Afterwards

[Anastasia]

Correct.

[Iron Dragoon]

'That's generous, but we don't have a deal unless we meet face to face.'

[Anastasia]

'There is no need for that,' The elemental says, 'Do not try my patience.'

[Iron Dragoon]

'If I'm going to be fighting for and with you, I want to meet, in person. You're an Archomental of Ash with an Ogre for security, a castle, a defensive storm, use telepathy, and you're quite eloquent compared to even elder elementals.

Which adds up to a unique individual. I'd like to quantify that and allow you to evaluate me in return. Chalk it up to a failure of mortals. I know you're not here for my curiosity, but if we're to be allies, I'd like to get to know you, personally.'

[Anastasia]

'Perhaps we can come to a better situation,' The voice says. CLUNK! A second chest of platinum coins appears besides the first.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa sends Jarem, 'He's trying to bribe us to keep from meeting in person.'

[Anastasia]

'Now isn't that interesting," Jarem sends back, 'I can think of many things for Archomentals, but shy isn't one of them.'

[Iron Dragoon]

'I'm tempted to walk away.'

[Anastasia]

'Do you think this could be a setup of some kind or a scam?' Jarem asks back.

[Iron Dragoon]

'I doubt it'll go that far, but it's a matter of trust. Or am I going too far with it?'

[Anastasia]

'Tough question. The payment means he either needs you or wants you not to ask any more questions.' A consideration, 'I've heard of stranger from reliable agents. I'd say consider it and go with your gut.'

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa turns back to the chests and considers, then sends back to the Archomental, 'No deal. I'm not here to be paid off, I'm here to build an alliance and trust. I've put myself in your center of power with little chance of back up. That's my show of trust. If you're unwilling to so much as meet me face to face, I can't see this alliance building into anything significant or lasting.'

[Anastasia]

'Then leave,'  Is the demand right back.

[Iron Dragoon]

'As you wish. I truly do wish you luck with the Shar cults and bear you no ill will, so let me tell you this: whatever they're doing, they're using some form shadow manipulation to isolate the area into some odd form of almost demi-plane. The entirety of it is similar to a void and the terrain itself counters spells. However, if you can impose a different terrain type, such as with a planar bubble, you can lessen the effect. Good luck.'

With that, Alyssa turns to leave.

[Anastasia]

CLUNK! One of the two chests of platinum coins flings forward, in your path.

'You will be paid for that information,' The voice declares.