Meeting at the light

[Corwin]

That the Sultan didn't bring anyone but his elite bodyguards suggests he understands the issues with loyalty he is facing, and probably wishes to discuss a truce in earnest. It just remains to be seen what he finds acceptable....

+16 int aura from me, to clarify

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "Please, this way, all of you. There should be plenty of space for everyone." Moore says.

He makes a sweeping gesture and goes through the archway!

A new building, right in the middle of Hope's Landing, stands out slightly from the rest of the bright stone used to make the rest of the fortress.

It's not very tall, but it stands out -- there are bright white banners on the front of it, depicting the seven layers of Celestia -- two on each side of the large door that stays open.

Inside the building is a large, round table made of fine wood. All around it sit comfortable-looking chairs. The table is covered in a variety of lighter snacks - smaller cuts of bread and dried fruits with matching drinks (no water).

There are six windows, each placed slightly higher than the last, with a large, glass ceiling that allows the light of Celestia to shine down into the room.

As people sit, they will find that the chairs can fit any size, and no matter how they sit in them they seem to be eye level with everyone else!

[Anastasia]

Everyone files in - even the elementals, who shrink down as you go, becoming man sized and staying by the Grand Sultan.

Barachiel sits opposite the Grand Sultan, while his elementals stand behind him. As everyone files in...

Go ahead.

[Corwin]

Seira chooses a seat at Barachiel's right side. The seats are a great innovation, and should allow even her prismatic dragon escort flight to fit! Or they can loom with Oraga behind her. That might be nice, too.

[Nephrite]

Moore will take a seat on the left of Barachiel!

"Thank you all for coming." Moore says. "It is my honor to host this opportunity." A smile after that as he nods towards Seira.

"Lady Seira, would you be so kind as to begin?"

[Nephrite]

That can be after the prismatic do their thing!

[Anastasia]

The prismatic dragons stay behind Seira, looming and silent, watching the the Grand Sultan all the while.

[Corwin]

"Thank you, Duke Moore," Seira speaks, inclining her head at him before she returns her attention squarely on the Sultan. "Out of my respect for you and your intellect, I will not mince words. The Battle of Father and Son has been a turning point in this war. Zaaman Rul waxes while Imix wanes, Eblis has switched sides and Istishia has chosen one -- ours. You've mentioned that I have been busy, and I trust that you can see just how much that was an understatement. As for your chief allies, the dao, our campaign had been going well there even before Sylica decided to shake things up further. Would you agree this is a fair assessment?"

[Anastasia]

"I will accept that for the sake of the argument," The Grand Sultan goes on, "Continue."

It is here that Barachiel speaks, "Your armies are intact," he concedes, "But how many knives are hidden by that army? You live ablaze in politics, trusting none but primal elementals to come with you." He taps his knuckles on the table, "Hell openly dithers in a sign of disrespect for you and your reign and your position crumbles by the day. What's worse is that you're surely finding the efreet know how to read the signs - another Grand Sultan may only be a matter of time if you don't change the course you're on. Seira?"

[Corwin]

"You must have suspected this, but we are here to confirm this for you and offer proof as needed. Akil bin Faheem made advances to replace you as part of a truce recently, in a move backed by the Hells. He is the most obvious knife at your back, but hardly the only one. In fact... it is my belief that you cannot bring the infernal legions into play if you wish to retain your authority. After all, you refused to bow for anyone at our previous meeting, out of your pride and the pride of your position. I understand that now, and because I do, I cannot see you making that move, knowing that it will either have you replaced as their troops get in place, or merely turn you into their puppet."

Seira taps the table slowly, considering her next words. "I wish to disagree with Barachiel on one point. Your armies are intact, but that is because I haven't taken to the field. You've seen reports of my capabilities where armies are involved, and even one made of primals such as those guarding you will fall. Hard as it might be to believe, I regret the loss of sentient life from my abilities and prefer to reserve them for undead abominations or fiends, but if by bringing a resolution quicker I will save more lives, I am willing to act. And where I alone would not be enough, I shall have my allies at my side. Unlike those of the Hells, I can call upon them without fear of being subsumed, and their presence will make up the difference in any opponent we face."

She waits patiently, then, to see whether the Sultan dismisses any of her claims outright or remains seated to listen.

[Anastasia]

The Sultan makes no move to get up, instead stone silent. He is silent for a good and long time, only the light of Chronias shining.

"What you want is suicide," The Grand Sultan finally admits, "And will return the moment a new Sultan rises to a position to vacate any treaty." His expression is entirely composed now, unexpressive. His fingers lightly drum against the side of his chair. "I gain nothing by agreeing to your terms but a humiliation before a general revolt. Your aims as of now are impossible to accept."

[Corwin]

"You've hit upon the matter perfectly," Seira agrees, nodding at him. "This was was never about a military victory. We wanted a social change, and while hoping for a willing one were ready to accept a reluctant agreement. While even freeing all the slaves held at present would be a great boon, if a century from now the same situation from now recurs, we will have failed." She gestures at him across the table. "How would you propose we achieve the abolition of slavery while maintaining political stability in the efreet empire?"

[Anastasia]

"You don't," The Grand Sultan says smoothly, "Your quest is a fool's quest: Even if you defeat me and impose your will, there are endless blazes that will rise up to challenge you. This entire war is a pointless tribute to your own vanity and self delusions."

"You're wrong," It's Cresiel who speaks up, "We have hope, and that is enough. It may be a long road, a road of generations beyond counting, but we can and will triumph. Moore," the solar says, "Can explain that as well as any of us, no, better than us."

[Corwin]

"During my time as a mortal, I took over a nation that had been lead by Sharrans for generations. They and their neighbors had been fighting bitter, terrible wars for centuries," Seira tells the Sultan. "I was forced to occupy it, and put down any revolts quite harshly. A generation, however, was all it took for a real change in the populace. A mere generation, and they were able to self-rule without falling into the same pitfalls. I don't doubt that some will rise to challenge us, if this is the course history takes. However, they will not succeed."

[Nephrite]

"If I may," Moore speaks up. "This entire situation revolves around pride. Pride for ones home, pride for traditions, pride for ones self."

A pause here before he continues. "You will lose the military war. Once that happens, Akil will make his move, and he will win the political war. I imagine that after what's transpired, Akil and his pride would have you killed or worse. I speak plainly and truly when I say we do not want you to die."

Another pause. "You have pride as the leader of the efreet, and the support of those who have pride in you. You have the ability to change the efreet as a culture and the pride to stay above the chains of Hell; I hope that you will have enough pride to be able to put Akil and his schemes in their place. What better way to lead the efreet than to rid it of opportunists who would thrive their pride away to serve at the foot of the Serpent Throne?"