Relief

[Nephrite]

Go ahead.

"I'm Moore. Nice to meet you." He says. "What was the purpose of this?"

[Anastasia]

There is some evidence Shar works against you in Grumbar's court. It's far from certain, but it is possible.

'To meet you.' The answer is simple and to the point, spoken in your minds.

Sylvie slowly regards him, but lets you talk.

[Nephrite]

That would be one explanation as to why he stonewalled- ah, excuse me, why he was so stubborn about the matter... If I hear anything contrary to this or otherwise I will inform you.

'Very well.'

A bow is offered. 'I am Moore of Celestia. I am aware that may put me at a disadvantage, but you've been honest so far so I will be honest in return. If there's something you want to know I'll share it. I'm sure you may be curious as to why I'd even find myself dealing with the Pale Mother and her ilk.'

He projects this into his and Sylie's mind both, also projecting his answers to her.

[Anastasia]

That was a terrible turn of phrase.

Beware of one called Asani, she is one of Shar's and may be behind this. Capture her if you come on her if at all possible.

'Not really.' The answer is disinterested. 'What do you seek from me?'

[Nephrite]

Sorry! Will do, if we come across her I'll let you know.

'We are performing an operation that will cause some upheaval on the Abyss. We want to solve the problem of the Hecatoncheires, and I've been told that Orcus, among the Pale Mother's followers will likely interfere. Whatever you can tell us about them would be compensated. Zquujaj is the one I believe you may have the most information on.'

[Anastasia]

'I can speak of him.' Bland agreement, '50,000 gold coins of standard denomination. Toss them into a volcano's lava well within and leave.'

[Nephrite]

'It will be done.' Moore says. 'Please share what you know. If you need the payment first that can be arranged.'

[Anastasia]

'Not until it's done. I'll wait.' The answer is bland as well, voice bored and disinterested in your mind.

[Nephrite]

Meanwhile, the real Moore will magic up a the bag of money and pick a random plane with a volcano on it (Fire?) and do as has been requested.

[Anastasia]

This is done easily enough.

[Nephrite]

'Done.' Moore says, as he waits patiently.

[Anastasia]

'Zquujaj serves Pale Night,' Is the answer, 'What details do you want to know?'

[Nephrite]

'Why would he care at all about the Hecatoncheires?' Moore asks. 'It seems like that's more of a hinderance to them than anything. Why would they intervene if they found out there was something happening to remove it from the Abyss?'

[Anastasia]

'The answer is unclear, but I suspect Pale Night.' Is his reply, 'Who else could? He serves her and more importantly, serves her interests.' He stands there, motionless. 'I've heard he said that he will brook no rivals.'

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. 'Very well. Regardless, please tell me what you know about Zquujaj's tactics, then, or how he might go about trying to be an interference.'