Diplomatic aftermath

[Anastasia]

A slight nod of agreement, Renbuu lost to his eating. Donald himself is tucking as meanwhile, 'Then out with it. It's about what the Padisha offered you, doubtlessly.'

[Corwin]

'What do you think of my efforts of late? Of my successes, or my struggles?'

[Anastasia]

Ben-Hadar looks out past Renbuu, taking in the coral and all beyond it.

'You aren't dead, so you're doing something right,' Ben-Hadar replies right back.

[Corwin]

'I'm still stirring things up, and if anything, I've picked up the pace. I know it'll come with a price, but inaction and tacit approval of the current status quo comes with prices of their own. If it's like that, I'd rather pay the price of action in the hopes of a better outcome. Once more, I'd like to ask for your support in helping make that happen, Ben-Hadar.'

[Anastasia]

'You mean the efreet?' Ben-Hadar asks back, blandly.

[Corwin]

'I'm fighting them and the dao on behalf of all those people who had their dignity stolen from them. As a smart man said once, I haven't started this fight but I'll damn well finish it.'

[Anastasia]

'Then I wish you well.' Ben-Hadar takes a glass, raising a silent toast to you. 'Water's role in this coming conflict has been spoken for.'

[Corwin]

'By the King of Water Elementals?'

[Anastasia]

With a long look, 'Who else could? I know not why she went this way instead of informing you personally.' Ben-Hadar says.

[Corwin]

'Do you agree with that decision?' Seira asks frankly. 'I can seek an audience with Istishia, but it is meaningless if you don't believe in the cause of abolition across the Inner Planes or that we could put an end to it by working together.'

[Anastasia]

'I don't like it,' Ben-Hadar says, flatly. 'But I have little urge to be struck down by the Water Lord.'

[Corwin]

'I'm suddenly struck by the urge to visit the Water Lord,' Seira muses. 'Could you recommend the best approach for that?'

[Anastasia]

"This is amazing," Donald looks up, "What sort of caviar is this?"

Renbuu clears his throat and pauses after a bite, "Magically enhanced," he says, "A testament to the art of cooking!"

Ben-Hadar ignores that and instead sends, 'Be patient and be respectful. She proceeds at her own current and her own times.'

[Corwin]

'So I will. You have my thanks,' Seira responds, trying that caviar Donald's so excited about.

[Anastasia]

It's spectacular - an explosion of well tuned flavor into your mouth.

Renbuu meanwhile turns and sniffs in your direction, "You smell like your servant Kascha," he says, "I smelled her on Aurora.