Finding the wheel

[Anastasia]

"You don't," The dragon agrees, taking off. He flies with remarkable speed, your fortress rapidly left behind. "But you have a right to privacy. No one will hear us like this." Below is the beaches of Lunia, seemingly endless, and the mountain rises higher and higher above.

[Nephrite]

"By all means, then." Moore says.

[Anastasia]

"Barachiel has received reports from those close to the marid court that you spoke for all of Celestia's position regarding the current offensives against the efreet. Is that true?" Sylashavalarine asks, voice a draconic rumble, though not hostile. More like Baleruk's contemplative voice.

[Nephrite]

"I think that's... a bit of an overstatement." Moore says. "I explained to the Padisha in general terms of what was going on with our battles between the efreet and Celestia." He explains. He takes a breath in and considers for a moment. "I did say, and I quote, 'We will not start a war with the efreet, but we will end one with them if it comes to that.'"

There's a pause as he considers again. "Ah, I think I see where the problem is -- she followed that statement up with asking if this went to the Hebdomad, which... mm." He stops there and sighs. "I said yes, so I can understand where the mixup is. I thought I had made it clear that we weren't going to instigate a war with them, which is what my secondary statement was meant to reflect. But I can see how someone would view it as also saying 'we're willing to go to war.'"

[Anastasia]

As you fly along, the wind whizzing by and the light from above shining down? Sylashavalarine exhales gustily, a torrent of icy frost spewing out, parting around the dragon's body, leaving a thin layer of it on his wings and sides. "Words at war with precision, words too easily fit into what another wishes to hear or words simply misspoke. The greatest tools and enemy of any diplomat. I feared it was something akin to that."

[Nephrite]

"I sincerely apologize for misspeaking. It was an attempt to show our solidarity in not trying to pick a war with them." Moore says. "I didn't mean to cause a problem, but I understand I did. I'll accept whatever punishment I need to, please accept my apologies, nonetheless."

[Anastasia]

"It is not my place to punish you," Sylashavalarine declares, a soft snort, "But I accept your apology in the spirit it is offered. You are ultimately Erathaol's personal agent and he will see to any discipline. I am here to ascertain the situation and report back to Lord Barachiel." The dragon turns, starting to head back in the direction of Hope's Landing. "Far more important than any punishment will be self improvement and understanding of how the mistake happened and why. When events are less tense, would you like an invitation to the Heavenly Speaker's school? We offer courses on debate and diplomacy, word games of all kind. We also serve as supplementary training for established diplomats and agents all across Celestia."

[Nephrite]

"I understand. Sorry, I'm still used to traditional... uh... admonishment." Moore admits.

"Yes, that would be very helpful." Moore says. "Actually, if it'd be at all possible, could I receive some sort of... summary of various diplomatic efforts with the other planes? It would help me a lot to learn how others have been handling these sorts of situations and how to avoid this in the future."

[Anastasia]

"I'm not privy to most of it," Sylashavalarine admits, "But I am allowed to discuss what I do know. Right now, diplomats who are questioned about it are to say that it is a developing situation  and that soon the will of Celestia will be revealed, while emphasizing that Celestia has no tolerance for slavers or the forces of evil. Routinely, diplomats in more important positions or in a position that has a reason to be better informed will have a message to pass on in private. We will not lie, but nor will we spread word recklessly."

[Nephrite]

"I understand." Moore says. "Thank you. That will be helpful for the future. If you would please communicate to Lord Barachiel that I will likely stop by to learn more about the diplomacy of Celestia in the future, I would appreciate it. Beyond just the school, it would be helpful to learn more about current happenings and so I don't visit anywhere that may already be being handled."

[Anastasia]

"I'll see to it," Sylashavalarine concurs, "I will report our meeting to Lord Barachiel. Is there anything else you wish to add?" he asks, as you see your fortress on the horizon.

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "In case it affects anything, the Padisha gave me a gem -- it created a marid, who I assume is actually some sort of magical construct, to help with an attempt at creating a trading nexus at my fortress." He explains. "I don't... think it's an issue, but given the rest of the circumstances, I figure it's better to be overly transparent."

[Anastasia]

"I will inquire on your behalf," The dragon says, swooping back down and landing, right where you began.

[Nephrite]

"Thank you. Have a safe trip back -- you're more than welcome any time." Moore says as he hops off to fly back down.

[Anastasia]

"Be well," Sylashavalarine declares, "May we not have to meet again under these circumstances."