CONSTANCE AT THE PARTY
The Bloodlord smiles graciously.
"You honor me. I gladly accept your gift and your thanks. Normus, by the way, is doing well in Mekhala. I currently have him operating as an advisor for some of my specialists. Do you intend to rotate our man as he ages out of the position? It's pleasant having a true scholar around."
BACKROOM
The Omnuud representative smiles, leaning back into her chair.
"We want this to begin a relationship. We want two members of the Elder Blood. The youngest two. They'll come to Khylosen, be taught our ways. We'll teach them sanguimancy, war, and what it means to take rather than receive. We'll even allow you to pick one to be given full guest rights and the protections that entails. They'll be warriors and leaders both.
"As part of this, the Bloodlord won't allow his warriors to assault your people or holdings in any organized fashion.
"In exchange, we want you to be our voice on this mudball. The grasp of the weed is growing stronger by the day, and we know the whispers that grow up through the foundations of equity and split apart what makes life worth living. We want you to be a friendly voice. When Khylosen is brought up, you'll speak our praises.
"It's that simple, for us - though we are amenable to counteroffers. You get your recording and a friend in the void. We get a friend in the well."
THE DEBATE
The Bloodlord stands to respond.
"I cannot argue with the Queen of the Arkhive, of course. With that said, though, I have made my case for the Bloodfather. I will happily answer further questions, but if truth must be told, I cannot argue further, for two simple reasons. First, the Emperor is represented by another now, and we simply will not divide attention from the most noble of pursuits. Second, I fear that further arguments will only muddy both faiths, here. Constance has the right of it, coexistence is not beyond what we accept."
As Guyineber interrupts, Peter seems fully unbothered, smiling politely only. As she explains the Emperor's divinity, parentage, and eternity, Peter bangs a fist solidly on his lecturn in approval.