It had taken till late in the evening to hammer out the finer details of the initial agreement between Octopus Cove & the Fight Zone. The city council had haggled like the merchants whose ships they pillaged over exactly how much food the Horde would be buying, the amount of tech that would be selling, & of course the price for both. They'd managed to come to a workable first agreement (though both sides agreed the matter could be revisited) & to celebrate the Council had taken her & her escort back to the "Drinking Buddies of Freedom" for dinner. At Poltans urging, she had ordered the Baked Potato which had come topped with sour cream & shredded cheese from Phlax, as well as a side of pan fried salmon. It was without question the single finest meal Shakra had had in decades, and she'd admitted as such. They'd offered to arrange a room at one of the Inns but she deferred in favor of sleeping aboard the "Razorfin". Thankfully the Council was dominated by former pirates who understood that "No Inn compares to the comfort of yer own ship" as Guppi had put it.

(In reality she didn't trust she could fall asleep in this city & wake up again. The pirates had been cordial enough so far but she wasn't going to give them the opportunity to change their minds)

After she awoke & had breakfast with the crew -she really hoped they managed to get the pirates recipes along with their food, the captured rations just did not compare- & gathered supplies for the next leg of her journey. She had secured permission to leave the "Razorfin" in port while she & her entourage traveled to Seaworthy by Skiff. She used the extra time to finalize her strategy. Seaworthy would present a rise in difficulty compared to her previous stops. Mere anti-Runestone kingdom rhetoric wouldn't be enough. Whereas the Cove had won its independence from Salineas on the (metaphorical) field of battle, Seaworthy had taken advantage of the chaos of civil war, and the Kingdoms desperation for money, to simply purchase its statehood. This stark difference had set the two citystates on a path to a seemingly eternal rivalry. The pirates of the cove sneering at the merchants who had been too cowardly to fight for their freedom, The Aristocrats of Seaworthy looking down their noses at the "common criminals" who prowled the Sea of Sighs.

It was no surprise in hindsight, that the two cities had required drastically different methods of infiltration. Octopus Cove had been easy enough. Oh there had been early embarrassments when they'd assumed they merely had to pay some buccaneer to spy on their crewmates only to have said buccaneer immediately report the bribe attempt to the City Council, but a simple change of tactic had sufficed. Instead of paying the individual pirate to gather gossip, they allotted their agents to establish their own pub or gambling den than allowed the pirates natural tendency to brag do the rest.

Seaworthy had been an entirely different level of frustration, the nobles that dominated the citystates Parliament were used to conducting espionage against each other & as such knew what to look for. Shakra was convinced that many of the Horde's agents had been discovered by accident, a noble stumbling upon their asset while digging up dirt on a rival. Over time they had developed a system where their agent would offer their service to a lord as a spy against their rival only to reveal their purpose to the rival & present themselves as a double agent. This system was dangerous but it allowed the agent to play both sides of a dispute against the other. Likewise since every Noble house was awarded a seat in parliament, it gave them a window into the government's workings. And yet after all these years agents in Seaworthy still had a tendency to vanish without a trace.

Shakra was so wrapped up in her thoughts she was barely aware of crossing the rather heavily defended border between the two citystates. Thankfully the O.C City Council had provided a letter ordering her safe passage. Seaworthy's troops required a bit of convincing but ultimately let them through having sent warning of their approach ahead via trackerpad. After a bit more travel along the scenic coast they finally came to their destination.

"Woah" Josephine lat out as the city came into view. Shakra had to agree, even from a distance Seaworthy was the most stunning city she'd beheld in some time. It was quite a bit larger than the Cove, that much was clear & was awash in color & lights. The dingy browns that covered everything in the city of pirates were replaced with bright blues & shimmering golds. As they made their way to the capital building -a guide had been dispatched to help them find their way though the bustling streets- Shakra found a sense of unease creep over her. Small as it was, the Coves broad streets had managed to give the city a feeling of openness. Seaworthy's roads were much cleaner but also much narrower, its buildings packed tightly together. Shakra couldn't escape the feeling that they were being surrounded. On top of this, she felt eyes upon them but her repeated scans of the people on street revealed largely curious glances & a few attempts at a friendly smile.

Seaworthy had always been a popular vacation sport for the types of wealthy elites that would come to dominate its government & its capital building was as grand as only a gathering house for nobility could be. From the magnificently carved doors to the spotless windows & gorgeous artwork, even the floor seemed without a single spec of dust. It was the type of building designed to wow visitors with its opulence. To impress upon visitors the wealth & power of Seaworthy. The meeting hall was designed in a similar fashion. All the furniture was carved from the finest woods, the chairs were lined with soft cushions Shakra thought she could sleep on, and the table was decorated with beautiful flowers & delicious looking fruit which she & her cohorts were allowed to snack on while waiting for their hosts. After a few moments of sitting in silence, the grand doors opened & the contingent representing the citystate filed in. Shakra's eye was drawn to two men in particular.

"Prime Minister Arkion! It was my understanding that meeting with diplomats was beneath your station"

"It usually is" The middle aged Satyr replied coolly "But given the historic nature of the Horde sending its first ever diplomatic mission, i didn't feel i could keep away" From the pleasant smile he wore, you'd have never imagined how Arkion had come to Seaworthy. Arkion had been the young heir to the throne of Vargon when his fathers tyranny drove the populace to revolution. The King had taken to forcibly conscripting any citizen who wasn't a Satyr or Minotaur (their larger distant cousins) & using the power of his minor Runestone, The Bull's Eye, to turn them into cybernetic monstrosities which he planned to use in a campaign of conquest. Those who resisted were killed without mercy. That the Horde had cast down such a bastard was one of their proudest moments.. Shakra was so absorbed in her memories she only faintly heard Arkion introduce the fellow members of parliament he'd brought with him, though in truth, only one was important. "How may we be of service?"

"As you all are aware i'm sure" She began with a cheerful tilt to her voice. "We've had a recent change of leadership in the Fright Zone & she is taking the opportunity to reverse some..." she made a show of fishing for the word "counterproductive policies of the previous administration. Such as, for example, making enemies where there could be instead very profitable partnerships."

"Well Seaworthy prides itself on being open to all willing trade partners" Said the other man of interest on the other side of the table. Prince Peekablue, surviving heir to the throne of Green Thatch looked resplendent in his long tailed tuxedo jacket that ended in a birds tail, blue leotard & matching tights. On his jacket was pinned the Perfect Blue sapphire, the Minor Runestone that allowed its wearer to see anything or anyone at any moment (assuming certain conditions were met). Peekablue's grandfather the last king of Green Thatch, had decided the best use of such an impressive power would be to spy on young ladies in the bath. One of many reasons Green Thatch had also risen in revolt. "Provided of course, the partner in question can act with a certain degree of decorum" The prince smiled revealing a set of perfect teeth. It was so dazzling that one could've been forgiven for failing to notice that it didn't reach his deep blue eyes.

"Oh of course" Shakra replied in her sweetest "old woman" voice. "And the Horde would be glad to follow whatever standard of decorum you deem applicable. Likewise er would expect you to approach any arrangement with the same sincerity that we are prepared to show you"

"Why, naturally" Arkion responded, holding his hands open. "We need only know how Seaworthy can help"

"Actually my lord. What's important is how we can help you" "Oh? well do go on" The Prime Minister said with a raised eyebrow.

"Gladly. With Salineas in such firm control of the Sea of Sighs, thanks in no small parts due to privateers from this very city, They are in a stronger position than they've been in years to enforce their will on anyone who sails what they've long considered their waters"

"With respect madam" interrupted some noble whose name she hadn't payed attention to. "But if you read our history you'll see we have a far healthier relationship with Salineas than *ahem* certain others"

"I have indeed read my history my lord & one trend stood out clear as a sunny day. The stronger Salineas' position is, the less inclined they are to share" She allowed a serous expression onto her face. "How many trade routes have they taken from the Crownless over the years solely because they could? How many brave Seaworthy captains have seen their promising careers cut short by wrathful Salinean captains? No my lords & ladies, a powerful Salineas benefits no one but themselves to the cost of any other nation with even a hint of naval ambition."

"While we can agree that Salineas has historically been less than generous" Arkion said in a somewhat skeptical voice. "The Horde's navy is in no position to challenge them in this regard."

"For the moment. However cast your memory back only a few years & you'll find the situation almost entirely reversed. Salineas, for centuries the most powerful navy Etheria had ever seen, was reduced to cowering behind its Sea Gate while WE controlled the Sea of Sighs & if you'll ask your captains we were quite willing to make deals in exchange for information on the Rebellion."

"Yes well the past is the past" Peekablue said with a tone of ever so slight condescension "In this moment the remnants of our navy isn't even trying to mount a challenge"

"In this moment your highness is correct. Like Salineas before us, we have been forced to regroup, to rebuild. When we regain our strength, and make no mistake it IS a matter of when not if, we shall once again be able to provide a challenge to their command of the sea." She allowed herself a conspiratorial smile. "And it seems to me having someone to act as a counterweight may reign in some of their more....controlling tendencies, which is a benefit to all who have to make their living on these waters."

Shakra watched as her counterparts exchanged knowing glances. "Well madam you provide an interesting idea" Arkion begins in a smooth voice."But i'm still not sure how you expect Seaworthy to help in this endeavor"

"Well for example, Seaworthy has a long history of allowing Salinean vessels to dock in your harbor for supplies, repairs, what-have-you. If Seaworthy would simply extend to Horde vessels those same courtesies, it would be a great help in & of itself."

Arkion made a point of looking thoughtful. "Well as long as they could afford the same fees that the Salineas' ship pay, i can think of no reason why they shouldn't be allowed to use our port."

Shakra bowed her head thankfully. "Furthermore, we're trying to diversify our diet in the Fright Zone. We would be willing to pay a fair price for food imports"

"A fair request which we would be more than open to discussing." Arkion eyes had a greedy glint to them. 'However, since we're discussing imports & exports, Horde tech is easily among the most advanced on Etheria. If an agreement could be reached where that tech could be made available for purchase i'm sure that would go a long way towards swaying parliament"

"Someone once told me that knowledge wants to be free. It is not the Horde's place to impede someone else's progress. Our tech is certainly available, as is our expertise should it be needed."

"Excellent" Arkion said with a grin. He seemed about to continue when a aide burst in the room & whispered something into his ear that sent a flash of anger across the Satyr's face before the Prime Minister recovered. "Ms Shakra i must apologize but it seems an urgent matter has come up which requires my immediate attention. If we could resume this discussion another time?"

"Of course my lord. The demands of leadership pauses for no one." She rose & extended her hand. "It has been a pleasure my lord."

Arkion took her hand in a firm grip "Indeed it has madam." With that he led the group from the room. Shakra was leading her guardians down the stairs, discussing where to have dinner when the answer was thrust into her hand by an approaching messenger.

"What's it say?" Josephine asked after Scalia had been kind enough to open it for her.

"It's an invitation to dinner at a club owned by...well this should be interesting"

The Enchanted Grotto a few hours later.

Shakra had to admit, The Enchanted Grotto certainly lived up to its name. The fishscale tiling on the floor was beautiful & the window provided a breathtaking view of the waters outside. They'd had formal wear provided when they arrived -the poor usher had nearly cried when Scalia had thrust her two lower arms through the side of her finely cut tuxedo- & a table reserved for them. The food was delicious if a tad spicy, & the entertainment was spectacular.

Yes indeed, Prince Peekablue knew how to put on a show.

They had just finished their main course -a dish of rice with a side called Avial- when their waiter Ranger approached & asked her to come backstage backstage alone. She had to take a moment to convince Josephine & Scalia she was in no danger before the young Sea Elf was able to guide her to what served as the Princes dressing area behind the stage.

"Welcome my dear! So glad you could make it" the Prince exclaimed after putting down the eyeliner he had been applying & sending Ranger away. "Please have a seat" he gestured to a couch beside his makeup station. "So how'd you like the show?"

"You have a gift for theater sir"

"Thank you, I always aim to please." The Prince's face beamed with pride before adopting a -slightly over the top- look of remorse. "However i'm afraid i called you here to share some bad news"

"If this is about the suit my bodyguard tore..."

"Oh no no honey" The Prince interrupted with a laugh "i was going to let you keep the clothes anyway. No i'm afraid you won't be getting an answer to your proposed treaty anytime soon."

Shakra let a confused look cross her face. "Why, whatever could be the problem" As if i couldn't guess.

"Not that i'd expect someone from the Horde to know this" the Prince began "but the democratic process can be a slow, cumbersome thing. It can take weeks, months, even years to get a bill passed. In fact sometimes it takes so long the bill just" he made a flicking gesture "disappears into thin air."

So that's how we're doing this. She'd been expecting something like this. "Now surely there's a way to move things along?"

He adopted a -somewhat exaggerated- look of thoughtfulness "Well the Prime Minister could call the vote himself, but that's not the kind of move one makes rashly. He'd have to be talked into by a good friend of his"

"Well you two seemed friendly enough in our meeting"

"Oh Arkion & I are quite close." He leaned forward, put a hand to his face & stage whispered "between you, me & the floorboards i may have helped him in his bid to be Prime Minister" From what Shakra's agents told her it went a bit beyond "may". Arkion's heritage had been a rather significant hurdle in his quest for the top job until Peekablue had begun to speak up on his behalf. Quite a few favors had been cashed in, & even more deals struck to get the Satyr in his current position. "Still to ask my friend to take such a public stance on such a potentially controversial issue...i wouldn't feel comfortable doing such a thing... unless you could help me with a certain matter"

Here it comes "How could i be of assistance your highness?"

Peekablue's face became a mask of seriousness. "What are the Horde's intentions towards the Phlax Federation?"

To the casual listener, Peekablue's question would've seemed to have come from nowhere, but Shakra knew better. "The same as it is with Seaworthy, a mutually beneficial peace."

The Princes brought his hands together "Lovely" he exclaimed with a grin. "And when were you planning to visit them on this mission of peace?"

"We hadn't set a proper order" she admitted. "But i never saw Phlax being put off for too long"

"Well the capital is just stunning this time of year. I highly recommend you visit at your earliest convenience. It would certainly give me time to work on bringing Arkion around to our way of thinking."

It was her turn to look thoughtful. "Out of curiosity, why the interest in Phlax?"

'Oh i have my own reasons" the Princes smile didn't fade but his eyes did narrow. "But think of it as an image booster. So far you've made deals with Galacia & Octopus Cove. Now as popular as the Selkies are, they're a tad isolated. And Octopus Cove is...." his voice went flat "Octopus Cove. Phlax, being in the center of Etheria & a nation of good standing, making peace with the Horde sends a message that the deals you've made so far just don't. It would make things much easier for us both"

"Well as i said your highness, we were going to make peace with them anyway. I see no reason not to do it now." the offered her hand. "Your highness, i believe we have a deal"

"Fabulous" Peekablue said as he shook her good hand. "Now i'm afraid i'll have to ask you to leave i'm needed on stage soon"

"Until we meet again Prince Peekablue"

She exited the backstage are & made her way back to her table "What'd he want" Josephine asked when she saw Shakra approaching.

"I'll explain later. Come on we're done here. He said we can keep the clothes"

As she & her cohorts rode the elevator back to the surface Shakra was overwhelmed with one thought.

She hoped Lord Adora would be understanding of this little bump in the road.