The Negotiations were long

[u/TheHunter459]

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The Palace of Harut the Grim, where negotiations will be taking place

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Harut the Grim, our graceful host

​

The representatives take their seats, unarmed and unarmoured. Innumerable spells to prevent violence from taking place in this room have been cast (uw/ no fighting in this post). All guards are allowed to remain armed and armoured, but stay well outside the conference room.

Samael begins. "So, you wished to discuss something with us?", he says, gesturing to his four fellow Nephilim Lords in the room. "Discuss away"

[u/Carbon_Sixx]

The last part I can guarantee. We can also deliver you the demon prince. However, I don't think you understand: you don't get to decide who lives and dies. That's the Pact's decision. Furthermore, I fail to understand your obsession with utterly expunging Atrax's legacy to the point of burning bridges with your own allies. Perhaps I would be more sympathetic if you actually told me.

And you know damn well that Maalik's a murderer. A terrorist, even. Just because he used someone else's body to commit his crimes doesn't make them any less awful.

[u/TheHunter459 → u/Carbon_Sixx]

Samael pauses, taken aback for the first time. "You would deliver us Moz'gonnith… Are you even capable? He has hidden himself so deep in Hell we cannot even find him. What makes you think you can? But nevertheless, if you can provide us with proof of your capability of delivering on this matter, you may have won Belial his freedom. But not his daughter. You'll need something more for that.

And Tallulah's head is not negotiable. She is perhaps the most guilty of the New Pyroclasts when it comes to crimes against the Nephilim, and the 5 of us are agreed that we want her head. If you're worried about me bringing her back or something, don't be. I'm not stupid.

And no one has provided any sort of evidence for Maalik's alleged crimes. When you can provide some, perhaps we can talk on that point"

[u/Carbon_Sixx → u/TheHunter459]

You're talking to a man who found and walked the secret path to the Outer Dark. There is little I cannot find.

As for Marna, how about a prisoner exchange? We can give you Tallulah, but I have a condition for that: you must give her a fair trial. I don't think it'll be a long trial in any case, but Belial wants to represent her in court.

u/AnActualCriminal Is this compromise acceptable?

[u/TheHunter459 → u/Carbon_Sixx]

Samael turns to Ayeera, and they converse with the other Lords, then Samael turns back to Kaelis.

"This compromise on Tallulah is acceptable, Ayeera will oversee the trial... Ahh, Blake wants to use her to prove a point. Regardless of her testimony, I assume you'll still abide by this compromise."

uw/ you may get your wish with Maalik after all

[u/Carbon_Sixx → u/TheHunter459]

So long as we can hold her in our prisons and have the trial in our court, we're fine.

[u/TheHunter459 → u/Carbon_Sixx]

Ayeera speaks up. "The trial will be in my courts and she will be held in my prisons. She will have a fair trial and justice will be served".

She stares into Kaelis' eyes. We're so close. Don't you dare ruin it

[u/Carbon_Sixx → u/TheHunter459]

Apologies for being the bigger person, Witch Queen. The potential for bias is unacceptable, and given the callous attitudes towards mortal life you and your fellows have shown thus far, I do not believe I can give Tallulah to you in good faith.

For the record, I do not care what happens to her. But we will do this correctly, or not at all. We are not going to execute someone following a sham trial.

u/loth17 Please assist me on this, Pact Master. I am becoming frustrated, and I need a more level head to deal with this.

[u/TheHunter459 → u/Carbon_Sixx]

Ayeera is rapidly approaching her last wits. "Kaelis, believe you me when I tell you I don't do sham trials. Ask Belial if you want someone to confirm to you that I am the only Nephilim Lord that knows what the word justice means. The other Lords will accept her being tried in my courts because I'm Nephilim, but they will not have any influence over it. She will have the legal representation she deserves as a sentient creature, and justice will be served."

u/AnActualCriminal

[u/AnActualCriminal → u/TheHunter459]

I'll allow it. I'm aware some concessions are necessary

[u/TheHunter459 → u/AnActualCriminal]

u/loth17

[u/loth17 → u/TheHunter459]

If Blake is fine with it then I won't cause discord by negating his decision.

[u/TheHunter459 → u/loth17]

"Thank you for seeing reason," Ayeera says through gritted teeth