Karis nods. Takes a deep breath.

"We also have some points that Karse would not be willing to compromise on, and I suspect the same to hold for Iftel. You had been asking Valdemar about opening temples to Asmodeus in this country, yes?" She raises her chin. "We are Vkandis' kingdom. We might consider other diplomatic relations, but - not that." 

"What happens to people, in Karse or in Iftel, who choose not to worship Vkandis?"

"- It is not illegal to privately worship other gods." (Now, at least. There are periods in Karsite history when this would have been a very ill-advised idea.) "We do not have public temples to other gods." 

"What is the distinction? If a group of Asmodeans gather together for worship, is that a public temple and prohibited or a private gathering and allowed? If they decide to found a school together to educate their children in their faith, is that allowed?"

"That would have to be decided after discussion with the Council in Sunhame, I think. We have not previously had schools. Private worship with friends and family in one's home seems - at the very least, difficult to enforce banning." 

"I see. Are Vkandis's teachings so weak and unconvincing that it is widely agreed that, if people had a choice, none would choose him?"

"- No? That is not why. Our unity as a kingdom is built on being under Vkandis' protection." 

This is somehow a very uncomfortable answer to be giving, even though it's exactly what she was taught as a child. Karis isn't sure why it bothers her so much. Maybe it's Vanyel rubbing off on her. 

"So the concern is that, if people publicly worshipped other gods, they would not show the Queen the deference that is her due, and would not regard as countrymen their fellows of different faiths?"

“Our kingdom’s traditions are what they are. And there were wars over it, in our distant past.”

She narrows her eyes. “Does Cheliax host temples to other gods? It is not impossible that our Council would agree that traditions can sometimes change, but we would certainly want for it to be symmetrical.”

"Of course. As we are eager to share what we know with you, we are eager to learn from you."

“I am pleased to hear that.” Karis is SO DUBIOUS. “I think the same would hold for us as what the Heralds requested - we would like to have an envoy visit Cheliax to attend a service and tour one of the existing churches.”

"We can arrange that as soon as you would like, either with Valdemar or separately."

"I think it should wait until we have been in contact with Iftel. ..Actually, there is a rather important favour you could do for us, to help that happen faster. I think it would go better if we sent a courier through a section of the barrier where the other side is definitely still held by Iftel? Do you have recent knowledge of where would be suitable?" 

"We have no operations at this time directly across from the border with Valdemar."

Nod. "Does your magic allow for communication over long distances, that can cross the barrier? I would feel better about a courier's safety if your people knew not to raid that area." 

"Our soldiers would never attack envoys traveling under a flag of truce. I would be happy to tell them to expect you."

"That is good to know. We should perhaps make sure that we know what your flag conventions look like. ...Is there anything else you wish to discuss urgently?" 

"Is Karse in a position to offer aid in rebuilding Iftel after the war?"

Sigh. "...We will of course do everything we can. We are - still in the process of rebuilding after our own recent war." 

Karis' eyes go distant for a moment. There are far too many memories. 

Presumably a Queen is not having emotions at a diplomatic meeting; they assume someone is Mindspeaking her, and politely wrap things up.

It's a little before sunset when Moondance comes by Carissa's room in the House of Healing. (She's been mostly left alone during the day, though someone sticks their head in briefly every candlemark or so.) 

:Would you mind sitting with Leareth now for a candlemark or two? Starwind and I have - another engagement: 

Not at all. The Healers will let me know what is needed of me?

:I am sure they will. It should not be difficult or anything. And I can give him instructions that he is allowed to Thoughtsense you, to save you the translation spell - he is very sleepy but I think he ought be lucid enough for that. Starwind can carry you over: 

Starwind is summoned to do this. He doesn't speak at all to Carissa. 

(Leareth is in fact feeling quite a lot better. He could probably stand up if he had to, and not even hate it too much. He hasn't been putting in the effort he usually would when convalescing, though; it's arguably in his interest to act sicker than he is.)