[center][h1]Deals and Diplomacy[/h1][/center]

East of the Stormfall an unusual group watched what could be vaguely called a battle. The group was composed of multiple servants carrying baskets on their back and/or holding up parasols of black gilded cloth, a few guards wearing armor of either shiny bronzer or the opaque turquoise orichalcum, all of them wearing dark cloth beneath the metal and wielding lances. Finally, two paper-white skinned women in blue uniform and a young man of olive skin and dark hair decorated with a contrasting platinum diadem. Around them laid the bodies of many wolves, their blood staining the raised lances.

One remained however, locked in a fight away from the others, a fight it could not win, because it had found itself facing the goddess of the dusk. With precision strikes, the goddess had been outright trimming its fur, fully humiliating the beast as it tried to pounce and bite at times, to reposition or retreat at others, but was always outmaneuvered, snapping at the air or finding itself facing the goddess in what was an empty escape route a moment ago. The strikes continued, either taking bits of fur or striking the ground around it, not allowing the beast to rest for a single moment. Finally, it collapsed, patting on the floor with not a whisper of energy left on its body.

At that, Dzallitsunya approached, sat down and patted its head. [color=7bcdc8]”You are a clever and dangerous beast, more so than all of your fallen comrades.”[/color] she told the animal. [color=7bcdc8]”I spared your life so that you may serve me. Do you accept this contract? You followed that Wolf King before, and he was weaker than me, no?”[/color] she smirked, her words made so that the beast could understand them.

It was not really a choice, the wolf had little option but to stand up, its body healed by the goddess’ touch, and ‘nod’ to the divine. Dzallitsunya smirked and with one more pat, marked the wolf with the symbol of her rulership, to symbolize to whom it now bowed.

[hr]

The group made it to the city of Eunomia by nightfall, some of the warriors had a certain tension in their movement as they had memories of Dzallitsunya’s last visit to a “sunlander” city, this time however, the eyes were not of animosity but of curiosity, at the parasols and odd metal work, at the white hairs and the presence of a goddess.

“If we are to set up an embassy, I would love something by the lake, perhaps into the lake, atop stilts.” the young man with the gilded outfit said.

[color=7bcdc8]”We will accept what Xavior can offer. This isn’t Tellum, this city has divine leadership which you will respect.”[/color] the goddess warned.

With no one stopping the group’s advances, she found herself walking all the way up to the temple in search of her fellow divine.

She drew looks, of course, but unlike how it was with Monica the people did not recognize this goddess on sight, so she and her delegation merely drew gazes and glances of curiosity, while her newly acquired wolf companion drew a mix of ire, fear and respect for one who could bind one of the beasts that plagued the outskirts of the 12th realm to her will. For the most part however, the city’s residents got on with their lives, working away at trade or domestic labor, or doing business using coins of various metals, all stamped with a bust of Xavior on one side and a national animal on the other, such as Goat, a Velocoraptor or a soaring Tonnikala. They came in various hues and shades, including some unnatural blue and red tinting found on low level demons who were mixed within their masses of mundane mortals, and who used their gifts for everything from heavy labor to vanity to rushing deliveries and messages across the winding streets. 

The open gateway through the wall standing before the temple provided little resistance other than a polite nod from a bored looking guard dressed in steel armor, after which they found themselves in the gardens surrounding the city’s sprawling central complex. Finding who they sought within would likely have taken some time required a guide if their target hadn’t been conveniently located in the gardens themselves. Specifically the horned god was in the middle of lunch, sitting casually at one of a number of tables laid out on a veranda overlooking the gardens.

The god was in the midst of consuming a set of bread wraps containing spiced meat and vegetables, served with a small glass of wine, while sitting opposite to his table companion, the angelic Monica. The two seemed to be in the midst of discussing something called the Ume theory, but broke off when Dzallitsunya approached alongside her delegation.

“Dzallitsunya? What an unexpected pleasure,” Xavior greeted her after getting over his surprise of seeing her “I was made aware that someone of interest was coming, but had I known you were coming I would have prepared a reception. Would you care to join us” he asked, before glancing at her entourage and briefly frowning a little at the wolf before asking “or is this a more official visit?” 

The dusk goddess was quite surprised by the presence of Monica, her senses and her scouts had been searching far and wide for her, to find her casually sitting in a table was ironically quite shocking. [color=7bcdc8]”Sorry if this is sudden, I was in enough of a rush to not send anyone ahead.”[/color] the goddess explained with a smile, bowing and extending her cape to both divinities present.

[color=7bcdc8]”I recently met with Benea as she marched her troops east. While talking to her, I realized that it would be best to re-establish contact with you and Monica. After all, our peoples are doing it already, I saw some products from my lands in the markets of your city and my lands have also had access to the uhm… surplus, of your civilization.”[/color] she tilted her head to the bronze armor of one of the guards in her party, it bore markings that made it clear it was crafted at this very city. Remembering the request from Benea’s side, the goddess advanced and hugged Xavior very briefly. 

The god was again taken by surprise by the hug, but again adapted well enough, giving her a hug back in return, before breaking of and getting back to business “ah, well… ah yes, I believe there was mention of trade occurring in the north in one of the council meetings” he cupped his bearded chin and tapped a cheek a few times before he recalled “ah, of course. The issue with it being considered ‘Smuggling’ by your people and complaints about altercations that had occurred as a result has come up if I recall correctly.” he recalled, leaving out that their response at the time had amounted to ‘stop getting caught’ and instead added diplomatically “We have attempted to discourage the antagonizing of your people in such a manner, but I think finding an official medium for exchange would benefit both civilizations. Though I am sure that discussion can wait for a more official meeting of our peoples rather than at a lunch table“

“Can I offer you and your delegation anything in that regard? Light refreshments at least after your long journey?” he then said, gesturing to a few seats by their table and a few unoccupied ones that sat around them on the veranda.

[color=7bcdc8]“I think a few of them would be very pleased with some shade and something to drink.”[/color] she turned to her group and simply signaled for them to take seats away from the table of the gods. [color=7bcdc8]”And ah, some good news for once, it's good to see that your proposed solution is the same as mine. I will admit that I have my reservations to the systems of this land, the same way you must have towards mine. Similar inventions appeared in my lands, and I suppressed them in fear of certain issues. And while your land is one of creativity and skilled craftsmen, to the far east I have reports of things being done that fulfilled my fears. Namely, slavery.”[/color] she shook her head, noticing how she derailed her point. [color=7bcdc8]“Ah, but that is irrelevant. The solution is what matters, and I am sure it will work best for both of us.”[/color]

As her group settled to the margins, the goddess found herself a chair in the main table. [color=7bcdc8]”Wish I had brought more food, perhaps some coconut chips or a bit of fire tea to share, oh well, when you are in my palace I will serve you both properly with the riches of the dusklands.”[/color] she sighed. [color=7bcdc8]”And should Benea find success in her campaign against Anak’Thas, that should be soon, she seemed eager to have us all together, setting up this alliance properly.”[/color] 

“Coordination has been a touch haphazard in that regard so far that is for certain” Xavier replied as a server wandered over and gradually worked his way through the group to find out what they all wanted to eat/drink. They hadn’t quite invented the concept of menus yet, but otherwise the setup was very much like that of a restaurant.

“So I look forward to having a proper meeting, and to setting up solid lines of communication. There’s a messenger from Anak’Thas running around the continent trying to deliver a message to Benea, likely unaware that the two are at war, the poor fellow.” he shook his head in sympathy at Finley's ordeal while taking a sip of wine, before expressing that “We really need something faster and more reliable than that” 

“I also look forward to enjoying your hospitality. I’ll cover the costs of this of course” he said, that last directed mainly at the server who approached to see if the goddess wanted anything on her own part, “and anything else you might need during your stay. Within reason anyway”

[color=7bcdc8]”Indeed. If my scouts were not pinned in Node 13 keeping the order and the law I would have them start poking in the east after the rumors of half people half birds. If civilized, those would be great couriers. This wolf too could be quite helpful but I fear he would just chew on the mail.”[/color] she took a deep breath, and then picked up a folded up blanket of a dark textile. [color=7bcdc8]”And since I just mentioned poking around. I have to confess that there is one reason above all why I came here. I am planning an expedition to the extremes of the crucible, namely, Node 34, it's on this crescent shaped island, yes?”[/color]

“I am afraid in that regard Monica has already beaten you to the punch, haven’t you sister?” Xavior replied, turning to and addressing the so far silent goddess.

[b][i]“I have claimed a node upon the southern island, and there are two that remain unclaimed. It was my intention to aid Xavior and Benea by providing them with those two nodes.”[/i][/b] Monic replied impassively after awkwardly setting down the wrapped up meat and vegetables she had been nibbling on while the other two deities spoke. [b][i]“Hmm… have you spoken with Benea prior regarding your planned expedition?”[/i][/b] She asked, tilting her head with a hint of curiosity.

Tsunya shook her head. [color=7bcdc8]”Unfortunately no, the idea came a bit after she left.”[/color] the goddess had been caught by surprise again, she did consider the possibility of someone being there, probably one of the southern gods, but not a nearby god making such a far journey. [color=7bcdc8]”It's important to me to have that node in specific. Enough to be willing to make a deal for it. Furthermore, with my plan to supply the area, it would be easy to guarantee other nodes for both Benea or Xavior and their people along the coastal provinces.[/color]

[b][i]“I have no qualms with letting you claim the node you desire, and I would even aid you, if you would accept such… but I do not speak for Benea and Xavior. Would you be kind enough to inform us of why it is important for you to claim that particular node?”[/i][/b] Monica inquired after a lingering moment of contemplative silence, glancing between Xavior and Tsunya before focusing her attention upon her cup of wine.

[color=7bcdc8]”It is the farthest of provinces, as far from the origin point where we first woke up as one can get. I am curious about the boundaries of The Crucible and its shape. Another advantage is that it's quite far, allowing me to experiment with the land as I wish.”[/color] The other goddess answered immediately, waiting before continuing as she was being served her first ever cup of sunlander tea by the temple staff, pleasant but with a taste far too soft. [color=7bcdc8]”That you are already there Monica makes it even better, I am not perfectly familiar with Maelite, but Umbrium is such a peculiar material, if a bit volatile.”[/color]

[b][i]“Forgive me for this presumption, but we seem to be kindred spirits; guided by our curiosity, sister. We share similar ambitions, and as I have said before, I would be willing to impart my aid in this endeavor.”[/i][/b] Monica murmured meekly, withholding her hesitant gaze and idly playing with her drink now, swirling the contents within the ornate cup. [b][i]“Even though we are enemies, I remain fond of you…”[/i][/b] She said, briefly peering at Dzallitsunya with a forlorn look.

This froze the dusk goddess in place, tilting her head with an almost distant look of utter confusion. [color=7bcdc8]”U… uh? … Huh? Enemies? Huh?”[/color] from the background of her last interaction with Monica this was entirely out of nowhere, her mind racing for whatever she had done to deserve such a moniker from Monica.

“I would not worry too much about being declared Monica’s enemy at this hour. The philosophical  logic behind it is… complex shall we say, but I can assure you it is not derived from malice or hate, nor has it prevented cooperation so far” Xavior supplied, giving an apologetic smile in acknowledgment of how confusing this state of affairs was. 

The goddess turned to Xavior and then to Monica, blinking rapidly a few times. [color=7bcdc8]”Oh. I see?”[/color] she turned down to stare at her tea instead.

[b][i]“Though we have spoken a mere few words to each other, our fates and the destiny of the Crucible brings us all together. We are a forged family, united and divided by the coming calamity, so I must muster all of my love and all of my hatred when we confront each other in the end, even as we confront each other now, I think.”[/i][/b] Monica mused aloud, before she resumed eating her meal.

Dzallitsunya stared at Monica again, before simply nodding. [color=7bcdc8]Indeed?[/color] she sipped her tea, trying to brute force her mind out of all the words she had just heard and their implications, given enough time she looked at the fabric she had bought and turned to Xavior. [color=7bcdc8]”So yes. Uhm. With no objections, I would like to create an expedition on the sea to the island. Something that can carry mortals. I have no good ports in my land yet, nor the people able to craft such a delicate device as an ocean-faring boat, but yours have both, Xavior. In return, I have materials that make sails of extreme quality.”[/color] 

“I’d be willing to negotiate for my claim for a nominal fee if you are interested. It is only a claim after all” Xavior had to say on the node situation, before turning to the more practical one “As for the exchange of sails for a ship, hmmm, I would have to bring in some experts in on that one to see if it is a fair deal. We are in the midst of experimenting with new ship designs as we speak” Xavior explained, and indeed the goddess had seen half built ships in the docks during her approach to the city “so I expect there will be interest on the mortal side as well for this improvement.”

Xavior took a long drought of his wine to finish it off and then continued by saying “It does not do well to presume, of course, so if we are to speak more of affairs of state, we should move this discussion to the council chambers. Once you are refreshed and ready, that is.”

[color=7bcdc8]”That would be fine by me, it seems so much of our discussion needs their presence, I would like to meet them and make my points for a possible deal.”[/color] already being refreshed the goddess stood up and signaled for some of her followers, the ones in uniform and a few of those who had baskets of goods. 

“To business then” Xavior replied, and stood up to lead the way there, though it was a little more complex than simply traveling to the chambers. Everyone else was, after all, also out on lunch break. Fortunately none had gone too far, and so after only a short wait, Dzallitsunya and her guests were welcomed into the council chambers.

The large and spacious room hosted as its centerpiece a large table off of which documents, including Brey’s disappointing response to their request for magic, were cleared, leaving only their imperfect map of the known world sat at its center, outlining various claims as well as cities, resources, and so on and so forth. Among all of these, two features of the state of the board stood out. The first was that node 18 had a sculpture of some kind of strange mass on it, and the second were stylized models of snarling wolf heads squaring off against numerous human pieces on the western edge of the border between the 12th and 18th realms.

The guests had a bit of time to examine this, along with the other occupations of the chamber, a group of well dressed humans from various walks of life (and interestingly no demons), as Xavior quickly filled them in on what had been discussed so far.

“Well, ships are at a bit of a premium after [i]someone[/i] burned all of our timber stores a few weeks ago” Argus, a well muscled man who had been quite furious about that at the time, said once it was they were up to speed “But we’ll take a look at these sails your offering,” he nodded towards a tanned women in sailors garb wearing a wide brimmed hat and a necklace of spinosaurus teeth, who moved to inspect the darklander’s wears, “and I’m sure we can help get you a good pierce in the name of good relations, yeah? It’ll be good to get this whole trade/smuggling situation worked out too after all”

The goddess talked with her own group before becoming distracted with the mass on the representation of node 18 on the map. [color=7bcdc8]”So it's spread out from east to west huh? We will need to address it later.”[/color] she commented aloud but to no one in particular while the man wearing the fanciest of clothing in his own group took the special sail and readied himself to make his sale to the sunlanders of Xavier.

[color=7bcdc8]”It is good to finally meet the council of this realm. I heard so much of you, typically a trader or another saying they would complain about their expulsion to you. I am sorry for all the troubles caused by me, and indeed, I do hope to regularize the transfer of goods.”[/color] the goddess initiated cordially. [color=7bcdc8]”For our commission of both a proper harbor and a ship we would be more than willing to bring wood from our jungles, with surplus. Now, Tallon, would you explain the sail to them?”[/color]

The young man nodded, picking up the black cloth and going to the side of his goddess. “So. This sail is made from a type of cotton, a fibrous plant not unlike flax, that grows in the salty plains of the mirror marches. Initially we started collecting and growing it because the color black of its threads was pleasant, however, we soon found out it has many qualities that are desirable.” he spread out the canvas.

“If you ever sailed with wet sails you would notice they are simply more efficient, that is because they are denser, wet sails are however also heavier, which paradoxically slows a vessel. This cloth however, is denser yet also lighter. Flexible and durable.” he picked up a bit of water he had previously requested in the temple and dropped it over the canvas, instead of being absorbed by the cloth as one would expect, the droplet simply traveled down and fell to the floor. “We treated it with a type of wax from our lands which brings out these qualities and also makes the sail impervious to water. Meaning that when it rains or the waves batter the ship they will remain light and dry. Why, our soldiers even use this same cloth in their own uniform, if you noticed the black weave they wear beneath bronze and tzurkortze, of course it's the lighter and unwaxed version, but it should tell something about how much we trust the durability of it.”

The council looked a combination of mildly interested to skeptical at the prospect of being offered this in exchange for a whole ship, all except for the behatted sailor who’s eyes darted to and fro as she thought over the implications of these materials before they lit up at prospect. Seeing as she was the expert in this area on the council, the other’s listened as she spoke quietly to them about her interest, before she asked a few questions of her own.

“Captain Delilah, pleasure to speak with you” the woman quickly introduced herself, before getting to the point “How often does this wax last until it needs to be reapplied? Also do you know if it works on materials other than clothing? Such as, say, wood?”

Tallon smiled at the captain, but had to spend a short but noticeable moment pondering on his answer. “So far in our land it has lasted about, hmm, seven lunar cycles? From the wear down of it I think it can last five to seven more. The dusklands are however quite damp, being a swamp.” he kept his hands back as he observed Delilah and the council. “As for other uses of wax, well, bee-keeping is quite new on our land, we only use it on cloth and candles at the moment, among other minor uses. I do not think we have ever used it on wood, but if normal wax works, then so too would this wax. Why, perhaps we could even bring a few hives of them and…”

He was cut off by one of Dzalli’s people, one of the weirder ones, a girl with paper skin and irises as dark as ink, she had been quiet and still, being easy to forget she was there despite her being the weirdest person in the room. “That is impossible. These are not normal bees. They are Node attuned bees. They produce honey and wax unique to each node. The wax of Node 7 is the one used here. It is dry and malleable. The honey is dream inducing. When the same bees were brought to Node 8 and Node 3 however the characteristics and effects were different. This also limits our supply. But that should not be an issue yet.”

Tallon nodded at the magistrate and then looked back to the council a bit embarrassed. “Well, there it is. But if you want to test the Node 7 wax on wood we could arrange it.”

“The need for reapplication may stymie its use on ships themselves, which I had hoped it might be of use in, but for keeping good dry and very small vessels perhaps it may still be of use” Delilah mused, a touch disappointed that her initial idea was not going to work, while also but still seeing uses for this wax

“They change what they produce based on the node they are around? Now that is interesting. How did you set that up, or was it an unintentional boon?” Xavior, from his seat at the head of the table, asked his fellow divine even as his council murmured to each other about how that fact would inconveniently make them reliant on node 7 should they start making use of this substance. When he added “Or is it simply environment based rather than node based?” that certainly got the council’s attention.

Noticing this was a matter directed at her, Dzallitsunya spoke up, after being lost in observing the map for quite a while. [color=7bcdc8]”Their origin captured my curiosity as well. They just showed up, I built a garden atop the volcano in Node 7 and I noticed the bees there.”[/color] she explained with a sincere sense of wonder over the topic. [color=7bcdc8]”And it's definitely node based, wax and honey production is always the same in each node, in 7 for example, be it in the jungle or in arid mesas, they seem to produce the same thing. Furthermore, they like nesting close to the node. It's notable in Node 3, since it's centered so high up a mountain that the air is thin and impossible to breathe. And yet, when put there, they thrived.”[/color] Dzalli showed them a piece of fluorescent wax, always emitting a soft low light.

[color=7bcdc8]”And if brought to this zone, they would start producing a new, never before seen type of wax and honey, unique to these lands.”[/color]

“Fascinating. I’d thought of the nodes as all the same, but this suggests there are some slight differences… I suppose the chaos monsters being different was a hint at that in retrospect. Regardless, I am glad your spontaneous addition was more beneficial than the one I got” his eyes flicked to the wolf before getting back on track “I’m sure it would be interesting to spread them far and wide, even if just to get more data on the differences that occur”

[color=7bcdc8]”I share that curiosity, which is why I offer them freely, no paybacks required."[/color] she bowed gently, extending her cape.

Tallon soon stepped forward again, eager to have the business back on the table over gift exchanging. "What we would like to propose going forward is to establish a trading zone in the entrance to the river that flows from the northern parts down to here. Somewhere we could establish either a river port to avoid the wolves or a small garrison of our guards to guarantee the safety at the crossing? Trading isn't the way of our people, but we are willing to concede licenses to dusklanders to trade using the local currency in the zone, and also to request goods and services in exchange for said currency we have gathered." He looked at his fellow mortals again, now it was the part he really wanted, a chance to leave the dampness of his homeland. "Furthermore, our goddess would like to set up a communication bridge with this city. An embassy, it seems to be called. Me and a few magistrates would inhabit it and directly send the concerns of the council to the dusklands. We would share maps and display the latest discoveries from our land."

That certainly got the council muttering among themselves about the ideas. The second part did not need much deliberation “We would be more than happy to welcome some of your people’s officials to live in this city. Communication and cooperation can only strengthen both our people” Argus paused there, and there was some more murmuring before the council resolved on the first point “and in that same vein, so too would opening up safe and direct passage between our lands. A port would be most suitable for trade, though a small garrison will still be needed, at least while the settlement grows, to prevent any raids. We can provide our own guards to assist in this task of course. It would be a useful exercise in learning how our peoples fight together, should it come to that.” 

[color=7bcdc8]”Good. My military capable population is very thin at the moment so any help would be more than welcomed.”[/color] and the quality and quantity of equipment also seemed not to match it either, if they were willing to oversee the security it was just one less worry. [color=7bcdc8]”And on the matters of the ocean expedition? Can we establish a price for the ship, perhaps?”[/color]

“We’d need to sort out the details with the design specifics you require. If I understand it right, the sheer distance you desire to travel is not something that has been attempted before, so that may take some time,” Delilah said, rolling though the numbers through her head but knowing she would need to sit down with some shipwrights and other captains to really get a handle on what would be needed for this task  “However I can assure you that we accept payment for it in the form of your miraculous wax and cloth.”

“And if you would leave the door open for some of our people to join you on this voyage, that would be appreciated as well” Xavior added “you will likely want their expertise in this matter regardless”

“That is for certain, the seas can be harsh, and at most we have clipped around to the 22nd and 6th realms. To go further is a daunting task, particularly as it will be passing by unclaimed lands where no forage can be found. You’ll need a good crew and experienced captain if yer to make it” Delilah informed the landlubbers, while pondering in the back of her mind about if she could pawn off her duties here on someone else in order to captain on that historic journey herself.

[color=7bcdc8]”And a good crew would need the help of a god to make it too, no? Ah, and a payment in wax and cloth, sheesh, if I knew I would have kept these heavy baskets of gemstones and silver back home. Oh well, I guess they can be part of the gifts, alone with the lamp oils, fruit and wine”[/color] the goddess chuckled gently. [color=7bcdc8]”And absolutely, it would also help the matters of my promise to Xavior since the Node I am to take was originally meant for him. As I said, you have my support in scouting and claiming new lands. So having a person of your trust and capable of taking notes onboard will help.”[/color]

[color=7bcdc8]”Be noted however that my plan is to make the route to 34 to go south then east, the route back north then west. A full circle around the known world. It will be quite a task. Mastery of the seas will be crucial if we want to maintain the peace in the crucible. Why, just look how we have been cut off from the southern gods by whatever that creature in Node 18 is,”[/color]

The mention of (one of) the current crisis plaguing the council landed heavily among them. Thought of grand adventures, profit and friendship were set aside. Now it was time to talk of war and strife. 

“The work of a god, Grym, who was born late. I fear it is only the beginning of the chaos he will bring” Xavior said dowry, as some of the papers and files that had been put away were brought back out, which included among them artist impressions of the hive and its spawn. 

“Monica has met him” he said, prompting the goddess to speak for the first time in the meeting.

[b][i]“I have seen and spoken with him… he was a combination of cordial, capricious, and cruel, akin to the sea and sky and their wild temperament. He stated that he will free every node and oust every god from their post, and was kind enough to let me look at the map when I sought to claim another node for myself. I am curious to see what he does, considering his chaotic, ambitious, and supposedly selfish nature.”[/i][/b] Monica said softly, before she gave a solemn smile and averted her contemplative gaze.

[color=7bcdc8]”Eugh. This does not give much prospect for a more peaceful solution. Not when he himself says he is against all gods.”[/color]

“Nor does it when his first act is to defile out creator’s corpse and create these vile… things” Xavior said, gesturing over the drawings of the various offspring of the hive that had been seen by the refugees, with notes about their presumed or observed capabilities “they area threat to all life, and cannot be allowed to spread”

“This is, we should note, why we did not send you reinforcements to secure the 13th realm as Benea requested. We were mustering them, but they have had to be directed south where they have run into some… complications when trying to secure the pass leading to the 18th realm” Council Argus explained. It was a convenient lie. They, like Xavior had dithered on the prospect of openly supporting the takeover, though unlike their god who had his misgivings over Benea’s personality, the council had worried more about how that act would upset their trade routes with the east.

“That said, once we have raised funds for more troops, they will be heading east. We want to station garrisons on both passes to prevent the spread of this abomination, so that would require building on the southern border and support from the population” interjected a more military minded council member, before Argus took back over to add “If you consent, of course”

[color=7bcdc8]”My magistrates have warned me early of this issue and I too have been acting on it. Currently, I am trying to empty the farms and villages on the south of the 13th to make it possible to take extreme measures to avoid spread, but they obviously don’t take kindly to a foreigner god asking to burn their lands and salt the earth. This ties my hands on the matter until the situation is solved, but I will try to send both Benea and Anak’Thas some clear image of what is happening so perhaps they will try to avoid spending their people and resources against each other.”[/color] the goddess sighed. [color=7bcdc8]”But I do approve of your ideas, and having a lot of safety in my own lands, given enough time I should have a surplus of men and resources to spend in the security against this threat.”[/color]

“At least people can be reasoned with” one of the council members murmured, but that was all that was said regarding their own problem of natives on the boarderlands. Instead they focused on what could be done, with Argus saying that “We will take all the help we can get, we’re only going to get through this if we work together”

“I do hope we can find a way for the conflict between Benea and Anak’Thas to be resolved, or at least put on hold so we need not worry about war at our backs when annihilation stands before us, but I do not know how feasible that is?” Xavior said, before asking “You have met Benea more recently than I and are closer to the area of conflict, while we have Benea’s note and hearsay to go on for the most part. Do you have any more insight as to the state of affairs in the north east, and the specifics of the core of the conflict that you might enlighten us with?” 

[color=7bcdc8]”The issue is that I have never talked with Anak’Thas, so I cannot attest for his character, but Benea seemed very sure he had gone mad with the power of the nodes, that he would try to take all that was available and given the chance seize what was ours. He also refused to cooperate with our group and showed signs of paranoia. That said, Node 13 is not truly hellish, at worst a bit peculiar, with how people are not allowed names and zealotry to Anak is absolute. Benea mentioned them killing their fellow countrymen over their faith in Anak”[/color] in her view it was different from what she herself did in her own lands, but even she struggled to explain how. [color=7bcdc8]”Ultimately, what will test Anak is his response to this issue and should Benea not succeed in containing him, his actions upon Node 13 and upon our lands. If he is as dangerous as Benea says, he might want to advance upon the dusklands and this very land. I really do dread this scenario, not because I fear him, I do not, but because I will be forced to be the judge of a situation that has been poorly explained to us both.”[/color]

“So no one has his side of the story then it seems. Though at this point I wonder if it’s because it can't get out or if he simply has no interest in telling it. Ultimately it is as you say, we can only go off of his actions and they do not reflect well on him” Xavier had to agree. 

“If he does not cease this squabbling war when he learns of the infestation then to the depths with him” Delilah added, which got a round of nods and “hear hear”s from the rest of the council. None of them wanted to be worrying about if war of human vs human was going to spill into the 13th realm when there was a battle for humanity vs annihilation going on. 

Dzallitsunya agreed with them, while her own people seemed to miss the seriousness of the situation just yet. [color=7bcdc8]”I will be going back to my lands to set it up for journey, securing it. While there I will also make sure both Benea and Anak'Thas will hear of this situation and relay any answer to you by the embassy. I may potentially even relinquish the 13th back to him if he promises to help and integrate with our group. On the sea journey I will also try to establish contact with the southern gods and see if they too have been struggling with this danger. An attack from both sides would be ideal, more ideal would be to take this situation as a clear example of why we should work together."[/color] she smiled. [color=7bcdc8]”So again, on the staff that will come with me on the planned travel, a few diplomats to represent you would be good, Xavior."[/color]

“I’m sure we can find some people both interested and suitably talented for the task of accompany you home and setting up our own office in your capital” Xavior agreed without any naysaying from the council, several of whom were weighing up the costs and benefits of sending people or clients of theirs as part of that mission.

As they pondered and chatted Xavior looked around and then said “Well then, I think that’s all of the broad strokes taken care of” before retrieving a quill and ink and concluding “now let’s get into the numbers” a thing that took several more hours, interspersed with a few brakes, as everything from ship prices, to reinforcements, building sites and bartering for Xavior’s node claim was hashed out till all where, more or less, satisfied. 

[hider=summary]
Dzallitsunya, along with an entourage, arrive in the 12th realm to meet up and talk to Xavior. After acquiring a wolf (via violence) the dusklanders head into the city, and then into the temple complex surrounding node 12, where they find Xavior and Monica on a varanda discussing metaphysics over lunch. 

Dzallitsunya joins the other gods at the table, and they talk for a bit (during which Dzallitsunya  is introduced to Monica’s ‘we are enemies’ deal), before moving into the temple so that the city council can be brought onboard to do some actual negotiations.

Through a bit of fairly cordial back and forth the following is agreed upon

A port town, garrisoned by troops from both peoples, would be founded in the north east of the 12th realm to facilitate legitimate trade with Dzallitsunya’s closed market system
Dzallitsunya will buy a boat, while supplying waterproof wax and dense yet light sailcloth as part of her payment. Dzallitsunya intends to use this one to sail all the way to the islands of node 33/34/35 to begin human segment of the area and research regarding (what they believe to be) the edge of the world
The bees made to use that wax, which produce different types of wax and honey based on the node they live around, will be disseminated across the world
Dzallitsunya will pay Xavior to relinquish his tacit claim on one of the nodes (34/35) such that she can capture it instead and make a land for her people
Some of Xavior’s people will come along for the journey
The Dusklands will support the people of the 12th realm in their attempts to stymie the expansion of the Cradle, by blessing their attempt to fortify the eastern pass between node 13 and 18. They will also offer resources and personnel to aid in this defense.
To attempt to negotiate an end the war between Benea and  Anak’Thas by using the threat the Cradle poses as leverage, but also to lay the blame at  Anak’Thas’ feet should it continue. 
Finally, the two nations will establish diplomatic relations via the founding of embassies in each other's capitals.
       
[/hider]

[hider=mp]
Xavior 3 / 9 (+3 from arrrrrt) none spent

Dzallitsunya 1/5
1 spent to grant Xavior permission to use the power of node 7 ,  as part of the agreed payment

Monica
8/9 (+3 from art) none spent

[/hider]