Diplomatic aftermath

[Anastasia]

"Offically, they're at peace. Unofficially, there's a lot of murmurings about it but the Padisha is stomping down on any that get out of hand," Lady Sanzha says, "No, the Padisha is keeping a grasp on power, in case any fools think this is a sign of weakness."

[Corwin]

"Can we change Istishia's mind, first of all? Do we have a card to play there?"

[Anastasia]

"Not that I see," This gets a faint frown, "The Water Lord is doing whatever they want to do and the reasons why don't line up with any speculation I could put together. Logically, that means she has reasons, reasons we can't see or that he keeps private. This is outside the power of the Sultan's influence or of any one being on Fire, save perhaps Kossuth. My best guess is that the Elemental Lords have their own reasons for this, or that Istishia sees reasons of her own."

After a beat, "Or, that even he told us the truth and sees any result as a triumph, because Fire will be weakened win or lose. It's entirely possible that if the efreet win or manage a peace, that Water finds some reason or another to declare war while they're still exhausted. It's a cold logic."

Elle adds after that, "I don't think we're going to have much luck engaging this on any level but Istishia's level. Do you think Kossuth, Grumbar or Akadi would lend you council, if you asked?"

[Corwin]

"It's not hard for me to get an audience with Kossuth, and I could probably manage with the others as well. But I'd prefer if it they all kept to their neutrality, so I don't see any merits in this. Alright, let's get back to the marid court. Are they interested in helping unofficially, similarly to how Aurora got a few... volunteers, shall we call them, some directly from the court?"

[Anastasia]

"Some are, but the Padisha's ensuring that the nobles understand that neutral means neutral. She's taking this seriously," Elle says, "Reading between the lines, the Water Lord was firm with her about it. Very firm. Any marid we get will need to be completely disconnected from the court."

That gets Lady Sanzha to smile, "Better yet, not on Water all. Fortunately, people do talk and some of the secrets I know are still worthwhile ones."

[Corwin]

"I'll leave the handling of that up to you, then," Seira tells Sanzha. "Something of more immediate interest is Valar's suggestion that we contact the deities served by some of the slaves his forces managed to free. I would like you to take care of the diplomatic contacts and their repatriation."

[Anastasia]

"I can, but I'll need to slow down my prismatic work," Lady Sanzha says, "I'm getting stretched far as it is." Gently tapping her forefinger to the tabletop, "At least while I establish that. It should be faster once proper channels are set up."

[Corwin]

"No, that's unacceptable," Seira responds, frowning. "It's our most important venue of research even without the deal with the Astral reds. What if you delegated more? Omni could take over some of the practical matters and testing for the prismatic research, while you should use Ranbar for contacting other faiths. It does touch upon her duties, while helping establish you as the face of the Cauldron as much as Amaryl or I. I don't mind one of us doing that, but I do want you to... hmm, remind Creation of your resurgence through exciting meetings?"

[Anastasia]

Lady Sanzha titters, "I do need something bigger," she agrees, "Some sort of coup, though my name is getting out there. It's been enough to remind them that I exist and will not be forgotten, and more importantly, has helped me make contacts."

[Corwin]

"By forming the connections with nonevil deities and becoming the one from the Cauldron they contact when they need us is a good start. Once you have more time you could network properly, and then the research breakthrough will put you on the map. All we need to do is replicate it safely, and more than once. Once the two of us manage to get the Astral dragons fully onboard while upgrading them to prismatics, we'll rival the gith in power. That sort of thing will make waves."

[Anastasia]

"Mm." Lady Sanzha says, "Still, I'd like something to make a splash."

"Something big?" Elle asks back, "Got any ideas?"

[Corwin]

"Why not ascend?" Seira asks her curiously. "You know just how it feels, which is the part Amaryl was struggling with. You should also have the prerogative, given that I haven't heard of a single case where Ao rescinded his blessing once given. You could piggyback on the more generic prayers I receive for the Cauldron." As she keeps speaking, it doesn't seem as farfetched as it might have. "The Seldarine would support you, and furthermore, you've been thinking about what you'd like to stand for ever since our visit with them, haven't you? Oh! In fact, this is a good time for a tactless question. Why not ally closer with the heavens while you're at it? I can't say I ever noticed any aversion from you for the idea."

[Anastasia]

"Just like that? No drama to it, no dramatics?" Lady Sanzha' smiling now, "Gauche. Showy. Scene stealing. To grow..." A pause here, a flash. A sense of connection, a sense of power. A sense of Lady Sanzha, all around you.

Node update for Sanzha, go read and let me know that you have.

[Corwin]

"There'll be drama," Seira tells her with a wry grin. "You're causing it. As for the act itself, why? Your place is here, and that won't change no matter the theatrics. Or do you want an anguished declaration of some sort?"

read

[Anastasia]

"I need time to maximize everything," Lady Sanzha says, "Doing so will not be trivial with a war going on. I have the barest dregs of power left from my time as the Padisha, I am not certain how difficult it will be to nurture them further. Plus naturally, it really must be done right."