Landing at Hope

[Anastasia]

"Use your judgment and beware of being set up," Sylashavalarine advises. "Grumbar is slow to anger, he is more likely to expel you than take any other action if you are framed into looking like an aggressor, but it will harm our diplomacy there. If there is a choice between your life and risking expulsion, defend your life and take your chances."

[Nephrite]

"Do you expect my previous relations with Crystalle to be of benefit or detriment?" Moore asks.

[Anastasia]

"My understanding is that it'll be neutral," On you fly in the meantime, winds whipping as slowly he begins to turn back towards your fortress, gliding along. "It's hardly unusual for diplomats there to have served in other courts, or para or quasi elemental courts."

[Nephrite]

"Understood." Moore says. "I think that does it for questions from my side of things."

[Anastasia]

Thus the trip back is without comment, "Now then, I have planning to return to," he says, "Travel wisely and travel safely. May the light above shine on you always."

[Nephrite]

"I'll wait to hear word then, from your contact." Moore says as he flies back. "Thank you."

[Anastasia]

"He'll contact you once you're there," The dragon says, "Just don't leave in the next 15 minutes so I can send word."

[Nephrite]

Moore gives a salute. "Thank you again for your time." He says.

They will indeed wait 15 minutes, in fact, 20!

Moore will explain to the others why they're going and that he's going to take them all with him as insurance against anyone deciding to pick a fight, unless anyone objects.

Moore will then Greater Plane Shift all of them (Kaja, Xandra, Cresiel, Jetina) to ...uh... Grumbar's... Palace...? I don't know what it's called, but assuredly Moore does!

[Anastasia]

It is known as the Rocks Palace. Grumbar is not a terribly descriptive namer.

Kaja would like to know how long you think this will take.

[Nephrite]

Moore would estimate no more than an hour. If he's being drafted for another Super Secret thing he's free to go do that.

[Anastasia]

It's heavy here. The gravity laps at all of you like an overeager dog for affection, making everything seem so much heavier. You appear in a rocky stone chamber, lit only with bowls holding dull, small flames within. It's a shadowy light. A tunnel heads deeper into the earth.

"Ugh,' Jetina grimaces, "I feel like I'm carrying a heavy pack."

Cresiel slowly stretches and then  twists side to side, "Then straighten your back and keep going."

As the two talk, you see a figure coming ahead from that passage, stomping forward. A man sized creature of rock, watching the party impassively. In rumbling Terran. "You. Come."

[Nephrite]

"Of course, thank you." Moore responds likewise in Terran as he moves ahead.

Inwardly he grimaces a bit at the heaviness, but does his best to look unbothered by it.

[Anastasia]

At this Xandra falls in step with you, keeping her pace even. "Do not perch or rest, they will view it as weakness, even if none say it." She keeps her voice down, hardly more than a murmuring.

"Spoken like someone who doesn't get tired anymore," Jetina quips with a bit of an amused look, "Not that I mind that part of being a spirit."

Kaja continues along with all of you in the meantime, "The dragonborn spirits I have met often mention the same thing. If you ask me, a good night's rest is a fine thing and worth being tired over."

[Nephrite]

Moore just smiles as he continues along. "We've been through much worse than it being a bit heavy, I'm sure it will be fine." He says with a bit of a chuckle.

[Anastasia]

If the elemental has an opinion, it does not deign to offer it. You are lead down the passage and around the bend before, "That's enough." The man here has a deeply lined face, wearing slate gray and walking with a silvered cane. "Duke Moore, I presume? Elemental, I will escort this one. Follow if you must to complete your chosen duty."