Ashin's Commission: The Great Escape!

[Rystil Arden]

*Aglaia smiles slightly*

"I am glad that we can work this out. Terms? Why don't you make a first stab at the terms of your surrender? As for my side, my first offer is a generous one--since you defeated my current Chevaliers by your own power alone, you can all become my new Chevaliers."

 

[Patlin]

"I don't think we'd get along well in the long term. How about a truce? You and and any of your chevaliers that remain alive are free to leave unmolested, we shall take no action to harm you or disrupt your plans, nor shall you do anything to harm us or prevent us from curing the villagers. The truce shall last until each member of the party has returned to the Red Dragon Inn, City of Orussus."

 

[Rystil Arden]

*Aglaia laughs mirthfully.*

"Oh, you're ballsy, I give you that. But I'm afraid I don't get anything from that which I wouldn't from just killing you here--in fact it is worse, since I have the possibility that you won't honour your agreement, compounded with the fact that you can run back to this inn of yours, turn around, and immediately come back to wreak havoc..."

"No, no. And I don't have only myself to answer to either. I'm not going to be the one who ruined everything for being too nice. So as you can see, you're going to have to make me an offer that beats killing you."

 

[Patlin]

"I must return the compliment. You are bold to ignore the possibility of your own death if this conflict continues. What do you desire other than your life and the lives of your servants? It seems likely that we will be far too involved in trying to cure the villagers to interfere with your plans for some time in any event. Perhaps the truce to last till a date certain, rather than an event?"

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Oh please. I still have healing spells and Almayce's healing wand, plus the ability to Teleport at will. I suppose one of you could have enough dumb luck to put me in enough danger that I must flee, but then, as you say, you're going to be involved healing the villagers, so I'd say that would wind up being the same as if you made your truce."

"And really, do you even trust yourself to keep it? You don't know what I'm going to do. I could be one of those lunatics who wants to blow up the world. I'm not--I just want to help people achieve their dreams, but you don't know that. And so, if you saw me about to blow up the world and you could stop it, but it was within the time limit of some 'truce', look me in the face and tell me you would actually let me finish unmolested. Can you do it?"

 

[Patlin]

"You assume that I posess a hubris that I simply do not have. I am no chosen one, nor do I believe myself so. For the duration of the truce, some other hero will have to worry about stopping any mad plans you might come up with. My word is good. It must be good to you if it is to be good for anyone, is that not so?"

(Ironwolf believes what he is saying.)

"I ask you again: You started this parley. What do you want?"

 

[Rystil Arden]

"But how could you hold yourself responsible for the actions of your allies, or likewise prevent them if they would break your truce in your proxy?"

"No...I don't need your misguided charity, Ironwolf. I would rather have your goodwill. It is my quest to fulfill the dreams of others, and to help people throw off the shackles that prevent them from achieving their dreams. I would like to have Hulgyr, for instance, as a Chevalier. He is a mighty warrior, and he would make a powerful champion of dreams. You would do nicely too..."

 

[Patlin]

"If you really want to recruit us to promote your goals, I suppose you'd better tell us what they are. Your actions here suggest that you are bent on conquest, regardless of the suffering that it may cause. You suggest this is not so?"

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Conquest? No, not really. I am here to help those who seek redemption. I will help fulfill the desires of any who impress me. Tell me, what are your desires? And before you try it, don't start with any nonsense about 'I desire you to go away and leave me here with my friends'. Those aren't your desires, they are just your rational thoughts. What is the impulse that drives your very being? I can fulfill it...I can make it feel soo good."

*Aglaia makes the stroking motion again, and again it is as if his soul was being caressed by a soft and tender hand, though admittedly he can't get too excited about it thanks to his spell-induced calm.*

 

[Patlin]

Yep, definitely a Succubus. Ironwolf (incorrectly) thinks once more.

"What sort of redemption? How does this affliction stuff help to redeem or fulfill anyone?"

What do I desire? Ironwolf wonders. What does anyone desire, really?

He continues his thought out loud:

"What do I desire? To be as I would have the world be -- to live as an example to others, and in so doing to make the world a better place. To achieve perfect harmony of mind and body. To have friends who care as much for others as for themselves. To make the wrong things right. Those are my desires. Are these desires you can fulfill?"

Ironwolf knows she cannot, it is contrary to her very nature. If not for the spell he would likely be angrier and angrier with each word.