Tess misteleports and arrives on a ledge in a cavern over lava (1028/11/09)
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Tessarael casts Alter Self into Faenre form and flies up. Tess looks around
for exists, and sees some down near the lava. Tess flies down to expect them.
There are 4 tunnels: one of them immediately dead ends; one has only two
foot clearance from the lava; and the other two have about 6 feet of
clearance and might go somewhere.

Tess flies down one of the tunnels with an opening that is 6' above the lava.
After 20m it opens out, and there is a further tunnel with no lava leading 
onwards. It's notably cooler. However, that deadends after a while. The 
temperature is about 35 degrees Celsius.

Tess goes back and checks the other path that has an opening 6' above the
lava. After about 5 minutes of careful clambering and flying through the lava
tunnel, Tess notices that small piles of lava/rock nearby have moved. Some
have moved to block the way back. They are slow moving, giving Tess the
opportunity to tumble past and avoid them. The moving lava creatures don't
follow Tess.

After 2 more minutes Tess finds another large open area of lava. There are
six exits from this lava cavern. 3 are deadends or too close to the lava. Of
the remaining 3, one has a draft, so Tess follows that one. After 5 minutes 
of heading somewhat upwards, Tess has left the lava behind. There is a large 
room with multiple openings. It's cooler there, maybe 30 degrees, with 
constant (hot) air flow. Tess scouts the general area, and finds a cool dead
end to camp in and wait for his Rod of Teleport to recharge.

** 1 day passes **

Tess teleports and lands off target again, taking some damage! He appears
in another tunnel. Tess rests for 24 hours, then teleports again.

** 1 day passes **

Tessarael finally teleports to near where the Shadow Elven Second Shadow
scout was waiting near the exit from the antimagic zone. Tess pauses to
ensure that he has memorized a teleport location here, to limit repeat
performances.

The scout is still camped where he was before. Tess sneaks up to within
30', and then says, "Hello" holding up his hand in greeting.

2nd Shadow Scout: "Hello there." The scout stands up and walks over.

Tessarael: "I'm Tessarael Porador, Sergeant, 2nd Shadow."

2nd Shadow Scout: "I'm <name>, corporal, 2nd shadow. I'm here to give you a 
message. The message is as follows: You are to report directly to Captain 
Eloril of the 2nd Shadow, who will give you further instructions. That is 
all of the message." That officer is in the City of Stars - Tess has heard 
the name before: an officer with a good reputation for getting things done.

Tessarael: "Thank you."

2nd Shadow Scout: "Shall we travel together on the way back?" to which
Tessarael agrees. "Just let me pack up." The 2nd Shadow Scout packs his camp
up. Seems like he has been here for a while. 

Tessarael: Tess will comment, "Looks like you've been waiting a while - 
thanks for doing so."

2nd Shadow Scout: "I don't know why it was important I wait here and deliver 
this message, and I don't want to know wither."

Tessarael: "Your orders came from officer blah?"

2nd Shadow Scout: "Yes." Tess enquires, but this Second Shadow Scout doesn't
appear to know much.

Tessarael and the 2nd Shadow Scout travel for 2 days, back along the route
Tess had been given originally (not the annelid tunnel). Then Tess teleports
them to the City of Stars, now that Tess' Rod of Teleport is fully recharged.

** two days pass **

In the meantime,  Tess gets a Sending from Phoranin, she has arranged a 
meeting with the King for 3 [now 2] days time. Tessarael replies to the 
Sending: "Sentry was waiting for me. I am to report. Will make it neutral. 
Should be able to make king meeting. Thanks. Love you."

The 2nd Shadow Scout heads to his barracks. Tessarael heads off to 2nd
Shadow HQ to report. 

Captain Eloril: "Good day Sargeant."

Tessarael: "Good day sir."

Captain Eloril steeples his hands. "It seems you have been noticed at a 
high level." Tess nods slightly and listens. "I am to escort you into the 
palace tomorrow for a special meeting. You will not speak of this to anyone
before the meeting, and you will not report until after the meeting."

Tessarael: "Very well. Thank you."

Captain Eloril: "It would be best if you not known to be back."

Tessarael: "The corporal knows I am here. Others do not. I will keep a low 
profile in the interim."

Captain Eloril: "Here is a chit for accomodation and such."

Tessarael: "Is there an office where I can sort out my paperwork in the 
meantime?"

Captain Eloril nods, "There is a room down the hall you can use."

Tessarael: "Thanks."

Captain Eloril: "Dismissed soldier."

Tessarael leaves with the appropriate military response. Tess sorts out
papers, memorizes spells, and mentally prepares himself for the meeting.
He also goes and memorizes another City of Stars teleport location. Tess
then teleports to Aengmoor Forest to update Phoranin. Phoranin says the 
meeting she arranged has been moved, to the same time. Tess hugs and kisses
her, picks up the spare copies of his report, and then teleports back to
the City of Stars.

** 1 day passes **

Captain Eloril meets Tess the next day and looks over Tessarael's uniform.
"Good enough I suppose. Lets go." Tess and Captain Eloril head into the 
palace by a back way. The guards examine his invite and pass both through.
Then they head into a small conference room.

In the conference room are several people. The royal wizard, Kanafesti,
who looks over at the pair of Tessarael and Captail Eloril for a moment, 
then resumes his contemplation. Radiant Shaman Porphyriel enters by another 
door after a moment, and the pair greet each other. Phoranin is close 
behind. Tess glances briefly to Phoranin, but otherwise maintains a military
subordinate pose, eyes watching those around him. King Telemon enters by 
another room. The others rise. The captain salutes and Tess does likewise.

King Telemon stands 5 feet 8 inches and weighs 135 pounds, which makes him a 
veritable giant among shadow elves. He has white hair and blue eyes of a 
deeper hue than most. He wears white clothes with blue and grey trims, and is
fastidious about his appearance. At 711 years of age, Telemon still looks 
like a shadow elf in his prime.

Porphyriel is now 727 years old, but has an ageless face, looking both old 
and young. She has a very large facial Mark of the Shaman. Her long white 
hair is brushed back, and her beautiful blue eyes are slightly slanted. She 
wears a white robe and head-dress as Radiant Shaman, but she also wears a 
very large soul crystal and some finery upon her simple robes. She is 
beautiful as well as having dignity and authority, and at 5 feet 3 inches 
she is considerably above the average height for a female shadow elf.

Kanafasti has white hair receding at the temples and his grey eyes are 
slightly watery with age. He is small at 4 feet 8 inches, but he still stands
upright and spry, and the speed of his movements can be surprising. He wears 
simple white robes.

King Telemon: "Please be seated. Thank you all for coming. We have much to 
discuss. That will be all captain." Captain Eloril salutes and leaves. Tess
pulls out the copies of his report, and puts the stack of 5 in front of
himself on the table. "For your benefit Serpent Tesserael Porador, we are 
here to discuss the Schattenalfen situation." Tessarael nods. Radiant Shaman 
Porphyriel shifts in her chair. "I would like you to speak about what you 
have discovered about them during your time there. Please speak freely, these
walls are well shielded." King Telemon leans back to listen.

Tessarael: "Thank you your majesty." Tess passes out the reports, keeping one
for himself. The others seem a bit surprised, but also lean back to listen.
Phoranin glances at the report. The others start to examine it in more detail
while Tess speaks. "Enclosed are maps, logistic information and so forth. 
However, perhaps what is more significant is our cultural similarities and 
differences with the Schatten Alfen. My observations are included in the 
report. My opinions are not." King Telemon nods. "The Schatten Alfen are 
quite similar to us: they seek to return to the surface, they hate the Green
Elves, they have wanderers, their dialect is very similar, and so forth.
Perhaps the biggest difference is that approximately 70% to 75% of their 
society worships Atzanteotl. Approximately 2% to 5% worship Rafiel. The 
others are indifferent to the worship of Atzanteotl, but pay lip service - 
as do some of those who worship Rafiel." Radiant Shaman Porphyriel nods 
along with this information.

Tessarael: "Logistically, they pose a significant potential threat. They have
30 divisions in the military, with about 3% of their population actively in 
service at one time. In addition, about 30% of the population have military 
training. The net population is between 500,000 and 900,000 according to my 
estimates. I have a breakdown of that into estimates for each city and town 
that I visited."

Kanafesti clears his throat, "What do think of their culture?"

Tessarael: "Similar. More extreme." Kanafesti nods and seems satisfied. "They
are less trustful of other races, more warlike. I've seen worshippers 
actively engaged in eating the hearts of sacrifices at ceremonies to 
Atzanteotl." Radiant Shaman Porphyriel looks disgusted. "These ceremonies 
occur on a daily basis at the temple in the capital. Azcan sacrifices are 
dedicated to Atzanteotl. The hearts of other sacrifices are devoured by the 
audience. The majority of the audience appears to relish these ceremonies.
From a diplomatic perspective, any religious clash or attempt at 
proselytizing will likely result in war. The worshippers of Rafiel among them
appear to be the more moderate members of their society, though still more 
warlike and so forth than ourselves."

Tessarael: "It is unlikely that their priests would allow any significant 
migration - that would reduce the number of able bodied adults to recruit 
into their military. Militarily they are constantly at war with the Azcans, 
and at war from time to time with most of their other neighbors, with the 
exception of the Traldars with whom they trade."

Tessarael: "An aerial map from Alphatia is shown on page 17. Approximate 
location of neighboring nations are noted: the Traldar to the west, the 
primitive Neathar are in the northwest, the Azcans in the northeast, the 
Dwarves and Oltecs to the east. I visited the Traldar for about two weeks. I
did not take the time to visit the other neighbors. I do know another person 
who has visited the Neathar if we need more information on them as a 
potential ally. However, they are probably not particularly suitable in that
regard. I know little of the Oltecs. They fight the Dwarves (the Kogolor) if 
they encroach on Schatten Alfen lands. The Kogolor attacked them when they 
appeared in the Hollow World initially. The Traldar periodically raid the 
Azcans. There are two other groups: the Krugel horde and the lizardmen. Both 
are used periodically as mercenaries by the Azcans or the Schatten Alfen 
against each other. The Krugel horde more commonly work for the Azcans."

Tessarael: "Getting back to the Schatten Alfen military ... Their defenses 
and tactics are strong. They have a similar number of priests to us. They 
have less mages, but that is because only the best become mages. So their 
mages will be competent."

King Telemon makes a gentle wave at Tess, and Tess pauses. King Telemon 
seems to be considering. "I have heard what I need to know for now. 
Kanafesti?"

Kanafesti clears his throat. "I have studied ancient documents, and it is 
clear some shadow elves did live in the city of Aengmoor at one stage. It is
also clear while they were there that they followed Atzanteotl. Lastly, it is
clear the humanoids who drove out these elves worshipped Atzanteotl, and that
they may have driven them out on the command of their deity."

Radiant Shaman Porphyriel: "These elves are the Schattenalfen?"

Kanafesti: "Definitely."

Tess nods, "It is in their historical record."

King Telemon: "Radiant shaman?"

Radiant Shaman Porphyriel: "One of my people in Aengmoor forest has examined 
records from the city also, and I can confirm what Kanafesti has said."
Kanafesti gives Phoranin a slightly dirty look, quickly hidden. Radiant 
Shaman Porphyriel: I have also asked Rafiel for guidance, and he has given it
to me." King Telemon sits more upright. "He has told me that Atzanteotl is an
evil, evil deity, and he considers the Shadow Elves to be nothing more than 
playthings, as he does his own people. Rafiel instructed me that we should 
not have dealings with them, lest they discover the true nature of Rafiel. 
For unlike Rafiel who is kind, their deity is cruel, and has practices which 
mock Rafiel's gentle ways. Such as leaving exposed children to be weaten 
rather than be taken up by Rafiel's arms."

Kanafesti: "Is it possible we have learned practices from them which are not 
the will of Rafiel?"

Radiant Shaman Porphyriel looks sourly at Kanafesti. "No, I do not believe so."

Kanafesti: "Practices such as sending our best people off to die in the 
wilderness because they are too old? Times are not what they were, and we 
have plenty to eat."

Radiant Shaman Porphyriel opens her mouth to reply.

King Telemon: "Enough children. This is not what we are here to discuss."
King Telemon sits quietly considering again. 

Kanafesti and Porphyriel quietly glare at each other. Tessarael lifts the 
index finger on his right hand and looks to King Telemon for permission to 
speak ... King Telemon glances at Tess and gives a slight nod.

Tessarael: "Phoranin also communed with Rafiel. One of the responses was that 
it was important to ensure the Schatten Alfen and by proxy Atzanteotl 
presumably, not become aware that we had discovered the Wanderers living in 
Aengmoor City. That is a side point, but something we need to be aware of in 
the context of the Wanderers. The Schatten Alfen will be more likely to 
attack us if we appear weak by their standards. Beyond that, there is another 
issue ... I don't know to what extent those present are aware of it ... but 
some amongst the Second Shadow may have been compromised."

King Telemon: "There are issues there, but they are being dealt with. I have 
made my decision. We will cut off contact with the Schattenalfen, to prevent 
them learning more about our ways. We will also construct the proposed Fort 
Catriata at the world shield boundary. Patrols will also be increased to 
prevent them moving up to us. And issues within the second shadow and other 
areas will be dealt with. You two," he points at Kanafesti and Porphyriel,
"will assist in the construction of the fort and suppling it with sufficient 
shamans and wizards to meet it's needs. As for you Tesserael Porador, it 
would be best if you were not around for a while. Go make yourself useful 
somewhere on the surface world, spend some time with your wife.

Tess nods. "Should I prevent others knowing that I have returned?"

King Telemon: "Submit your reports. Very boring reports. I'm sure there will 
be no more missions for you for a while."

King Telemon stands. Radiant Shaman Porphyriel quickly stands, Kanafesti 
isn't so quick, but Porphyriel is sprightly for her age and bounces up. Tess
stands up with the others. King Telemon leaves. Radiant Shaman Porphyriel 
leaves. Phoranin leaves with her, but gives Tess a significant look. Tess
returns her look. Kanafesti clears his throat before teleporting away .
Tess casts Detect Magic with the Metamagic Silent Spell rod just to double
check that the meeting was not bugged, and then exits.

Tess goes and prepare a very boring report for the Eyes of the Serpent, and 
then deliver it at the Aengmoor Forest base. The report is accepted without 
comment, and no questions.

Tess then goes to see Phoranin.

Phoranin: "Well, that was a bit weird."

Tess agrees. "Had there been other detailed reports prior to mine that you 
know of?"

Phoranin: "No, but I've only recently been taken into this thing. Whatever 
this thing is."

Phoranin: "Can you tell me more about this other group that you are in?"

Tess frowns and thinks. "If you trust the King, then I probably don't need 
to tell you more. It is a group loyal to him that gathers intelligence. It 
is about the closest thing we have to a spy network."

Phoranin hmmms, "Is it his spy network?"

Tessarael: "I believe one of the intentions was to counter the power of the 
priesthood. Yes. However, that may have been complicated recently - if they 
are working with the Schatten Alfen. It certainly explains why I should make 
myself absent."

Phoranin: "I get the feeling the king isn't exactly liking the Schatten Alfen 
much, so maybe they don't work with the Schatten Alfen?"

Tessarael: "Or maybe they have a different opinion to the King. A good 
recruit for us is someone who is not devout. Someone who is willing to make 
harsh compromises. Someone who in a sense has values more similar to the 
Schatten Alfen. That makes them good recuits to counteract the temple, but 
it may make them more difficult in other respects. I don't know. I don't 
know what to make of it."

Phoranin draws an outline of what she thinks the political connections are
within the Shadow Elves. Tess adds to this later.

Phoranin hmmms, "Don't know is this really shows anything. Oh, did you 
notice Kanafesti and the radiant shaman glaring at each other?"

Tessarael: "Yes. However, Kanafesti's ethics seem aligned against the 
behavior of the Schatten Alfen, such as his comments on the wanderers. And
honestly, his comments may be valid."

Phoranin: "I think I know why that is. He is nearly 800."

Tessarael: "Who among the Shadow Elves is currently in contact with the 
Wanderers?"

Phoranin: "I think he is pushing for the wanderer law to be revoked. I am, 
but on their terms. I don't know who else is."

Tessarael: "Any chance Kanafesti knew that they were there? Did Porphyiel 
make any comment to you about organizing the meeting?"

Phoranin: "I don't think he did. He is using now to make his case I bet. It's 
possible he might move here and defy us. That would not be good. I hope it 
doesn't come to that. As for the meeting, I think the King wanted to have the 
meeting when you arrived, so he could make a decision about the Schatten 
Alfen based on first hand information."

Tessarael: "Why would he move here? And more importantly, at this stage 
doesn't it make sense to work with him? Especially as we've now discovered 
the Wanderers? Keep him on our side, just "undercover" until it is possible 
to reveal the Wanderers existence. Which means the King may not have heard 
the same information from other sources. It's possible my report was more 
complete than previous reports."

Phoranin: "The princess is not pleased with the shamans. We have less power 
here, both magically and poltically. My political sitation is somewhat 
tenuous. If he went awaywhere, it would be here. Unless he does become a 
wanderer of course. Which might mean he joins the other wanderers. What a 
mess that is. They are clearly breaking the law of Rafiel. But... It's 
possible that Rafiel guided them there."

Tessarael: "Is the Temple doing anything to try and sort it out? If we have 
to deal with the Schatten Alfen, it would be useful to have the help of 
people like Kanafesti."

Phoranin throws up her hands. "It's a matter of big debate at the moment. It 
would, but it is Rafiel's law."

Tessarael: "Is their anything explicitly that says that?"

Phoranin quotes from the 14 verses of Rafiel, "Keep the strength of the 
Shadow Elves, and let none who is weak remain among you or follow after you. 
Turn these to me, and I, Rafiel, will guide their path."

Phoranin: "Tradition says that this is those other the age of 800. It is 
possible we are wrong I suppose, but I don't think so."

Tessarael: "Kanafesti is not weak if he is a powerful wizard."

Phoranin: "Maybe. I think the law is reasonably clear, and that he should 
become a wanderer. On the other hand, if Rafiel guides the wanderers to the 
middle of an enemy city, where they spy and scheme on our behalf, would that 
not a good use of their talents they have learned over the years?"

Tessarael: "How come there was no general, i.e. a representative from the 
1st shadow, at that meeting?"

Phoranin: "I think the army will do what the king says, if Porphyriel doesn't 
go against it for some reason."

Phoranin laughs, "You you don't look carefully, a wizened shadow elf looks a 
lot like a wizened orc or goblin."

Tessarael: "What political power do the wizards and Kanafesti have with the 
army?"

Phoranin: "Not much I don't think. Not with the army anyway. The army mainly 
has young people in it, and being a wizard is an old person's job."

Tessarael hmmms, "We could take that vacation, depending on how busy you 
are. I'll need a few weeks to sort out things in Sind before I go."

Phoranin: "That would be good. I don't see a good time to take that, but that 
means any time is as good as any I suppose. A few weeks would allow me to get 
prepared. Shall we say in three weeks?"

Tessarael: "Will Aengmoor Forest be okay in your absence?"

Phoranin: "How long did you intend to be away for?"

Tessarael: "A month or two in Mount Celestia at most."

Phoranin: "One month will be ok. I can't really be away for longer than that."

Tessarael: "One other thing to note, my group has substantial influence in 
the 2nd shadow On issues such as the Schatten Alfen spies who were captured, 
my group effectively outranked the 2nd Shadow and deflected questions. And 
the Second Shadow are generally not aware of the existence of a separate 
organization within them."

Phoranin: "You think your group is compromised."

Tessarael: "Probably."

Phoranin: "You think the king is going to handle that? and how??"

Tessarael: "Yes. That's what I wonder. I could have been useful to help 
handle that, assuming they would trust me if I had given a report that was 
positive on the Schatten Alfen. Which I didn't. So the King trusts me to give 
my report to the group, but he doesn't want me involved further. I don't 
quite get it."

Phoranin: "I don't know what is going on either. I don't really know who to 
trust either. Except for the other shamans and you of course."

Tessarael: "Phoranin, we need to ensure unity among our people. What will 
happen if Kanafesti comes here and directly disobeys the temple? Will the 
army here and Princess Tana de Lao side with him?"

Phoranin: "The princess probably will. The army also probably will, as she 
has been recruiting pretty hard. She wants to be her own power. She feels 
that the shamans run everything. I've tried to convince her that this isn't 
true, but she doesn't believe me."

Tessarael: "So Kanafesti is likely to be a trigger? Along with the Wanderers 
issue?"

Phoranin: "Yes."

Tessarael: "So I would suggest that we need to convince those in the upper 
ranks of the temple to solve this problem now. In a manner that won't result 
in hostilities. As I see it, there are two options: (a) talk to the Wanderers 
and Kanafesti and ask them to keep a low profile for the good of the Shadow 
Elves, and for use in the event of war. (b) allow them to exist as part of 
our society.  I think only (a) is viable for now."

Phoranin: "If Kanafesti leaves and joins the wanderers, I'm ok with that. I 
don't think he will though. Not unless he thinks he definitely can't get away
with staying."

Tessarael: "What about if he stays with a low profile? Or you think he wants 
to make this a big political issue?"

Phoranin: "He can't stay and not have it be a big political issue. Unless he 
stays but in hiding, in which case he might as well leave."

Tessarael: "I don't see the point of him making a political point of it at 
this moment when the army is spreadout and weak ... unless to make it harder 
to commit reprisals against a rogue faction in Aengmoor Forest"

Phoranin: "I don't know. Porphyriel said I'll be seeing more political 
meetings in the City of the Stars." Phoranin looks uncertain. "It seems 
everyone has their own agenda. What is your agenda Tess?"

Tessarael smiles. "Unity for our people. I think that includes the 
Wanderers in the future, but not yet - Rafiel doesn't want that revealed yet.
I'm available to the King if he were to request it. I'm available to you if 
you need my help. And I'll work with the Eyes of the Serpent, though I don't 
trust them at this stage. In the longer run, I'd like to find a way to enable 
worshippers of Rafiel amongst the Schatten Alfen to join us."

Phoranin: "My agenda is to do the will of Rafiel. Sometimes that isn't clear 
to me, but I thinbk He has a plan, I just have to figure out what he wants 
for me. It's totally clear He doesn't like the Schatten Alfen though, and 
from what you said I can see why. Rafiel wants what is best for us, and the 
Schatten Alfen aren't."

Tessarael: "If we could reveal to the Schatten Alfen how they were mistreated 
by Atzanteotl (as play things according to Porphyriel), that might be 
helpful, but I doubt it is viable."

Phoranin: "It seems like they wouldn't appreciate being told that. They would 
probably think it's for _their_ own good."

Tessarael: "Here's the problem as I see it ... The Schatten Alfen will attack
us if we appear weak. If we have internal troubles in Aengmoor Forest, that 
may be sufficient. If we reveal that we tolerate the Wanderers, that may be 
sufficient. We can avoid those issues momentarily if we get Kanafesti on side 
somehow, and if we can avoid conflict with Princess Tana de Lao."

Phoranin: "The princess won't act unless she is sure she can succeed, and she 
isn't. I've made sure of that."

Tessarael: "The more time we have to prepare the better. At the moment, the 
army is too spreadout and it sounds like Fort Calatriel isn't ready yet."

Phoranin: "Kanafesti is a bigger problem, because of the time limit."

Tessarael: "How hardline is Porphyriel on the issue of the Wanderers? 
Kanafesti will presumably challenge things before the time limit is up, 
easier to curry favor before he is quite on the wrong side."

Phoranin: "It's not just Porphyriel. Frankly, she will be overruled by the 
rest of the white shamans if she doesn't forge a consensus and unilaterally 
starts something."

Tessarael ahs, "That complicates things, unless she could somehow sort out 
a quiet friendly solution with Kanafesti (doubtful given their interaction)."

Tessarael: "In a worst case scenario, what does Princess Tana de Lao want? 
Autonomous power from the temple?"

Phoranin: "Yes, that is what she wants. 

Tessarael: "She's almost got that at the moment."

Phoranin: "Problem is, she wants it in name as well."

Tessarael: "Does Princess Tana de Lao follow Rafiel?"

Phoranin: "Yes. In name at least."

Tessarael sighs. "This is a mess. Frankly, it seems that it's not that hard 
for everyone to get what they want for the moment, if those involved are 
willing to swallow their pride."

Phoranin: "Politics is hard. Pride, ah, pride."

Tessarael: "Seems like there's too many big egos out there though, looking 
at this as the opportunity to win political power for what they want. Any 
chance we could convince them there is a greater threat out there than these 
small issues?"

Phoranin: "The time is still ticking away."

Tessarael: "We are outnumbered by the Schatten Alfen. They are probably 
better tacticians. That seems a pretty potent threat to me."

Phoranin: "Kanafesti is going to want to make his move before the time runs 
out. That threat can't be avoided easily I don't think, unless the situation 
is resolved one way or the other quickly. Either the wanderers can stay, or 
it's clear he can't."

Tessarael: "So what about if the Temple allows the existing situation to 
continue, saying that it is the will of Rafiel that we found them, but it is 
kept secret for now - particularly with this new threat where we need their 
help. The Temple could make that decision known to only a few high up in 
political power - including Kanafesti."

Phoranin: "But what happens when he turns 800?"

Tessarael: "He goes incognito. He can stay behind the scenes, or join the 
Wanderers."

Phoranin: "That will remove any chance he has of being able to stay where 
he is, in power."

Tessarael: "Or maybe you explicitly make it clear that it would be helpful 
if he came to Aengmoor Forest, indeed welcome him here, but in a private 
quiet advising role. Kanafesti has to lose some power politically. Or the 
Wanderers have to be allowed to stay ... which I don't see the Temple 
allowing in the short term. Dammit."

Phoranin: "I could I suppose...no, I couldn't. He would have to become a 
Wanderer, same as the others. If the will of Rafiel guided him here, that 
would be different."

Tessarael: "He can cast Teleport and go anywhere he likes. There are some 
other less pleasant options. Though I don't believe the end justifies the 
means."

Phoranin: "No. I can't really work against him here though, not if I want to 
allow the possibility he might end up here."

Tessarael: "What about if there is a limited decision on the Wanderers? That 
they can live in Aengmoor City or Aengmoor Forest, if they make their own 
way there? We need some migration to these areas anyway."

Phoranin: "That might work. I don't know how things are going to work out in 
the temple though. I'm somewhat isolated here."

Tessarael: "Maybe it is time you played a more politically active role in 
the temple? What would happen if you left here? Is there anyone who can 
replace you?"

Phoranin: "Maybe. Can't do that from here." Phoranin shrugs. "It's possible 
that Porphyriel is planning to replace me here anyway. I've done a good job 
dealing with the suface races, but maybe not so good at dealing with the 
princess, which suddenly seems a whole lot more important."

Tessarael nods. Tessarael sighs and hugs Phoranin. "Is there anything else I 
can do to help?"

Phoranin: "Nothing really. I'll see what happens."

Tessarael: "For dealing with the surface races, you have subordinates that 
are sufficiently skilled diplomats to continue that role?"

Phoranin: "I believe so. Sometimes diplomacy wasn;t required though. The 
surface races now know they can't push us around, which is good. A softer 
approach might work better now, which would be better if someone else did 
it."

Tessarael: "Then I guess I should do what the King suggested and keep out of 
the picture for now ... though that comment suggests I create trouble." Tess 
will grin wryly.

Phoranin: "Do I sound like I'm trying to convince myself it would be for the 
best if I was replaced?"

Tessarael: "Phoranin, I think you may be best placed to help resolve the 
political issues within the Temple that would help solve our people's 
problems. That is the heart of the issue at the moment. And yes, with 
Princess Tana de Lao, perhaps you've reached a dead end unfortunately."
Tessarael hugs Phoranin and tries to be supportive while being realistic. 

Phoranin: "Well, I'd best be preparing for our trip."

Tessarael: "At least you're more aware of the issues out here than those in 
the temple with a hardline approach will be. Those realities might help sort 
out some solution."

Phoranin nods, "I'll see what I can do then."

Tessarael: "Thank you - we'll just have to do our best for our people."

Phoranin nods and rises to head off. Phoranin kisses Tesserael. "Bye sweet."

Tessarael returns the kiss, then teleports off to sort out Sind.

** 1028/11/14 **