As you walk along, out of the dungeons, Elena joins you. "Do you want 27's prophecy as well? It mentions you."
"Of course it does," Jaela mutters. "Alright, hit me."
"Aaaah," Elena giggles, "He likes you as well as Hanna. Isn't that adorable?"
"Eh, let's go with that. What is it?"
"Ahem," Elena clears her throat, wearing robes and carrying a staff. "To quote: She won't be here forever, but long enough, because of the choices she made. You have less time than you think once half a score of days have passed. Nine watch you, but they are not the dreaded nine, but instead the nine of the ninth. Beware the Grim Fiend, for he leads them on an unholy mission. Afina will face him in Lifasa's bowels as the final battle comes closer - alone. You have to survive, because you'll meet her again when it's all done, but before the end. Jaela's destiny has finally cleared, rejoice. Save Lifasa. You can't help her now, no one can. She knows what's coming."
"Is there a translation, too?" Jaela inquires, switching to robes of her own to compliment Elena's outfit.
"I know the Grim Fiend is Aesmadeva, the bodyguard of Asmodeus and leader of the Ashmaida. Are you familiar with them?" Elena asks.
"And the She part? What's the context here? If it's said about me, that's kinda sad."
"I don't think it's about you, but let me add the clarifications Moore got out of 27. Ahem: Beware the Grim Fiend, but he only connects to one other sentence. You must understand that." A pause, "Then he said: You are wrong. Afina will not fight the Grim Fiend, for if she does, she will die." Another pause, "Oh, and then he added this: "The one her destiny is tangled with now: Gathgorian. Even if Lifasa is saved but Afina falls to Gathgorian and he survives, a threat as grave as Taelfagn will rise. Gathgorian may become the one to sunder all chaos beneath his blade. He has seen his path and the way to triumph, but he must overcome Afina. He may be the one to understand the meaning of the banished Archdukes and forge meaning from the meaningless."
"If it was to Moore then wouldn't the She be Ilsenine?" Jaela suggests. "Strange. She seemed fine when I just saw her. Do you know anything I don't about her, Elena?"
"Nothing like that. I don't think Moore's sure of who it is, either," Elena admits. "It's 27. Unless you want to try and shake answers out of him?"
"Maybe later. Have Mom ask him while we go have a chat with the visiting mercane."
"I will," Elena says, and from there you're taken to the mercane.
The mercane wears scarlet and blue robes, sitting down and slowly eating an apple slice. He places it down with great care as you enter. "Ah." His voice is slow, ponderous. "General Jaela of Aurora, I presume?"
The mercane rises and bows to you, "Have introductions been made yet?"
"I am indeed Jaela of Aurora," she allows, approaching him. "You have me at a disadvantage, however."
"Enthuzal," The mercane says slowly, enunciating the strange name. "Diplomat and trader at large, serving those who need my valued services." He slowly sits down after that, wincing as he does. He slowly picks up his bit of apple and finishes it off. "I come with diplomatic entreaties and messages for you."
"Let's hear them, then, Enthuzal," Jaela says, sitting down opposite him.
Ever so slowly, Enthuzal takes out a wrapped scroll from his robes. "Read this first and sign it. It is a pact I wrote up myself that ensures that what you read and discuss here stays confidential. My client or clients wish to remain discreet."
Jaela accepts the scroll and looks over the contract.
Have ranks in anything relevant?
Profession: Writer at +31, Sense Motive at +15, any knowledge at +18
Roll Profession and Sense Motive.
Taking ten for writing for 41, divine insight with taking ten for sense motive 40.
It's a fairly standard pact - you've seen them before. You can't spread information or tell others of what he's going to tell or show you here without permission. It's fairly well done and with no obvious loopholes.
Since there aren't any hidden conditions, Jaela decides to confirm how the contract is being enforced on both sides.
Checking with magic as well, of course.
A powerful magic that binds to both of you. Fairly standard contract geas, really.
Jaela puts her signature to the contract, before sliding it over to the visiting mercane for his own signature to seal the deal.
Done and done. The contract glows brightly, the mercane sloooowly rolling it up and putting it away. Once done, "I presumed you were familiar with these sort of things, but are there any questions?"
"Those can wait until you tell me what this whole thing is about."
"I come bearing a message from Fierna," The mercane begins, "Firstly, she wishes to inquire if you plan to challenge Bel directly, or if you will be content with a lesser goal?"
"What sort of lesser goal?" Jaela asks, not confirming anything for free,
"Merely going after a Duke of Hell or lesser creature," Enthuzal replies, carefully drumming a finger on the table.
"I see," Jaela says with a curt nod. "Let's move on to Fierna's offer. What is she bargaining with, and what does she expect to receive in exchange?"
"My answer to that is contingent on your answer to that first inquiry," Enthuzal answers, waiting several moments. "What say you?"
"My goal is to free Lifasa and crush anyone in my way."
"If you succeed, it is likely a plethora of officers and nobles will be disgraced, including those on the battlefield. Tell me, do you have any preference prosecuting actual devils versus fallen celestials?" The mercane asks, speaking carefully, slowly.
The fallen would surely hate her more, but given that regular devils want a literal fate worse than death for her Jaela doubts it makes much of a difference. "Once again," she responds just as carefully, "I intend to free my world. Those that stand in my way will be destroyed, be they devils by birth or fallen celestials. Beyond the scope of that, I'm not about to seek out one or the other. I am, however, anxious to get to the point."
"Lady Fierna would view it favorably if devils are disgraced and slaughtered, but fallen suffer milder fates," The mercane says. "In any of your affairs regarding your war to free Lifasa and other actions against Hell. If you are favorable, there are considerations and offers."
"How many traitors with their sigils is she offering?" Jaela asks, all businesslike. "And what sort of timeframe is she proposing? Hours? A day? Two?"
"She is not offering any traitors at this time," Enthuzal says, "She is offering funds and other intelligence."
"I'm sorry, that's the only thing I'm interested in at present."
A long pause as the mercane considers, "Are you certain? There are other offers to make as well, if you'd prefer or be interested in other types of compensation."
"I'm afraid so. If she were offering Lixer's head on a platter I might reconsider, but I sincerely doubt that given even those losers aren't on the table. A shame you came here and wasted your time, seems like?"
"I get paid regardless," The mercane says, "Standard, so that I don't influence negotiations unduly," Ever so slowly he rises and offers you his hand, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Jaela."
"Likewise," she returns, shaking it.
The mercane then takes out another scroll. "If you ever need the services of a diplomat," he says, "For a meeting that's not politically palatable for you."
"Certainly," Jaela agrees, accepting it.
Ready to merge with Afina?
In an entirely platonic way, yes.
Okay, locking this thread.