The gift of ash

[Nephrite]

He nods to all of them after their feedback.

"I understand the concerns. I also agree with the fact that there has to be more to this we aren't seeing, and how we approach it. Like I said earlier, I don't think it's better for us to ignore this... perhaps we're playing into his hands by overthinking this at all, but I agree that there's more to this... but I suppose the ultimate question is: Do we pursue it to try and find the truth? My opinion is that we do, while staying vigilant of the shadows and deception here."

[Anastasia]

Quick question since I need to know: Are you actively trying to convince them, to the point of using Diplomacy?

[Nephrite]

That's honestly hard to say, he's just being honest with how he wants to proceed. I would lean more towards yes that he's trying to convince them.

[Anastasia]

"I'm against it," Xandra says, "It's too much of a trap."

"Do you think you can find the truth against a daemon lord?" Cresiel asks back.

[Nephrite]

Moore bows his head. "I do think I'm uniquely qualified to see through them." He says, quietly. "But... well. How about this - I agree to meet him in Mechanus and bring Sylvie along. We can at least find out the specifics of what he wants and what he'd be offering. We don't have to agree to do anything, but I think this at least gets some information for us. There's no worry of being trapped in the lies if we don't actually agree to any terms."

[Anastasia]

"It's better than going to the Nadir," Cresiel admits.

"Good enough that I can keep an eye on him. You owe me my next time up on the Moore watch, though," Sylvie adds, "That fine, Cresiel?"

Cresiel's answer is a nod.

[Nephrite]

"I wonder if we should invite Miss Antenora along. What do you think?" Moore asks. "I think it might put him in a rather interesting position."

[Anastasia]

"It's..." Sylvie muses, "Well, it can't make things any worse."

[Nephrite]

"The worst is he just leaves and we have our answer." Moore says.

Hello, Antenora. I hope I am not catching you at a bad time - I have a favor to ask of you regarding The Adversary.

[Anastasia]

Go on.

[Nephrite]

He has an artifact that apparently only someone with a bardic touch can unlock. He's promised some sort of 'great gift' in return for help. Trust me, we're not believing it at all.

I wanted to invite you to a meeting with him tomorrow in Mechanus - I want to see it for myself so we at least know what kind of tool or weapon he may have at his disposal and see if we can turn the tables a little on his plans.

[Anastasia]

I see.

Please wait a short while, events occupy me. I will be in touch as swiftly as possible.

[Nephrite]

Please take your time, you are welcome to come visit when you are able.

"Something's going on over in Sylica, or so I guess, Antenora will be over soon and we can discuss the matter further." Moore says. "But for now I think we have a good plan to go with."

[Anastasia]

"For now," Sylvie reflects, "How can we make it better? We have enough of a show of force, that's not a problem at least."

[Nephrite]

Moore rubs his chin. "We should probably give some consideration to what we could get out of The Adversary to begin with? If this artifact is... strong enough that he's willing to come to someone completely aligned differently than he is, then it must be potentially very strong." Moore says.

He hums once. "Or... maybe... is it possible that he actually can't figure out how to utilize it at all, but just knows someone with bardic aptitude can?" He says.