Phoenix

[Corwin]

Seira nods at his words. "I too have thought about this, but my conclusion as to what changes in the future? Not much. The other elemental lords will crush those they see as young upstarts, they would be fools not to, and the time to do that would be now before anyone gathers the necessary power to challenge them from within. As for Fire, a victory like this will be costly, and the victor would be greatly weakened, to the point of not being able to project their power effectively outside Fire. In the long term, there would be changes, yes... but we'll never get that far due to the Shar threat that everyone is aware of, whether they believe in Primus's Prophecy or not. The conflict against her will overshadow anything, and its outcome will do the same."

She gives the Khan a smile of her own. "The only doors to truly be opened have already done so. This situation, considered unthinkable by all, has come to pass. That is not something anyone can ever take back, and it is my hope that the elemental lords keep that in mind while interacting with others. In that, and in the challenge to Kossuth's authority right now, lie benefits to be seized, to better position oneself in the conflicts ahead."

[Anastasia]

The Great Khan sits back, shadows over his face as he does. After a silent consideration of your words, "And what of you in Fire should the Firebrand triumph, everything else aside?"

[Corwin]

"An interesting possibility," Seira acknowledges. "In the end, Kossuth must defeat the Crimson Firebrand in single combat, or he won't be able to solidify his control over Fire. So it is true that despite our efforts, the outcome might not be favorable to him. While this is quite unlikely, I suppose that in that case I'll go for it myself. After all, wouldn't you say that I am the third strongest power on Fire at present, despite not being a true native?"

[Anastasia]

"Stronger than Zaaman Rul, at least," The Great Khan concedes. "And what of our treaty? I believe the current situation may prove amenable to renegotiation."

[Corwin]

"I'm listening."

[Anastasia]

"Cooperation in this matter works both ways. The restrictions on slavery in our..."

"No." Amaryl speaks up here, "No." Again, stronger. "Not on this. Not after all the blood that was shed for that."

[Corwin]

"Amaryl is right. Some matters are up for negotiations, but this concerns our core values. When it comes to those, I'm willing to fight as much as it takes. Rather, what I'm open to is assisting in bettering your economic situation. Trade, investment, acting as an intermediary for markets that were closed before you thus far."

[Anastasia]

"Gather up your proposals," The Great Khan says, "I will consider your words."

[Nephrite]

Meanwhile, Moore comes divinely calling!

Hi Seira. Do you have a second to discuss whatever is currently going on in Fire if you know? I've been asked to potentially assist In a matter between the current Sultan of the Efreet and Kossuth's envoys to Lord Crystalle of Mineral.

I'm guessing something has happened since this doesn't sound like Akil's doing.

[Corwin]

"I believe my first proposal is clear enough on its own. A safe path of staying out of the conflict and supporting Kossuth via intelligence and diplomacy that ultimately shouldn't cost you much if anything, and stands to get you artifacts and wealth. A genuine alliance, however, that has your forces fight on Kossuth's side would see the ancient dao artifacts that reside on Fire returned to their proper place. Kossuth will match the Crimson Firebrand's proposal where it comes to trade concessions on Fire, and provide half again of the wealth the Crimson Firebrand is offering. The Cauldron will offer its intermediary and banking services to the dao, aiding in introductions to forces presently hostile to the dao and allowing for the transfer of goods that the Cauldron deals with at favorable rates. Finally, Kossuth will entertain any single request you might have, Great Khan, so long as it isn't harmful to Fire and is within his power to grant."

Pausing for a moment, Seira adds, "That's as far as the proposal itself goes, but I should note my personal observations from earlier as well. It is quite possible that the planar lords would wish to see Kossuth weakened or outright replaced for their own reasons, but should it actually come to pass, they would certainly never trust those who helped the Crimson Firebrand make it happen. Not only that, they would be fools to not move against them right away to minimize the threat to them. I will probably not be the only one to see direct support for the Crimson Firebrand as the first step to a declaration of intent in following on his footsteps on Earth."

[Corwin]

At Moore's message, Seira responds to him with, Please come to the Cauldron in an hour, and I'll fill you in.

[Anastasia]

A nod as the Great Khan rises, acknowledgement. "For now, our conversation is finished."

[Nephrite]

I'll be there.

[Corwin]

"Thank you for seeing us on such short notice," Seira responds, rising herself. It's time for them to go home!

[Anastasia]

Indeed, you head home as...

D-d-double questions!

Seira, any set up for this meeting?

Moore, who is coming?