"I'm going to have to take written statements from all of you." The lieutenant looks at Ohalia with narrowed eyes. "Especially you, valkyrie."
Ohalia scoffs. "Of course, because clearly you're intimidated by such a doughty warrior as myself," she says haughtily. "I am not a citizen of your plane, axiomite. You have no authority over me."
"That remains to be seen," Fanalyx counters.
After taking each of your statements, the axiomite conducts a brief investigation of the house. "Hmm. There's been a lot of combat here. Much of the evidence has been muddled. There's not enough to suggest that you are here or caused damage with malicious intent. I'm willing to let you go with a warning this time--I would advise you formally register your arrival with immigration authorities as soon as possible.
"Something is clearly amiss here. I'll finish my inspection and file my report, but I'm not optimistic about this potential case becoming the precinct's top priority. I'd recommend you rent lodging nearby and spend the day in the Sayashto district of the Eternal City. After that, meet with me at the police station. Perhaps together we can get to the bottom of what's really going on here."
It all seems like a swirl for Amelia as she goes through this process. I didn't think it would actually be like this... I always thought it to be in jest.
"Top priority? You mean there are other things going on?" She thinks about it but has no idea, perhaps she would speak to Katria about it. "And how can we find lodgings? Do they accept gold and coin?"
Liam will try to talk to Ohalia. "Cooperating with Lieutenant Fanalyx may be an effective way of aiding Taldaris. The Lieutenant knows the local area, and we are visitors here."
He will quietly add, "There are places in Axis where lovers of freedom such as ourselves may find refuge. But if cooperation serves our ends, let us make the attempt."
To Lieutenant Fanalyx, he says, "Please do direct us to the immigration authorities. We do not wish to inadvertently violate any laws of Axis."
Katria's eyes widen. She can't help but be a bit excited about learning more about Axis and what life -- can it be called life if they're constructs? -- is like here.
"There is no shortage of goings-on in the Eternal City," Fanalyx says. "We do not have the resources to investigate every occurrence, alas. We do accept coin as trade here. There are scores of inns to choose from. The Three Keys Inn is a fine establishment, and it has a nice view of Honorgrave Memorial Park. You might find it to your liking.
"As for immigration, the closest station is in the center of the district, by Post Central #7. It's across the street from the six-story structure. It's hard to miss."
"Thank you, Lieutenant Fanalyx. We will meet you at the Police Station tomorrow morning."
Liam will first make his way to Post Central #7, followed by the Three Keys Inn after that, and then exploring the Sayashto District I suppose.
Once Lieutenant Fanalyx dismisses you, you find yourselves in the suburbs of a vast city district. This is Sayashto, the 32nd district of the Zdareen, the 131st department. Three broad canals cut through level plains and convene at a broad artificial island known as the Grand Rotunda, which serves as a versatile fairground, marketplace, casual theater, and more. Those traversing these waterways are treated to a dazzling view of the area’s clean streets, bustling markets, high-peaked roofs with sweeping eaves, plaster plazas covered in drying seeds, and countless rows of ivy-green fields brimming with the ripening yashtoma squash that is the district’s namesake. This gourd’s seeds are the basis for a hot beverage enjoyed throughout the district.
Extraplanar visitors may find Sayashto simultaneously familiar and contrary to the stereotypes of Axis, which hold that the Eternal City is a perfectly sculpted urban landscape. By comparison, Sayashto’s design seems disorderly, with entire neighborhoods composed of irregularly shaped buildings connected by asymmetrical alleys. Citizens are quick to point out that many districts have undergone thousands of years of intermittent renovations that redirect streets and reshape the urban landscape, particularly as new construction atop old foundations gradually raises the streets higher and higher. What’s more, many of Zdareen’s districts (and many more beyond) would rather celebrate civilization as an evolving enterprise than as some sterile, static representation of the ideal city. Indeed, Sayashto is a living, functioning, and vibrant municipality that experiments with and constantly improves on metropolitan ideals.
Much of Sayashto’s land is devoted to growing and preparing yashtoma. Enormous, orderly fields dedicated to growing the crop or to drying its seeds cover much of the district. Further, Sayashto’s vast neighborhoods of row houses occupy a large portion of its land. These two-story residences house much of the district’s population, with each building standing only a few feet from its neighbor. Although the houses have many structural similarities, residents personalize their abodes with bright colors and patterns. Wealthier citizens—or those desiring a bit more space than row houses provide—live in tidy but sprawling suburbs.
The vast majority of Sayashto's residents are petitioners, the souls of those who lived lawful and orderly lives. Known as the remade, they appear as humanoid with flawless, unblemished bodies covered in lines of metallic script. Many humans, axiomites, and inevitables can be seen on the streets as well, along with a smattering of other creatures from across the planes.
Registering at the immigration office is a swift and orderly affair. From there, you make your way to the Three Keys to secure lodgings. As promised, the inn offers a nice view of Honorgrave Memorial Park. This park—as marked by a 50-foot-tall bronze-and-marble statue of axiomites and demodands locked in combat, known as Daniava’s Folly—commemorates the wars between the gods and titans, when Axis stood ready to repel the divine giants and end their coup. For all its somber message, the park attracts those looking to picnic, busk, or exercise.
You have the entire day available to explore the district, shop, or do whatever you'd like to. Tomorrow you will meet with Lieutenant Fanalyx at the police station.
As you reflect on your recent experiences, you feel more confident and ready to face the challenges to come!
Once you settle into the Three Keys, Liam hears a woman’s voice speak up from behind him.
”Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” a stunningly beautiful blonde woman says. She wears a purple silk dress with gold trimmings, with nearly as much smooth, tanned skin showing as is covered. Her lips are painted in purple lipstick, and while her matching makeup is a bit eccentric, her natural beauty pulls it off flawlessly. Her long golden hair is slightly disheveled, as if it had been caught in the wind, and is pulled back from her face by a fashionable golden tiara.
She steps in close, tracing a finger along the back of his shoulders as she circles around to take a seat beside him. She crosses her legs and scans the room. ”Though, I really do wish you could have chosen a less stodgy place to be. Too many rules here for me,” she sighs. Then, her piercing grey eyes bore into his as she smirks and offers him her hand daintily. ”Pleasure to meet you, finally.”
Liam's first, second, and third thoughts are that this is some kind of scam or trick. Somebody wants something.
As the woman steps in close and moves to touch his back, he turns to face her - and keeps an eye on her other hand. He looks around the room for any other conspirators. Pickpockets, maybe.
He isn't rude, but is clearly wary.
Satisfied that this is not a pickpocketing attempt (although it could be a more complex ploy), he relaxes a bit and takes her hand. But before kissing it (as she seems to expect him to), he asks - "Have you been looking for me? It seems there is no need for me to introduce myself, if you know who I am. Who do I have the pleasure of addressing?"
The woman smiles mischievously at Liam’s suspicious behavior. ”Thanara of House Stormborn, Oppara. A common…associate…sent me to provide whatever assistance I could to help out our aligned interests,” she says, now pulling her hand back and folding her hands across her lap as she leans into the chair and gets comfortable.
”But,” she adds, pausing to look about the room, ”I’m beginning to wonder if this is some sort of penance. So far this inn has been the only part of this plane that has been remotely tolerable. Everyone here is so…stodgy.”
This all seems a bit of a game to her, thinks Liam.
"Well, we are here for business, not pleasure. For the good of Taldor. I wouldn't have chosen to come here, but now that I have, I am pleasantly surprised. Have you explored Sayashto? It is far more creative and diverse than I would have thought. Not rigid and uniform.
Anyway, it is my hope that our interests are in fact aligned, but with the situation in Taldor as it is... there are many factions. Changing alliances.
Why don't I introduce you to my colleagues and we can talk more."
He will find Amelia and Katria and bring them over.
At the mention of changing alliances, Thanara gives him a meaningful smile.
”Certainly,” she says as he goes to fetch the rest of his associates. She waves down a server and asks ”Excuse me. Do you happen to have a bottle of black raspberry wine? Something of a good vintage?”
Katria seems a bit nonplussed as she's introduced to Thanara, as Axis so far seems like it could certainly be a nice place. It's like Oppara on an even grander scale, if that were possible. Certainly something Absalom might be jealous of, at least.
"You mentioned an associate? What -- can you be more specific about who, and what you're doing here?"
Thanara looks at Katria and answers nonchalantly ”Like I said, a common associate. But, if I will belay your suspicions, it was Miss Martella,” as she casually watches the server pour a glass of her requested wine.
She then takes the chalice, swirls it, and takes a long sniff of the contents.
Liam rejoins the conversation. "Yes, we do trust Lady Martella Lotheed. That is not the case for all of our 'associates', so I am glad you were specific."
Miss Martella?
He takes a sip of wine himself, then puts down his glass and looks Thanara in the eye.
"Lady Martella has been looking out for the good of the Taldan people from the beginning, as have we.
She supports placing Princess Eutropia on the throne of Taldor, as do we.
This is our reputation. I am not giving away any information here except to tell you this - I am what I seem to be. I am a partisan of Princess Eutropia.
I have no ulterior motives of profit or station for myself. I honestly believe that she is the best person to lead Taldor to a future of greater freedom and fairness."
He pauses.
"Except... and this is where it gets complicated... if Taldaris should decree that another is the best to lead Taldor, I will bring back an honest report of that. Princess Eutropia staked her claim on the blessing of the First Emperor. A reign founded on a lie would be found out.
Now, if there is the opportunity to persuade Taldaris or make a case for Princess Eutropia, I will, but she has chosen to let the wisdom of the First Emperor guide the realm in this time of need. I will honor her judgment even if it leads to Taldaris decreeing that someone even more suitable exists. Unlikely, but possible."
He takes another sip. "So what do you stand for?"
Thanara sips at her wine and replies ”Then we are in agreement on some things at least. One being that Eutropia sitting on the throne of Taldor is the best thing for the people. But we clearly disagree on one thing,” she pauses as she sets her chalice onto the table. ”You realize how many Kings and Emperors and Lords have sustained themselves have ruled on a web of lies? Some of them were good people. Not all of them bad. But you ask for how many totally honest leaders there have been in the history of the world, and a person with no hands or feet to count on could still count that high!”
She sits up and leans forward on her elbows against the table top. ”You tell me what is worse? The possibility that we have to…skew the truth a bit, to insure Eutropia wins this political war? Or, in the case that Taldaris’ ghost doesn’t support the cause, we let the whole movement fail and then watch helplessly as how many more generations of Taldarans, and many other nations, suffer under the traditional rulership?”
She then leans back into her seat again as she reclaims her wine. ”As for my motivations, I assure you that currently our cause is aligned. My House is a small one elevated to its current place in a previous Exaltation, and I am my father’s only child. Under the current rule, my only hope to maintain or advance our tenuous position relies on who I marry. Not what I am capable of on my own. I have seen too many Lords and their sons with as much wit as an ass in the fields to trust just any man to a position higher than my own simply because of what he has dangling between his legs. And I refuse to let my fate be decided by what man’s genitals enter mine.”
She takes a long sip of her wine at the end of her rant. She then lets out a sigh. ”So, for my own sake, I have everything to gain by Princess Eutropia wearing the crown.“
She sits up and leans forward on her elbows against the table top. ”You tell me what is worse? The possibility that we have to…skew the truth a bit, to insure Eutropia wins this political war? Or, in the case that Taldaris’ ghost doesn’t support the cause, we let the whole movement fail and then watch helplessly as how many more generations of Taldarans, and many other nations, suffer under the traditional rulership?”
"What would be worse is accepting the premise of those being our only two options. In any event, we will cross that bridge if and when we get to it.
Patriarchy and primogeniture are such odd and irrational customs. Even Cheliax does not cling to them. Taldor has certainly valued the military prowess of Baroness Voinum and the magical capabilities of Dame Avenna. The realm is ready for a broader change. Perhaps not yet Common Rule, but steps along the way.
At the same time, we do face a graver crisis than the battle for the throne. An Empress only reigns for a few decades. Panivar Lotheed is at the very least immortal and immensely powerful; he may even seek to tamper with the River of Souls to make himself a god. Grand Princess Eutropia would be a powerless figurehead if Panivar were still active behind the scenes. So at some point we will need to confront him."
"We also must make sure we don't end up with a situation like Galt. While that may be farfetched, it was once part of Taldor," Katria says. "Hopefully we can make sure we all end up happy with the outcome."
Liam nods as Katria speaks.
"That has been one of my concerns all along. As a cleric of Milani, I support revolution against tyranny, but I view revolution as a cleric of Sarenrae might view fire. Fire is powerful and can be very beneficial if applied correctly, but it must be respected; if out of control it can cause immense damage. So too for revolution. The story of Galt and of Courage Heart resonates loudly with me."
That night, a robed and masked psychopomp seeks out Seth. After a lengthy conversation, the elf regretfully informs you that he has been called to a higher task by the emissaries of Pharasma herself. He wishes you good luck with the rest of your mission before departing on his own. Perhaps your paths will cross again one day...
***
As promised, Lieutenant Fanalyx is ready to meet with you the following day. As you enter her office in the police station, the axiomite coalesces from a floating cloud of mathematical symbols into her humanoid form and sits at her desk.
"There's no sign of Taldaris," she states with finality as she slides a folder across her desk. "Preliminary divinations turned up several different results that were ultimately inconclusive, including the most consistent result that he doesn't exist at all—at least not any more. That's more common for petitioners than it is for ascended inevitables, but it happens under four main circumstances." She begins ticking fingers. "First, death scatters the outsider's essence back into Axis and destroys the creature's identity. The same is true for dissolution, the second option, which is when an outsider permanently retires. The latter's pretty common here; Sayashto's famous for its ritual funerary professionals. Third, the alleged victim might be in a shielded area that thwarts divinations. Fourth, he could have gone rogue and shielded his identity. Rogue inevitables are very rare, but they happen. If that's the case, expect your friend to be destroyed, not refurbished.
"That means there are a few possibilities. Either Taldaris doesn't want to be found, he was sequestered somewhere heavily shielded, he died on his own, or this has become a murder case." The axiomite leans back for a moment before continuing. "That's a lot of uncertainties, which means my superiors assigned this a fairly low priority. Worse, our precinct's understaffed right now thanks to Maelstromer sabotage in Districts Eighty-Five, One-Forty-One, and Six-Sixty-One. If you want to go through the system, expect to wait for results.
"Thing is that I think there's more to this case; the pieces just don't add up. I just don't have the capacity to investigate it full-time. There's not enough evidence to warrant more resources, and we lack the personal effects to run a proper divination regimen." She pulls out a short stack of paperwork and sets it on the desk. "Fortunately, most districts allow recourse like this. Anyone who feels inadequately served by law enforcement can petition for a legal pursuit visa—basically a writ allowing someone in good standing to investigate a grievance independently. It's pretty rare, but I think you're onto something important. All I ask in return is that you behave respectfully in the district and carefully document your findings to provide a more reliable record."
Fanalyx hands you the visa. This document identifies you as concerned entities investigating a grievance for later arbitration by a district representative. It does not provide you any special immunity in performing criminal acts, nor does it serve as a universal warrant allowing you to enter any building. That said, the law-abiding people of Sayashto largely respect this document and should cooperate with you if asked politely and provided a reason.
"Now, as for the vision you had before arriving here in Axis. I think I can provide you with a few leads based on the imagery you described. Beginning with the constellation--I recommend you track down a local astronomer. There's a scholar named Nabil who lives somewhere in Sayashto. He might be able to provide insight into its meaning.
"I didn't find any ring on Taldaris's premises, but my interviews with neighbors found that Taldaris bequeathed the ring to Lord Squire Saip, an influential leader of the district's resident monkeys. A token with such personal significance could help divinations pinpoint Taldaris.
"The undead are very rare in Axis and practically unheard of in Sayashto, so I believe you might instead ask around about non-undead entities who resemble skeletons.
"Unfortunately, the description of the script-covered man matches most petitioners on Axis, and these represent over half the district's population. It might prove difficult to track that individual down.
"Sayashto has one of the few cemeteries in this quadrant. It shouldn't be too hard to find the gravestone you saw.
"As for the letter, my interviews with the neighbors provided few results. You could inquire about Taldaris at the post office. The mail carriers should have record of whehter he received any mail bearing the watchful eye wax seal."
Fanalyx mentally goes over the list one more time, then nods. "I think that's about it. Any questions?"
Liam hopes that what has befallen Taldaris is captivity in a well-shielded area. That seems to fit with the vision.
"That is a comprehensive review of the evidence. Thank you for your time, Lieutenant Fanalyx.
I do have three questions. First, what can you tell me about this Nabil? Is he likely to help for the sake of Axis, or will he need some sort of incentive?
Second, what can you tell us about the monkey troop, regarding their intelligence and behavior? I confess to having no experience dealing with monkeys.
Third, have any other notable residents of Sayashto gone missing lately?"
”Galt and half the other nations of the continent. Wonder why so much of our once vast empire has rebelled and formed new nations that are outpacing Taldor in military and political power? Perhaps it’s because they are willing to do whatever it takes to see to their success rather than cling to outdated and pointless practices?”
***
At the extensive report, Thanara sighed and said ”So, track down a ring or a tombstone. If my vote has any merit, seeing as Lady Lotheed went to such extensive measures to see me catch up to you, I vote going after the ring rather than trudge around in some cemetery,” with a snarl of her nose at the thought of going into a graveyard.
Liam looks puzzled. "No, I do not wonder why Taldor's empire crumbled. I know my history. But I'm not sure what you think is happening in Galt. It is not outpacing Taldor in military and political power. Galt is a nightmare, mired in endless revolution, with each new group of leaders decapitating the last for being too 'moderate'. Do you think we should strive for that? Or should we follow the path of Cheliax, which truly did do 'whatever it takes' to enhance it power? Neither path is what I wish for Taldor."
"Princess Eutropia can be a reformer, and that is why I support her. I think she can place Taldor on the path to something like Common Rule."
---
"I count six potential leads. The astronomer, the ring, non-undead entities that resemble skeletons, the script-covered man, the graveyard, and the post office.
Of those, I am happy to start with the ring, assuming we learn something about these monkeys and how to deal with them."
"I do not know much about Nabil besides his name," Fanalyx admits. "You will have to seek more information about him on your own.
"Due to their ingenuity, resourcefulness, and gregariousness, monkeys have long served as Abadar’s sacred animal, and troops of primates live throughout the Eternal City. A troop called the Order of the Eaves has long claimed Sayashto’s roofs as their territory, both due to their posturing bravado and the leadership of the venerable Lord Squire Saip. Despite the monkeys’ occasional act of mischief, locals respect the Order of the Eaves and regularly leave out small offerings. In return, the primates help watch for criminals, deliver messages, and perform minor errands.
"While there have not been any other notable missing persons, the latest census report shows that the petitioner population has gradually declined over the past few election cycles. Although this is partly due to emigration to other districts and the natural transformation into inevitables, there’s also been an ongoing rash of murders across the 55-district. Investigators are hard at work to catch the culprit and protect the Eternal City’s citizens."
As you prepare to depart, the lieutenant raises one more possibility. "The timing here is too convenient. The only local group that could overturn my superiors and assign this case more resources is the district council, and one of the members just retired suddenly—too suddenly. Former Councilor Eopal's been holed up ever since. I recommend you drop by and have a chat. Convey my positive regards, and encourage him to run for another office." She provides you with his address.
Ohalia has been visibly uncomfortable for the entire day, and before you leave the police station, she growls, "I hate this place. It's far too tidy and orderly. Everybody stares at me like they expect me to start a brawl at the drop of a hat. While I do want to find Taldaris, I don't think this investigation is right for me. Perhaps I'll pursue clues elsewhere."
Fanalyx sighs and rubs her temples. "I kind of hate myself for even saying this, but... As I said, we are rather short-staffed here at the station. If you want to sit things out, I could use an assistant to pore over any more information I receive about Taldaris. It would enable your friends to more effectively investigate multiple leads at once."
Ohalia scoffs. "Me? Work with an axiomite? That'll be the day!" Still, the valkyrie looks to you for your opinions.
Katria looks thrilled with the axiomite's presentation. "Of course we'll take notes! I tend to do that anyway, and it should be simplicity itself to organize them into a formal report," she assures Lt. Fanalyx.
She frowns slightly at Thanara's preference for the ring -- she'd rather collect information first, from Nabil or maybe Former Councilor Eopal, but ... she supposes that can wait.
After the meeting, she stops to consider Ohalia's words and then turns to Fanalyx. "I haven't noticed anyone's looks, but ... do you think she's right? Would Ohalia make things harder for us, even with the writ?"
"If Lieutenant Falanyx has requested that General Ohalia assist her, then I think that is the best course of action.
General Ohalia, you know that in war one must make alliances, even with those who are different. And one must sometimes traverse uncomfortable terrain. I would say the situation here is analogous. You can be a valued ally to the Lieutenant in sorting through the information, and thereby help rescue Taldaris.
I really don't think there will be many clues to be found outside of Axis, so if you wish to assist us, this is the place to do it. Were you not a strategist? A trained warrior rather that some crude berserker? And are you not immortal? I believe you will be able to muster the discipline to tolerate a few days in this place."
Ohalia squares her shoulders as Liam lectures her. "Very well. I'll stay here and help the lieutenant," she says stoically.
Fanalyx inclines her head in thanks.
Although less ubiquitous than they once were, the monkeys of the Order of the Eaves are easy to find and hail. Many citizens also know a few simple hand signals that the monkeys recognize, including “leader” and “talk,” that they are happy to show you. A tamarin observes attentively, and after being given a snack, it runs off to deliver the message.
A few hours later, a large simian entourage approaches you. Their leader, a wizened flameruffed tamarin wearing a holy symbol of Abadar, holds out its hand in greeting. "I am Lord Squire Saip, leader of the Order of the Eaves," the monkey says in Common. "I understand you have requested an audience?"
"Yes, thank you for meeting us, Lord Squire Saip. We've come looking for Taldaris, but ... he seems to have disappeared. We understand he gave you a ring, and we were hoping we could use that to try to find him," Katria says. "We'd return it once we found him, of course!"
Lord Squire Saip sputters with outrage. "Taldaris? Missing? This cannot stand! We will do all in our power to find our good friend. But alas! The ring you speak of has been stolen from me! It is in the clutches of the filthy Crowntop Coup!"
The other monkeys hoot and holler at the mention of that name. "Those raucous cockatiels ruin everything! In the course of a month, they've caused a mess by raiding yashtoma seeds left out to dry, cawing triumphantly at all hours, and defecating on their critics. Our order attempted to chase off the intruders only to be outsmarted at every turn, and in the most recent skirmish, the Crowntop Coup made off with the great gift that Taldaris bequeathed to me. We are utterly flustered and defeated!
"The mischievous birds are far too formidable for us to fight. But if you can defeat them, the ring is yours."
Ugh. First talking monkeys. Now birds!?!?
Still beats milling about a graveyard…
”And where do these flying pests take roost?”
"Just listen for their screeching or follow the trail of droppings!" Saip says. Several of the other monkeys blow disdainful raspberries.
Liam will begin asking around the district, seeking information not only about where the birds might be but also what their objectives (if any) seem to be.
Liam learns a bit more about the swarm of cockatiels known as the Cronwtop Coup. It seems they are a hivemind entity that's eager to establish itself as the unquestioned power of Sayashto's upper stories. Their ongoing harassment and petty thefts are causing local authorities to loosen restrictions on citizens’ methods of defense of themselves and their property. Sayashto's council has also issued a 250 gp bounty for chasing off or killing the birds.
As you approach a tall building on the outskirts of the district, you spot the cockatiels--hundreds of the colorful birds perch and flit about, filling the air with their loud cawing!
”Well,” Thanara says in a huff, ”Can any of you fly?”
"Hmm... it hasn't been a need very often. I can use the Standard of Conquest to give all of us the power of flight for a minute, but that requires me to initiate a battle charge. I suppose I could charge at a Shadow Conjuration or something.
But why not just ascend the interior of the building and speak with the cockatiels through a window?
Perhaps we can persuade them to surrender the ring, either through negotiation or trickery .
If we must fight, I have some ranged options."
"I think the window makes the most sense, though I can fly," Katria responds.
She thinks for a moment. "I also have a potion of hide from animals. I don't know if that would work, but maybe worth considering?"
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"Let us speak. Worst case I can always shoot them down if this comes to blows." The dandy shrugged, "Unless Thanara here has some other idea."
The pretender was a little worried about the sorceress, after coming she realized that her cavalier attitude could be misconstrued as the way the spellcaster handled herself.
We are different though.
Thanara looked to Amelia and says with a wink "A girl should always have a trick or two."
She steps ahead and works a spell, and her body begins to turn wispy and translucent, as well as larger. In a matter of seconds she is in the form of an air elemental.
"I'm going to go see if I can have a...word...with these things..."
She then flies up into the sky, maintaining a significant distance between herself and the flock. Once she is at roughly the same elevation and about 90' away, she calls out "Greetings, oh noble Crowntop Coup! I humbly request an audience to ask for but a simple favor of your regal organization!"
"I do hope they want to talk," Katria says, ready to fly to their new companion's aide, if needed.
Several cockatiels cock their heads to regard Thanara. "You may speak," they chirp in eerie unison. "What is it you wish to ask of the glorious Crowntop Coup?" Dozens more of the birds squawk and circle overhead while the rest watch from the rooftops.
”Recently you claimed a prize from your enemies, the monkeys. With your permission, we would like to simply borrow it, as it may help us to find a friend of ours,” Thanara asks politely while continuing to maintain her distance from the birds.
The flock parts enough for you to spy a single cockatiel within the mass. It wears white-gold ring with the relief image of a roaring lion around its head like a tiara. "This ring belongs to us now!" the Crowntop Coup speaks with a tinge of anger in its collective voice. "It is very pretty and we do not wish to part with it!"
Liam watches curiously from the ground.
If this turns ugly, I think Thanara has a good means of dealing with the birds without much collateral damage.
”Ah, but Mighty Ruler of the Coup, it would only be for a short time. As I said, once we have completed our search, we would try to return it to it’s rightful owner as soon as possible. And it would show the rest of this city that you are capable of kindness and compassion, endearing you to them,” Thanara says, carefully choosing her words so that she could later state she wasn’t lieing when they returned the ring to the apes…
The birds cock their heads as they study Thanara. "Hmm. Perhaps it would help our standing in this city, but it is a risky proposition," the flock says. "You must promise to return the ring to us within a week's time. And if you do not speak the truth, we will know."
Thanara can feel a buzz in the air as the cockatiels enact a spell.
"I understand the terms of the arrangement," Thanara says with a smile and a curtsy before approaching the "lead bird."
The "nexus" bird flutters over to Thanara and allows her to gently remove the ring from its head. "Now go! Spread the word of the magnanimity of the Crowntop Coup!" The other birds caw raucously as they swoop and dive through the air.