Alikhandrian nodded and, after giving Arkænyn a sharp once-over, he fell into step beside the platinum elf. The pair were similar in build and colouring, with the starkest distinction being the towering folded wings framing the form of the former.
“I have corresponded with Their Exalted Highnesses and been briefed on the particulars of your mission. That they find advantage in your ostensible disadvantages and that the veracity of your Northern sentimentality might well serve the Crown better than true born dragon or royal elf. I know not how it was posed to you, but to me it seems you are meant to serve as the cynosure of a new Solunarium. Not the imperious, iron-fisted conqueror, but the open-minded diplomat.” Alikhandrian observed,
“Ecith is a sentimental place. Perhaps it is all the wet heat that bubbles emotions to the top in a way one rarely sees in the dry desert air of Atraxia. I would advise you to exploit this. Your personal anecdotes, your love story that defies the norms of Old Order Solunarium… seek first to move their hearts and their minds are more likely to follow.” The dragon stood by, perching on a chaise as Finn was dressed and Arkænyn stood sentinel, staring pointedly at the wall across from him.
“You are direct vassal to the greatest of Greatwyrms. Whatever due awe you might feel for lesser dragons is superseded by your service to His Exalted Majesty. They may command your respect, but you owe them no allegiance, though some may treat you as if you do. I will be present to remind you of this should you forget.
“Your concerns are sound, but they represent vulnerabilities ripe for exploitation. The Ecithians sent no roster of guests, but the dragons of this realm tend to be more mercurial than those of Atraxia. I expect there will be a Draconic presence and I will be interested to see whether there is a Divine one. Whatever the case, I will allow you access to my Symphony at all times should you require guidance in real time.”
