204. War Aftermath

[Corwin]

[19:38] <Kotono> With four letters in tow, Seira returns to her inn. The atmosphere is festive, people drinking and singing and laughing. Your bard leads them along in manly songs of victory, echoing as you head to Saul's room. Saul's upright on the bed, still looking deathly pale but awake.
01[19:42] <Seira> "So, I asked my friend here to take a look at you," Seira starts with, taking a seat by the desk. "Consulting Waukeen, we found out that your affliction isn't natural."
[19:43] <Kotono> "I suspected as much," Saul very slowly gets up, putting his back against the backboard of the bed. "I haven't felt better at all the last few days."
01[19:45] <Seira> "Maybe making you cast those spells to restore Berjand and get us back didn't help, but in the longer run you'll be safer, here," she says, sighing. "You're safe, we're at a place these things can be researched and eventually treated, and I have some contacts. I'll call on all my favors if I have to, but you'll be fine in the end."
[19:46] <Kotono> "What about yourself?" Saul's eyes go to Seira's cheek questioningly. "Did you do it?"
01[19:48] <Seira> "I told you, didn't I? You chose, I ended up... well, I survived regardless, but it was a close call."
[19:51] <Kotono> Saul sighs at that, tired. "Seira...do you really want this life for yourself?" he asks her. "Do you really want to fight and fight and fight and fight against things like this for the rest of your life?"
01[19:53] <Seira> "Forever?" Seira considers her answer. "Not really. But it sure beats the way other kids grew up, and I'm saying it without sarcasm, now. I had to go through a lot of crap, but I also made some real friends and met a few pretty great people along the way."
[19:58] <Kotono> The look you get has a small smile to it, even if resigned. "I had hoped you'd be content in a good life, but..." Saul just sits up once more. "It doesn't matter now. The halls where Irenes was...there was a lot of information there?"
01[19:59] <Seira> "There was," she agrees. "But we'll try what we have here, first, before returning there." She withdraws a letter, and places it on the desk. "On an unrelated note, Celebrimbor wrote you."
[20:05] <Kotono> Saul reaches up and takes it, breaking the waxen seal with a finger, before going to read. "Thanks," he murmurs, eyes scanning the letter.
06[20:06] * Seira eyes him eagerly, not doing a thing to conceal her interest.
[20:18] <Kotono> Saul looks up at Seira once it's finished, "It's mostly nothing too interesting. He wrote 'Tell Seira the important things are repeated in the letter I sent her.'"
06[20:19] * Seira is satisfied with that. "Anything I should peruse immediately? I have another letter I wanted to read, first."
[20:20] <Kotono> "It's mostly things that won't matter so much now that Ferdi's dead," Saul puts his letter down. "Who else wrote you?"
01[20:22] <Seira> "Kortan. I thought he hated my guts, but maybe he has come around. I kind of had to insult him a lot to get everyone to see his backwards ways." Seira smiles, then. "And Amaryl! She doesn't hate me, just in case you think I've started a trend."
[20:24] <Kotono> "Why'd you get into it with Chillander?" Saul asks, a twitch of a smile. "He's a bit of a manipulator at times, but he's nicer than Desjardins or Silverleaf, or even Celebrimbor on a bad day."
01[20:26] <Seira> "Oh, I fought with those two a lot more!" Seira exclaims. "I guess I just included him because he was all 'this is not my problem' even when the problem came to punch him in the face. Or was very close to it. I managed to stop myself with seconds to spare!"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Good. For all his bluster, he's usually trying to get you to make a move or strengthen his own position. If you understand that, he's usually fairly agreeable in the end." Saul's smile slips upward, spreading. "You just have to give hims omething or another to benefit his land, people or position.
01[20:28] <Seira> "Yeah, speaking of position, land and people...." Seira frowns abruptly. "Why didn't you do something about that Filetta fake? She totally stole your stuff and wasted it on elfwhores and booze!"
[20:29] <Kotono> "As irritated as I was when I heard of her, I was neck deep in far more important things. AFter all," Waving a hand, "I can always make another fortune. I wanted to try and end this before it got out of hand."
01[20:30] <Seira> "Well, I stopped her before she stole too much, I believe," Seira informs him. "But still, you might consider making a short trip back. Maybe even going for a seat on the Council while you recover your strength."
[20:31] <Kotono> "I will soon, and may do the latter in time. But for now?" Saul looks at Seira, "The only link to the magic that's left me like this in in Irenes' abode. I want to go through his work and try to find a remedy. That, and find out what he was up to otherwise."
01[20:34] <Seira> "You're not going anywhere before my people complete their own look into things," Seira states firmly. "And I will come after you to drag you back if you try to sneak off."
[20:36] <Kotono> "Yes, well..." Saul evenly looks at Seira. "Don't tell me you weren't going to investigate that place as well."
01[20:36] <Seira> "There is a devil invasion in the desert to take care of," she responds with an amused smile. "We'll be fighting on the side of the angels."
03[20:48] * Ko-UGUUHARDER (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
02[20:49] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
02[20:49] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[20:50] * Ko-UGUUHARDER is now known as Kotono
03[20:50] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
[20:52] <Kotono> "Kill 'em," Saul smiles a little at that, "How're they getting in? Old gnome gate?"
03[20:53] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #evildunes
03[20:53] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
03[20:53] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
01[20:54] <Seira> "Possibly," Seira agrees. "And no problem. There will be fire! But as I do it, recover and take care of-- of that woman for me? I lose my temper whenever she is involved, so I should keep my distance now that someone can prove her lies once and for all."
[20:55] <Kotono> "I will." Saul runs a hand through his hair, "I'm surprised Amaryl sent you a letter. I'd have thought Ambrose would've been the sender from that pair."
01[20:56] <Seira> "Why is there a pair?" Seira asks suspiciously, resisting the urge to read it now.
[20:56] <Kotono> "Because Amaryl follows Ambrose like a lost puppy."
01[20:57] <Seira> "We'll work on that," Seira grumbles, though she does sound relieved.
[20:58] <Kotono> "Made friends with her? Good. She's so impressionable right now she'll make a life long ally if you pull it off."
06[20:59] * Seira snickers despite herself. "I'll keep you posted, old man. Just rest and don't break curfew, alright? I'll have all the results I need in a week's time, I believe."
[21:01] <Kotono> "I won't be going out if I don't have to. It's too tiring," Saul chuckles at that, "Yes, yes, curfew. Don't go sneaking off with your friends now either."
06[21:02] * Seira smirks, and leaves with a wave. There are letters to read, and she certainly knows which one is the most important.
[21:06] <Kotono> Amaryl's letter is opened. "Dearest Seira: I have heard from the Council that war has come. In the Citadel of Light, elven troops prepare as the border with the Barbarian Lands is reported to swell with infantry. The councils are busy with work and difficulty - the exact tactics are often an issue of debate, as well as demands in the case of a longer war." (More)
[21:09] <Kotono> "His Majesty is ultimately keeping the council of his generals more than the Council on War Matters. While Sir Ambrose and others have some military training, the generals seem to know far more. I admit that I find His Majesty's choice there intelligent. As for the demands? If a long war occurs, there are discussions of tributes and how much. There isn't anything solid there yet, just a lot of 'If we're spending all this gold for humans,
[21:09] <Kotono>  humans, then...!' talk." (More)
[21:12] <Kotono> "I find that I have a little more confidence these days in Council. I still do not act as how I should as a scion of the House of Gaial, but...thank you, Seira. Your help had been another stepping stone. My family is still very stirred and unrestful beneath me, though current event may marginally mute the noises." (More)
[21:16] <Kotono> "Seira, I hope we will see each other again soon. I would write longer, but Council is busy because of the war. Celebrimbor will be going to Balmuria soon, I will entrust this letter to him. May all the elven protectors watch over you. Amaryl."
06[21:17] * Seira rereads it, and carefully folds it before placing the letter with all of her scrolls. She'll need to pen a response, but that would wait until she's more certain of the situation in Balmuria and the war, sadly.
[21:20] <Kotono> Celebrimbor's letter is next. "Seira: I write this part quickly, as I have just heard you are attempting to end the war. If you succeed, the next few paragraphs are of no importance. Skip to the second page if so. Otherwise, read on." There's two more pages, notably.
06[21:21] * Seira is curious enough to skim through the first page.
[21:22] <Kotono> The first page is military stuff. It talks of troop issues and the procession through the barbarian lands. With this many the goblins and trolls don't offer to omuch trouble, but some rear attacks do complicate matters.  Once they come out, they aim to capture Tauret and defeat any forces the Malmuthians send to counter them. After reading about that, (More)
[21:24] <Kotono> "Congratulations on Saul's return. With Irenes dead, however - there has been a problem. This information is not to be spread, but Filetta has vanished. How we don't know, but one morning she was gone. Our guards and magic were both smoothly bypassed." (More)
[21:28] <Kotono> "There are only a few people that know, the council and His Majesty. We'll look for her." A line break there, then, "We'll talk on magic and such in person. With any luck this will be a short war. Celebrimbor."
01[21:29] <Seira> This idea seems sensible, Seira realizes. Even a token grab of Malmuthian land might give them a benefit in any negotiations. But this is something that should be discussed with Lord Salman and Celebrimbor, and not for her to decide. Sadly.
06[21:30] * Seira places the letter away with the rest of her moderately important but not crucial papers, and opens the last one. What could the standoffish elf have to say to her?
[21:31] <Kotono> The last letter isn't too long. "To Seira of Balmuria: The next time you're in Pallanth, come see me. There's a matter of interest for both myself and the Crimson Guard. We can probably work out something beneficial over this matter to both of us. CHillander.'
01[21:32] <Seira> Short and to the point. Now Seira knows how she will test the ring prototype once it is ready, at least.

[Corwin]

[19:57] <Kobreakfast> ---
[19:58] <Kobreakfast> When you catch Celebrimbor just out of the city hall, having been discussing with various people there, you find him tired looking but energetic. A small vanguard of elven troops walk with him respectfully, the common people watching and keeping a polite distance.
06[20:00] * Seira waves in a friendly manner, before jogging up to him.
[20:06] <Kobreakfast> "Stop," he says to the guards, who do just that. "Seira," he says in the same manner as her wave. "I heard the King of Malmuth has had a fatal setback."
01[20:08] <Seira> "Very fatal," Seira confirms with a nod. "Even a most skilled necromancer would have nothing left to work with."
[20:10] <Kobreakfast> A shake of his head, "Distasteful business," he murmurs, "At least it's done." After a moment of thought, Celebrimbor murmurs a few words and touches Seira's arm. On the wings of Message now, whispered so faintly, "What did happen to Ferdi?"
01[20:11] <Seira> "We went to negotiate," she sends back via Message. "Fully prepared to fight, yes, but there was a chance we could sway Olburt and the others; Ferdi also might have been a puppet of demons -- there were signs pointing towards that. Instead, he was an avatar of the God-King himself, partially awakened with Irenes's work with the fiends. He had to go at all costs, you realize."
[20:17] <Kobreakfast> "Aaah. My mind is at greater ease then." The group starts to walk, heading east towards the elven mission, through the new quarter and towards the old. As you walk, a shop keeper peeks out from a doorway, calling, "You keep giving them hell, Captain!" Celebrimbor glances with a slightly amused look, before going on. "If Ferdi was into such knowledge, then...ugh. Yes, let's use the same power that lead to the world being destroyed onc
[20:17] <Kobreakfast> destroyed once. Brilliant, shortsighted human avarice."
06[20:18] * Seira nods. "I regret not being able to stop the war outright, but I hope that the seed of dissent we planted into the Malmuthian army's ranks with the truth, for nothing could be more damaging, might take root. However, I believe you are well informed on our plans about the terms we wish to end this three-sided war on?"
[20:21] <Kobreakfast> "I heard of them today." Rubbing his chin a moment as he continues onward, "We're at least a week from Tauret. We've not encountered any focused resistance yet beyond the occasional scout rider. I'd prefer not to pay the blood to take Tauret, instead surround it and see if they blink. The less bleeding we do, the less chances for certain elements to protest the war."
01[20:23] <Seira> "I concur," Seira comments. "Unfortunately, we lack the numbers and the... alienness, I suppose, which play an important part in intimidating enemy troops and securing a political victory for our side. While we personally could achieve this effect, knowing human greed and the prices on our heads, it would merely turn into a bloodbath for the enemy forces rather than a reasonable retreat."
[20:27] <Kobreakfast> "With Ferdi dead, the first offensive towards Balmuria in retreat and Tauret under threat? I think they'll blink under this unless thye have a madman on the throne. Speaking of," A glance at Seira, "Do let me know if you hear who's going to take the throne next."
01[20:27] <Seira> "We do have contacts in Malmuth," she agrees. "You'll be the second person to know, once I do."
[20:31] <Kobreakfast> A nod to that, as the leven mission is approached. "How's your father doing now?"
01[20:32] <Seira> "Badly," she says sourly. "We're still checking what's wrong, but he wants to return to that fortress and study there himself. It's my fortress!" Seira coughs. "I mean, I don't want the frail old man there by himself. What if he trips, falls, and wouldn't be able to get up?"
[20:34] <Kobreakfast> Celebrimbor coughs delicately at that, "Have someone go with him then? By that, I assume you mean Irenes' hideaway in the wastes?"
01[20:35] <Seira> "We cleansed it of the evil and the creepy bits, but yes," Seira responds. "I don't know, I can't spare anyone competent enough to not actually get in his way. Being a good friend of his, would you, by chance?"
[20:38] <Kobreakfast> "I can," he agrees, "It's in everyone's interests to find out what's there and...deal with the less beneficial information."
01[20:39] <Seira> "Just as long as there are no zealots who destroy it out of hand," Seira says to that with a snort. "Know thy enemy is the most basic rule in the book."
[20:41] <Kobreakfast> "I'll find someone suitable," At the mission now, "I do have to go - Time is of the essense to ensure we get the best result against Malmuth possible."
01[20:42] <Seira> "Going back to the capital?" Seira asks him. "I actually got an invite, so if you could drop me off, I'd appreciate it. I can get back on my own."
[20:43] <Kobreakfast> "Back to the army - I'm teleporting for an hour from the head of the troop to the mid part. I'm rotating a few things at once here," Celebrimbor reports back. He stifles a yawn there, "Who invited you, Kortan?"
01[20:44] <Seira> "Yeah, I'll see him, too, while I'm there," Seira responds. "I'm surprised at the invitation enough to try and resolve it before I have to deal with the headache that is the desert invasion."
[20:44] <Kobreakfast> "I'll see about it in a few days," Celebrimbor says as he heads inside. "For now ,though, I must be going."
01[20:46] <Seira> "Thanks," Seira tells him genuinely. "If you feel you'll need our aide in your campaign, call for us and we'll be there. Maybe, the Guard seen alongside your army would drive the final nail into the coffin of this war, once and for all."
05[20:47] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:47] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
[20:47] <Kobreakfast> "If we need it. I hope they break before it," With those words CElebrimbor heads into the mission, off on his many tasks in this war. OOC - Ball's in your court now, Seira.
03[20:47] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[20:48] <Seira> OOC: <Kobreakfast> Make a K:R check, an K:A check, an K:P check and an intelligence check in #evil.
01[20:48] <Seira> OOC: Okay! In that order!
03[20:48] * Kobreakfast is now known as Kotono
01[20:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 30."12 [1d20=19]
01[20:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 21."12 [1d20=2]
01[20:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 12."12 [1d20=1]
01[20:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 19."12 [1d20=9]
[20:53] <Kotono> In her down time Seira spends some efforts reading the celestial book left for her. It's very, very, very, very hard reading.  It has several layers - a religious layer, this book written by beings beyond the normal knowledge of humans. It was penned by a great throne archon in the mists of a religious ferver from Lathander and Milekki. Works of good indelibaly permeat the book as you read - it doesn't bother Seria, but it doesn't quit ea
[20:53] <Kotono> but it doesn't quite appeal to her now, either. (More)
[20:54] <Kotono> There's vast magical information and planar notes in this, but most of it is beyond Seira's level of knowledge. However, working on it hard, she does comprehend it has something to do with restoration and rebirth of a dead place, bringing light where there was once death.
[20:56] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and make the same battery of checks that Seira did, Alicia.
[20:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4 religion
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 religion and gets 21."12 [1d20=17]
[20:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 arcana
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 arcana and gets 16."12 [1d20=9]
[20:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 planes
06[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 planes and gets 26."12 [1d20=17]
[20:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1 int
06[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 int and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[20:59] <Kotono> Alicia spends time with Seira, trying to upzzle the book out as well. It's very hard reading, but Alicia does get something. It was written by a great planar entity - Seira mentions a solar and that sounds right - in the mists of a religious revelation. It's not quite so hard for you to get that, it is a work of great good and you feel refreshed on reading it. There are magical works here completely beyond your ken, however. However, Alic
[20:59] <Kotono> However, Alicia does make something of the planar materials. (More)
[21:02] <Kotono> There is a great ceremony to restore what was once destroyed. You cannot understand it's great planar mechanics yet, but you do comprehend the basics. When the champions of good stand completely victorious at the end, there is a time and a chance to rebirth. A fragment of - The word here is simply incomprehensible, raw and primal in creation power, not a word as much as a few letters trying to express what is a fundamental concept of the
[21:02] <Kotono> fundamental concept of the cosmos - taken to the death and with the right ceremony will oversee a new rebirth.
[21:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 13."12 [1d20=6]
[21:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 19."12 [1d20=4]
[21:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 35."12 [1d20=20]
[21:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 16."12 [1d20=10]
[21:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 17."12 [1d20=14]
[21:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 33."12 [1d20=19]
[21:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 17."12 [1d20=2]
[21:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
[21:09] <Kotono> The four women gather in Seira's inn. It's become the default gathering place lately as they work on this celestial book. Tapping it with her knuckles, "I got one part of it, at least. It was written by an archon under celestial paragons. It has to do with putting a small bit of raw creation into a dead place. THe creation has to come from the positive energy plane - easier said than done for several reasons, since it requires going there
[21:10] <Kotono> there." Elle states.
01[21:11] <Seira> "Opening a portal there shouldn't be that difficult, compared to the tasks we're facing," Seira muses. "It's the closing it back part that's difficult."
[21:11] <Kotono> "And surviving there," Antenora says, taking a moment to rub her forehead, "I think I understand most of the ceremonies needed, but I'm also no wizard."
[21:12] <Alicia> "Also, despite positive energy being the source of healing magic, the plane itself is inimical to life," Alicia agrees with Antenora. "We couldn't last long there to search."
01[21:12] <Seira> "Describing them as closely to the text as possible would do," Seira muses. "If I knew the procedures better, I--"
06[21:13] * Seira blinks. "You know, Alicia, until you mentioned that I didn't connect the two. When I think of the positive energy plane, I'm thinking in terms of too much of a good thing, but...." Seira snorts, now. "I may have found this shard of the positive energy at Irenes's hideout, actually."
[21:14] <Kotono> "What's the dead place, though?" Elle asks as she listens. "..oh. You mean the wastelands?"
06[21:14] * Seira nods. "People used to live there, before. They will, again!"
[21:15] <Kotono> "Mmm. I didn't think he'd bother restoring things based on the stories I heard. Hm." Elle smiles a bit at that, "How big a shard?"
01[21:16] <Seira> "There was this orb, back at the fortress, that was positive energy given form. A healing spell, cast to test matters, spinned out of hand and was greatly augmented in its presence." Seira smirks. "So what happens if we bring it over to the epicenter and cast Heal on it?"
[21:16] <Alicia> "If it's already on the Prime Material that simplifies things greatly," Alicia agrees. "But, from the part about champions of good standing completely victorious at the end... it could be interpreted different ways, but my gut tells me it means after we defeat Daa-vid."
01[21:17] <Seira> "Could be," Seira agrees. "But you weren't there, sadly. Those ghosts deserve their rest, and if we can do something to ease their suffering in the meantime, I'm game."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Even then," Antenora says, "All those ceremonies were rather complicated. I doubt a simple heal spell on it would be enough."
01[21:19] <Seira> "We'll need to collate the information into a single form we can understand, so we could begin preparations. If nothing else, study of the orb might lead us to the answers."
[21:21] <Kotono> "Still, before that?" Antenora's face darkens, "There's a more pressing matter we need to deal with before losing ourselves in this."
06[21:22] * Alicia nods. "Any idea when you'll have that teleportation ring ready?" she asks the one who commissioned it and the one who's making it.
[21:22] <Kotono> "Soon." Elle gets up at that, "I should go back and try to finish it now, actually."
[21:32] <Kotono> ----
[21:35] <Kotono> As the fate of the war lingerson, Gods only know what going on in Malmuth, Seira's days pass by. One evening she strides into her bar. At first, one would only notice the manly songs or drinking going about. Then one might notice Donald sighing as he drags a drunken peasant out, muttering under his breath. But even past that, one might notice a quiet woman at the bar, wearing fine chainmail and waiting. She doesn't really fit in if you pa
[21:35] <Kotono> ou pay attention - Antenora sits there, almost as if she's waiting.
06[21:36] * Seira grabs two glasses of dwarven ale at the cost of a cantrip and slides over to sit by Alicia's friend, sliding one of them over.
[21:38] <Kotono> Antenora turns as the glass appears, "Oh. Seira." She looks at her, "I was looking for you."
01[21:39] <Seira> "You've found me," Seira confirms.
[21:43] <Kotono> Seira sees that Antenora's eyes turn back ahead, curious. "I've wondered - why did you shoot me in the back at the volcano?"
06[21:45] * Seira bites back her first three responses. "I noticed your... expectation at the prospect of fighting off the devil invasion," she mentions instead. "Would you give every single one of them the benefit of the doubt if they find themselves at a disadvantage and attempt to surrender?"
[21:50] <Kotono> "Hahahahahahaha." It's a strange laugh, one that doesn't really fit in the air. But it's still far different than her old laugh, an almost innocence to it. "No. I wouldn't unless they begged for it. I know exactly how they think."
06[21:51] * Seira nods. "In any case, at the time, my will was hardly stronger than a golden dragon's, and I had no way of either preventing teleportation or matching it, so believing a fiend who was hardly innocent wasn't in the cards. Maybe if we'd met at a neutral setting, and not while coming to investigate all the murders, where you commanded the dragon to get us rather than negotiate." (more)
01[21:53] <Seira> She shrugs, then. "I can hardly see the future, so based on what I had to go on at the time it seemed like the superior choice. Sometimes, I have to do things those I work with can't, for the betterment of many. We couldn't stay on that plane for long, and had you escaped I would have carried direct responsibility for any of your crimes afterwards.
01[21:53] <Seira> Similarly, many people would not understand our attack against King Ferdi, but nevertheless, it had to be done. This... merely seemed like one such regrettable case."
[21:57] <Kotono> "In a way you were right. I had no intentions at all of being good. I wanted a chance to corrupt Alicia and the rest of you. I got lucky...somehow, somehow it worked out instead. Maybe I was ready to listen since I'd fled the Nine Hells already. Maybe it's a miracle. But...it worked and I'm free of that. Now I know how much of a fool Alicia was, and..." A small laugh, "How wonderful what she did was.
[21:59] <Kotono> "
06[21:59] * Seira shrugs once again. "More ale?" she offers, refilling her own now-empty glass. "I'm happy for her. And for you, I suppose. I was willing to work with Febras if he had reformed, so you're not all that different as far as I'm concerned."
[22:03] <Kotono> Antenora hasn't drunken any, though she takes a sip on Seira's words. "Febras was originally a human?" Antenora asks.
01[22:05] <Seira> "A few generations back, I suppose," Seira responds. "I'm willing to work with anyone who can help me with my goals while curbing their baser impulses. Actually cooperating is reserved for those who are genuinely committed to our goals and to doing right." She peers at Antenora. "You're aiming for the second category?"
[22:08] <Kotono> "Better than a devil. At least he had those feelings at one point in his life. A devil never does, anything remotely noble is completely alien to them." After that observation, Antenora listens. "..yes. Every time I think of how I was it sickens me. "
01[22:09] <Seira> "Works for me," Seira says simply. "And I think you have demons beat, anyhow. Those are just downright creepy."
[22:10] <Kotono> "You fought demons in that wasteland?" Antenora asks, "What type?"
01[22:11] <Seira> "Nasty stuff. The smelly, unwashed ones, the creepy guys that can create lightning that fries you dead twice over in a group, a few grunts and summons... there was a balor, too, but no fighting was actually involved then."
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 16."12 [1d20=1]
[22:14] <Kotono> "...A balor?" Antenora's voice rises, "How did you get out of that? They're the lords of the demons, just below the Demon Princes. They're powerful enough to spread chaos whereever they go."
01[22:16] <Seira> "It was stupid and I am not," Seira tells her with a pleased smile, before it dies down. "But yes. It was very, very powerful. I think I need to study more so I can kill it next time we meet."
[22:27] <Kotono> "What was it's name? Did you learn anything about it?"
01[22:28] <Seira> "Gurlan. Irenes made a pact with him, so I learned a lot from that angle. There's a whole lot of literature to go through which should shine more light on him."
[22:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 35."12 [1d20=20]
[22:34] <Kotono> "Gurlan? The Ruler of the Green Castle, I've heard of him," Antenora's voice drops low. "He has piles of vrock, hezrou and other demons to use. He has a molydeus retainer, a ferocious demon with a jackal's head, a snake attached to it's neck, and an axe that severs limbs."
01[22:35] <Seira> "Didn't see that last one!" Seira exclaims. "All he had was a throne of kneeling hezrou. Think he'll send the retainer after us?"
01[22:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 I always want
06[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 I always want and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
01[22:37] <Seira> "I guess maybe he wasn't stupid, but I was smart?" Seira shrugs. "Yes, let's go with that."
[22:39] <Kotono> "....if he does, we may all die. A molydeus is unbelievably powerful, even if below a balor." Antenora's expression turns grimmer, "If Gurland does, we would be in dire straights."
01[22:40] <Seira> "Now I'm kind of hoping he would. Just as we reach the devil outpost." Seira smiles evilly. "It would be quite glorious."
[22:41] <Kotono> "...you know... Antenora stops to think, "Devils and demons loathe each other by the Blood War. They're just as happy to tear each other apart as humans or celestials."
06[22:42] * Seira nods. "Yes, but that means a free for all on the demon and devil sides, while we would be united with the angels and maneuver those two against each other."
[22:45] <Kotono> "Not that I'd bring devils there if they aren't, but if they do try this, it's a superb idea." Antenora starts to smile, "Let evil defeat itself and we mop up."
01[22:47] <Seira> "I might shuffle the odds a bit if I call Gurlan names while we're on the way there," Seira muses, not particularly seriously. "He did ominously promise to keep an eye on us."
[22:49] <Kotono> "Mmm." Antenora stands at that, "Until then."
01[22:49] <Seira> "Sure thing." Seira salutes Antenora with her glass. "We do serve non-alcoholic, too, so feel free to drop by for your favorite poison."
01[22:56] <Seira> -----
01[22:57] <Seira> In the most-defended, heavily-trapped upon approach room in her cellar, Seira locks the door before placing Lagann on the wooden table. "Time for another chat," she tells the sentient orb, touching its surface. "We worked well against the Usurper, didn't we?"
[23:01] <Kotono> OOC - Make an int check, Seira?
01[23:01] <Seira> roll 1d20+10 I guess not
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 I guess not and gets 20."12 [1d20=10]
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 10."12 [1d20=6]
[23:03] <Kotono> The response you get isn't as nearly overwhelming as it once was. Lagann's rushing seems muted, a jumble of images. Images of metal, of caves and of...things you can't quite make out.
06[23:04] * Seira focuses on what little of the memories not her own she managed to keep from their merger, responding with that as an invitation for more, and a desire for focus above it all.
[23:09] <Kotono> It's erratic. You see memories - the battle against Ferdi. Stabbed over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over with metal in all sorts of ways, but it's not quite Ferdi. It's another image - a being of luminous power, lording over you? The entire thing is very hazy and doesn't last long.
01[23:11] <Seira> "We'll do that or die trying," Seira tells Lagann. "As long as you don't mind a bit of fire with all that stabbing?"
[23:14] <Kotono> Lagann stirs in Seira's touch. Images again - stabbing a thousand times over and over and over.
01[23:16] <Seira> Trying a new approach, she sends over an image, one of herself standing next to Lagann, but his image in her mind is incomplete, almost like a puzzle asking to be put in place.
[23:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[23:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 19."12 [1d20=15]
[23:17] <Kotono> Bombardment. It's massive and powerful, but not enough to stir Seira. STABSTABSTABSTABSTAB - the image of is of a luminous being over it, hatred utterly overwhelming.
06[23:19] * Seira nods. "Alright, then. We'll stab him." And she even shares a few images of stabbing devils and demons alike, all falling before the second resort!

[Corwin]

[19:48] <Kobreakfast> --------
[19:53] <Kobreakfast> During the tense times of war and the uneasy, waiting, jubulant, informal cessation of hostilities, life goes on. The Temple of Mystra's work is continued by mundane and magical means when time is had. While not complete all the way - some of the finer details aren't finished - the main worship area is. Today there is need of a final setting, your priest of Mystra asking for Alicia to come and set the purple gem she received into the alt
[19:54] <Kobreakfast> the altar.
06[19:57] * Alicia greets Shankar, admiring how far the temple's come. Now all it needs is a congregation... She doesn't particularly want to make a fuss out of this, simply praying to Mystra that she watch over this temple and all within it before she sets the gemstone in place and invites Shankar to consecrate it.
[20:04] <Kobreakfast> He bows to Alicia as you enter the main hall - the pews are fresh and polished, a few worshippers having been allowed in to marvel. "Lady Paladin," he respectfully nods his head to Alicia. The altar is respectfully sized, to counter the large statue of Mystra behind it. Thanks to an illusion paid for, silver fire dances around the hands of the gold and silver filigreed statue.
[20:19] <Alicia> "Blessings of the Weave upon you, sir priest," Alicia greets him formally. Seeing that a few worshippers are present after all, she decides that a speech is probably called for. Bolstering the spirits of the faithful is never a bad thing, after all.
[20:19] <Alicia> "The past weeks have been difficult for us all," she acknowledges as she stops before the altar and turns to face the congregation. "The war with Malmuth may have been brief, and won in our favour, but I'm sure many of you worried nonetheless. So, it pleases me to have this happy occassion of formally consecrating the Church of the Seven Bells, representing a new beginning."
[20:19] <Alicia> "But, I must draw your attention back to the war, such as it was, as a striking example of the changes occuring in the world. King Ferdi had been corrupted with blasphemous arcane power, defying not only Mystra, but all of the Gods. And how was the war ended? Not with the meatgrinder of mass battle, but with a confrontation between the berserk king and Balmuria's strongest champions."
[20:19] <Alicia> "No longer can leaders hide in their fortresses, sending thousands to die at their whims without any appreciation of the havoc they wreak - instead they will be personally brought to account by those who seek justice, and have the power to bypass any army in their way. That is the gift of magic, and one that I feel will define this new age before us."
[20:20] <Alicia> "More than having conjured food, or instant communication, or illusory lightshows, this is what will change the world - that tyrants will no longer be able to hide and avoid responsibility for their actions. And that is why we must encourage both the growth of magic, and the righteousness in our hearts, so that for every egomaniacal warmonger that springs up, a champion will emerge from our ranks to strike him down."
[20:26] <Kobreakfast> Shankar follows Alicia as she turns and settles in. As Alicia's speech picks up in earnest, she notes someone else enters the hall. It's Jessica, a book under her arm. She stays just to the left of the door, hiding into the shadows with a canny, natural skill. Your speech draws attention and clapping at points, but it's subdued until the end. (More)
[20:30] <Kobreakfast> At the end a great cascade of applause is heard, restrained but jubulant. Shankar steps forward at this, "Lady Alicia has been given a token by The Lady of Mysteries. Let it now consecrate the altar here and bring her blessings onto our fair city1"
06[20:31] * Alicia nods to Shankar and murmurs a brief prayer to Mystra as she sets the stone into the altar before inviting the person who actually casts divine spells to properly consecrate it.
[20:33] <Kobreakfast> "Oh Lady Mystra," he prays aloud, as the stone is set in. Ther eis a soft thump as it's set in, Shankar's hand reaching out. "Your blessings, your gifts, your mercies, let it be so!" As he touches the gem...(More)
[20:37] <Kobreakfast> The sparkling gem shines for a few moments, spreading a radiance into the room. In a strong voice, "The temple is so dedicated," Shankar says, "Let the Church of the Seven Bells stand forever!"
[20:39] <Alicia> "In Mystra's name, let it be so," Alicia seconds, feeling rather proud, all things considered. It's almost enough to make her forget the horrible cold ache she feels inside.
[20:44] <Kobreakfast> Cheers fill the hall, echoing around sweetly.  You think you even hear your sister quietly adding once or two.
06[20:44] * Alicia blinks a few times, before smiling at the brief image. As they're done with the formal part, she makes the time to chat with the assembled worshippers - and her sister, for the next little while.
03[20:48] * Kobreakfast is now known as Kotono
[21:32] <Kotono> ---
[21:36] <Kotono> Breakfast. This is normally a pleasant time. It's more quiet today - Antenora's not to be seen. So it's just Jessica, due to come back soon with fresh bread. After a few minutes of waiting she does, but her color is gone from her face, her fists shaking with anger as she enters.
[21:38] <Alicia> "Sister?" Alicia gives Jessica a worried look at her demeanour, surmising that she's probably had an unpleasant encounter with someone who knows about her past.
[21:39] <Kotono> Jessica puts the bread down on the table, turning ther sister. "....I met someone I used to know," she says. "Apparently."
[21:41] <Alicia> "Really?" Alicia can't quite keep the surprise from her voice. She hadn't even really considered that any of Beth's former acquaintances would show up. She certainly never had any friends, but that raises the disturbing prospect of enemies among the ranks of thieves and assassins.
[21:44] <Kotono> "I'd just gotten the bread - I'd walked to the docks to get it from Roald. IT's that nice elven berry bread..." Jessica begins, sitting shakily. "When I walked out, someone kept calling Beth. I didn't really get it until he ran up to me."
06[21:45] * Alicia sits down next to Jessica and puts an arm around her shoulder to try and soothe her shaking. "What happened, then?" she asks.
[21:48] <Kotono> "He grinned and slapped my back. He got me into the alley before I could react." Jessica looks down, "He was smiling, but he had a dagger out. He said I owed him a lot for the poisons and that it was just his good luck he has a good chance to collect on it." Jessica stops, looking up. "I managed to knock the dagger away, but he said I had a week to find him with the money, or...I'll regret it."
[21:51] <Alicia> "No," Alicia exhales slowly, clenching her free fist. "He's going to regret it. What happened after he made his threat, Jessica?"
[21:53] <Kotono> "I...I said that Beth was dead." Her color continues to drain. "He got this look and laughed. He said, 'Oh, you're going legit? Maybe you'll appreciate this more...'" A full stop here, "I...he threatened my body then. That way. He said that I'd appreciate being a stinking, stupid mother then if I was going to hide away in some new country."
[21:56] <Alicia> "Bastard... how did you get away?" Alicia asks, double-checking to make sure Jessica hasn't actually been hurt.
[21:58] <Kotono> "I ran," Jessica admits, as Alicia doesn't see any injuries on her. "Without his dagger he couldn't do much but grab at me, but I was faster."
[22:00] <Alicia> "Breakfast can wait, we're going to find him," Alicia states firmly. "There's a couple of ways to go about this, but lets go with the simplest one - we'll take a walk over to where he showed up and stroll around from there in case we catch sight of him. If that doesn't work I have other ideas, but this is simplest."
[22:03] <Kotono> Jessica nods, adjusting the ring on her finger. "Alright. I'll take you there."
06[22:05] * Alicia grabs Hell Striker. "Can you describe what he looked like?" she asks, so that both she and her sword can keep an eye out in case he manages to avoid Jessica's notice. Her own ability to detect evil should help with that, anyway.
[22:06] <Kotono> "I didn't get a good look. He wore a brown cloak with a hood - it didn't cover his face all the way, but he had greasy black hair." As you walk outside, you find it's cloudy and cool. People go about, hurrying to various points far and wide as the city awaits and hopes for a final peace
[22:06] <Kotono> .
[22:07] <Alicia> "Hmm... anything unique about his dagger? Like an ornamented blade or design on the crossguard?" she asks, thinking she may need such information if just looking around fails.
[22:08] <Kotono> It had a black and silver filigree on the handle," Jessica says, "The blade looked sharp."
[22:10] <Alicia> "That could be useful, but lets see if we can find him just with our eyes, first," Alicia nods, occassionally glancing around in search of any evil auras as they head towards the old part of town.
[22:11] <Kotono> On the trip there, Alicia occasionally sees a faint evil aura. A few normal people have the seeds of darkness within them, but none look like your target. On reaching the street byt he bakery, you see tha tthings are busy. Except for a currently unused warehouse a bit to the west of the bakery, everything is open and doing decent business.
[22:12] <Alicia> From here, Alicia simply begins to adopt an outward spiral search pattern, making sure to wander close enough to larger buildings she passes in order to sweep her evil detecting gaze through their walls.
[22:13] <Kotono> Beth follows as you begin to spiral. The smells of the salty sea and baking bread compete in your nose as you sweep, but you don't notice anyone who seems to fit the bill as you sweep this street.
06[22:14] * Alicia keeps going, intending to cover everything East of the main street from the South Gate (and a little bit of what's to the West of that street) before she decides to try something else.
[22:16] <Kotono> This takes a half hour. There's nothing of note in the docks or in the area just south of it. The more mundane and run down homes in the southeast are different. Here you see people going to life plain lives, a few you know. You pass by a house kept by a loving husband and wife, now free of anyd evilish threat. But still, no sign of anything that meets you rmark.
[22:17] <Alicia> "Okay, no joy there. Now to visit Elle's shop to pick up something that should make tracking him easier," Alicia decides before heading up the hill and past Seira's inn to visit Grand Shop Luna de Stronger.
[22:28] <Kotono> You find Elle there, talking to a blue robed woman. The woman's face is hidden and she steps away as the two enter. "Oh, Alicia. Did you come here for something else?"
[22:29] <Alicia> "Do you have any scrolls of locate object to hand?" Alicia asks, briefly nodding to the other customer in greeting but then giving all of her attention to the proprietress.
[22:37] <Kotono> "I do," Elle asks, with a bit of as mile. "Lost something and can't find it?"
[22:38] <Alicia> "Not quite. Rather, hoping to find someone by finding his weapon," Alicia replies grimly, mentally calculating how many scrolls she'd need to cover the entirity of Balmuria if she were flying around on a unicorn, considering the three minute duration.
[22:40] <Kotono> Alicia would estimate 1 for most of the city, 3 for all of it.  You could core out the center, but getting the outlying parts would be troublesome. Elle sighs, "Aaah, I'd hoped this was something innocent and harmless for once. More business?" AS she speaks she goes into the back for a few, coming back with a scroll.
[22:41] <Alicia> "Have any more?" Alicia asks hopefully. "Three would be ideal."
[22:43] <Kotono> "One more." Elle goes back and comes with it, "I'll have to procure or pen a few more now, too. Oh, speaking of." Glancing to the blue robed woman, "Meet Alice. She'll be working for me to help pick up the slack on making scrolls. Business is going up, and I don't have time to spend all day on a few low level scrolls anymore."
[22:44] <Kotono> Alice steps forward, face obscured. "Ma'am," she says politely to Alicia and Jessica.
[22:45] <Alicia> "Ah, hello, Alice," Alicia smiles at the other woman as she counts out several platinum coins to pay Elle with. "Always glad to meet a fellow spellcaster - I hope you'll find time to visit the temple of Mystra. We've only just opened for services, but we'd be glad to see you there."
[22:46] <Kotono> "Aaah, thank you," she murmurs. "I haven't had a chance to be to one since I left home. I thought I'd have to go all the way to Kelara to find one."
[22:47] <Kotono> The scrolls are passed over, "Goo dluck," Elle bids the two well. Jessica stays quiet, still downcast.
[22:48] <Alicia> "Probably be quicker taking a boat to Pallanth rather than crossing the desert to Kelara, but I'll hope to see you there, anyway. While we're doing introductions, this is my sister, Jessica," she gestures to the downcast woman, intending to just get the niceties out of the way before they head off to find this rogue who threatened her sister.
[22:50] <Kotono> "Hello," Jessica murmurs, while Alice repeats, "Hello, ma'am."
[22:51] <Alicia> "Well, we'd better be off. Good day to you both," Alicia nods to the pair, rolling the scrolls up and tucking them into her belt before leading Jessica out. "Come on, we'll stop by the garrison to see if we can borrow a couple of pegasi and get this done quickly."
[22:52] <Kotono> OOC: The pegasi are gettable without incident. What areas are you going to proritise on the first sweep?
[22:55] <Alicia> OOC: I'll also get Jessica to draw a picture of the dagger before we go, so I can more clearly visualise it. Going to prioritise the docks/east-side, first, then work west from there.
[22:56] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[22:57] <Kotono> As you sweep around, you eventually come to the elven mission. To your surprise, as you fly over it, locate object begins to work. The dagger is in there.
06[22:59] * Alicia really hopes it isn't a generic design that the elves just happen to sell. "Down here," she tells Jessica, bringing her horse to land in an empty part of the street. Asking Jessica to watch the pair of them, she quickly heads into the mission to find the source - if it's a false reading she wants to confirm it and take off as quickly as possible to get what use she can from the rest of the spell's duration.
[23:00] <Kotono> The pair gets looks as Jessica stays and Alicia heads to the mission. INside elven goods are on display, elves about. The item you are looking for is behind the counter in the very back, where the important items are. A slender but alert elf mans that counter.
[23:02] <Alicia> Probably a false reading from a similar dagger, but she'll come back and check, shortly. For now she better do as much checking as she can while the spell still runs. Hurrying back out, she quickly mounts her pegasus, "Probably nothing, lets keep looking," she tells Jessica, taking off and resuming her search pattern.
[23:03] <Kotono> The two get back on! They sweep the main street and most of the old town before the spell runs out. No luck, no registers on that scroll.
06[23:04] * Alicia flies ahead another four hundred feet before she reads off the second scroll, to ensure she gets as much use out of it fresh rather than doubling over an already scanned area, before she begins to check over the new town.
[23:05] <Kotono> A-ha! As you pass over the city hall, you get a register! There's something there that's working too.
06[23:06] * Alicia suspects its probably another false reading, but she has to follow these up. "Another potential," she tells Jessica, repeating the exact same scene that just played out at the Elf Mission.
[23:07] <Kotono> You get even more looks as you head inside. Waiting just inside is a merchant - a jovial, large fellow. He's reading a scroll as he waits, a dagger strapped to his wide belt. His hair is brown and ill kempt, but not particularly greasy.
[23:09] <Alicia> Quick, quick, quick, back on the horses and back to searching!
[23:10] <Kotono> Near the temple of Torm you find another signal, this one inside of it.
[23:12] <Alicia> "Another one." Now having this down to a fine art, Alicia swoops down after telling Jessica and hops off her horse, quickly poking her head inside the temple and for once somewhat hoping the target isn't here. Attacking a man inside Torm's church won't help her already strained relations with them.
[23:13] <Kotono> Inside a few people are here. You can see Eudard of Torm at the altar, talking to a few armored men. One of them, a large man in chain maile and breastplate, is where the signal is coming from. He wears a helmet, bits of blonde hair jutting out.
[23:14] <Alicia> And out Alicia goes, hopefully before anyone spotted her! "That dagger design is annoyingly popular," she can't help but note as she climbs back onto her pegasus and takes off for the last stretch.
[23:14] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[23:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 7."12 [1d20=2]
[23:15] <Kotono> No other signals are found in that time. The spell expires as you mostly finish up. Jessica looks down at the western gate, "Anything else, sister?"
[23:17] <Alicia> "I'm afraid not," Alicia replies in irritation at having just wasted what amounts to just under two year's salary for her. "But we're not done yet - I'm not resting till we find this bastard. Lets drop off the pegasi back at the garrison then we'll ask around at the inns and taverns - someone has to have seen this man."
[23:18] <Kotono> "Alright..." Jessica agrees, as...OOC - Gather information check here, I think.
[23:19] <Alicia> OOC: I'll take 10 for 22, she can aid me for 24
[23:20] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[23:22] <Kotono> The Liberty Inn. It's on the main street of Balmuria, near the temple of Waukeen. Here you find yourself in discussion with an aloof sounding man, long hair kept back in a ponytail. His ears are hidden beneath his well kept locks. He wears rich clothes, sipping a fine brandy. "Mmm. I think I may have," he says finally.
02[23:23] * ARGHASDGSDFASDF (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
[23:23] <Alicia> "Do you know where he's staying?" Alicia asks, eschewing any alcoholic beverages for herself.
[23:24] <Kotono> Jessica gets water, keeping close to Alicia. "No. He merely got my attention when we passed on the streets just outside here." He looks Alicia over, "You're one of that Guard, aren't you? You look it."
[23:25] <Alicia> "That's right, lieutenant Alicia Reynes, at your service," Alicia confirms. "How long ago did you see him and where was he headed?"
[23:26] <Kotono> "Over an hour ago. He was going to the elven mission," The man looks at Alicia long, before brushing his hair back a bit. His ears are somewhat pointed. "He moves like an elven ranger or someone trained like that. The way of moving without being heard or noticed, while not looking like you are unless you're also trained like that."
[23:27] <Kotono> "That got my attention. I didn't expect to see a ranger or someone like that here."
[23:28] <Alicia> "He's no ranger," Alicia snorts. "But I did have an earlier lead towards the mission, so there may be something in this... Thank you for your help, good sir," she nods gratefully, getting up and then heading off to the mission.
[23:28] <Kotono> "Mm, g'luck." He says absently, before going back to his drink. OOC - Let's pause here, workhell looms.

[20:38] <Ko-Vampirewatching> ---
[20:38] <Ko-Vampirewatching> OOC: Last lines?
[20:39] <Alicia> just outside here." He looks Alicia over, "You're one of that Guard, aren't you? You look it."
[20:39] <Alicia> [21:25] <Alicia> "That's right, lieutenant Alicia Reynes, at your service," Alicia confirms. "How long ago did you see him and where was he headed?"
[20:39] <Alicia> [21:26] <Kotono> "Over an hour ago. He was going to the elven mission," The man looks at Alicia long, before brushing his hair back a bit. His ears are somewhat pointed. "He moves like an elven ranger or someone trained like that. The way of moving without being heard or noticed, while not looking like you are unless you're also trained like that."
[20:39] <Alicia> [21:27] <Kotono> "That got my attention. I didn't expect to see a ranger or someone like that here."
[20:39] <Alicia> [21:28] <Alicia> "He's no ranger," Alicia snorts. "But I did have an earlier lead towards the mission, so there may be something in this... Thank you for your help, good sir," she nods gratefully, getting up and then heading off to the mission.
[20:39] <Alicia> [21:28] <Kotono> "Mm, g'luck." He says absently, before going back to his drink. OOC - Let's pause here, workhell looms.
[20:44] <Ko-Vampirewatching> Alicia heads to the elven mission. A few of the elves glance at her again as she enters, though none make a point of it on looking at her.
06[20:45] * Alicia makes her way to the counter where she had a response on the locate object spell, hoping to find the same elf manning it.
[20:49] <Ko-Vampirewatching> The same elf is. "Aaah yes? Sir Reynes?" HE looks Alicia's outfit over. "How can we help you?"
[20:50] <Alicia> "Good morning," Alicia smiles briefly at him, not wanting to come off as too pushy. "Mind if I ask a few questions?"
[20:51] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "Go on," the elf agrees.
[20:52] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia nods, before unfolding the paper on which Jessica rendered the dagger she saw. "Have you seen a dagger like this recently, first of all?"
[20:53] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "Yes." He reaches down, pulling out a dagger just like that. It's a shiny dagger, it's blade looking razor sharp. "It was part of a sale today."
03[20:55] * Ko-Vampirewatching is now known as Kotono
[20:56] <Alicia> "Sold any to a man with greasy black hair and wearing a brown cloak?" Alicia asks. "Or for that matter seen anyone of that description? I understand he was here a bit over an hour ago."
[20:59] <Kotono> "He sold it. He traded this and some gold for a pair of boots of elven kind. He was quite insistent on the matter and offered this dagger. It's magic, so we accepted." The clerk puts the dagger onto the counter, letting it lie there. "He was also interested in a cloak and said he may be coming into some money soon, so he may return."
[21:01] <Alicia> "He mention anything else?" Alicia asks. "Where he was from, where he's staying, how long he'll be in town, anything like that?"
[21:02] <Kotono> "He did did mention he was new to town," The elf notes. "He said he was s urprised to find elves here. He spoke our language quite well."
06[21:04] * Alicia nods. "Any chance you saw which way he headed after he left?"
[21:04] <Alicia> "Or get his name?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "He didn't mention it," A shake of his head at that, "But he did mention one other thing. He asked about the temples in this city. When I mentioned the new ones, he took notice of the Mystra one in particular. He laughed and said it felt right like home, and that maybe he should visit."
[21:08] <Alicia> Must be one of Beth's old acquaintances from Kelara... probably she skipped out on paying him years ago and never thought anything of it. Still, whether he was wronged or not is immaterial, the threats he made against her sister cannot go unanswered. "Thank you, you've been very helpful," she nods gratefully before heading out with Jessica.
[21:08] <Alicia> "Lets keep checking the rest of the inns to find out if he's checked in at them before we try anything else?" she suggests.
[21:12] <Kotono> "Have you had any luck," Jessica asks as she starts to walk, preparing to do just what Alicia suggested.
[21:16] <Alicia> "Sounds like he's someone from back in Kelara. He sold the dagger today for some boots that muffle his footsteps. Horrible timing, really," Alicia admits. "Boots of Elvenkind are pretty expensive and uncommon, so I could ask Elle for more help searching for them tomorrow, but I'd far rather find him today."
[21:16] <Alicia> "He said he might check out our temple, according to the elf, so we'll look in there in case he's been seen, too." She pauses, "Actually, temple first. Might get a warmer trail if he's been recently."
[21:22] <Kotono> The trip back to the temple is without incident. On reaching the main hall and Shankar, you find him going over a few things. "Oh, m'lady," he perks up as Alicia enters.
[21:23] <Alicia> "Good morning, Shankar," Alicia greets the priest with a smile. "I'm sorry to trouble you, but we're looking for someone who might have stopped by, here," she then gives the same description of the greasy haired man as before.
[21:25] <Kotono> "Oh!" He straightens up, "He came by not even a half hour ago. He didn't stay long, but we did talk a moment. Was he looking for you?"
[21:26] <Alicia> "Other way around," Alicia shakes her head. "What did you talk about?"
[21:28] <Kotono> "Kelara briefly. He asked we commission magical items here as well, as he may be coming into some money soon. I said we'd consider it as our services grow, b the Lady's grace."
[21:28] <Alicia> "Know where he headed afterwards?" Alicia asks the same question she asked the elf. "Or get his name, for that matter."
[21:30] <Kotono> "Christopher, I believe." He thinks a moment, "Yes, that was it. He said he was hungry."
06[21:30] * Alicia mentally works out where the nearest food vendors and restaurants are from here.
[21:31] <Kotono> There's a cafe down the street from Alicia's house with a few tables outside. That's the closest.
[21:31] <Alicia> "It's something to look into. Thank you, Shankar," Alicia nods, before heading off to follow this latest lead, starting at that cafe and moving on from there to other nearby eateries if it gets no results.
[21:32] <Alicia> OOC: another take 10 on gather info for 22, Jessica can aid for 24
[21:33] <Kotono> As you go to that cafe, you happen to glance inside. It's not too larg einside, but there's a few tables there as well. Inside is a man in a brown cloak, drinking from a mug and eating some bread and stew. He's about fifteen feet away from the door and sitting.
[21:34] <Alicia> OOC: is he evil?
[21:35] <Alicia> "Is that him?" Alicia quietly asks Beth as she indicates the man from a distance.
[21:35] <Kotono> Jessica glances inside, before hurrying back. "It is," she says, voice very tight.
[21:36] <Kotono> Inside are a few innocent people eating, as well as a few people running the shop. It's busy but not overly so.
[21:37] <Alicia> "Wait here," she tells Jessica before she enters the cafe and goes to stand over the table the man is at. "Excuse me, sir, I'd like to ask you to come with me."
[21:39] <Kotono> The man's bowl of stew is teaming hot, his face hidden. "..hm?" his body subtly tenses, a hand in his lap and the other at his bowl. "What do you want?"
[21:40] <Alicia> "Just come with me, sir. We can get things straightened out at the garrison," Alicia tells him, her tone polite but oh so very firm.
[21:40] <Kotono> "...Mmmmm..." OOC - He's going to do something, but you're both ready. In this case I'd like to roll initiative.
[21:40] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 20."12 [1d20=15]
[21:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 28."12 [1d20=19]
03[21:41] * Kotono changes topic to 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Christopher>Alicia'
[21:42] <Kotono> His reflexes are damnably good!His hand darts out, tossing the bowl of hot stew at Alicia before she can react!
[21:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 11."12 [1d20=1]
[21:43] <Kotono> Really, it was a rather quick and smooth motion. Unfortunately for him, his tossed bowl of stew sails right by Alicia cleanly, slamming into the wall and not hitting anyone! He stands as well, swift!
[21:45] <Alicia> "I actually hoped you'd resist," Alicia admits with an unkind smile as her hand lashes out, intending to grab his neck and chokeslam him to the ground.
[21:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 melee touch to start grapple
06[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 melee touch to start grapple and gets 20."12 [1d20=5]
[21:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 grapple check to start grapple
06[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 grapple check to start grapple and gets 23."12 [1d20=8]
[21:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 18."12 [1d20=10]
[21:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 grapple check to pin him
06[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 grapple check to pin him and gets 21."12 [1d20=6]
[21:47] <Alicia> roll 1d3+6 unarmed damage from starting the grapple, too
06[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d3+6 unarmed damage from starting the grapple, too and gets 7."12 [1d3=1]
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 18."12 [1d20=10]
[21:48] <Kotono> Alicia grapples with Christopher, working along with him! She manages to pin him down roughly! Struggling, he attempts to escape the pin!
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 9."12 [1d20=1]
[21:48] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 is it needed?
06[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 is it needed? and gets 19."12 [1d20=4]
[21:49] <Kotono> But Alicia has him pinned down tight!
[21:49] <Kotono> "Hey, what's going on!" Someone from behind the food counter calls, as customers gasp out and watch!
[21:50] <Alicia> "Sorry to disturb your meal, people. This man unwisely chose to resist arrest," Alicia calls out to the customers as she forces her knee roughly onto Christopher's back, keeping him pinned tight.
[21:50] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 to maintain pin
06[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 to maintain pin and gets 26."12 [1d20=11]
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 11."12 [1d20=3]
[21:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 to inflict damage
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 to inflict damage and gets 18."12 [1d20=3]
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 26."12 [1d20=18]
[21:51] <Kotono> While he evades Alicia's slamming knee into his back, he's still held by her! "I can't keep the ladies off me," Christopher groans as he dodges, trying to break the pin once more!
[21:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 10."12 [1d20=2]
[21:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 laf
06[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 laf and gets 26."12 [1d20=11]
[21:52] <Kotono> OOC: You don't even need to bother if he rolls below 15.
[21:52] <Alicia> OOC: sure
[21:52] <Kotono> OOC: That's piteous.
[21:52] <Kotono> Once again he's held tight, as a customer calls, "There's a fight in here! Call the Guard...er, more of it!" OOC- Ailcia.
[21:54] <Alicia> "Really, things are quite under control," Alicia insists, tightening her grip a bit as she holds the miscreant securely down. "I don't mind carrying you unconscious all the way to the garrison, you know," she hisses into his ear as she applies the pressure.
[21:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 to maintain pin
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 to maintain pin and gets 17."12 [1d20=2]
[21:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 12."12 [1d20=4]
[21:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 for damage
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 for damage and gets 17."12 [1d20=2]
[21:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 22."12 [1d20=14]
[21:55] <Kotono> Alicia manages to barely hold onto the pin, but can't seem to do any real damage to him! He continues to wiggle, "What the hell is this about, anyway?" he hisses, as he continues to try and break free!
[21:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 24."12 [1d20=16]
[21:55] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
06[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 23."12 [1d20=8]
[21:55] <Alicia> OOC: he breaks the pin but remains grappled
[21:56] <Kotono> With an oily wriggle, he wrests out of the pin! OOC - Alicia.
06[21:57] * Alicia heaves a put upon sigh before slamming him to the ground once again. "Stop squirming and maybe you'll find out," she lectures.
[21:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 to reapply pin
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 to reapply pin and gets 33."12 [1d20=18]
[21:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 25."12 [1d20=17]
[21:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 for damage
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 for damage and gets 23."12 [1d20=8]
[21:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 17."12 [1d20=9]
[21:57] <Alicia> roll 1d3+6
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d3+6 and gets 7."12 [1d3=1]
[21:58] <Kotono> "OW!" he hisses as Alicia slams him to the ground! "Maybe if you weren't trying to beat me senseless I would...or hell, yes, let's go along with the nasty looking armored woman. Brilliant," he snaps back. "Do you expect men to take one look and do whatever you say? You look like that type..." As he complains and struggles, he once again attemps to escape the pin!
[21:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 22."12 [1d20=14]
[21:59] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
06[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 16."12 [1d20=1]
[21:59] <Kotono> Like oil in water he slides out of the pin and kicks Alicia back just a little! He rubs his back, but Alicia's still on him and maintaining the grapple! "Get of the way!" someone calls, as the two come close to another table. OOC - Alicia.
03[22:03] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54445eaf.lns3-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[22:03] <Kotono> Like oil in water he slides out of the pin and kicks Alicia back just a little! He rubs his back, but Alicia's still on him and maintaining the grapple! "Get of the way!" someone calls, as the two come close to another table. OOC - Alicia.
03[22:03] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
02[22:04] * Alicia (WinNT@user-54445eaf.lns3-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
06[22:05] * Ebiris uses Christopher's momentum against him as he springs up, only to get hammered back down again. "Lieutenant Alicia Reynes, Crimson Guard. By all means, keep struggling if it makes you feel better, though."
[22:05] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15 pin part deux
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 pin part deux and gets 22."12 [1d20=7]
[22:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 17."12 [1d20=9]
[22:05] <Ebiris> roll 1d2015 damage
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d2015 damage and gets 45."12 [1d2015=45]
[22:05] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 and gets 22."12 [1d20=7]
[22:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 26."12 [1d20=18]
[22:07] <Kotono> Alicia once again manages a pin, as the two tumble back onto the next table! Salad, soup and ale go flying and splatter about, the table breaking beneath him! Yet he lands right, avoiding Alicia's pressure and the collapse safely! "Ugh..." he huffs, "Wait a minute, you're that fucking paladin...Beth's sister?" His eyes widen, "Son of a bitch!" As he saysthis, he redoubles his efforts to escape the pin!
[22:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 15."12 [1d20=7]
[22:07] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 and gets 35."12 [1d20=20]
[22:07] <Ebiris> OOC: sorry, forgot
[22:07] <Kotono> But Alicia keeps him pinned down hard!
[22:08] <Ebiris> "You do realise you'll be paying for all the damage here, right?" Alicia lectures him as she keeps him held down securely. "And I'd forget those tales you've been spreading around of coming into some money soon, because it isn't going to happen."
[22:08] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15 maintain pin
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 maintain pin and gets 29."12 [1d20=14]
[22:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 moot
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 moot and gets 22."12 [1d20=14]
[22:09] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15 damage
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 damage and gets 27."12 [1d20=12]
[22:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 moot
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 moot and gets 26."12 [1d20=18]
[22:09] <Ebiris> roll 1d3+6
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d3+6 and gets 7."12 [1d3=1]
[22:10] <Kotono> SLAM! The hit slams the back of his head into the broken table! His eyes go misty a few moments, but he keeps it together! "Well yeah...wait, are you sticking up for Beth? Damn, she really did go straight." He sounds a bit disbelieving, huffing air in and out as he attempts to jab at Alicia's ribs and escape the pin!
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 10."12 [1d20=2]
[22:10] <Kotono> But this isn't going anywhere at all.
[22:12] <Ebiris> "Even if she hadn't, I don't make a habit of letting rapists run around freely," Alicia gets right in Christopher's face at that, squeezing his throat tightly while driving her knee into his stomach. This relaxes the pin she has on him, but should make him hurt a fair bit.
[22:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15 damage
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 damage and gets 26."12 [1d20=11]
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 19."12 [1d20=11]
[22:12] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+15 damage
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+15 damage and gets 28."12 [1d20=13]
[22:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 23."12 [1d20=15]
[22:13] <Ebiris> roll 2d3+12
06[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d3+12 and gets 17."12 [2d3=3, 2]
[22:13] <Kotono> SLAM SLAM! The two hits slam Christopher hard, knocking him down and then out! He goes limp against the broken table, not moving.
06[22:15] * Ebiris exhales sharply and stands up, briefly casting prestidigitation in order to clean off herself and the surrounding mess they've made. "I'm sorry about the damage caused, just now," she tells the person behind the counter. "Come by the garrison with a bill and we'll have it taken care of."
[22:18] <Kotono> The salad and ale slides off Alicia's clothing via magic, making her clean again. "Aaah...aaaah..." the keeper nods, "I hope so! Those tables are expensive! Did you really have to break one?"
[22:21] <Ebiris> "You saw how he kept struggling," Alicia looks somewhat abashed. It wasn't her neatest takedown, but the only way to make it neater would've been to draw her blade or use a spell, and she didn't want to kill him. "Anyway, I'll get him out of your way." At that, she scoops up Christopher into a fireman's carry and makes her way out of the cafe.
[22:21] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check.
[22:22] <Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 what spot?
06[22:22] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 what spot? and gets 14."12 [1d20=13]
03[22:22] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[22:23] <Kotono> As Alicia turns back, she is surprised to see Christopher moving! He whirls up quickly, lashing a kick at Alicia's leg before stumbling backwards!
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 17."12 [1d20=9]
[22:23] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[22:23] <Alicia> OOC: 23
[22:24] <Kotono> The blow glances off Alicia's greaves, doing no harm. His face is bruising and his breathing is heavy, but he still seems to be concious after all! He staggers back amid the tables, "Damn, you're persistant!" OOC - Alicia.
06[22:25] * Alicia shakes her head in disbelief. "Stand down, now. I've been more than forgiving up till now, but this is ridiculous."
[22:25] <Kotono> OOC: Holding or waiting on a reply?
[22:25] <Alicia> OOC: holding, he can have a free shot if he wants
[22:29] <Kotono> "Well...hell..." He swears, eyeing the door. He eyes it long, a bustle outside. "Damn!" He raises his hands up at last.
[22:31] <Alicia> "So there's a brain inside there, after all?" Alicia marvels. "Good. Drop any weapons you're carrying," she orders, taking a moment to cast detect poison and give him a once over with that.
[22:33] <Kotono> He drops two more daggers and a little metallic container.
[22:35] <Alicia> "Step away," Alicia orders, waiting for him to do just that before she leans over to scoop up his daggers and the box.
[22:38] <Kotono> He steps away agaisnt the wall dutifully.
[22:39] <Alicia> Having collected the items, Alicia gestures him to the door. "I don't have any manacles on me, so I'll have to trust you not to try anything stupid. I don't recommend abusing my trust - it won't end well for you. Get walking, we're going to the garrison."
[22:44] <Kotono> With a long suffering sigh he follows outside. Outside you find Jessica waiting, as well as a few approaching guardsmen. They have spears at the ready.
[22:45] <Alicia> "Everything's under control, men," Alicia tells the approaching guards. "I wouldn't mind borrowing some manacles for this miscreant until we get to the garrison, though."
[22:46] <Kotono> The guards produce those, going to chain him up. Jessica eyes him warily, as she goes to Alicia. "I saw the fight. You aren't hurt?"
[22:50] <Alicia> "Pfh, not even a bruise," Alicia waves it off. "You can go home if you want - since you've already told me what happened, that's good enough as a statement, so you don't need to come to the garrison if you don't want to," she offers.

[Corwin]

[06:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> ------------------------------------nestled ko---
[06:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The temple's business late one evening is finally winding down. Most of the priests are finishing up, night watches set and many going to bed. During this, Demedais happens to be outside, having finished a mundane, unremarkable task. As he comes back around, he notices Antenora looking inside of the temple. Alicia's nowhere in sight.
06[06:40] * Demedais blinks at this a bit, before walking up to Antenora, his check on the crypt and its surroundings complete. "Hello, Antenora. What brings you here?"
[06:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> She's almost finished looking into the temple entirely, turning as Demedais speaks. "Ah. Looking for you."
[06:46] <Demedais> "Well, here I am. What can I do for you?" Demedais replies with a light smile.
03[06:47] * Sierra_Mikain is now known as Sierra_BeautySleep
[06:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora scowls a bit, "Can we go somewhere else?"
06[06:48] * Demedais looks a little bemused at this, but nods once. "Sure. Any reason why not here? The priests don't bite." He gestures in the direction of Seira's inn.
[06:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira's inn is looked at, "No, I just came from there." Instead, she starts heading towards the new section of the city, keeping a brisk pace. After a moment, "...Devils aren't very fond of the Gods, even the evil ones. If devils worship anything, it's the Lords of the Nine and Asmodeus. The old habits still die hard."
06[06:53] * Demedais nods once, following. "...So... Alicia really did manage to convert you, then. Not like I can check too well or anything, but I did hear of the angel coming to visit."
[06:54] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora cracks a bit of a smile. It's different than before - it doesn't bring to mind lies and darkness, but something more appealing. "Yes...yes, she did. It still amazes me and I never really understood it until I was converted. That kindness, even to a creature that never understood the tiniest bit of anything good."
[06:57] <Demedais> "I don't get it either. She claims I'm nice, yet giving someone that chance... is mostly outside of my limits." Demedais shakes his head. "I could not have given you that chance; I was willing to give Alicia the chance to you because it would, at worst, be a large, but expected, distraction from killing the God-King. ...That likely makes me sound cold, but it's true."
[06:59] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "No, no. I understand." Antenora looks up at the cloudy sky, a few stars out. "Your actions wouldn't have been wrong. I had no intentions of helping any of you or changing. All I saw was a chance to corrupt a few choice, important mortals and perhaps even gain special status for it."
[07:04] <Demedais> "And all I saw was interference, but this road has turned out much for the better." Demedais chuckles a bit. "...bah. I'm sorry for sounding so serious, but this whole mess with Malmuth has made my mind one-track. This whole thing may drown them in chaos - fracticious states, warring alliances... I don't like it, but at the same time, with the devils to the west and the ruins an ever-present worry to the north, what can be done? There's no good way around i
[07:04] <Demedais> "There's no good way around it. Add that to my other concerns, and... sheesh."
[07:07] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora shrugs at it. "Mortals.." she stops at that word, before shaking her head. "In the time I've been alive, countless kingdoms have risen and fallen. To listen to the stories, humans lacked the controls devils do for real order, so these spurts of chaos are unavoidable." Antenora makes a sour face at that, a grimace. "I do think that it's unavoidable, having seen humans for a little while. Too many of you are wild and disagreeing,
[07:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army>  with no overlying structure. The only superiors to look to are other humans or the Gods, and have they not been distant?"
[07:13] <Demedais> "This entire plane has been practically akin to a sealed jar for a long time." Demedais notes. "Very little outside interference; the God-King being pinned in here by the weight of his own resorts. As for control... Humans do lack the control, but to me the order of the Hells is unnatural. ...For a true order, chaos must also be present; Seira's served as reminder of that to me. Helm as witness, has she ever."
[07:14] <Demedais> "...Stupid demons." Demedais adds under his breath.
[07:15] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "You're right about Hell, at least. It's not any sort of order as much as a slavery of fear." Antenora continues to lead you along, through the new quarter's more elegant buildings. A few people are about here and there. (More)
[07:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Or...it is order, but in the worst way, making it into that. I'm still not sure." A stop there as she thinks, going silent for alittle. "The sort of control where...I saw another Erinyes displease a superior. With a word the Erinyes was dragged screaming away by Pain Devils to be made into a Nupperibo." (More)
[07:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "But order is still needed, but...more like the gentle order Alicia gave me. The way this country runs, an order tempered with mercy and good. To contain people like Seira and ensure harmony."
[07:24] <Demedais> "Yes.... Just, fair, merciful. Seek to keep the peace so that others may find their roads in life." Demedais nods, looking around at the new buildings. "I... heh. Some days, I must wonder."
[07:25] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Wonder what?" Antenora asks. The buildings are nice, well constructed and for people with at least a little coin.
[07:27] <Demedais> "What my life would have been, had not the Temple of Helm taken me in." Demedais shakes his head. "I was named, raised, and sheltered by them...heh. And yet now I wonder who my birth parents are. It's... ah, hell, I'm sorry, I'm rambling."
03[07:30] * Gate-beinguseful is now known as Gate-dead
[07:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "You were an orphan?" Antenora inquires. "This troubles you?"
[07:33] <Demedais> "I was. It does not trouble me... I see it as the one part of my past I have not reconciled. As the child of my parents, I would logically seek to do what I can for them."
[07:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "If you're an orphan, are they not dead? Or do you speak to raise them?" Antenora's voice shows a mild curiosity, perhaps.
[07:37] <Demedais> "They may be dead; if this is the case... there is little I can do, no? But for all I know, they left me on the steps of Helm's temple as they traveled to Malmuth, or west, or north... or died, somewhere, resting in the fact that they did what they could. I don't know. But I would like some answer, even if it is to learn they died. Helm willing, some day I will have that answer."
[07:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Mmm." Antenora murmurs something at that, thoughtful. "Do you have any means to find them?"
[07:39] <Demedais> "Therein lies the fun part. Not outside the realm of the divine or the arcane, no." Demedais says wryly. "I could go knocking on every door in the land, but I suspect that'd be a waste of time."
[07:40] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Get a good oracle," Antenora advises, as you head towards Alicia's house. The Temple behind it still being finished, but Demedais can note it's open. "There's one more thing. The three of you encountered a balor in the wastes?"
[07:41] <Demedais> "The one of us - Seira." Demedais clarifies, looking to the new Temple with approval.
[07:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A bit of darkening on Antenora's face, but she goes on. "I heard. Gurlan of the Green Castle. I know more than most of you about the planes, and I know that you and I are at greater risks from demons than Seira. They have powers that devastate order as much as good."
[07:46] <Demedais> "That I understand. It's probably why the creature was willing to let her survive." Demedais shakes his head. "Probably regretting it heavily now, but you know. Had I followed after, the scenario would've been much stickier. Remind me to staple Seira to a wall if she even slightly expresses interest in even remotely touching pitch-black portals again."
[07:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> That nets a thin smile, "It would be best. She doesn't seem to have the same powers against evil that you or Alicia has. They're so important when facing demons...or devils."
[07:49] <Demedais> "Her magics seem focused on handling... more mortal threats, so to speak." Demedais nods. "Though the Hells will begin to weep openly if she ever figures out holy fireballs."
[07:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> AT that, Antenora laughs a little bit. "Yes, yes they would."
06[07:55] * Demedais pauses in reflection. "Actually, I'm going to suggest that to Seira; worth a shot if she can figure it out." A bit further, then, "How does one seal off the Hells and the Abyss from this world? Is it even possible?"
[07:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I thought of it a little, but it's beyond any of my knowledge. Demedais, The Abyss and the Hells are a place souls go after death. Do you think any of the Gods who have realms in those places would not object? What ou're saying is a massive disruption of the natural order of things. Even if you can find a way to do it, surely you'll find oppositions."
[07:58] <Demedais> "There is that, I suppose, but..." Demedais muses on this.
[08:00] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7 lol?
05[08:02] -betamax.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Tiny_Ko_Army invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[08:02] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[08:02] * Tiny_Ko_Army sets mode: +v Hatbot
[08:03] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7 lol?
06[08:03] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 lol? and gets 17."12 [1d20=10]
[08:06] <Demedais> "I don't know. Something about the whole arrangement strikes me as off, but I can't figure out why." Demedais shrugs after a moment. "Perhaps with time, we'll find something. But this still raises my point; even if we go to handle the invasion to the west... what then? How do we close their entryway there?"
[08:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "They have to have gotten in somehow, a portal or a rift or what have you. Seal that and you stop any more from coming in from there. By now it's surely well defended, though." A few moments, "What strikes you as off about it?"
[08:11] <Demedais> "I... don't know. ...No, that's not true. You have the Hells and the Abyss... and these are the two major, notable situations. Yet most of the gods seem to maintain their own private heavens for their faithful; from your words, the evil gods work with the Hells and the Abyss... Maybe there is nothing wrong, but it seems like a natural chasm. ... Also part of it is that being forced to make a deal with a devil or demon instead of die is an evil act, yet to d
[08:12] <Demedais> " yet to die and fail in your duty, allowing evil to potentially flourish here, is not..." (More)
[08:14] <Demedais> "...Which is something that, on the one hand, I understand; you are working with evil. On the other hand, if you do it to advance the cause of good, where is the issue? I'm not contesting that to deal with them in the first place is stupid; that's painfully obvious. But to do your best with what you have... especially when you cannot rely on divine intervention? The system is stacked against mortals."
[08:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Some things aren't worth even your duty..." Antenora's voice sharpens at that, "Go see a soul's shell be torn apart into a lemure and tell me that taking the deal was correct. You're thinking how a devil wants you to think. The duty's more important than anything else, even good. So what if your soul's bartered away? Devils and demons don't play fair." Antenora bows her head at that, voice tightening with a quickness that is startling.
03[08:21] * Gate-dead is now known as Gate-zombiedanmaku
[08:22] <Demedais> "I'm well aware they don't play fair. Why do you think I made this sword holy instead of axiomatic?" Demedais says with a slight grin. "But at the same time, you reject the loss of one soul for the benefit of all; while you are right, it can be twisted to how the devils wish you to think... if you, by a sacrifice, knew - not being told by a devil, but by the arrayed forces of Good for you - that it would end a great evil, what would you do?"
[08:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I'd tell them to go back to Hell and die with a smile on my face," Antenora matches that smile. "It's not worth it. The temptation is that you're doing good for it. After all, how do you tempt the purest souls but with what they crave?"
[08:25] <Demedais> "You missed the point of the question, but whatever." Demedais inclines his head. "I see your point. ...You raise another note, however; what is done to souls that do not go to the Hells, the Abyss, or a deity?"
[08:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+15
06[08:26] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+15 and gets 23."12 [1d20=8]
[08:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "They go to where they should. A soul of order and nothing else goes to Mechanus, say." Antenora brushes her hair back, looking at Alicia's front door.
03[08:27] * Gate-zombiedanmaku is now known as Gate-dead
[08:28] <Demedais> "I somewhat guessed at that. My interest was in what is done to the soul once it's there?"
[08:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Do you know what a petitioner is?" Antenora asks.
[08:31] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7 aha
06[08:31] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 aha and gets 13."12 [1d20=6]
[08:32] <Demedais> "Unless you're referring to the people who come to temples, no." Demedais says after a moment, looking just a bit sheepish.
[08:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "...Ah. A petitioner is the soul of a mortal being. It gravitates to it's god or it's planar destination. Some live on in a more or less lifelike state, more on the non evil planes. Some become outsiders - be it the way devils do or by absorption or divine fiat. Others merge with the very essence of what they are attuned to. Honestly...those things are more for the non evil planes. In Hell, there's only one place for souls, the torture
[08:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> torture rooms before becoming a lemure."
[08:38] <Demedais> "So, the Hells and the Abyss violate the natural order of the situation?" Demedais says wryly.
[08:40] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Not entirely. Some evil and ordered souls end up in the Hells by their own deeds," Antenora says.
[08:42] <Demedais> "But they all end up in the torture rooms. There are no other options, from what you seem to be saying; whereas outside the evil aligned planes, there is."
[08:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "If you're evil to go there and so ordered, what else i there but a perfect, unbending order forever? Further, everyone has to start at the bottom." Antenora stops a moment, "Though...It is something I've been thinking on. You know the Erinyes are fallen angels?"
[08:43] <Demedais> "That still ignores the point, but moving on. Yes, I'm aware of that."
[08:46] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Good outsiders are allowed to become evil and fall. If I'd begun to change and been in Hell, all I'd have gotten was torments then finally oblivion. Even in ordered places of good, there is always a choice."
[08:48] <Demedais> "Again, re-emphasizing the fact that something seems completely off about the Hells and the Abyss in general." Demedais muses. "I don't know what can be done with this information, though; not yet, at least."
[08:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes, just to think about. Good night," Antenora heads to the door, "To more pressing problems on the morrow.:
[08:50] <Demedais> "Night." Demedais nods.

[Corwin]

[20:38] <Ko-Vampirewatching> ----
[20:43] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "Yaaaaah! Haaaaaaaah!" Fights go back and forth in the dusty garrison sparring yard. IT's packed to capacity still, though the three Demedais seeks are near the back, practicing away...
[20:48] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "Yaaaaah! Haaaaaaaah!" Fights go back and forth in the dusty garrison sparring yard. IT's packed to capacity still, though the three Demedais seeks are near the back, practicing away. The possible paladins and future members of the guard work away here, practicing in the lull in the fighting.
03[20:49] * Ko-Vampirewatching sets mode: +o Demedais
06[20:49] * Demedais has Engan along, since he has been practicing with them some in his sadly rather consistent absences, as he steps toward the three as they practice, nodding to them all once in the approach.
[20:53] <Ko-Vampirewatching> The three look rather battle worn and like they're improved a bit. They move quicker, more sure than before. They slowly stop as Demedais approach, "Sir!" one of them calls, as Engan tags along.
03[20:55] * Ko-Vampirewatching is now known as Kotono
06[20:55] * Demedais nods in approval. "You three seem to be advancing well. I apologize for being lax in visiting, myself, but duty dragged me out to an forsaken armpit of a wasteland which I will no doubt be seeing again sometime in the near future. How fare you three?"
[20:58] <Kotono> "We've been busy, sir," The three stop at that entirely, "Between war practice and some hands on work, we've had a lot. Also..." The three wince and look at Engan, almost at once.
06[21:00] * Demedais grins at this. "And Engan has no doubt been keeping you busy in whatever free time you thought you had. And in your studies of your faith?"
[21:01] <Kotono> Engan grins as well. "They're learning, slowly, but they're learning. They're hard headed enough to do the job."
[21:02] <Demedais> "May you all never be as hard headed as the Malmuthian leadership." Demedais says, head bowed in prayer for a moment.
[21:03] <Kotono> Engan glances back at Demedais there, but doesn't comment on it. The others, though? "IS there going to be peace now? The army's fallen back, hasn't it?"
[21:04] <Demedais> "For now, yes. Only time will tell, however. Back to my question - how does work with the temples go?"
[21:07] <Kotono> "It goes," The answer is easy enough, "It's hard at times, but it's also rewarding."
06[21:14] * Demedais nods once. "Xavier, what have you been doing, both with regards to the Temple and the war effort? What station did you man - or did you all get placed at the same station?"
[21:17] <Kotono> "We were at the same - we lead some common soldiers and helped officers," Xavier rubs the back of his head, "It went well, sir. They're making a point of getting us some commanding training, too."
[21:24] <Demedais> "Excellent." Demedais nods at this. "That sort of training will greatly assist. As you advance in skills and talent, and as the world begins to grow and become more lively, you will need that capability."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Speaking of that," Morund notes, "Will we be able to soon? Once we graduate, we go into service. WE will be doing a lot of  your older duties, sirs? We heard about you from one of the gate guards we worked with."
[21:34] <Demedais> "Wedge, Biggs, or a different one?" Demedais inquires. "Regardless, most likely, yes. No doubt this will be difficult; I suspect, however, you three will be up to the task. There are probably multiple things they're avoiding telling us because we're too busy getting lost in near skin-freezing weather, but so it goes; soon you all will be able to help them handle things, and I look forward to fighting alongside you all."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Wedge, he was in the last war," Daril agrees. "He said we'd probably help guard the gates or fight goblins or even chase down street thieves as we learned."
[21:41] <Demedais> "You... will likely end up doing much more than that, if you choose." Demedais shakes his head. "It didn't take too long at all for Seira, Shamal and company to get into messes themselves, and you will likely find yourselves working with others as well as you move along."
[21:45] <Kotono> "Heh," Morund laughs at that, "I heard the stories Wedge told. It's a shame Seira's the only one left of them, it sounded fun."
[21:49] <Demedais> "As I said. I fully expect you guys to get into as many messes as they did. Believe me when I say there's much more left in this world; we're currently not even scratching the surface so much as opening the door." Demedais shakes his head. "Vigilance in training and preparations now, and a strong will and faith, will be some of the best tools you could ever have."
[21:50] <Kotono> "That and a lot of healing," Engan adds with a bit of an amused look.
[21:50] <Kotono> "Yeah, we heard the story about the ghouls," Xavier picks up the conversational slack then. "We need to be prepared to deal wtih anything like that."
[21:52] <Demedais> "And a whole lot of healing." Demedais nods. "And know that Febras, though a dangerous one of his type, was only the first; we're likely as not to see more attempts down the line, on unattended graveyards or..." a bit of a wry grin here, "poorly defended crypts."
[21:54] <Kotono> "I heard about that, too," Xavier goes on, "I heard whatever it was wasilke a solid snake of bone and black. Was that true?"
[21:56] <Demedais> "You'd need to ask Seira herself on that; that incident was just a bit before I returned to Balmuria." Demedais acknowledges sheepishly. "Out of curiousity, do you three have any questions?"
[21:57] <Kotono> "Yeah." Daril asks, "If we have any questions about Helm, can we ask you directly?"
[21:58] <Demedais> "Ah, certainly." Demedais inclines his head in agreement. "If I'm absent and you have questions, Father Ceiar should be able to help. Put up with me, after all."
[21:58] <Demedais> "But yes, if you have questions do ask."
03[22:03] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54445eaf.lns3-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[22:03] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
02[22:04] * Alicia (WinNT@user-54445eaf.lns3-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[22:04] <Kotono> "I will," Daril follows up at that. "There are a lot of things to wonder about."
[22:05] <Demedais> "A universe of things." Demedais nods in agreement. "Questions are natural when approaching this."
[22:07] <Kotono> "Then...what's the strongest thing you've seen?" Daril asks, "How strong do they get?"
06[22:08] * Demedais blinks. "Strongest thing I've seen directly? Probably the gigantic dragon we landed on Ferdi's room."
[22:09] <Kotono> There's a rather long silence at that, even Engan looking at Demedais funny. "What the hell?"
06[22:12] * Demedais is barely keeping a straight face. "Well, I suppose Seira summoned it into the room after Ferdi's aura made... long diversion there, but his aura effectively made her flip out. Other advantage to being a paladin; better chance of keeping your head when all about you are losing theirs. ...Figuratively and literally speaking."
[22:19] <Kotono> Silence. Considering the courtyard is rather noisy, this is an impressive feat. The four stare at Demedais in open awe, one managing, "Like Kondrux dragon?"
[22:22] <Demedais> "Uh... a bit bigger." Demedais says. "Fortunately on our side. Second worst... maybe the wizard who we faced down in the wastes? He wasn't... durable, but his magics, were impressive. I need to keept training for people like that, what magic can do still catches me off guard at times."
03[22:22] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[22:24] <Kotono> "...bigger?" Xavier mouths, no sound managing to come out. "BIGGER?"
[22:26] <Demedais> "Um. I think so, yes." Demedais says, rubbing the back of his neck at this point in embarrassment. "It was really kinda silly."
[22:30] <Kotono> "That thing could eat a small village whole if it was that large," Daril marvels.
[22:30] <Kotono> "Or about twenty of us in one gulp," Morund appends on with awe.
[22:31] <Demedais> "Which idly gives Ferdi a No. 3 spot for being durable enough to survive getting breathed on and a bite." Demedais grumbles. "'course, Alicia then proceeded to shred him into mist. You would have been proud, Engan."
[22:35] <Kotono> "Small favors," Engan mutters again, "Still, a damned dragon?"
[22:37] <Demedais> "Yes. And with his men boasting that he was a masterful slayer, it was kinda funny to see him just stare at the thing for 99% of the time."
[22:44] <Kotono> "So...yes, lots more trianing ahead," Daril says, turning back, "Ah, if there are dragons, we really do need to get back to it."
[22:45] <Demedais> "I'm pretty sure Seira is nine tenths of the reason dragons even come up, most of the time. So don't worry about those as much."
06[22:46] * Demedais coughs. "Any, uh, spiritual questions?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "Y-yes," Xavier calls, "But can it wait? Right now, I'd rather make sure we don't die the next time a dragon comes by! I'd not want to meet Helm THAT quickly!"
[22:51] <Demedais> "Fair enough, but as I said, they mainly tend to find Seira. Anyway. Practice well, you three."

[Corwin]

[19:20] <Ko-Vampirewatching> ----
[19:21] <Ko-Vampirewatching> After a few days, Commander Oberuth summons the three heroes once more. This time they come to an empty room, save for a sheaf of papers on the table. "We got a reply from Malmuth today," he announces.
[19:22] <Alicia> "What did they say?" Alicia asks curiously.
03[19:24] * Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
[19:24] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "First off, apparently they have someone in charge." Tapping the hunk of papers, "Since they sent these. They're offering half the land from here to Valandia and some reparations to both us and the elves in exchange for peace with both parties. From what I heard yesterday, the elves are closing in on Tauret."
[19:25] <Demedais> "Any indication of who is in charge?" Demedais asks calmly.
01[19:26] <Seira> "Then we can probably let some self-important bureacrats haggle over details," Seira muses. "This isn't their last offer, but we shouldn't really have to intervene to get an acceptable settlement."
[19:28] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "No. Almand's off in a room waiting, since I said we'd consider it. If you want to take a run at talking to him to find out, feel free." Looking up from the papers now, "But no, I suspect we're going to see an official settlement soon, even if we hold out for a little more."
06[19:29] * Seira tilts her head. "Well, I'm somewhat curious who's in charge. Let's go ask?"
06[19:30] * Alicia shrugs. "No harm in it. I'm sure Lord Salman will make his decision soon enough, anyway, but we might as well feel them out a bit."
[19:30] <Demedais> "Sure." Demedais nods slightly.
[19:31] <Ko-Vampirewatching> The three head to a small side room. A few guards are here, saluting as the trio enters. Almand sits inside, impassive looking and patient.
01[19:31] <Seira> "Hello," Seira greets him fairly amiably.
[19:32] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "Good afternoon," Almand slightly inclines his head. "Are you coming to tell me on your nation's decision already?"
01[19:33] <Seira> "In a way," Seira tells him. "The counter offer is a very good one, which means I won't be getting insulted or trying to push for all or nothing. But we did want to know whom we would be making the deal with."
[19:35] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "General Olburt and certain high ranking nobles are running things until a heir is found," Almand's voice stiffens.
[19:37] <Demedais> "Good." Demedais says simply.
06[19:37] * Seira nods in agreement. "Yes, as long as he gets his affliction looked at."
[19:38] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "Regardless of that," Almand does continue, "Will these terms be accepted?
[19:38] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "
01[19:39] <Seira> "There is likely to be a push for more by those who want to look good before Lord Salman," Seira says dismissively, "Cosmetic changes, but at the core of the matter, yes, I believe so."
[19:39] <Demedais> "Possibly. We have some say, but we aren't the leaders, you see. Lord Salman and Commander Oberuth are still looking at it, but see Seira." Demedais says, looking at Almand.
[19:39] <Alicia> "We have not been informed of Lord Salman's decision, we were simply curious who was now in charge of your nation," Alicia admits. "Since allowing ourselves to be ignorant of what transpired within your borders served us so poorly in the recent past, it's something we should look at amending in future."
06[19:40] * Seira nods again. "It wouldn't be strange to see a firmly-worded request for reduced troop levels around Valandia," she mentions.
[19:40] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 hmm.
06[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 hmm. and gets 28."12 [1d20=13]
[19:41] <Ko-Vampirewatching> You merely get a slight nod to that. "Hmm..tell me when there's something official."
01[19:43] <Seira> "On a more personal note," Seira says then, exchanging a glance with Demedais, "has all of Irenes's research been destroyed?"
06[19:43] * Demedais inclines his head at that. "You shall receive word."
[19:43] <Ko-Vampirewatching> Almand stiffens at that, "That is none of your concern."
01[19:44] <Seira> "Another avatar of the God-King rising under our noses is quite the concern," Seira counters.
06[19:44] * Demedais blinks at this, eyeing Almand.
[19:44] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 ...sm here, that's something I want more on if I can get it.
06[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 ...sm here, that's something I want more on if I can get it. and gets 22."12 [1d20=7]
[19:45] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 sm reroll, go Negotiator
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 sm reroll, go Negotiator and gets 30."12 [1d20=15]
[19:46] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "This is not a matter for discussion, beyond that it is an internal Malmuthian affair." Almand states.
[19:47] <Demedais> "...If you are having problems with it..." Demedais says slowly, looking at him with undisguised sympathy.
[19:49] <Ko-Vampirewatching> The look back Demedais gets is cold and unemotional, Almand's expression like ice. "This is an internal affair."
06[19:49] * Seira palms her forehead. "Why do I even bother with that side of humanity," she mutters. "Fine, whatever. We'll try to make your stay here as short as possible and have a decision delivered to you at the earliest convenience."
[19:50] <Alicia> "Make sure you deal with it, then," Alicia tells him, leaning forward menacingly. "Because we will be watching. Don't make us come visit you, again." And knowing the value of a dramatic exit, she turns with a flourish of her cloak and walks out the door.
06[19:51] * Seira dismisses Almand's presence from her mind and strolls out casually.
06[19:52] * Demedais looks at Almand for a bit longer, sympathy beginning to mix with weariness. "I see. So as it was in the beginning, it is now, and will ever be?"
[19:54] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "We will not forget this war," Almand says back to Demedais. "One day, one day."
06[19:55] * Seira stops. And turns around.
01[19:55] <Seira> "I'm sorry, did you want to continue fighting?"
01[19:56] <Seira> "Screw this, I want all or nothing, now," Seira says, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
[19:56] <Demedais> "...One day you will see history repeat itself, then." Demedais says bitterly. "You strode forward with violence in mind and heart; why are you so surprised at this result? This is..." Demedais stops and gazes wearily at Seira.
01[19:57] <Seira> "Yeah, how's Tauret doing? I heard elves say it's nice there this time of year."
[19:58] <Ko-Vampirewatching> The look Seira gets back is frozen. "You have our terms."
01[19:59] <Seira> "Our words are backed up by superior firepower," Seira tells him with an even more frozen glare. "If you don't want to cede the rest of the land, cede the weaponry. Disband large portions of your army until it is no longer than at a ratio of three to one, compared to ours."
[20:00] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "Hmph," Almand mutters.
[20:00] <Demedais> "..." Demedais just stands speechless at this, eyes closed and his head shaking a bit.
01[20:01] <Seira> "Back at you!" Seira snaps suddenly. "What part of ENDING THE CONFLICT FOR GOOD don't you guys understand?!"
01[20:01] <Seira> "Negotiations aren't just a chance to recover and get into better backstabbing position! IT DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY IN LIFE!"
[20:05] <Ko-Vampirewatching> "You..." Almand twitches slightly, turning to glare pure hateful fire at Seira. "You're lucky we're deigning to give you a peace at all," he snaps off. "You should be ground down under thousands of boots, not surviving."
06[20:05] * Seira quietens down, talking steadily in monotone. "I swear I will go soldier-to-soldier clad in stoneskin and ask each man if he is a retard or wants a chance at life, and kill the retards until there are none left and it will take me several weeks but I will do it and finally we will have peace and the land will run red with blood."
01[20:06] <Seira> "There. Will. Be. Peace. One. Way. Or. Another."
[20:07] <Demedais> "...You seek to begin this again, then?" Demedais says, suddenly colder than ice. "You seek to summon back the same old darkness into your hearts, using the people as your pawns? Using the soldiers as a weary axe against us? You think a thousand of boots could stand, or even tens of thousands? You are mad - but furthermore?" A wry grin. "So are we, Almand. And we are very, so very tired, of this. We have offered peace time and time again, a peace that will
[20:07] <Demedais> "We have offered peace time and time again, a peace that will last if Malmuth will but listen..." (More)
[20:10] <Demedais> "And your country has, each time, responded with a strike against us. We tire of this. Our patience has run out, and if you think your pathetic knives will stand... your suffering will last beyond the aeons as you are bled dry. Give up and try to understand why we have done this. If you truly want peace? Take it now. It is quite possible -this- will be your final chance."
[20:11] <Ko-Vampirewatching> Taking a long, long, long breath, Almand composes himself. "You are fortunate my superiors share your opinions now," he says at very long last. "Go. The offer is on the table."
[20:12] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 calling bullshit  one final time.
06[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 calling bullshit one final time. and gets 32."12 [1d20=17]
01[20:12] <Seira> "Idiot," Seira says, glancing at Demedais after. "Maybe we just need direct negotiations with the smarter of the superiors?"
06[20:16] * Demedais just stares at Almand, coldly for a long second, before looking to Seira and leaving.
06[20:17] * Seira follows, telling Demedais once they're out of the room, "Refusing to reduce the size of their massive army when they have no enemies that would go to war against them on their own initiative spells out that they intend to doublecross us."
[20:17] <Demedais> "I caught that, thanks." Demedais says, head in his hands. "Seira?"
01[20:18] <Seira> "I'm quite serious about going over to punch them in the face until someone not stupid steps up to deal with us."
[20:20] <Demedais> "Firstly, how are the anti-balor-touch treatments going? Second, any chance you can learn how to cast holy fireballs? Third, how about summon great golden worm armadas? Finally, good luck; at this point I'm convinced Ferdi just permamently mindraped them all."
01[20:21] <Seira> "I just don't want Demedais the fourth to come and bother me when Malmuth burns his home village to the ground in another surprise attack, you know?" Seira says with a frown. "We should make the country safe for your great-grandkids so they don't annoy me with equally silly questions. One, all clean. Two, yes but there is a better option. Three, not out of the question. Four, sure thing!"
06[20:21] * Demedais looks up at Seira, eyeing her for a quick moment.
[20:21] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 IC confirmation of point 1, please~ (SM)
06[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 IC confirmation of point 1, please~ (SM) and gets 24."12 [1d20=9]
01[20:22] <Seira> "Don't worry," Seira adds. "I've consulted Waukeen. She said it's all good."
[20:24] <Demedais> "...mm. Very well. I just don't like the idea of that thing knowing where you are; enough problems as is. Two, what's the better option? Three, please do look into it. Finally, I shall ensure no descendant of mine is named Demedais. EVER. Period. Which reminds me, how does one make a family curse that works like that?"
01[20:25] <Seira> "I'll get back to you on curses," she responds with a snort. "And the better option is option 3! Why summon holy fire when you can just summon a fire-breathing dragon with lots and lots of regular fire?"
[20:26] <Demedais> "In case holy makes them cry more." Demedais replies with a slight grin, walking back toward Alicia and the group.
01[20:28] <Seira> "Hmph. Celestial dragon summons, then?"
[20:28] <Demedais> "Sure."
[20:38] <Ko-Vampirewatching> ---

[Corwin]

01[17:08] <Seira> -----
01[17:09] <Seira> Though it might be fun to go and smash something in her annoyance at the stupidity of their enemies, Seira drags Demedais to collect Alicia and return to the Commander. Some things really shouldn't be delayed.
01[17:13] <Seira> "Since I happened to study wars between stupid mortals," Seira continues, after detailing what went on in the meeting briefly, "I can state without a doubt that Malmuth hadn't learnt a thing from their loss. Maybe it just isn't decisive enough, but we won't get peace this way -- egging their ambassador on clearly revealed that. Therefore, I propose we attack in full. Or, at the very least, send our entire force to meet with the Malmuthians. If a heavy military defeat in the battlefield is what would eventually avert an even bigger tragedy, we must teach them to hate war with every aspect of their being!"
01[17:14] <Seira> If a heavy military defeat in the battlefield is what would eventually avert an even bigger tragedy, we must teach them to hate war with every aspect of their being!"
[17:16] <Demedais> "I do believe that he spoke truly when he said his superiors had more common sense than to attack, at least for now; however, Almand at least will be an advocate for waging war again. It might be wise to ensure the defenses of our city as well as of our generals is secure." Demedais notes.
01[17:17] <Seira> "That they chose to send him despite his views doesn't make me particularly certain of that," Seira says, frowning.
[17:17] <Alicia> "I had hoped that removing Ferdi would remove the problem," Alicia sighs. "I have no desire to shed further Malmuthian blood, but if they intend to betray us - as Almand freely admitted they would - we must take steps to ensure peace can be maintained, even if it means more war in the short term."
01[17:18] <Seira> "They have more common sense than to attack... now. But, perhaps, once the elves had retreated and they regained control over the inevitable unrest? Definitely!"
[17:18] <Demedais> "It is possible that we've angered him enough to make him show his personal frustration, which he can perhaps hide more easily in Malmuth. Also, he's quite possibly their best diplomat anyway. But yes, that is an oddity.
06[17:19] * Seira scowls. "And we know full well they would do this, since they had before. The attack on Lord Salman before any hostilities were announced, the attempts on our lives, even the war itself -- they're all precedents of Malmuthian actions, windows into how their minds operate! Recall Olburt, who upon witnessing our power and his king's perfidy... tried to arrest us."
01[17:21] <Seira> "They could entertain notions that they only lost to trickery, to our allies and to our individual actions. And when we are engaged -- with the devil invasion in the desert, with the restoration of the land, with the ruins... they would try to destroy us, thinking they can. And we must show them that we are stronger than that."
[17:23] <Demedais> "It does not help their situation that our city is quickly accumulating magicians and priests with the talent and capability to act and befoul the movements of armies without problem. In the end, all they will have is trickery - but that may make them desperate, if they don't bloody well see we're not interested in this war in the first place."
01[17:24] <Seira> "And an influx of their own mages -- inevitable, when we open more seals -- may make them reconsider. Also...." Seira frowns again. "Almand's response on Irenes's legacy makes me wonder whether they still have the means to 'boosting' men or gating in demons."
[17:24] <Demedais> "Probably." Demedais says irritably. "The gnomish ruins would likely have something of the sort - haven't all the rest?"
06[17:25] * Seira nods curtly.
[17:25] <Demedais> "Also, while inevitable... we seem to be the closest, and thus more affected, than more distant places. Remember the reaction of the trading camp at the edge of the desert? It hadn't really effected them as much, and may not until four or five seals are broken."
[17:27] <Demedais> "Almost makes me wish that the dragon had been used in front of all their soldiers. Would have been a far more demoralizing effect. Ah, well."
01[17:27] <Seira> "The ruins becoming usable by devils could be an outcome-- but this is a tangent. We must decide our response to Malmuth, it must be a complete and total rejection of their militarism, and we have to show our strength. The demand for disbanding the majority of their army and for land to use as buffer and punitive measures has to be kept."
02[17:27] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (-=SysReset 2.55=-)
06[17:27] * Seira blinks at Demedais's words. "It was! In their city, no less!"
[17:28] <Demedais> "In their city, but witnessed, I would estimate, by relatively little of their front line."
[17:29] <Ko-SageandExcalarechibigrues> Having been listening, "I have an idea," Oberuth speaks up now.
01[17:29] <Seira> "Debatable. We did go past tens of thousands of troops stationed no more than a few hours away. News should travel fast."
03[17:29] * Ko-SageandExcalarechibigrues is now known as Kotono
06[17:29] * Seira looks at the Commander as he speaks.
06[17:29] * Demedais looks to Oberuth as well, patient.
02[17:31] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5443c2be.lns6-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[17:31] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5443c2be.lns6-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[17:31] <Kotono> "We may need to do this, but if we do, we need to have a plan and a projected outcome to force on them. They're surely on the ropes now, so let's try giving them one more punch. A bluff or a real hit barely matters, as long as the elves threaten Tauret. Once they fold, we demand everything to Valandia. Do you remember how we talked of an independant city-state nation of Valandia under our control? If all else fails, a buffer may be extremely
03[17:31] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
03[17:32] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03[17:32] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[17:32] <Kotono> extremely useful now."
[17:33] <Alicia> "Agreed," Alicia nods. "Valandia is their staging point for attacking us - if it was neutral they'd be forced to launch any attacks from the capital itself."
06[17:34] * Seira nods slowly. "You want to set up the barony of Valandia, Sir?"
06[17:34] * Demedais nods at this once. "Certainly a possibility. What trump cards do we have to ensure a quick fall?"
[17:35] <Kotono> "Not quite, there's still Purinn. But that's quite a ways from Valandia. Better yet, if we do so, we'll have them with a strong alliance looking down at them. An alliance, that if need be, can be opportunistic. What of the free cities to the east of Malmuth or the Desert Fiefdoms? If we can get them to make noises and guarantees? Not even a madman would open a war on three fronts."
01[17:35] <Seira> "Their vanguard cannot match our entire force," Seira notes for Demedais's sake. "And their main force has to decide whether to retreat to defend Tauret or face us."
[17:36] <Kotono> "Yes. While they do that...Seira." He turns to her, "Alicia. How hard is to make a convincing illusion of a large gold dragon?"
[17:37] <Alicia> "Major image, it's a third circle spell," Alicia replies. "Not one I can cast, admittedly, but I'm sure Seira could."
[17:37] <Demedais> "I am worried about controlling casualties more, I confess." Demedais notes. "While I acknowledge a supreme show of force may be needed here... ugh. I may want to walk up to every Malmuthian commander and punch them in the nose, but for all I know some of those soldiers are the ones I grew up with, here; I hold them no grudges. Fah."
01[17:39] <Seira> "Major image is doable, as long as it achieves our goal," Seira muses. "Also, if we direct our men to target the enemy commanders, while we protect them by being on the front lines, their entire force might crumble as we press on."
[17:40] <Kotono> "Would it be possible to have one appear over Valandia, look threatening and get seen, and then fly off without simply vanishing?" Commander Oberuth's interest grows. "Alright. If this is viable then, do any of you have any other ideas? I'd like to do this with as little bloodshed as possible, Demedais is correct."
[17:41] <Alicia> "Not really. The range of the illusion is too limited," Alicia shakes her head. "And if we did use an illusion that was seen through, it would probably give them more confidence that we're all tricks and no substance."
06[17:41] * Demedais nods. "Liberal use of magical tricks to lower morale and discourage enemy movements. My walls of boiling water can be used to firighten them off, though it may kill some of their newer trainees. Do we have any ways of conjuring frightful presences on our soldiers? Also, Alicia; perhaps if you fly inside the illusion of the dragon?"
01[17:41] <Seira> "I could summon real dragons soon enough, anyhow. I'd prefer to just threaten them the mundane way. That seems the best way to teach them."
[17:42] <Alicia> "I could fly inside it, but I don't see what could it would do..." Alicia responds in faint confusion.
[17:42] <Kotono> As you talk, there is another knock on the door. "Sir? Commander?"
[17:42] <Alicia> what good*
[17:42] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth holds up a hand, "A moment. Yes?"
[17:43] <Kotono> A page enters, a brief salute. "Sir, another Malmuthian envoy has arrived. He requests an immediate audience."
01[17:44] <Seira> "I can only hope they scried on us and decided to capitulate at last," Seira mutters.
06[17:44] * Demedais looks to Oberuth, one eyebrow raised.
[17:44] <Alicia> "Dissension in the ranks?" Alicia wonders curiously.
[17:44] <Kotono> There's a pause there, before OBeruth nods. "Send him in." After the page leaves, "I hope so. At the least it means something got countermanded."
06[17:46] * Demedais nods.
[17:47] <Demedais> "Sorry; I meant whoever was controlling the image could, so that it would not leave the range of control." he adds as an afterthought.
[17:47] <Kotono> After about five minutes a slender man enters. He has a broad, jovial face, wearing fine blue robes. His hair is long and black. "Commander Oberuth and the Crimson Guard?" He asks, "My name is Birist. I come from the new, rightful ruler of Malmuth, Queen Tant."
01[17:48] <Seira> "Hi!" Seira greets him brightly. "Any chance Almand is a lying bastard, then?"
06[17:48] * Alicia almost says a somewhat sincere 'long live the Queen', but decides it'd probably be in bad taste, all things considered.
[17:49] <Demedais> "This is good news-" Demedais eyes Seira with a long glare "-; what news do you have for us?"
[17:49] <Kotono> "As a matter of record, yes. May I?" he asks, going to a chair. "We're still at war by decree of the previous king, but Queen Tant has no desire to continue this war. I want to establish that right now. However...the Valandian garrison has not reconized her coronation."
[17:50] <Demedais> "..." Demedais stares at this, before beginning to shake his head. "Any... reason why?"
[17:50] <Alicia> "They would be under the command of General Olburt, yes?" Alicia asks probingly.
06[17:51] * Seira snorts. "The demon-tainted old guard. Interesting."
06[17:51] * Demedais waits for a response before commenting, but idly gives a far more amused glance to Seira, almost as if in apology.
[17:51] <Kotono> "We aren't sure yet, but Gener-yes, that's correct." He pauses to Alicia. "...As a sign of good faith, Queen Tant has given me permission to speak in depth. She has no desire to continue on Ferdi's war, but some of his underlings still do. With a large army in Valandia under his control...certain problems have arisen. Further, with the rising situation in Tauret...I'm sure you're aware of that?"
01[17:53] <Seira> "Since that's our allies coming to our aid in a defensive war, yes," Seira affirms. "We're coordinating with them, as you are likely aware."
[17:53] <Demedais> "...I now resent every drop of respect I had for that man." Demedais growls, shaking his head. "Does General Olburt also control Tauret?"
[17:54] <Kotono> "No, he does not. The forces i nthat area have stayed loyal to the rightful crown." A small smile at that, "Queen Tant has given me leave to propose certain beneficial conditions to ending this war and reestablishing peace."
01[17:54] <Seira> "We are open to hearing a genuine peace offer," Seira says, quite friendly.
[17:55] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 sense motive - is he telling the truth re: Olburt?
06[17:55] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 sense motive - is he telling the truth re: Olburt? and gets 31."12 [1d20=16]
[17:57] <Kotono> "Call the elves off. They can stay on the border if they wish until this is resolved, just relieve pressure on Tauret. Hold your own borders in the meantime. Once you do...Her Majesty wishes to resolve this situation in Valandia. With the rear blocked by the Baronies and Tauret relieved, enough forces will be mustered to reassert the correct controls in Valandia. In return for this," Birist looks to them, "What are your demands? Her Majesty i
[17:58] <Kotono> "What are your demands? Her Majesty is willing to entertain any reasonable offer as far as Valandia if you wish land, or reparations."
06[17:58] * Alicia looks somewhat mollified, but leaves it for the higher ranking types to actually discuss reparations.
06[17:58] * Demedais nods once at this. "We like peace. That's what we kept telling the former ruling group in Malmuth, but they seemed to have their ears blocked. As for demands... Well. That is something we may need to revisit now that we have you guys to be able to civilly talk to."
01[17:58] <Seira> "It is a good thing you came now," Seira comments. "We were debating ways of decisively ending the war just now, in the interest of full disclosure. One of the options was employing dragons until Malmuthian leadership recognized that further conflict was pointless, since Almand threatened us with another war not too far into the future." She considers their requests. "As far as Valandia was what we requested, as long as a disbandanment of most of your forces to make them more on par with our own. We really don't intend to invade you, so why bother keeping all them on payroll when they can become farmers or professionals?"
01[17:59] <Seira> as long as a disbandanment of most of your forces to make them more on par with our own. We really don't intend to invade you, so why bother keeping all them on payroll when they can become farmers or professionals?"
[17:59] <Kotono> "After this current war and our second in 5 years, we are of the mind we need a buffer zone. A disbandment of forces there as Seira suggested or a more...independant nature for Valandia would be acceptable."
[18:00] <Kotono> OOC - gah.
[18:00] <Kotono> "After this current war and our second in 5 years, we are of the mind we need a buffer zone. A disbandment of forces there as Seira suggested or a more...independant nature for Valandia would be acceptable." Commander Oberuth listens to all of that, "Lord Salman's wishes are one in the same as far as these matters go."
[18:01] <Kotono> "We have no objection to that," Birist says with a quick smile. "Ferdi's reign was disasterous for the interior of Malmuth - his focus on more estoric matters was bankrupting, as was his military buildup. With a lost war, we have little choice but to cut back."
01[18:02] <Seira> "There is one more thing," Seira adds. "It is more of a personal request, but one I would wish for your Queen to consider. Irenes's leftover knowledge must be examined by someone qualified to do so, and safely disposed of if dangerous. The beneficial parts of it would be shared with her in a show of good faith, naturally."
[18:03] <Demedais> "Furthermore, this leaves open the possibility of working together in-depth from here on, something I find agreeable." Demedais nods slightly, listening with a slight shake of his head. "Did he hope to refill the coffers with spoils of war, or was it truly that shard he ingested... driving him to free..." Demedais shakes his head, before nodding at Seira. "Yeah. We believe Ferdi effectively had his mind overridden by a fragment of power Irenes dug out."
[18:04] <Alicia> "I wouldn't be so sure. Power can corrupt easily enough without any more sinister control being applied," Alicia reasons. "And Ferdi was never the most moral of people to begin with, from the tales I've heard."
[18:04] <Kotono> The color drains from Birist's face at that, "...yes, we are working on that already." His color seems like white lead now, "We lost over 500 men to a strange creature that was freed in trying to disable what laid beneath the palace. However, Her Majesty's times enabled her to make certain friends that have greatly sped up the process of cleaning up this horrible mess beneath."
01[18:05] <Seira> "Is that a diplomatic way of saying our help would not be appreciated?"
[18:07] <Demedais> "...by Helm." Demedais shakes his head. "That is... I am sorry to hear that, and would warn you to take extreme caution; while it must be done, as you know, it is... even we have fallen prey to traps in such ruins. They are definitely not pleasant places."
[18:07] <Kotono> "Her Majesty's opinion is to burn it all, frankly. She's well on her way to it. You have to understand a moment...but aaah, a bit of history would be beneficial." Birist's color doesn't really improve, but he keeps speaking, voice having slight shakes. "Queen Tant is only distantly related to King Ferdi, but she's one of the few left. Ferdi essentially trimmed the royal house, already depleted after the fall of the previous king. She was away
[18:07] <Kotono> She was away until very recently and made several useful allies. They've helped us destroy and ultimately contain what lies beneath there."
01[18:08] <Seira> "Your peace offer seems genuine enough, so we'll trust you on that. Just... as long as you really do seek coexistence the same way we do, don't hesitate to swallow any pride and call upon us for help if there is a need to, at some point in the future."
[18:09] <Kotono> There's a moment after where Birist runs a hand over his face. "We do. To be frank, Malmuth needs a long period of healing now. The army we can support will likely be busy in internal matters."
[18:10] <Demedais> "A commendable point of view; while I do worry a bit... ah, but that is a long story in and of itself as to why we have interest in such ruins. Though the 'burn' concept is hardly a bad one with such toxic junk."
01[18:10] <Seira> "Well, then. A more practical question to set us back on course. All you require of us is to back off? You will defeat Olburt's forces on your own?"
[18:11] <Kotono> "Yes. Speaking of, the matter of Almand...we request that you detain him with extreme force, but there is a problem." Birist continues, "We believe that as a member of Ferdi's inner clique he may have certain...reconditions and abilities that would give normal troops great pause."
[18:11] <Alicia> "We can put him in the cell next to Pallan's," Alicia offers darkly.
[18:11] <Kotono> "Yes. Her Majesty does not want to rely on a foreign power to put down an internal matter. The crown needs to show strength with a new ruler."
01[18:12] <Seira> "A bit of a strange view since that land would become a barony, but I can see the need for a show of force." Seira nods. "And Olburt's power is a demonic regeneration. Overwhelming force, repeatedly directed towards him, should put him down. Try holy and dispel evil spells if you can, too."
[18:12] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth smiles a little at that. Not a lot, but there is indeed a little smile on his face. "You three, would you go deal with that while I discuss specifics with Birist?"
06[18:13] * Demedais nods to this. "Just like Pallan. Argh. Very well, that can be done. Claris Brightsun will likely wish at some point to come and assist you; he fled from Ferdi's iron hand. Engan may as well, though he's also dealing with paladins in training." With that, he nods to Oberuth, the same smile on his. "Certainly, sir."
[18:14] <Alicia> "With pleasure, sir," Alicia agrees, saluting smartly as she departs.
06[18:15] * Demedais salutes as well, before following Alicia.
[18:15] <Kotono> A room a few doors down has Almand, a small sitting room. The door is currently closed.
[18:16] <Alicia> "Who gets to do the honours, then?" Alicia asks before they go to open it.
[18:16] <Demedais> "Seira's hated him the longest."
01[18:16] <Seira> "Demedais hasn't humiliated a Malmuthian yet."
06[18:16] * Seira snickers, then. "Plus, he's weak to men."
[18:16] <Alicia> "All yours, then," Alicia defers to her fellow lieutenant.
06[18:17] * Demedais eyes Seira. "So managing to run for a week through Malmuthian terrain didn't put egg on their face? Very well. Shall we go for surprise or politeness?"
[18:17] <Demedais> "Surpise?"
01[18:17] <Seira> "Demedais," Seira says gravely. "I want you to go in and punch him in the face."
[18:17] <Alicia> "Politeness. We're not barbarians, after all," Alicia states firmly. "If he resists, so be it."
06[18:17] * Seira pouts. "Please punch him?"
[18:18] <Demedais> "You see, this is why I asked first." Demedais grins. "I will go in and be polite. If he does not agree, I will punch him with my sword. Okay?"
01[18:18] <Seira> "As long as you break his nose," Seira relents.
06[18:18] * Demedais opens the door at this and looks in. "Almand."
[18:19] <Kotono> Almand sits at a table, drinking a glass of water. He looks Demedais over, neutral. "What?"
06[18:19] * Seira takes a spot in a corner of the room.
06[18:19] * Alicia simply waits by the door, letting Demedais handle this as he likes.
[18:21] <Demedais> "To be perfectly blunt about the entire situation, you're going to be detained until we've handled this entire situation." Demedais says, the same small smile on his face as Oberuth had. "In general, we're not interested in the negotiations if the potential for another war exists, and we don't see the need to be polite about it. Also, general orders from Oberuth, duty first, all that jazz. Acceding to this peacefully will remove all chances of your nose fin
[18:22] <Demedais> "...of your nose finding its way to your liver." A pleasant tone. "Your call."
[18:24] <Kotono> "I didn't think you had it in you," Almand observes coolly. He looks over the three before, "Fine."
[18:25] <Demedais> "Yeah, well, you with your threats made us far less inclined than you would think to entertain said threats." Demedais says, tossing the manacles to Seira.
06[18:25] * Seira looks at them dumbly. "What do you want me to do with that?"
[18:26] <Demedais> "..." Demedais gives a look to Seira. "Right, I forget you aren't used to general practices of surrender. They go on his wrists as we lead him to a cell."
[18:27] <Demedais> "Also, did you just not pay attention half of the time or something?"
06[18:27] * Seira tilts her head. "Really? And that works? Wow." She heads over to Almand to place them over his hands.
01[18:28] <Seira> "I can't help it most people facing me are stupid and don't surrender when I tell them to," she grumbles. "Use of force is always threatened, and they never listen!"
[18:28] <Kotono> The manacles are clamped on. Almand looks at the three coldly, but says nothing.
[18:29] <Demedais> "I'd say you need better diplomatic abilities, but given the examples you've had, that may not be the problem more often than not." Demedais inclines his head. "So, we have a cell nearby, away from everyone else?" A look to Alicia at this.
06[18:30] * Alicia is not the jailer! She just happens to spend more time there than everyone else and... "Yes, I saw a suitable one when I was down there, yesterday. It should still be free," she replies, duty masking her weariness.
02[18:30] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-123-186-80.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[18:31] <Demedais> "Very well. Shall we?"
03[18:32] * Gate-sleeper is now known as Gatewalker
01[18:32] <Seira> "You forgot to threaten the new prisoner," Seira comments. "While our guards may not be a match for some of our guests, they have orders of what to do in case of a prisoner acting up. And the result is usually pretty bad on the guest in question."
[18:33] <Demedais> "Seira is approaching omnipresence, and always willing to punch noses in with fireballs. There, that good enough?
03[18:34] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-71-252-177-59.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[18:36] <Kotono> A day or two passes quietly. It is with some fanfare that Lord Salman returns, the buzz surrounding the city. So the Crimson Guard is summoned to the city hall, a fine, luxuirious room to rest in. The mood outside is festive and so is the one inside. "We have been in conference with Malmuth's agent. A final peace accord has been reached," Lord Salman states. "As the three who worked so hard to eliminate such a vile threat, our nation owes you
[18:38] <Kotono> our nation owes you a great, deep debt for your duties."
01[18:41] <Seira> "Lord Salman," Seira says in her most respectful tone of voice, "now that we've gained a new barony to the union, have you considered someone to lead it?"
06[18:42] * Demedais stands at attention, not commenting - before Seira speaks, at which he just looks at her for a long moment. "This is good news to hear, that peace can finally come. May it be a prosperous one."
06[18:44] * Alicia was about to say that they'd only done their duty as is proper, before Seira's brazen power grab makes her think it would sound a bit hollow. She manages to keep from sighing aloud, at least.
06[18:44] * Demedais looks to Alicia and nods once, clearly in sympathy.
[18:49] <Kotono> "We are considering such matters," Lord Salman states solemnly, "For now, however, we have a chance to celebrate our victory. In a night's time we shall have a great celebration in Balmuria, and we have designated the Crimson Guard as the guests of honor."
01[18:49] <Seira> "I've been thinking," Seira continues, "And a baroness is higher than a countess, right? I know just the right person for the job, and she'd make you very proud! Plus our elven allies see her in quite a high regard."
[18:51] <Demedais> "...Seira, such things can be discussed later, no?" Demedais says slightly wearily. To Lord Salman with a bow, "You do us a great honor, Lord Salman."
06[18:52] * Seira shrugs. "I suppose they can be. What do guests of honor do?"
[18:53] <Kotono> Lord Salman smiles. "I salute your constant dedication, Seira, but let this be a time of celebration. A chance to enjoy revelery and peace, for we shall put the last ball we had here to shame."
[18:53] <Demedais> "Ball." Demedais stiffens at that.
01[18:54] <Seira> "I can do this," Seira says with a nod. "A shame I didn't know in advance and came better-dressed."
06[18:54] * Alicia looks vaguely uncomfortable at the thought of attending such a function, but consoles herself with the thought that their presence will be good for morale. "You honour us, Lord Salman," she smiles politely.
[18:55] <Demedais> "Tomorrow, Seira. Not tonight. Right?" Demedais says.
06[18:55] * Seira looks confused but merely lets it slide.
[18:56] <Kotono> "Tomorrow. Do you need funds for preparations?" Lord Salman asks, "Bring your friends and allies as you wish, and will they need funds as well?"
[18:57] <Demedais> "I... no, this should... we should... ah, no, I have the funds." Demedais half-stammers out.
06[18:57] * Seira boggles at the suggestion, but controls herself instantly. "I'm good, Lord Salman!" she responds.
[18:58] <Alicia> "Likewise," Alicia demurs gracefully.
[18:58] <Kotono> "Until then," Lord Salman stands, offering each his hand to shake. "Honors and rewards will be given then."
06[18:58] * Demedais shakes his hand and bows, sweating just a bit. "Until then..."
06[18:59] * Alicia responds with a firm handshake.
[18:59] <Kotono> As he shakes Demedais' hand, "Is something the matter?" Lord Salman asks.
06[18:59] * Seira doesn't want to appear rude by refusing to shake his hand, even if it isn't really her thing, and puts on a smile for good measure!
[19:01] <Demedais> "Ah... no. Nothing relevant." Demedais shakes his head, a bit of a self-deprecating smile on his face. "It is... heh. No worries. On the morrow, then."
03[19:06] * Mikuru (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
03[19:07] * Mikuru is now known as Anastasia
03[19:07] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Anastasia Anastasia
[19:08] <Anastasia> ---

[Corwin]

[19:10] <Anastasia> ---
[19:11] <Anastasia> That evening, Celebrimbor arrives at Seira's inn. The two have to head back, the front rowdy and full of open celebration. Some people are getting in practice the day before, apparently. Once in a quiet back room, "It's over," Celebrimbor says at last. "I hear the Baronies got good terms, as did we."
01[19:12] <Seira> "Oh? Which terms did you get?" Seira asks curiously, packing as she talks.
[19:13] <Anastasia> "Mostly tribute," Celebrimbor goes on, "Not as much as the Council would have liked, but they very sincerely pleaded poverty thanks to Ferdi. We obtained a few considerations for later use to compensate."
01[19:14] <Seira> "That's important. Plus, now we finally have a chance for real peace. And once the initial distust's died down, at last, true cooperation. Not bad tribute at all."
[19:15] <Anastasia> "It went through well because of that. A short war followed by peace is the best argument against complete isolation this could make."
01[19:16] <Seira> "Are you going back, now?" Seira asks the elder elf. "I've been thinking of traveling on my own, but our magic still can't compare to yours, so I could always amusingly materialize elsewhere and have to rely on my pegasus to get me back on course."
[19:17] <Anastasia> "If you're asking for transportation, yes, I'm heading home," He says simply.
01[19:19] <Seira> "Please take me along?" she requests, finally done with the things she wishes to bring along. "I should be fine for the trip back. They're kind of throwing a ball in our honor and I was told I could bring a date. I think." Seira shrugs. "So I figured, why not?"
[19:21] <Anastasia> A slight smile, "Alright. Ready then?"
06[19:22] * Seira glances down at herself, to make sure she's presentable in the clothing she had acquired what seems like a lifetime ago, on her first visit to the elven court. "Do I look alright? I never really get a chance to dress up."
[19:24] <Anastasia> "Well enough. Where are you going to go?" Celebrimor asks as he prepares.
01[19:25] <Seira> "Gurren's waiting outside," Seira tells Celebrimbor. "If you could drop us off anywhere at the Citadel, it would be fine."
[19:28] <Anastasia> "I'll drop you off outside my mansion." Celebrimbor says as you go outside. "REady now?"
06[19:28] * Seira nods. "Sure thing. By the way, I can bring friends along, too, so you're definitely getting a standing invitation."
[19:30] <Anastasia> "I'll try and drop by. I can't guarantee it, since Council's going to be bickering about how to use the tribute from now to the end of time," A sl ight smile passes over Celebrimbor's face again as he casts. The world folds and slips by, a quiet evening estate seen in shadows. It's very peaceful here, the sounds restful.
06[19:31] * Seira mounts the pegasus, and gives Celebrimbor a wave. "Try and see if you can get away for a moment? A human ball should be fun for a change!" And then, she urges Gurren to take flight, seeking out Amaryl's estate.
[19:39] <Anastasia> This does take some time in the moonlight. When Seira does find it, the Gaial estate is a large mansion deep within the Citadel of Light, grassy grounds around it. She can see a few guards below, keeping watch at intervals.
06[19:41] * Seira decides to have Gurren touch down before them rather than tresspass for pointless fun. It would be more productive in the longer run. Once the pegasus is on the ground, Seira waves at the guards, asking, "Is the lady of the house in?"
[19:47] <Anastasia> The guards are rather good - they're reacting as you land, the glint of arrowheads noticed far in the darkness. "State your business," one calls. "And your name."
06[19:49] * Seira snaps her fingers. "Right, night. Sorry, I forget it doesn't bother me. You can't see me? I'm Seira. Lord Drake brought me along just now upon his return from the Baronies. I have urgent business with Lady Gaial." She considers. "Would you like me to cast some light to allow you to see me better?"
[19:50] <Anastasia> There's some murmuring at that, torches coming out. They shed ruddy light, Seira seen. One of the elven guardslooks Seira over, before nodding curtly. "Looks like the description. Come on."
06[19:51] * Seira smiles at them, and leads Gurren after her as she approaches.
[19:58] <Anastasia> The estate is quite large inside. In the first room is a grand, vast stone inlay of a map of the elven lands. From the border of the Barbarian Lands to the cold reaches of Chillander's territory you see it all in great detail. You head down beautiful halls woven with vines and trees, doors often replaced by greenery that moves out of the way as you walk.
06[20:00] * Seira hopes they'll take good care of her pegasus, since she's certainly not actually taking him inside. Still, of anyone in Pallanth, this particular estate should have the know-how for the task. Worry-free, Seira strides forward, quite expectant.
Session Close: Fri Feb 15 20:01:56 2008

Session Start: Fri Feb 15 20:01:56 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[20:01] * Disconnected
02[20:02] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[20:02] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[20:02] * Topic is 'Antenora>Rider 1>Rider 2=Alicia'
03[20:02] * Set by Kobrb on Mon Jan 28 22:23:24
03[20:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Corwin
03[20:03] * Corwin is now known as Seira
[20:04] <Anastasia> Through these doors you go, lead into what's a small, pleasant room. Here chairs and tables rest, as well a large window that shows a beautiful view of the back of the estate. Here Amaryl rests, eyes closed as she listens to another elf. This elf is tall, over six feet tall. By elven standards he is a giant, his hair long and like the green stem of plants. "...even in counci-" he does stop as Seira enters. "Later, Amaryl," he says dist
[20:05] <Anastasia> "Later, Amaryl," he says distantly, turning away. "We'll finish this conversation later."
[20:05] <Anastasia> "Ah, of course," Amaryl blushes and bows her head to him, "Be well, my uncle." she says this and keeps her gaze averted, as he strides out past Seira.
01[20:06] <Seira> "Wow, that's one tall elf," Seira says once he's left. "And a tad rude, but maybe it's a defense mechanism since people always comment on his height behind his back? Why, he even strolled right past me and didn't even say hello!"
[20:07] <Anastasia> "That's my uncle," A blush from Amaryl as she slowly raises her gaze. "He's...he's a good person, but very focused on whatever he's doing or thinking. Very intense."
01[20:08] <Seira> "Hi!" Seira says next, putting the matter out of her mind. She certainly wouldn't make the elf's life hell if Amaryl doesn't hate him. "I wrote you a letter, and then I decided to come in person to deliver it!"
[20:11] <Anastasia> "Oh, that's so good of you," Amaryl does lightly perk up, "When did you get it? It's already dated, I think."
01[20:12] <Seira> "A week or so, maybe?" Seira asks, before she withdraws her own response and breaks the seal, reading from it, "Dear Amaryl! Got bitten in half by a dragon, saved my long-lost dad from mind control, teleported over to King Ferdi to end the war. Summoned great wyrm. Twice. Life is good, but I miss you, too. Love, Seira."
[20:14] <Anastasia> "Aaaah..." Amaryl listens, a bemused smile by the short end. "Not one for long letters? But yes, I heard of what happened to the King of Malmuth. The council is now arguing how to use the tribute that will be given."
01[20:15] <Seira> "I'm sorry, it's the second letter I wrote in my life," Seira says a tad sadly. "And my first one never receieved a reply, so I didn't know how they work. I usually communicate with magic, and those sendings are quite short by their nature."
[20:16] <Anastasia> "I can show you sometime. It's ilke telling a story and writing it in the right words," Amaryl takes Seira's hand. "You put your thoughts into form through the pen and see the story that is born from it."
01[20:18] <Seira> "I'd appreciate it," Seira agrees. "But I actually kind of have another reason for a visit right now. There's a whole ball thing happening back in Balmuria tomorrow night, and I'm one of the guests of honor." She gestures at her dress. "Celebrimbor said this would do, and I think he wouldn't just tease me like that, but I really couldn't enjoy attending it without you.
01[20:18] <Seira> What do you say? I can teleport, now, so I'll bring you back safe and sound! I just... want to share this with you. It's just not the same to celebrate with all the well-wishing soldiers."
[20:21] <Anastasia> "Oh! A ball?" Amaryl's eyes grow warmer, "I'd love to go. I'll just have to go to Council in the morning and arrainge to be gone for a day. Unless something urgent occurs, it should be possible."
01[20:22] <Seira> "Great!" Seira exclaims, smiling. "It's a date!"
[20:26] <Anastasia> Another blush, Amaryl nodding. "So, can you tell me of what you've been through? You were bitten in half, but you got better...?"
01[20:29] <Seira> "Yes, with magic and determination alone. Though the magic was really Claris's." Seira winces. "Facing Irenes was terrifying but I placed that aside since I was really angry at him. And King Ferdi's presence...." Seira shakes her head. "That was just a fraction of the God-King's power, but it was beyond frightening. I lost my mind there for a time, even though we emerged victorious in the end."
06[20:29] * Seira smirks, then. "But keep all this between us, will you? It'll interfere with our spotless public record. No citizen wants to know how their defenders get scared or taken to death's door."

[Corwin]

02[19:10] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[19:10] <Anastasia> Panic. It's not really suited to a hero's face, even when seeing a loved one. In particular, Pollyanna seems to be wondering why Demedais might have that look on his face as they meet at Helm's temple. "Demedais?" she asks.
[19:11] <Demedais> "Hi. Uh, tell me, how much experience do you have with, ah, more formal situations?" Demedais says in a bit of a rush, leaning against a wall.
[19:12] <Anastasia> Pollyanna gives Demedais a strange look, scratching her cheek. "Like nobility?"
[19:12] <Demedais> "Like, um, a ball."
[19:12] <Demedais> "Not like a bouncing ball or a rolling one, but uh dance."
[19:14] <Anastasia> "Oh." Pollyanna looks Demedais over, before rubbing her head. "...are you going to wear your armor to it?"
[19:15] <Demedais> "Is such a thing normally appropriate?" Demedais asks quickly.
[19:17] <Anastasia> Pollyanna rubs the bridge of her nose, "Oh Demedais..." she murmurs, thinking a moment. "Mmm. I know. Come with me," Pollyanna heads out the door, starting to walk.
[19:17] <Demedais> "I, uh. ...I don't have any knowledge at all of such situations. This is... completely foreign. With Kondrux, we had a feast, that wasn't a problem, I could show up in armor to that. But this?" A quick look to make sure none of the priests are around, before speaking in a lower tone. "The priests and soldiers taught me fighting and faith, not social graces!" Following Pollyanna out, "Their idea of a good time is reading the scriptures again for a grin when
[19:19] <Demedais> "grin when Helm cracked an idiot's head for being stupid. Or the epic tales of the old wars, or in one case the reading of really bawdy romance novels." (More)
[19:19] <Demedais> "This is... this isn't something I know anything about! I argh. Why does it have to be tomorrow?"
[19:21] <Anastasia> Taking Demedais by the arm and leading him along through the strets, "I see." She mulls as she heads to the new city. "I'm going to take you to Alicia and talk to her. She always looks so striking in that armor of hers and has the presence to make it appeal. If you're going to wear your armor - preferably NOT - she can help make it look good. If not, she may have some experience making a warrior a passable looking noble for a night."
[19:23] <Demedais> "I-" Demedais pauses. "That... okay, fair, that'll work. I have a bit of money to look into passable clothing with, but my somewhat worn traveling clothes are, I suspect, inadequate."
[19:23] <Anastasia> As you head through the new quarter at a good clip, "Yes, less travelling clothes and more good clothes. Since you ARE taking me with you, aren't you?"
[19:24] <Demedais> "If you want to go. I'd rather have you at my side, but Helm only knows I would understand if you didn't want to." Demedais says with a sheepish grin.
[19:26] <Anastasia> "Of course I'm going. After all this bloody war, having something lovely is good." On Demedais is lead, to Alicia's house. Behind it the new Temple of Mystra is being finished. Despite all the activity there, Alicia's actual door is relatively peaceful. Pollyanna knocks on it a few times.
[19:28] <Alicia> After a moment the door opens to reveal Alicia... she really does keep her sword on her when just puttering around the house, it seems. "Oh, hello, Pollyanna, Demedais," she nods to both, "Is this a social visit or..."
[19:28] <Demedais> "Ah."
[19:29] <Anastasia> "Oh. Some of that, some of a cry for help," Pollyanna says to her.
06[19:29] * Alicia raises an eyebrow. "Perhaps you should come inside," she opens the door fully and steps back. "What kind of help?"
[19:30] <Demedais> "The, uh, ball tomorrow." Demedais says, nervously.
[19:30] <Anastasia> "It's for Demedais," Pollyanna leads him inside, "Do you know of the ball that's coming up? Would you believe that he doesn't know if he should wear his armor to it or not?"
[19:31] <Demedais> "She would know of it, she's another of the guests of honor." Demedais says, rubbing his head.
[19:32] <Alicia> "It's hard to dance in plate mail," Alicia notes with an appraising glance over Demedais as she leads them to the sitting room. "Admittedly I'll probably feel a bit awkward myself going unarmed and unarmoured, considering how things have been, lately..."
[19:33] <Anastasia> "Isn't it?" Pollyanna smiles, "But I came to you for two things. First of all, you're a warrior, so you know just as well the problems Demedais may be having. Secondly, if he does wear his armor...well, you look so nice in yours. You can help him be acceptable in it."
[19:34] <Demedais> "There is that, I suppose, though I suppose I have no problem going unarmored if I actually have clothing that would be appropriate. Argh. Tomorrow. Why tomorrow. Well, at least it's not today..."
[19:35] <Anastasia> Listening to Demedais, Pollyanna shakes her head. "Does he act this way around demons or dragons?" she asks Alicia.
[19:35] <Demedais> "Besides, Stronger was nice and helped me figure out a way to pretty much put it on and take it off immediately, so."
[19:36] <Demedais> "No, because those I know I can stab and the problem goes away."
[19:36] <Demedais> A second of thought. "I suppose that's a sign I work with Seira too much."
[19:36] <Anastasia> "I think that's a sign that..." Pollyanna merely sighs. "Oh Helm."
06[19:37] * Demedais looks to Pollyanna. "A sign that what?"
[19:37] <Alicia> "Balmuria has enough tailors, but you really should get there soon so you can have something properly fitted," Alicia shakes her head. "Thank you, by the way," she briefly favours Pollyanna with a smile for her compliment. "But really, you're making this out far worse than it is - you just have to wear something nice and stand around. If you dance with anyone it'll be with Pollyanna, so it's not like you have anything to worry about, there.
[19:38] <Alicia> worry about, there."
06[19:39] * Demedais blinks. "So it's nothing like that dementia we had to deal with in the alternate universe in the ruins?"
[19:39] <Anastasia> "......" Pollyanna stares at Demedais very long. "...what?"
[19:40] <Anastasia> "No really, what? Dementia? How does that have anything to do with a celebratory ball?"
[19:40] <Alicia> "No," Alicia explains patiently. "Those people were warped in the head by magic, remember? This is Balmuria, do you think people you know here will suddenly start acting strangely just because they're at a ball?"
[19:41] <Anastasia> "Of course they won't," Pollyanna picks up on that, "Alicia's right. There are plenty of good tailors in town."
[19:41] <Demedais> "The ball they were having in Lord Stargazer's court before the dragon." Demedais specifies. "And... okay. Point. There was magic there. That would likely explain their irrationality. That helps." A few deep breaths, before nodding. "Okay. Tailor. Can I feasibly avoid garish coloring?"
[19:42] <Alicia> "Up to you," Alicia shrugs, "Men can get away with a lot more than women for these sorts of things."
[19:42] <Demedais> "That seems unfair."
[19:43] <Alicia> "Some women like garish colours," Alicia follows up with an almost condescending smile.
[19:45] <Demedais> "But yeah, we ended up having a nightmare of a time dealing with a huge ball filled with nobles that had some enchantment over it. And then a dragon broke in." Demedais says, to Pollyanna. "The usual. If you like garish, I'll do it, but otherwise I'd rather avoid that."
[19:46] <Anastasia> "Those women are...different," Pollyanna matches Alicia's smile. "Don't worry about them. We'll get you something understated and that matches with me. Black's always good."
[19:48] <Demedais> "That'd work just fine." Demedais says, nodding.
[19:49] <Anastasia> "Yes...and oh, Alicia. Are you bringing anyone special?" Pollyanna asks. "I don't recall hearing of anyone, though."
[19:49] <Demedais> "Your sister and Antenora would probably enjoy coming, but is there anyone else?" Demedais inclines his head in agreement.
[19:51] <Alicia> "Ah, no," Alicia shakes her head. "I've invited those two, but no one 'special'," she replies.
06[19:52] * Demedais nods slightly. "You think Seira will bring... ah..."
[19:54] <Alicia> "Lady Gaial?" Alicia fills in. "I don't know. Pallanth is very far away, but Celebrimbor is in Balmuria right now and he could teleport, I suppose, if she asked him."
06[19:55] * Demedais nods once. "Possible. Anyway. Tailor?"
[19:56] <Alicia> "I'd recommend one if I had much knowledge, there, but..." Alicia trails off apologetically. "The one down by the Lower Gate seems to do a brisk trade, I've noticed, so it's probably popular for a reason."
[19:58] <Demedais> "Alright."
[19:59] <Anastasia> "Yes. Demedais, why don't you head along? I need to talk to Alicia about girl things a moment." Pollyanna smiles to him.
[20:00] <Demedais> "Ah... okay." Demedais nods once, not missing the subtext. "Since I don't need to be around to embarrass myself any further, I'll try and contain myself until after the ball to stress out, then. See you there."
Session Close: Fri Feb 15 20:01:56 2008

Session Start: Fri Feb 15 20:01:56 2008
Session Ident: #dunes
02[20:01] * Disconnected
02[20:02] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
03[20:02] * Rejoined channel #dunes
03[20:02] * Topic is 'The room of VENGEANCE! | Christopher>Alicia'
03[20:02] * Set by Kotono on Thu Feb 14 21:40:20
03[20:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Corwin
06[20:02] * Alicia gives Demedais a little wave before turning to Pollyanna. "Girl things?" she repeats, sounding vaguely mystified.
[20:02] <Anastasia> Once Demedais is gone, "Aaah, is Seira bringing Lady Gaial?" she half repeats, raising an eyebrow. "Well yes, I'm curious as to what you meant by that now!"
03[20:03] * Corwin is now known as Seira
[20:04] <Alicia> "I don't know if she is or isn't," Alicia admits, "But the two are very, ah... fond of one another, I've noticed." She shrugs after a moment, "I'm not really one for gossip, so I suppose we'll just see what happens if Seira does bring along a guest?"
[20:06] <Anastasia> "Ah." Delicately coughing, "Thank you, I was curious to that statement. Also, I wanted to ask if you wanted a date for the ball. I know a few good, well meaning soldiers and officers who would love the chance, if you're of a mind."
06[20:08] * Alicia shakes her head. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm not looking for companionship of that nature. I wouldn't want to string anyone along."
[20:09] <Anastasia> Pollyanna smiles a little, "Yeah, I know what you mean. I used to think that way - when you're moving along and living by fighting, it's better not to get attached."
[20:10] <Alicia> "Out of curiousity, what changed your opinion?" Alicia asks idly.
[20:10] <Anastasia> With a deep, long blush, "Aaah...you saw my reason walk out a few moments ago."
[20:14] <Alicia> "He's a good catch," the paladin nods. "If I were a few years younger I might even be tempted, myself..." she adds, sounding quite serious, though surreptitiously studying Pollyanna's reaction.
[20:15] <Anastasia> Pollyanna's color grows darker, eyeing Alicia. "Aaah...yes, I can understand that..." Her gaze at Alicia turns stronger, piercing. "And you do spend a lot of time with him..."
06[20:17] * Alicia laughs a little bit. "It was a joke!" she insists. "I've been known to make them, rarely." Letting a moment pass for that to settle in and hopefully calm the archer, "In all seriousness, though, I'm happy for you both. You've got nothing to worry about from me, I assure you."
[20:18] <Anastasia> "...oh." Pollyanna's color tones down, avering her eyes. "...Sorry. Sorry, gah. It's a bad subject for me still. The thought of losing anyone..." She shakes her head at it.
[20:20] <Alicia> Giving Pollyanna a friendly pat on the back, "I understand. It's not easy, to lose someone you love. It speaks well of your character how you've kept going - and of Demedais, too, for being there for you," she offers approvingly.
[20:22] <Anastasia> "Yeah." Pollyanna picks herself up, "Thanks. I should get going and catch up with Demedais. I still wonder if he'll take it to mean that he should paint his armor black for this."
[20:25] <Alicia> "Wearing black armour just has all sorts of bad connotations for paladins," Alicia mutters as she shows Pollyanna to the door. "Admittedly I've never met a blackguard, but every story you hear about one of us going rogue, it's always with the black armour."
[20:29] <Anastasia> "At least it's not a devil..." Antenora murmurs something else under her breath, but it stays low. "I'll see you there."
[20:29] <Alicia> OOC: Anty?
[20:30] <Anastasia> OOC: Pollyanna.
06[20:31] * Alicia isn't even sure how to parse that statement, so just decides it isn't worth pursuing. "Bye, Pollyanna," she waves as the girl departs.
03[20:32] * Anastasia is now known as Kotono
[20:32] <Kotono> ----------------------------------------------
[20:36] <Kotono> The next evening the entire town is in celebration! Revelers line the streets and the citizens let loose the horrors of the war and all it's tension out. A large hall in the new quarter has been commissioned for this. It's doors are thrown wide open, festivities inside. Here the elite, honored and rich gather, the celebration spilling out throughout the streets. (More)
[20:41] <Kotono> As each enters, they can see the insides. Tables of food and drink are laid out, discussion and dances behind had. Music plays from the sides, everyone here andt here. You can see Elle chatting with a few men, a sharp, red dress worn. IN other places, you can see jugglers and bards act, Commander Oberuth watching them absently, those his gaze tends to sweep about. (More)
[20:42] <Kotono> Claris lingers in the back, wearing his normal clothes and watching. HIs gaze keeps moving as well, but he stays quiet. Donald lingers near the doors, keeping a watch as well.
06[20:44] * Demedais walks in with Pollyanna, also looking around somewhat warily.
06[20:45] * Seira strolls right in, clad in her elven noble's dress. Though she carries a longsword by her side, it is in fact the artifact they managed to retrieve from the late King Ferdi, and thus not something she would just leave lying around, allowing it to escape her sight. She pauses briefly, spotting Demedais, and then leans over to Amaryl to whisper a few details about he and his date to her.
06[20:47] * Demedais idly shuffles a bit uncomfortably. "Are all such clothes normally this form-fitting?" he asks Pollyanna softly and a bit uncomfortably.
[20:48] <Kotono> Pollyanna wears a simple black dress, save for one spot of gold, a necklace around her throat. "That was the idea," she smiles back to him, taking his hand. "Why don't you go introduce me around?"
06[20:49] * Alicia arrived early in order to ensure some of her own (and Antenora's) items were securely stored nearby and accessible in case of an emergency. Dressed in a modestly elegant blue dress with white accents, she seems quite at ease as she lingers with Antenora and Jessica off to the side of the dancefloor.
[20:49] <Kotono> Amaryl listens, looking about. She eyes a few humans and gets a few gazes herself, so she stays fairly close to Seira. "Oh, is that his...?"
[20:50] <Demedais> "Ah, certainly." Demedais nods once, greatsword in a simple sheath on his back with the shield in front of it. "First, how about Claris...? Claris, this is Pollyanna; Pollyanna, Claris Brightsun, servant of Lathander."
01[20:50] <Seira> "Pretty much," Seira agrees. "Want to meet her? She's a very nice girl, not too shabby with a bow. And took to leadership well when I got her to command a group of archers."
[20:50] <Kotono> Jessica drinks a small glass of wine, looking about. "I'm going to go look around," She tells Alicia, before going to do that. Antenora lingers behind, wearing simple white. It contrasts sharply and alluringly with her black hair. "That was a good idea. I would so be irritated if a devil decided this was the time to strike."
[20:51] <Alicia> "Having everyone distracted by a ball does seem to be a diabolically appropriate time to strike, yes," Alicia observes, her tone and expression not giving anything away.
[20:52] <Kotono> Demedais leads Pollyanna back, Claris smiling briefly. "I think we met in passing once or twice, maybe?" he offer shis hand, a brief shake. "I'm here, mostly to keep an eye out. Someone needs to...and I'm not entirely comfortable celebrating, given the cause."
06[20:53] * Demedais inclines his head in brief. "Have you heard of this Queen Tant before, out of curiousity?"
[20:53] <Kotono> "Sure," Pollyanna gets Amaryl's eyes, "She looks like it."
[20:54] <Kotono> "It would be. Turning a celebration into a chorus of lamentations..." Antenora lets her voice trail off at that. There's a certain nastiness to it, before she makes a thick, unpleasant sound.
[20:54] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[20:54] <Kotono> "It would be. Turning a celebration into a chorus of lamentations..." Antenora lets her voice trail off at that. There's a certain nastiness to it, before she makes a thick, unpleasant sound. "Do you want to celebrate, Alicia? I can stand watch."
06[20:56] * Alicia shrugs, not really having much to distract her attention at the moment, anyway. "The night is young. Lets just see how things go..."
06[20:56] * Seira takes Amaryl's hand, leading her over to Demedais and Pollyanna.
[20:57] <Kotono> "The name is familiar, but not much." Claris glances around, "I had thought she'd vanished during Ferdi's rise, but it sounds as if she fled instead. She's got to be at least...50 by now? She won't be a long reigning Queen, most likely. Lathander willing, she will be able to guide Malmuth well while she does live, though."
[20:57] <Kotono> As Claris speaks, he nods slightly. "Seira."
06[20:58] * Seira gives him a short wave with her free hand. "How goes?"
06[20:58] * Demedais inclines his head in agreement. "Indeed- hm? Oh, hello, Seira, Amaryl." A slight bow.
[20:58] <Kotono> As you talk, the music cascades over the hall. It's pleasant and soothing, nothing like discordant or angry verses, nor are any of the dancers a thick, impenetrable wall.
[20:58] <Kotono> "Always to watch..." Antenora murmurs that. "Do you live by that?"
[20:59] <Kotono> "Oh, so that's Amaryl?" Pollyanna looks her over before slightly curtesying. "It's an honor to meet you."
[21:00] <Kotono> Claris smiles back to her, "Good evening."
[21:00] <Kotono> Meanwhile, one can see Jessica go talk to a well dressed man. He smiles a moment, before he looks at her. His eyes narrow as he turns away, taking his ale and food with him. Jessica looks surprised, before she shoots him a genuinely nasty look and goes to get a drink herself.
06[21:01] * Demedais looks over the crowd carefully as they all socialize, frowning a bit at the reaction to Jessica.
01[21:01] <Seira> "So, did we miss anything?" Seira asks, looking around herself.
[21:02] <Alicia> "I have to. You yourself have warned me often enough that Hell could strike us at any time, and they're not our only enemies," Alicia replies placidly, drumming her fingers on her thigh to the music. "Laxness breeds tragedy..." she adds as her gaze is drawn to her sister and her unfortunate encounter, choosing to give the man a bit of a glare of her own.
[21:02] <Kotono> Entering now is a small gaggle of Waukeen's clergy. They look about, a few breaking off to fall into discussions with others.
06[21:02] * Seira gives them another friendly wave, tacking on a smile for good measure.
[21:02] <Kotono> "Not much," Claris answers. "Most everyone is talking or well ontheir way to a long morning hangover. Lord Salman hasn't arrived yet."
01[21:03] <Seira> "Well, then...." Seira returns her eyes to her date. "Wanna dance?"
06[21:03] * Demedais looks back to Claris with a slight cough. "Those, ah... I suppose they would be common, wouldn't they, for most?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "Yes." Antenora's eyes sweep about as well. "I look at people like that, who are having fun with no regard for anything else. Being innocent is a quality of good, isn't it? Pure, untanished innocent unstained by evil?"
[21:03] <Kotono> Seira gets a wave back. Amid them is Mia - she eyes Seira and waves most heartily.
[21:04] <Kotono> Amaryl smiles, "...okay," she lightly blushes, "Whenever you want, Seira."
[21:05] <Kotono> "I suppose, yes." Claris cracks a slight smile. "They're horrible things. I think they're a gift from some wise god, since otherwise these gatherings would last until the next night."
[21:05] <Demedais> "I wouldn't know, but that is truly a frightening thought."
06[21:06] * Seira pulls Amaryl away with a laugh at her shyness. "That's Mia," Seira whispers to Amaryl, placing her arms on her sides. "I think she might become a friend."
[21:06] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Jessica goes about. With a deep, strong drink her hand she walks about, eyeing people. A few people seem to find her gaze unpleasant, though some do not. Those that do get a haughty, nasty look, those that don't get as mile or even a bit of conversation.
[21:06] <Kotono> "See that?" Pollyanna speaks up, "Seira has a good idea. Demedais, let's dance and talk politics some other night."
[21:06] <Alicia> "Having fun with no regard for anything else is hardly good," Alicia notes with a frown. "But are they really doing so with no regard for anything else?" she then adds, gesturing at the attendees. "I think they're taking a chance to decompress and relax after a tense few weeks with the threat of invasion. I can hardly begrudge them that."
[21:07] <Alicia> Seeing her sister at least having some success with her mingling, Alicia can't help but smile with some pleasure for Jessica's sake. Just a shame some people are being so rude...
[21:07] <Kotono> "Mmm." Antenora listens to it, "Perhaps so. It's a mocking stereotype in Hell. A little angel child, so innocent that it's stupid and bloated on it's own foolishness. Shielded from everything, worthless except to kill."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Oh! ARe you going to talk to her then now, Seira?" Amaryla sks, waving to her as well.
06[21:08] * Demedais watches the two go, an eyebrow raised. "Ah, sure. ...This does have to be even more uncomfortable for you than it is for me, Claris. Don't feel compelled to stay in here if you don't want to, okay? It's nice outside as well." With that, Demedais follows Pollyanna onto the floor.
[21:09] <Kotono> "I want to see the awards." Claris says, letting his smile drop. "Enjoy yourselves." At that, Demedais is dragged to the dance floor! Pollyanna smoothly leads him to the edge, taking his hands. "You lead," she murmurs.
[21:09] <Alicia> "Then there's the stereotype of a fat and bloated imp, so mired in its own decadence and used to pulling strings that it can't do anything for itself?" Alicia counters. "Really, such stereotypes only exist for making one side feel good about itself compared to the other."
01[21:09] <Seira> "I only get to see you every now and then. Unless she has earth-shattering news, it can wait until tomorrow," Seira responds. "But if you want to meet her, we can do that in a bit."
[21:10] <Kotono> As she smiles and talks to one of the men, there's a bit of noise. One of the ones she glared at comes up behind her, a nasty few words coming from his mouth. Even from here, it's easy to lipread 'Murderer'."
[21:10] <Demedais> "I lead what?" Demedais asks, before, "Oh. Okay, I think I know this?" With that, he tries to recall how the steps go, taking care to at least stay away from stepping on Pollyanna's feet.
[21:11] <Alicia> "Excuse me," Alicia tells Antenora as she begins to smoothly but swiftly make her way across to the impending fracas.
[21:11] <Kotono> "That's true on occasion. An imp that's highly respected but not promoted for whatever reason could end up that way. Sometimes, one's talent at a role is so overwhelming that promotion is denied in favor of pure advancement within that form. Those imps you speak of exist in rare cases."
[21:11] <Kotono> Antenora stops as Alicia departs, "I'll keep watch," she offers.
[21:11] <Kotono> "I'd love to," Amaryl smiles, going by a table to grab a drink as she goes with Seira.
[21:12] <Kotono> OOC - Dex check, Deme, since I don't think either of you have much formal training.
[21:12] <Demedais> OOC: Oh for the love of. >_>
01[21:12] <Seira> "Would you be incredibly jealous if I asked someone for one dance?" Seira asks Amaryl, eyeing the situation.
[21:12] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 asdf.
06[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 asdf. and gets 9."12 [1d20=8]
[21:12] <Kotono> Jessica turns, her cheeks lighting up. As Alicia approaches, she sees Jessica turn, her hand lashing out! The slap is heard clearly, a red mark on the man's face. As Alicia does get close, "That's ont me," she says sharply.
[21:13] <Kotono> "Is there a good reason?" Amaryl ask sback.
06[21:13] * Demedais looks up once quickly and sees the word mouthed, plus the slap. "...at least Alicia is approaching..."
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 7."12 [1d20=4]
[21:13] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Demedais and Pollyanna begin to dance. Neither of them seems to quite be that good at it, trying to go along. At least they aren't tripping each other.
06[21:13] * Demedais turns so Pollyanna can watch and begins subtly moving toward the area. "Why does drama always happen?"
06[21:14] * Seira winces. "It just might be too late. Since I don't want this to ruin things for us, give me a moment to try and diffuse it?" And she strides after Alicia towards the scene, gritting her teeth.
[21:14] <Kotono> The man puts a hand to his cheek, "I know your face," he retorts. "You're nothing but murderous gutter trash."
[21:14] <Alicia> "Sir, if you have a problem with my sister, I suggest you drop it," Alicia announces her presence as she smoothly puts herself between Jessica and the man. "Or else I will have to ask you to leave."
[21:15] <Kotono> The man - in good shape but with pale skin and uncalloused hands - sees Alicia. His color drains and he scurries away very quickly, turning. He sees Seira approachinga s well, beelining away from her and towards the food.
01[21:15] <Seira> "Hello, Alicia plus sister," Seira greets them, approaching.
06[21:16] * Alicia remains where she is for a moment, cooly surveying all the other gawkers and making it very clear without need for words that she won't appreciate seeing any similar scenes. "Captain," she gives Seira a brief nod.
[21:16] <Kotono> Pollyanna glances back as the two dance, "Ugly," she murmurs. "Some people have no tact." People around watch, though most keep a respectful distance.
[21:16] <Kotono> Jessica takes a long draught from her drink, "I'm fine, thank you," she says to both of them. "There's just a few complete beasts here."
[21:16] <Demedais> "Indeed." Seeing the crisis averted, Deme re-'steers' toward the center of the room. "So, uh."
01[21:16] <Seira> "Please, I'm not on duty if this hasn't clued you in," Seira says, gesturing at her dress. She turns to face Jessica. "Enjoying yourself, aside from the unpleasantness here?"
[21:17] <Kotono> "Shh," Pollyanna leans into Demedais, slowing down the place and resting his head against his chest. "No talk, just try and dance."
06[21:17] * Demedais shrugs and goes with it. "Very well."
[21:17] <Kotono> "I'm going to enjoy myself," Jessica says very quietly. "Come Hell or rude know nothings. Thank you, Seira."
[21:19] <Kotono> Pollyanna seems content for a slow, careful dance. A few others dance around the two, the slow, steady work soothing in it's own way. With the murmur of the chat around, a gentle buzz can lull one's senses.
06[21:19] * Seira extends a hand, bowing lightly. "A dance to forget all about it?"
06[21:19] * Demedais mainly looks at Pollyanna, though his gaze does sweep across the area every few moments as he gets into the pattern of steps.
06[21:21] * Alicia sighs and turns to Jessica. "I'm sorry, Jessica. Try not to let them get to you," she tries to encourage her.
[21:22] <Kotono> Jessica eyes the hand, "I suppose a single dance won't hurt. I could use a warm up." She smiles lightly at Seira, taking her hand.
[21:22] <Kotono> "I won't," Jessica adds after.
[21:23] <Kotono> It's a pretty easy slow dance. A few steps here, a few steps there. A slow, steady motion that's easy to pick up on, really. Meanwhile, Demedais glances out the front as he does. Eudard of Torm can be seen outside, gazing inside.
06[21:23] * Seira returns the smile, grasping the offered hand more firmly, and resolving to lead Jessica.
06[21:23] * Demedais meets his gaze for a few moments before continuing his sweep as he dances.
[21:24] <Alicia> Giving Seira a slightly grateful smile, Alicia wanders back over towards Antenora. "Hmph... the old Beth may have deserved such treatment, but somehow I doubt he'd have had the courage to speak to her that way if she acted the way she used to instead of how she is, now," she can't help but note unhappily.
[21:24] <Kotono> Seira and Jessica take to the dance floor. It's a slow dance, Jessica's agile feet seeming to have no problem at all. "It doesn't bother you at all?"
[21:25] <Kotono> Eudard eyes Demedais, his face impassive as he keeps a watch.
01[21:25] <Seira> "You're staying with your sister for the time being, right?" Seira asks, while casting a glance at Amaryl. As Jessica speaks, Seira tugs at her shoulders. "I'm betting everything I have on Alicia and her judgement."
[21:26] <Kotono> "It's funny. I'd probably get a better reaction than her, and her deeds were but a drop compared to mine," Antenora's observation is dark but having a certain wryness to it. "As I was before, I'd have caused terror in most here."
06[21:26] * Demedais continues the pattern, content in it as he keeps watch and knowing others are as well, yet still enjoying this motion.
[21:26] <Kotono> Amaryl is having a drink and talking lightly to a nice man there. "Yes. I'll be there awhile, I rather like all the books Mystra's library has...er, the Temple of Mystra."
[21:27] <Kotono> "Demedais," Pollyanna murmurs as the dance goes on. "Could you get me a drink?"
01[21:28] <Seira> "We have quite the library, ourselves," Seira comments. "Feel free to step by the Temple to Waukeen. The public library may not match Mystra's for the magical topics, but it is far more diverse by its very nature."
[21:28] <Alicia> "All of your misdeeds were a universe away... hers hit far closer to home for everyone here," Alicia notes as she resumes surreptitiously scanning the ballroom for any further trouble. "And were you unclad by any disguise, such as he would likely be too afraid to challenge you about them, regardless."
[21:29] <Demedais> "Anything in particular you want?" Demedais asks, looking up for a moment to spot the nearest table.
[21:29] <Kotono> "Oh, thank you," Jessica smiles, a far cry from what she was once before. "Reading relaxes me."
06[21:31] * Seira nods in approval. "I hate stupid people. Hearing of those that actually read for fun and pleasure? It would have made my day on a regular occasion." She smiles. "Of course, today I'm pretty happy even without this."
[21:31] <Kotono> "Mmm..." Antenora ruminates on that, as Alicia's gaze sees nothing normal. "I still don't fully understand it. About how someone could forgive a devil." Antenora shakes her head, "The more I look back, the more I'm staggered that any being possesses that forgiveness."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Yes...aaah!" Jessica lowers her voice, "The lady Amaryl's your...aaah...friend?" she clears her throat. "Do you want to go back to her? I dont' want to take you away from that."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Something light," Pollyanna smiles easily, "I'm going to go outside and get air a moment."
[21:33] <Demedais> "Very well. Meet you there?" Demedais says, nodding and looking to the closer door.
01[21:33] <Seira> "She understands," Seira responds. "Or she'll hate me forever? But I'm willing to bet on the former." Nevertheless, she directs the two of them towards the group of Waukeen clergy. "Speaking of visiting the temple, here are some of the nice people that tend to it," Seira states, nodding at them.
[21:34] <Alicia> "The fact that you're actively working to make up for your prior misdeeds is sufficient for me," Alicia replies easily. "Forgiveness is wasted upon those who won't do anything with it."
[21:35] <Kotono> Pollyanna nods and heads outside, leaving Demedais alone for the moment.
[21:35] <Kotono> It's Mia, another man you don't know, and the head priest. "Oh, Seira!" Mia gushes, "I haven't had a chance to talk to you about IT since it's been so hectic." she begins, drinking from a wineglass.
06[21:36] * Demedais quickly heads to grab a cup of light wine, before heading out to meet Pollyanna again.
[21:36] <Kotono> "Yes...and about that, there's something I remember. The Throne Archon we met in the ruins, do you remember when it spoke to you and then it spoke to me?" Antenora goes on.
01[21:36] <Seira> With an apologetic smile at Jessica, Seira lets go of her and approaches Mia, firmly taking the glass of wine from her hand. "Bad, bad habit," she lectures the acolyte. "Stop now or I will share embarrassing stories of the last time you did this."
[21:37] <Alicia> "You never did sat what she said," Alicia observes, turning towards the erinyes. "Going to share, now?"
[21:37] <Kotono> Outside, Demedais finds the strees thick with celebrators. Pollyanna has stopped, listening to Eudard. "...meet. I believe I saw you at the garrison before with Demedais..aaah. And there he is," Eudard looks up to him.
[21:38] <Kotono> "It's...personal." Antenora says at last. "There's one part - about how much the heavens missed their lost children."
[21:38] <Demedais> "Hello, Eudard." Demedais says, handing Pollyanna the cup. "Finding any enjoyment tonight?"
[21:38] <Alicia> "Go on?" Alicia murmurs.
[21:38] <Kotono> "Aaah, this is one glass. After drwarven drinks, I don't even feel anything from a glass of wine." Waving her hand easily and sharply eyeing Seira, "Speaking of! I got a few to come to town and talk while you were away."
06[21:39] * Seira gestures at Jessica, waving her over with the same motion. "Have you met Alicia's sister?" she asks the three. "She's expressed an interest in books and knowledge, which I found quite refreshing." At Mia's words, she blinks, before looking quite pleased. "Would you come along and tell me all about it?"
[21:39] <Kotono> "I'm just seeing the celebrations," he says, "I don't have much time to waste with this. Torm's work is never done." He does offer his hand out, however. "Congratulations on the Baronies' victory."
[21:40] <Kotono> "The Erinyes are fallen angels. When I think about how much it staggers me...it's like a mother looking for a lost child in the night." Antenora's gaze continues to move, betraying nothing. Her voice is heavy, however. "That even after all of that, they'll forgive us if we look for it and take us home. That they still want us."
[21:42] <Kotono> Mia falls in step with Jessica and Seira. "Sure." As they start to walk, "It went okay. It was mostly everyone feeling out the positions of the others. Nothing was quite committed to, though it's promising and another visit should be soon. They're being even more cautious than I anticipated, but they're also giving more and more on it."
[21:42] <Demedais> "I'd rather have had it come peacefully, but this road has been far more peaceful, so I have no objection." Demedais takes the hand and shakes, firmly. "If I didn't suspect Salman would get quite angry if I did not attend..."
[21:43] <Alicia> "The heavens capacity to forgive dwarfs my own," Alicia confirms. "But... I can understand, though," she glances over towards Jessica, "Family is family." Cocking her head, she turns back towards Antenora, "Are many of the original Fallen still around? Or are you all now their descendants?"
[21:43] <Kotono> "Hahahaha." Eudard cracks a smile. "You really do look out of place.
[21:43] <Kotono> "
[21:43] <Kotono> Pollyanna smiles, "I'm working on that. But he is all duty first and pleasure a distant second. I'm glad someone besides Helm approves."
06[21:44] * Seira seems quite happy at the news. "That's pretty great. Mind sharing the story with Amaryl? It might be difficult to top the previous visit, with the gith, a circus from elsewhere and a visit to the elemental plane of water, but I can't just make them all bland and about a ball!"
[21:44] <Kotono> "Most of the originals are Pleasure Devils or even greater devils now. There is a Pit Fiend that was once an Erinyes." Antenora murmurs that. "I suppose some of the originals are around, though I didn't know any firsthand."
[21:45] <Demedais> "The tailor and Pollyanna both tried, believe me." Demedais comments wryly, looking at the suit with a slight eye. "I am slightly convinced that this sort of thing will never fit me, but that may just be me."
06[21:47] * Alicia hums softly as she considers that. "And what you said, after meeting Latha... do you think you can split them away from the 'true' devils? Lead them back to the heavens they spurned so long ago?"
[21:50] <Kotono> "Well..." Mia begins, "Oh yeah, wait, I heard about all that. What was that about, anyway?" she asks Seira.
[21:51] <Kotono> "You're wearing it wrong. Relax your shoulders, you're not wearing armor," Pollyanna chastises.
01[21:51] <Seira> "Which part?" she asks, coming up to Amaryl at last.
[21:51] <Kotono> "If I had the power somehow..." Antenora murmurs, "If somehow, some way I could show them all glory...yes, I think I might be able to. I hope I could."
[21:52] <Demedais> "Eh?" Demedais frowns. "My shoulders are relaxed."
[21:53] <Alicia> "Well, you'll have my support, for what it's worth," Alicia offers. "Past that... if you're careful you've got a long time to work with, too. Even if it's only one at a time."
[21:55] <Kotono> "Oh, most of it," Mia waves her hands, as Amaryl comes up. HEr blush has grown, as econd glass of wine taken. "This stuff," hse says to Seira, "It's not that good, so I drank another drink to get the taste out of my mouth..."
[21:56] <Kotono> "They aren't. You still look like you're supporting a few dozen pounds of steel on your back," Pollyanna goes on tiptoes, pushing Deme's shoulders downward.
[21:56] <Kotono> Eudard smiles again, "A good man has that look." He inclines his head, "But I should be going now. Have a good celebration," he says, glancing long inside once more.
06[21:57] * Seira takes the glass from her and finishes it, before summoning crystal-clear water to replace it. "Here, try this," she says, returning the wineglass. "And don't accept strange drinks from strange men, please, it makes me worry a lot."
[21:57] <Demedais> "Take care, Eudard." Demedais nods, attempting to relax his shoulders still further.
[21:57] <Kotono> "Thank you." Antenora continues to gaze, "I fear I may be a unique miracle or a fluke...or, if there is more justice, that I'm the example of what can be instead."
[21:58] <Kotono> As Pollyanna does that, Demedais can notes the street is clearly. A procession is coming, lead by color bearers. Looks ilke Lord Salman's retune.
01[21:59] <Seira> "As for that...." Seira thinks back. "A circus came visiting from another plane, and they set camp beside the city. Then some bratty kid of theirs stole something belonging to warring gith traveling nearby. We had to mediate by befriending a few gith with superior magics and by punching them in the face. It worked! They all went away."
06[21:59] * Seira shrugs. "Then I wanted Amaryl to see the plane of water and meet some sea elves."
[21:59] <Demedais> "And here he comes." Demedais muses, keeping an eye on it.
[21:59] <Kotono> "Hahah," Amaryl blushes even deeper but laughs and listens.
[21:59] <Kotono> Mia nods along to it, "You have such the busy life. How do you end up living like that? I admit, I see the appeal moneywise."
[21:59] <Alicia> "You could be a trailblazer for others to follow," Alicia nods. "Your circumstances were very unique, but the fact that you've come this far might make the next one easier. Just be careful, though - I'm sure any number of fiends would love to bring you back, and wouldn't be above deception to do it."
06[22:00] * Seira eyes Amaryl as she drinks from the glass. "If you get some more water, it would countermand whatever godawful drink you chanced upon. Just drink up."
[22:00] <Kotono> Demedais sees that they're coming at a good clip. They'll be netering very soon.
01[22:01] <Seira> "As for living?" she tells Mia. "Magic, again! It makes everything better. And you keep a cleric nearby for when you meet overwhelming opposition, just in case."
[22:02] <Kotono> "Yes. If I'm lucky in their eyes, I'll merely just be returned to oblivion. As long as I stand apart from the devils, it's something I'll have to worry about." Antenora's voice hardens a little, a real smile playing over her face ."Good. I'll be more than happy to return a few to oblivion or even reach out ot them. Hell can try...but by all there is, I won't be intimidated by them."
06[22:02] * Demedais doesn't feel like his shoulders are lowering at all, but lets Pollyanna try anyway as he watches. "Mmm."
[22:02] <Kotono> It's more like a massage now, slow and steady work. "It's like you have steel in your shoulderblades!" Pollyanna gripes as she continues struggling. Her grip is strong, but it's not doing much.
01[22:02] <Seira> "Oh!" she exclaims, then. "Mia, Amaryl, you haven't met before, right?"
[22:03] <Kotono> Mia starts to reply, but stops. "Oh hi," Mia offers a slight bow. "I'm Mia of Waukeen. Nice to meet you. Another friend of Seira?"
[22:03] <Alicia> "That's the spirit," Alicia smiles enthusiastically at Antenora's demeanour.
[22:03] <Kotono> Amaryl smiles, "Yes, something like that," she says as she drinks the water.
06[22:03] * Seira puts her arm around Amaryl. "Pretty much. Want more water?"
[22:04] <Kotono> "We'll have chances enough soon," Antenora murmurs as well. "Work never ends."
[22:04] <Kotono> "I'm okay," Amaryl smiles widely. "Really."
[22:04] <Demedais> "That'd explain a few things." Demedais says dryly, looking out over the guard. "We should probably go in when they arrive."
[22:05] <Kotono> "Let's go ahead and go in now," The color guard is quite close now as Pollyanna takes Demedais' hand. "I want to have good position for this."
[22:05] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods, following her in.
01[22:06] <Seira> "Mia was just telling me that we'll be able to meet some dwarves living nearby," Seira comments. "Have you ever seen any?"
[22:07] <Kotono> "Once or twice. Occasionally one come sto the Council," Amaryl smiles widely, offsidedly as one lip is higher than the other. "They're amusing but have horrible manners."
01[22:08] <Seira> "Sounds about right," Seira says, mentally resolving to stay near Amaryl for the rest of the evening and not leave her again for anything.
[22:10] <Kotono> The conversation comes to an abrupt halt. "Attention!" Two color bearers come to the entrance, raising their voices. "The Archbaron Lord Salman now enters!"
06[22:11] * Alicia stiffens her posture a little bit and looks towards the entrance.
06[22:11] * Seira behaves, observing the procession. But also, since this would be an excellent time to strike, observing the guests as well.
06[22:12] * Demedais keeps an eye on the guests as well, one hand on Pollyanna's shoulder.
[22:13] <Kotono> Respectful silence quiets the room. After a small retinue of guards, Lord Salman enters. He wears a rich blue cape and walks along, nodding to people as he walks deeperwithin. He goes to the back, a gloved hand politely refusing an offered drink. Turning to the gathered, "Today," he raises his fist to the air, "We celebrate our victory! We celebrate The United Baronies! We celebrate the Crimson Guard, who have seen our nation through another
[22:15] <Kotono> nation through another crisis!"
[22:16] <Kotono> Cheers fill the hall, glasses raises and a wave of clapping coming with that. The noise is a steady, heady stream of reconigtion. "To that, I ask that the three leading members of the Guard come forward."
[22:18] <Alicia> "That's my cue," Alicia murmurs to Antenora before she gracefully strolls across the hall to approach the archbaron.
06[22:18] * Seira looks upset over having to leave Amaryl so soon. She turns to look at Mia, asking, "Please make sure Amaryl doesn't drink anything bad?" To her, she says, "I'll be back as soon as this is over with, promise!"
06[22:18] * Demedais nods to Pollyanna and does so, a bit stiffly.
06[22:18] * Seira follows Alicia and Demedais afterwards with all the grace she can muster, yet far too rarely gets to show.
[22:19] <Kotono> Mia nods discreetly to that. The three head towards Lord Salman, another wave of clapping and cheering. As they approach, "These three served our nation in it's difficulties. They have brought us prosperity and salvation from our troubles. They gird us with allies and magics, ensuring our nation will be a strong, vitality filled one!"
[22:21] <Kotono> After yet another wave of clapping, "Demedais, come forward,"Lord Salman says.
06[22:21] * Demedais nods and comes forward, facing Lord Salman.
[22:29] <Kotono> "Demedais," Lord Salman nods to him, "We thank you for your service," Lord Salman reaches within, withdrawing a small medallion. It is made of solid gold, an engraving of Balmuria carved into it. "Captain, we all thank you greatly."
06[22:30] * Demedais very slightly opens his mouth, before closing it again and bowing. "You honor me greatly. Thank you, Lord Salman."
[22:31] <Kotono> "Serve our nation well in your new rank," He says, offering the medallion to Demedais.
06[22:31] * Demedais accepts and dons it, before bowing again.
[22:33] <Kotono> "Alicia Reynes," Lord Salman calls next, after the applause settle down.
06[22:34] * Alicia steps forward after Demedais and stands before Lord Salman, bowing forward to receive whatever honours he intends to bestow.
[22:35] <Kotono> He again withdraws a golden medallion, the same encarving on this one. "You came to us on a mission of compassion and have displayed great, noble virtue throughout," Lord Salman extends the medallion to her. "You are not of this land, but you will always have a place here. We thank you, Captain."
[22:36] <Alicia> "You do me great honour, my Lord," Alicia accepts the medallion before she straightens up, silently enjoying this brief moment of rank parity before Seira gets her promotion.
[22:39] <Kotono> "Seira," Lord Salman says at last, after the noise and cheers of the onlookers quiets.
06[22:39] * Alicia withdraws to stand next to Demedais while Seira goes forward to receive her accolades.
06[22:40] * Seira approaches at the promting, her movements fluid.
[22:45] <Kotono> "You have served us well. You are the last of the first class of the Crimson Guard to remain, but you shall not be the last. Your efforts have aided us in forging ahead," He offers his hand out to Seira, a medallion in hand. "You have become the field leader of the Crimson Guard, answering only to Commander Oberuth. We hope that your leadership does the guard well, Colonel."
06[22:46] * Seira shakes Lord Salman's hand, as seems to be expected. As the medal trades owners, she inclines her head respectfully. "Thank you for the show of confidence, Sire."
06[22:47] * Demedais applauds Alicia and Seira as they go up.
[22:48] <Kotono> Applause roar down for all three, as, "Now then, let us celebrate and forget our troubles, for today we are glorious!" Lord Salman calls, as the music strikes back up again.
01[22:49] <Seira> "The medal is most shiny," Seira comments quietly, approaching Demedais and Alicia.
06[22:49] * Alicia politely joins in with the applause for the benefit of her two comrades. "Congratulations to you both, Captain, Colonel," she nods to each.
[22:50] <Demedais> "And to you two." Demedais says, an amused look at Seira.
01[22:50] <Seira> "I'm still off duty," Seira tells Alicia with a wink, but adds, "That's true, though. Demedais stole the words from my mouth."
[22:52] <Demedais> "Seira, I would like to state at this time that I think of you as the little sister I am glad I never had." Demedais claps her on the shoulder and smiles benevolently.
[22:52] <Alicia> "It is a bit odd, when I think about it, how a mere captain and two lieutenants would frequently be called upon to negotiate with generals, ambassadors, and kings..." Alicia can't help but observe. "The Baronies seem to have a skewed rank structure compared to their neighbours."
01[22:53] <Seira> "The others are the ones overblown," Seira returns with a shrug, glaring at Demedais briefly. "Their generals suck and can't measure up."
[22:54] <Demedais> "I stopped trying to figure that out when I got appointed diplomat to Malmuth at one point." Demedais gives an amused look to Alicia, missing Seira's glare.  "I just presume they work with what they have, and sometimes the titles aren't as important."
[22:57] <Alicia> "Speaking of titles and nobility," Alicia glances over in Amaryl's direction, "How is Lady Gaial, tonight, Seira?"
01[22:57] <Seira> "Just fine," Seira responds, following Alicia's eyes. "Doesn't she look pretty?"
06[22:58] * Demedais looks to Pollyanna after a glance to Amaryl.
[22:59] <Kotono> Amaryl and Mia are chatting, while Pollyanna is watching back from the sides. Her face is lit up in a smile.
[22:59] <Kotono> "Congratulations," Commander Oberuth's voice carries as he approaches.
06[22:59] * Demedais looks to Oberuth. "Thank you, sir."
[23:00] <Alicia> "Vibrant as always," Alicia agrees. "I'm glad she found time to attend... ah, Commander," she nods to Obureth, "Thank you, sir."
01[23:00] <Seira> "Thanks," Seira responds to the Commander, telling Alicia, "I can be quite insistent when I want to. Luckily, I didn't have to be, this time."
[23:01] <Kotono> "We do need to talk a few moments," Oberuth lowers his voice. "This is purely informal, but I need to begin to plan. When will you leave for the desert, and who's going?"
[23:02] <Alicia> "As soon as Elle finishes making that ring of teleportation, preferably," Alicia replies. "Since things seem settled with Malmuth."
01[23:03] <Seira> "She's actually done," Seira announces. "We can go as soon as tomorrow, if we need to."
[23:04] <Kotono> "There's no hurry from me," Oberuth clarifies, "Since I know all of you have had a lot of hard work."
[23:04] <Alicia> "Excellent," Alicia brightens. "Try not to indulge too much, tonight, then? I've been to Arad before, so I could teleport us directly there. Every day allows more fiendish reinforcements to pour into our world, after all."
01[23:05] <Seira> "Certain constraints exist," Seira muses. "I've puzzled over them, but the best idea I have so far is for Elle to scry on a place if she doesn't know one close enough and bring me along, then return with me. I would be able to use the ring, then, to come with any stragglers."
06[23:05] * Demedais closes his eyes and nods slightly. "So it would take some preparation."
01[23:06] <Seira> "Yes, there's no need to rush. We should take a few days to make sure those coming along understand how serious the matter is."
[23:07] <Demedais> "And try to get as appropriately prepared as possible; while you, I, and whoever takes the Hammer will be well defended, everyone else will want a competent offense against such evil." Demedais nods.
[23:07] <Alicia> "The longer we wait, the harder it will be - we've already lost far too much time as it is," Alicia reminds the others. "If need be I can simply purchase a few extra scrolls of teleport from Elle."
01[23:08] <Seira> "My argument is all the more valid, then," Seira responds. "If we are taking Antenora and Donald along, I want them to prepare adequately. I cannot bring Donald back once again, after all, if something goes wrong."
06[23:09] * Alicia looks somewhat confused. "What preparation is required? I don't know about Donald, but Antenora and I are quite ready, I assure you."
01[23:10] <Seira> "Also, we would not be going to Arad, but as near the oasis in question as possible." Seira shrugs at that. "Perhaps. There is also Berjand. I don't want to rush his decision. At the same time, he would be invaluable as a native guide. As Demedais and I can attest to, going into the desert without one is folly."
[23:10] <Demedais> "Rushing in and waiting too long both carry their own risks." Demedais inclines his head. "So... general count of who is going? Us three, Antenora, Donald... if anyone else is going they will want potions, possibly buy a scroll for backup from Seira, that sort of thing. I should go inquire myself in that regard and will do so tomorrow morning."
[23:11] <Alicia> "What oasis?" Alicia blinks. "The directions were to a house in Arad where the celestials there will direct us to the area of battle."
[23:11] <Demedais> "If Berjand comes, he will likely be in even greater danger than he was in the wastes. I am... not intrigued at the idea of taking him, but he may be able to stay with the angels- ah?"
06[23:11] * Seira blinks. "We're not going to the oasis at the north of the desert, where celestials are battling the devils? I thought it was what you meant."
[23:12] <Alicia> "Have you ever visited that oasis and could you teleport directly there?" Alicia asks.
01[23:12] <Seira> "Like I said, we can scry to get close enough, and have Berjand lead us the rest of the way."
[23:13] <Alicia> "The scry spell only works on people..." Alicia replies weakly. "Doesn't it? Latha gave me explicit directions, so I'd rather not just go running around randomly because of some rumours you heard while you were in the desert..."
01[23:14] <Seira> "Well, then. We'll need a couple of days to get our stories straight, but the day after tomorrow could be as good as any for departure."
[23:14] <Demedais> "If the angels have a specific way they'd want us to arrive, then it's probably best to do it that way."
[23:15] <Alicia> "What stories?" Alicia sounds more and more lost as this discussion continues. "Why would we need to get them straight? Isn't this simple enought - we go to Arad, meet our allies, and then proceed with them to join the battle at the ruins?"
01[23:16] <Seira> "You telling us all you know? Because the summary clearly hasn't been enough."
06[23:18] * Alicia represses a sigh. "Latha gave me directions to a house in Arad," she repeats said directions, "Where a small group of celestials are working from to discourage any people travelling to the area of the desert that's contested. We meet them there, and they guide us to the battleground. She said it would be far simpler than us wandering the desert by ourselves in search of trouble, and I agree with her."
01[23:19] <Seira> "Is anything in particular known about the opposition, such as numbers or what it consists of, beyond the general? Or of who would be fighting by our side? Of the ruins and what they might hold?"
[23:20] <Alicia> "No, and even if I did have such information, it would no be about a month out of date," Alicia replies. "For all we know the devils have broken past any resistance and are now running the desert fiefdoms."
01[23:21] <Seira> "Alright, then. I'll need the day I mentioned to handle my guest, then, and then I'll be available."
[23:23] <Demedais> "I would argue that not having heard anything from them yet, we can presume the line is being held; if things had happened, you likely would've gotten some form of notification. So, two days from now, morning, us three, Donald, and Antenora?"
06[23:23] * Seira nods. "And Elle to aid with the logistics, yes, before she returns."
[23:24] <Alicia> "Very well, if that's the soonest we can leave," Alicia doesn't push further. "I'll go tell Antenora." At that, she leaves in order to do exactly what she just said.
06[23:25] * Demedais rubs his head as Alicia leaves.
01[23:25] <Seira> "Don't keep Pollyanna waiting," Seira tells Demedais, waving before likewise departing towards Amaryl and Mia.
06[23:26] * Demedais returns to Pollyanna, eyes half-closed.

[Corwin]

[17:07] <Anastasia> ----
[17:08] <Anastasia> The party winds down late in the night. Midnight has come and passed, revelry slackening except amid the most dedicated. Pollyanna smothers a yawn as she looks about at it, glancing at Demedais.
06[17:11] * Demedais nods slightly to Pollyanna. "Seems things are beginning to wrap up." A lazy look to see who, notably, still remains thus far of the known people.
[17:15] <Anastasia> Countess Stronger remains. She's nursing a glass of wine and looking about with a wide, bemused smile. Beyond that, most everyone else has gone home to rest or somewhere else for more fun. "It's about time," Pollyanna agrees. "Did you have fun, Captain?"
[17:17] <Demedais> "Dancing was definitely good, and nothing dramatic occured so I'll take it." Demedais says with a grin. "Shall we?"
[17:18] <Anastasia> Pollyanna takes Demedais' arm. She sighs a moment, "...It was, but..." She looks up to him, "You're going off again soon?"
06[17:21] * Demedais gets a surprisingly irritated look on his face for a brief moment. "Yes. Heading to assist a group of angels seal an entrance to the Hells, from which apparently much has been coming." Demedais shakes his head once, and as they leave, he steers gently toward the direction of the temple, but going slowly. "While I understand the need... I grow weary."
[17:23] <Anastasia> "I know," Pollyanna pats Demedais a few times. "I wish you didn't have to go away so soon. Now that things are peaceful again, I want to spend time with you. I don't want to worry that you're risking your life against Hellspawned horrors. It's not fair..." She sniffles at that, "But...I know, I know. It's about duty, not fairness."
[17:30] <Demedais> "That too." Demedais shakes his head. "However, after this... there shouldn't be much more drama. We have the ruins, but... those can be taken at their own pace, and likely should; we want to be prepared for whatever's down there."
[17:31] <Anastasia> "Good..." Pollyanna looks to the streets a moment, but mostly quiet reigns. "What do you think about it now?"
[17:34] <Demedais> "About drama?" Demedais grins. "Hate it. Always have. But... something needs to be done, and Helm stands with me, so."
[17:43] <Anastasia> Pollyanna matches that grin, falling into giggles. "You look so happy when you talk about drama like that, though!" She lets herself get carried away on her laughs, before slowly bringing herself down.
[17:45] <Demedais> "...I'm usually more happy when it's over without complications." Demedais shakes his head. "Although some of the reactions I get to the incredibly bizarre going-ons is worth noting."
[17:46] <Anastasia> "Like?" Pollyanna looks up at Demedais. "How bad were they?"
[17:47] <Demedais> "We summoned a humongous golden dragon on Ferdi. Bigger than Kondrux and with half the sense of humor, I think." Demedais says, shaking his head.
[17:48] <Demedais> "Except this one was on our side."
[17:48] <Anastasia> "..." Pollyanna's mood changes instantly, plummeting into a certain quiet. ".....oh."
[17:51] <Demedais> "Yeah." Demedais says, shaking his head. "Kinda didn't want to mention it, but... ah." Demedais says, holding Pollyanna closer. "...ah, the stars are really spectacular tonight."
[17:53] <Anastasia> Pollyanna curls up against him, not making any sounds for a good little while. "...sorry." she murmurs, "I did ask...and..." Pollyanna makes a soft noise that means nothing. "...and...you're the one about to go risk his life again. I should bet rying to make you happy, so that you hesitate before doing anything too monumentally brave and stupid."
[17:55] <Demedais> "You did ask, and I'm dense as bricks at times." Demedais says with a slight smile. "Besides... Seira's got a method that'll let us go and return quickly, so I'll hardly be gone for long."
[17:59] <Anastasia> That gets Demedais' head knocked on by Polly's knuckles, "Good."
[17:59] <Demedais> "Heh." Demedais says, slowly altering course to Seira's inn.
[18:01] <Anastasia> Pollyanna yawns again as you walk on. The streets are dark and quiet, the last of the party fizzling out. The walk up the hill is quiet, as Pollyanna glances at Countess Stronger's shop. "...heh, I remember now..." she murmurs. "I met Seira and Shamal right around here."
[18:02] <Demedais> "Ah...?" Demedais asks, curious at this point.
[18:04] <Anastasia> "It was when the ghouls first appeared in town. I was looking around to see what was happening, since...we all thought we could make some money off of it if we eliminated the ghouls." Pollyanna blushes, "I got spotted by those two and I think Shamal lectured me."
06[18:06] * Demedais nods once. "The impulse is an understandable one, though undead are frustrating without holy tools to work with."
[18:10] <Anastasia> "Shamal..." Pollyanna's expression turns somber. "I liked her. She consoled me on the first trip to Kondrux's lair." That gets a sniffle, "It's not fair there, either. At least you and Seira came out okay."
[18:11] <Demedais> "Shamal... I did not know her long, but she was a good person. If impulsive." Demedais rubs his head for a bit. "Still... yes, what happened there was a tragedy."
[18:17] <Anastasia> "Yes..." Pollyanna stops as she stands in front of Seira's inn. "You'd better not become a tragedy, or I'll..."
[18:18] <Demedais> "Hunt me down yourself for daring to do so?" Demedais says with a grin.
[18:19] <Anastasia> "I'll find a way," Pollyanna matches that grin. "Somehow."
[18:19] <Demedais> "Knowing you, I don't doubt this for a moment." Demedais chuckled, before musing, looking at the inn contemplatively.
[18:22] <Anastasia> "Hm?" Pollyanna looks at the inn long as well. "...Demedais?"
[18:23] <Demedais> "...I wonder if they have a room for two tonight." Demedais says finally.
07[18:24] * Ginrai is on IRC (Ginrai)
[18:28] <Anastasia> Pollyanna blushes very long, "...just tell me one thing," Pollyanna murmurs.
[18:29] <Demedais> "Ah, sure. What is it?"
[18:34] <Anastasia> "Oh come on." Pollyanna's blush grows. "What do you tell any girl that you want to do THAT with?"
06[18:37] * Demedais grins slightly, holding her still closer. "That I love you, then."
[18:39] <Anastasia> Pollyanna's eyes light up, "Thank Helm you didn't botch that," she smiles, taking his hand. "...let's go." OOC - SKip along now?
[18:40] <Demedais> OOC: Sure.

[Corwin]

[17:11] <Anastasia> ===
[17:14] <Anastasia> The streets are quiet as Alicia returns home. While some still celebrate late this night, most are far too drunken to care. Jessica's not too far off this, wobbling around at a good pace and hovering in front of Alicia and Antenora, smiling. "'twasn't so bad after all," she happily says.
03[17:18] * Anastasia sets mode: +o Alicia
[17:18] <Alicia> While Alicia herself eschews alcohol, she really doesn't have much problem with other peoples vices so long as they're harmless, and so doesn't mind Jessica's current state. The fact that she had a good time is all that matters. "Good. No one gave you any trouble after that rude man, then?" she asks as they stroll the short distance back to their house.
[17:19] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+17
03[17:20] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #terrorofdunes
03[17:20] * Anastasia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[17:20] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+17
06[17:20] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+17 and gets 33."12 [1d20=16]
[17:20] <Anastasia> Antenora watches absently, her gaze fluttering about. Meanwhile, Jessica grins ear to ear. "No, everyone was sooooo much nicer," she says, as, 'Alicia.' Antenora's voice in your mind, as you approach your home.
[17:28] <Alicia> 'Yes?' Alicia replies in the same mental manner with a glance at ther erinyes. "That's good. Hopefully people will be more inclined to give you a chance after tonight," she goes on to her sister.
[17:29] <Anastasia> 'Visitor.' Antenora meaningfully looks to the shadows near Alicia's door, though her tone is neutral. Meanwhile, "I hope so! It's not fair that they're holding Beth against me! I'm J-Jessica!" she points at herself.
[17:32] <Alicia> "I know, sister," Alicia soothes, surreptitiously glancing in the direction Antenora glanced, her gaze searching out any evil that may be there. "But I think things'll be easier, now, if you made some friends tonight and everyone saw you weren't causing any trouble."
[17:35] <Anastasia> There's no evil, but Alicia does notice a slight white glow. A little orb of white, doing a surprisingly competent job of hiding in the shadows.  Until you were looking for something, it blended in seamlessly. "Hope so! I'll never find anyone nice if I'm getting called that!" Jessica puts her hands on her hips and scowls. "Murderer! Ugh."
[17:38] <Alicia> "Give it time," Alicia replies absently as she unlocks the door before casting Light on her housekey. It'll be dark inside, anyway, but this will also hopefully shed more light on the strange glow nearby. "Soon Beth will be forgotten, and people will only see Jessica when they look at you."
[17:40] <Anastasia> As lights pills, you get a better look at it. It's a tiny little orb and it now sheds light like a torch. It floats up a little bit, "Alicia Reynes?" it asks to her.
[17:40] <Anastasia> Jessica nod sto Alicia, "Time, time, time..." she ponders, before turning, "Aaaaah!" She starts at the little image.
[17:41] <Alicia> It talks! "Yes...?" Alicia peers at the orb curiously. Some sort of magic message thing?
[17:42] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9
06[17:42] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 and gets 27."12 [1d20=18]
[17:44] <Anastasia> "I have a message from Arad," it says. "I bear information as well."
[17:44] <Alicia> "It's a Lantern Archon, Jessica," Alicia tells her sister. "Ah, come on inside and we'll hear your message?" she offers, gesturing to the door. "What's your name?"
[17:48] <Anastasia> The Lantern follows along, Antenora eyeing it with a bemused look. Jessica wobbles alongside it as they go inside, "It's kind of pretty," she says, crossing her arms and nodding.
[17:49] <Anastasia> "Denga," The archon answers.
[17:50] <Alicia> "Hello, Denga," Alicia closes and locks the door once everyone's inside and leads the archon to the sitting room where she sets aside all of her and Antenora's gear that she'd been carrying home and then sits down. "We should be able to reach Arad the day after tomorrow via teleportation. How go things on your end?"
[17:54] <Anastasia> Antenora idly begins to put on her armor as she watches. "My masters wish to give you information. The battles are contested day in and out. We have accrued good knowledge on what the devils are fielding."
[17:54] <Anastasia> Jessica goes to a couch near Denga, watching as it floats around. She occasionally runs a hand close to it's 'back', seeming to be fascinated by it.
[17:55] <Alicia> "So it remains a stalemate?" Alicia asks. Certainly better than she'd feared. "What sort of numbers are there, and what's the highest ranking devil present?"
[17:58] <Anastasia> "We have seen squads lead by Gelugon, advanced Orthons and advanced Erinyes. Do you know of these at all?"
[17:58] <Anastasia> Antenora listens, scowling at the last creature. "Orthons are disgusting creatures," Antenora adds in.
[17:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 orthon?
06[17:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 orthon? and gets 18."12 [1d20=9]
[17:59] <Alicia> "I'm quite familiar with Gelugon and Erinyes," Alicia briefly inclines her head towards Antenora. "But I don't think I've encountered an Orthon, before."
[18:03] <Anastasia> "They're devils of war, legionarres. They have steel plates grafted to their body, causing them immense, unthinkable pain. Because of the constant wounds the plates cause, maggots live within the orthons. Kill or grevious wound one and you'll be covered in them." At this, Antenora's color has gone bad. "They're reasonably capable fighters in their own right. They prefer spears and crossbows."
[18:04] <Alicia> "So, better to inflict the final blow from a distance or from above?" Alicia files that away. "How strong are they, say compared to a Barbazu?" she asks, comparing it with the only other devil she knows of that seems to fill the same particular niche as Antenora described.
[18:05] <Anastasia> "Stronger," The archon adds. "The normal ones are rank and file troopers in these battles, but the advanced ones are either highly trained warriors or even monks."
[18:06] <Anastasia> "Ew..." Jessica makes a nasty face, falling back onto the seat.
[18:07] <Alicia> "Monks?" Alicia repeats with faint incredulity, before she tilts her head at Jessica's slump. "You alright, Jessica?"
[18:08] <Anastasia> "Bad image," She frowns. "MAGGOTS. Ugh."
[18:08] <Anastasia> "The one our forces encountered took on a Planetar handto hand and it was a draw." The archon elaborates. "As for the advanced Erinyes...there is a warlock amid them. She wields both a warlock's balls of burning hate and can channel hellfire into them."
[18:10] <Alicia> "Considering Hell, maggots are pretty minor," Alicia can't help but observe. "Sounds like they'll be a handful, though... but we're looking at advanced types of intermediate fiends as the leaders, then? Plus the Gelugons, since those are greater ranked - anything unique about them that you've seen?"
[18:13] <Anastasia> "The gelugons appear to be normal." The archon reports. "However, the leaders of the attack squads are not the only problem."
[18:13] <Alicia> Alicia's expression twists. It just has to get worse, doesn't it? "Go on?"
[18:14] <Anastasia> "Aratons or Desert Devils are seen in every pack. They are scimitar wielding masters of the sands. A cloud of grit always surrounds them and a few often taken the vanguard of a devilsquad. Further, one or two have been seen that have a more expansive control, causing small, localized sandstorms."
[18:15] <Alicia> "Sounds appropriate for the terrain, anyway," Alicia nods glumly. "How tough are they?"
[18:15] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 I might know, myself
06[18:15] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 I might know, myself and gets 18."12 [1d20=9]
[18:17] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+15 more specialised
06[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+15 more specialised and gets 25."12 [1d20=10]
[18:18] <Anastasia> "They're not the strongest, but they're very specialized to the desert. They're even vulnerable to poison and have low magical resistance, but they regenerate and thrive in the wastes."
[18:18] <Anastasia> Antenora says this after thinking a bit.
[18:20] <Alicia> "Just our luck to face them in their element. Should probably prioritise taking them down if the sandstorm makes fighting all the other devils present more difficult," Alicia muses. "You mentioned the leaders of the attack squads, Denga - what about higher up the chain of command? Who's coordinating the invasion overall?"
[18:24] <Anastasia> "We aren't sure yet. We would suspect a more restrained Cornugon or the like as the leader on this side. As to who commands him? A Paeliron or even a Pit Fiend? We haven't confirmed the leadership yet, as neither side has penetrated into the interior of eithers defenses."
06[18:25] * Alicia nods. "Speaking of that, what do we have to work with on our side?"
[18:28] <Anastasia> "Planetar, Astral Deva, Hound Archon, Trumpet Archon, Sword Archon and others. An Astral Deva has volunteered to fight with your group when it arrives, as she owes you a large debt." Denga floats around in the air at that, "Your attack on Stygia is appreciated, as is your friend's effort in freeing me from that mad wizard."
[18:29] <Alicia> "That would be Latha... so you've met Seira and Demedais?" Alicia blinks. "Will you be going to visit them, as well?"
[18:36] <Anastasia> "In time. They're coming as well to the battle?" The archon asks.
[18:37] <Alicia> "Yes, it will be myself, Antenora," she gestures to said erinyes, "Seira, Demedais, and an elven warrior named Donald. He's not quite on the same level as the rest of us, but he's skilled enough, and the only one we can get who can safely wield the Hammer of the Shard."
[18:39] <Anastasia> Denga bobs up and down, almost like it's trying to nod ahead that doesn't exist. It looks extra long at Antenora, fluttering around her head. "Is what Latha said true? How wonderful! I'v never gotten to see one myself, they're so rare."
[18:39] <Alicia> "Have you heard of others, though?" Alicia asks curiously, smiling a bit at the archon's enthusiasm.
[18:41] <Anastasia> Antenora watches evenly, withholding comment. "Rarely. It's sad...I hear that devils and demons kill any of their kind that show any sort of compassion or change at all. The stories are so wonderful when you hear about one of the successful ones, since evil tries so hard but it fails."
06[18:44] * Alicia nods. "It is heartening," she agrees, "Though also somewhat troubling, if one considers how many fiends may have the potential to cast aside their malevolent natures but are never given the chance."
[18:44] <Anastasia> To that Antenora at least agrees. "IT's one of the most deadly accusations to throw against another devil. If you can prove one has done a good act or may be beginning to think that way and the probes confirm it?" Antenora shivers all over. "The torments are a generation of terror beyond the process of becoming a Nupperibo."
[18:45] <Anastasia> "It's rare, I think. Not many angels fall, but the ones that do..." The archon seems to radiate sadness. "But do you want to hear the stories! They're a lot better than thinking about fallen angels."
[18:46] <Alicia> "I'd love to hear them," Alicia smiles, making a mental note to remember to ask Denga what the message was from earlier so she won't forget before the archon leaves.
[18:49] <Anastasia> "Stories..." Jessica yawns, her eyes having slid shut during it. Her voice is faraway, sleepy.
[18:49] <Anastasia> Antenora sits down, "I'd love to hear them, too." Antenora smiles a little, "I suppose they're directly relevant to me."
[18:51] <Alicia> "If you're tired you should go to bed, Jessica," Alicia suggests to her sister.
[18:52] <Anastasia> "I'll recount the story the nice archon told me," The Lantern Archon flutters around in the air. "Ahem...One day, as I travelled in contemplation, I came across a building in the wilderness. In perfect seclution lay a great marble building. Within lay a library, countless books. As I marvelled at the dedication to maintain such a place so far away from others, I was set on by the owner of this library." (More)
[18:54] <Anastasia> "The owner was vast. He was build like a giant, yet had the gentlest, kindest face I had ever seen. This angel was the face of enlightenment, which on seeing stoked the desire to further increase my own understanding. We fell into friendly talk on the nature of good for a long period. I was astounded by his knowledge of the philosophies and restrait, for he greatly spoke out against fury, wrath and malice." (More)
[18:58] <Anastasia> "Every time I made a question, his answer came easily. AT the end of our talk I was so impressed that I asked him where he had gained such insight. With a smile he said, 'The Abyss.' He told me a story then: The story of a summoned demon, a hezrou. It was summoned by one wizard of ten to a magical battelground to aide in his fighting. The ten fought in the foyer of a grand library, millions of books all around. In the end, it was t
[18:58] <Anastasia> In the end, it was the summoner versus another wizard, who held th ekey to the library. Thinking he had won, he ordered me to slay the mage. But...in that, the key was broken." (More)
[19:00] <Anastasia> "The libarary was no mortal place, but a legendary ground of the combined knowledge of ten thousand sages over ten thousand centuries. It existed outside of normal time and space, and when the key was broken? I learned later that a bridge was all that allowed the wizards to enter, and the key's destruction caused the bridge to crumble away. The fortress said outside of space and time...and not even the end of my summoning spell all
[19:00] <Anastasia> allowed me to return. The wizard and I were trapped." (More)
[19:03] <Anastasia> "In his fury the wizard attempted to escape. He could not. In his rage he attempted to spend his times researching with the library, trying to find a way to make a new key. He could not. In his sorrow he begged the Gods to have mercy on him and his folly. They did not. In his depression he spent countless lifetimes lying about, hoping for something to happen, anything. It did not. In his ultimate surrender, he cut his own throat."
[19:07] <Anastasia> "All that time I had been restrained by his magic, a relic left behind of little use once he found I was trapped as well. On his death I was freed of that, but still bound in the library. Over countless millenia I raged in there, smashing every book I could see. The boredom was interminable yet perfect, and no matter how many books I smashed, madness or an end would not come. One tired day, I sat down. I began to feel the tugs of w
[19:07] <Anastasia> tugs of what the mortal sorcerer felt, but my pride spurred me on. A demon is superior to a mortal and will not succumb to self destruction! I began to read as well, to find something to pass the eternity or find an escape." (More)
[19:09] <Anastasia> "I read a book...another book...another...another...and another. The Hezrou are brutes and warriors, but I found myself enjoying this. THe knowledge appealed to me and I learned millenia of hidden secrets and powers. Yet they taunted me, for none allowed escape. I kept reading and reading and reading...until at last I to a series of books. They were written by a mortal hand, and they talked of good. I laughed at it...but I read any
[19:09] <Anastasia> but I read anyway, for my desire for knowledge had grown." (More)
[19:11] <Anastasia> "I finished the book and tossed it aside! It was pathetic slop! I picked up the next...and it was another book in the same vein. I read it...and the next...and the next. The philosphy of good...I read of it. As I did, I had a single thought: A moment that if I had not followed evil completely, perhaps I would not be here. That perhaps what was written in these books was notentirely a mockery...!" (More)
[19:13] <Anastasia> "It tore at my mind like a gale! THis thought, once unleashed, drove me to read on. All the eternities spent in this library...and the idea was like sweet wine. If there had been a way to avoid this...I found myself reading of it more and more. I was in a haze, grasping at anything I could. Thus I read for an eternity, absorbing it all. I began to regret, to lament, to feel sorrow. Then I vowed to change myself...for what was writt
[19:14] <Anastasia> for what was written in these books called to me." (More)
[19:18] <Anastasia> "I rejected what Iwas completely. One of the philosophies was restraint, pacifism, or only allowing violence in th eface of true evil. It was the antithesis of everything I was, but I drank it down. And then...at last. Mortals entered the library! Another group of wizards, rejoicing at finding the lost library of the sages. The lead held it in his hand, a single key to the library. I finally stopped reading and while they glutted t
[19:18] <Anastasia> while they glutted themselves...I walked out. From there I walked the mortal realms for a time, spreading what I believed. I became entangled in the battles against chaos and demons, raising my hands only to protect those that could not protect themselves and promoting peace. From there..." The archon stopsa moment, shifting voice, "The giant angel said that when his works were done he came here to perfect his philosphy." Finally,
[19:19] <Anastasia>  Finally, the archon sighs. "That's such a long story."
[19:20] <Anastasia> Antenora listens to it all, staring by the end. She covers her mouth with a hand, "A hezrou SCHOLAR?" she eyes the archon, trying not to laugh. "The very concept is almost too fantastic to be imagined."
[19:20] <Alicia> "Makes me want to say that you can't judge a book by its cover," Alicia notes with a faint smile. "If the story is true, it makes me happy, although I can't help but wonder at the initial revalation that made him change - it could have just as easily been a celestial being that the wizard summoned to aid him in the battle, after all."
[19:22] <Anastasia> "I suppose, but not to him?" Antenora ventures. "That's now how I thought when I was back there brooding every night."
[19:24] <Alicia> "Perhaps," the paladin allows, "It sounds like he had lots of time to consider it from all angles... thank you for sharing that story, Denga," she nods to the archon. "Now, before I forget, you said that you had a message to pass along, as well?"
[19:25] <Anastasia> "It was the information I provided, so that all of you can prepare to the best of your ability," The little lantern archon says.
[19:26] <Alicia> "Ah, sorry," Alicia ducks her head, "I thought you meant you had a message seperate from the information you bore. Is there anything else of note you think we should know about?"
[19:28] <Anastasia> "Just a few things. Steel devils - they're dust covered warriors from the Blood War and planar battles. They let loose deafening, keening shrieks as they fight, making it very difficult for spellcasters to concentrate. We also suspect Amnizu will be around teh portal itself, as it's big enough to warrant them."
[19:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 steel devils
06[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 steel devils and gets 11."12 [1d20=2]
[19:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 amnizu
06[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 amnizu and gets 24."12 [1d20=15]
[19:31] <Anastasia> "Steel devils - that's about right. They're greatsword swinging mid rank devils. Not that dangerous, but they fight in packs. They're incredibly nasty against a spellcaster who has to concentrate. Amnizu aren't the best warriors, but they manage and control Hell's portals. If they've captured any mortals they'll be keeping them and they're likely directly under the command of the overall leader of the forces on this side."
[19:31] <Anastasia> Antenora adds all this in, "I can tell you more if you want." Her smile's a little faint, "I have a good reason not forgoet a single damned thing I heard or saw in Hell now."
[19:33] <Alicia> "I saw Amnizu when I was in Stygia but didn't fight any," Alicia nods. "As for steel devils, well, I can fight well enough even without casting spells. Might be a good idea if you can give us tactics once we get Seira, Demedais, and Donald together tomorrow, Antenora?"
[19:33] <Anastasia> "I'd be glad to," Antenora agrees.
[19:46] <Alicia> OOC: quick, one more question for Denga, can reply OOC - do the devil squad leaders have a habit of teleporting around?
[19:50] <Anastasia> Some of the leaders have escaped that way, yes. The hellfire warlock in particular is noted to.

[Corwin]

[17:11] <Anastasia> ---
[17:11] <Anastasia> OOC: Which thing did you want to do first, Seira?
01[17:12] <Seira> OOC: Let's see. Post-party? Return Amaryl home and ask her to come over to see the scheming elf with me
[17:16] <Anastasia> OOC: AFter taking her back to her estate, you mean?
01[17:17] <Seira> OOC: After/during/however works as long as she's still around for me to ask her
[17:18] <Anastasia> Seira's inn has finally quieted down. Donald's yawning as he tidies up just a bit out front, while Amaryl comes along. "That was such fun," she says. "Congratulations, Seira!"
01[17:19] <Seira> "Thanks," Seira returns happily. "The fun part was really attending with you." She glances at the golden medal she's holding on to, and lets it dangle from the chain. "This isn't really why we did what we did."
[17:21] <Anastasia> "I suppose it isn't." Smiling a little as she follows Seira, "Sir Ambrose told me something like that before. The ceremonies afterwards are the worst reason to do anything."
06[17:23] * Seira picks something sweet, so Amaryl wouldn't be left with a bad taste after the wine she was served earlier, and pours two glasses, coming up to the elf with them. "It wasn't terrible, and the first ball to date that no sneak attack occured at! A resounding success, on that front." She suddenly looks apologetic. "Now that I think about it, maybe it wasn't the safest place to take you, in retrospect?"
[17:29] <Anastasia> "It's fine. I had real fun," Amarly sips from her glass, "Everyone was so jubilant, it spread like wildfire."
06[17:30] * Seira raises her own in salute, before drinking from it. "That's true. Ever since its conception, Balmuria had been afraid of just this very war. To have the threat averted permanently without heavy losses on either side, for at least a generation? That's something anyone would celebrate."
[17:33] <Anastasia> "We're lucky we have the Barbarian Lands, then," Amaryl sips a little more, listening. "It keeps the rangers busy, but the goblins never field a serious army. From what little I heard, war sounds horrible."
01[17:37] <Seira> "Because it's always fought for the wrong reasons," Seira agrees, before looking down at the dangling medal. "Would you accept it?" she asks Amaryl, offering the golden thing. "To serve as a reminder that whenever you're faced with the impossible, like in those painful-sounding endless council sessions, you just go and break through it instead of backing off meekly?"
06[17:37] * Seira shrugs, running a hand through her short hair. "Plus, it's pretty and I'd like you to have something to remember this visit by."
[17:38] <Anastasia> That colors a slight blush, "Are you sure? It looks like a special award...You want me to ahve it?"
06[17:40] * Seira nods simply. "Couldn't think of a better person. And if it helps you some day, all the better for it!"
[17:43] <Anastasia> "Thank you!" Amaryl turns red as she holds the pendant to her.
06[17:44] * Seira finishes her drink. "Don't mention it. I'm a bit happy that you'll have something of mine nearby when I'll have to leave again, after all."
[17:45] <Anastasia> "Are you going to be busy again?" Amaryl inquires. "Or will you visit soon?"
01[17:46] <Seira> "I do have business at the Citadel," Seira muses, frowning lightly. "Would you have any idea why Kortan of all people would like to see me?"
[17:47] <Anastasia> "Business." Amaryl's smile fades just a little. "He's always working to ensure his snow covered lands have more aide and resources."
01[17:49] <Seira> "I've heard he's a very calculated person who likes to move others as pawns, a regular chessmaster, though a largely benign one." Not waiting for a comment, she loops her arm through Amaryl's. "And that's why I'm hoping his plans will be derailed when you accompany me to see him. Unless you don't want to, of course. But it could be fun!"
[17:51] <Anastasia> "Yes. I've never seen him do anything beyond fight for his domain's well being. But..." Amaryl thinks a moment, "I can come with you. We'll get in faster that way, too."
06[17:52] * Seira nods. "That's the spirit! And if you see a chance to better your own position, by all means, seize it! We haven't initiated the contact, so it would hardly bother me if our side got less out of any deal he might propose. We'll still come out ahead."
[17:56] <Anastasia> "Mmmm." Another few sips of her drink, "That's possible, but it dependson his offer." At that, "But can we talk of this in the morning? I'm rather tired now."
01[17:58] <Seira> "Sure," Seira agrees. "As it so happens, I have plenty of rooms available!" She makes a face. "This doesn't imply that business is bad. I just reserve a floor for personal use and important guests."
[18:00] <Anastasia> Amaryl stands up and hugs Seira  amoment, "Thank you."
06[18:02] * Seira stands awkwardly for a moment, before returning the hug. "Hey, you're the one who did me a favor by coming."
[18:06] <Anastasia> "And it was fun!" Amaryl smiles widely, before breaking into a yawn. This makes her color once more, "But yes, I do believe I need to rest."
06[18:07] * Seira pats Amaryl on the back lightly, smiling, before guiding her to the topmost level where the best suite is permanently reserved for just this.
[18:16] <Anastasia> The next day dawns bright. On reaching the elven capital, you find the CHillander estate to be rather reserved. It's smaller than the others, done in soft blues and whites, plants with leaves like warm ice all about. You are lead into a garden of these plans, where Kortan Chillander awaits, watching a few servants slowly, painstakingly trim one of these trees.
01[18:17] <Seira> "Thank you for the invitation, Sir," Seira greets him with respect, if a bit neutrally, inclining her head.
[18:20] <Anastasia> Kortan turns away from watching this work. He starts to walk around the garden, away from the workers. "Seira...ah, Lady Amaryl as well," he adds.
06[18:21] * Seira acts as if nothing is out of the ordinary, approaching him.
[18:25] <Anastasia> Amaryl follows. As the two fall in stepw ith him, "Lady Amaryl, if you're here for whatever reason, I'll ask that you keep the contents of this conversation private."
01[18:26] <Seira> "I don't believe this will be a problem," Seira comments.
[18:29] <Anastasia> "I will," she promises. After that, Kortan continues to walk. "Yes, this is particularly to your interests. Recently, in the far reaches of my family's territory, explorers have reported dragon sightings."
06[18:30] * Seira instantly checks this against her mental map, looking for any crossreferences for dragon sightings. Coming from Kelara, perhaps?
[18:34] <Anastasia> OOC: Wrong direction. Elves are to the east, Kelara's to the west past the desert.
[18:35] <Anastasia> OOC: K:G check anyway here, I think.
01[18:36] <Seira> "Are there any specific details?" she asks thoughtfully. "The age or type of the dragons in question?"
[18:37] <Anastasia> "Just that it looks like poured molten silver and it's big, if the sightings are right." Kortan continues to walk. "It's not disturbed anyone in the least and these reports are a few months dated due to the distances involved."
01[18:39] <Seira> "Well, I do know a few golden dragons on a first name basis," Seira muses, "but none of them should be visiting here. Interesting. They're generally predisposed towards liking mortals and generally being decent sorts."
[18:43] <Anastasia> "Good. As I said, no threatening moves and it could just be something else being mistaken in the blizzards." Kortan stops walking, "Travel in those areas of the Chillander lands is normally prohibited due to the conditions, except for trained explorers."
06[18:44] * Seira considers her next words. "Being an experienced explorer, someone like myself would be allowed to travel to the region, then?" she suggests.
[18:48] <Anastasia> "As a special favor, yes," Kortan agrees. "On the condition that you don't rile up the dragon at all if you find it.  It's done us no harm, so I have no intention of doing it harm."
01[18:51] <Seira> "Doing harm to dragons you want to make friends with is counter-productive, yes," Seira concludes. "Alright, this has definitely caught my interest. Once my preexisting commitment has been resolved, I would return with a few others, if that is quite alright?"
[18:55] <Anastasia> "I'd wait at least 3 more months for the winter blizzard season to end. Winter lasts a long time over there." Kortan inclines his head, "Four months would be even better, so that you'll deal with as 'warm' as that region gets. It's permafrost there, so it's relative."
01[18:56] <Seira> "Had it always been that way?" Seira asks curiously. "While going past the reaches of the desert, we've learned that the wastes once were habitable, before the war. It made me wonder how much of the world was lost in the process."
[19:01] <Anastasia> "It's been that way for a long time, as far as we know. The cold is simply not a good place to live," Kortan shrugs. "It takes a hearty soul to withstand it and eke out a life."
06[19:04] * Seira nods. "Please let me know if there is a change in the pattern of sightings?" she requests, returning to the original topic. "I will try to explore the issue from my end as well, since a dragon of that age is likely to have been around for a while. Knowing more couldn't possibly hurt."
[19:06] <Anastasia> "I will," he promises. "I may call in this favor one day or another in return."
01[19:06] <Seira> "Rather than an exchange of favors, I would prefer to look at this as the start of a mutually-beneficial relationship," Seira comments with a smile.
[19:14] <Anastasia> "Whichever," Chillander shrugs as you walk under a tree with leaves like iclcles. "It'll come in handy sooner or later, I'm certain."
06[19:16] * Seira is content to let the matter drop, glancing at Amaryl. "It seems we're done here for the time being, then. Thank you for your hospitality."

[Corwin]

[20:52] <Kotono> -----
[20:53] <Kotono> The Temple of Waukeen is beginning to pick up it's business again. The sort of war between the Baronies and Malmuth was the type to never be good for overt business, but trade from the Desert Fiefdoms and beyonds trickles in. You see a few people here as you head for the Head Priest. He sits in his chambers, a few old books and scrolls arrainged about. "You might want to sit down," He offers.
06[20:55] * Seira isn't one to argue with an expert, sitting herself down quite comfortably.
[20:56] <Kotono> "Complete domination of a mind isn't easy," he begins, "There's a fifth circle magical spell that can do it, but even that has drawbacks and weaknesses. Are you familiar with Dominate Person?"
06[20:57] * Seira is indeed familiar, saying as much with a touch of distaste.
[21:00] <Kotono> "As you know, someone with a strong will is even more resistant to it and likely to shake it off. Your father's mental training and will are superb, so..." A stop, "I looked into things that could achieve this." He goes to a drawer, carefully withdrawing a pair of tongs, then taking out the cracked black gem circlet.
01[21:00] <Seira> "Yes, it was clearly this thing," Seira says with a touch of impatience.
[21:01] <Kotono> "This black gem isn't a gem at all. It's the crystallized heart of a Succubi. Succubi are powerful manipulators and corruptors....as well as being able to drain the life from mortals."
06[21:02] * Seira twitches. "Say what?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "With the power of a demonic succubi behind it, this would be a magnificent component for such a device. However, the side effects..." A stop there, "it's damaged your father's spirit and health."
06[21:04] * Seira blinks slowly. "So how are we getting him back on the road to recovery?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "A normal restoration won't do it. Unless you can produce the epitome of magic or a miracle, you'd need a like object. A creature that's dedicated to protection and forthrightness instead would be the best place to start looking."
01[21:12] <Seira> "I don't think I understand you right," Seira says slowly. "Are you telling me one would need to slay an angel, place their heart in crystallized form on a diadem and have the old man recover that way?"
[21:13] <Kotono> "No, no, no." Waving his hand, "I don't mean to kill one, but a symbol from one. Something like the sweat of an angel protecting the truth or something of the like."
[21:13] <Kotono> "With that, a magical countermeasure would be far easier."
01[21:14] <Seira> "We just so happen to be going to see a few angels," Seira mentions. "I'll ask them!"
[21:15] <Kotono> "Good luck. Saul's condition shouldn't deteriorate, but I doubt it will improve, either." Taking the tongs, "What do you want to do with this...thing? It's rather dangerous."
01[21:15] <Seira> "What happens if you touch it?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "You're touching an object dedicated to the corruption and control of mortal beings," The head priest smiles in discomfort. "The risk isn't great for casual contact, but it still exists tyat you could find yourself not feeling like you should."
01[21:16] <Seira> "What happens if a devil touches it?" Seira asks next, with some interest.
[21:17] <Kotono> "I don't know," He admits, "I don't know how this would interact with an outsider, especially a devil.:"
01[21:18] <Seira> "I'm sort of tempted to find out, but I don't really want to introduce something unpredictable...." Seira frowns. "Can it be destroyed safely?"
[21:19] <Kotono> "With a good directed burst of holy power and distance it should be safe. I say holy power since that would hopefully help mute any outbursts it's destruction would cause."
01[21:20] <Seira> "We can do that right now," Seira offers. "I can guard you in case something bad happens."
[21:24] <Kotono> "It should be done out of town and away from anyone," The head priest says. OOC - Skip ahead a bit?
01[21:25] <Seira> OOC: Sure
[21:36] <Kotono> A few miles west of Balmuria, a little field is chosen. The circlet is laid down carefully, the two heading about one hundred feet away. The head priest bows his head, "M'lady, grant me the power! I call on our agreement to demand this spell!" A flame strike crashes down from above, scorching the circlet! It shudders, shivers and then shatters in the flames! You hear a lovely female voice scream as it shatters, but nothingg else happens.
06[21:37] * Seira raises an eyebrow. "Did that voice sound grateful or angry to you?" she asks. "It's so hard to tell, with succubi."
[21:41] <Kotono> "I don't know," he shrugs, as you can see a few smoldering shards of the black gem. They melt into a gooey black fluid, sinking into the ground. The grass around it twists into abnormal shapes and colors or dies, about two patches of each.
06[21:42] * Seira motions him to step back, before setting the thing on fire for good measure.
[21:43] <Kotono> Both the dead grass and the warped grass are burnt away under Seira's spell, just leaving a large patch of burnt, destroyed grass now.