Emancipation

[Corwin]

Seira sends a sense of acknowledgement across, intending to make that meeting with Sanzha.

[Anastasia]

Any prep for this?

[Corwin]

Just the usual combat loadout

[Anastasia]

Maldyson's is deep in Brightwater. It sits atop a small hill, a building cast of solid gold. The skies seem to rain with golden flakes and coins, never quite reaching the ground or within anyone's grasp. Here only the richest elite walk - those of Waukeen's faith or those of great wealth - mostly a few mercane. There is no guard outside, only a small, simple antechamber. All is gold within, a decorated visage of a beautiful woman on the door ahead.

"My honored lady," The voice says, "How can we serve you, Dragon Princess and former Padisha?"

[Corwin]

"Hello," Seira returns the greeting. "We have a meeting with Renshar Bolings."

[Anastasia]

"Then please, come this way," Is the invitation, the door opening.

[Corwin]

Seira heads inside!

[Anastasia]

It is a wide open place. An elegant and smooth gold and metal bar, sleek. A large, empty place high up, a railing and below the sounds of music, chatting and dining heard. Here a single mercane sits - a little on the spindly side all told, slowly sipping and then sloshing about a shot glass of something dark and likely strong. He wears a silk mantle along with rich, fur lined clothes that are surely warm. He has large, dark eyes that dominate his face, a tiny little slip of a mouth and nose paired with it.

"Seira Aryn," The mercane rises, "An unexpected chance, I do not expect such meetings in retirement."

[Corwin]

"Wouldn't you say that retirement is exactly the right time to make such acquaintences?" Seira muses, taking a seat next to him. "After all, we are no longer beholden to other powers but ourselves, granting us greater freedom to decide our parh."

[Anastasia]

"Pretty words, my Lady," Rald says, "But reality and words rarely match."

Sanzha sits as well, "How true they do not, as the tides and times forever erode and reshape us."

"Yet tomorrow is always more beautiful than today, until it becomes today." Rald finishes, "Hamazi Wetcloaked, the Doomed."

"Ah, a student of the classics," Sanzha smiles ever so faintly. "I've always felt it a sorrow that he didn't finish his Sixteen Sonnets."

"He had to live up to his title," Rald says warmly enough, "To anger a Padisha that blatantly, he knew what would happen. Subtle. Far more interesting than baring fangs and tridents."

"This is not the least bit hostile, but we have certain questions," Lady Sanzha says, "We would appreciate your help."

A nod, "We can negotiate terms, but know that certain secrets and knowledges I am bound by magic not to reveal." Rald says. He drains his glass and puts it down, which refills instantly. A barkeep is there, a stunningly handsome man in fine shape, a winning smile as he asks, "Can I serve either of you, my ladies?"

"Anything properly marid that isn't wine," Sanzha answers.

[Corwin]

Seira merely inclines her head at Rald's drink, saying, "I'll have what the gentleman is having."

It's always nice to try new things!

...and regret can be an important part of life.

To get back on track, Seira voices, "I wish for our discussion to remain entirely private in a similar vein. What would you consider suitable compensation for the inconvenience?"

[Anastasia]

A glass of it right off, as Sanzha gets what looks like clear water.

"30,000 gold. Preferably in your local coinage - you use Brightwater Golds, I believe?" Rald says. "I'd like it held in your own bank services, available on demand or for trade."

[Corwin]

"Done," Seira agrees. "If I might ask, what caused your retirement in the first place?"

[Anastasia]

The drink is strong and with a faintly bitter taste, though not overwhelming. It goes down smooth in spite of it. "A disagreement with certain changes in policy," Rald says at last.

[Corwin]

"I have approached the Consortium with a request to provide me with actionable information leading to the rescue of the Lost Chalice," Seira notes in a conversational tone. "Yet, I've received nothing, which is a first for me. I also received no response to my proposal to limit dealing with slavers on the eve of yhe Abolition War. Combined with the recent change in management, I have to wonder whether an internal coup realigned with histile interests."