Threads 343-Frostsong 4

They needed more time and some kind of buy-in to keep the Western Territories at low hostility. The situation with the Polar Nations’ Sublime and its fragments was likely the biggest flashpoint. If the Sun were constantly under attack by beings they now knew came from the Twisted Pines and not the jungle, tempers would rise.

“I have a question. I would prefer to ask it now when we are each only ourselves,” Ling Qi began after a long moment of deliberation.

Dzintara peered at her suspiciously and then glanced at Jaromila, who retained her encouraging smile. “I take your meaning, emissary, and will listen in that spirit.”

“Would it be possible to negotiate with you and yours for the rites which may keep your goddess’ wrath away from the Sun civilians? Or at least rituals through which she or her fragments may be appeased?”

The other emissary’s nostrils flared, and she looked unhappy. Her jaw worked for a moment before she replied. “I am pleased that you asked this in a calm environment.”

She didn’t sound pleased at all.

“I get it, you know. The knowledge we’re asking for isn’t small,” Sixiang interjected. “But I gotta admit, nobody is gonna be happy getting attacked all the time, especially if they have a face to assign blame to.”

“That is true, but I understand that the Axemother’s lodges would be difficult to convince,” Jaromila said.

“I only ask if this is something that can be brought up as an item of negotiation. I am not asking for a gift,” Ling Qi continued.

“I understand this.” Dzintara turned swiftly. Her cloak flapped as she strode off to the stone altar set into the half circle of trees and stared at it. “It is… possible,” she said reluctantly. “Possible with sufficient concessions. The warding runes placed upon settlement walls are not a deep secret.”

Ling Qi let out a breath. “I see. Thank you very much. I am sure we can come to an agreement.”

“We will see.” Dzintara said.

“It is a good matter to bring up here,” Jaromila supported. “Anything which touches on the power of the priesthoods is fraught.”

“That was what led me to the question, Ling Qi said. “I—”

“This old man will bear the words, if the emissaries will allow it.”

None of them were obviously startled. They were all too poised for that. But she saw Jaromila’s hand twitch toward her belt and Dzintara’s teeth clench. Her own qi rose, poised to rush out in a tide of mist before she clamped down on it.

An old man in a cloak of crow feathers stood between two of the trees in the shrine. Stepping gingerly down the roots while leaning onto a gnarled wooden cane, she could almost believe he really was just a doddering old man.

“Revered One,” Jaromila greeted, recovering first. “It is surprising for you to join us.”

“The young ones’ argument was loud. My stroll only brought me to it,” the scruffy old man said as he reached the base of the tree roots.

“Old Crow, do you agree with this notion?” Dzintara asked. Her expression was stiff.

“It is my notion that the old should argue with the old,” the crow said. “It is less fraught. The runes you speak of are low things. It is the opinion of the Tower that a few such trinkets can be negotiated, if bought fairly.”

“Then I will allow you to carry those words to the mothers as you have asked,” Dzintara agreed.

Ling Qi observed, trying to judge the etiquette on display.

<Seems like no one is going to tell the old man off, so I guess they can go where they like,> Sixiang analyzed.

The general attitude was less submission than she would expect toward a higher cultivator, but Ling Qi could see the respect still. “Allow” a higher realm to carry the words. Hah. And Dzintara accused the imperials of being difficult to decipher.

“That was the only item I still wished to bring up on my side. What is it that the Twisted Pine, the Western White Sky, might ask of us?” Ling Qi asked.

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“That you do not push into our mountains, that our realm is recognized, and that there are clear agreements on tolls and travel, even if they may not matter immediately,” Dzintara answered.

“And of course, a clear method to resolve disputes on what we lay out here, as such will inevitably arise,” Jaromila finished.

“Yes,” Dzintara agreed, glancing toward the old man.

“I understand, Ling Qi said. “Should I go now and give you more freedom to discuss?”

“I am unneeded, but if the emissaries wish to talk, this old man will escort our guest.”

Sixiang leaned out over her shoulder, scrutinizing him. <He’s pretty weird. Can feel him on both sides of the line. Wonder if he wants to chat about me?> Sixiang asked her privately.

Ling Qi wondered too.