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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Gwaihir" data-source="post: 3334360" data-attributes="member: 14487">The talks begin in the morning and continue for several days in a large open hall not far from the royal compound.Two large half circle tables dominate the room. A contingent of Elves sits at one table, while the contingent representing the church sits opposite them. The acoustics in the room are really good, and it is quickly obvious that this room employs a dead magic effect, presumably to prevent scrying or other information gathering techniques that wouldn't be enitirely proper in this setting. Salisha and Milierian are not present.Gaithys Galanodel dominates the discussion. He is clearly in his element in this sort of setting. The queen occasionally speaks, though it is clear that she leans on her ambassador for his expertise in debate and negotiation.At the opposite table Epaphros is the chief speaker. He is an agressive bargainer, and often pulls a single member of the church group aside to whisper into his ear. Occasionally Epaphros pulls the entire group together into a tight huddle and whispers about some obscure point or another. Randall gets the impression that these conference are more show than substances.Other than a brief introduction and a short speach about the discovery of the new tree, Randall is not asked to speak.Elmer occasionally takes over the discussion, though this draws looks of annoyance from Epaphros. It is clear that Elmer is not interested in the niceties of diplomacy, though his incisive wit often cuts to the heart of the matter.Randall ocassionaly catches the eye of Delianir who appears completely bored-as do several other elves. Only Gaithys and the queen seem to have any true input.As the days pass, many minor issues are discussed. "At least we dinna spend 3 days arguing over who sits where." Observes Elmer.Several major issues come up regularly with slight variation, but no progess is made on them:(bold is church position) The Church of Eli would like to establish a permanant embassy to the Elven People in a manner such as it has granted the last 100 years to the honored Gaithys Galanodel    No such embassy is possible until we are returned to our homeland.What information can you tell us of the current location of the Sundered Elven Tribe - Malekevar.   This tribe was striken from our lands many lives of men and elves ago. They took ship in Tarsus. We do not know their location since that time.What will the Honored Church of Eli do to help us return to lands of our mothers?While we will gladly aid you in this return, it is too early and too dangerous to consider this.Will the church of Eli supply grain prior to the next spring so that we may plant food here to aid in the transition to the our homelands.yes, at a fair price.Will you agree to a student exchange so that our peoples might become closer.Perhaps in the future, all our people currently strive to return to our homelands.As the days pass the tension in the room, in spite of the best efforts of the diplomats, begins to build. The only point on which any ground has been made is that Lady Delianir, cousin of the queen will accompany Gaithys as his assistant. Her specific role will be to interact with the Church on the possibility of a student exchange (once the elves have relocated)On day 5, the talks break up, citing no more common ground. The anger is palpable all around. "We leave in two hours, " announces Elmer. "Everyone make ready. You too my lady." He gestures to Delianir.   As the group prepares to leave, the Queen, pulls Randall aside."Master Melikijur. It is a pity that the Church will not aid us in returning to our rightful home. You do not need to cast your lot with them. You would be a perfect leader for a large northbound expedition. The first of many as we return home. Stay with us and lead this first group.Oh but here is someone else you should speak with."Randall follows her gesture and notices an aged elf woman. Bent with years. "Greetings my brother." She says in a weak voice.</blockquote>

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