought, and works on putting her own 'game face' on as she awaits the start of the conference.
Zalika does however, spot Triel's reaction, and immediately follows her eyesight, singling out the elf and the cloaked figure. Zalika attempts to rely on her background knowledge to determine who this person is to better understand Triel's reaction...instead of simply asking Triel herself.
...but knowing our luck, they're probably not.
Triel sighs and tries to get her composure back under control.
And this choice of venue was worse than I thought--there's so many people here, and most of them are here representing their nation's interests. If anything happens now...
Triel gives the gathering another once over.
Zalika only takes a few moments to identify most of the representatives she'd seen. The Thassilonian man is Zaldan Moriam, first apprentice to Lord Karzoug. He's a powerful wizard and, until Karzoug has a blood heir, the heir to the entire empire. His guard is General Viorian Dekanti. She's the leader of Karzoug's personal guard as well as a military commander and the current wielder of the legendary Sword of Greed. The ornate man with the Free Nations is clearly of Taldan origin. It takes only a moment to recognize Lord Tiberius, a noble from Taldor of some respectable rank. His lands are on the northern border and nearest the threatened territories in Galt as well. The elves seem completely foreign to her.
Triel doesn't really recongize anyone else, but she does place the elven woman's outfit. It's a traditional dress seen in Kyonin, though it seems slightly modified, perhaps from repeated repair work.
Zalika creases her forehead in concentration as she analyses the group of delegates. Sending Zaldan to this conference being heir to the entire empire was certainly a bold move and Zalika dearly wanted to look deeper into that decision. Either Thassilonian was entirely confident in the security arrangements here, (or Zaldan's power being strong enough to prevent assassination) or perhaps his position as heir was not quite as stable. Zalika made a note of perhaps seeing the limits between Zaldan's relationship to Karzoug. Certainly Zalika believed that Queen Ileosa would be pushing hard for control over the throne, and a blood heir would certainly be something she could manipulate, what Zaldan would remain an uncontrollable factor so long as a blood heir did not exist.
As for the elves though, Zalika has no idea, something that causes her a minor amount of irritation. Turning to Triel, Zalika decides to call her out (quietly) on her earlier reaction. "I do apologise for this rather personal question Triel, but would you mind informing me who the two elvish folk are that provoked such a quiet reaction from you? Usually, I wouldn't pry but seeing as the kobold believes that something nasty will happen shortly, I'd rather know as much as I can about everyone in this room"
Triel stiffens as Zalika addresses her. Of course she'd figure something's wrong.
"...would you kindly fill me in on who else is here first?" She asks, shifting uneasily from foot to foot. It's clear from how quiet her voice has become that it's not a matter she feels comfortable discussing.
Maximo keeps an eye on the oddly well-trained soldier men, but seeing as they don't look to be causing trouble, they might not be dangerous... then again... "...we should find higher ground. Let's go, Ryx." Maximo pauses for the briefest of moments, catching sight of Triel. She looked... different?
...probably just his imagination playing tricks on him. He was so on edge. Perhaps he needed to relax. Finding a relatively low statue (though still high enough to tower over the crowd), Maximo pulls out his sickle and uses it to latch onto the side of the figure, steadily climbing up the side, Ryx quickly beating him to the top. "...show off." The kobold muttered, before hoisting himself up on the statue's shoulder. Now HERE was a good vantage point. He could see the conference and the crowd all at once. Ryx took a perch on top of the statue's head, yellow eyes grazing over the folks below, while Maximo just looked downward at the ground. "...feels really weird being up so high."
"Of course Triel" Zalika responds easily, looking around the crowd again. "That man over there next to the golden warrior, thats the Thassilonian representative Zaldan Moriam, first apprentice to Karzoug, and heir to the empire. He's being guarded by General Viorian Dekanti, wielder of the Sword of Greed. Over there, that man with the Free Nations Alliance with the distasteful look on his face, thats Lord Tiberius...and obviously you met the Cheliax ambassador already".
Triel listens attentively to Zalika, even as she notices Maximo & Ryx climbing onto a statue for a better view.
"...right." She steals a glance towards the elven woman and her cloaked companion.
"I have a sinking feeling that... well, that some of my family is here." She looks at them again, this time not taking her eyes off of them. "I fear they mean us harm."
Zalika prides herself on keeping a cool head in stressful situations, and while this doesn't qualify as stressful quite yet, she is still able to keep a clear mind. "You know your family better than any of us, and you know entirely what they are capable of. That said, I prefer to believe they are merely spying rather than intending conflict...there are some very powerful bodyguards here, so unless they had a specific target in mind as well as extremely powerful allies of their own, I wonder how much harm they could actually cause."
Considering things for a moment, Zalika gives a rueful smile. "It would be silly though, to not prepare for the worst. We should signal Maximo, let him know that their might be truth to his visions after all. I'll try and find that Gardener, he might creep me out but I'm sure he's a good friend to have in a fight. You also might want to tip off your boyfriend if nothing else, I imagine he might react badly if there was a drow attack imminent. I'll update the delegates of my own nation...and I guess I'll give Mephiston a heads up. Someone should update the rest of the Free Nations Alliance..quietly, we don't want a mass panic in this room, people could get critically hurt.".
Zalika hesitates for a moment, before wondering how to tactfully put it. "Look, there is a possibility that I might be overreacting to what you just informed me, so I'll recommend everyone just keeps an eye out, nothing more...unfortunately, since I know next to nothing about your own relationship with your family, or the drow race themselves, if open conflict should break out between us and them can you handle it? I suspect there is no love lost between you and them, but family has a habit of complicating things. Just think about it, I might be blowing things out of proportion". Zalika finishes with a shaky smile, as she immediately looks around for the man known as Gardener.
"You also might want to tip off your boyfriend if nothing else, I imagine he might react badly if there was a drow attack imminent."
Triel's expression turns frosty. "Don't flatter him with titles he hasn't earned. But yes, I suppose I'll warn him."
At least it's taken my mind off of my sisters for a few minutes.
"Look, there is a possibility that I might be overreacting to what you just informed me, so I'll recommend everyone just keeps an eye out, nothing more...unfortunately, since I know next to nothing about your own relationship with your family, or the drow race themselves, if open conflict should break out between us and them can you handle it?"
"Emotionally, I should. But physically?" Triel shakes her head. "I doubt it. I remember both of them being powerful clergy of Lamashtu; although, Qilué always enjoyed leaping into the fray and cleaving foes to pieces more than Talice."
Probably had something to do with her freakish strength and demonic arm.
"I suspect there is no love lost between you and them, but family has a habit of complicating things. Just think about it, I might be blowing things out of proportion."
"Not this time, you're not." Triel turns and waves to Maximo, beckoning him to come down. She also looks over at Acharn and beckons him to approach her.
Maximo's fringes perked as Triel seemed to be motioning for him to approach. Aw... he just got up here. Actually, looking at the ground from so high made the kobold a little nervous, so he was happy to clamber down, Ryx once again beating him to the bottom. "So unfair..."
Squirming his way through the crowd, Maximo and Ryx poked out from underneath a bystander, slipping through. "What's wrong? Did you see someone suspicious? I saw some men with weird swords and red belts, but... I dunno. They seemed trained. Maybe they're hired hands?" Maximo looked down at Ryx, frowning before tilting his head as if giving him a signal to go. The weasel immediately started sniffing around Triel and Zalika, looking for signs of trouble... or bad smells. Those went together, right?
