Ties that Bind - Silverymoon - Chapter 1 "Diplomats?"

[Shayuri]

Jonas looks perplexedly at himself; for at present he looks nothing like his natural form. Rather, he's a boyishly handsome (in the clean-cheeked manner that elves have) elf man of young adult age, sporting the chiseled angular features common to the fae folk, fair skin, and a long mane of corn-gold hair falling straight just past his shoulders. A blue tunic with green vest, and sturdy brown breeches completes the set. Under that is a light leather cuirass, and a slightly curved blade hangs at his waist.

"You see most strangely, lady. I would say you either suffer from a malady of the eyes...or that you have a singularly remarkable gift for seeing in metaphor." He chuckles and sits back down to lounge indolently.

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Strangely? No, I see the truth, plain and simple, doffing the web of deceit...a coruscating zephyr that rends the seams that bind us to the fantasies that other's whims feel fit to layer atop the world like a shimmering mirage."

 

[Shayuri]

"And a poet as well!" Jonas claps, grinning.

"And aye, it is my nature to take what shapes and faces amuse me from moment to moment, though it is not always my intent to decieve...any more than the clothes you wear are worn to decieve. My form and substance is my wardrobe, my lady, and this face is one I favor for polite company and amiable words."

He shrugs, and winks. "There are others, to be sure, but I shan't inflict them on anyone I wish to call friend."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Ah, I see. A shapeshifter then. Most interesting indeed...So have you heard the one where a shadowy guy, a shapeshifter, and a girl walk into a bar...?"

"Neither have I, actually," Cassandra grins wryly

[SBLOCK=Jonas]
'You can change shapes whenever you want? That's so neat! I wish I could do that too!'
[/SBLOCK]

 

[Erudite]

With a wave of his hands, and a blurring of his form, the red head is replaced by a tall, chisel-featured man of a description matching Cassandra's analysis. His clothes are suitably dark, and his cape darker than dark. A frown crosses his face as he addresses Cassandra.

"Among wizards, pointing out one's true form is considered tasteless. Like describing the nude body beneath the clothes of the Grand Duchess, to whom you've been introduced at the Grand Duke's Gala." His tone is ascerbic.

A glance at first the pseudo-elf and then the unusual woman. "As I presume you to be individuals of talent, due to your presence in this hall with myself, then you will understand why I am loathe to proclaim immediate and heart-felt friendship with any here." He taps his fingers together, looking at Jonas. "Sir, your presumption of hearty familiarity cannot be honest, as we know nothing of each other in the personal sense, and so I find my own candidity prevents me from obliging you. If you were indeed forthright in your declaration, then you are a fool to confide so quickly to a total stranger, and dangerous to those already your friends. In either case my suspiscion is justified." The voice echoes from some far corner of the room. "As for you, my Lady, be careful in piercing the secrets of others so quickly. You give up significant advantages in doing so, and may alienate beings of power."

"In any case, if we are constrained to spend significant amounts of time with each other, it may be that professional consideration may grow into comraderie, which in that case would be honest and true." With a flourish, he bows to each of them. "I am Corund."

 

[Rystil Arden]

*Cassandra shakes her head and rolls her eyes.*

"I am not a wizard and I could care less for decorum. And your analogy is flawed--there is a bid difference between the augmentations of a dress and the deception of an illusory veil."

"I had no reason to mention it earlier, but you weren't exactly nice to poor Sibyl with her harmless conversation...if it helped you remember that there are worse things out there than those who want to be your friend, then it was worth it to me...You needn't flatter yourself into thinking that my Sight was meant for you...I have it active as a protective measure against any hostile intent of our host, and the fact that it helped me learn of both of my co-guests was simply a fortuitous coincidence."

"As for your comments about friendship...I'll admit that I'm not as quick to find friends as Sibyl, but your viewpoint strikes me as exceptionally narrow, particularly since it is wrong. I've been with Sibyl long enough to know that her honest desire to befriend those she meets is indeed genuine."

 

[gabrion]

Just as Corund is finishing his introduction an elderly, grey-bearded Mage wearing a fine blue robe and black cloak enters the room. For anyone who has seen Taern Hornblade before, you clearly recognize the High Mage. Picking up on Corund’s words, he says:

And well you should be suspicious! All of you. After all, the north is in a volatile state and it's hard to tell who are friends and who are enemies. Still, we must take some risks, as I have done in asking you all to help me. It's very convenient that you were all able to arrive here at the same time."

A twinkling Harper’s smile dances across Taern's eyes, making it a fair guess that your arrival times were no coincidence.

On to business then. If you haven't guessed yet, I'm Taern Hornblade, High Mage of Silverymoon and the reason you have come here. I'm sure you all are very eager to hear why I have summoned you here, so I'll not mince words about it. The north needs help. Specifically, we need to recover our ties with Citadel Adbar if we wish to maintain stability and safety in the Silver Marches. This will be no easy task though, which is why I've searched to find uniquely capable individuals such as yourselves to help."

Turning to Corund he says,

I know you may not be overly concerned with the bureaucratic politics of this city and old crumbs like myself who engage in them, but I also know that you love Silverymoon dearly. The task I have in mind could be aided well by your ability to, shall we say, 'project reality'. I'm sure you find such an ability to be useful in many regards, and it will be no less so for the task I have in mind."

Changing his focus to Cassandra, he continues,

"My understanding is that you are quite new to the city of Silverymoon, so let me offer you an official welcome to our fine city. I've spoken to a few people in Waterdeep who informed me of your skills and news of your recent help in Sundabar has also reached my ears. I've solicited your help on the hope that you will support the confederation simple because of the beliefs it supports. Here in the north we are engaged in a project trying to create a place where all different races can live together in a free society without fear. We've done much to work toward this goal, but our cause is struggling at this time and it is my hope that you would dedicate yourself to helping our cause."

Lastly, he turns to Jonas.

"And you Jonas Visage, you do still use that name sometimes I presume?...you have helped Silverymoon before and I hope you will be willing to do so again. Your skills at as an informant helped Alustriel several times and in this time such skills are as important as ever."

The old mage visibly saddens at the mention of Alustriel, but quickly recovers as he turns his attention to the group.

"I can tell you more about what I need, but before that I like to know how you feel about this so far. No need selling you a never going to drink after all."

The mage finally takes a seat as he patiently waits for those gathered in the room to respond.

 

[Rystil Arden]

"...'Stability'...'Safety'...These are things that any tyrant will say she wishes to promote, and maybe she does...but what she truly wants is mainly personal power. I, for one, have no intention of agreeing to anything until I hear specific details that satisfy me."

 

[Erudite]

"You are correct in my estimation of this city, Hornblade" replies Corund. "I find myself unable to do anything but apply my particular talents; I make no promises regarding methodologies, executions, strategems, or other activities until all facts are laid out for scrutiny. I am aware that what is asked of Those Who Harp may not converge upon any agreement with what I myself am willing to enact, though we seek the same ends. In this the fair lass and I may see somewhat eye to eye."

He temples his fingers together. "I hope you have a honey-tongued diplomat; dwarves are terrible to reason with" he adds.

 

[Shayuri]

Jonas listens to the others' tentative expressions; full of warnings and provisos and quid pro quos. He chuckles and gives the High Mage a smiling salute.

"Jonas is still as good as any other, High Mage," he says jovially. "Better than most, in fact. It's good to be back, even under these circumstances." His voice dips a bit at the end of that sentence, allowing some sorrow to show through.

"That aside though, I remain at the service of Silverymoon and its people. I wouldn't worry too much about tongues of honey with dwarves though. As long as we observe their traditions, and can prove to them that Citadel Adbar is better off in the League than without, we should be fine."