A taste of the southern wind (Jaela, 89 days left)

[Corwin]

Trusting in her modest protection against the element, Jaela readily shakes the proffered hand. "Hell won't stop cheating, which given devil nature of rigid adherence to the rules is ironic."

[Anastasia]

A firm handshake, "Hell obeys its own rules and regulations as it sees fit," Valyse says coolly again, no emotion in his voice. He sits once the handshake his done. "The Frostmaiden has no desire to see Hell claim Lifasa fully, to drag it to a place where it will never know winter's caress again. Practical considerations render direct aid infeasible." A pause, a firm look at your wings rather than your face. "Nevertheless, the Frostmaiden is willing to offer some aid. We have a previous accord, she wishes to expand it."

[Corwin]

The first part is as she expected, going in. Their agreement with Auril means that Auril will lose out on her chance at Lifasa if the devils destroy or claim it. The second part, however....

"Expand it how?" she asks curiously, deciding to move the conversation towards the topic the emissary came here to discuss.

[Anastasia]

"Far away from any lands near the equator of Lifasa lies a handful of islands. Less than a dozen total, all the result of a cluster of volcanoes. When Lifasa is reclaimed, Auril wishes to freeze them and the water within and around them, to make a large island of eternal winter within summer's grip of power."

[Corwin]

"That might prove difficult, with direct aid off the table," Jaela admits. "Normally, we might leverage information into action, but due to Bel's actions we've been put on the clock. All our assets will be occupied with launching strikes against devils rather than pursuing information outside the immediately actionable. And...." She glances at her own wings, much like he had just then. "Those same patrons are now offering that already, given the situation."

Aside from being a negotiation tactic, what seems like haggling at first glance is really Jaela waiting to see what the actual offer is in clearer terms.

[Anastasia]

"Time is of no essence," Valyse replies as he folds his hands together, watching you all the while. His eyes are a deep white, matching the rest of him. "Auril would not begin this until after Lifasa is saved. All we ask is Aurora's agreement and promise, not immediate action. In return?" The man snaps his fingers.

One of the robed men produces a large jewelry box, "Within are a set of 12 flawless blue and white diamonds known as Winter's Stars. They are estimated in value at 150,000 gold. Sold, they will provide Aurora with additional funds. They are Aurora's as support should an agreement be reached."

A second snap of Valyse's fingers brings the second robed man forward. He places a slender wand, perhaps a foot long and made of ivory inlaid with blue ice, on the table next to you. "This is Evercold, a minor artifact that can eternally cast polar rays, three at a time, though each must be aimed at a different target. The wand is not limited by charges and can be used endlessly. It is Aurora's until Lifasa is freed or lost if you agree." Valyse says, holding one moment.

Then a third snap of his fingers. The third man places a chunk of shimmering silver rock, silvery light shedded from it. "This is said to be a small peace of the true moon, one of Selune's lost fragments from her first battle with Shar at the beginning of everything. While Selune herself cannot reclaim it, it would empower any magical weapon empowered by the moon, such as General Adrian's Gaelach. It is yours to keep if you agree to this offer."

[Corwin]

Jaela considers the offer, nodding as each robed man presents a gift to the Crusade. Aside from the money, they are priceless. And yet....

"On behalf of Aurora, I thank your goddess for her generosity," Jaela responds. "Yet, at this time, we are focused on bringing our forces to the best standard possible. If Adrian or another of our officers had to take time off for training with an unfamiliar weapon, it would distract us at this crucial junction of the Crusade. It is my opinion that the shifts that might come as a result of expanding our agreement with the Frostmaiden might well hazard the successful execution of the original accord."

[Anastasia]

Valyse merely accepts that and then says, "Is that final, or do you desire a counter offer?"

[Corwin]

"It is final. Aurora will respect our current agreement and will be honored to have the Frostmaiden on Lifasa after our victory against the devils, as should have been in the first place."

[Anastasia]

"I wish you good fortune against Hell," Valyse rises, the items taken away by his underlings. As he does so, Morniel comes in.

"I apologize, another matter pulled me away, General Jaela," Morniel says, walking briskly back to the table.

[Corwin]

"Thank you, Emissary Valyse," Jaela responds formally, nodding her acknowledgement at Morniel afterwards.

[Anastasia]

Vaylse and company head out. Once gone, Morniel sits and asks, "How did the meeting go?"

[Corwin]

"Fairly well," Jaela responds. "Unfortunately, they only offered cash and a couple artifact. Aside from a boost to Adrian's combat power, it was useless to us for the goal of freeing Lifasa, and they wanted to shift the balance upon it once it was freed. That was a poor idea, given our proposal to Auril was based on the need for balance. I'm not sure where breaking that reason would've lead us, so I declined."

[Anastasia]

"Hmmm...." Morniel bows his head and considers, "I have a few theories."

A pause to clear his throat, "The first is that Auril intends to break the pact and make a play for Lifasa. Unprovable and perhaps unlikely, but it cannot be discounted. It is also risky and endangers her current agreement with us, so I find it unlikely."

"The second is that Auril anticipates fire and summer being stronger in Lifasa afterwards. Hell is mainly a fire-dominated plane, two layers excepted. She may strive to bolster the balance rather than overthrow it. Though if that was the aim, it was either meant to be self evident or was not mentioned. I find both unlikely, so...I do not know, but I do not put strong stock into this theory, either." Morniel's head is still bowed, hand on his chin.

"Third, this offer was meant to be rejected," Morniel says, "The reasons why could be many, but I do not know nor can I discern details as is."

[Corwin]

"I rejected it while reaffirming our existing agreement, so if she was looking at a show of disrespect, I'm afraid I disappointed her," Jaela muses. "I wouldn't look too much into this. She probably thought to get a better deal, but made a mistake by not offering direct support. After all, if we'd been forced to choose between her soldiers or our ties with our current allies, it would've been ideal for her."

She shrugs, then. "If circumstances force us to reconsider, I figure we could reach out with minimum fuss. Now, before I head off to deal with my prep, was that a private business you had to take care of, or would you like to share the details with me?"