031.6 "You have lovely hair, Afina. Let's work around that."

[Corwin]

[19:47] <Kotono> Fresh milk and honey combined with rest. It's a good way to cap off a busy morning for Afina, a chance to relax. It doesn't last long, as a visitor sits opposite her. Lady Skye sits next to Afina, "Her Majesty desires your presence this afternoon."
[19:50] <Afina> Never one to disobey the word of her queen, Afina nods and sets down her early lunch. "Earlier or later?" she asks, looking at her fellow pixie.
[19:51] <Kotono> "In one hour. Her Majesty will be holding court," Lady Skye replies, "Dress and prepare as suiting your station."
[19:53] * Afina looks down at her current garb. This is exactly what she typically wore for her rare court attendances back on Lifasa... then again a dancer might be held to different standards than a general? Deciding to go and see what Crystal is wearing, she straightens up. "Alright, I'll be there. In the Queen's chambers?"
[19:54] <Kotono> "Yes," Lady Skye agrees.
[19:57] <Afina> "Thanks," Afina goes back to her meal and finishes it off before she flies up and goes to hunt down Crystal. Only as she sets off does she consider that she could have just asked Skye what she meant by dressing and preparing as appropriate to her station. But she's more likely assured of a straight answer from the knight.
[20:00] <Kotono> You have to go to Crystal's quarters to find her. On knocking on her door, "Who is it?" Crystal calls.
[20:00] <Afina> "Afina."
[20:05] <Kotono> "Enter," Crystal calls.
[20:06] <Afina> Opening the door, Afina flutters in and closes it behind her! "Did you get summoned to court as well?"
[20:11] <Kotono> Crystal's quarters are fairly spartan. However, a deep, pixie sized chair of beaten golden metal and a heavy cushion sits before a small mirror. Crystal sits there, wearing only her undergarments. She is rubbing some sort of berry purple substance into her skin - Afina would know it as a fey perfume of sorts. "I did."
[20:15] <Afina> Sniffing and floating along to stand beside that chair, Afina opens with, "Nice fragrance." Yes as a murderous fey who often got covered with blood on work for Ilsenine she does have an appreciation for perfumes despite her manner that usually disdains frivolity. Of course she does have magic anyway... "Skye placed some emphasis on me dressing and preparing as suiting for my station. But I'm
[20:15] <Afina> not sure what that entails, really," she confesses.
[20:18] <Kotono> "Oh. You wouldn't, would you?" Crystal says aloud, putting aside the small glass container of berry puprle lotion. She smells like a fresh harvest of blueberries, perfect ripe and ready to be harvested. She leans back a moment and smiles, "You need a military uniform. Not a boring one, but one suitably impressive for the Court. I'll show you what I'm going with, you can use that as inspiration."
[20:18] <Kotono> Flying off the seat, "You're welcome to some of that, or any of the other things behind the mirror. You can freshen up while I get dressed."
[20:22] <Afina> Not sure if she can find something on short notice, and sadly her diplomatic dress is out of the question... oh well, she may as well follow Crystal's advice for the moment. Cosmetics are easy enough from her dancing performances, so she takes off her outer layers and avails herself of the other pixie's perfumes. "Thank you."
[20:25] <Kotono> Afina finds a variety of earth and plant based perfumes. Berries, apples, oranges, vanilla, that manner of thing. Crystal meanwhile heads into her closet and half closes it behind her.
[20:27] <Afina> Vanilla suits Afina well, so she goes with a dab of that, getting dressed afterwards and frowning slightly as she looks down at her clothes. It may as well be a military uniform for her, for all the battles it's seen...
[20:33] <Kotono> As Afina ponders this, Crystal emerges. She wears a uniform of forest green, a laurel of fresh flowers in her hair. Her blade is at her side, chest full of medals like leaves, berries and trees. Atop her head is a white hat with a foot tall green plume.
[20:34] <Afina> Taking a look, Afina swiftly concludes, "I'm not going to top that in an hour."
[20:36] <Kotono> "I didn't think so," Crystal confesses, "Which means we have to do the best we can with what we have. Can your magic provide?"
[20:36] <Kotono> A moment later she pauses and straightens her posture, reaching up to adjust her hat slightly.
[20:40] <Afina> "I can change my body but not my clothes," Afina shakes her head. "I suppose I can just make something myself, but I'm no tailor... armour, on the other hand. Hmm... I'm going to see Filbrez and see what fabrics he has. Do you want to come?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "Yes, but we need to hurry." Crystal says, "We don't have all day before court. Dress yourself and let's go."
[20:49] <Afina> Dressing takes mere seconds for one so practiced and swift as she, and then she hurries out and away to Filbrez's emporium.
[20:51] <Kotono> You find Filbrez there, inspecting a glass case full of jewelry. It's a slow day on the surface - no one is around. On entering, there is a little chime, Filbrez turning. "Ah welcome! Welcome, welcome. What can I do for you ladies today?"
[20:55] * Afina looks around on the off chance he actually has any clothes, but even if he did they're surely for human proportions, and tailoring is important anyway. No, more important is fabrics, she can make her own! "Do you have or can you very quickly acquire quality fabrics for making clothes, Filbrez?"
[20:56] <Kotono> There are a few racks of clothes, but they are human sized. "It just so happens I have some Icewoven Silk," Filbrez says, "As well as some fine leather."
[20:57] <Afina> "Can I see the silk?" Afina asks, wanting to know what she's getting herself in for.
[20:59] <Kotono> Filbrez goes back to get it. A few moments later Adrian comes out from the back, his fist around something. He nods to Afina and Crystal as he goes past.
[21:01] <Afina> "Hello, Adrian," Afina smiles at the hagspawn, she hasn't really seen him in a while so she can spare the effort for conversation. "Did you buy anything interesting?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "I think so," Adrian smiles, an unhidden and obvious bit of nervousness. He licks his lips, "I think so."
[21:04] <Afina> "Is it a present for someone?" Afina asks, fluttering up closer, not really angling to see what's in his fist since she's not that nosy. But she has an inkling of mortal mating rituals and can see where this is going.
[21:05] <Kotono> "Well yeah," Adrian admits, smiling a little too wide. Crystal raises an eyebrow and starts to smile, but doesn't speak up. "I think she'll like it. I hope she will."
[21:07] <Afina> "Good," Afina pats him on the arm. She recalls thinking before that if the Crusade takes long enough they would need to act to ensure Lifasan bloodlines survive, so it's nice to see progress on that front. "I'm happy for you," she says, getting out of his way.
[21:07] <Kotono> Adrian stares a moment, before rubbing his forehead with his hand, "Is it that obvious?" he asks, a chargrinned smile showing.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Yes," Crystal pipes up, "It rather is."
[21:10] <Afina> "Not everyone has our finely honed observational skills," Afina consoles him. "It's nice, though. News like that will cheer up everyone on Aurora," she smiles happily.
[21:11] <Kotono> Exhaling, "Yeah. Assuming she says yes," Adrian adds, "Maybe it's too fast and too soon, but she's talked to me about how suddenly life can end and leave us all alone and abandoned."
[21:12] <Afina> "That's between the two of you. But I'm sure you've nothing to worry about," the fairy reassures.
[21:13] <Kotono> "Be happy," Crystal adds, "Everything will work out as long as you make each other happy."
[21:14] <Kotono> "I hope." Adrian nods, "I'm going to go ask her soon. Wish me good luck, would you?"
[21:15] <Afina> "Good luck!" Afina sing-songs merrily.
[21:21] <Kotono> "Good luck!" Crystal's voice is just as merry, a longing smile on her face as she watches him go. "That's so sweet. He looks like a nervous schoolboy, as the humans put it."
[21:24] <Afina> "I don't think he's very experienced. But they're good for each other," Afina nods resolutely, turning to Crystal. "If things go the way nature likes, we could see a real child of Lifasa soon, too. That would be nice."
[21:31] <Kotono> "They may have company," Crystal murmurs, "Lady Skye took some of Queen Ilsenine's words to heart. She's been trying to play matchmaker."
[21:33] <Afina> "Really? Well it's good for her to be doing something, at least," Afina considers.
[21:34] <Kotono> "It's leading to more dating, except for one. Blissa's mooning over a human," Rolling her eyes, "One of those, I'm afraid."
[21:38] <Afina> "Life must have been so different outside of the Gloaming Forest," Afina muses, trying to wrap her head around it. "The human doesn't reciprocate, at least?"
[21:41] <Kotono> "I don't know," Crystal shakes her head, "I...suppose the physical aspects of it would at least lead to Blissa having to apply herself to sorcery. There may be some small upside to it. I've heard a few tawdry stories of pixies and humans or elves, but..."
[21:45] <Afina> "It's easy enough to imagine a few things," Afina admits, shaking her head afterwards. "But no, that way lies madness. Even if my preferences went that way, I've got magic. Hmm, I hope Filbrez doesn't take much longer, it may take me a few tries to make appropriate clothing."

[Corwin]

[20:09] <Kotono> "He is taking awhile, isn't he?" Crystal frowns, giving the door a glance. In a soft murmur, mostly under her breath, "Do Mercane hear well?"
[20:10] <Afina> "No idea," Afina replies, floating over to the door. "Is everything alright back there, Filbrez?" she calls.
[20:11] <Kotono> You can hear a call back of, "I'm coming," he announces, a few moments later the door opening. He has blue silk, a big bolt of it.
[20:12] <Afina> Blue really isn't her colour. "Do you have any dyes as well?" she asks, reaching out to feel the fabric.
[20:14] <Kotono> "Of course. What color," Meanwhile you can feel the fabric is quite soft and silky, rather cool to the touch.
[20:16] <Afina> "Purple and orange," the fairy replies, approving of the feel at least. "Some black as well, I think."
[20:20] <Kotono> "Purple and ORANGE?" Crystal makes a face, "Afina, those colors clash like felled trees slamming into each other."
[20:21] * Afina takes hold of one of the tails of her hat, boasting stripes in said colour and holds it around to look at it. "You never said anything before..." she almost sounds hurt.
[20:23] <Kotono> Crystal crosses her arms, "A hat is one thing. You can get away with that on a hat. Afina, I'm your friend and I'm not going to let you do it. I'm not going to let you march into court looking like you're colorblind."
[20:24] <Kotono> Filbrez clears his throat, "Ah, I have many colors of dye," he interjects, "Just name the colors."
[20:24] <Afina> "I like those colours, though..." the assassin replies despondently. "What would you recommend, then?"
[20:29] <Kotono> Crystal hums, "Your hair's this lovely pale green," Crystal examines Afina all over, "You have lovely hair, Afina. Let's work around that." Reaching up to take a short lock of hair from the back.
[20:30] <Afina> "What, the same colour as my hair?" Afina boggles, not seeing how that could work well. "That's so dull, though. Colours should be loud and clashing!" she protests.
[20:32] <Kotono> Crystal stares a moment, before burying her face into her hands. She exhales audibly, "Afina. You...where did you pick up your fashion sense?"
[20:34] <Afina> "I just go with what I think looks good," she shrugs minutely, taking off her hat and holding it before herself protectively.
[20:39] <Kotono> "I see, I see." Coming up from her double-facepalm, Crystal looks Afina over again. "I forgot a moment you're a dancer as well as your other tasks." She crosses her arms again and looks her over, "Hm."
[20:40] <Afina> "Maybe I should go with brown?" she wonders since there's no input immediately forthcoming. That goes well with green on trees with leaves and bark, after all.
[20:41] <Kotono> "Mmm, yes." Crystal agrees after a moment, "Brown is good. Go with that."
[20:42] <Afina> "Is yellow okay?" she asks carefully, not wanting to blow it if she's got one right so far.
[20:45] <Kotono> "It's fine," Afina gets a nod back after a moment, "Yellow and brown compliment each other well."
[20:45] <Afina> Turning back to Filbrez and relieved both that this is over and that she'll only have to wear the outfit once, Afina thus requests, "Yellow and brown dye, please."
[20:49] <Afina> "And three feet of silk should do as well."
[20:52] <Kotono> The materials are produced quickly enough.
[20:54] <Afina> "How much do I owe you?" Afina asks to get that out of the way first before she attempts making anything.
[20:56] <Kotono> "5 gold," The mercane replies, "I can roll it into your current bill, if you like."
[20:58] <Afina> "No, I'll keep that seperate. Don't want it all adding up on me," Afina shakes her head, handing over the money without fuss. Then she bundles up her silk and dyes, "Come on, Crystal, I'll try and make something in my quarters."
[21:02] <Kotono> OOC: What are going ot design? Go ahead and do it and I'll move to reactions.
[21:10] <Afina> Putting the silk in a pile along with the two dyes and a couple of gold and silver coins, Afina then casts fabricate to bring everything together far quicker than even the most talented tailor. Which is good because she's no tailor at all. Still, magic will hopefully provide, and from making so many suits of armour she has a good idea of how to conform material to a person's figure. The intended
[21:10] <Afina> result to be drawn forth is a high necked and low-backed tunic with a short skirting, space for her wings at the back but having a high collar and pronounced shoulders brought up with gold filigree, a short fluttering cape off the shoulders that isn't long enough to hinder her wings. The outfit is given a harlequin design with large alternating squares of yellow and brown, though the inner lining
[21:10] <Afina> of the cape keeps the original blue hue. And besides it for her head she fashions a small peaked hat in brown with silver spirals adorning it.
[21:12] <Kotono> Crystal watches the creation with magic, nodding, "It should look interesting on you," she says, going to pick up and inspect the hat. "I'm surprised you went restrained on the hat, though."
[21:14] <Afina> "Yes, if I thought to buy stiffer material I was going to make a proper bicorne," Afina admits. "It'll have to do, I'm only wearing it once." Unceremoniously, she starts stripping out of her more complicated but ironically less formal dancer's outfit before donning the uniform.
[21:19] <Kotono> "I'll buy you a drink after this to celebrate," Crystla promises, "We need to go once you dress, so we're not late."
[21:21] <Afina> "Right," Afina replies, fixing her hat on securely and taking a look in the mirror. Not her ideal look, but it'll do. Just need a belt around her waist and her sword sheathed at her back... and done! "Lets go, then," she gets up and floats towards the door so they can portal up to the royal suites.
[21:30] <Kotono> With that the duo head off. They find Queen Ilsenine's quarters empty, save for Her Majesty. "Approach," she commands as the two enter, "I would have you two ready for when the rest of the court arrives."
[21:31] * Afina kneels as is appropriate. "How would you have us, your Majesty?"
[21:40] <Kotono> Crystal kneels as well, head bowed. "Take an honored position at my side, just in front of me, one at each side." Queen Ilsenine commands.
[21:41] <Afina> Standing up, Afina goes to stand on Ilsenine's left. The sinister side seems better for the former assassin, really.
[21:46] <Kotono> Crystal takes the side on the right. As you settle in, the fey begin to come. The pixies fly in, lead by Lady Skye. Each approaches the throne and bows, then rises and takes position standing. Lady Skye is first, followed by Lief and then the common pixies. As they do, Lief shoots Afina a look and a moment's smile.
[21:49] <Afina> Since it seems friendly rather than 'haha you're wearing a stupid outfit,' Afina gives him a little smile back. Then again, no one ever criticised her clothes before even though Crystal just said she had horrible taste...
[22:00] <Kotono> As the pixies settle in, they kneel as one, "Hail Queen Ilsenine," they chorus, before rising again. Queen Ilsenine speaks from her throne, "My beloved subjects," she calls, "May we all find another Spring together. This day there will be a chance to address the throne, then celebration and music."
[22:00] <Kotono> Lady Skye turns, "If you desire to address Queen Ilsenine, step forward."
[22:02] <Afina> Keeping an ear on any such addresses, Afina contents herself with watching for assassins. There's no real guard here so it's all on her to defend the Queen if someone nefarious had snuck in.
[22:07] <Kotono> OOC: Make spot.
[22:08] <Afina> roll 1d20+28
[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+28 and gets 39." [1d20=11]
[22:11] <Kotono> Afina sees nothing awry as four pixies step forward, including Lief. "Very well," Lady Skye instructs, looking to the first - a male pixie, wearing simple, supple armor crafted by Afina. He approaches the throne and kneels, "Queen, I am Branc. If I may, we have all heard the rumors that you will be journeying to the courts beyond this one. If you are, I would humbly request to accompany you,
[22:11] <Kotono> Majesty."
[22:14] * Afina remains attentive for any good assassin would be waiting for that moment of distraction or boredom to strike. She does allow herself to wonder if Branc just wants to travel or if he means to leave the Crusade for some more comfortable court. Can't ask in this setting, though...
[22:15] <Kotono> "I will consider this," Queen Ilsenine replies, "I do enquire as to why, Branc."
[22:16] <Kotono> Branc looks up at the Queen, "Your Majesty, back home, I was known as a mediator and friend to all. My talent at making war is minimal. I know that I'm not a great hero like our heroes," His gaze travels to Afina, then to Crystal and to Lief before turning to Her Majesty. "I feel I can better help our revenge against Hell in this manner."
[22:17] <Afina> That sounds good! Afina smiles at Branc to show her approval!
[22:20] <Kotono> Crystal smiles a little bit, but mostly appears softly stern. Queen Ilsenine brings a finger to her lips, "I will consider this, Branc."
[22:25] <Kotono> "Thank you, Queen," Branc bows low and flies off. Next Lady Skye looks to a female pixie, nodding to her. She approaches, bowing as well. "Majesty, my name is Amethyst. Before you came, I had fallen in battle." She admits this and lowers her eyes, "I was called back. I worry that I have offended the cycle of nature by coming back from death...yet I do not wish to do anything but to live. May I
[22:25] <Kotono> ask your wisdom and guidance?"
[22:26] <Afina> Since it was Afina who chose to call Amethyst back, her own opinion should be abundantly clear and need no further clarification. Thus she goes back to neutrally observing.
[22:27] <Kotono> "A fair question." Queen Ilsenine is silent, "Were we in Lifasa, content and still innocent, perhaps I would say yes. But Lifasa's cycle has been shattered, violated, raped. The only violation of the cycle is what the devils did."
[22:28] <Kotono> Crystal's expression tightens slightly, but she says nothing.
[22:28] <Kotono> "I understand," Amethyst bows again, coloring, "I understand too well. Thank you, Majesty. You have given my heart guidance."
[22:29] <Afina> Afina's expression somewhat mirrors Crystal's at the lurid description of the cycle's sundering at devil hands by their queen who has surely suffered more than any.
[22:32] <Kotono> Queen Ilsenine accepts those thanks, and then looks over, "Concern yourself not with these thoughts, all of you. The crime against the cycle of Lifasa is vast. Our own choices are more than justified by these. Hell deserves all our hate, our wrath and our power to push them off Lifasa. If this means a second life, so be it...or a third, a fourth or as many times as you can drag yourself back
[22:32] <Kotono> from the World Tree."

[Corwin]

[19:52] <Kozzzzz> A murmur comes from the pixies at those words, Crystal nodding and adding her own voice, "As much as it takes, until we have avenged Lifasa and saved it."
[20:00] <Afina> "We stop the devils here and now, or our next turn on the Cycle could well be their next world to destroy," Afina seconds since it seems appropriate.
[20:00] <Kozzzzz> As Amethyst heads back Skye turns, escorting the third pixie up and pointedly ignoring Lief. This one is a blonde female, with a blush to her face as she kneels. "Queen Ilsenine, I am Buttercup. I wish to ask the Court and Your Majesty a request."
[20:02] <Kozzzzz> "Ask," Queen Ilsenine bids, to which Buttercup goes on. "I would ask if I may be freed of some of my tasks, so that I may go spend time with the tortles. One of their number is seeing to encouraging natural growth and plans within Aurora."
[20:03] * Afina hopes Skye doesn't ignore Lief now that he's the last one left...
[20:08] <Kozzzzz> "A worthy task. You may," Queen Ilsenine grants, Buttercup smiling, "Thank you, Majesty!" Once she goes back Skye reluctantly turns to Lief, who approaches and bows.
[20:10] <Kozzzzz> "Your Majesty," Lief speaks up, "I would like permission to leave on a quest of my own."
[20:10] <Kozzzzz> Queen Ilsenine watches stoically, and replies as such, "Of what quest? Tell me more."
[20:11] <Afina> Really, half of these things should be brought to Aurora's command, not the pixie court, Afina thinks. Hopefully she won't have any reason to veto anything here, though.
[20:11] <Kozzzzz> "My skills grow, but I seek more challenges," Lief admits openly, "I would seek to emulate the deeds of Afina and the other leaders of Aurora, bringing back great success and wealth."
[20:12] <Kozzzzz> Here Queen Ilsenine pauses, "My generals," she speaks, "This is a military matter. How would Lief being unavailable impact Aurora's combat ability?"
[20:14] <Afina> "Not in the short term," Afina speaks up, looking directly at Lief. "It goes without saying that we will offer all assistance necessary to our own. Where are you intending to go and what will you do, Lief?"
[20:17] <Kozzzzz> Crystal holds her peace for the moment, as Lief replies, "I have heard of great tournaments held in Ysgard, where gold, treasure, magic, women and triumph all come to the winner. Participation will be good practice, and if I win I can bring back gold and treasure ot Aurora."
[20:19] <Afina> "Yes, don't bring back the women unless they're also good fighters," Afina nods with a scrupulously straight face. "Aurora will remain here yet for a time, and if we move we will arrange pickup for you first. Good luck out there."
[20:20] <Kozzzzz> Lief grins back a moment at that, as Queen Ilsenine speaks, "Then go, Lief. You have my blessing."
[20:21] <Kozzzzz> "Thank you," Lief bows and rises, "Then I shall go." Afina gets that grin back again before he goes off and away. Once done, Queen Ilsenine clears her throat. "Now, let us celebrate and rest. "
[20:23] <Afina> Well now she may as well mingle a bit, so Afina steps down from the throne to see if there's any interesting conversation going.
[20:33] <Kozzzzz> You find Buttercup and Amethyst talking. "...I don't remember much," Amethyst admits, "Except when I dream, and my dreams fade away when I wake up. If the Jarl and Lady Afina hadn't...oh! There she is!"
[20:35] <Afina> "Hello," Afina smiles as she steps up alongside them. "Trying to remember what happened inbetween?"
[20:36] <Kozzzzz> "Oh. Yes I am," Amethyst admits, "The Jarl said it's normal not to remember - few do. I do wonder, though."
[20:36] <Kozzzzz> "So do I," Buttercup says, "What's the World Tree like, and what's it like to go back to it?"
[20:38] <Afina> "Think how many times you must have died and been reincarnated before now," Afina posits, "We can all rememember fragments and snippets from our prior existences, but nothing between. That's just the way it is. But yes, I do wonder exactly what it is that occurs between one life and the next - or going back in some cases," she inclines her head to Amethyst.
[20:46] <Kozzzzz> Crystal flies up, "I can tell you some of that, if you like. There is wisdomt o leaving these mysteries unturned, though." Coming closer, "At least as the Court of the Stars teaches it."
[20:47] <Afina> Though she's slightly dubious about the Court of Stars having any special wisdom of their own, Afina is willing to hear Crystal out. "I would hear it."
[21:05] <Kozzzzz> "Do tell," Buttercup perks up, "I am curious!"
[21:11] <Kozzzzz> "Very well," Crystal pauses, adjusting her hat before going on. "When a fey passes, they go to the World Tree. It is like a beautiful fly in the cool morning air, rising up and up. Most fey will find the way to the World Tree. Those who are virtuous and true to righteousness and the cause of freedom may find a starry sky instead, and a portal. This portal leads to the Court of the Stars and to
[21:11] <Kozzzzz> Queen Morwel herself, where she rewards those fey who have pleased her in life. If they so choose, they may stay in the Court and leave the cycle of nature to join another cycle, an eternal cycle of endless life." She smiles momentarily, "Those who do not meet her or choose to reincarnate head to the World Tree. Within the World Tree all the souls of the fey who have not yet reincarnated await.
[21:11] <Kozzzzz> A neutral ground between lives, ghostly and full of memories of past lives...or at other times a vibrant summer's festival, or a somber, windswept masoleum under autumn's sunset. At least that it what I have heard and read of it. What about you, Afina? Have you found anything else out about it?"
[21:15] <Afina> "No," Afina shakes her head. "When we pass through the World Tree's boughs we are as unknowing as babes in the womb. If any fey stay and tend to the tree directly, it must be said that they have transcended the Cycle completely and are as unknowable to us as the tree itself."
[21:24] <Kozzzzz> "That would be an incredible honor," Buttercup murmurs, "Tending to the World Tree!"
[21:25] <Kozzzzz> Crystal rubs her chin, "I've heard that variant before. I suspect there's as much truth to it as the stories I told. Fey who join the Court of Stars never see the Tree themselves, they don't get that far. So it is still rather a mystery.
[21:28] <Afina> "It's something we can't comprehend, nor should we. The seed of Lifasa is our concern, not the entire tree," Afina concludes at the end anyway.
[21:35] <Kozzzzz> "Indeed," Crystal says, "Oh yes," Snapping her fingers, "I owe you a drink, Afina. Come, they should have some honeywine ready by now."
[21:36] <Afina> "Ladies," Afina excuses herself from Buttercup and Amethyst, going along with Crystal for that owed drink.
[21:41] <Kozzzzz> Off to tables set aside. Bottles of honeywine are about, Crystal pouring Afina a tall glass. Raising her glass up and tinking it against Afina's, "To better days than before," she says.
[21:44] <Afina> "I'll drink to that," Afina raises her glass after they clink, sipping at her sweet wine and looking around not quite idly. Her duty to ensure the safety of all here never ends after all, unlikely as an attack this far within Aurora may be.
[21:44] <Kozzzzz> OOC: Make a spot check?
[21:47] <Afina> roll 1d20+28
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+28 and gets 39." [1d20=11]
[21:49] <Kozzzzz> Hiding in the corners, you catch a glimpse of Elena, keeping hidden behind a decorative pillar.
[21:51] <Afina> What is she doing there?
[21:51] <Kotono> It looks like she's hiding and then making overblow 'peeping' looks, like she's a spy.
[21:52] * Afina waves to Elena.
[21:53] <Kotono> Elena eeps and darts back behind cover! Crystal turns that way and looks as well, wineglass at her lips. You watch a moment before Elena sheepishly peeks out, waving halfheartedly.
[21:55] <Afina> Unable to resist a snicker at such antics, Afina walks over to join Elena at her pillar. "Why are you hiding back here?"

[Corwin]

[19:56] <Kotono> "Shhh!" Elena puts a finger to her lips, as a few fey glance your way. Crystal follows, a spreading smile as she sips her honeywine and listens. "I said I was going to spy on the court! I mean, er, listen in without making myself known! It's not eavesdropping since Aurora's my home!"
[19:57] <Afina> "Yes, and you're our majordomo, so you're welcome anywhere," Afina points out. "Who did you tell you were going to spy on us?"
[20:02] <Kotono> "Um, Jaela?" With a cute little frown, "I mean, well..." Pushing her fingers together, "It's just more fun to spy!"
[20:02] <Kotono> Crystal laughs, "You're like a child caught in the cookie jar. I doubt any of us are going to scold yo ufor it."
[20:04] <Afina> "Ah," Afina nods, unable to refute Elena's own preferences. "In that case I saw nothing," she winks before going back out amidst the other pixies and leaving Elena to her infiltration.
[20:09] <Kotono> Crystal laughs again and follows Afina back. "Are you planning on getting bee-buzzed headed or even drunk," she asks, conversationally. "I think I may have a few drinks, at least."
[20:12] <Afina> "People could do without me draping myself over them and telling them how much I love them," Afina replies dryly. "Two's my limit." She could probably manage more with this belt that improves her constitution on, but why take chances?
[20:13] <Kotono> With a demure smile around another few sips, "Speaking of," Switching gears without even a pause, "Are you interested in anyone here like that, or have the forges entirely claimed your heart?"
[20:19] <Afina> "No one's caught my eye," Afina replies blandly. "Everyone I ever falled for back home turned out to be a traitor or something horrible, so I think it's for the best. What about you? I thought you looked a bit wistful after we ran into Adrian..." she follows up with a deflection rather than invite further discussion of her past affairs.
[20:22] <Kotono> With a distinct sigh, "No one, alas. The one I even slightly liked thought I was sharing Queen Ilsenine or your bed. Nothing but petty rumormongering, but it quenched that interest rather completely." Finishing her glass off, "Moreso that a woman who dares be a warrior must prefer flowers to the bees."
[20:25] <Afina> "Aww, that's a shame," Afina consoles, looking around and wondering who it was from the group assembled. "It'd do us good to get some new blood from other Courts... although since you're already Court of Stars, have you talked much with the courre that came with Hanna?"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm. Not in depth, but I've met a few. I'm sure I can find someone there. The ones who are past being complete children are rather fun." A hint of a smile goes, "Why Afina, have you considered doing that?"
[20:29] <Afina> "Not really, but they look close enough like pixies that it's an easy fit if one does catch the eye..." Afina replies leadingly. "Better to exhaust all those options before you've nothing left except big folk."
[20:34] <Kotono> "I am quite aware that celestial blooded pixies almost invariably come from courre lineage," Crystal retorts with her own leading look, "They're a little smaller than us, but nothing prohibitively so."
[20:37] <Afina> "It makes them cuter?" Afina asks before laughing, "Tepen once told me that humans think we're cute because we foster their maternal instincts."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Hah!" Crystal falls into full blown laughter at that, as the buzz of conversation around you is entirely pleasant. People are chatting and mixing, the pixies getting along well. No sign of backstabbing or assassins at all - just a celebration of life and living. "I've had a couple of humanoids who fancied babying me, but a few pointed words dissuated them of it. I had wondered why...I suppose
[20:39] <Kotono> we are about the size of their children."
[20:42] <Afina> "Was this on Aurora or back on Lifasa?" Afina asks curiously. She'd never left the Gloaming Forest back home, but she can't imagine anyone here wanting to baby a pixie after seeing her in action.
[20:49] <Kotono> "One and one," Crystal replies, "I had to go out on an errand...and my faith encouraged me to understand and respect other races and species," Crystal says, "This woman...a mother if I ever saw one. Entirely too busy, apron, hair in a ponytail. She's like the images the storytellers and bards weave of human mothers. She ran the inn I was spending the night and just kept trying and trying. I
[20:49] <Kotono> swear she wanted to swaddle me in diapers and rock me to sleep." With a short laugh as she goes to freshen her wine, a short pause in the story as she does so, "It took a considerably potent statement to finally convince her otherwise."
[20:52] <Afina> "Even though that's an unfortunate event, you're still lucky," Afina muses, likewise refilling hers. "I always thought the world outside the Gloaming Forest was a land of excess and barbarism. But talking to all or fellows from Lifasa here, it was probably better than our complicated forest of violence and deceit. I wish I'd seen the rest of Lifasa before it was taken away."
[20:57] <Kotono> Crystal takes a good draught of her glass, "I confess...I wonder if you're correct. The same thoughts crossed my mind. By the standards of that old court, I was extremely liberal on that view." Pausing to consider her musings, "Maybe the Gloaming Wood was wrong."
[21:01] <Afina> "It's perhaps a matter for our Queen," Afina glances Ilsenine's way as she wonders that, "But perhaps we lost sight of the goal of safeguarding the oldest secrets of Lifasa for squabbling over who takes the lead in that important task."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Perhaps. Right now I am certain of one thing." Finishign off her glass again, "These are not questions I wish to ruminate on entirely sober."
[21:03] <Afina> "It is getting too dark. Lets mingle more," Afina agrees, her own glass still heavy enough as she goes to seek out interesting and light conversation or activity.
[21:14] <Kotono> You wander a bit. You come to a three-some of fey chatting away, "...so, then the festival should still happen," he says, a relatively tall pixie with a big smirk, "With Aurora, we can have a huge one!"
[21:16] <Afina> "Oh? What festival is this?" Afina cheerfully butts in. Well, she butts in, at least.
[21:32] <Kotono> "Oh, General Afina!" The pixie turns to her, "We're talking about a harvest festival. We don't have real seasons here, but they're growing foods in the farms now."
[21:33] <Afina> "It grows so fast we could have a harvest festival every week... but what do you do in a harvest festival?" she asks curiously.
[21:36] <Kotono> "You celebrate the harvest, give thanks, have games and a lot of fun." The pixie answers, while another girl pixie with bright green hair cut short like Afina adds, "It's also an excuse to drink all day."
[21:37] <Afina> "Well I think you've just convinced Crystal," Afina comments with a giggle, looking at her fellow general after the drink all day part.
[21:40] <Kotono> Crystal makes a slightly exaggerated pout, before adopting a cool and commanding air, "I rarely drink except at social functions. It just so happens that we tend to go to those together."\
[21:57] <Afina> "I can only go by what I'm shown," Afina retorts, going back to the other three pixies. "Sorry, what are your names? I know I haven't been very sociable before," she apologises for the lapse. It's bad for a commander, too.
[22:00] <Kotono> "Oh! I understand," The smiling pixie says, "I know you're busy fighting Hell for us. I'm Rain." The one with bright green hair perks up, "Cloro!" The third is a female pixie as well, all sweet blondeness and a beaming smile, "Sunshine!"
[22:02] <Afina> "It's good to meet you all," Afina smiles. "So harvest festivals were common back home for you? Was that living close to elves or humans?"
[22:04] <Kotono> "Humans," Rain says, "We lived with them in a Sunkiss, a remote valley. Every fall we had a great festival to celebrate the harvest. We never really need to have a harvest ourselves, but it's a fine excuse and reason to respect nature and celebrate."
[22:06] <Afina> "It does sound fun. With most on Aurora not even from Lifasa having things like that to bring us together is important as well," Afina muses, taking a sip of her wine.
[22:06] <Kotono> "I think so too, totally!" The blonde pixie giggles, "Besides, with all the sadness having, like, something to celebrate is completely important for morale."
[22:12] <Afina> "We have had our victories, but something to take people's minds off the war for a few hours is good," Afina nods. "The last time I really let myself go was on Air when I was flying with Shinear..." her face starts to fall as she realises Bahamut's put a stop to having such unrestrained fun if she visits again, though. "And there I just went and reminded myself of something bad," she pouts.
[22:20] <Kotono> "Really?" Cloro gasps, "I heard nothing bad ever happens to you. You fly around and kill devils by the score with Generals Jaela and Ithea, then come back with enough treasure to buy everything!"
[22:23] <Afina> "It's not quite that simple," Afina demurs, blushing a bit. "But anyway, some of us were cursed by Bahamut and Tiamat for helping Baleruk so he could join us. Because of that all other dragons now hate me on sight. And Shinear's a dragon..."
[22:32] <Kotono> "Oh, that's just terrible!" Rain cries, "Unfair, too!"
[22:32] <Kotono> "The wrath of the Gods is not to be taken lightly, fair or not." Crystal agrees, "Perhaps you can talk Shinear past it, Afina?"
[22:33] <Afina> "I hope so, but I know things will be different," Afina shakes her head. "Still, you don't need to hear about that. Tell me more about this festival you're planning?"
[22:36] <Kotono> "Well, you celebrate the harvest with games and song. All sorts of games...are you familiar with human gamess at all?" Rain ask.s
[22:37] * Afina shakes her head. "No, so tell me about them?"
[22:41] <Kotono> "Well, there are hollow pottery in the shape of animals called pinatas. They're filled with candies and treats, and the game is that you're blindfolded and spun around, and then try to find and smash the pottery for the treats inside. There's all sorts of games with dice and cards that the humans like, as well as storytelling games and drinking games. Like, the first one who passes out from too
[22:41] <Kotono> many shots loses, or you watch something and take a shot any time a certain thing happens, and see how drunk you get."
[22:44] <Afina> "Storytelling games sound fun. Is it like the one where you get a group and one person starts a story and then each person continues it a little bit farther as you go around? I know that one," Afina smiles, reassured by the potential familiarity.
[22:45] <Kotono> "Yes," Rain adds in, "That's one of them."
[22:49] <Afina> "I like that one. Charades, too," Afina nods, glancing at Crystal. "What's your favourite game?"
[22:50] <Kotono> Working on her wine slowly, "Whatever ones are fun with other people," Crystal replies, "Usually if you're drinking anything's fun after a few."
[22:53] <Afina> "Not an unexpected answer," Afina admits, her own wine still decently full. She may as well make it last since she won't have more. "You three?" she turns the question over to the others.
[22:56] <Kotono> Rain answers first, "The pinatas, getting spun around and flying in the air is good fun."
[22:56] <Kotono> Cloro makes a big show of humming, "I think I like Charades and acting."
[22:57] <Kotono> Sunshine giggles again, "Anything with trivia or learning, since I do well with them."
[23:01] * Afina listens well enough, but senses that the conversation is dying down so decides to excuse herself. "Well if you get your festival off the ground, Rain, I'll have to try all of those. For now I'm going to check in with her Majesty - it was nice talking to you all," she smiles before seeking out Ilsenine.
[23:02] <Kotono> Queen Ilsenine watches over the celebration, an untouched glass of wine in hand. "Afina," she greets as the assassin approaches.
[23:05] <Afina> "Majesty," Afina nods, going to stand next to her. "How do you feel the new court is settling in, if I may ask?"
[23:08] <Kotono> "I am content." Ilsenine replies after a moment, "It is what it is, a mercy to all of us. A chance to have what we lost." She pauses, "I have nothing that I would like to request of you." Looking over the festivities and in a quiet voice, "I heard many times about how disposing of one little problem was common in Hell's politics. Afina, if I call on a favor, I ask of you to ensure that I truly
[23:08] <Kotono> desire it done so."
[23:12] <Afina> She wants to be second guessed? Well, what she says goes... "If that is indeed what you truly desire," Afina inclines her head, which drops further into a bow as she concludes, "I remain your humble servant,"
[23:13] <Kotono> Queen Ilsenine is silent for a brief time, "I've had enough of death." she murmurs, "Let us work to minimize it, save against the devils and those who would submit to them. What I desire is a happy, blooming court. Do you understand, Afina?"
[23:16] <Afina> Hell truly has changed her... perhaps it's for the better, but Afina would never consider that the price was worth it. "That I do understand. This is just the beginning, I'm certain."
[23:19] <Kotono> "That it is. I am leaving for the Courts soon," Her Majesty continues, "While I am away, I trust Crystal and yourself will ensure the happiness of the court?"
[23:21] <Afina> "Yes. Will you need anything on your journey?" Afina is partly disappointed that she's not going as well, since she would like to see the greater realms of the Seelie for herself, but it's probably a lot of politicking that she'd be out of her depth in which is why she never went before they rescued Ilsenine.
[23:24] <Kotono> "Not immediately. There may well come times where I need to call on you," Queen Ilsenine continues, "My contacts have indicated that the Courts are not blind to your gallantry, and my friends are grateful for your bravery in saving me."

[Corwin]

[18:19] <Afina> "Whatever goodwill we can call on will be worth it," Afina nods, drifting a little closer and lowering her voice. "Have your nights been restful, of late?"
[18:20] <Kotono> "The magic silences the nightmares," Queen Ilsenine says softly, voice barely even heard by Afina's sharp ears. "Your service in obtaining that bed is appreciated."
[18:24] * Afina nods, happy that she was able to help though unhappy at the need. For now she'll watch over the court in restful silence...
[18:27] <Kotono> OOC: Good to skip along?
[18:28] <Afina> OOC: yep
[18:29] <Kotono> Court winds down in due time, the day passing. As Afina heads out, she finds Annalise by the main portal network, kneeling before the portal to Medi's quarters. She traces arcane symbols in the air, hissing runes of blood red that burst into smoke a second after being drawn.
[18:31] <Afina> "No luck?" Afina asks, pausing to float behind the vampire's shoulder, peering at her runework.
[18:32] <Kotono> With a faintly cross look on her face, "None...my attention is hardly in it," she says, waving her hand and brushing the smoke aside. "By chance, have you heard of the riddle of 27?"
[18:35] <Afina> "Something to do with three nines?" Afina asks blankly. "I'm not good with riddles."
[18:38] <Kotono> "No." Shaking her head, "Ithea asked 27 if he could be clearer with his prophecies, and his reply was, 'Clarity comes when you deduce the mystery of who I am before me. Can you or any of your number answer this, Ithea?'"
[18:44] <Afina> "The answer's probably some bit of obscure Limbo lore. I'm not the best person to ask about planar matters. Maybe..." the fairy hums, settling down on the ground by Annalise's feet as she thinks. "According to what we've learned in the Abyss, everything began with Chaos and Order. Destiny is well established as being a creation of Order, and 27 opposes it despite saying prophecies all the time.
[18:44] <Afina> Maybe he's a representative of Ao?"
[18:48] <Kotono> "Mmmm." Annalise taps her fingers against the edge of the portal to Medi's chambers, "It may be, though I hardly expect the Overgod to meddle in such mundane matters, and even if he did, to be identified to it. What lore exists of it suggests Ao is more subtle...but perhaps they rarely or never intervene, and those looking for meaning assume his interference. Otherwise, I would guess it's a
[18:48] <Kotono> slaad lord - but we'd still need to find a way to deduce it. I suspect guessing won't work without being able to solve this little mystery."
[18:49] <Afina> "Are any slaad lords related to randomness or patterns?"
[18:55] <Kotono> "Funny, that just came up in that trivia contest," Annalise chuckles, "I wonder if that's a coincidence? Renbuu, Slaad Lord of Color. Ssendam, Slaad Lord of Insanity. Ygorl, Slaad Lord of Entropy. Chourst, Slaad Lord of Randomness." After that, "If it's any help, we were discussing lore after the answer. I know Renbuu and his color terrifies Ygorl and Ssendam, and that Ygorl supports Chourst
[18:55] <Kotono> whenever possible."
[18:58] <Afina> "Chourst, then," Afina nods, taking to wing and fluttering up before the blonde bloodsucker. "Why don't we see if the library has anything about his servants? 27 wouldn't invite guessing if he wasn't really somewhat famous, I'd hope."
[18:58] <Kotono> "Let's," Annalise rises, the two taking to it!
[19:03] <Kotono> Reading about Chourst takes some time. The first book you get is a hard one. Oh, it's always changing and shifting, the words and meaning...and yet, Afina feels drawn to it. It feels strangely acceptable to her. Annalise reads it as well, "Slaad writing, by the way. It's said that some of them can express chaos in written form, like this." Tapping a finger on the page, "Lovely."
[19:05] <Afina> "It is appealing in a strange way," Afina murmurs, eyes fixed on the book as she absorbs information, turning the page every couple of seconds to speed-read through it.
[19:06] <Kotono> "You have chaos in your blood after Renbuu's gift, you know," Annalise adds in, as you continue to read. OOC: Both of you make Int checks?
[19:07] <Afina> roll 1d20+8
[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+8 and gets 26." [1d20=18]
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 21." [1d20=15]
[19:11] <Kotono> You come on a chapter about Chourst. He claims all slaad as his servants, and as his children, fo rall slaads are random. His servants vary wildly - he makes proxies at a whim and takes them away at the same whims. It's recorded that he's awakened rocks before and make them slaad proxies - and once he even tried turning Arborea into his proxy. That, it is noted, is said to have gotten him firmly
[19:11] <Kotono> kicked out. Still, he is attended by 8 white slaad and 8 black slaad at all times. These 16 slaad are known as the Chaos Array. They are known to spontaneously take on new forms of varying power, sometimes even in the middle of battle.
[19:13] <Afina> Does it mention them changing clour or are they always white/black?
[19:13] <Kotono> "I'd heard he did that in Mount Celestia," Annalise notes. It notes they are always white or black - the form they shift to aren't traditional slaad forms.
[19:15] <Afina> "It's nice to know he doesn't discriminate," Afina muses, "But I doubt 27 is part of the Chaos Array. He's green."
[19:17] <Kotono> "Wrong color, damn." Closing the book, "So that rules out Chourst. Can we pin it on any of the other three? Anything at all he's done that could be a hint?"
[19:19] <Afina> "Approaching Ithea in the first place," Afina siezes on that. "Instead of looking at his potential patrons, lets look at anarchs? See if any in the past have been approached by strange 'guides' in Limbo. That could be our link."
[19:20] <Kotono> More reading follows this, searching. Eventually you find a tome, 'Anarchs of Limbo'. At this point the library is silent save for the two of you, working away. Annalise passes the book ot Afina, "Care to read this one? You read faster than I."
[19:23] <Afina> "I'll stop if we get to any interesting companions," Afina promises, opening the book and starting to read with eyes flickering over each page in seconds.
[19:26] <Kotono> You find a section called the Heralds of Limbo. These creatures are said to be sent by the slaad lords to anarchs who please them or hold great importance. They channel the will of the slaad lord that created them, in various ways. Each one has a distinctive signature. Renbuu's have some form of artistry. Ssendam's loathe color, especially shifting colors. Ygorl's have a preoccupation with death
[19:26] <Kotono> in some form or another. Chourst's are obssessed with spreading randomness.
[19:30] <Afina> "Here, look at this," Afina gestures for Annalise, pointing at the summary. "Any of these stand out to you? I'm thinking Ygorl, since 27's warnings and prophecies are always so dire."
[19:32] <Kotono> "Mmmmm. Renbuu's doesn't fit, and he's aided us directly. It doesn't make sense for him to send a herald," Annalise observes, "Ssendam's...I haven't seen him say anything about Baleruk, only apparently Tannin and Morniel. Chourst...it doesn't fit, quite. It isn't randomness as much as opposition to law."
[19:35] <Afina> "So unless we're beating up the wrong tree entirely with these slaad lords and their followers, Ygorl looks like it?"
[19:38] <Kotono> "It does make a particular sense," Annalise finally replies, "Entropy is another form of change, the crumbling of the current into the future. Not a malicious entropy and oblivion like the Lady of Loss, but more the inevitability of death and chagnes. Destiny asserts what will be and Baator promises eternal, changeless order. There's no place for entropy in Baator, save at the command of the
[19:38] <Kotono> devil lords."
[19:40] <Afina> "It works in those terms," Afina agrees. "Entropy is also the dividing line between Seelie and Unseelie amongst the fey. Do you think that's enough to get clear prophecies or will he want a name as well?"
[19:42] <Kotono> "I'm not sure, but I think we're on the right track now. We can try and come back if it fails." Annalise finally says, before chuckling, "Ah, Hanna was so certain she would figure this out before I. Let us go see if we have the answer?"
[19:43] <Afina> "He's probably in the infirmary," Afina closes up the book, going to replace it on the shelf before she flutters alongside Annalise towards the portal.
[19:44] <Kotono> You find 27 there. He is lying on a bed, curled up and at rest.
[19:45] <Afina> Going over and landing on the next bed, Afina leans forward. "27?"
[19:45] <Kotono> 27 looks up, blankly staring at Afina.
[19:47] <Afina> "Are you a herald of Ygorl?" the fairy asks without any preamble.
[19:48] <Kotono> 27 looks up, blankly staring at Afina yet still.
[19:49] <Afina> "Yes or no?"
[19:50] <Kotono> 27 looks up, blankly staring at Afina yet still. "I think he wants more," Annalise says, "Remember, he said deduce it before him."
[19:53] <Afina> "Oh," the fairy blinks and gathers her thoughts. "We researched heralds of Limbo that come to the aid of anarchs like Ithea. Each slaad lord has a distinctive type, and Ygorl's tend to be pre-occupied with death. Your prophecies tend to be quite gloomy. And if destiny is Baator's ally and key to eternal order, entropy must be the counterweight which will erode and change it despite the devils'
[19:53] <Afina> hopes."
[19:56] <Kotono> 27 looks up, blankly staring at Afina yet still. Then, "The Duke of Destiny is making many plans and fates. One is to attack you if you participate in Benfal. As long as your fates remain unchanged, you cannot harm or affect the Duke of Destiny. As long as Gathgorian lives or until he takes Abigor's place, you cannot defeat him, Afina. As long as you are a vampire, you cannot defeat him, Annalise. As
[19:56] <Kotono> long as fate is not changed, he is armored by fate."
[19:58] * Afina looks at Annalise. "So all I've got to do is kill either Gathgorian or Abigor to get a chance at the Duke of Destiny... compared to curing vampirism I suppose it's easier?"
[19:59] <Kotono> Annalise smiles drolly, reaching out to pat 27's head. "Worry not, for I have no plans of fighting the Duke of Destiny."
[20:00] <Afina> "Thanks for the support," Afina turns back to 27 now. "Do you know what those plans entail if we involve ourselves with Benfal?"
[20:03] <Kotono> "To challenge one of you one on one," 27 replies, "Hell tries to hide the truth of what it plans, but nothing can hide before my revelations for change. Armored by fate, he will claim that person's soul without any chance of failure."
[20:04] <Afina> "Other than staying away from Benfal, what's our best way to undermine his plans if we can't harm him directly?"
[20:06] <Kotono> "Stay within Aurora...or sacrifice one of your own to him."
[20:08] <Afina> "Hmmm..." Afina turns now to look at Annalise. "I don't know, maybe curing vampirism is easier than me killing Gathgarion in the immediate future?"
[20:09] <Kotono> "Shhh." Murmuring quietly, in Afina's mind, 'Let's not talk of foolishness, now. I am more than content with my 'destiny', thank you.'
[20:13] <Afina> "Would've been nice if we could go to Benfal and have you defeat him for us straight away," the fairy sighs. "But I understand, I can't force you to sacrifice what you want to be for our benefit." Turning now back to the slaad, "There have to be other options, though. He's going to be armoured by fate? What if we had a blade of entropy to counter that?"
[20:19] <Kotono> "21 can overcome fate. It is why you had to find it. It can overcome all of their fates." A pause, "Wisemen of Chaos once made the Blade of Endings, forged from a sphere of un-matter. It was lost within Acheron. Not even fate can stop the absolute destruction it brings."
[20:22] <Afina> "We're going to need Sylvie along if we ever go to Benfal, and all of a sudden I feel like taking a trip to Acheron for some extra insurance," Afina smiles brightly. "Or I could just find some un-matter and forge a blade myself. What do you think would be easier?"
[20:23] <Kotono> "Unmatter?" Annalise asks, but to this 27 gives no further reply. In his normal voice, "So tired..." he murmurs, "Tired..."
[20:24] <Afina> "Rest up, you've helped a lot," Afina flutters over and pats 27's head, floating in front of Annalise afterwards. "Want to take another trip to the library?"
[20:31] <Kotono> "Yes, let's," Annalise rises, "Unmatter and the Blade of Endings?"
[20:33] * Afina nods. "Either suits me. Medicant might have predated the blade but hopefully we'll find something on Unmatter regardless."

[20:34] <Kotono> OOC: Who's checking and who's aiding?
[20:39] <Afina> OOC: what's the roll?
[20:40] <Kotono> K:A.
[20:41] <Afina> OOC: I'll roll and vampy can aid
[20:41] <Afina> roll 1d20+28
[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+28 and gets 35." [1d20=7]
[20:42] <Kotono> roll 1d10
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 4." [1d10=4]
[20:42] <Kotono> OOC: STrike.
[20:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 9." [1d20=9]
[20:42] <Kotono> OOC: Aided. Does that include the library bonus?
[20:42] <Afina> OOC: No. +5?
[20:43] <Kotono> OOC: Yes. Total?
[20:44] <Afina> OOC: 42

[20:46] <Kotono> A few hours of work pass. Afina begins to feel the fatigue of drink and her natural needs to sleep catching up to her. But even as she does, you fin da promising passage. It reads, 'Thus did Warlord Makan claim the Blade of Endings, placing it within the 394th planetoid for worship.'
[20:47] <Afina> "Here!" Afina points at the passage she found for Annalise's benefit. "Those giant cubes in Acheron, they're called planetoids?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "They're called many things. Planetoids is one name. It also varies on the layer," Annalise says, tapping the page. "Let's get a book on Acheron or ask an expert."
[20:50] <Afina> "I need to take a nap," Afina shakes her head, straightening up away from the book and stretching her tiny arms out to their fullest. "When I wake up we'll ask Tepen or Sylvie?"
[20:52] <Kotono> "We can," Annalis says with a hint of amusement, "You know, I never tire or need sleep," With a sultry smile as she leans back, "I wish all of you would stop being so afraid and determined to ignore the gifts I can give you. It's been a goodly long time since I've had friends quite like these in Aurora."
[20:55] <Afina> "Having to worry about eating blood instead of surviving well on plants would be amazingly inconvenient," Afina retorts, wings flickering as she takes to air. "We can be friends without me having to be your vampire daughter, Annalise. Goodnight."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Of course, but power is power, and should seldom be turned away. Goodnight," Annalise adds with a hint of amusement in her voice. OOC: Going to go crash and rest up?
[20:59] <Afina> OOC: yep
[21:02] <Kotono> A scream. Afina awakens with a scream in her throat, raw animal terror flooding her. Her heart nearly bursts out of her chest and sweat covers her body. Her vision is tinted fire red, fading as reality returns from this nameless fear. Her room. Nighttime. No...whatever it was that brought such blind terror to her. Was she paralyzed? There's a momentary feeling that she was, as if she can finally
[21:02] <Kotono> move again.
[21:06] <Afina> Blind panic and terror! Thankfully it passes and her senses reassert themselves... for once she envies the elves for their inability to dream. It makes the hospital beds appealing, but her need isn't nearly so dire as Ilsenine's, and frankly it feels an admission of weakness she doesn't need since she came out the victor in her encounter with Gathgarion. Still, in times like this nothing appeals
[21:06] <Afina> quite so much like a restful yet wide awake soak in the hot springs...
[21:09] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 12." [1d100=12]
[21:11] <Kotono> In the springs you find Crystal. Her eyes are half closed and sitting on one of the raised bumps on the bottom for pixies and other smaller creatures. Next to her you see what looks to be a male courre, arm around her and her head on his shoulder. You can hear her murmuring, "...so tired, that it will be a long battle."
[21:15] * Afina doesn't want to interrupt what looks like a delicate moment... although she wonders how some of Aurora's women would react to walking in and seeing a male in their section. She doesn't want to disturb Crystal, though, so bathing is now put off. Back to bed after all!
[21:15] <Kotono> OOC: Make an MS check, just in case?
[21:16] <Afina> roll 1d20+28
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+28 and gets 31." [1d20=3]
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13 courre he has a small chance
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 courre he has a small chance  and gets 15." [1d20=2]
[21:19] <Kotono> Afina slips away, back to her room. The next morning comes and a far less awkward bathing situation follows. You find Annalise awaiting you in the library, several books around her on a nearby table.
[21:21] <Afina> It's almost like Annalise wanted to show off how productive she was while Afina was wasting time sleeping. Well fine, she can at least enjoy the fruits of the vampire's work. "Find anything good while I was in dreamland?" she asks sweetly, landing on the table
[21:24] <Kotono> "Extrodinarily," Annalise drawls back, just as sweet. "My mind is always sharp and never sleepy or morning-addled." With a smile as she picks up one book, "Various devil factions who live in Acheron attempt to organize the cubes. Of course this is doomed to failure, as oftentimes they slam together or crumble, ruining the count. I did some searching, and planetoids is a term used by a group of
[21:24] <Kotono> gelugon outcasts in Ocanthus, the lowest layer of Acheron. Amid the flying shards of razor sharp black ice, spheres of ice called planetoids hover in certain locations."
[21:25] <Afina> "Have these enterprising gelugons given a count that could find us our
[21:25] <Afina> 394th planetoid?"
[21:27] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm," Annalise smirks a moment, stretching back with her arms over her head. Were Afina of a mind, it could be noted to be an alluring view. She doesn't linger, turning a few more pages out of a book nearby, "This cube is known as the Unknown Sphere. None of their attempts to research it have succeeded. Scouts who go in...well, they just never come back. Too tragic."
[21:29] <Afina> Not particularly inclined to ogle no matter how absurdly gigantic they are from her perspective, Afina keeps her eyes on the tomes. "I suppose someone powerful enough to wrest the blade of endings from its first owner would have little trouble with a few devil cartographers. Do we have any other sources that back this up?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "No," Annalise admits, "Lore on the bottom layer of Ocanthus is relatively rare, except for speculation about the ice sheet. Weeding through all of that is dreadfully time consuming."
[21:33] <Afina> "What about basic conditions that we'd have to worry about on an expedition?" Afina asks, already planning such.
[21:35] <Kotono> "Oh that? It's constant blizzard conditions with no light or visibility. The snow isn't snow, but shards of super-sharp ice that cut sharper than a magic sword. Most creatures are reduced to a red mist in moments there." Smiling thinly, "If you can endure that or ward against it, all you have to worry about is navigating a blizzard and the natives, who are naturally fully adapted to it and able
[21:35] <Kotono> to rip you limb fom limb."
[21:45] <Afina> "Like Radiance then, so we'll need to find someone who can cast planar protection spells. Hanna or Sylvie?" she looks speculatively at Annalise.
[21:45] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm. I can endure the agony, but it's really a waste of time to go without protection," Annalise says, "It does tend to be distracting."
[21:48] <Afina> "Lets go look for Hanna, then," Sylvie already has one trump card, no sense risking the blade bonding itself to her. Or really just having her killed on a mission not against devils. "If everything is well we can go today."

[Corwin]

[19:07] <Kotono> Hanna is found in front of the Firre Eladrin in the courtyard. As she puts them through the paces, another is with her. Gisfal is also there, the two seeming to work together on a casual glance.
[19:09] <Afina> Fluttering up to the pair, Afina decides to focus on Gisfal first. "Good morning, you two. Are you settling in well, Gisfal?"
[19:10] <Kotono> Hanna crosses her arms with a bit of a huff, while Gisfal says, "Well enough. Testing the limits of other warriors within Aurora, and figuring out how to get them to break those limits."
[19:10] <Afina> "That's exactly what we need," Afina approves b efore Hanna's huff draws her attention. Surely she's not feeling snubbed? "Everything alright, Hanna?"
[19:12] <Kotono> "Oh." Hanna smiles jus ta bit, "Professional disagreements."
[19:13] <Kotono> Gisfal smiles thinly, "I demand excellence and force it, while Hanna encourages and terrorizes people into it."
[19:14] <Afina> "Different people respond to different approaches," Afina shrugs, "It's to our advantage that we're not of one single mind in all things. But right now I'd like to borrow Hanna for something beyond her leadership skills if that's alright..." she floats between them, turning towards the female angel.
[19:15] <Kotono> "I'm available," Hanna says, "Don't break them all while I'm gone." Turning away from Gisfal and starting to walk ahead, "What's going on?"
[19:17] <Afina> "27 told us a few things last night, like that I can only defeat the Duke of Destiny if I beat Gathgarion or Abigor first. Or Annalise can only defeat him if she stops being a vampire. Unfortunately he's also planning to face us if we interfere with Benfal, and armoured by fate victory is impossible as things stand," Afina explains, floating along and gesturing to the vampire when relevant. "But
[19:17] <Afina> I got him to tell us of another way. Lost in the lowest lair of Acheron lies the Blade of Endings, a weapon which fate has no defence against. I want to get it."
[19:21] <Kotono> "Oh, did you figure out what he was?" Hanna smiles a moment, "Ocanthus." Her smile goes right away, "I've heard it compared to places like Cania and Thanatos for pure hostility to life."
[19:22] * Afina nods. "We need someone who can cast spells to protect whoever goes from planar effects, and pull her weight in a fight. You were a natural choice."
[19:23] <Kotono> Annalise at least keeps her mouth shut for the moment. "Who else is going?" Hanna asks, giving Annalise but a momentary glance.
[19:25] <Afina> "Myself and Annalise," Afina replies with a gesture at the blonde on her right.
[19:27] <Kotono> "That's it?" Hanna hums, "I'd want at least a little more support. Ocanthus is a vicious realm and I've heard it's supremely dangerous. I wouldn't go without a group of handpicked berserkers and champions if Lady Gwynharwyf had me go."
[19:30] <Afina> "I'd really think that we three are more than sufficient to overcome any obstacle. But if it would make you feel any better, who else would you want to bring?" Afina asks, willing to go with it if it helps.
[19:31] <Kotono> "Mmm. Someone with healing and decent in combat." Hanna says at last, "We have multiple ways of escape, but I'm the only one who can mend wounds. With how deadly Ocanthus is supposed to be, I'd rather like to have redundancy."
[19:33] <Afina> "Drena?" Afina suggests. "He shouldn't be bothered by the winds as much as the rest of us if the planar wards fail."
[19:39] <Kotono> "I was thinking of Drena or Muirfinn," Hanna agrees, "Whichever of those you prefer, as lon ga sthey can pull their weight."
[19:44] <Afina> "Lets go make sure Mechanus hasn't dulled Drena any," Afina nods, flying off to find the air elemental.
[20:01] <Kotono> Drena is found outside, leading the air elementals in flight. He calls them to a stop as the trio approaches him, awaiting them.
[20:03] <Afina> "Hello, Drena," Afina greets him as she eases to a stop, fluttering before him. "We've heard word of a weapon lost in Ocanthus that would be of great help to the Crusade and are preparing an expedition to retrieve it. I'd like for you to come with us, stretch yourself a bit after that trip to Mechanus," she smiles to show there's no sting in her words.
[20:05] <Kotono> "As you wish," Drena consents, "Now?"
[20:06] * Afina turns her head towards Hanna. "How long before you can prepare the spells we need to get by on Ocanthus?"
[20:08] <Kotono> "A few hours. I haven't prayed yet today," Hanna says.
[20:08] <Kotono> "I can go now," Annalise says, "I don't think any of us have that particular problem except Hanna."
[20:08] <Kotono> Hanna smiles sweetly back, "And I don't have the problem of using the same tired spells over and over, like a dirty dishrag. Now then," Turning back to Afina, "Meet in the courtyard?"
[20:12] <Afina> "Hey!" Afina blurts out since the dishrag thing applies to her as well. "Ease up, both of you," she quickly changes her reaction though since it wasn't intended against her. "I don't care how you argue in your free time, but I won't have it interfering with the Crusade. When you're with me you're comrades, understand?"
[20:12] <Kotono> "Oh, of course," Annalise says smoothly.
[20:13] <Kotono> Hanna just nods, "I'll go prepare and meet you then."
[20:13] <Afina> "Good," Afina nods briskly. "Three hours, we'll meet by the main door."