206.3 Winter Days, Seira

[Corwin]

[20:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> -----
03[20:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[20:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Home! Home at last, away from all the devils and deserts. On getting home, and after a lovely day of rest, Seira finds Berjand and Donald in discussion as she emerges that morning. The inn is quiet, only a few overnight guests around and eating. The two in question are by the bar, chatting. "...it was THAT big?" Berjand asks, hands spread out wide. "By the desert, those devils sound even worse."
01[20:07] <Seira> "What was THAT big?" Seira asks, pushing in between the two as she places her arms over their shoulders.
[20:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "The malebranche," Donald rubs the side of his head, "I felt like I was trying to fight a tower instead of a being."
[20:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Ah, Seira!" Berjand's expression becomes serious, "Your timing's good."
03[20:08] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54467b02.lns4-c12.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:09] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
01[20:10] <Seira> "Oh, right," Seira agrees with Donald. "The devil that almost killed you and gotten your immortal soul trapped in a precious gem. Striped agate, I believe it was?"
03[20:13] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Donald glowers, "Well yes, but who's dead and who's alive?" With that he nods to Berjand, "I'll catch you later. I should go back to bed. I planned to spend most of the day there, after all."
01[20:16] <Seira> "Oh, you did good," Seira tells him, shaking her head. "I was really proud!"
[20:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Berjand chuckles at that very briefly, but doesn't keep his attention on Donald. "Can we talk?" hea sks quietly.
06[20:18] * Seira nods at him, patting his shoulder again before letting go and leaning against the counter. "Is here fine, or would you like some privacy?"
[20:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's fine." He goes to sit at the bar, "How is my homeland? Is it safe now?"
01[20:24] <Seira> "To a point," Seira responds. "I've left men in place to monitor it, since we know some of the humans were working together with the devils. It won't be long before we have all the proof we need. But the real danger is over."
[20:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...aaah." He sighs in relief at that, "I fear The Pasha may not have been truly prepared...nor any of us...to deal with that threat."
01[20:26] <Seira> "I'm trying to do something about that, too," Seira muses. "Think he'll be amenable if I approached him directly, or should I just work from the shadows?"
[20:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...hmm." Berjand stops there, "Perhaps I can help find out for you?" He suggests. "I had been considering your offer, yet my homeland calls to me. This land is far farier than it, yet I miss the desert. If you are looking into Arad, I would be glad to go and help you with that."
01[20:32] <Seira> "So you would like to be my man in Arad?" Seira asks, looking at Berjand critically.
[20:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I was still thinking of going there and obtaining a house...starting a real life there, risen above my former station." His face has a wistful look to it, "The two goals could be weaved together."
06[20:34] * Seira nods thoughtfully. "That they could. Rather than a house, how would you like to take residence at a temple? They lack one to Waukeen, shocking as that might sound, so I'm going to be setting one up."
[20:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Expanding there?" Berjand rubs his chin as he thinks, "I'd be willing to consider it, at least."
01[20:40] <Seira> "There are quite a few people in need of Waukeen's gifts and guidance," Seira elaborates. "And it's not only the spiritual services that the temple would provide."
[20:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...tell me more about it," Berjand asks.
01[20:46] <Seira> "While we might have poor people here, have you really seen anyone starving on the streets, much less a whole subset of the population?" Seira asks Berjand.
01[20:46] <Seira> "There are many ways of dealing with such issues in other lands. Ignoring them is one, as is subsidising the entire thing. There are also more forceful solutions, but I believe they ignore the actual problem and merely tackle the symptoms.
01[20:46] <Seira> Providing people with the means to live and support themselves in dignity, helping them acquire the necessary skills so that they could help others in turn, supporting those in need so that they could get back on their feet and continue their business venues...
01[20:46] <Seira> a lot of the world and its inhabitants are connected, and the changes become far-reaching, if properly guided. That is what our efforts will be all about, and I would like you to join them."
[20:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "In Arad the poor simply live off handouts, while the rich live in gated estates like paradise, while those in between try to survive." Berjand turns his eyes away, "The belief is that the desert spares those that are strong enough to survive it, and those that thrive deserve the hard earned wealth. If you are not strong enough, you will be swallowed into the sand." (More)
[20:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I was of the latter - I was in bondage for a long time for...matters that are not important. I have a chance now to escape that and rise to the top. I will take that, no matter what." He says finally, looking Seira in the eye. "Does your Goddess believe that? Or does your Goddess mean as you say, that she can bring wealth to everyone in the Fiefdoms?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "She supports me as a champion," Seira tells him. "Quite directly, in fact. The temple of Waukeen here also operates along the same lines. It is not divine-handed wealth, such as waking up with a sack of gold under your pillow if you say the proper prayers. It is the chance to make your forture if you follow her teachings, improving the lives of your friends and family, and even people you wouldn't normally know." Seira frowns, then. "Corrupt mortals could always appear to distort the ideals, and Arad is far enough away by nonmagical means, while I can't spend my time teleporting over all the time to keep an eye on it. I would need someone there I could trust."
01[20:59] <Seira> Seira frowns, then. "Corrupt mortals could always appear to distort the ideals, and Arad is far enough away by nonmagical means, while I can't spend my time teleporting over all the time to keep an eye on it. I would need someone there I could trust."
[21:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Make a diplo check with a +5 bonus? You sold that pretty well.
01[21:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+26
06[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+26 and gets 39."12 [1d20=13]
[21:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> At last you get a nod, "Yes, your father said something like that," he agrees after that. "Would there be a stipend or salary involved with it?"
01[21:07] <Seira> "Yes, though I suspect it would be moot in your case. For example, I am currently being paid in the area of thirty gold coins per month for my services in the Guard. Considering the money you have right now, I doubt it would even be noticed."
[21:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> That gets Berjand to smile wide, "Yes, well..." He takes that in good humor. "I'll accept."
06[21:10] * Seira smirks. "I'll make the pay thirty gold, then."
[21:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Fourty," he says without missing a beat.
06[21:17] * Seira shrugs. "There are times when it's worth to haggle. This is not one of them. Sure, whatever."
[21:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Deal," Berjand offers his hand.
06[21:20] * Seira takes it without hesitation. "The arrangements are still being formed," she informs him. "A few of our celestial friends might end up making a visit. You won't be caught off guard, right?"
[21:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I won't now. What do they look like?" He asks.
01[21:23] <Seira> "Some have animal heads, others look like lanterns. There are plenty of humanoids, too. You usually feel them before you see them, really." Seira shrugs. "I've discovered that treating them normally gets them to do the same to you."
[21:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Fine." He nods at hat, "Will there be any more demons?" His face twists into a scowl at that.
01[21:26] <Seira> "That... is the other reason I want a presence in Arad. I would like to say no to fiends, but they refuse to take it for an answer, do they?"
[21:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I see." He murmurs that thoughtfully, "Alright, I understand that."
01[21:30] <Seira> "Help will be just a teleport away. But someone needs to deny them a foothold long enough to send for it." Seira shrugs. "Besides, with luck, it'll be a lot of preparations for nothing, and we both will be glad for it."
[21:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - SKipping ahead then?
01[21:30] <Seira> OOC: Yeah
[21:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A few hours later, Seira's room gets a visitor. On opening the door, Seira finds Saul there. He walks with a cane but his step is a little surer now. While his color is still bad, it's not so deathly as it was before, and he's gained a bit of weight back.
01[21:38] <Seira> "You look better," Seira tells him honestly. "Only half-dead. Quarter-dead?" She taps her lips thoughtfully. "Maybe a third...."
[21:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Half." Saul settles on that, "You don't look like you got killed out there, so I assume the devils were put back in place?"
01[21:40] <Seira> "Didn't even come close to it," Seira affirms. "I think I'm getting better at this not dying despite mortal peril thing."
[21:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's an art." Saul has a ghost of a smirk on his face, but it fades just like one. "Good to see you're becoming an artist, then."
06[21:44] * Seira nods. "Give me a year and I'll take down that idiot God-King!" She tilts her head, looking at him. "I was half-joking. This is where you laugh politely."
[21:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Saul laughs politely. "Yes, yes. Speaking of, I'll be leaving soon for Irenes' hideaway. Yes, Celebrimbor already arrainged for someone to come with me. If there's a cure to what he did to me, it likely lies within those golden halls. Further, countless secrets surely have been gathered by him. I want them."
01[21:47] <Seira> "--to share with me. You forgot that part," Seira points out.
[21:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Of course." Saul shakes his head. "Since you've gotten yourself tangled up in this, I imagine I'll uncover things you'll need or want to know."
01[21:51] <Seira> "I'll keep you posted, too. Sending is great for that." The hint could probably be more blunt or obvious, but Seira needs a moment to realize how. "That means you should use Sending to tell me stuff, or just to say hi once in a while, and I'll do the same."
[21:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Of course." Saul repeats, rolling his eyes. "You're not long on the subtle, are you?"
01[22:01] <Seira> "When it comes to you and keeping in touch, I want every t crossed and i dotted," she says in a deadpan.
[22:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You've gotten yourself stuck squarely in this mess, so I'm not going to run off again." He half sighs at that, "My, you've grown strong. Also insistent and sarcastic, but I suppose those go hand in hand."
01[22:05] <Seira> "Not really, but you wouldn't believe how many people underestimate you, dismiss you as stupid or just attack you in rage over the latter." She brushes a loose strand of hair away from her face. "Morons."
[22:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good girl," Saul can't help but smirk at that.
01[22:10] <Seira> "Yes, well...." Seira preens.
[22:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Now then. Stay out of too much trouble. If you've irritated both the Abyss and the Nine Hells, you'll get enough trouble just existing, anyway." Saul turns to the door, "I'm leaving in a day. The sooner I go, the sooner I can find a remedy."
01[22:13] <Seira> "Yes," she says, ambivalent. "Well, you'll be just a teleport away. I'll come visit once in a while. Decorate a room for me?" Seira requests. "Just not the creepy trapped room where the altar used to be, or the equally creepy room where lots of chimera were being made."
[22:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes. That room will be burned with fire," Saul agrees q uietly.
01[22:17] <Seira> "Well. I'm not actually good at goodbys," Seira says, shuffling awkwardly all of a sudden.
[22:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I noticed. You've made it this far by being headstrong, brave and...well, let's stick to those two words," Saul decides after a few moments, "You'll be fine. There's no Irenes lurking in the shadows to try and ruin you now, either."
01[22:26] <Seira> "That sounds so dirty. Was that what he was planning?" She twists her lips. "I'm even more glad I set him on fire, now."
[22:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Saul shrugs. "Probably or worse. You did ruin all of his plans rather handily." A grin at that, wide. "I must say, you're doing the chimera look rather well yourself without his help. "
01[22:28] <Seira> "It's not a chimera! It's a natural blending of two perfectly-compatible species, taken to the next level!"
[22:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Three." Saul counters, "Dragon, elf and human."
01[22:32] <Seira> "Well, you and mom started it!"
[22:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We all make mistakes," Saul inclines his head to Seira with a smirk. "But seriously, do take care of yourself and try not to make a fourth change to your species?"
01[22:34] <Seira> "I doubt there's anything that tops a dragon, but if I ever find it, you'll be the first to know," Seira assures him.

[Corwin]

[20:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> -----
03[20:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[20:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Home! Home at last, away from all the devils and deserts. On getting home, and after a lovely day of rest, Seira finds Berjand and Donald in discussion as she emerges that morning. The inn is quiet, only a few overnight guests around and eating. The two in question are by the bar, chatting. "...it was THAT big?" Berjand asks, hands spread out wide. "By the desert, those devils sound even worse."
01[20:07] <Seira> "What was THAT big?" Seira asks, pushing in between the two as she places her arms over their shoulders.
[20:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "The malebranche," Donald rubs the side of his head, "I felt like I was trying to fight a tower instead of a being."
[20:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Ah, Seira!" Berjand's expression becomes serious, "Your timing's good."
03[20:08] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54467b02.lns4-c12.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:09] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
01[20:10] <Seira> "Oh, right," Seira agrees with Donald. "The devil that almost killed you and gotten your immortal soul trapped in a precious gem. Striped agate, I believe it was?"
03[20:13] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Donald glowers, "Well yes, but who's dead and who's alive?" With that he nods to Berjand, "I'll catch you later. I should go back to bed. I planned to spend most of the day there, after all."
01[20:16] <Seira> "Oh, you did good," Seira tells him, shaking her head. "I was really proud!"
[20:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Berjand chuckles at that very briefly, but doesn't keep his attention on Donald. "Can we talk?" hea sks quietly.
06[20:18] * Seira nods at him, patting his shoulder again before letting go and leaning against the counter. "Is here fine, or would you like some privacy?"
[20:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's fine." He goes to sit at the bar, "How is my homeland? Is it safe now?"
01[20:24] <Seira> "To a point," Seira responds. "I've left men in place to monitor it, since we know some of the humans were working together with the devils. It won't be long before we have all the proof we need. But the real danger is over."
[20:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...aaah." He sighs in relief at that, "I fear The Pasha may not have been truly prepared...nor any of us...to deal with that threat."
01[20:26] <Seira> "I'm trying to do something about that, too," Seira muses. "Think he'll be amenable if I approached him directly, or should I just work from the shadows?"
[20:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...hmm." Berjand stops there, "Perhaps I can help find out for you?" He suggests. "I had been considering your offer, yet my homeland calls to me. This land is far farier than it, yet I miss the desert. If you are looking into Arad, I would be glad to go and help you with that."
01[20:32] <Seira> "So you would like to be my man in Arad?" Seira asks, looking at Berjand critically.
[20:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I was still thinking of going there and obtaining a house...starting a real life there, risen above my former station." His face has a wistful look to it, "The two goals could be weaved together."
06[20:34] * Seira nods thoughtfully. "That they could. Rather than a house, how would you like to take residence at a temple? They lack one to Waukeen, shocking as that might sound, so I'm going to be setting one up."
[20:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Expanding there?" Berjand rubs his chin as he thinks, "I'd be willing to consider it, at least."
01[20:40] <Seira> "There are quite a few people in need of Waukeen's gifts and guidance," Seira elaborates. "And it's not only the spiritual services that the temple would provide."
[20:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...tell me more about it," Berjand asks.
01[20:46] <Seira> "While we might have poor people here, have you really seen anyone starving on the streets, much less a whole subset of the population?" Seira asks Berjand.
01[20:46] <Seira> "There are many ways of dealing with such issues in other lands. Ignoring them is one, as is subsidising the entire thing. There are also more forceful solutions, but I believe they ignore the actual problem and merely tackle the symptoms.
01[20:46] <Seira> Providing people with the means to live and support themselves in dignity, helping them acquire the necessary skills so that they could help others in turn, supporting those in need so that they could get back on their feet and continue their business venues...
01[20:46] <Seira> a lot of the world and its inhabitants are connected, and the changes become far-reaching, if properly guided. That is what our efforts will be all about, and I would like you to join them."
[20:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "In Arad the poor simply live off handouts, while the rich live in gated estates like paradise, while those in between try to survive." Berjand turns his eyes away, "The belief is that the desert spares those that are strong enough to survive it, and those that thrive deserve the hard earned wealth. If you are not strong enough, you will be swallowed into the sand." (More)
[20:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I was of the latter - I was in bondage for a long time for...matters that are not important. I have a chance now to escape that and rise to the top. I will take that, no matter what." He says finally, looking Seira in the eye. "Does your Goddess believe that? Or does your Goddess mean as you say, that she can bring wealth to everyone in the Fiefdoms?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "She supports me as a champion," Seira tells him. "Quite directly, in fact. The temple of Waukeen here also operates along the same lines. It is not divine-handed wealth, such as waking up with a sack of gold under your pillow if you say the proper prayers. It is the chance to make your forture if you follow her teachings, improving the lives of your friends and family, and even people you wouldn't normally know." Seira frowns, then. "Corrupt mortals could always appear to distort the ideals, and Arad is far enough away by nonmagical means, while I can't spend my time teleporting over all the time to keep an eye on it. I would need someone there I could trust."
01[20:59] <Seira> Seira frowns, then. "Corrupt mortals could always appear to distort the ideals, and Arad is far enough away by nonmagical means, while I can't spend my time teleporting over all the time to keep an eye on it. I would need someone there I could trust."
[21:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Make a diplo check with a +5 bonus? You sold that pretty well.
01[21:02] <Seira> roll 1d20+26
06[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+26 and gets 39."12 [1d20=13]
[21:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> At last you get a nod, "Yes, your father said something like that," he agrees after that. "Would there be a stipend or salary involved with it?"
01[21:07] <Seira> "Yes, though I suspect it would be moot in your case. For example, I am currently being paid in the area of thirty gold coins per month for my services in the Guard. Considering the money you have right now, I doubt it would even be noticed."
[21:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> That gets Berjand to smile wide, "Yes, well..." He takes that in good humor. "I'll accept."
06[21:10] * Seira smirks. "I'll make the pay thirty gold, then."
[21:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Fourty," he says without missing a beat.
06[21:17] * Seira shrugs. "There are times when it's worth to haggle. This is not one of them. Sure, whatever."
[21:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Deal," Berjand offers his hand.
06[21:20] * Seira takes it without hesitation. "The arrangements are still being formed," she informs him. "A few of our celestial friends might end up making a visit. You won't be caught off guard, right?"
[21:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I won't now. What do they look like?" He asks.
01[21:23] <Seira> "Some have animal heads, others look like lanterns. There are plenty of humanoids, too. You usually feel them before you see them, really." Seira shrugs. "I've discovered that treating them normally gets them to do the same to you."
[21:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Fine." He nods at hat, "Will there be any more demons?" His face twists into a scowl at that.
01[21:26] <Seira> "That... is the other reason I want a presence in Arad. I would like to say no to fiends, but they refuse to take it for an answer, do they?"
[21:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I see." He murmurs that thoughtfully, "Alright, I understand that."
01[21:30] <Seira> "Help will be just a teleport away. But someone needs to deny them a foothold long enough to send for it." Seira shrugs. "Besides, with luck, it'll be a lot of preparations for nothing, and we both will be glad for it."
[21:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - SKipping ahead then?
01[21:30] <Seira> OOC: Yeah
[21:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A few hours later, Seira's room gets a visitor. On opening the door, Seira finds Saul there. He walks with a cane but his step is a little surer now. While his color is still bad, it's not so deathly as it was before, and he's gained a bit of weight back.
01[21:38] <Seira> "You look better," Seira tells him honestly. "Only half-dead. Quarter-dead?" She taps her lips thoughtfully. "Maybe a third...."
[21:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Half." Saul settles on that, "You don't look like you got killed out there, so I assume the devils were put back in place?"
01[21:40] <Seira> "Didn't even come close to it," Seira affirms. "I think I'm getting better at this not dying despite mortal peril thing."
[21:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's an art." Saul has a ghost of a smirk on his face, but it fades just like one. "Good to see you're becoming an artist, then."
06[21:44] * Seira nods. "Give me a year and I'll take down that idiot God-King!" She tilts her head, looking at him. "I was half-joking. This is where you laugh politely."
[21:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Saul laughs politely. "Yes, yes. Speaking of, I'll be leaving soon for Irenes' hideaway. Yes, Celebrimbor already arrainged for someone to come with me. If there's a cure to what he did to me, it likely lies within those golden halls. Further, countless secrets surely have been gathered by him. I want them."
01[21:47] <Seira> "--to share with me. You forgot that part," Seira points out.
[21:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Of course." Saul shakes his head. "Since you've gotten yourself tangled up in this, I imagine I'll uncover things you'll need or want to know."
01[21:51] <Seira> "I'll keep you posted, too. Sending is great for that." The hint could probably be more blunt or obvious, but Seira needs a moment to realize how. "That means you should use Sending to tell me stuff, or just to say hi once in a while, and I'll do the same."
[21:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Of course." Saul repeats, rolling his eyes. "You're not long on the subtle, are you?"
01[22:01] <Seira> "When it comes to you and keeping in touch, I want every t crossed and i dotted," she says in a deadpan.
[22:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You've gotten yourself stuck squarely in this mess, so I'm not going to run off again." He half sighs at that, "My, you've grown strong. Also insistent and sarcastic, but I suppose those go hand in hand."
01[22:05] <Seira> "Not really, but you wouldn't believe how many people underestimate you, dismiss you as stupid or just attack you in rage over the latter." She brushes a loose strand of hair away from her face. "Morons."
[22:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good girl," Saul can't help but smirk at that.
01[22:10] <Seira> "Yes, well...." Seira preens.
[22:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Now then. Stay out of too much trouble. If you've irritated both the Abyss and the Nine Hells, you'll get enough trouble just existing, anyway." Saul turns to the door, "I'm leaving in a day. The sooner I go, the sooner I can find a remedy."
01[22:13] <Seira> "Yes," she says, ambivalent. "Well, you'll be just a teleport away. I'll come visit once in a while. Decorate a room for me?" Seira requests. "Just not the creepy trapped room where the altar used to be, or the equally creepy room where lots of chimera were being made."
[22:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes. That room will be burned with fire," Saul agrees q uietly.
01[22:17] <Seira> "Well. I'm not actually good at goodbys," Seira says, shuffling awkwardly all of a sudden.
[22:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I noticed. You've made it this far by being headstrong, brave and...well, let's stick to those two words," Saul decides after a few moments, "You'll be fine. There's no Irenes lurking in the shadows to try and ruin you now, either."
01[22:26] <Seira> "That sounds so dirty. Was that what he was planning?" She twists her lips. "I'm even more glad I set him on fire, now."
[22:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Saul shrugs. "Probably or worse. You did ruin all of his plans rather handily." A grin at that, wide. "I must say, you're doing the chimera look rather well yourself without his help. "
01[22:28] <Seira> "It's not a chimera! It's a natural blending of two perfectly-compatible species, taken to the next level!"
[22:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Three." Saul counters, "Dragon, elf and human."
01[22:32] <Seira> "Well, you and mom started it!"
[22:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We all make mistakes," Saul inclines his head to Seira with a smirk. "But seriously, do take care of yourself and try not to make a fourth change to your species?"
01[22:34] <Seira> "I doubt there's anything that tops a dragon, but if I ever find it, you'll be the first to know," Seira assures him.

[Corwin]

[18:51] <Kotono> <Seira> "They fit quite nicely," Seira agrees. "I'm sure everyone would be quite taken with you!"
[18:51] <Kotono> > "Whereever did you get them, if they're unique?" Amaryl's blush creeps down from her face, growing. "Oh, you went to so much trouble for this, didn't you?:"
[18:51] <Kotono> <Seira> "Don't really worry about it," Seira tells Amaryl, waving her concerns away. "I was in the neighbourhood, anyway."
[18:51] <Kotono> > "Oooh..." Just a long sigh escapes from her mouth, her blush radiating. "I...thank you. I love them."
[18:51] <Kotono> <Seira> "I love--" Seira coughs. "Them. On you." She twitches on the sofa.
[18:57] <Kotono> Amaryl's smile spreads, "I love...them on me, too," he reyes glitter, "Thank you..." To this she embraces Seira, pressing against her softly.
01[19:00] <Seira> "This is what I fought for, after all. Most of all," Seira muses quietly, returning the hug. "I don't think the devils can really understand, for all their intellect."
[19:03] <Kotono> Holding close to Seira, "Devils? Hmm. You mean this is beyond them? How...horrible."
06[19:06] * Seira laughs quietly, burying her face in Amaryl's shoulder. "Their loss," she says simply.
[19:10] <Kotono> "Mmm..." Amaryl sighs in a happy sort of way, "You're like a living legend out of a storybook, Seira."
01[19:12] <Seira> "I'll have to make sure I write all the history books, then," Seira comments with a snort. "Or who knows how they'll distort things."
[19:15] <Kotono> "Hahaha, you might just," Laughing at that with an easy warmth, "Are you going to battle again any time soon?"
01[19:18] <Seira> "No, I'm going to be building a lot, for now," Seira responds. "With a bit of luck and some effort, something could be done about the conflicts that used to spring up every now and then in the world. Maybe a reform of the justice system. Maybe a lot of things." She moves back slightly, enough to be able to look at Amaryl's face.
01[19:18] <Seira> "How about you? I've read about your issues at the council, but what about your life?"
[19:20] <Kotono> "LAtely the Council has been my life," Amaryl smiles wistfully, looking down. "I...I've been listening to you and Sir Ambrose more and trying to speak. It can work, but I find it draws me deeper into the Council's works and times. I've lost whole days to discussing a single point and barely even noticed the passage of time. Right now, I haven't had much of a life. It's why I need some time away."
01[19:22] <Seira> "Speaking is good, and an important first step," Seira agrees, before wincing. "Getting other people to agree with you even when you're blindingly right is the problem, far too often. It takes real skill to force people to see reason without the use of magic or steel."
[19:26] <Kotono> "Yes, especially when they feel they're defending their people or their interests. If King Lorthan didn't intervene at times, we'd spend months at small matters." Despite this she laughs, "Since steel or magic isn't an option..."
01[19:28] <Seira> "Keeping the opposition off guard might help, as would alternating from securing alliances and just using brute force, metaphorically speaking, to push your ideas through," Seira muses thoughtfully. "Maybe I should get a title back in the Baronies, just to see better what you're going through?"
[19:31] <Kotono> "Countess Seira?" Amaryl's laughter is like bells tinkling, soft and charming. "Perhaps, perhaps not. But..." She sighs, "I think I just want to rest now. Tell me about what you did, Seira? Tell me about the devils you defeated?"
01[19:34] <Seira> "Yes, it sounds funny," Seira admits sadly. "My name is better on its own, without the silly titles people keep on trying to add to it." She looks at Amaryl for a long moment, before nodding. "A bedtime story? Sure, I can do that. You don't mind me crashing here on the sofa later, right? I'll just go back tomorrow."
[19:35] <Kotono> "It's fine," Amaryl smiles.
01[19:40] <Seira> "First, we ambushed them and they bought it," Seira starts, getting up and pulling Amaryl to her feet as well. "As an aside? Their force was overwhelming to anything the Fiefdoms could've thrown at them in that situation, so their own overabundance of caution got that devil party killed. No one ever told them not to line up all their troops around a campsites and conveniently one near the other, I guess."
[19:42] <Kotono> "Aaah!" Lifted up by Seira, Amaryl listens. "The ambush worked well? How strong was the force? I tcould defeat an entire army of a nation?"
01[19:45] <Seira> "It was gathered to defeat a single tent," Seira says with an amused smile, "not an entire army. But I suppose they could, at that. When it comes to large forces, they... well, the individual soldiers don't see themselves as statistics. If there is no competent leader to direct them, even a vastly superior face can crumble in the face of determined, well-lead opposition."
[19:47] <Kotono> "You were the determined opposition?" Amaryl listens, "How many times did you fight them?"
06[19:53] * Seira raises an eyebrow. "This was going to be a bedtime story, remember? And a few. Quite a lot as we approached the goal." She shrugs. "I suppose you could call us determined, but their leaders were mostly just that bad. Some were arrogant and separated their forces, letting each part be defeated in detail while they themselves decided not to engage us until we came to them." (more)
01[19:55] <Seira> "Others, in a fearsome battle, had a dragon amongst themselves, but it toyed around with us until wounded. Once it decided to take us seriously, however, Alicia had been in melee with it and brought about its death. The desert devils lost their chance to use contribute to the battle as well, merely watching us slaughter their allies from the safety of their massive sandstorm.
01[19:55] <Seira> Had they joined in once the storm managed to split us apart, who knows how that battle would have gone?"
[19:57] <Kotono> "Impressive," As the tale goes on she listens, "A dragon? Another one? What was it like?"
01[20:02] <Seira> "Evil skeletal thing. I kept a memento." Seira frowns. "I think all of us were kind of scared when he appeared, but then he died so it was all good. Said he was some kind of mercenary... I really do wonder if he got paid in advance?"
[20:05] <Kotono> "I hope not. No need to pay something like that and make it richer," A scowl passes over her face, "First the dragon that terrorized your land and now this. I would love to see a good dragon instead..."
01[20:07] <Seira> "Well, I doubt he'll have the money now, and that means his employer would be all the poorer," Seira muses, shrugging. "You know, I did see a couple good dragons. Well, and a third, but I was slightly not right at the time, so I don't remember it all too well. One of them's actually a friend, so once there are stable gates on this world I'll see if I could visit him again. I'll be sure to take you!"
03[20:10] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[20:12] <Kotono> "I'd like that," Amaryl says, eyes sparkling.
01[20:15] <Seira> "Then it's settled! And I'll probably become one some day, so you could see a dragon as much as you'd like. I think I'll be a good dragon and break the trend of nasty red dragons." Seira nods to herself. "Yes, it would be quite fun, wouldn't it?"
[20:19] <Kotono> "It won't be missed," Going to sit back down now, "Mm...I'm tired. Tell me more..." she murmurs, as she lets her eyes close.
01[20:22] <Seira> "Hellpuppies and flying mages and hellfire and wave after wave of devils in melee, pressing down on our forces. After a while, you only begin to remember the leaders as the rest blur together. Their base was a gnomish fortress, and the portal was guarded heavily." Seira smiles to herself. "We closed it just in time to see the enraged face of Agares, a duke of hell, about to come through it from Stygia."
[20:27] <Kotono> "Mmm..." Amaryl smiles, breathing becoming regular. "Then...you saved the day and everyone lived happily ever after?"
06[20:28] * Seira blinks. "Sure, let's go with that."
03[20:34] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54426e6c.l6.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:35] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03[21:05] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[21:28] <Kotono> ------