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Asterion

Mercury and Asterion Discuss Y'Nobe

Hello,

In the light of recent events, Asterion is seriously thinking about becoming King of y'Nobe -- no offence to you, air-breather, but he figures you just do not have the lungs to rule the Merfolk ;-)

If he somehow gets it, however, that he will not be interested in the throne of Ebony...

Therefore, this is an opportunity for you: you can effectively double your strength as far as getting the Crown of Ebony is concerned. If you can help Asterion get the Underwater Throne and can guarantee a mutually beneficial and peaceful coexistence of the two nations, you will get a strong supporter -- one you will need when the other throne empties.

What do you think?


Mercury


Dearest Brother,

I have little enough interest myself in ruling y'Nobe. With the recent arrest of Grobian on suspicion of murder, I am disinclined to support him, although perhaps he will be vindicated some day. That said I have been too busy to get to know you or Donovan, the two I would be most agreeable to seeing on y'Nobe's throne. Perhaps we could discuss your thoughts on the futures of Ebony and y'Nobe over a picnic lunch?


Asterion


I would be more than happy to meet with you... I hope you understand I have a lot on my mind right now, but the day after tomorrow would be great, if that suits you. It would be perfect if you could Trump me when you choose a suitable place -- maybe one of y'Nobe beaches would provide the right setting?


Mercury


Two days later, at a little after noon, Asterion received a trump contact from his sister. She pulled him through to a secluded beach not far from the stair to y'Nobe. Mercury wore a flowing dress of sea-green and turquoise, with little shell buttons. She wore no shoes. Her hair was a dark brown, long and wavy and her eyes the green of the Shimmering Sea.

"I know that you, like many of us, are quite busy at the moment, and I am glad you could spare some time to chat. Come, sit, eat and drink." The diminutive princess pointed to a blanket covered with a variety of dishes and drinks.


Asterion


"Thank you, sister. Your lovely company is always appreciated," Asterion said as he sat down and began scouting the food. Finally he picked up a piece of bread and began to butter it, asking casually "So, how are preparations to the invasion going?"


Mercury


"You are kind to say so," the princess replied. With a shrug she continued, "if an invasion is planned it is unlikely to be a naval attack. Dala has not mentioned anything concerning his own orders, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Mercury took a couple of slices of meat and cheese and placed them on a piece of dark bread, on which she began to nibble. Between bites she said, "I spoke to Dala and Donovan, and neither seemed interested in the y'Nobian throne. Vestige is, as usual, nowhere to be found, and Grobian has not deigned to respond to my query as to his own interest. As long as your goals remain as stated, I have no reason to oppose your candidacy.'

The young woman finished her sandwich before concluding, "I must admit to being a little surprised by the speed of your planning. I would think that it would be appropriate to at least wait until your father is put to rest so as not to give the appearance of impropriety. As to the Ebony throne, I have no interest in my mother's position and hope that she will occupy the throne for many years to come."


Asterion


"As surprising as it may appear, I have said nothing but truth in regard to my goals. And believe me, I would like nothing more than to wait a couple of weeks or even months, in order to let Grobian prove that he is innocent and have him take upon himself the responsibilities of ruling y'Nobe."

is really a word I have not put much thought into, recently, I admit. You are lucky, Mercury: do you know that? You are much older than I am, and yet you can still hope your world will not shake for many years to come -- I still remember that feeling... just a few days ago."

Asterion finally finishes preparing his own sandwich and starts eating it, but it is clear that other things than food are on his mind.


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