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.]

describing me as

And

is able to calm the brathians down long enough for them to put their weapons away, which

manage to connect with the leader of the delegation, Eran Thouris, a sparkling purple-scaled lady,

this guy was an Assassin Demon, otherwise I

does seem somewhat rude to bring a demon of killing

to overlook the whole incident. In exchange for renegotiating

[Not happening.]

point blank robbing us. There’s no way I’m going to let them get away with shaving more profit out of us just because I made them think we were trying

to talk about our deal? Are we going to move forward now that the wave is

smiles, though it doesn’t reach her

discuss our agreement and take steps that will enable us to start bringing your products to market. We have

Road, this story should

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 work areas prepared

just in case these scaly

continues, taking a long sip of her tea. [That is the issue of introducing

your side of the agreement? We provide the stuff, you take it to market

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

and one of the attendants steps forward with a 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

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

[Nice map,] I say.

Smooth.

smiles, then stands to better point out

there are very few monster-made goods on the market. Very few. Those that are, tend to be from well established sellers with a reputation for quality that people can trust. A good example you are likely familiar with is the sophos. Their

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

you think people will be reluctant to