Chrysalis

Turns out they aren’t particularly impressed I’ve brought Odin along with me. No sooner have we entered the chamber than the guards are whipping out blades and the mages are slapping down shields around the core of their group.

Enid looks as confused as I feel, and there’s some rapid words exchanged. I put together a mind bridge and connect to her in order to find out what in the heck is going on.

[They’re upset you brought an Assassin Demon with you,] she tells me, eyeing Odin askance.

[A what?!]

I turn to look at the little demon.

[You’re an Assassin Demon?]

[I thought you already knew that.]

I probably did. I shrug.

[So he’s an Assassin Demon. So what?]

Enid gives me that look that tells me she's annoyed, and developing a headache.

[So they think you’re going to assassinate someone. Why else would you bring one to a meeting with an envoy from another group?]

[If I was going to assassinate one of them, why the heck would I waltz in with him in plain view of everyone? Besides, he’s not going to kill anyone. Odin, do you feel the urge to commit murder?]

[A bit, yes.]

[Shut up for a minute, Odin. What the heck, man? Seriously. Look, can you just explain to them he’s a friend of the Colony and we are not planning on having anyone assassinated. I only dragged him up here so he could stop being creepy somewhere else.]

stop describing

said? No. And frankly, I’m shocked

brathians down long enough for them to put their weapons

through several intermediaries, I manage to connect with the leader of the delegation, Eran Thouris, a sparkling purple-scaled

that this guy was an

somewhat rude to bring

quite alright. I’m happy to overlook the whole incident. In exchange for renegotiating

[Not happening.]

to let them get away with shaving more profit out of us just because I made them think we

to talk about our deal? Are we going to move forward

though it doesn’t

that will enable us to start bringing your products to market. We have brought along our goods inspectors, who will remain with you here in the nest to supervise the packing of the merchandise, as well as

Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on

For whatever reason, the craft-ants who fill up the countless workshops of the Colony are obsessed with quality. They grind their Skills day and night, cleaning up every little detail they can find in order to produce the best work that they can. Actually, it’s probably because most of the furniture and food goes to the Queens now that I think about it. Hey, if it keeps the brathians happy, they can

sounds fine. I’m pretty sure we had rooms and

heavily enchanted to prevent snooping, just in case these scaly negotiators were hoping

matter I wanted to bring up with you,] Eran continues, taking a long sip of her tea. [That is

We provide the stuff,

of course,] she assures me, [but there are several unique challenges involved. And no, I’m not trying to negotiate for a better price,] she says, stalling my immediate complaint, [I’m trying to make sure this venture gets off to the best possible start. Let me elaborate

large scroll that is placed on the table and unfurled in front of the delegate. What is revealed is a beautifully made, vividly coloured and exquisitely

some valuable stuff! Are they giving us this information for free?! I better

[Nice map,] I say.

Smooth.

to better

with a reputation for quality that people can trust. A good example you are likely familiar

for the most part, want to eat people. People, be they golgari, human, brathian or ka’armodo, would rather they not get eaten. This clash of ideals is sure to create some tension. I don’t think I’d be buying from a company that stated its

be reluctant