[Office of Foreign Affairs] The Bumbling Scholar (PM to Join)

[Jasper]

Jaspers Stats
6 Feet 3 Inches
205 pounds
Brown Hair
Brown Eyes
Scares on Right Arm
Tattoo on Left Arm - Matches scares
Moon Tattoo on Left palm
Sun Tattoo Right palm

Vhalar 4

Jasper was a Melrathian and a Aesir which meant he liked to do things officially. Though he was beginning to wonder how strict this government was. So it was that he had decided to visit the person over Foreign affairs. When he found out that the office of this agent of the government wasn’t in Almund, the capital, but on a island off of the island, he had been surprised.

While he found it odd, Jasper was willing to go with the flow. He was hear to study the four Induks that had become active on the island, and Jasper was sure that would mean learning about there culture as well. He was willing to keep an open mind. Maybe this would work better then the much more rigid government structure of his home. The ship had docked at Hopetoun, a new city having been built in the wake of the eruption.

Jasper had debated taking something local, but he decided that poor Lanquin need a stretch. So the beautiful white Sleipnir had been brought out of the hold and almost pranced with excitement. The whole process caused a bit of a stir on the docks as even among Melrathi few people got a close look at this national treasure. Here none of the regular citizens had ever seen a eight legged horse like creature with wings. Jasper had come off the boat dressed in his Aesir garb. His clothing was all black. His shirt was sleeveless, and he wore a wrap around his waist that went to his ankles. Around his waist was a wide leader belt with a embersteel Aspergillum secured to the belt. Jasper’s Emble, or tattoos marking him as adult citizen of Melrathi, had been enhanced by golden color paint, which would eventually wear off, but for the rest of the trail would enhance the three lines on his left arm that matched the 3 scares given him by a Grendel on his right arm. The tattoos on his hands had also received the same paining treatment. As he walked up to the excited Lanquin, the gathered people would see him take a cloak from a man who had similar facial features, and throw it over his shoulders. Like the rest of his appearance the cloak was exotic, made from the skin of the Grendel who had given him the scares.

Then in a loud voice as he settled into place he called out. “Clear a path.” Then the Sleipnir with a foal like excitement ran forward and launched itself into the air. Jasper looked down at the crowd, honestly unaware of the show that had just occurred. This was what and Aesir was and did, and Jasper considered himself an amateur at his life calling still, he also new he was rather plain in his presentation. Many he knew would have used actual gold flacks instead of a paint, and his robes while the Aesir black, were simple and unadorned. He had put on his best though, and felt it would have to do.

Jasper enjoyed the ride across just a small part of the island before he came to his destination. The white stallion made an unnecessary circle around the building as it descended almost as if was coming down and invisible circle stair case. Lanquin had no problem showing off. Once his feet came inContact with the solid ground Jasper rode the handsome creature over to a place where he could be tied up. Jasper liked to let him wander, but this was official business. He stayed with Lanquin for a few moments stroking his main and allowing his to nuzzle against his face. Finally Jasper stepped away and said. “I will be back. No eating anyone.” Lanquin neighed, Jasper wasn’t to worried he had made sure the Sleipnir was feed his weekly allotment of meet before they came.

Turning around Jasper walked towards the office. He found it a pleasant place, and approved of the gardens and use of nature in the decoration. After Almund with its unquie build he wondered how much of nature had been included in Scalvoris building styles. Soon he found himself talking with a receptionist. Jasper smiled at the very friendly woman as she looked him over, he was different then the usual visitor.

“I am Jasper Rel Ardiechy. I do not have an appointment.” He said in response to Sallie’s inquiries. “I from Melrath, a member of the Aesir.” He looked at her trying to determine if she knew what that meant. “The Melrathi priests to the Spirits.” He supplied to be safe. “I have been sent by my superiors here to study the awakening of powerful Induks here. I wished to make my presences known to the foreign affairs office.” Jasper said by way of explanation. He wasn’t a dignitary of the Melrathi government, he was just a scholar sent out by the Aesir, but he knew that his country while allowing such scholars would like them to just sneak in. So Japer waited to see what would happen.

Passive Active Effects

Spirit Meld-When near a spirit, can mental sense its emotions.
Spirit Sight-Perceive all spiritual forms within a ten foot proximity.
Rupturing-Detect all motions within 10ft.

Post Specific Effects

~NPC~

Astra

Rewan

Bryil

Eldloga

Dasjat

Lanquin

[Zana]

Vhalar 4th, 722

"A visitor?" Zana said to Stefan with a smile. "How wonderful. I hope he's pleasant on the eyes." As she said it, she noticed the muscle in Stefan's cheek just start to jump and twitch a little. It was a sure sign . Still, she was feeling beneficent, so she smiled at him. "I'm teasing you, dear heart. I know, I know. Business. He's here about the Induks? Alright. I'll meet him and have a discussion with him. While I do, be a darling and go and see if Darius is available to meet with him?" Stefan nodded his head. "He's one of the original Forged, so his insight might be helpful, after all. Don't give Darius too much information, though, just that there's someone here - a foreign visitor - who wants to understand the forged." She considered that it would be easy enough to tell this person about Darius, or vice versa but that would give away power and Zana was not the kind to do that. .

So, it transpired that Jasper was shown to the offices of Zana Delroth. The receptionist had a brief chat with a man who looked very like she did, and then came back and smiled. "The Council member is able to see you now. I'll take you up," she said. Then, she led Jasper up to the office where Zana met with people. It was a lovely room with light pouring in and a view of the volcano and the ocean. Zana was sitting in one of the armchairs which were in there and she stood as she saw Jasper coming into the room. "Aesir Jasper Rel Ardiechy," she said, with a smile as she stepped forward and offered her hand. "I am Zana Delroth, Council Member for Foreign Affairs here on Scalvoris and I bid you most welcome." Gesturing to the area where there was tea - which had been refilled in the moments before he arrived - and other drinks, she raised an eyebrow.

"May I offer you some refreshment? Tea, or perhaps a local drink called Baron's Brew, a beer from our local Barony?" Whatever he wanted, she was happy to offer ~ there was a selection of fruit juices, also. Once he was settled and seated, she sat opposite him and raised an eyebrow. "So, how can I help you to-trial, Aesir?" Was that actually a title? She had no idea. "I understand that you're interested in our Induks?" Apparently, according to his introduction, the Aesir were the priests to the spirits, so that made sense. "I believe that spirits are worshipped in Melrath?" Well, he was a priest, so she figured they must be. "I'd love to hear about it," she said and smiled. "If you wish, I can arrange for you to meet some of those who have been specifically marked by the Induks, we call them the Forged here. If, of course, you'd be interested."

He was easy on the eyes indeed, Zana thought and, with a bit of luck, he'd like the sound of his own voice and - if she was really fortunate - he'd also be as thick as a brick. That would while away the afternoon in a most delightful manner, she was sure. So she smiled and waited for his answer.

We don't need instructions, baby. Don't you be afraid.
It takes a little friction, baby. That's how our love is made.

[Jasper]

Jaspers Stats
6 Feet 3 Inches
205 pounds
Brown Hair
Brown Eyes
Scares on Right Arm
Tattoo on Left Arm - Matches scares
Moon Tattoo on Left palm
Sun Tattoo Right palm

Vhalar 4

Jasper quietly waited as his presences was announced to the Secretary over Foreign Affairs. He remained still instead of fidgeting as he wanted to make a good impression. His efforts may have gone to far in the other direction as he now appeared to be almost statues. He didn’t actually have to wait to long before a man spoke to the receptionist. Jasper did take in the facial similarities between the two, guessing they were most likely siblings, though he knew cousins who had similar facial features as well. He didn’t hide the fact that he was paying attention to the whispered conversation.

Jasper smiled and nodded as he was told that Zana Delroth would see him. Jasper followed the woman upstairs and into a meeting office. The young Aesir took in the room and its occupant. The woman occupying the room was a lovely blond, who at least was seated with more pose and sophistication then Jasper possessed. Despite his country heritage he didn’t stomp or come in with any of the commonly assumptions the wealth in Melrath had about his village. Not that Zana would have heard about them stories. There was a honest confidence to his movements, but there wasn’t any sophistication attention seeking about them. His brown eyes studied the woman even as he smiled in greeting to her. She stood as Jasper came into the room. Jasper offered his own hand in greeting as she called him by name and introduced herself. “It is a pleasure to meet you Councilor Zana.” He said not exactly sure what the official protocol on her title was. “Thank you for the welcome.”

The moved on to official introduction as he was offer a seat and something to drink. Jasper’s interest was tempted when she offered a local brew known as Baron’s Brew. “Thank you. I would be interested in trying some local beer.” His family had brewed beers and other drinks in Melrath for centuries. While she served up the beer Jasper got a chance to look out the windows to see both the ocean and the volcano. He felt a twinge at the back of his mind staring at a powerful Induk, the whole island was connected to it but the volcano itself was a focal point.

Once they were settled in their chairs, Jasper holding his beer he watched as Zana kind of shot a number of questions at him. He sorted through the questions as they came at him. Jasper rarely had people call him Aesir, though it was a respectful way to speak to one of the Aesir, usually people used the more specific branch they were part of. Jasper actually was more used to just being called Jasper. He didn’t feel the need to correct her on the subject as her questions were enough to take time. The simple priest decided to attempt to answer them all in one explanation then rather specific points. “Yes you are correct. Induks, specifically three, are the top of the Melrathi pantheon, but the people and the Aesir honor and worship all spirits the world over. Because of that we were intrigued by the sudden awakening of powerful Induks elsewhere in the world.” He paused and took a sip of the beer, enjoying the taste, for someone discerning they would be able to tell that Jasper had experience judging beers. “Excellent beer.” He paused where he was at. “Many centuries ago the three Induks of Melrath sheltered refugees from the wars in Ne’haer.” Jasper caught himself before says the wars waged by immortals in Ne’haer. He wasn’t sure how loyal this Zana was to the Immortals and figured it was to be polite. “Since that time the Aesir have learned much about the spirits, but we are open to learning more about them as more information become available.” Again Jasper didn’t say that some of them were open. Others wanted to hide in their traditions. He looked at Zana as he took another sip of the beer.

“I would love to meet with one of these Forged.” Jasper said with all sincerity. “I would be curious to learn what some of the difference between how the Forged interact compared to the Aesir.” At this moment Jasper heard Eldloga in his mind ask if he could joined the conversation. “If you don’t mind my Dirri companion, Eldloga, has asked to greet you” Jasper waited to see what her response was before acting. If she said no he would nod in understanding, if she said yes Jasper would stand up and put the Aspergillum next to the fire which would allow Eldloga to move into the flames, and his humanoid form with his massive wings would form in the flames. He would offer a bow and extend his greeting. "Greeting Lady Zana. I am Eldloga, The First Light, Dirri of Hearths and other Civilized Flames"

Passive Active Effects

Spirit Meld-When near a spirit, can mental sense its emotions.
Spirit Sight-Perceive all spiritual forms within a ten foot proximity.
Rupturing-Detect all motions within 10ft.

Post Specific Effects

~NPC~

Astra

Rewan

Bryil

Eldloga

Dasjat

Lanquin

[Zana]

Vhalar 4th, 722

Sadly, he wasn't stupid and, while that gave some positives, it also meant she probably had to pay attention, which was always a down-side. Still, he was easy on the eye and at least his sentences were strung together reasonably. Also, Zana considered, he seemed a little ... maybe shy? Maybe lacking confidence? She wasn't completely sure, but it presented as quite humble . Zana adored humble people, as they were much more sensible than arrogant ones - purely, of course, because they were quicker to understand just how amazing she was.

"The Baron's Brew is from Hopetoun," she said with a smile. "It's a settlement run by one of the Barons of Faldrass, Darius Baer. " She spoke quietly and somehow managed to sound like Darius' achievements were her own. "We're very proud of it. The other Baron, Baron Devin, is working on a very special wine at the vineyard there, too." With a slight quirk of her eyebrow, she added, "In fact, it's Darius that I've asked to come if he can. He's Fire Forged."

He described Melrath and Zana considered it. "But, what place do the Immortals have?" She asked it with genuine interest, sitting back and crossing one leg over the other as she cupped her chin in her hands. "If an Immortal worshipper were to openly worship in Melrath, what would the reaction be?" With the slightest shrug she added, "I understand that it is likely to depend on the Immortal?" the last was worded as a question because it was possible, she supposed, for a place to just hate all Immortals.

Gesturing around to encompass the island - not just Faldrass but all of Scalvoris, she explained. "Scalvoris is somewhere where Induks and Immortals co-exist", she understood what a selling point that was for the place. "The Immortals were directly involved, for example, in the freeing of the Induks. Faldrass is as much home to Saoire as to the Induk," she gave a slight smile and said - apparently deadpan - "It's a shame we don't have a resident dragon, or we'd be the full deal. However, it was one of our professors - Padraig Augustin - who discovered the barriers and the dragon behind it some arcs before the other dragons returned."

When he said that the Diri wished to greet her, Zana smiled and nodded. "It would be an honour to meet a Diri companion of an Aesir, most certainly," She watched with interest as Jasper placed an item next to the fire and then, there was a very beautiful creature. A humanoid with wings was something that Zana could most certainly appreciate and she smiled a beaming smile. "The honour and pleasure is mine," she said, genuinely. Thinking about what a diri of the hearth might appreciate, she spoke softly. "You are very welcome here, and I wish you comfort and warmth during your time.". That sounded suitably hearth-ish. She wondered what a civilised flame was, but she decided that she'd probably prefer an uncivilised one, by nature of what it was.

Just then, her assistant Stefan knocked at the door and said, quietly, that Baron Darius was here. Zana was more than please and urged Stefan to send him in. "Darius is here," Zana said to Jasper, in case he hadn't heard the low-spoken tone of Stefan. When Darius arrived, Zana stood and smiled to the Baron and spoke again, in a more formal tone. "Thank you so much for joining us," she said. Stefan had, presumably, told him this but in case that was not right, she explained again. "This is Aesir Jasper, from Melrath. The Aesir are a group there who work with and in deference to the spirits of Melrath, including of course, the Induks. This is Edloga, Diri of the Civilised Flame and Warm Hearth," It would be rude not to introduce both, of course. "Aesir Jasper expressed an interest in meeting one of the Forged to discuss the events of the Forging and the nature of the Induks relationship with Scalvoris. An exchange of information," she explained. Then, she turned to Jasper.

"This is His Grace, Baron Darius Baer. Baron of Smooglenuff and leader of Hopetoun, Fire Forged of Faldrass." With a sudden beaming smile, she added, "And you are all most welcome here. We were just discussing the nature of Induks and Immortals on Scalvoris, Darius and how both have their place and are respected, albeit in different ways.". That said, she paused and let Darius come in and be settled. If he was planning on introducing his own Diri -or Diris, she supposed - that was up to him and she merely waited to let the two men become acquainted.

We don't need instructions, baby. Don't you be afraid.
It takes a little friction, baby. That's how our love is made.

[Darius Baer]

Arc 722, 4th of Vhalar

The young boy was still excitedly thinking about the sleipnir he'd just seen when the gentle ocean breeze of the Hollow Sea flicked up his unruly brown hair. The freshness of the wind was a nice contrast to the otherwise warm Vhalar trial, and helped to cool the lad down after his run to the Hopetoun dock.

That same breeze threatened to snatch away the letter that was in his hand, but he clutched it tightly. He hadn't come all this way for the missive to be tossed into the sea.

The letter had been entrusted to his care three trials earlier by Zana Delroth. She was the Councillor for Foreign Affairs - which didn't mean a lot to the boy - but she was very, very pretty, and that did mean a lot to him. She had also seemed really nice, so he didn't want to let her down. That was why he had tried to keep the letter in his sight at all times...apart from when he was sleeping, of course. When he was eating, it sat on the table. When he was outside playing or doing chores, it was in his pocket, which he frequently checked to ensure it hadn't fallen out. And when he slept, he had kept it under his pillow.

That meant it was rather crumpled by the time he handed it to Darius upon the latter's return from Almund. The leader of Hopetoun thanked the young boy and gave him a coin reading the letter. Ignoring the bends, folds, and creases in the parchment, the Scalvorian silently took in what Zana had written. He decided to give it some thought and write a reply in a few trials' time.

But when he looked up from the letter, he saw that the boy had not left.

"Another letter?" he asked.

The messenger shook his head of unruly brown hair.

"Ms Zana has called for you," the young boy replied. "Says she wants you to meet someone."

Darius looked across at the unfamiliar ship that had been docked alongside his, before glancing back at the boy as the youngster held out his hand for another coin.



Darius was still wearing a rue smile when he arrived at Zana's office. The young boy had been smart, he decided, and the letter he'd been carrying for three trials was stored safely in a pocket of the settlement leader's coat by the time Stefan led him to the door.

Stepping inside, it became immediately obvious that compared to the others, Darius was underdressed for the occasion. Zana was predictably impeccable, while her guest wore plain attire but had painted his skin gold. The mariner, meanwhile, looked like...well, he looked like he'd just stepped off a boat.

But he didn't stand out nearly as much as the winged figure in the flame.

Zana said Zana things by introducing him with seemingly every epithet she could think of - an uncomfortable experience which Darius was learning to grin and bear through - and he was soon acquainted with the golden visitor and his fiery friend.

"Well met, Aesir Jasper and Edlogg," he smiled sincerely. "I hope your travels have been uneventful. Have you come directly to Faldrass from Melrath?"

He took a seat as he spoke, joining the others. He saw that the visitor was drinking Baron's Brew, which always made him proud, but he didn't comment on it.

"I would be happy to share my experiences of the Induks," Darius nodded. "Was there something specific you wanted to know?"

Or someone, perhaps. Apparently Katara wanted to be introduced, too, and she revealed herself. Initially she rested on Darius' shoulder, tendrils of smoke rising from her flaming feathers, but it wasn't long before she flapped her wings and fluttered closer to Edlogg, cocking her head as she took in the sight of another diri of flame.

"This is Katara," Darius introduced the hawk to the others in the room. "She was gifted to me by Faldrass as a guardian and protector."

The Scalvorian smiled at that, for the pair of them had shared many interesting experiences, and their bond had grown tight over time.

That seemed like a good place to pause for the time being. And besides, he was thirsty after his journey, and as an impeccable host, Zana had offered drinks. So he poured himself some fruit juice and took a slow sip as he watched the two diris interact.

[Jasper]

Jaspers Stats
6 Feet 3 Inches
205 pounds
Brown Hair
Brown Eyes
Scares on Right Arm
Tattoo on Left Arm - Matches scares
Moon Tattoo on Left palm
Sun Tattoo Right palm

Vhalar 4

The Aesir sipped at the brew enjoying its taste as she explained were the Barons brew came from and that one of the other Barons was working on a new wine. The brown eyed youth watched the sensual woman as she spoke. Jasper would admit to her being beautiful, and he could sense confidence coming off of her but there was something that made his wish to be back with Astra. Jasper nodded his head though in answer to her statement. “I hope him successes in his efforts. My family has dabbled with beers and wines of the arcs. It can be very rewarding to discover a new brew.” He sipped at the beer and found it enjoyable enough, but he was bias and it would take a lot to admit to something better then that brewed in his home.

Jasper avoided shifting uncomfortable at Zana’s question about Immortals and if there worship was allowed. His smile did slip and despite it he was honest in his answer. “Immortal worship is not part of our cultural identity. Official people are allowed to worship who ever they want, and most of the people will let each other worship as they wish. Sadely after the fall of the Emea a few arcs back, a group of zealots persecuted anyone who openly worshiped the Immortals, eventually those idiots were driven into wilds of country and have lost there voice.” Jasper said with a shake of his head. “Overall depending on the Immortal one worships people will let you be even if you are open about it. Though a missionary for an Immortal would be heckled off the streets.” The Aesir said and sipped a bit of the beer. “I do think certain Immortals could become more accepted with Melrath if the Immortal in question could help people understand what value they could be to the people.” He said and left that there.

“I am interested to hear that. I have stated to think my country could do with a more balance incorporation of the Induks and Immortals. I believe that balance is part of what I need to look into while here.” He looked surprised but nodded his head. “I was unaware that Immortals we part of the Induks freeing. I am pleased to hear that actually. I was also unaware that Saoire had chosen this island as her home. I have meet her a couple of times in my life, and it would be very interesting to meet her other then during her arcly rounds.” He sipped at his beer some more enjoying the taste as she mentioned the lack of a dragon. Jasper shuddered a bit, the dragon he had meet hadn’t been pleasant. “I have meet both Padraig and Faith Augustin. Both impressed me a lot when we meet. Though we sadly didn’t have much time to just talk.”

It was at that time that Darius arrived and introduction. Jasper stood up and bowed to the Baron. Jasper did catch Zana’s comment about exchange of knowledge, and Jasper didn’t have any worries about that. He was willing to share about there Induks and even there worship of them. Before Jasper could answer Darius question his Dirri approached Eldloga. Jasper watched as the two fire dirri spoke. Jasper was sure that there was a communication going on there. Jasper pulled his gaze away and said to Darius. “I think my first question is how would you define the relationship between the Forged and their Induks. In Melrath the Aesir serve a number of roles, but Ambassador to and from the mortal and spiritual would be one way of describing it for us. Anyone may try to become an Aesir, though few will become a shaman and work directly with the spirits, others talents are still put to use in our cause.” He looked at the spirits and then back at the other two. “I am also curious how were the Induks imprisoned, and is it possible other Induks are also still impression in other parts of the world?”

Passive Active Effects

Spirit Meld-When near a spirit, can mental sense its emotions.
Spirit Sight-Perceive all spiritual forms within a ten foot proximity.
Rupturing-Detect all motions within 10ft.

Post Specific Effects

~NPC~

Astra

Rewan

Bryil

Eldloga

Dasjat

Lanquin

[Zana]

Vhalar 4th, 722

Zana listened to Jasper's description of Melrath society and decided that, at the end of the day it sounded like somewhere that was just like everywhere else. A place full of bigoted, stupid people who would be more use cooked than walking. "That's interesting," she said quietly. "Which Immortals do you believe might be more accepted there? I'm Delroth's daughter," she said with a smile. "So, full disclosure there. As the Immortal of birds and wind, he is an entirely universal Immortal. I would argue that anyone who tells you they have never been vain and never desired something with a feeling of greed - his other two domains - is a liar." She shrugged slightly, but her curiosity won out. "As Induks are much more about nature, which is always potentially destructive and has both light and dark intrinsically in it, what is the reasoning for the anti Immortal feeling in Melrath?" She was obviously interested and there was no aggression or challenge in her voice, merely a desire to understand.

"Scalvoris has respect for all the Immortals," she said. "Places of worship are usually for all, and Immortal's Tongue, the small island covered with shrines, has shrines to them all." Even the ones they didn't particularly like were given respect here, and Zana liked that.

He wanted to meet with Saoire and Zana gestured to the large building. "That's Saoire's Dream, her school. Any are welcome there and she has appointments for people to visit. There are a lot of cadouri there. Have the cadouri made it to Melrath yet?" Zana wondered that - whether they were more common here because of Saoire's school. "If you wish to visit there, I'd be very happy to write a letter of introduction?"

Darius arrived and Zana introduced the two of them. Sitting, she listened to the two men speaking and she had to admit that she appreciated Jasper's questions. "While I can not speak for Induks," she said softly and gestured to Darius as she continued. "And I will defer to him in these matters, I think it's pertinent to point out that the dragons were imprisoned, or sleeping, or some such state, until recently." Her own dragonling was testimony to how that was no longer true. "It seems to me that the role of mortals, such as we are, is that we are needed to affect change. Only a mortal can kill an Immortal, mortals imprisoned and mortals freed the Induks. The imbalance of exclusivity and segregation, I believe, serves only to disempower us."

She smiled a beaming smile at the two men there and she reached down to lift up a plate of small sweet treats. "I'm aware that I have a skewed and specific perspective, but to my mind balance and communication can only be good things. Perhaps we can begin that here, between the Forged of Scalvoris and the Aesir of Melrath. It isn't world changing, but it's a start, is it not?" Holding out the plate, she smiled sweetly, apparently amused by something. " Would anyone like a cream puff?"

Popping one into her own mouth she made a slight yum-yum noise and held the plate out for the two of them with twinkling mirth in her ice blue eyes.

We don't need instructions, baby. Don't you be afraid.
It takes a little friction, baby. That's how our love is made.

[Darius Baer]

Darius was not privy to Jasper's explanation of how Immortals were viewed in Melrathi culture, but if he had been, he would have been intrigued. He knew little about Melrath. Contrary to Scalvorians, who typically took to hedging their bets and giving everyone a degree of worship, Melrathi appeared to expect some kind of reciprocation for their devotion. It was a concept that Darius simply hadn't considered - and likely wouldn't, as he hadn't heard that part of the conversation.

What he did notice was Jasper's bow as they were introduced, and the bearded blond waved the man's gesture away. It was very flattering, but he didn't consider himself above others, which made it seem unnecessary.

"Please, let us meet as equals," he smiled gently, before nodding in Zana's direction. "Councillor Delroth has very kindly used many words in introducing me, but I assure you that the vast majority of them are a result of being in the right place at the right time, rather than genuine merit. I have only done what any Scalvorian would have done if they had been put in my position. You need only call me Darius."

Darius knew that likely wasn't quite accurate - there were bound to be locals to Scalvoris who wouldn't have taken on the responsibilities that he had, but he still felt those people would be in the minority.

After that, Jasper wasted no time in asking about the relationship between Forged and Induks. Darius savoured the juice with a long sip as he pondered how best to answer it.

"My view is that I am something of a representative of Faldrass. I serve Faldrass, but Faldrass also serves the people who live here, and therefore so do I."

Darius looked across to Katara, who was happily squawking and chirping to Edlogg.

"Katara here is my protector. I am her ward. And she is my connection to Faldrass. Faldrass speaks through her, but we also work as a team."

He grinned, a little embarrassed. The relationship was a little complicated, and he worried that his attempt to describe it had only made it more so.

At Jasper's question of how the Induks came to be imprisoned in the first place, Darius could only offer a polite chuckle. Zana's suggestion that mortals had imprisoned them made sense to him logically, given that it was mortals who had freed them. Darius acknowledged the suggestion with a polite nod, but he didn't know if there was any truth to it.

"Alas, I am neither a historian nor a philosopher. That is a mystery to me."

To Jasper's other question, about other Induks being imprisoned, Darius nodded his head.

"I do not know if that is the case," he admitted, "but I don't see why not. The Induks in Scalvoris are very focused on Scalvoris itself. It does not seem unreasonable to me that other places could have something similar. The ones here are focused on the elements - those of nature, not our military - and perhaps those in other places are defined in the same way. Or perhaps in a completely different way that is unique to the places they seek to protect."

Darius couldn't ignore the fact that in place of answers, he was offering little more than mere speculation, and he found himself smiling apologetically to both Jasper and Zana. Even so, it was good to discuss such matters.

Zana's offer of cream puffs was gratefully received, and Darius did not hesitate in taking one. Sweet treats were something of a rarity, but he was opposed to the occasional luxury.

"Balance is indeed good," he smiled to the councillor, "which is why I will try not to overindulge in the cream puffs!"

As he savoured the sweetWordplay! morsel, Darius cocked his head slightly in contemplation. Then, having swallowed, he offered up a question of his own.

"How does someone become an Aesir? Do they get an invitation, or do they simply decide to become one?"

Initiation to the Forged was not simple. It required the individual to prove their worth before they could join the fold, so he naturally wondered if the Melrathi method was similar to the Scalvorian one.

He also wondered what was providing Zana with an air or mirth. At least she didn't seem bored!