Onwards

[Anastasia]

Brigara's answer is to go stony faced - but you catch it. The faintest flinch, a tell.  You're pretty sure something hit home there.

Cresiel takes 10 on K:P.

"Akil has slave contacts and strong relations with Baator. Your family member fell into Mammon or Dispater's service," Is the conclusion he comes to. "I doubt devils give this sort of access lightly and Akil has the influence to do such a thing. More importantly," With narrowed eyes, "He's willing to invest into this. This offer isn't some casual thing or lark, no. Instead, the question is: Is Akil pulling the strings for this or is someone in Hell pulling the strings? Imagine how much Hell would value installing their own personal choice of Grand Sultan over the efreet."

"I couldn't comment," Brigara finally says.

[Nephrite]

Moore offers a smile. "You need not answer, you've suffered enough with the knowledge that you have." A nod and a bow to Brigara. "I'm sorry to have brought up a painful subject for you, but I hope you can understand why. I do not wish to put you in a position to be hurt by any of this, but this revelation helps us better frame what is going on beyond this correspondence. For that, you truly have my thanks."

[Anastasia]

A cool look before, "Regardless, do you have an immediate reply to any of this to pass on?"

[Nephrite]

"The meaning is understood, and please wait for our reply." Moore says.

[Anastasia]

In that case, anything else to do here?

[Nephrite]

There is not, we shall return and see who wants to talk to us.

[Anastasia]

Reporting the info in then, I presume?

[Nephrite]

Correct.

[Anastasia]

Go ahead and write out your verbal report then? This is a situation where exact words could well matter.

[Nephrite]

Akil ban Faheem, or someone trying to impersonate him, has made two statements.

One, he wishes to discuss starting negotiations to end this wary. A war of futility in his words - both sides strike but the mass of both sides is too strong. A chance to end this war before it spirals out of control and no one wins. This would take place in a neutral location.

Second, if the first is rejected, A proposal to permanently adjust the political landscape of the City of Brass, that the current Grand Sultan's reign may be close to an end.

We believe that there may be involvement from Hell in this, from speaking to the neutral party involved and are also concerned as to why the message was delivered to myself, rather than those higher in position.

[Anastasia]

Your report is heard by Erathaol, who after merely says, "There are indeed angles and politics in play," he says, What is your opinion of this from your perspective, Moore?"

[Nephrite]

"It almost feels like Akil wins either way with these options. If we take the first one and he's able to broker peace, he'd be seen as a visionary. It might even lead to The Grand Sultan being dethroned anyway..." Moore says, as he snaps his fingers. "I wonder if that's the ultimate goal here, now that I think about it."

[Anastasia]

"The goal is to improve Akil's position? As a slaver, he has little to gain from peace, unless he gains something so great as to more than compensate his loss." Erathaol agrees.

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "He may be willing to give up slavery if it ensures his own rise. He probably would see The City if Brass become more like Hell somehow... well, if they have a hand here. It feels like he is leaning on them for this."

[Anastasia]

"Or aim to regain the practice in the future," Erathaol says, as the two of you are within Hope's Landing, a quiet and private discussion. "This will be considered, Moore. Do you have anything else to add?"