Worlds Within Worlds

As the discussions wore on, Azir was starting to think they were going in circles. And imperfect ones at that. A willingness to adapt and a strange kind of kindred resonance allowed him to accept the sudden arrival of the two strangers. Especially as they came bearing news of strange dreams. Bringing them to six. Six down, three to go…

A strange surge of essence tingled his occult senses and brought him from his musings. The appearance of the sapphire-winged cherubs carrying the message from afar was a distinct surprise. Seeing Raiden and Grey Wolf receive what he assumed was the same message, Azir summarised its contents for the sake of Lady Nightshade, Vidar and XX.

"My name is Ma'ani, a companion of Herla Antherung, whom you know. We have captured a Realm military Skyship and a (slightly damaged) Jade Warstrider. We would like to trade the Warstrider and discuss a periodical rental for the Sky-ship if you are interested. We are opening up trade link with various interested parties, but Herla's connection to you and your past bravery facing the Realm makes us interested in dealing with you. We two and our other companion would be honoured to meet with you to trade, we three plus your party would make nine, a very auspicious number in which to broker friendships and face the tides that flow against our exaltations, I hope you agree. Please respond if you are interested."

Quirking his eyebrow at his companions, old and new, a quick diversionary discussion concluded that the good Doctor should respond on the group’s behalf. “I think we can cover a number of options here. Access to a sky-ship would give us a mobile base to operate from as well as safe access to the sky-manse above us. As companions of Herla they may also prove useful in our campaign against the dark forces hereabouts. I think it would be a good idea to consider a meeting, somewhere secluded…” The doctor broke off as he made a connection.

Three of them? Surely that would be too much of a coincidence?

Since the capacity to cast the communication spell currently eluded him, Azir was forced to rely upon the stored power in his sorcery capture cord channelled through his essence reserves and occult prowess to evoke the incantation to send a cherub by return. Privately, though, he wondered that this was a remarkably inefficient manner by which to communicate from afar. There had to be something to make the task easier, some kind of easily carried device that could transmit sound over long distance… But such was a task for another day.

“Greetings Ma’ani, this is Dr Azir Lerayn speaking on behalf of our group. I heartily commend your daring exploits to capture these marvels. Naturally, we would be most agreeable to see if we can come to some mutually beneficial arrangement regarding these treasures.

“I would be delighted to meet you, Herla and your companion at a convenient location. Whilst I understand from Herla that urban environments are not the most ideal places for many of the Chosen of Luna, I would humbly entreat you to come to Nexus or its environs for discussions and maybe enjoy our hospitality. My companions and I have some pressing issues that require us to remain nearby, matters that might benefit from your considered opinions as well. If you let me know when you are likely to arrive, I can arrange to meet and escort you to our residence or I am happy to come on my own as gesture of good faith.

“On a different note, we would appreciate it you or maybe one of Herla’s contacts knows someone versed in prophecies? I only ask since Luna is associated with visions and sendings, particularly those which arrive by night, and I find myself… concerned with something of that nature. Any light that could be shed on such a thing would be gratefully received.

“We look forward to meeting you Mistress Ma’ani and fervently hope that our association will be a pleasant and favourable one.”

[Am sending this as a ‘friendly’ social attack - simple persuasion - enhanced by Natural Solar Conviction Technique combo – CHA+Pre = 9d + any stunt + 4sux and then all sux doubled by ISS]