Dealings of the Even-Handed
Eleventh Day of the Third Month 292 AC
For a moment you idly ponder the implications of an archon teaching magic. Might that not be as much corruption from the previous nature of the sorcerer as the dealing with the demonic... you shake off the thought. Perhaps some hypothetical unbiased observer who cared more about the purity of the mortal condition would think so, but no one who has had the experience of both can truly measure the meddling or archons by the same measure with that of the tanar'ri. The world could use more kindness and honor over nihilistic self-absorption.
You exchange customary pleasantries with the white-winged lord for treating him as an equal... a prince of the city can only help cement his rule. You note with wry amusement that some in attendee might preferred a less cordial greeting on your part. They could not pay you do deal with this mess...
Unfortunately the request for a private audience is greeted with a polite deferral until the public dealings are at an end. Under the circumstances there is little choice but to strangle your frustration (and admittedly your bruised pride) and wait. You cannot imagine the likes of Yreal shrinking his duties to his new subjects by delaying their hearings.
"I hope the bull-men do not become too boisterous," Dany whispers to you as the three of you move to the side to watch proceedings. Seeing the look of boredom in Glyra's eye you are once more grateful for her new outlook on life... you would rather not imagine the nuisance she would make of herself after being forced to wait quietly for hours.
***
You must admit the bright spirit proves surprisingly clear-sighted and insightful in the ways of mortals, mixing compassion with justice and high minded ideals with a sort of basic good sense that appeals to all those of good faith. Not every ruling is in the favor of the former slaves as you had half expected. The most striking case is that of a child of four burned alive in the family manse following the escape of the family salves. Under the blazing gaze of Yreal the former slaves' silence breaks and the one who set the fire to discourage pursuit comes forward and and pleads guilty to the arson if not the murder. He is punished with exile and forfeiting the coin that every freed slave is granted from the wealth of those who were to ensnared in the Listener's plans to relent (or perhaps too stupid to realize the salve uprising could not be stopped).
Of course as you had seen already not all in attendance posses good will nor are they concerned with fairness. Time will tell if the archoons will be able to maintain their grasp on Mantarys... though you certainly intent do help.
***
It is a little past midday Yreal sees fit to end the audience. With unexpected courtesy fora one who does not need to eat he sets aside a smal repast of cheese, fruit and bread for the three of you to share while you speak of affairs.
News of Relath is greeted with grave consideration, though Dany's explanation that sea dragons are naturally inclined to keep their word and rule fairly, if not with any great kindness, comes as a relief. Your own promise to intermediate the first such meeting goes even farther in reassuring the archon, who you come to realize, wishes for nothing more than peace for the ravaged city, for all his warlike appearance.
The possibility of teaching some of their magic is also discussed though Yrealis reticent to commit to such teaching at least until the city is no longer teetering on he edge of anarchy and all the Listener's more dangerous legacies have been dealt with. When speaking of such legacies you bring up the matter of recruiting from among the populace, not only the bull-men, but also any mages whose powers were not bound to the gate.
"Not many will walk eyes open into the tower as it is now with only the hope of a better tomorrow in far off lands," the lord of the city reminds you.
"It was a thing of deathly fear even ere the Enemy roused, now all the more so..."
You grimace slightly as you acknowledge the point, though you are at least satisfied he is willing to let the minotaurs leave in your company to seek out their place in the world away from their dark birth and darker deeds in the service of fiends.
"As children they are now with only fading memories of what came before... and so it is meet that they be forgiven for they knew right from wrong under the tutelage of fiends."
An expectant silence grows until you promise to help them on the path and deal with any who are unwilling to learn as harshly as necessary.
"Good," Yrael nods slowly, voice melancholy.
"Remember kindness to the wicked can too easily become cruelty to the innocent."
As to the manner of acquiring Braavosi administrators he thanks you for the advice and the offer though he begs for time to learn more of the intricacies of this new world he has awoken into before saying yea of nay, a wise choice you must admit. Finally as the discussion winds to a close the matter of alliance and possible reward for your aid comes to the fore.
What do you desire?
[] Only friendship and good will (Alignment shifts 5 points to Good)
[] A service
-[] Aid in one battle of your choice
-[] The true names of other celestial that you may barter service from beings more wholesome then those Dany learned from Tiamat (random roll)
-[] Write in
OOC: Hope this does not feel rushed but I want to get this wrapped up in good time. If you have other questionsjust post them int he thread and I'll answer them IC as Yrael. 