Episode 22

The Dohrnii elders stand facing Pezci and Scypho with Shin close by. Sir Cindarii offers his condolences for the loss of her tribe, greeting her by name. She finds out the Dohrnii knew all of the Planifron tribe, but her tribe hadn't done the same for them. Then, Pezci basically accuses the Dohrniis of causing the breakdown of the alliance, inciting Shin to offer to shock the prisoners. Sir Cindarii disgustedly says no. Scypho tries downplaying the challenge, but Shin tells him to be quiet. They aggravate each other until the elder steps in and stops them. Scypho allows there should be no killing, and Shin says unless they have to. Both elders shut him down hard, telling him they never have to. The elders start serious negotiations with Pezci, offering safe transportation to the Light Tower in exchange for inclusion in the reward when she gets there. Pezci tries one last time to be rid of the Key, but realizing it must stay, she starts to accept their offer. Scypho steps in at this point, saying they need to chat for a minute.
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== Cast of Characters ==
== Gallery ==
== Synopsis ==
The Dohrnii elders stand together, with Shin close by but standing apart. Pezci and Scypho also stand together, facing the three Dohrniis with their hands still cuffed, as if being given a hearing. Sir Cindarii tells Pezci it's a thrill to see her again. Both elders wear appropriately mournful expressions as he offers his deepest condolences to her tribe, saying they were one of the best amongst their allies. Saddened, Pezci thanks them, but says they really did go out the way they wanted to.
She suddenly realizes something and asks how the elder remembered her name. He tells her that most of the Dohrnii took it upon themselves to learn and recognize every member of the Planifron tribe, since they had such good connections with them. Pezci responds somewhat shamefaced that that's so kind of them, wishing her tribe was courteous enough to do that too. Happily offering forgiveness, Lady Nellii assures her she needn't worry herself, they know the Planifron always have other things they set their minds to. Smiling nervously and starting to shiver, she agrees, but then fearfully adds they definitely don't think of things like ending a thousand year-long trading deal out of irrational suspicion.
Sir Cindarii and Shin stare deadpanned for a moment, then holding up a remote control, Shin tells the elder that he can shock the cuffs if things get out of hand. With a look of disgust, he tells Shin no. On their side of things, Scypho quickly positions himself in front of Pezci, trying to laugh off her challenging words. He tells them not to mind her, she's just nervous, then adds sometimes she says things that don't really mean anything. Pezci gives him an unhappy look for his behavior. Shin haughtily handwaves Scypho, telling him they're talking to the Planifron, not her slave, and instructing him to move back. Sir Cindarii gives Shin a look for his rude behavior. Naturally, Scypho denies being her slave. Pointing at his shackles, Shin unfairly tells him he looks like he could be. Crossing his arms, Scypho tells him in nasty tones he doesn't need to take judgments from a fake jellyman. Taking it to the next level, Shin claims that this "fake" jellyman could probably take him on. Getting loud, the two get in each others faces. Scypho, calls him a punk and asks if he's looking for a throwdown. Shin responds, claiming he was born to throw down.
Shouting the two combatants down, Sir Cindarii gets between them, pushing the jellyfish away and actually rapping the human's mask, thoroughly aggravated by the way they're acting. Standing back but still angry himself, Scypho says surely they can settle this in a way that won't have to involve any killings. Shocked at the idea, the peaceful Dohrnii elders protest that they would never resort to killing. Shin sticks his oar in, enthusiastically stating unless they have to. Sir Cindarii immediately stomps on him verbally, shouting that they do not have to, while Lady Nellii gives him a look of stern disapproval. Pezci and Scypho look taken aback at the uncharacteristic outburst from the elders.
Lady Nellii approaches Pezci, calling her 'dear' and telling her in conciliatory tones that they have no plans of harming her, that they'd actually like to negotiate. Sir Cindarii continues, and speaking earnestly, he says they had already planned for a situation where they might by chance find a Keyholder, and it involves none of the violent rules the Light Tower has suggested. Tugging at the Key embedded in the skin on the back of her left hand, and with a look of sincerity, she tells them she would give up the Key in a heartbeat if it didn't involve blood spilling. Scypho slaps his hands down on hers, telling her they need to choose their words carefully. Lady Nellii takes up the conversation again, saying that, like the other tribes of the world, they too have been suffering with difficulties from the maelstrom. She says that a Key to the Light Tower would not only save the Dohrnii tribe, but they would gain access to the Light Tower's incredible store of technology. Sir Cindarii takes up the thread, saying it's technology that can surely find a way to stop the maelstrom altogether. It's Lady Nellii who finally makes the proposition, asking that she include the Dohrnii tribe in her reward for reaching the Light Tower, and in return, they'll provide her with a safe mode of transportation and their very best technology to help her journey be as uneventful as possible.
Scypho is astounded by the offer, looking at the elders consideringly. Pezci, meanwhile is still looking for a way to renounce the responsibility of being a Keyholder. She asks if they might have the technology to remove her Key without hurting her, and Sir Cindarii, finding her request humorous, answers absolutely not. Scypho gives her an annoyed look, aggravated by her attempt to derail his plans. Pezci just frowns unhappily, saying she figured that. Trying to placate her, the elder takes a closer look at her hand and says they would love to study her Key, but he's quite sure it's very irremovable, pointing out the Light Tower doesn't fool around. Pezci rolls her eyes and disappointedly agrees with him. Her mood lightens as she decides to accept the facts, and she starts to agree to their proposal. Scypho steps in, slapping a hand on her shoulder. He uses his grip on her shoulder to spin her around, facing her away from the Dohrnii delegation. Giving her a world-weary look, he requests they chat for a minute.
== References ==