Diplomatic aftermath

[Corwin]

"Regrettably, we are now at war," Seira responds. "Has the Lich Queen indicated any interest in taking part in this conflict?"

[Anastasia]

"At this time the Lich Queen has not expressed such sentiment to me," Xa'dani replies, spreading his hands out. "She also hungers for your words on why this war has come to pass."

[Corwin]

"You are aware, of course, of how the efreet raid the various Primes for slaves?"

[Anastasia]

"I am," The ambassador says, not missing a beat.

[Corwin]

"I was trying to work through diplomatic channels to change that, while Celestia sent skirmishers to deal with that issue outright. The efreet, shamed by their failures to do anything about those skirmishers, demanded that we and our allies formally acknowledge the practice of slavery by the Efreet Empire and allow it to exist indefinitely." Seira scoffs. "They refused to so much as consider any path towards reducing their reliance on enslaved sentients, the Grand Sultan calling it a matter of pride and history for them. Since we weren't willing to go even farther than the pre-existing status quo and formally accede to their demands, negotiations broke down."

Seira pauses, before adding, "It would please me if you tell Queen Vlaakith that I tried every avenue of negotiations I could think of, and received not a shred of willingness to meet somewhere midway. That said, as the efreet brought the matter to open war, it is a war I intend to win."

[Anastasia]

"I will ensure that the Queen understands and hears your words," the diplomat agrees, face pinched-looking, yellow-sallow and unpleasant. "Is there anything else you wish to inform the Lich Queen of?"

[Corwin]

"I understand that the conflict is not one the Lich Queen would naturally find herself drawn to, nor am I asking her to fight my battles for me," Seira responds. "At the same time, we have worked together in the past to ensure Astral's independence, most recently in that incursion from Acheron before the dimensional tear was successfully fixed. I believe it is in our best interest to keep foreign powers from establishing footholds upon Astral, given the inevitable escalation by all those who have kept their distance thus far."

[Anastasia]

"I will ensure that your words are heard before the Queen," The diplomat says and bows, "Thank you for your time, Dragon Princess. May your war be victorious and glorious."

[Corwin]

"Thank you," Seira tells the ambassador, "and please deliver my regards to the Lich Queen."

[Anastasia]

Anything else to add here, then?

[Corwin]

No. Is there anything else awaiting me?

[Anastasia]

At the moment no, you have a chacne to react.

[Corwin]

Hi, Lathander, Seira contacts one of her most favorite deities once she's alone. I thought it a good idea to contact you in person, given recent events. You've already heard about our war with efreet over slavery, I assume? So far, the devils are making the pretense of staying out of it, thought the efreets' subjugated races and dao allies are all in.

[Anastasia]

Lathander is heard as if right next to you.

"I heard. What a good idea!" Lathander says, voice energetic.

[Corwin]

It's taken me places I didn't want to go, but in the end if they want to die to protect their time-honored traditions of trampling on the dignity of another person for their own sick amusement, such is life. I'm still hoping enough of them realize their mistake while there still is enough efreet to have an empire. And so, I decided to see where you stand on this. Celestia is obviously in, and the Court of the Stars supports my efforts. I suspect the Seldarine and Sylica will offer support as well, just as would my allies across the Inner Planes, and the Aurora cannot really stay out of the conflict since the efreet got it into their heads that they're one of their antagonists.