<em>Storytelling</em><br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/6D60Uq7.jpg)</div><br/>Both Kieri's experiences and interests were far wider than Alwyn's of course. It wasn't surprising, given that she was a goblin and that they were well know for being quite... indiscriminate with their pleasures. Still, it didn't stop her from being flattered by Alwyn's increasingly open interest in what she had on display, nor from returning that interest in kind. It was only unfortunate that Alwyn didn't have quite as much on display. But still, as she relaxed more, Kieri did take some time to look upon the mage's own markings.<br/><br/>That Alwyn not only took from the same plate as her, but also seemed to display no hesitation if taking pieces right next to the ones she had taken for herself, which wasn't just meat, of course, she sampled plenty, and apparently at random, from nearly everything on display, leaving only the nuts, which were too complicated to bother with, and the tiny, fancy pastries, preferring the larger, cream-filled ones. Though, of course, if she was reading Alwyn's interest right, eating things Kieri had touched was far from the the extent to which the mage was willing to go. A human that would be interested in a goblin was rare enough, but this one didn't seem to display a fetishist's interest either. Kieri could tell those well enough, too. Kieri had never met anyone that seemed so much more intriguing with every moment she spent with her. To the gift of food, she simply nodded in acknowledgement. She wouldn't have expected any less and, besides, there were more important things at play.<br/><br/>"An alliance..." Kieri said, thoughtfully. Though truthfully, she had expected something like that when she came. And had expected to refuse bluntly. At least, if Alwyn hadn't impressed her so much. There was much to gain, of course, but so much to lose also, should their goals not align. And yet, the way Alwyn spoke, the way she acted... Kieri started to feel more inclined than she expected. What did surprise her, however, was Alwyn's further propositions. She'd heard of them, too, of course, making waves in their own ways. Neils, an orc, and one who had, despite his species, risen surprisingly high in the university. Selevahn, an elf, which could be just as bad as a human, but his crews were, from what she understood, well mixed and well treated, as far as those things went. Neither seemed to be strongly in favour of her goals, but neither did they seem opposed. Nor were they as... distasteful as some of the other elements she was aware of.  And with someone like Alwyn helping her steer the alliance...<br/><br/>A wry smile came to Kieri's face. "What I say is that it's a shame, after all, that humans aren't a bit more gobliny. Ours ways of making an agreement are a lot more fun. I think humans like this one, though? It'll work well enough." She extended her hand, still somewhat greasy from the food. "I will let it be known that the words of Alwyn, the mage, are as strong as my own. All who would listen to me should listen to her. All who would help me should help her. All who would... well, maybe not that." She snickered. She thought for a while, mumbling to herself as she obviously skipped a significant part of what she might otherwise say. "Our allies and our enemies, our triumph and our defeats will be one, joy and pain will be one, just as we also will..." Kieri hesitated. "...shake... hands." She sighed. "It sounds even better in goblin, too." She shrugged. "The others you propose are... intriguing, but I'll need to talk to them too, before I decide anything."<br/><br/>