"And they're overwhelmingly likely to agree?"

"Ransoms of various sorts are common. It's overwhelmingly likely we'll come to some sort of agreement securing their release, whether or not it's the one Three Bells wants."

"I'm glad we were able to help you put a stop to it."

"We're glad as well! You'll be welcome to send someone to observe the trials and prison conditions, if you wish. We want to display our suitability as a diplomatic contact, after all. The King has also told me he's willing to talk more about magic now, if you wish, and apologizes but says it's only natural to be hesitant in such a new situation."

"I'd love to learn more, and yes, I'll request an observer."

"I'll get you and whoever else an appointment in court! Tomorrow afternoon?"

"Sure, I'm sure there's a yellow in orbit with observational experience who can be here by then."

The diplomat returns shortly with an hourlong appointment just after lunch; Agenda will be discussing observers, magic, and anything else Tapa wants to bring up.

The ambassador to Three Bells arrives punctually, with a slightly laggy connection to the incoming yellow on his pocket everything.

King Leuu'k opens the meeting with, "My thanks for Tapa's assistance in a great victory against the evils of piracy! We will only grow more capable of enforcing peace upon the waves with further cooperation."

"We are delighted to have been of service! Peace is the best backdrop against which to learn and trade."

"Mm. Conflict is in our very natures and piracy is sadly not uncommon, but this is still a step forward. If our nature is channeled properly into sports, arenas, and civilized war - meaning customs against needless destruction and such, or even formalized war by volunteers - learning and trade will be able to flourish."

"Do you suppose there'd be much uptake of Amentan sports? I got a letter recently wondering."

"Oh? People will definitely try it, though I don't know the differences between our sports and yours!"

"Ha, I'm not the expert but I can have one drop by to see what games can be played here without an entire floodlit amphitheater!"

"I'll look forward to that. We might want one of those built anyway, as an arena if nothing else. Good arena skirmishes are extremely popular."

"If it can be done without upsetting the wildlife I'm sure we can arrange one."

"Ah yes, that would be quite a problem. I'll make sure to have someone look into that later."

"I believe a few of my greens had a wonderful time talking to Stoneheart about that among other things. Apparently she too has magic!"

"Oh yes, the nature-studier. Quite the hidden depths on that one. Stoneheart is always welcome in these lands, much as she does not wish to speak to me. A shame, someone as strong as her is someone I would appreciate closer relations with."

"That I hadn't heard of. Do you have some kind of history?"

"She is well known as a very private and serious individual, one who generally disdains politics and fighting. Not that she isn't terrifyingly skilled at fighting." The king is smiling wistfully. "Extremely reliable, of course. A very model of Firnu's virtues. But wanting nothing to do with my government, or any as far as I can tell."

"I spotted a flame over her head, but didn't get a chance to ask what it meant, do you know?"

"It's a mark of devotion, a very serious thing. Firnu's flame- Essentially declaring herself a reflection of the god through her magic. Devotion to what? Her self-imposed responsibilities, I can only assume."

"Are nature-studiers not a, hm, institution? A standard occupation?"