To Mineral! (Moore, 88 days left)

[Nephrite]

"...I think he's heard." Moore says with a smile at Morniel. Moore will fly forward and on!

[Anastasia]

Deeper in. Into the palace, into realms of wealth you can barely see, let alone proper comprehend. Diamonds the size of boulders lie about, single gemstones carved into vast chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The walls are nothing but precious metals, occasionally dotted with gemstones that form mosaics of scenes from Mineral.

"Come, come, come," The same voice bids you, to a stairway going straight up higher than you can see.

[Nephrite]

"I've always been curious what would happen if a Waukeenite came through here." Moore says with a laugh as he continues along.

[Anastasia]

"I suspect they'd pass out in sheer greed," Morniel chuckles as you walk up.

Up.

Up.

Up.

A vast cavern is at the end of the stairs. Riches beyond understanding are here - ingots of precious metals as large as houses. Gemstones bigger than wagons, stacked on each other into pyramids. Giant statues of creatures made of precious materials, perfectly wrought.  Hundreds of them, like toy soldiers left about by a titan prince.

Ahead on this, amid all of it, is a throne covered in light. A figure sits there, too bright to see, and yet the outline of it is visible. A humanoid, only a little bigger than Hanna. Or something in the shape of a humanoid, anyway.

[Nephrite]

Take 10 on K:P for 74, or K:L (Mineral) for 57 if more appropriate. He did meet Crystalle before, or maybe it was just one of the people standing in for him -- is this the real deal?

[Anastasia]

This looks to be Crystalle, or at least an incarnation or aspect of him. Details on him tend to be sketchy since Mineral's isolated.  At that point it's picking nits, though - this is Crystalle, even if it's only an aspect or avatar.

[Nephrite]

"To meet with us directly is a great honor." Moore says as he offers a proper bow. "I hope you find yourself well this day, Lord Crystalle." Moore adds with a touch of respect in his voice.

[Anastasia]

Morniel kneels and in Celestial says, "I offer you the light of my soul, Lord of the Riches. May all the gems of Mineral shine brighter."

Crystalle laughs - a beautiful, crystalline sound like a large gem being tapped and vibrating. "You've continued to make a reputation for yourself, Moore. Few visit this realm and acquit themselves so well."

[Nephrite]

Moore switches over to Terran OOC: I'm guessing Terran is the language of earth elementals anyway. and rises, only to offer another bow. "Such humbling words from the Lord of Mineral." Moore says with a smile as he rises yet again nonetheless. "I have my many allies to thank for that. Morniel was very specific when I first wished to broker diplomacy with You and Yours. I am glad to hear You still regard me in such high esteem."

[Anastasia]

"Yes, and you now come with a rumbling of urgency," Crystalle says, "The spirits of the gems speak of a disturbance, of a shift of changing times. What has happened?"

[Nephrite]

"Bel has decided to interpose himself in Aurora's desire to see Lifasa freed from Hell's grasp." Moore explains. "He came himself to the prime to try and personally thwart us and stop Aurora. I can't say I completely understand the... unspoken divine rules, as they are," He adds with a smile in Morniel's direction, "We were given very clear directives from Selune, Lathander and Erathaol to stand against this. It's my further understanding that this has... upset a rather delicate balance, I think is fair to say. Did I miss any of the salient points, Morniel? I was kind of paying attention when I was being borrowed." He looks to Morniel with a small grin for any further clarification.

[Anastasia]

"You have the core of it," Morniel says, "Lord of Riches, Bel has set foot on Lifasa and attempted to personally engage us."

Crystalle stirs on his throne, standing up, "Bel has gambled much. The Competition will not be so callously abused. Is there still hope for your realm?"

[Nephrite]

Ah, so it does have an official name... well, that makes sense.

"Yes. As of now, we have 88 days before it dies. We are making preparations now to go and drive Hell off of it forever." Moore says.

[Anastasia]

Crystalle sits back down, quiet after those words. "You come for aid to save your world? Mineral rarely shares its treasures and then only grudgingly. Tell me why I should share them with Aurora for this."

[Nephrite]

Moore clears his throat. "Lord Crystalle, I come to you both as an ally from Aurora and as someone who wishes to see a prime saved from the clutches of Hell. We do not seek to steal the riches of Mineral, nor do we wish to have you give them to us with no recompense." At this, he turns to gesture at the lavish halls around them.

"Many would see only the wealth in these halls, but in my dealings with you and those of this fine plane, I have come to understand the denizens and how you see this as opposed to those of us who live outside of it. You see the beauty in each of these treasures not because of their monetary value, but because of the splendor and the harmony that they offer to the land itself. You and everyone who lives in this place are constantly reminded of the sheer beauty that can grow from the earth itself." He turns his attention back to Crystalle himself.

"Of course, I need not lecture you on this, Lord Crystalle. I only say it so that you understand that I am not here seeking to add to Aurora's coffers by selling Mineral itself. We have always wanted a two-way diplomatic endeavor with you and I hope we have delivered on that. Whatever you give to us will be returned in kind, in whatever manner you see fit. I cannot speak for Lifasa itself and offer you land there, but I can assure you that when we save it, we would come to seek your blessing for the earth and the soil so that it can once again prosper. Again, I do not ask for your aid lightly, nor do I ask for it to be given freely. Whatever terms you wish to bind Aurora to for your aid I think we would gladly pay." A smile at Morniel at that.

"Pushing back against Hell gives you more clout with the other Elemental Houses as well, I would think. If your assistance reaches the ears of those who support Hell within the Terran halls, just think of the fear that would run through their veins (Oh Moore, you're so clever) when they learn that you had a hand in the defeat of Bel himself?" Moore says with a bright smile that he sweeps into another bow.

"It would benefit both Mineral and Aurora for us to find agreement in this, I think. Your aid for our aid. If you have matters you would wish for us to investigate on your behalf, I admit that our time may be limited, but if it is of import to you, then you have my word we will look." Moore says as he rises.