Chrysalis

Satrap Umizan, leader of the Brathian Island Conglomerate, turns out to be a festively plump chap, covered in jewellery and floating fabrics that sparkle with unearthly light. He’s an impressive sight, that’s for sure, but all the expensive accoutrements don’t quite manage to distract me from the fact he’s the only chubby brathian I’ve ever seen. Is it a point of pride or something? Only he can afford to get fat? A symbol of his status?

I want to ask. I really want to ask. I know I shouldn’t, obviously, but the guy is right there in front of me. It’s not like I can’t look at him.

[The Satrap bids you welcome to his city. He hopes you find your stay to be commodious and well priced.]

[We’re paying for this? You invited us!]

[It’s a traditional greeting. Now he is speaking of our trade agreement. He hopes there will be a great deal of mutual profit for years to come, allowing both our peoples to prosper.]

[I can agree with him on that.]

At this point, the beaming Satrap claps his hands together and a host of servers emerge from behind pillars and seemingly from out of trapdoors. They come out of nowhere! Each of them bears some sort of dish or drink which they begin to dispense amongst the gathered dignitaries and officials. Beside me, Enid gratefully accepts something that kind of looks like some sort of fish on a cracker? But the cracker is wet? The brathian themselves seem fine to move in and out of our bubble, perfectly able to breathe within the water or the air.

It’s a bit cramped for me, so I have to keep my legs tucked close to my body, but overall, I’m enjoying myself. It’s interesting getting to meet new people.

To one side, Beyn is grandly gesturing, really starting to warm up his vocals in discussion with a bemused-looking brathian lady. Before he can really get going, I sidle over and prod him with an antenna, much to his conversation partner’s shock.

[Relax a little,] I admonish him. [What are you going to tell them, ‘The Great One is an amazing, divine creature?’. It’s going to be a hard sell when I’m standing right here, my legs folded so I don’t get my antennae wet.]

ahem… your grace is abundant to all who

I resist the urge to reach out with a mind bridge and reassure her we

you think about it. A mind-bridge may be a wonderful tool of universal communication, but it’s also a means of launching violent and disturbing mental warfare. Monsters as evolved as I am are typically more than a

should be reported if encountered

caution, but it makes the whole thing a bit boring, since

when the Satrap swaggers over to me, a bevy of unhappy-looking

while swimming? I honestly can’t tell you. He just

away of concerns, until finally a tentative

things? Any chance

they were hungry

will be provided. I… I am Olivis, the

you types recently. Crazy what you can learn. Anyways, the Satrap is here. I suppose

man who we do not like to risk. I… urge you to act with restraint when your mind is connected to

generously wave an

course. You guys have shown us hospitality and friendship, so we’ll do the same. Relax a little bit. Although, I’m serious about

a new and powerful mind jumps

you’re taking forever! Hello there, big

[Anthony.]

Welcome to my city. I have to say, I’m

the rumours about my incredibly