A Mermaid's Freedom

[Varos Talantos]

Forgery tapped his foot impatiently waiting for the time to pass. The clock ticked slowly and the minutes and seconds seemed longer as they went. Even Gods had to wait sometimes. The clock had said four minutes at least a half hour ago but when Forgery looked at it again, only one had passed.

This was going to be a difficult situation for the Supernaturals that were going to partake. None of those that would be present were naturally aquatic animals and that did not help the situation at all. He'd taken the liberty of procuring a trio of small submarines and a crew for all of them to help out, but the cove they were headed for was not that simple... He'd have to wait. Two minutes. Only two minutes now.

Finally the time reached it's limit and he snapped his finger. the air around him twinkled mystically and figures fell from the lights that had begun floating about. These were the select who would help heal the Oceans.

"Good evening. Our time is short and my patience shorter so you can get to know each other on the submarines. For now, suffice it to say that you do not want to challenge me. There are some beings that need saved. I don't want to intervene directly as that can be looked upon disfavorably, so it is up to you.

They have been captured by a creature with good intentions, but bad strategies. She, too, is a Mermaid and not to be underestimated. If you can convince her to release them peaceably, that'd likely be the best route to take. If not, then do what must be done. The crews of these submarines already know where to take you and after they stop, you will exit the submarine from the top hatch, the same way you came in. You will be entering a large cove with only one entrance. This is strategically beneficial in that once you arrive, she will not be able to leave easily. It is dangerous, though, because if you need to escape, you'll have to reboard your submarine, close the hatch, and outrun her and whatever lackeys she might have."

Forgery eyed everyone present and nodded firmly. "Any questions?"[/size]

[Stilia Medusa]

Well, that day was certainly the oddest day the Gorgon would experience, although she knew it not at the time. In fact, before the odd incident, she thought her day would be just another normal day. It was even exactly that which was the first thought that entered her head when she awoke. She had done everything like she would any day, clothing and eating, heading to the Temple. There she would read and draw, doing whatever she thought of to pass the time. And yet she ran low on her enthusiasm for books, having read so many of them many times over. In fact, the one thing she wished was to leave the nest, witness an adventure first hand.

She instantly regretted her words when she was suddenly gone from the quiet temple into a setting filled with water. She blinked, confused on what was happening, when the creature before her spoke, charging them with a task. Stilia, completely astonished, opened and closed her mouth slowly, words unable to form on her tongue. Her mouth just settled for hanging open as she regarded the strange machines in the water. ‘Submarines’, as their summoner called them. She listened to his words with awe. She had just been chosen, hand-picked to go on a rescue quest. It was like one of the stories. She found herself eagerly nodding, but ceased the action. She was ready to do this, ready to help. All the stories she had grown up with about adventures and quests gave her mission a glorious appeal. She raised her hand though. “What do submarines do?” She asked, not recalling ever reading on the machines, and feeling quite embarrassed to ask.

[Rennia Trayvold]

The demoness gazed through the scope of her rifle. The man standing center had to be within his early fifties, however, it looked as if time had not been kind to him. It was people like these who occasionally caused the demoness to feel a little self conscious about her age. She was REALLY old, and if people looked like this when they were merely fifty? She was glad that she was a demon and thus not prone to the effects of aging. Rennia took in a deep breath and let it out. Now wasn't the time to be worried about what she looked like. She trained her gun in front of the man, accounting for travel time and wind speed. Finally she took one last breath. She slowly squeezed the trigger with the tip of her finger, keeping it trained until..... BANG.

The sound of a small explosion ripped through the bulding as a bullet tore through the air, screaming towards it's target. In it's wake was a loud crack as the supersonic round closed in on it's target. Rennia watched through her scope, waiting to see the result of the shot. However that's when the universe seemed to rip around her. In one instant she was in the building, in the next she found herself standing near two individuals, her rifle still aimed outward, and the end of the barrel letting off a thin wisp of smoke. Rennia's lip curled up as she realized she had just been teleported across the planet.

She slowly lowered her rifle and look to the first of the two individuals who spoke. He was babbling on about submarines, and challenges, and people needing saved. For a split instant she considered lighting a round off into the man's head, but something about him told her that it would be useless. She was pretty good about knowing when to shoot and when not to, and this was a time when it would pay for her not to shoot. That's when the sound of brass hitting the ground snapped her back into the here and now.

She looked between the two and then blinked. "Uh... and why am I here for this?" It was a silly question, but one that had to be asked. Why was it more and more people were asking for her assistance these days? What did she look like? The savior of the world? It reminded her of days gone past, when she used to be called on to help defend kingdoms. Why was it always her....?

She then turned her gaze on the submarine and groaned. That reminded her of something else in her history. She swore she'd never step foot on one, and here she was being asked to do it... again. Mind you it wasn't the first time since that day... but that memory had stuck with her all these years. The intense dislike for Kara Fields flared within her memory.... At least she had some satisfaction in remembering that particular nuisance's death.

Rennia blinked again and looked back towards the group. She was doing it again. Drifting off into memories from long ago. While some of theme were good memories, they weren't going to help her now, and she needed to concentrate. This being drug her out all this way for a reason. She may as well figure out what.

[Varos Talantos]

Forgery closed his eyes slowly while crossing his right arm over his chest. He rested his left elbow on his right forearm and placed his forehead into his palm, head shaking back and forth slightly. He wiped his hand down his face and looked up at the Gorgon. "A submarine is a vehicle that takes one down below the surface of the ocean and operates under the water's surface. If there is a hole anywhere in the submarine for water to get in, the submarine will likely sink with everyone inside trapped in a metal tomb. However, that's unlikely as long as you make sure the hatch is shut." He hesitated and then added, "The lid is the hatch. That's where you go in and out."

Forgery turned to the Demoness and smiled. "Your weapon would be useless here. You're here to help save the oceans. You're smart enough to understand why those are important. The Guardians of the Oceans have been imprisoned by a psychotic bitch that needs dealt with. If attempts at negotiation fail, then you'll be able to show off your skill with that soulless weapon of yours." Forgery made a sort of yacking sound at the statement, obviously not a great fan of the thing in her hands.

"Are there any other questions? Time is of essence here, so speak up or get in the subs. I'll be in the third one hanging back to observe. I would go in myself but, as I said before, that would be looked down upon most likely."[/size]

[Stilia Medusa]

At least she was not alone, she thought to herself as she watched the female creature appear out of nowhere, just as she had. The drawings and sketches in the books allowed Stilia to identify the other being as a Demon, or, rather, a Demoness. And that thing in her hand was a human invention, called a gun. Stilia looked at it in surprise, for the books had always said that guns are meant to cause injuries and to kill. And yet the hunk of metal in the Demoness’ hands looked… well, useless. What were you supposed to do, club someone to death with it?

She shrunk a bit, coiling herself slightly closer to her tail and making herself shorter as the summoner seemed exasperated by her question. She was quite used to it at the nest, always asking about things, but for a stranger to do it within minutes of meeting? Well, she figured she needed to learn how to shut her mouth. She looked at the bigger hunk of metal, the submarine, in awe. It sunk in oceans? She wondered how they would breathe, and if they would get wet, but figured it was pointless to pester this man with useless questions to sate her curiosity if ‘time was of the essence’. She wondered why the summoner would be looked down upon if he helped, (for she had no idea of who he was, except that he seemed to emit a powerful aura or something… She wasn’t too sure).

Slithering over to submarine, she touched the water around it cautiously, almost giving a little yelp, but bit her tongue to restrain herself. The water was cold. Stilia hated getting cold. Casting a loathing glare at the innocent -yet cold- water, she cautiously slithered her eight foot body through the lid, ‘the hatch’ as it was called. She truly did hope it wouldn’t leak…

[Rennia Trayvold]

The demoness wrinkled her nose in distaste. Another question rose to the tip of her tongue but she kept it down. She wondered inwardly what the fuck an assassin was doing at a diplomatic meeting, but obviously the powers that be wanted her there. Not that she followed the whole deity thing closely. She kept to herself and those she interacted with directly, and that was good enough for her.

She looked at the other woman and sighed. Now wasn't the time for debate. She quickly slung the rifle under her arm and behind her as she turned about and headed towards one of the other subs. She wasn't too keen on going underwater, and certainly not for reasons that weren't revealed to her, but at the moment she didn't really feel like she had a choice. She grasped the lip of the tower that held the hatch and swung herself over and partially into the sub. She gave one last look towards Forgery, a neutral glance if anything, before she disappeared down into the vehicle. She could operate smoothly when needed to after all.

Rennia grasped the hatch without any further questions and pulled it shut, not bothering to ask where they where they were going. No, would either follow one of the other subs, or hope someone on board-- There were people on board right? One quick look confirmed that there were indeed people on board. Excellent.

She had always been a military person, and she hoped these people had a lick of that sort of training. Immediately she barked a single question to the lot of them. "Who's in charge of this vessel?" With any luck they'd be following her orders. If not, she would have to defer to the captain of the vessel. She of course had no problem with that. It wasn't her ideal situation of course, but one had to live with what one was given, or work to achieve more. Other wise, put up and shut up right?

Rennia sighed and looked around the 'cabin'. With any luck, this would all be over soon... she did have a job to do after all.....

((A bit short I know))

[Varos Talantos]

Forgery watched the two get into the submarines and after the hatches had been closed, made sure they were securely latched. Satisfied, he stalked over to his submarine and hollered down the hatch for them to proceed to the cove. He shut the hatch, locked it, and sat down in a comfortable position in front of it as it began to dive.

The water was something that Forgery liked. Water was a deceptive thing, really. It seemed so delicate and gentle but it's power was immeasurable. Millions had learned this the hard way and could attest to the fact... if they'd survived their gentle water's attack, of course. It could quench thirst or it could drown. It was one of the fundamental units for life on this planet Earth but at the same time was largely unmastered. Water was ever-changing, constantly in motion, unpredictable. It was beautiful.

This water in particular was rather cold for a place like this... it wasn't normal. He shrugged off the thought and watched ahead through the salty liquid as they floated through the magical element towards their destination... a rocky cove filled with thousands of Mermaids waiting to be freed so they could resume their duties to the planet... to the water. He closed his eyes and waited patiently as he tuned in to the flowing life around him. The ocean was diverse and intensely brilliant as far as any creation could be considered. From invisible molecules and plankton to towering blue whales to yet-undiscovered creatures in the black depths of the Marianas Trench, the seas of this planet were exhilarating. This was one thing that Earth had going for it.

Before he knew it, they had arrived.[/size]

[Stilia Medusa]

She didn’t really like the feel of the metal beneath her scales, for it sent a chill up her spine. Snakes were one for warm temperatures, and Gorgons- particularly Stilia- was no acceptation. It reminded her of when she would sneak from the nest at night, leaving the warmth of her home to think in the fresh cool crisp of air, under only the moon’s single white eye, otherwise in solitude in the black velvet night. She figured if she could handle night after night of that, she could handle the slight chill of a submarine’s floor would be bearable. Easier than bearable. All she had to do was push it from her mind.

And so, she tried to do exactly that, deciding to examine the strange contraption. People, two-legged people, rushed around, fiddling with dials, flicking switches and pressing buttons. She had no idea what they were doing, so decided it would be best to leave them to it. If she needed anything, she would convince someone to think it was their idea to give it to her. It was the way of a snake, sneaky, and with a deceitful tongue when needed. In fact, she found the best lie was to show a truth. The best way to control everything was to do it from the backstage, instead of head-on. The best way- a flash of silver, and Stilia’s eye was caught, her thoughts distracted from the way Gorgons of her nest were raised to behave. Outside, she could spot a school of silver fish, swimming by. It was quite odd, to see such a thing as fish going above herself. She watched the window, glad of the lack of leaks. It started the whole ‘water is cold’ rant inside her head as she watched the substance darken around them. She saw a creature, much like a snake, swim by, and was astounded that it could live in water, it swam by an opening…

A cave! An underwater cave, with corral growing upon it and fish darting around it, seeming like some sort of lovely marine home. She wondered if this was their destination. But who exactly were they to save? Where they inside? She figured she would find out as they entered.

[Rennia Trayvold]

The demoness's eyebrow twitched at the lack of response, and she decided to whip them into action. She advanced on the closest place she could lean or sit to rest and began to bark out orders. "Helmsman ahead two thirds turn, hard port. Set depth, zero, four, zero meters. Man the watch. Come about and match speed and heading with task group."

The crew immediately snapped into action, echoing her orders as they set into motion. The sub neatly fell into position amongst the other two subs and matched speed and heading. Rennia leaned back and let slip the faintest of smiles. She loved the thought of a well oiled crew bringing a boat to life. It was perhaps the one thing that made being in a submarine bearable. Though to be honest, she'd have preferred a proper military ship. She'd been on a few ships of the line, including a carrier and a few battleships, and they were almost always a spectacle to behold. crew members were always going about doing their tasks to make sure everything functioned how it was supposed to, when it was supposed to. To Rennia, it was a thing of beauty... which was odd, given her chaotic nature, but she loved it none the less.

Rennia watched as through the dense waters as the underwater structure appeared. Oh Joy.... she thought. Being underwater wasn't exactly pleasing to her for multiple reasons. One being that everything down here was cramped, and Rennia of all people liked range. Though with her profession and love being that of the 'sniper', it really wasn't something anyone who knew her should be surprised about. Another reason was actually very much tied into the first. If all that water came down on their heads, they would all die. Well at least the humans, and more than likely Rennia. She wasn't so sure about the odd man. If she waved around her rifle too carelessly, she could puncture even a thin enough rock structure, and all that water suddenly floating in was not something that appealed to Rennia one bit.

"No screws. Maintain depth." She barked out once more. The sound of the propeller died off as it went still and the sub coasted on it's previous momentum. She was sure it would more than carry them to where they needed to go at this point. Now she just waited to find out just what it was they would be doing down here. Hopefully something she could actually assist in. Which, granted she was mostly an assassin, but she still had her wit and brains, so perhaps she'd be of some use here.... only time would tell.

[Varos Talantos]

Forgery stood as his submarine broke the surface and eyed the place. It was a large cave-like structure composed of greyish, slate-like rock with a high roof with three pools of water. The largest of the pools was the way the submarines were using to approach, though it was barely large enough to hold them and the entrance was now blocked as the other two subs were surfacing. The next largest was covered by a metal grate and he could see slight movement just under the surface right before humanoid heads peeped out curiously at the noise that ricocheted through the cavern. The prisoner mermaids.

The smallest pool was on the far side and a single Mermaid rose from the water of it, transformation complete to produce legs for the being. She looked at Forgery and chuckled loudly, cavern amplifying the sound to audible levels. "Forgery Zaytsev, my God." She stated appreciatively. "What brings you to the abode of my people? I don't remember you saying anything about check-ups when our work was completed..."

Forgery cast her a melting smile. "Hello, Ursula, Devil of the Mermaids." He stopped and glanced at the submarines. The hatches had not yet opened. He snapped his head back to look at Ursula and spoke hurriedly, "I am not involved in this, don't bring my name into it or you will die the second you do." Ursula's face changed to bear an expression of surprise and confusion but Forgery ignored it and continued, "I know the mandate you followed and what had been agreed, but things have changed. They are here to release the Mermaids."

He watched as she protested, speaking of how it would ruin everything and nodded in response. "Indeed. But sometimes things must go backwards to go forwards." A large clicking noise erupted as one of the hatches unlocked and Forgery hastily added, "Not one word." Another loud clunk and a third and the three submarine hatches opened. He pointed at the cage and put a single finger over his mouth in an obviously threatening gesture. The figures emerged from the submarine and the beautiful Ursula confronted them.

Forgery rested in a corner and watched the drama unfold, listening intently as Ursula opened her plump, pale lips and her silken voice boomed to the newcomers. "Who dares enter the domain of the Mermaids and what is it you seek?" Her muscled arms were spread slightly outwards in a questioning, non-aggressive way, but she kept her long, lovely legs shoulder-width apart to show that she was neither intimidated nor impressed.

This would be fun.

[Solemn Creed]

Sol had come a long way from mindless slaughter in the United States of America. Or at least thats what he assumed... Everything had started of like a normal average day, he woke up naked covered in blood, he took a shower and he went out from his recent victims apartment in search of new prey for his breakfast. Yes, his day had indeed begun normal with him starting his routine. Then something very strange happened. Sol was ripping his favorite piece from a woman when he found himself elsewhere with the woman gone and him standing there holding a good portion of the chest she had left behind. Or had he left her? Sol shrugged and looked about, quickly noticing that he was definitely not in Detroit anymore. His surroundings were rather boring other than a trio of submarines that he could see.

He saw a man and a few other people and couldnt help but wonder how hed gotten there. Mayhaps they know growled the anry voice in his head. Shut the fuck up, I think someones talking rebuked the sensible voice. Sol calmly ignored them and brushed some of his ebony hair back from his face in a somewhat nervous gesture, due to the fact that he wasnt used to being teleported around against his will. Good thing, Sol thought, that im in my human form seeing as how being a redskinned giant may give a bad first impression.. From what Sol could glean from a somewhat brief and boring explanation they were expected to board yonder submarines and do something... As he spoke Sol absent mindedly dropped one hand to the hilt of the sword at his belt while the other traced the outline of the cross graphic on his shirt which was placed over his heart and left pectoral muscle. When the man was finished talking a couple of the people there asked some, what was to Sol, stupid questions.

Sighing Sol waited for the man to explain the answers to the two women who had spoken's questions then once all was said in done he climbed quietly into the third submarine. Instantly Sol knew he hated being surrounded by cold metal. To amuse himself he floated above the crew during the journey while slightly heating the air around him to keep warm. harboring a natural distrust for allowing something to hold his life in its hands he braced himself to alter his body so hed have gills and be able to withstand the water pressure in case of an emergency. He floated to the front and glanced outside. Yep, just what he had expected. Little fishes in a big world. With a few big fish swimming outside. All and all it was very boring so Sol's mind drifted to the phsyco-bitch the man had said they would be encountering. Yep ill deal with her all right, Sol thought while narrowing his eyebrows and assuming a predatory look. Yeah, we're sure you will remarked the sarcastic voice dryly.

Sol chose to ignore that comment and then it hit him. He was still carrying the part from that women. Sol held it up to his face and gingerly touched it with his tongue. Gross, he thought, its cold. He tossed the now cold breast at some man who was fiddling with some dials and laughed at the expression on his face. Just then Sol noticed that they must have arrived at their destination when they pulled into a rather large cave. As his submarine broke the surface of an air pocket he glanced around and saw an amazing amount of... rock... and stuff. Anxious to do something other than stare at boring stuff Sol got out of the submarine at about the same time as the others, only to find a woman outside who obviously wasnt human. She spoke and said [glow=blue,2,300]"Who dares enter the domain of the Mermaids and what is it you seek?" [/glow] Sol grinned. Finally, something he could do. [glow=red,2,300]"Isnt obvious? I cant speak for any others but I was sent here to free me some mermaids."[/glow] Sol said sounding confident. Yes, this was looking like fun already.

[Stilia Medusa]

The submarine floated upwards, and broke the surface, leaving half of her view in the window as a rocky shore, while the bottom half remained sea water. The hatch was opened, and she climbed out, her snake-tail trailing behind her. She did not shudder as she hit the cold rock, for she had already been chilled and it seemed slightly warmer than the submarine’s floor. She took in the cave around her, the dull gray rocks, the pools of water, and the creatures under the barred pool. She found it quite surprising that the creatures were like gorgons, although with fish tails instead of snake tails. Still, she wondered if their races were related somehow.

And then her dark eyes rested on the woman before them, slightly wet, but with feet instead of a tail, having morphed. Stilia herself had been trying to train herself to that ability, so that she could observe humans and other creatures closely without revealing her race. Yet she had only managed shape shifting, and had not yet progressed to the complicated morph.
“Who dares enter the domain of the Mermaids and what is it you seek?" Came the morphed woman’s soft voice, and the man answered before she could. She nodded to his words, agreeing, although it was phrased more crudely than she would have put it.

“We come to free your brethren, and help restore what was. Harm is not the initial intent, and the probability of resorting to such a measure should remain low. Your thoughts must be taken to mind, and our knowing of your reasons would be quite appreciated, if you may indulge us?” She added to his words. She was trying to portrait an aura of peace and calm, for peace would be the best way to go, as their summoner had told them earlier on that day. She knew she had to appear non-violent, so her hands stayed relaxed, and away from the hilt of her dagger. She had to seem like she was not a threat.

[Rennia Trayvold]

The demoness's hands clutched the ring of the tower hatch and pulled herself up. She gazed around the underwater cavern, her eyes taking in every detail, even in the dim lighting provided by phosphorescent creatures and plant life. Rennia looked off into the corner, spotting the deity and furrowing her brow. For someone observing, he sure arrived quick. Her gaze was quickly torn away as the woman up center spoke.

Her domain was it? So he brought them here to deal with her. The demoness gazed intently at her as spoke, trying to gauge a proper response to those words. In the mean time, Rennia started to pull herself up out of the sub, stepping onto the hull before pushing herself off onto solid ground. That's when the other two opened their mouths and spouted off their own replies. Rennia's face fell flat and she let out a soft sigh. So much for coordination. It appeared that it would be every person for themselves in this little meeting.

She straightened herself up, and pulled her cloak more tightly around her. The question she faced now, was how to work herself into this without relying on her physical abilities and without stepping on anyone else's toes. Between the gorgon and the other one however.... speaking of which.... Where had he come from? It appeared that they had a stow away.... Her nose twitched faintly. He was a stow away, and not one who looked very reasonable either. She would definitely have to keep her eye on him. It was very possible he would screw something up, and that would make more work for the rest of them.

The demoness sighed yet again and gazed off distantly at nothing in particular. Unlike the others however, she kept her silence, deciding that for the moment, it was best not to speak at all. Instead she left her ears open, listening to everyone talk, and all of the faint sounds around the cove.

[Varos Talantos]

Forgery smiled at the Demoness as she glanced over at him and watched the individuals' initial moves. These were always crucial. The Demon stated very bluntly that he had come here to free himself some Mermaids. Not very tactful, really. The Medusa Gorgon interjected a far more political statement that would probably help ease the tension the Demon had just created at least by a bit, but the Demoness remained silent, choosing to observe. Very interesting.

He turned his head slightly and his gaze was back on the fine-looking Mermaid again as she spoke, regarding the rash Demon first. "If you think you can come in here and take them, then you are gravely mistaken." She turned her head to the snake-woman and continued, "As for your inquiry, I'll oblige you... simply so you see the futility of your actions. Some time ago, there was a fair Mermaid ruling over all other Mermaids as has been custom for millenia. Her name was Triton. Her daughter was a foolish wench, " at this point, she spat into the rock in a sign of disgust, "who jeopardized the secrecy of our race. I attempted to stop her to protect my people, my fellow Mermaids. However, my attempts were in vain and the story became so reknowned that it even had a moving picture created of it. I was horribly portrayed, but fortunately people assumed it was just a story and our secret remained safe for the time being."

She glanced at the three creatures with a grave look on her face. "You all surely understand the danger in the revelation that Humans are not alone if they were to have it." She took her right hand and gracefully flung her long, black hair back over her bare shoulder, thoughtlessly exposing her front. "Of course something had to be done. I cannot stand idly by while my people are butchered because some stupid girl wants to be Human. A DAMNED HUMAN OF ALL THINGS!" She screamed angrily, voice suddenly becoming a growling, gutteral bark by the end of her outcry. Ursula blinked and composed herself again, clearing her throat.

"We are the Guardians of the Oceans and our duties are heavy on our people. However, with the aid of the animals of the seas, we get along without too much trouble. I have discovered that I can do this by myself and keep my fellow Mermaids safe in here. Safe from Humans and safe from themselves." She turned her head and smiled lovingly at her prisoners, bestowed a blown kiss at them and resumed, "You can surely see why I did what I had to do?"[/color]

[Solemn Creed]

Sol noticed how completely different everyone was actin from one another and he mentally sighed. Guess im flying solo on this, theyll go their way and for me its either blaze a trail they want to follow, stumble through the brush, or follow another Sol thought while almost wincing at the last one. He wasnt a leader. He was way too lazy but he hated following those who misunderstood him.

Sol assumes a confused look upon his face. She stated that it would be a mistake to attempt to just take them. the outrage! shouted the chivalrous voice we would never attempt such a thing! it continued. you dont get much use do you? Sol thought dryly. [glow=red,2,300]"Why, i never had any intention of forcing anything from you. I am on an almost purely diplomatic mission here. My wish is but to see yonder mermaids free but when presented with the option of using force i find myself at odds with what to do."[/glow] Sol sighed. No one who knew Sol would believe such a statement, and yet he half meant it. almost as if im changing Sol mused to himself. He put his hands in his pockets and smiled warmly. [glow=red,2,300]"is there any possibility you would be willing to allow us to save the mermaids? Could i somehow convince you to pardon them for one maid's grievous fault?"[/glow] Sol asked hopefully. Force was never one of his favored tools. The only way he wished to solve this conflict was through diplomacy.