War

[Nephrite]

"It takes some getting used to, I know." Moore says to Kaja. "Come on, we should hurry. They may even try and jump us here." He says as he rushes forward along the familiar path!

[Anastasia]

Kaja exhales slowly, "It is both Heaven and Hell," he remarks as you all follow the path.

Xandra merely adds, "Keep it as a Heaven, rather than letting your instincts turn it into a Hell."

The grunt from Kaja is rather unfriendly, but he lets it go at that.

Soon enough you approach Crystalle's palace, gleaming and bright. The gates are open for you.

Moore, I welcome you again. Speak, for I can hear you.

[Nephrite]

Moore simply holds up the declaration of war from Barachiel.

"Lord Crystalle, I come bearing news you may not be surprised to hear. Celestia has officially gone to war with the Efreet Empire." He says, leaving it at that for Crystalle to decide how to proceed afterwards.

[Anastasia]

War comes again, as it always does and always will. A pity.

"A tragedy," Cresiel agrees, "But in this war something better will rise from the ashes. There is no sin in pursuing a just war to crush evil."

The maw of war is greedy, greedier than the souls of those who come to Mineral to become rich. It consumes without end and without satiation. It is as feeding a glutton and hoping something worthwhile grows from his shit.

At this Jetina smiles faintly, "That may be so, but ah...you do understand fertilizers for farming?" Coughing discreetly, "To continue the metaphor, sir."

Xandra gives Jetina a sidelong look, "I am glad I do not need to eat, for my appetite is now curdled."

I will not offer forces, Mineral stays out of such wars and we are busy and entangled with Ogremoch. If you are here for support, I will give it in other ways.

[Nephrite]

"I did come to ask for support, though not necessarily in the way of forces." Moore agrees. "I consider you an ally and a friend of mine personally, Lord Crystalle. I, of course, am happy to provide you aid against Ogremoch if you wish it. I do wish to say one thing on the matter of this war, though."

He clears his throat. "This is not just a war for the sake of wars, this is a war of ideals, of hope and change. This a war to liberate slaves across all the planes from the Efreet. It was not that long ago that I did also find myself aiding earth elementals who had been slaves and helping to liberate them."

A small pause as he considers something.

"I only want you to know that I will continue to do as I always have, to bring hope to the hopeless against those who would try and control and hold others against their will. Know that regardless, Hope's Landing will always stand with you and Mineral. You may always call on me to help aid you, as I did with the Sharrans and will continue to do." He finally says.

I am pretty sure the details of this are right, but if you remember them differently let me know.

A pause before he continues. "We will accept whatever support you are willing to share." He says.

[Anastasia]

I see. Is this an official request from Mount Celestia?

[Nephrite]

Moore closes his eyes.

"You know, the last time I spoke for the Hebdomad, I got myself into a pickle, as they say." Moore says with a bit of a grin. He opens his eyes after that. "The relationship that I have with you and Mineral was formed before I began working with Mount Celestia. Nonetheless, I do not believe we would be going to war if the Master of the Illuminated Heavens did not see a reason in doing so." He says, as he takes in another breath.

Another long, silent pause as he considers his words.

"I will not ask you to abandon your principals and to thrust Mineral into a war you do not believe in. This war is similar to the one you have with Ogremoch -- it is a war of ideals, of what is right and what is wrong. I am making this request as Duke Moore of Celestia, and as a friend to Mineral -- but understand that I have no reservations of offering you aid first, if that would allow you more freedoms." Moore says.

[Anastasia]

Then I will answer in kind. No service or payment is needed now, for I know you are worthy of aid and will repay favors. Who all is participating in this war and do they need funds?

[Nephrite]

Moore smiles. "I do not know the list of our allies currently, but I would be surprised if those generally aligned with our ideals do not join. The Cauldron is definitely participating, as I would imagine the Padisha's Marid. I do not know how involved Aurora will get, but they will likely take steps as Hell gets involved." Moore explains.

"If you would like, you are welcome to send a representative to Hope's Landing in Lunia who can stay in direct contact with you, as well as to oversee everything that's going on. I can relay any information we have to them so you can be kept up to date." Moore says. "As for funds... that is a surprisingly difficult question to answer. Cresiel, Xandra, what do you two think? I would imagine most of the funding would come from Jovar for us, don't you think?" He turns to look at the two of them!

[Anastasia]

Xandra agrees, "If we need money, it will be provided. We do not need it, but others might. What of the forces doing war with us?"

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "That's sensible." He turns back to face Crystalle's Palace.

"It is likely they will need funding." Moore says. "I can coordinate that with you if that would make things more simple."

[Anastasia]

It will be done.

Do you have any force/people in mind for this in particular?

[Nephrite]

Do you mean to be funded or to do the coordinating?

[Anastasia]

Funded.

[Nephrite]

That I have no idea on, since I don't know who's participating! We can probably just have Crystalle and Romiel (or whoever is coordinating the war effort on Celestia's side) hash that out off screen.