Rainbows, inspiration and the marid (Afina and Moore)

[Nephrite]

Moore keeps a polite smile and nods to the marids in turn.

[Anastasia]

Turning to Queen Ilsenine, "I understand your court has fallen on hard times," The shahzada says, "We would like to offer support from various fey factions that can aid you."

Her Majesty doesn't blink at that, instead considering briefly, "We thank you for this consideration, but we must wonder if you expect anything in return."

"Of course," Badahur's smile doesn't break for a moment, "Lady Devilsbane," Turning to Afina, "We would like a drop of your blood, so that we may study your unique nature. Word of you have spread to the Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls, and the Padisha, may she rule now and forever, has ordered an inquiry."

This gets Queen Ilsenine to pause, considering.

[Ebiris]

Taking 10 for 47 on arcana, aside from a scrying focus what other threats could my blood pose in the hands of someone who wishes me ill?

[Anastasia]

Lots. It could be used to tailor things to you, to study and understand you or to make a poison against you. Blood is life, after all, and intimately tied with you.

Due to your power, doing so would be harder than usual. In addition, your unique nature would likely make it even harder.

[Ebiris]

"Unlike many warriors who shed their life with every battle, my blood has been drawn very rarely," Afina replies. Indeed the last person to do so was Hupan, and any of her blood clinging to his blade was destroyed when he exploded. "I am not eager to add to that small toll and so with the greatest of respect I must refuse." She bows apologetically. "That said I would be happy to assist the Padisha and any experts she nominates with less invasive tests, and answer any questions to aid in Her understanding of my nature."

[Anastasia]

Make a diplo check there, +3 bonus.

[Ebiris]

[17:58] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+17 shame Moore lacks motivate charisma
[17:58] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=3]

[Anastasia]

Crystal speaks up here, "No offense meant, but some things simply cannot be arraigned so lightly."

"Agreed," Queen Ilsenine says immediately, "As a member of our court, we do not feel Afina should provide what is asked."

Your guest nods slightly to that, "Perhaps if we sweeten things?" he suggests, "There are marid who favor Aurora's cause, who have little reason to dislike the fire-trash of Baator. The Padisha, may she rule now and forever, has taken action to keep the marid out of this conflict. The general opinion is that joining this conflict would provoke the efreet, at a time when She does not wish to do so. But her edict is not a pearl yet and can still be reconsidered."

[Ebiris]

"As favoured trading partners of Hell the efreet are our enemies as well, though I can understand being loathe to provoke them over something that isn't any of your affair," Afina concedes, tempted by the offer of support but still leery of giving up her blood. Even if the marids' intentions are honourable who's to say any sample couldn't be stolen by forces of Hell and used against her that way? "But however you wish to sweeten the deal, my blood is too precious to be surrendered without first building a strong bond of trust between us."

It's true as she thinks about it. If Seira or Morwel were to ask she'd have far fewer compunctions about it, but she just doesn't know the maridi well enough aside from Sanzha who is manifestly not part of their current power structure.

[Anastasia]

"Perhaps," Morniel clears his throat, "You can take that tour now while we discuss your offer and possible amendments, and you consider the same."

"Sure, I can do that," Moonlight hops on up, "Elena'll meet us outside."

The maridi lean in and murmur amid each other, before the shahzada says, "That's acceptable," he says, lead out by Moonlight.

Once gone, Queen Ilsenine looks to her court and says, "Opinions?"

[Ebiris]

"I'm not surrendering my blood to people we don't know," Afina says. "It's too powerful a weapon against me in the wrong hands."

[Anastasia]

"Seconded," Crystal says, "They seem like they're legitimate...are they?"

"They are. I met them myself in the Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls," Morniel says. "They speak for the Padisha."

"My first concern is that it could be enemy action, that they will surge forward and forthwith conspire against us with this blood, and that verification cannot fully absolve this, for spies and politics could muddy the waters." Crystal goes on, resting her chin on her hand.

"Very well," Her Majesty says, "Lady Skye and Moore, do you have anything to add?"

[Nephrite]

"It did seem a bit..." Moore taps his chin. "Sudden? That they'd just ask for it like that. Well, it's certainly obvious they want to use this to get leverage for their own side... perhaps we could compromise? Maybe a hair instead of blood?" Moore considers. "Of course, it isn't me that they're asking for, so it may be best to not budge on the matter at all... It depends on if they're just trying to take a gamble to see how much we 'need' them."

[Anastasia]

"Ahem," Morniel coughs lightly, "I insinuated that Aurora appreciates direct approaches rather than diplomatic wrangling."

[Ebiris]

"That's fine," Afina nods to Morniel, "But I think Moore's right - they're probably making a huge request as their opener without really expecting to get it, knowing that even if we barter them down they'll still come out well. The Mercane do things that way as well. Hair or pixie dust I can part with more readily if it comes to that, but lets see if they go with my first offer of helping their tests and answering their questions."