"Now hold on," Aramus says. He'd fallen quiet when the devil and his cadre appeared for just this reason. As a hotspur, he's expected to be open and nonjudgmental, to accept without comment the many assorted visitors to Absalom. And although the big man does his best to keep an open mind, he can't help but feel that the rulers of Cheliax stand against everything he personally believes in. Freedom, expression, beauty, light. Been a long time since I heard about any of that in the Infernal Empire.
But things are quickly shaping into another religious dispute, and Aramus would rather only have one of those under his watch today. "Maximo, you want to fight back the darkness, right? Seems to me the biggest darkness these days is the Worldwound, and it sounds like these men are against the demons as well. We don't have to like each other, but there's a conference being held here for people to discuss what to do about that. Not going to get very far if you go in refusing to trust your potential allies."
Aramus extends a hand to the Chelaxian representative. "Me, I'm no diplomat, though. Just a hotspur. So if you want to discuss politics, that's fine by me, but I'll be taking anyone who wants to continue the tour elsewhere."
Eyes flashing, Zalika rounds on the kobold. She knows that he means well but it was clear that he was ignoring her statements. "Your personal bias will cost us dearly little kobold, unless you watch your step. You say that Devils are wicked creatures that care nothing for others? There are those that would have said the same thing about the drow. Likewise the drow themselves have been compared with darkness and yet, as per your vision, they are on our side. Notice also, that we have an elf here, and as yet there has been no obvious aggression between the two. Learn from this example, by all means be wary but open to the possibilities of more allies. If we want to move forward, we need to shed outdated attitudes and work together in the face of greater evil. Furthermore, I find your personal implication that I am out of my depth in this instance, rude in the extreme, whether you meant it to be interpreted that way or not".
Zalika turns to the Cheliax diplomat and inclines her head. "I'm ready for a disscussion on diplomatic relations between our two nations if you have no objections of your own?"
"She makes a point, little one," Jonathan says to Maximo, sizing up the Chellish diplomat as Zalika talks. 'Ah, a Thrune makes an appearance at last. It seems the Chellish believe the conference to actually be of some value, after all.' He also eyes Zalika for a moment, after the Chellish man identifies her as royalty. 'More for the report, then. If I can manage to tag along, hear what goes on behind those closed doors... well, would that not be something?'
He motions for the kobold to walk with him as he falls in line behind the two diplomats. "I understand your misgivings. But, perhaps think of it in a different light; if you keep these devils close at hand, all the better to keep watch over them yourself. I would rather have one standing beside me, contractually bound as my ally, than plotting somewhere behind my own back. Their contracts may be weighed in their favor, but they are binding nonetheless."
Triel fights the urge to roll her eyes several times.
"Your personal bias will cost us dearly little kobold, unless you watch your step. You say that Devils are wicked creatures that care nothing for others? There are those that would have said the same thing about the drow."
And they'd be right, but do go on.
"Likewise the drow themselves have been compared with darkness and yet, as per your vision, they are on our side."
"Well, one is, anyway."
Triel turns to Aramus and pointedly walks away from the Chelaxian delegation. "I think I'd like to continue the tour, please."
The sooner I get away from this lunacy, the better.
Aramus watches as the discussion seems to be coming towards a close, and nods at Triel. "Alright, let's step right up this way, then... We've seen the Coins and the Avenue, do you want to take a tour of the rest of the Court, maybe see the buildings for the conference and delegate housing, or would you rather see something else in the city? There's plenty to do and always something of interest here in Absalom, after all!"
"I think I'd like to finish our tour of the Court." Triel nods and scuffs her boot against the street.
Acharn nods back to the man in greeting. He listens to the conversation solemly, weighing each word. Allying with Cheliax to bring down the Drow would indeed be worthwhile, however I don't have much to bargain with. Trying to infer with their talks will only make them cross with me, better to bide my time and try to win them over later, maybe when I have something they do want. I can show support in order to make matters easier in the future though. Finally he speaks up. "Talking to each other, making contacts and alliances in order to solve our mutal problems is why most people have come here. One would be hard pressed to find a more stable and powerful ally than the mighty empire of Cheliax. The cost of some deals can be great, but they can still be deemed worth it by those who make them if they gain more in return. Enough of our butting our heads in. I'm sure they would like some privacy."
Acharn walks off after Triel. When Aramus asks where to go he has a suggestion on his own. I need to do something for her to get her to like me, otherwise she'll never open up to me. "Actually Triel, didn't you say earlier you wanted to offer your services to the Free Nations' Alliance? I know quite a few people high up there. It might be nice to talk with them now before they get too busy tomorrow. There is a hotel near the North end of the court, maybe you can show the way Aramus? Of course the rest of you are free to tag along as well."
"...I did." Triel nods. "And what you are suggesting has merit."
Maximo frowns back up at Zalika's anger, before closing his eyes and shaking his head. "...my apologies, milady. I did not mean to offend... it is not you that I don't trust. I was only trying to help." Bowing respectfully, Maximo bade Ryx to follow along as he moved along Aramus.
"...I knew it." Maximo muttered as he walked along. "I am grateful for your company... but none of you really believe my vision, do you?" Ryx toddled along beside him, trying to rub his head against the kobold, only to receive a half enthusiastic pat. "Why would Apsu give me a glimpse of the future... only for me to not be able to do anything about it? I know Apsu chose me for this task... but I feel like it is too great a task for someone like me."
"Alone, certainly." Triel pauses.
"I would not say that I do not believe you." Jonathan starts, just before motioning to the Chellish ambassador. "But I will admit I am skeptical. The time of prophecies is passed, and with it the peace we once enjoyed. No such vision or prophecy has come true in the years since Aroden's death; you must understand that your own vision would be a difficult pill to swallow." He looks to Triel and Acharn as he attempts to have the drow woman follow him to the Free Nations Alliance's own representatives. 'They will have nothing I need there, and he may further endanger my own mission if I travel with him. But this meeting... if I could send information on these clandestine dealings, our own position becomes so much stronger.'
"Master Thrune," Jonathan interrupts, raising a hand in gesture to him and Zalika, "If it may please the both of you, I have been instructed to ensure the protection and safety of all delegates that have arrived here in Absalom. You need not heed my presence, I will be but a fly upon the wall unless either of you is threatened." He looks at Maximo, his mask hiding something forlorn on the Gardener's face. "Maximo, if you would tell me, I would hear more of your vision. I may be skeptical, but I would rather be made the fool who believes a false prophecy than the one who dies by ignorance of a true one." He motions to his side, inviting the kobold along. "If you would rather travel with Aramus, I understand. But if you would tell me, I will listen."
"And I believe you, too," Aramus says, nodding in agreement with Jonathan. "In much the same way as our masked friend, I think. I believe you had a vision, and I believe that you believe it. But what we make of prophecies and visions... Well, it all comes down to, ah, interpolation, doesn't it? Light and darkness... powerful symbols, to be sure, but universal, too. Who knows what's what?"
He shrugs and turns to Triel. "I'd be happy to finish showing you around of course--ah, but our new friend has plans of his own, hah?" He grins at Acharn and shakes his head. "He's gotten to inviting you directly, now if he could just drop the excuses about it all." He leans toward the elf, his grin growing wider. "Said it before, I'll say it again. No harm in liking a pretty lady!"
With a laugh he waves them off. "But go off if you want, lovebirds. Today's a free day for visitors, just trying to make new friends and potential repeat customers, me! Seems like everyone's got important business to attend to, being delegates and all." He smiles. "If you all know where you're off to at this point and have business, then my job is done here. But if any of you need me again, I'll stick around here a while. After that, you can find me..." He reaches into a pocket of his vest and pulls out a few mismatched scraps of parchment, each with an address scrawled on in ink. "Here." He winks. "Just ask for the big fool."
Zalika shoots Jonathan an exceptionally nasty look. "Are you implying that I am unable to defend myself?" she asks in an icy tone that nevertheless conveys her quiet fury. "No sir, I will refuse your kind offer in favour of a private discussion free from distractions or eavesdroppers".
"I do not recall stating I would be only protecting you." Jonathan's own tone turns cold as ice, sounding less forced than the demeanor he'd put on earlier. "Anyone with the coin and could find a dozen ways to send that devil back to whence he came in this city, and then where are the two of you? Two nobles at the mercy of a would-be assassin. Your 'private negotiations' would end with the two of you dead by an assassin's blade, and a retinue of baffled Hellknights being party to your corpses." Without another word, Jonathan's icy stare breaks as he stalks off towards one of the various alleyways leading away from the Ascendant Court.
"What a fool," he mutters under his breath, as he circles from the alleyway back towards the Chellish embassy. "A discussion free of eavesdroppers? How naïve." Jonathan watches those who come and go from the embassy from the relative safety of a nearby alleyway, waiting for someone who looks like an easy mark. "At least you had the potential to know who it was."
There is some truth to Aramus' words. Acharn certainly wants to be alone with Triel in a private place for some pleasant activities, however that is not what he has planned now at all. The elf realizes that he needs to get much closer to Triel before he can get to that point. As such Acharn turns with a hard stare towards Aramus. "I said exactly what I meant. You probably know as well as I that there are plenty of Free Nations' Alliance agents and diplomats in the city. Absalom is after all a member."
The elf holds out a hand motioning towards the kobold. "Just like the Kobold here, we all have things we wish to accomplish. Triel words hold much truth. A lot of things worth doing can't be done by yourself. Why don't you join us Maximo? The Alliance is a great place to start if you wish to repel the darkness and they certainly know that banding together for the greater good is a good thing, that is after all how alliances are formed. It would be nice if you could guide us there Aramus, you could even join us to talk with them if you wanted."
And best of all, you don't even need to sign your soul (or those of your people) away to a devil to join.
Triel takes the slip of paper Aramus hands her and nods. "Thank you."
"Now, Acharn..." She turns to the elven swordsman and nods at the Court. "...would you kindly show me the way?"
You both head north out of the cathedral square, following the main road toward the keep. The crowds actually thin out a bit and you start to see more soldiers and a few people in fancier robes and suits. Archan recognizes a few minor diplomats and aids to a few of the groups he's met already, though all seem to busy to stop to say anything. The Free Nations' 'headquarters' for the conference is an inn not far from the Keep, close enough that you can see the walls over the roof tops only a few streets away. A pair in gold and blue armor, a man and a woman, are standing watch at the door as the pair arrive.
Mephiston nods. "Very well then Lady Zalika. Please, right this way." He gestures for you to follow and leads you inside, allowing you past the Hellknights guarding the front doors. The devil follows in silence, trailing behind a few feet. The entry way to the Embassy looks more like the entry way to a cathedral than an embassy. The walls are lines with columns and a massive ornate vaulted ceiling stands at least three stories above. More Chelish flags hang from the walls in various places. "I've heard some of your people's plight," the ambassador says casually as he leads you along the center aisle.
Outside, Jonathan waits not far from the embassy, watching the slow but steady flow of people moving in an out. He can pick out a few people who seem to be ordinary clerks who look to be not of particular importance.
You bid the group farewell and head off toward your home. The streets are still crowded, but everyone parts ways before someone of your size. A few people wave or shout greetings over the din, mostly locals who recognize you from your many tours around the city. As you're walking, you suddenly stop short as someone shorter than you almost rams into your chest. A pretty elf looks up at you. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going."
Zalika obediently follows Mephiston, quietly observing the inside of the embassy as she did so, noting the styling as she did so. Zalika didn't believe knowledge of the architecture would be useful in negotiations but then again, general awareness never hurt.
"Yes of course", Zalika responds to Mephiston's statement as they continued to walk. "Jhavhul has been an issue of concern for some time now, and only gets all the more bolder by the day"
As they walk Acharn comments on the current state of affairs. He's still trying to win over Tirel, but he's smart enough to realize he needs to get a lot closer to her before attempting any seduction, otherwise it'll likely work against it's purpose. "The world is in a mess. Nations gets obliterated or splinters apart faster than news can spread and evil entities are controlling more and more of the world. It's hard enough to survive, let alone to lead a good life. Though some things are more important than leading a good life. If I'm going to introduce you to people Triel, it would be nice to know a bit more about you. What's your motivation for seeking out the alliance. Certainly it must be radically different than anything you know from your old house. Or am i perhaps mistaken in the ways of the Drow?"
When they get to the guards, Acharn greet them with a salute. "May those which are free remain free! It's good to see you on this day. I'm Acharn Edasseril, you might have heard of me. With me I have the most curious find. A Drow seeking to join up with the good side after her house got torn apart between following two different demon lords."
Aramus whistles cheerily as he walks, taking in the sights and sounds of the city as he always does. Other than stopping for a brief moment to renew his spell, he strolls uninterrupted, making his way back home to check in on things. Maybe I'll head back to the Court later, offer up some prayers for peace and good luck to the conference. Oh, and I need to hit that bakery I found--
His thoughts are interrupted by a near collision with someone, and he instinctively reaches out to grab their shoulders and prevent a nasty bump. He looks down and can't help but smile at the elven woman he's just run into. "Not at all, miss, not at all. My fault, in all honesty. Let my thoughts and the beauty of the day distract me from what I was doing--and from the beauty right in front of me!" He grins widely and lets go of her shoulders. "Again, sorry, but how about I make it up to you? I'll walk with you where you're headed, and make sure you get there in half the time! What do you say?"
Mephiston nods slightly, gently directing you toward one of the side doors and into a smaller corridor. "Yes, the Burning Prince. In many ways, you're people face the same invasion that the nations of the north do, just from a different foe." He folds his hands in front of him, clearly thinking about something. "His forces have yet to threaten other lands simply because he shares no other borders with nations of significant power. Eventually, he will spread his reach."
The two knights at the door salute, clearly recognizing the name. "Greeting General," the man says before letting his hand fall. "Madame Ross has been here for some time, though the other representatives seem to be occupied elsewhere. I believe she's upstairs with her aide and her guard."
His compatriot says nothing for a few moments, simply staring at Triel. "Are you sure we can trust this one," she says after a moment. "Drow are always out for their own gain, even against their own kin."
The elf blushes and looks up at you as you hold her shoulders. "Oh. That's very kind of you sir. I'm afraid I'm not really going anywhere right now. I'm rather... new to the city and I was taking a look around. I'm afraid I may have gotten a little lost in the crowd. Absalom is so much bigger than home."
"Oh, well that's no problem then!" Aramus smiles and nods his head wisely. "It is a pretty big city, bigger than most, certainly. Not that I've seen others, but I've been told as much, and I can't imagine anything bigger." He rubs his neck. "But, enough of that. Where are you from, fair lady? Here for the conference, or just sightseeing? If looking around is what you're after, then I'm your guide for the day, if you'll have me!" The man pumps his chest proudly. "I am, after all, one of Absalom's premier hotspurs!"
In her minds eye, Zalika visualises the building, picturing the wealth of corridors and side doors, mentally keeping track as to her direction. "Its not merely mine own nation that sits threatened though isn't it? Even the mighty Cheliax empire, while having expanded to a large degree over the last few years, still has to tread carefully. As you mentioned earlier, Deskari's hoards remain an ever present threat, but on a smaller scale, I imagine you might be keeping a watchful eye on the Free Nations Alliance, especially when it consists of some nations that might not feel predisposed towards Cheliax as I am."
Zalika continues walking the length of the corridor, letting silence build slightly. It was important to subtly undermine Mephiston's confidence. If he entered into negotiations believing there was very little Zalika could do for him, any deal would at at best be very one sided, at worst, it put Osirion in a very fragile state indeed, since there was no guarantee Cheliax would follow through with any agreement if it felt it had little to gain.
"Of course, back to the Firebleeder, it naturally he remains an ever present threat to my nation. Ideally, I would like to mobilise our armies to better handle the threat of the Worldwound, but our supply lines could never sustain open warfare so long as the creature remains such a hindrance. Nor could our warriors truly focus on the battles ahead if they were worrying about defenceless families back at home. Perhaps you see this maze we have found ourselves in".
"If I'm going to introduce you to people Triel, it would be nice to know a bit more about you. What's your motivation for seeking out the alliance. Certainly it must be radically different than anything you know from your old house. Or am I perhaps mistaken in the ways of the Drow?"
"Not much to tell, really--I was the third-born daughter of my family. I have two older sisters--both of whom were mad enough that Mother had to devote most of her time keeping them from killing each other and taking the House down with them." Triel looks down at the street as she walks. "I also have a younger twin brother--he and I were beneath our Mother's notice, more or less."
"So, yes--the fact that the Free Nations Alliance exists and isn't fighting amongst themselves does mean it's radically different."
----------------
"Are you sure we can trust this one," She says after a moment. "Drow are always out for their own gain, even against their own kin."
"And in this case, you'd be right, surfacer." Triel shrugs and sighs, letting her chest heave in just the right way. "But our interests coincide today--I have a vested interest in seeing Deskari fall, and I'm prepared to offer my services to that end."
Maximo tags along behind Triel and Archan, but generally remains quiet. He wasn't sure what to do next, and felt lost on his next move. There wasn't much more he could explain about his dream, beyond what he spoke of. He had just hoped that when he found who he was looking for, whoever that was, that they would be willing to hear him out. But without any direction, he had no way of pushing towards whatever he was trying to accomplish.
Perhaps the best he could do was simply wait, react, prepare... for what, he had no clue. But perhaps it was better that way... his race was more about attrition and retaliation than actively pursuing threats. Why should he be any different in this?
As Triel and Archan try to negotiate their way past the guards, Maximo silently behind them. Ryx, meanwhile, curled around Triel's leg, watching the pair of guards quietly as they blocked the way.
Triel looks down at the adorable fuzzy weasel around her leg. "Oh. Hello again."
The woman very pointedly tries to look like she didn't just look at Triel's chest. "More than enough of your people were happy to through in their lot with the Worldwound armies," she says. "Just because you follow a different demon lord doesn't mean I'm going to trust you." Her partner shoots her a look and she nods slightly. "You can go in, but we will be watching you. Don't do anything that you'll regret drow."
"We keep up to date on our neighbors' doings," he says evenly. The subtext is blatant, but like many Chelaxians, he has an excellent poker face. He taps his fingers together slowly, clearly thinking about something. "I see your conundrum Lady Zalika. You're only chance to get the support you need here may be to offer your people's alliance to fight Deskari's horde. However, as long as you're fighting your own war with the Firebleeder and the elemental armies, you lack the ability to contribute meaningfully. Your troops are too occupied and your supply lines too risky... So you wish to make an alliance with a nation that isn't being threatened by the Worldwound first. Since my people have less of a stake in this coming war, you have a better chance of making a different offer and gaining aid."
The elf giggles softly. "I see. Yes, I think that finding a larger city would be a difficult undertaking indeed." She looks down with a troubled expression. "Not exactly either. I used to live in Kyonin until... you know. I've been working my way south as a refugee for two years now. I was able to get cheap passage here thanks to the conference and Absalom is supposed to have work for just about anyone." She brightens up at his offer. "A hotspur? I've heard about your group. If you're offering, I'd love to have you show me around."
"Just because you follow a different demon lord doesn't mean I'm going to trust you. You can go in, but we will be watching you. Don't do anything that you'll regret drow."
"Good. I'd be concerned if you weren't." Triel nods in acquiescence.
Hmm. Don't think I didn't notice where you were looking, female. I'll have to remember you for later.
Could also tell them I don't follow another demon lord, but it'd just waste time and I doubt they'd believe me anyway.
"You can trust her." Maximo spoke up, but not very much. "If Ryx trusts her, she is trustworthy. He is smarter than many... myself included."
Zalika frowned, rubbing her temples slightly with the palm of her hands. "I daresay you already knew the current state of Osirion, its politics and its military status. Having said that, you were rather happy to invite me into your office all the same, for further discussions. Therefore, this lends me to believe that there is something specific I could offer you, so, I would personally be rather grateful if we skipped the A-Z service list and you mentioned precisely what you were looking at, assuming thats agreeable to you?"
Jonathan stands, finally spotting a clerk as he heads down the street towards him. He twirls the blackjack in his hand, ducking back into the shadow of one of Absalom's many buildings. "Just a little closer, now..." he mutters as the man draws near. As the clerk finally closes the distance, Jonathan bursts forth from the shadows and attempts to bludgeon the man across the head, seeking to knock him unconscious and drag him into the cover of the alleyway without much of a struggle.
Acharn is quite surprised at the emotion that wells up inside him at the guards' attitude and words. He wants to protect the beautiful Drow woman besides him. He does his best to hide his emotions behind his normal cold and serious mask. I still want revenge from her people, but she's different, right? He thinks to himself. "It does help that she isn't following a demon lord at all, though she isn't following Sarenrae either. It's always good to be wary of new people. There will undoubtedly be plenty of Drow cultists following Deskari, having one who understands them might be helpful and make it easier to handle certain situations. Thanks for the heads up about who waits inside."
Acharn motions towards his two new companions. "Come, let's go in." Before he opens the door and holds it open for Triel to pass through. A bit of courtesy doesn't hurt.
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Triel arches an eyebrow as Acharn holds the door open for her. "Hmm. Thank you."
And... thanks for backing me up.
She steps through the door.
"A weasel... right." The guards exchange a glance for a moment at Maximo, then glance at Acharn. "He's with you right? Just... go on in. Just know that your companions' behavior is on your head if anything happens."
Mephiston nods. "You read me very well my lady. Simply put, Cheliax does not get on so well with its neighbors as of late. The Free Nations and those like them are far more interested in maintaining their freedom than finding order in a world that's fallen as far as ours has. And our neighbors to the north... well the Prince of Hell is less than fond of rivals. Your nation represents one of the few nations left in the world that respects order and has little interest in conquest."
Outside, Jonathan steps out of his alley long enough to smack the unsuspecting clerk about the head with his blackjack and grab his limp form. He drags him back into the alley in silence. The entire exchange takes maybe ten seconds and hardly an eye seems to notice the attack.
Jonathan pulls the man into the alleyway, taking care to not knock the man's head. He strips the man down to his skivvies, nestling him back in the alleyway far from any sort of suspicion. Placing whatever clothes he can't wear beneath the clerk's uniform into his pack, he places it along with his rapier behind some trash and other loose objects, obscuring it from view. Before stashing his pack, he palms two small vials of liquid, along with tucking his thieves' tools beneath his shirt and his knife within his boot. With that, he downs one of the two small vials, and his face is obscured behind that of an illusory double, uncannily similar to the man lying behind him.
"I have ten minutes... I will need to be quick." He walks briskly towards the Hellknights guarding the door, the package from the costume shop in hand. As he approaches, he raises a hand meekly in greeting, gesturing to the package. "I have been asked to deliver a package for Lord Thrune. If I might pass, I will only be a few minutes." While the raspiness clung to his voice, he forced a louder sound from his throat, now thick with a Chellish accent.
The two Hellknights near the entrance look you over. "Go ahead," one of them says. "I think he was taking his visitor down to his office."
Aramus also takes on a sad countenance as the elf recounts her journey to Absalom, and he reaches out a big hand. "Hey, keep a chin up." He gently sets his finger under her jaw and lifts her face, smiling softly. "I know it may seem hard now, and there's a lot of bad in the world. But there's good, too. Look up to the sun. See how it still shines down, lending everything a little light and a beautiful glow?" He looks back to her for a moment and grins. "Some things more than others, huh?"
Stepping back, he cracks his neck and looks the elf up and down quickly. "Looking for a job, then? Well, I'll give you the master tour of the city, and I think I recall a place or two that was looking for a pretty young woman to take on." He pauses a moment and then stammers as he realizes how that might sound. "A-a-ah, I mean, a reputable place! Somewhere safe and nice." A name, Aramus, you need a name...
Acharn feel a momentary scare run through him at the mention of potential repercussions. "How well do I actually know Triel? Not well at all. She could be lying for me for all I know. He quickly banishes the bad thoughts. You can't win if you don't play. I gotta risk something to learn more about the Drow? And who better to learn from than beautiful Triel? And if everything goes well there might be other benefits as well. She gotta have needs too right? Besides the Kobold do vouch for her, maybe a part of his vision? Hopefully that counts for something. Acharn nods at the mention of Maximo. "Yeah, apparently he got some visions of things to come, we could always use more information, no matter the source." He then continues in through the door after Triel's shapely rear which he can't help but glance at, before putting his gaze to more appropriate places.
"Thank you for the information. I will check there for him first, then." Jonathan walks past the Hellknights, pushing through into the lobby of the embassy. He looks about for a moment or two before heading further in, deducing the ambassador's office is likely both farther in and well-marked. "Would that I had a way to get rid of that devil myself..." Jonathan mutters, moving his way back. As he walks, he looks both for signs of where the Chellish ambassador keeps his office, as well as alternative routes of entry or escape from the embassy, in case things were to go south. He clutches the parcel close to himself, ready to explain his presence to anyone else who might question him.
"Ok fine, I can understand that logic" Zalika remarks, still thinking thing through, evaluating possibilities. "Let's be honest though, there is more to it than just that. I could sign some non-aggression pact and call it a day but such an act would be a waste of time. You know Osirion is in no position for aggressive actions so long as the firebeeder remains a persistent problem. We both know that on the face of it, my nation has more to gain from an alliance with Cheliax and the last thing you would want would be to inherit my problems along with you own, while gaining little in return. So why don't we get into slightly more detail as to what you are really driving for, if i'm not asking too much"
Mephiston chuckles. "I apologize for talking in circles my lady. I've become accustomed to having to talk down to people to explain myself. Far too many minor functionaries that don't understand the way the world works anymore have been coming and trying to win my favor for the past few days." He stops at his office door and opens it, allowing Zalika entrance. "I'll be blunt Lady Caliana. I believe that Osirion may be one of the few nations left that can be a reliable ally to Cheliax. The Free Nations are too chaotic, Rahadoum still refuses to accept divine power, Qadira is too heavily under the thumb of the Cult of the Dawnflower to ally with servants of Asmodeus. Thassilon, Irrisen, the Tyrants Realm, all of them will seek to oppose Cheliax once the Worldwound is broken." The devil silent moves to the corner of the room, still watching Zalika with eerie, unblinking eyes. "I consider allowing your nation to become the leader of your alliance an investment for the future."
Jonathan quickly makes his way through the halls, silently mapping them out in his head. The building appears to be perfectly symmetrical, with the offices set in the former living quarters for the priests. The ambassador's office seems to have been the high priest's office and quarters. You catch sight of the devil heading inside before the door shuts.
Aramus thinks for a moment, then a few things come to mind. You know a few inns and taverns that are always looking for hands in the kitchen or for serving patrons. You also know a nice old herbalist who would love to take on an apprentice. He'd be happy to provide housing and work for someone eager to learn. The elf blushes again, but smiles warmly. "That's very kind of you sir. My name is Tessara. Please, I'd love to have you show me around the city."
"I suppose I should not have expected to be lucky..." Jonathan remarks, watching the devil enter the room just as he rounds the corner. He hears the slight echo of Mephiston's voice, and makes a mental note of the pitch. He catches sight of Zalika and the Chellish ambassador, and his eyes narrow on Mephiston Thrune before he disappears behind closed doors. For a moment, he thinks to knock upon the door as he arrives, but quickly thinks better of it. 'No, the devil would see right through me. But if I could hear them through the door...' Jonathan steps off to the side of the door, one ear as close to the crack as it can get without being conspicuous. He still waits with the parcel held against his chest, tapping his foot every few seconds or so, playing the part of a clerk not wanting to interrupt his boss.
Jonathan catches most of Mephiston's last speech as he leans against the frame of the door, trying to look inconspicuous.
Zalika frowns slightly, watching the devil out of the corner of her eye before shrugging slightly.
"I wont deny that the idea you just outlined sounds attractive, and from an objective point of view, it would potentially lead to a more stable arrangement. I worry about what happens after the Worldwound ceases to be a threat, you only need to look at Galt's history to know precisely how such a nation would respond, such as probably attempting to settle old scores and plunge the world back into chaos again, something that would only favor the Tyrant, Thassilon and all the rest".
Aramus grins widely and claps his hands together. "Well then, a full tour it is! Right this way!" He begins leading her around the area, weaving up and down streets, talking about the city's history as well as its modern conveniences. Without anywhere particular to go, or a large group in tow, he takes his time, showing the elf out-of-the-way spots to find trinkets or good food, pointing out areas where you might find musicians or other entertainers--the works. He even makes sure to stop by the bakery he thought of earlier, and picks up some bread for himself and a pastry or some delectable for her. Unless anything happens to stop him, he spends a fair amount of time walking the city, and winds up down near the herbalist's. "...And as we come near the end of the tour, if you look up on your right, you'll see an herb shop that just so happens to be hiring an apprentice, if I've heard it right. Room included?"
It's very quiet inside the inn. With the entire place reserved for the Free Nations' staff, there are only a handful of people in, taking a break between whatever business that have to take care of today. A pair of minor scribes are having a late lunch at a table while several more Eagle Knights are off duty in the taproom. One more on-duty guard is standing near the stairs heading up to the second floor. As the group heads upstairs, they can hear someone talking in one of the suites further down.
"I'm glad we understand each other," he says. "I'll be honest, so please bear with me a moment. I don't have the authority to officiate an alliance for any other purpose than fighting the Worldwound. However, my suggestions carry weight, especially in regards to my duties here. I'm not expecting a kind reception at the conference. Everyone will see themselves as either enemies or rivals to my nation. However, if I had a dedicated supporter at the meetings, I would be able to return the favor if they required something of me later."
Tessara smiles and follows closely behind Aramus as he leads her through the streets. She hardly says anything, trying to take in every detail of the city as quickly as possible. "Are all of your days like this?" she asks at one point. "Exploring the city and meeting new people? You must meet some fascinating individuals." When they reach the herbalist's shop, she brightens up. "Oh, this is perfect. I learned some basic herbalism from my mother many years ago."
Zalika crosses her arms slightly as she thinks, drumming her fingers off her upper arm. "You spoke to me honestly, so I'll do the same to you. Whether there was something in it for me or not, you would have my support regardless, since I'm all for giving everyone a fair hearing. That said, I won't be a parrot. If you have a solid proposal, then I'll support it, just as I would anyone. If, after the meetings you feel in some small way indebted to me, then we can discuss favor later, but until then consider this something I'd be happy doing free of charge. You already know after all, that I am far more open minded than some other diplomats here."