032.2 Seira

[Corwin]

[19:41] <Kotono> As Seira returns to her inn for some rest and recovery, she finds a guest waiting for her. Well, one and a half. Donald is at the bar, chatting animatedly with a pale young girl. Mia sits there, sipping a small glass of something dark. As Seira enters, "Seira!" Mia calls.
[19:41] <Seira> "Mia!"
[19:42] * Seira doesn't call out Donald's name, no doubt to his great disappointment.
[19:42] <Kotono> Donald looks up, returnign that look with a slightly irritated one for a moment. But his smile comes back in full bloom, "You should hear the stories Mia has now," he begins.
[19:44] * Seira smiles at that, looking like a predator for a brief instant. "Does she now, Donald?"
[19:46] <Kotono> "Good news," Mia beams, then in words you don't understand she speaks. Not too many, just a few words carefully spoken. "Atl east I think that means success in dwarven...when I asked them I wasn't entirely together," she muses. "You would not believe how much they like to drink...or maybe you would..." Mia frowns to herself, "Sicne you've...hey, waitaminute, when did you start looking like a reptile?"
[19:47] <Seira> "Please use a better, majestic word. Then, when I become a great dragon, you would not be on my people to eat list." Seira nods for good measure.
[19:47] <Kotono> "Oh yeah, I should have mentioned that..." Donald laughs quickly, flushing. Mia just shakes her head.
[19:48] <Kotono> "Well, regardless, success. Go ahead, ask me how close to my goals I got," Mia beams.
[19:49] <Seira> "How close to our goals did you get?" Seira asks, playing along. Although the change in phrasing should be obvious even to the ecstatic priestess.
[19:56] <Kotono> "Guess," Mia giggles, taking another sip of her drink. "C'mon, guess!"
[19:57] <Seira> "You spent some time living with them, and sampled their fine wine?"
[19:58] <Kotono> "Well yes, they insisted during talks. 'Talks are no fun sober', they said, and I have to agree," Giggling a bit,"Oh sure, the first few times I don't remember anything, but it gets easier after a few tries. I think." She frowns, but just giggles again. "Anyway, guess!"
[19:59] * Seira looks mildly worried, now. "You didn't sign away the city, did you?"
[20:00] <Kotono> "Oh come on," Mia rolls her eyes, "I'm not some bumpkin off the street! I'm a worshipper of Her Lady Waukeen! I'd be disgraced if I did something like that."
[20:01] * Seira snickers, ordering a much-deserved drink for herself. "You got them to sign off on a trading contract? Open diplomatic relations, perhaps?"
[20:04] <Kotono> "The trading's a little one sided for my taste," she begins, sipping some more as a drink comes, "But hey, you have to give some to suc-er, convince them to open up more. As for diplomatic relations, they're going to test the waters here first."
[20:05] <Seira> "You don't have to be politically correct around me," Seira says with a wave of her hand, careful not to spill her beverage. "Does testing the waters mean they're ready to see me?"
[20:07] <Kotono> "Probably, once they get their stuff together,"Meanwhile, you can hear Donald softly sigh a bit, but he's still nearby and seeming to listen? "Honestly, once you got them talking past all the gruffness, they're not so bad. They're boisterous, just really guarded."
[20:09] <Seira> "I think we'll get along just fine!" Seira declares. "And you deserve another drink. Unless Donald was buying you one?"
[20:10] <Kotono> "No, no, this is enough. Besides, I brought a little back with me. I used to think wine was strong, but this dwarven stock? Wow." Sipping just  alittle more, "If that's not magic, what is?"
[20:10] * Seira is silent for a moment. "Do you still have some of it left?"
[20:12] <Kotono> "Yeah," Mia reaches into her robes, withdrawing a tiny metal flask. "It was a gift for good negotiations. Want to try some?"
[20:12] * Seira chuckles evilly. "I wonder how the quality would endure with magical replication..." she muses to herself, already plotting to branch out past the elven and gnomish wines.
[20:14] <Kotono> "Mmm..." Mia stands up, wobbling a bit. "Well, I should get back to the Temple now..." she murmurs. "It's just the bad part of this. Why do I have to ekep waiting for the room to stop spinning, anyway?"
[20:15] <Seira> "I could help with that, but you would not like the solution," Seira comments, accepting the flask.
[20:16] <Kotono> Donald gets up, offering an arm to Mia. "C'mon, I'll give you a hand there."
[20:17] * Seira shrugs, and comes up to Mia's other side.
[20:17] <Kotono> "Oh..." Mia speaks, perhaps to both of them, as she uses Donald to steady herself. "Thanks, Seira. I'll see you soon then? Need to sleep thi..ooh, thanks."
[20:18] <Seira> "Want to take one of our guest rooms? I'm always saving a few for friends."
[20:18] <Kotono> "Mmm..." Mia begins, but suddenly lists. "Yeah, might be a good idea..."
[20:19] <Seira> "No sudden arrivals, right?" Seira asks Donald, continuing, "Suite #4 it is, then."
[20:20] <Kotono> "Not in the days you were gone, unless you count Mia," Donald sighs, before, "Relax, I'll carry you. I'm used to it when someone has too much to drink here." With that, Donald simply picks up Mia, carrying her in his arms. He grunts a little bit, but doesn't seem overly troubled. "Business is good, at elast."
[20:22] <Seira> "Excellent. Are you dating her?"
[20:24] <Kotono> Mia squawks a bit, but doesn't protest overly much. "....." Donald shoots Seira a rather unhappy look, hurrying his pace up. As he does, he mouths, "NOT NOW!" to her silently.
[20:25] * Seira can humor her paladin wannabe. He makes a good barkeep, after all.
[20:26] <Kotono> Mia is soon deposited in a bed, Donald leaving her be there. "No, we aren't," he answers once out, "...Seira, please, never, ever, ever, EVER ask that again when I'm chatting with or carrying a cute girl."
[20:26] <Seira> "Why not?" she asks curiously. "It's a great opening! Make your move!"
[20:29] <Kotono> "I want to get close to her, but it's dishonorable to take complete advantage of her state," Donald sallies back.
[20:29] <Kotono> "Besides," he snorts, "Id on't need her drunk. I'll get her the old fashioned way!"
[20:30] * Seira smacks him upside the head. "Don't give away key tactical advantages!"
[20:31] <Kotono> Donald glares up, voice raising a volume level. "Well, it's no fun if you use tactics that make it a dead battle! That's only good for a real fight, not something like a woman's affections. Or should I take advantage of you the next time you get drunk enough to pass out?"
[20:33] <Seira> "My inhuman constitution and knowledge of fire magicks would make this a bad proposition," she states firmly. "Anyway, it's not wrong to mention the idea! You don't have to follow her in when she's plastered, you know."
[20:34] <Kotono> "It's the moral of it," Donald goes back to the bar, sitting down. Supressing a slight sigh as he does, "How was your expidition?"
[20:35] <Seira> "A moral conundrum." Seira shrugs. "I think you're too uptight to tease people like Mia. After all, how else would they learn that drinking past their limits is bad unless someone has dirt on them ready for their sober awakenings?"
[20:42] <Kotono> "I think the headaches he'll have will do it. I hope," Donald observes thoughtfully.
[20:43] <Seira> "Probably not." Seira shrugs once more, ordering another drink. "Don't worry, I'll embarrass her for the both of us in a non-sexual way."
[20:44] <Kotono> "Mmm." Donald goes back and has a small glass of water, drinking. "You know, if you ever needhelp in the ruins or around, I'm here," he offers.
[20:45] <Seira> "I can't bring you back again," Seira tells him matter-of-factly, after downing the alcohol in one go at his words. "That magic is difficult at the best of times. Still interested, even though you'll be leaving a fine girl like Mia behind?"
[20:46] <Kotono> "If you need help at any time, sure. If I died once..." Donald thinks a moment, before shrugging. "I have my beliefs about what comes next. Once I got over the shock of coming back, what do I have to lose? I also owe all of you for this."
[20:48] <Seira> "I don't expect you to pay it back...." Seira smirks. "But I don't stand in the way of those that seek glory, and are wise enough to ask for guidance. Alright." She observes the inn, asking in a more casual tone, "How has your training progressed?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "Well enough," Donald pauses are more people come in, the bar not yet busy but business picking up. "I've been working on more speed and less power."
[20:51] * Seira nods to that. "Probably wise. I'm doing well without much power to speak of."
[20:54] <Kotono> "Yeah. I hit hard, but I couldn't stand up under attack," Donald just looks down a moment, "I need to find ways to strengthen myself to avoid that."
[20:55] <Seira> "Use a shield. You'll be surprised how much that helps," Seira states as that same matter-of-factly tone returns. "There are also relatively cheap -- on the adventurer scale -- magical items that ward you from attacks and aid you. I have some cash left, I could probably get you something nice. When is your birthday?"
[20:59] <Kotono> "I've been practicing with one. It's big and made of steel, so it's doing the job well," Donald shakes his head, "If you will, just get the shield enchanted. A shield's not too expensive to enchant, is it?"
[21:01] <Seira> "You'll be surprised," Seira repeats, a bit more dejectedly. "Well, I hoped for a more interesting choice, but sure. Thought a bit about your professional future? The offer to teach you enough magic to greatly augment your martial skills still stands."
[21:04] <Kotono> "I just want to be protected, and I don't care if it's unimaginative. I used to think a shield was unimaginative compared to the power of a greatsword," Donald says with a bit of a wry look on his face. "..mmm. I'm interested, but...Give mea notehr day, there's something I want to do first.
[21:04] <Kotono> "
[21:05] <Seira> "Oh?"
[21:05] <Kotono> "I just want to try praying to the Gods one last time," he admits, "Maybe I'm not meant to be a paladin, but I want to give it more more go."
[21:07] <Seira> "Hmm. A bit of advice, then. I have it on good authority that on other worlds, humans pray to a pantheon banded together by purpose and alignment, not to a singular deity. You could offer your prayers with this in mind."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Mmm." Donald nods to that, "You do mean our gods, yes, and not a heathen pantheon?"
[21:09] <Seira> "Sure thing."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Then, I'll see you tomorrow. I think I'll need the night off now, though." Donald gets up, finishing his water.
[21:10] * Seira snaps her fingers. "Done! Take care."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Thanks," Donald heads offa t that, going to his room.

[Corwin]

[19:03] <Kotono> --
[19:06] <Kotono> As the border situation continues to simmer, life in Balmuria goes on. The next day is sunnier, at least, and warm enough to bring back memories of the summer that's just starting to depart.  It's on this day that a messenger comes for Seira at her inn, a running page. A salute to her, "Lord Salman wishes to see you, ma'am."
[19:07] * Seira dismisses the page with a promise that she will do so with all due haste, and makes herself presentable before making good on that promise.
[19:11] <Kotono> The trip to the west side of the city passes. It's nearly finished construction, a grand hall your destination. It's a very stately city hall, built well. Just inside is Lord Salman, instructing a small group of soldiers. "...not entirely nessesary at this point, as this flank of the city is of only partial defendability as of now..." he speaks, but stops as Seira enters. "Go upstairs and survey the upper level for defendable points," he
[19:12] <Kotono> "Go upstairs and survey the upper level for defendable points," he instructs.
[19:13] <Seira> "You wished to see me, My Lord?" Seira asks as she is noticed, stepping aside to allow the soldiers to exit.
[19:14] <Kotono> "Yes," Lord Salman begins, "There are a few matters we wish to discuss. Firstly, has the Crimson Guard considered who will stay in Balmuria while the others go to the talks?"
[19:16] <Seira> It has not, but less than a day has passed. "I was under the impression that this decision was yours to make, Sire," Seira chooses to answer.
[19:17] <Kotono> "I leave the exact desicion in the Crimson Guard's hands," Lord Salman goes on, "But the matter is still not immediate. There is another, more relevant matter."
[19:18] <Seira> "Very well, My Lord," Seira says. "We shall submit our decision for your inspection by the end of the day. What is this more pressing matter you wished to discuss with me?"
[19:19] <Kotono> "You wished to open a school of magic, yes?" Lord Salman continues on.
[19:20] * Seira merely nods curtly, though inside she's cheering. "Yes, Sire. I believe this project would offer our country much prestiege, on top of building better relations with our neighbors and strengthening our own magical might."
[19:29] <Kotono> "Yes." Lord Salman is agreed to it, "Difficulties about the location aside for this moment, we have begun quietly assorting aid for this venture and looking for students." Lord Salman pauses for a few seconds, "It is curious, but the amount of possible studens we found was 23. That is...far higher than we would have guessed on a good day." Lord Salman observes. "Even if only a fourth of them become spellcasters, that is still a vast crop
[19:29] <Kotono> that is still a vast crop of potential." (More)
[19:30] <Seira> "That's how it goes with magic school and students of magic, Sire," Seira adds solemnly. "If we build it, they will come."
[19:31] <Kotono> "You don't understand," Lord Salman corrects, "That was within only our Baronies. How many active spellcasters do we have in Balmuria? Less than a dozen."
[19:33] * Seira nods, not really understanding. More will come, surely, once they hear who is to teach at the school!
[19:38] <Kotono> "The fact is that the potentials have risen greatly, and if even that 25% is realised, we have a real chance of greatly increasing the magic in our kingdom and continuing what the bounty of ruins and Balmuria's tribulations have begun." Lord Salman continues onward, "Even The Lady Mystra has a presence here now in Alicia."
[19:38] <Seira> "And Elle-- err, Lady Stronger," Seira amends, coughing.
[19:40] <Kotono> "Well yes," Lord Salman agrees after several moments, "But she is not the type to spread her beliefs, as they are. Alicia may not be so restrained."
[19:41] <Seira> "I am evidently interested in progressing with the project, Sire," Seira says at last.
[19:43] <Kotono> "We are beginning preparations," he agrees, "The beginning and setup is easy to do by the kingdom's orders and leaves you free to deal with more direct issues," Lord Salman agrees.
[19:47] * Seira seems slightly confused. "I am very happy to hear that, Sire. I must admit that I'm not too clear on what constitutes 'direct issues' here. Will I receive a list of the potential students, and be free to visit them? Is the issue of advertizing the school left to my judgement? Are, likewise, the criteria for joining?"
[19:48] <Kotono> "As in the matters of gathering and building grounds," Lord Salman replies, "While we prepare. As for recruitment, how much of a role in it do you wish?"
[19:51] <Seira> "I want to be very active!" Seira exclaims happily, momentarily forgetting herself. "I believe it is very important to build a strong relationship of trust and respect between teacher and student, and not let poor children who are down on their luck suffer through unimaginable indignities and baseless racism for things beyond their control...." Seira descends into upset mutterings of a poor, troubled childhood.
[19:52] <Kotono> Lord Salman smiles indulgently enough, clearing his throat after a few seconds of this. "Ah yes then. Then I will order information to be sent your way soon."
[19:54] * Seira nods, seeming to remember where she is. "What of the place of learning itself, Sire?" she asks carefully. "I strongly feel that a suitable environment greatly aides in one's studies, and when you're a mage, you must clearly be in a mage's tower."
[19:57] <Kotono> "I will send the designs alon gas well - you can authorize changes, butthe basic design is of a school with a large tower."
[19:58] * Seira nods at that. "Of course, Sire. A mage tower and other buildings around it."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Then they will be sent to you forthwith," Lord Salman agrees once more. "Dismisses for now, we must attend to preparations, just in case."
[20:00] * Seira bows to him. "As you will it, My Lord."
[20:04] <Kotono> The trip to Countess STronger's after is without incident. On entering, you find Elle in an animated discussion with Khardon. "...Even if I did, you don't just copy something like that, no matter how much I wished to." Elle observes very pointedly, to which Khardon just grins. "Yes, yes, m'lady, I knew that. But is it possible at all, in theory? For if one created it, even an artifact, surely it could be done again?"
[20:05] * Seira shamelessly eavesdrops!
[20:08] <Kotono> "In theory, Mystra could come down and creature a bushel of them for our good cause," ELle retorts, before sighing. "Yes, it's theoretically possible. Find me the time, skill and knowledge base to emulate the Gnomish God King and I'll even make you a matching dagger. But pratically, it's not within my practical range."
[20:09] <Kotono> Khardon chuckles, "Yes, as I said, I am aware of the difficulties. However, if this could be replicated..." Khardon muses, "No stone left unturned, my fairest mage."
[20:11] * Seira waves at Elle, smiling, now that Khardon seems to have given up on his foolish quest of turning a unique, invaluable artifact into a part of a series.
[20:13] <Kotono> "I suppose." Elle says dubiously, but puts it aside. "Aaah, Seira!" her voice livens up. "Did you come for requests as well? I already got a few from Alicia, but I can squeeze in more if you need it."
[20:14] <Seira> "As a matter of fact, yes, but I'd prefer actual privacy for them!" Seira tells her, still seeming quite happy. "Got a moment?"
[20:17] <Kotono> "Of course. A pleasure, Colonel," Elle is polite to Khardon, who smiles just as nicely back before turning to go. As he does, he pleasantly nods to Seira. "A good morning to you, Captain."
[20:17] <Seira> "Thanks, Sir!" Seira responds, for once not sarcastic about using his title.
[20:19] <Kotono> Once Khardon has gone, Elle turns to Seira. "What's on your mind," she inquires.
[20:21] * Seira looks around, and then leads Stronger into the back room. "The secrecy is for you as much as myself this time around, Elle," she tells her. "I remember that you didn't want to advertize the teleportation breakthrough."
[20:23] <Kotono> "Yeah," Elle lowers her own voice a bit, going to sit down. "What's on your mind about it, then?"
[20:26] <Seira> "I don't know how much you're being kept in the loop, so let me fill you in," Seira continues with, observing the main shop from her place by the door. "A very important diplomatic mission is about to take place at an undisclosed location in Pallanth between the heads of state for Malmuth and the Baronies. I will likely be one of those who will go, and the chances of betrayal by Malmuthian elements or rogues like Febras and Irenes is
[20:26] <Seira>  high. I would like to have the means to whisk Lord Salman and an elven dignitary to safety if it came to that, and having a scroll of Teleport along would go a long way towards that."
[20:28] <Kotono> "Alright, I can take care of that," Elle nods agreement, "When do you need it?"
[20:30] <Seira> "I have a few days at least, perhaps a week," Seira responds. "And speaking of teleportation, have you given further thought to crafting our own version of those rings the elves seem to favor for transport? I could raise the necessary finances pretty quickly, if you made a decision."
[20:33] <Kotono> "I want to consult a few more things, but I suspect the crafting would not be overly quick. But yes, I am interested," Seira is agreed with.
[20:34] <Seira> "I'll begin gathering the support. The Baronies should be able to support the project in part, and the ruins offer yet more riches for the taking. If only that loaf wasn't the one with the artifact dagger...."
[20:37] <Kotono> "
[20:37] <Kotono> "He's capable in a fight," Elle digresses somewhat, "And he must have been to get it in the first place. Just such a curious, contradictory man, don't you think?"
[20:38] <Seira> "I try not to think about him," Seira says, suddenly dejected. "It's just not fair, he's not even using the thing!"
[20:42] <Kotono> "It's his thing to use," Elle shrugs after a few moments, "Perhaps you could negotiate it from him or trade it from him if it's of that importance?"
[20:43] <Seira> "Only a moron would part with an artifact of that leve-- hmmm." Seira blinks. "Good advice, Elle!"
[20:47] <Kotono> Elle looks at Seira funny amoment, before laughing quite earnestly. "That's horrible, Seira." Smothering her giggles into her hand, "But it may be wise if you're the ones that are going into those ruins."
[20:48] <Seira> "Speaking of the ruins--" Seira stops, shrugging. "I don't suppose I have much else to say," she muses, deceptively casual. "We got some interesting weapons back, and a few other trinklets that should enrich your store. And there was the incident where we went to a parallel Prime, but you probably don't want to hear about that."
[20:49] <Kotono> "Oh, oh, oh, oh Seira," Elle smile grows, twitching at the edges. "I'm sure that I would love to hear all about this."
[20:50] <Seira> "Okay, then. There was an incident and we went to a parallel Prime."
[20:50] <Kotono> Elle twitches again, "Seeeeira. Details. Details."
[20:53] <Seira> "So we go through this door in the ruins, right?" Seira asks conspiratorially, leaning closer. "And suddenly, ballroom, full of enchantment and all that. We didn't know if they were figments or automations or what, and it almost came to blows... but we ended up traveling to see the local wizard. Turns out they never had a catastroph -- they still have gnomes, and magic... and the gods are quite active! I believe they still grant requ
[20:53] <Seira> ests for raisings! And the court wizard didn't go into epilepsy when I mentioned the highest level spell known to mortals, only saying he'll have to study the topic a bit." Seira shakes her head, smiling widely at last. "It was amazing and I brought souveniers."
[20:55] <Kotono> "...well then," Elle's eyes widen at all of it, gleaming openly. "Let me see them...and you're serious? Those ruins sent you to a place like that?"
[20:56] <Seira> "I think they might come visit. So if someone representing Lord Stargazer or Saleh happens to show up in town when I'm not around, treat them nicely? I feel we made a good impression."
[20:59] <Kotono> Countess Stronger nods to that thoughtfully. "I shall. Do you think it likely?"
[21:01] <Seira> "The were as intrigued by us as we were by them. And while their magic is quite high-level, they do lack outright artifacts and others venues we have access to due to our ruins," Seira muses. "You never know, so might as well be prepared." She nods to herself. "Come visit this evening? I should have all my new books sorted by then."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Alright," Elle smiles, "It'll be late, I have a a fair bit to work on. ..." After a pause, "is that where Alicia's new...companion came from?"
[21:04] * Seira laughs happily. "Did you know that I'm very hated in hell, on the same level as an insanely powerful and mad pit fiend? I suspected, myself, but it was so pleasant to receive confirmation!"
[21:05] <Kotono> Elle nods absently, "Yes...I suppose, but Seira." She seems uninterestedin that at the moment, "WHY is an Erinyes with Alicia? A devil from hell is following a paladin around? Is Alicia serious on her efforts?"
[21:06] <Seira> Seira's smile drops. "Fine, I won't gloat. See, Alicia must be bored and has no one to preach to. I can understand and sympatize."
[21:07] <Kotono> "I'm more worried about her. That's no little imp, an Erinyes is dangerous." Elle continues onward, "Seira, your friend has a being of complete evil at her side, capable of ending her live or stealing her soul! I'm disturbed."
[21:08] <Seira> "Oh, Anthy can't steal her soul. She can try to backstab her, sure, but I have faith in Alicia being a light sleeper."
[21:09] <Kotono> After exhaling a long breath, "I think I'll try and hurry those requests for Alicia," she murmurs thoughtfully. "Mystra help her if she's made a mistake." But after that, and gathering herself, "You've given them misfortune in hell?"
[21:12] <Seira> "Yes. So much they're trying to emigrate, only we keep on kicking them out again, so they hate us all the more." Seira snorts. "And I know," she adds more quietly. "It's beyond dangerous, beyond crazy. I know it well enough to have tried to kill the devil myself, but Alicia made a strange deal with it and was prepared to fight me over its life, it appeared. The only thing I could do in this situation is support her from that point on
[21:12] <Seira> , so that she trusts me enough to rely upon me when the devil inevitably reveals its true nature."
[21:14] <Kotono> Elle nods, "If she truly means it, then at least it's a mistake of good intentions. May they not pave the road for her to hell." After lowering her voice a moment more, "I hope so and that this resolves without loss."
[21:17] * Seira returns the nod. "Oh, and speaking of loss... you know Donald, the guy I let live at the inn? I keep on training him and all that. I haven't spent enough on Donald, it seems, so I'd like to finance a magical shield for him! Could you take care of that when he visits you?"