Diplomatic aftermath

[Anastasia]

My will in this shall not change. Whichever side wins, Water shall triumph and grow stronger, without spending its strength.

"No, no," Renbuu says, "It needs more wings. Wings! Lots of wings!"

[Corwin]

"Wings are very lovely on elves," Seira agrees, adjusting the androgynous but probably female dancing elves accordingly!

If that is your will, I will respect it. But I wonder, can Water grow truly strong by humbly following orders? Is the basis for true strength not competition and struggle, in particular for a cause that is capable of driving you past your limits? That has been my experience.

[Anastasia]

Water shall grow strong, for I shall guide it. Wage your war, Seira, but Water shall not be a part of it.

Renbuu watches the flying and claps slowly, "A marvelous example! I approve!" Renbuu then eyes your hair, "Purple," he says aloud, as if considering it.

[Corwin]

"I don't mind giving it a try, though I've only recently decided to go for a fiery orange," Seira tells Renbuu.

To Ben-Hadar, she thinks, 'I cannot understand Istishia's movites, so this turn of events is a shame. Should it come to that, can I count on your help with the Cauldron's defense?'

[Anastasia]

Your hair is suddenly a deep, rich and vibrant shade of purple. Renbuu leans over the table to peer at it, "It smells like apples," he says, "Purple apples." With a soft pop, a purple apple appears in your hand. Renbuu takes one out of nothingness as well, biting into it. When he speaks, "A splendid taste of art. Yes, the best art is edible art."

Ben-Hadar is watching it all with a slight look of amusement, 'I am limited by the Water Lord's will. Should that come to pass, I will petition the Water Lord anew. Should the worst happen, you and yours may come here for sanctuary.'

[Corwin]

'Be careful. As I told the Water Lord, I recently rescued the Great Xorn from what seems to be forces on Air. Depending on the goodwill and honor of efreet to avoid Water's interests is an interesting proposition. Should you need it, I'll send my forces.'

Seira bites into the purple apple, deciding to see what great art tastes like.

[Anastasia]

It tastes like fairy dreams, a good night's sleep and roast beef.

Ben-Hadar returns that look with a slight nod back to you.

[Corwin]

"Delicious! I'll bring another back for Amaryl," Seira says, as a second apple just like it appears in her hands. "For now, I believe it's time for us to get going."

I intend to go with Donald to the deep ethereal, to the same restaurant Lathander brought me to last time.

[Anastasia]

Got any particular goal there so I can set up for it?

[Corwin]

Once there, Seira sends a message to Yan-C-Bin inviting him to a meeting under flag of truce.

[Anastasia]

The answer comes with a rumble of thunder, a simple question. 'What do you want to discuss?'

[Corwin]

The efreet war and another topic of a more personal nature

[Anastasia]

The answer is not verbal. Instead it is winds, howling and stirring. Before you the winds gather into a thick black stormcloud, looming above both of you, lightning crackling within.

"Seira," Is said in the voice of thunder.

[Corwin]

Seira inclines her head. "Thank you for taking the time to see me," she says, even as she ensures secrecy from any others who might listen in. "The Great Xorn had been abducted by mercenaries bearing the emblem of thunderbolts. The location was guarded by Kulcak's power. I wished to ask whether it was your operation, or if you are being framed for it."

[Anastasia]

Donald starts to say something, but Yan-C-Bin thunders over him, "I do not dominate that symbol. I had nothing to do with it, nor do I care about the Great Xorn."