Chrysalis

As a representative of the Colony, the Eldest became an invaluable asset over time. With their unique ability to speak to anyone and hold the family’s interest at the forefront of their mind, the Eldest was a fearsome negotiator.

In many ways, they became the weapon of choice for the Colony in our diplomatic efforts. A stable presence, who never lost sight of the main goal, and who could overwhelm others with the sheer force of their monstrous presence.

Of course, as time passed, it became almost impossible for them to rise high enough in the Dungeon to speak with other representatives, but the Eldest was always willing to serve the family, despite the pain.

That is why we repay them in kind. Regardless of the pain.

- From the private notes of Diplomant.

[Anthony?]

[Hey there, Enid. I thought you were going for a nap?]

The old woman huffs, her hands on her hips as she glares up at me.

[Just because you tell me to go and sleep, doesn’t mean I will. Do you seriously think you’re the boss of me?]

[I wouldn’t dare. However, it does sound like you might be in need of a full medical….]

She draws back in horror, eyes darting to the dark corners of my warehouse.

[You wouldn’t!]

amused. She’s been abducted by the healers a few times. It’s important that we make

like an invalid,] she shudders. [Those healers wouldn’t let me walk unaided until I started hitting them with a stick. They didn’t mind that I hit them, but they felt it demonstrated I was stable enough

of a fed up Enid swinging a walking stick at the healers is so out

happened? I’m not sure I believe

happened. I’m

entire point, old woman. We want to keep you old

I accomplished more than I ever really expected to. I’m happy

Road; report any instances of

believe you aren’t enjoying this trade mission. All this travel? Admit

she smiled,

well stick around, then. More

really mean it. [I came over

to keep those as far from

there are some officials from the city who wanted to come and meet you ahead of the market opening tomorrow. It’s not really possible for her to deny them, given where we are. Is that alright

be, doesn’t it?] I sigh, pushing myself up. [Just how important are these people? Is it the head of the fire brigade? Leader of the local ‘Friends of the Grape’ wine society? Or… the leader of the army, or something? I need to gauge

little troubled, [and I don’t think the

out the red

arrive, I’ve enlisted the help of Cobalt to get things looking presentable. A nice table is put in place, chairs, all that stuff. The bakers get to work and we have a fine selection of

to say. I wasn’t really partial to tea as a human, unless boiling leaves and weeds counts as tea?

I decide to get Jern and Alis to stick around on either side of me, wearing something semi-official looking. They’re ‘guardians of the sanctum’ or whatever, so they may as well be around. I also take the unusual step of demanding that Protectant and her twenty be visible for the meeting. If someone