Island raiser

[Iron Dragoon]

"Delaize, the time to confront them will come. The fact that they're acting first shows they're considering us a threat when they've ignored us before. We're making strides."

Who else is with us? I asked for Emily and Madala, but you never made mention of them.

[Anastasia]

"I agree," he adds, a pause. A slight shuffle, "I'm more worried about some hot head doing something that causes a scandal or even a war, so I'm best thinking of how to handle this delicately."

[Anastasia]

They're en route since it was a legit mistake. Say they had something come up, they'll join in shortly.

[Iron Dragoon]

"Same way you'd handle your mother in law. Take her somewhere, slowly, nod, and give her something shiney to focus on while everyone else does what they need to."

[Anastasia]

That gets a smile out of Delaize, who turns and goes. At the same time he passes Emily and Madala, the latter of which says, "We were detained over some foolishness," she declares.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods. "You were to be with me when I met with Queen Morwen's observer. She's sent someone to assess the value of an agreement for library and research access, and a possible alliance after. I made you my highest advisor specifically to keep the balance.

What's done is done, but keep it in mind. We still have the most important and distasteful meeting after this. We're going to meet someone sent from Langersun's, but after, there's someone from the Mageocracy. Delaize is hosting them right now, so no one pushes buttons unnecessarily."

[Anastasia]

As Emily settles in, Madala does the same and adds, "So a mother's soft touch, hm?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"Illusion of status quo. Their arrogance and superiority will lead them to it naturally. With minor effort on our part we can lead them to the conclusion that our spellpool is at the root of the power they felt. But just in case, Emiy, send a message to Jeram, directly and have him quietly alert the guard to watch for any pre-staging of spells or forces. They'll likely try to gate them in or have them off coast. Or under, if they do have them ready."

[Anastasia]

"Yes, Alyssa," Emily says, "Do you think that sea monster could have been a first attack from them, then?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"I... Doubt it. Those things were powerful and old. Unless they were able to get a very large gate spell off and trick those things into going through it, they aren't able to pull that much power... Unless... Something vastly more powerful than they are is backing them."

[Anastasia]

"Not impossible," Emily says, "Shar's also good at subverting mortal enterprises and kingdoms." A slightly downcast look at that, "Mom found that one out herself."

[Iron Dragoon]

"She'll have a pattern, then. Do you mind asking her for some things to watch for?"

[Anastasia]

"I'm trained to," Emily explains, "I'll have to go look into it."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods.

"Speaking of, we still need to find us a spy Hunter or the like. In any case, let's get to the Langersun's envoy."

[Anastasia]

The representative is rather slender, fine bodied and pale. He has platinum blonde hair tilting towards white, wearing a comfortable and light cloak and tunic combo with hose, as well as the emblem of a rising sun as a cloak clasp. "Sir Antony Clearblade," he introduces himself, "Special envoy of Langersun."