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[Anastasia]

Oh! Do you think Mechanus did that?

[Corwin]

I think Asmodad did it and the Compact let him. Once you open that door for him, he can't complain about doing the same for me to preserve their equilibrium, and that's where I'd imagine the strongest opposition would come from. In the end, it's harmless on the planar scale. I'm not asking for something unreasonable, unlike during the start of negotiations.

[Anastasia]

That makes sense, but I'm not sure they'd agree to it regardless. Oh, I hope you get it, that would be so useful.

[Corwin]

Nothing is certain in negotiations, Seira agrees, waiting.

[Anastasia]

Chrona 42 is there a split second later, "I have discussed this matter, but a question first. Why do you think we would grant such a request?"

[Corwin]

"It is a limited and finite application of magic rather than carte blanche by its very nature," Seira responds. "Ultimately, it doesn't affect the balance between the various factors one bit. We'll grow in power same as we would have otherwise. While it does provide is some flexibility, but given the large amount of capable mortal agents serving me, I don't lack for people who would rival Amaryl's avatar in capability to send to Primes. In the end, I believe you would agree because it serves your goals, while allowing me to do something nice to my wife and friends."

[Anastasia]

A consideration there, "Why do you think it serves our goals, Seira?"

[Corwin]

"Maintaining the status quo is your goal, and this is a means of doing that without the bother of wide-scale negotiations. I'm aware of the difficulty that existed in setting up the terms of the Compact, and closing off any... loopholes, shall we say, will no doubt cause each side to pull for concessions of their own. Besides, you know it is best to gain results by mutual agreement. Ruling through force or fear is feasible in the short term, but leads to discontent. Impose your will too heavily, and there will be some who seek to exploit any clause or loophole. Why choose that when an easier option exists?"

[Anastasia]

"Because if push comes to shove, we win," Chrona 42 says, "The rule of law is strong and we have the benefit of stepping back, ensuring our victory. But," he considers, "Is this request your true goal here, Seira, or another negotiating tactic?"

[Corwin]

"Amaryl was upset over not being able to visit the land she was born for so long, and I saw the same in Kascha. Had this been some right of passage literally every risen power had to go through it would be one thing, but if Lixer gets to have his daddy pull some strings I don't see my own request as that outlandish. I would quite honestly be happy with it and you wouldn't need to push anything as I'd be fully in your corner."

[Anastasia]

"I'm sorry, what?" A pause at that, "I don't follow. What is that about Lixer?"

[Corwin]

"Alicia faced his avatar when we hit him a couple months ago, and Kascha here was part of the Aurora's efforts during the Crusade to free Lifasa. They hit one of his residences and gained considerable information about him. There's simply not enough time between Lixer ascending to his throne and forming an avatar without daddy dearest cheating. Perhaps he fed him enough power to shorten the duration, though given I faced Lixer in person and he didn't seem that strong I doubt it." She shakes her head. "To clarify, I'm not claiming you did this for him, only that something shady took place. Still, it gave me the idea that the yearlong waits were not inviolable, and since I answered your queries honestly I'd appreciate some of that directness back. Are you willing to do me this favor, so that I'd do you the favor of ensuring the status quo remains unchanged and the boat unrocked?"

[Anastasia]

"I was not aware of this. A moment." Chrona 42 bows and is gone, just like that.

Kascha is silent a few beats before, "Well, that's interesting."

[Corwin]

Seira curses. Is it too much to hope for that people reciprocate?! Still, she settles to wait silently rather than blow up at Kascha who doesn't deserve that attitude one bit.

[Anastasia]

Yet in a few instants Chrona 42 is back. "I apologize, I feared there may be a breach of the Compact," he explains, "In light of this situation, we're willing to do it once, for whomever you please, that is an acceptable situation."