249.1 Alicia at the Court of Stars

[Corwin]

[21:56] <Kotono> Thus Seira and Amaryl head off. Once they do, Saul glances behind. "...huh..." he murmurs, getting up. Lady Honeydip turns as well, "You see that..." she whispers, the two rising up and going.
06[21:57] * Alicia glances curiously after Saul and Lady Honeydip. That's a pairing she never expected, and she comments on such when they're out of earshot. "I've barely heard them say two words to each other..."
[21:58] <Kotono> Antenora tries not to giggle and fails, "So? It's a place of maaagiiic!" She drinks down from a golden goblet. "Besides, wouldn't Seira love Honeydip as a stepmother?"
[21:59] <Alicia> "She could do far worse," Alicia agrees, taking another sip of her drink before casting a speculative eye towards the dance floor. "It's just surprising."
[21:59] <Kotono> Jessica starts to laugh at that, but stops. She peers to the side, "Say..."
[22:00] <Alicia> "Hm?" Alicia turns to her sister and then follows her gaze.
[22:00] <Kotono> Eudard turns as well, "I see...Lord Helm...?" Eudard gets up, as Jessica goes to follow. One can see an open archway, leading to what looks to be an underground waterfall, cascading down into a cavern.
[22:01] <Alicia> "What?" Alicia now looks somewhat weirded out as they get up and run off together without any explanation. "Where are you two going?"
[22:01] <Kotono> "It's lovely, isn't it?" Jessica calls back as her and Eudard go off. Antenora blinks and shakes he rhead, "It is odd...but I doubt it anything harmful, Alicia."
[22:03] <Alicia> Just looks like a cave to her... "It looks like everyone's pairing off..." she slowly sweeps her gaze across Antenora, Marie, and Donald as the only ones left here with her.
[22:03] <Alicia> "Jessica wouldn't do that to Roald!" Marie insists quickly. "She barely even knows Eudard!"
[22:04] <Kotono> "I don't think she would, either," Donald drains another goblet, "There's probably some reason for it, right?"
[22:07] <Alicia> "Well, they're all grown ups," Alicia relents, still a little bit dubious. "Anyway, I'm getting bored sitting around. Who's up for some dancing?"
[22:09] <Kotono> "Want to?" Donald asks, as Antenora also looks at Alicia.
[22:10] <Alicia> "I'll take that as a yes," Alicia stands up and takes Donald's hand, "No one ever invites me to dance at these things, so it seems like I've got to use my own initiative."
[22:11] <Alicia> "Want to go with them?" Marie invites Antenora.
[22:12] <Kotono> Donald takes Alicia's hand, "You're so beautiful and intimidating. It's like you're a fearsome warrior princess. Plus you have Antenora there, and she's the same way." The dance floor is full of eladrin and elves, parting way to allow the two in.
[22:13] <Kotono> Antenora considers, smiling, "Who am I to ruin a romantic dance between the two," she drinks from her glass, "Let's just watch them, Marie?"
[22:15] <Alicia> "Maybe someone will come and pick up the two nice unescorted ladies now that we're alone, anyway?" Marie suggests impishly.
[22:15] <Alicia> "It's a carefully cultivated image," Alicia tells Donald seriously as they make their way onto the dance floor, guiding one of his hands to her hip before resting hers on his shoulder and taking the other as they slot in to the flow of dancers. "In a perfect world it would attract a brave and confident man, but it never works so I'll settle for you," she grins.
[22:16] <Kotono> "Perhaps." Antenora swishes a golden wine about, "On Celestia, I dreamed of the children I may bear some day. It makes you think about things like that."
[22:17] <Alicia> "Yes... Hans, Beth, and Celeste?" Marie repeats the names she heard, eyeing the former erinyes. "I'd say you're not very good with names, but you came up with Antenora all on your own so that counts for something."
[22:17] <Kotono> Donald takes the lead at this, grinning right back as you settle in. "Y'know, I've asked guards and soldiers about that. There's a bunch that think you or Seira are gorgeous beyond words, but..." with a pfft sound, "They say it would be like asking out an angel. Figuratively speaking. Of course, I'm brave and confident, so I'm immune. As you've demonstrated on me before."
[22:18] <Kotono> Antenora flicks a bit of wine at Marie, her laughter like a steady stream of mirth. "The first two are homages. The last...well, I can't dispute that one. At least I didn't choose Marie?"
[22:20] <Alicia> "The problem with the guards is that they had no respect for me at first, so I had to cow them into the right state of mind," Alicia laughs. "Once I might have been a pretty poster-girl for the Crimson Guard, but I quashed that image with some healthy fear instead."
[22:20] <Alicia> "There's nothing worse than naming someone after someone else who's still around - parents who name children after themselves are the worst!" Marie affirms vociferously.
[22:21] <Kotono> "They're a lot better now," Donald dances along the floor with Alicia, "You can be very fearsome, too."
[22:22] <Kotono> "What's wrong with that? No Marie the second in your future," Antenora has a lopsided smile on, "Too static and unchaotic for you?"
06[22:24] * Alicia nods agreeably. "It's what I am, so there's no sense hiding it - I'd only be interested in someone who isn't bothered. What about you?" she cocks her head curiously after completing a little spin in time to the music under Donald's arm. "What do you look for in a woman?"
[22:24] <Alicia> "It's confusing is what it is!" Marie shakes her head as she wipes wine off her nose. "Someone comes to the door and asks to see Marie, and you're all 'Duh, I dunno. Which one?'"
[22:25] <Kotono> Spinning Alicia and then gazing into her eyes, "Someone beautiful, who appreciates me for who I am. I admit...sometimes that makes it a hard, hard search." Donald sighs slightly, though with a smiling face. "That's what I wish for. One day...I have a lot of time I guess, and Amaryl keeps trying to drill into me that I have plenty of time."
[22:26] <Kotono> "So?" Antenora sips wine before breaking to a laugh. "You're precious Marie. You really are. Who else but you thinks of those things?"
[22:28] <Alicia> "Hmm..." Alicia smiles. "Someone who's happy to have you around at any time, who's driven and strong but with a warm and caring side underneath... and has red hair?" she surmises.
[22:28] <Alicia> "Someone has to," Marie huffs, before reaching for her own proportionate sized drink. "Still, you'd probably have cute kids no matter what you called them. What were they like in the dream?"
[22:30] <Kotono> "Do you have someone in mind," Donald raises an eyebrow, "It sounds like you do!"
[22:30] <Kotono> "They were...perfect. They were my children..." Antenora smiles into her glass, "Say Marie. You don't have a brother that' sabout 6 feet taller than you, do you?"
[22:32] <Alicia> "Oh, don't play coy with me," Alicia banters easily as they dance. "I've seen how you look at Elle, and you certainly spend enough time at her shop when I know you're not looking to buy."
[22:32] <Alicia> "I might, but he's probably really ancient and grey and could keel over any day now!" Marie replies. "Or maybe he's already dead and is out there somewhere as an outsider or petitioner," she waves her hand vaguely.
[22:33] <Kotono> Donald doesn't even blush, "Ahem." Donald clear shis throat, "...is it that obvious...?"
[22:34] <Kotono> "Pfft." Antenora considers, "Ah well." After a pause, "Marie, what do you want from the future now?"
[22:34] <Alicia> "I'm not one to gossip, but I haven't heard anyone else mention it," Alicia replies, lowering her voice tactfully for all that no one around them would care. "Have you said anything to her?"
[22:35] <Kotono> Looking down a bit now, "I haven't. I...I think she has an idea recently, but with all that's happened, it's been put aside. It's hard to try and ask someone for a courtship when you're off killing skeletons and demons."
[22:37] <Alicia> "I dunno, I mostly just live in the moment," Marie shrugs. "I'll tell you what, though!" she perks up, "I can see about swapping my gender when I get promoted to deva or ghaele when the time comes, if you don't mind waiting!"
[22:37] <Alicia> "Oh, definitely," Alicia nods sympathetically. "Still, things are a lot quieter now - I was thinking some of us could perhaps go somewhere peaceful for a short break now that we have the chance. I already invited Elle, and you're welcome as well of course."
[22:38] <Kotono> "Sorry," Antenora bats her eyelid,s "I doubt I'll be available THAT long."
[22:39] <Kotono> "That's...that's a good chance. And..." Donald's quiet, "You never really talk about yourself, Alicia. What do you want? It's always about what I should do, or what the guard should do or what have you."
[22:39] <Alicia> "Maybe I'll do it anyway, just to see if I can seduce you," Marie replies with a grin.
[22:40] <Kotono> "Tsk-tsk," Waggling a finger in front of Marie, "What celestial encourages infidelity?"
[22:42] <Alicia> "Hmmm," Alicia gives the question the consideration it deserves. "I'd like to say I want a peaceful life, but I'm not sure that's wholly accurate."
[22:42] <Alicia> "Certainly I'd like some respite - perhaps after the matter with Daa-vid is resolved I can take some time to teach others instead of fighting myself. But I'm not sure I'd want to do that forever - eventually I'd need to take action myself. But a rest would be nice," she concludes wistfully.
[22:43] <Alicia> "Maybe I'll just sabotage all your relationships so that when the time comes you'll be available and desperate?" Marie laughs before drawing up short. "And wow, that sounds really creepy. Lets talk about something else! What was your favourite level of Celestia?"
[22:43] <Kotono> "I can dance to that," Donald murmurs, holding Alicia closer.
[22:44] <Kotono> "You're a creepy eladrin." Antenora grins, "It's part of your charm."
[22:46] <Alicia> "I suppose if anyone can appreciate creepiness it would be you," Marie agrees seriously.
06[22:46] * Alicia lets things lapse into companionable silence, dancing a few more loops around the dancefloor before breaking off. "Now, I've monopolised enough of your time and I'm sure there's no end of lovely maidens here who'd love to do a twirl or two with one of the heroes of Mother's Mountain," she suggests pleasantly.
[22:49] <Kotono> "Mmm." Antenora goes quiet for a bit. Meanwhile, Donald parts away from Alicia on the arms of another...OOC: Are you staying on the floor, Alicia?
[22:50] <Alicia> OOC: I'll linger for a moment in case there are any takers, if not I'll go back to join Anty and Marie and we can all moan about no one inviting us to dance
[22:51] <Kotono> Coming to Alicia is an elven man, clad in a regal finery and jewelry. He bows to Alicia, "May I take this dance, M'lady?"
[22:51] <Kotono> "Can you guess what I want, Marie?" Antenora asks after a bit of silence.
06[22:53] * Alicia isn't particularly discriminating, since a dance is just a dance, so it's first come first served! "Happily," she gives the man her hand and a smile. "I'm Alicia," she introduces herself, moving back onto the floor.
[22:53] <Alicia> "You want to serve Alicia, see her happy, find love and a family of your own, and smite evil," Marie lists off, extending a finger each time. "I miss anything?"
[22:57] <Kotono> "Paenal, Count of the Seelie Court." He leads Alicia along into a slow dance, "It is my great honor to dance with a pure maiden as you."
[22:58] <Kotono> "You make me sound like a one note bore," Antenora now glares at Marie, "Can't you think of anything else?"
[22:59] <Alicia> "I prefer to see you as someone with strong priorities," Marie counters easily. "Come on, Antenora, everyone has lots of little wants and urges, but you can't deny those are the driving motivations in your life."
[22:59] <Alicia> roll 1d20+26 planes, have I heard of him?
06[22:59] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+26 planes, have I heard of him? and gets 42." [1d20=16]
02[23:00] * Ciddead (~Melanchth@pool-71-178-103-55.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[23:03] <Kotono> "Yes, well..." Antenora looks away with a humph, "At least you didn't say something inapproriate!"
[23:03] <Alicia> "You perhaps flatter me, but the compliment is well taken," Alicia demurs as she waltzes with him, not being a maiden by any means. Well, she was close enough to befriend a unicorn, so that counts for something.
[23:05] <Kotono> As he leads the dance with easy grace and dexterity, "I've heard of the Crimson Guard's deeds. Brave mortals that are proving themselves worthy champions of righteous causes. I'm very impressed."
[23:07] <Alicia> "As an organisation the Crimson Guard is devoted primarily to the safety of the United Baronies. It's just fortunate we're given a lot of leeway to pursue our own goals," Alicia explains easily, before adding with a waggle of her wings, "And not as many of us are mortal as were in the beginning."
[23:07] <Alicia> "Why would I do that?" Marie asks, wounded. "We were having a serious and heartfelt discussion!"
[23:08] <Kotono> "Beautiful wings," He says appreciatively, "Your feathers are well kept, m'lady. I must say I am not surprised that such a champion of good is so blessed."
[23:09] <Alicia> "They can sometimes get in the way, but on the whole they aren't too hard to look after." Alicia nods. "Mystra has honoured me."
[23:09] <Kotono> "Being inappropriate is in your blood and soul," Antenora counters right back, "You see scandal in innocence and humor in all."
[23:10] <Kotono> "It is not a bad thing. Your back is marvelous to see as well," Paenal confesses, looking deep into Alicia's eyes. His eyes are a sea-blue, meeting Alicia's. "You serve the Lady of Mysteries?"
[23:10] <Alicia> "Well yes, but sometimes I like to defy expectations by not acting on it," Marie replies unperturbed. "Mostly it's just funny to see people's reactions, and it's all harmless fun."
06[23:12] * Alicia nods to Paenal. "Seeing the perversion of Mystra's gifts by the Dark Six troubled me greatly. It gave me great satisfaction to deliver Her judgement to them."
[23:12] <Kotono> "I know. I like the same, though the Code limits me." Antenora thoughtfully watches Alicia dance with a new partner, "Perhaps just as well. Sometimes..."
[23:13] <Alicia> "A little mischief lies in all of us," Marie grins, briefly turning to follow Antenora's gaze. "I wonder if he asked her or if she asked him?"
[23:13] <Kotono> "I'd consider it even odds either way," Antenora watches them, "He's cute."
[23:14] <Kotono> "A righteous thing. Magic used wrong is wasteful." Takin ga pause to twirl Alicia out, drawing her close after, "I have never had the chance to study Mystra's doctrine deeply."
[23:17] <Alicia> "He is, but Alicia prefers sturdier types... he probably asked her," Marie concludes, nodding.
[23:17] <Alicia> "I'm not the best person to ask," Alicia confesses, drawing close without any qualms and appreciating Paenal's skill. "I'm more comfortable acting as Mystra's sword than Her voice. And this isn't the venue for a sermon."
[23:18] <Kotono> "Probably so. For all Alicia seems comfortable around elves, she never seems to like them that way." Antenora gets another goblet, drinking and watching. "I wonder if she likes him at all?"
[23:18] <Kotono> "It isn't. But perhaps...we could discuss these matters and other points of interest in a more intimate setting?" With a smile as he holds Alicia close, "You captivate me."
06[23:23] * Alicia knows a seduction when she's the target of one, but for all that Paenal's a good dancer and a handsome man, she has no interest in seeking a romantic encounter tonight (unless Queen Morwel asks). "Perhaps at some time in the future," she demurs gracefully, "But I'm looking to enjoy the festivities without any deeper entanglements... you do dance very well, though, Count Paenal."
[23:23] <Alicia> "Mmm..." Marie studies them a moment longer. "Nahh. It's just a shallow encounter I bet."
[23:23] <Kotono> "Then again, if eladrin are any consideration... a shallow encounter can be quite...penetrating, hm?" Antenora raises an eyebrow.
[23:24] <Alicia> "Ugh..." Marie makes a face. "Way too obvious!" she protests, waving her hands at Antenora.
[23:24] <Kotono> "Of course, m'lady," With another twirl of Alicia back, "It is my honor to respect your wishes."
[23:25] <Kotono> "Really? I've been trying to be more obvious lately. So many comments go unnoticed." With a slight sigh as she blows air out, "It's not working, is it?"
[23:28] <Alicia> "When you're too obvious it makes people just feel awkward and try to pretend they didn't hear anything," Marie lectures Antenora.
[23:28] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia smiles. "Now, if you'll excuse me I'm a little bit parched - thank you for the dance," she curtsies as she backs away.
[23:28] <Kotono> "Hmph." Antenora mutters, "It's so hard to walk the line between subtle and obvious."
[23:29] <Alicia> "You're a clever girl, I'm sure you'll figure it out," Marie reassures.
[23:31] <Kotono> Thus the night passes in a blur. The dream continues on, on and on and on and on. Alicia blinks as the morning sunshine comes in through her window. The dream...she remembers...the dream. Dancing and laughing, of a beautiful queen and her realm. Marie lies next to her, yawning and rubbing her eyes.
06[23:32] * Alicia can't help but yawn upon seeing her familiar do the same, sitting up and rubbing her eyes as she tries to figure out where she is and how she got there.
[23:33] <Kotono> She...can't remember. Dancing and dancing and laughing and laughing and...hm? Her gown...she's still wearing the gown! The gown of black and purple and white, while Marie wears hers as well.
[23:35] <Alicia> Oh, she slept in it? That's no way to treat such a fine garment! Marie agrees, and after a mumbled good morning to each other they proceed to disrobe, Alicia using a cantrip to clean them both up and then smooth out the rumples in their lovely new clothes before they get dressed in more mundane attire. Then it's time to see to everyone else in the house and make breakfast!
[23:36] <Kotono> You find Antenora sitting out there, wearing her gown yet. She is radiant, Latha besides her. Latha is quiet, having changed out. Jessica's out there as well, making breakfast. "Good morning, Alicia!" she calls.
[23:37] <Alicia> "How do you always get up first..." Alicia eyes her sister before letting it slide. "Did everyone have a good time last night?"
[23:39] <Kotono> "Oh yes." Jessica turns, a face full of serene calm. "It was wonderful! Alicia, do you feel it?"
[23:40] <Alicia> "Depends what 'it' is," Alicia admits. "But I did have a lovely evening, that's for sure."
[23:40] <Kotono> "The blessing." With a vague smile, "I feel the magic inside of me. A calming magic."
[23:43] <Alicia> "Hmm?" Alicia tries to think if she feels anything like that, concentrating on the welspring of magic that courses through her veins as a fundamental part of her, trying to percieve anything different about it.
03[23:44] * Cid_Samson (~Melanchth@pool-71-178-103-55.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[23:45] <Kotono> Alicia feels nothing different about her. Antenora smiles, "I feel it inside of me as well. A warmth, like positive energy magic mending wounds."
06[23:47] * Alicia shrugs apologetically. "I don't feel anything particularly different," she admits. "Anyway, where did you run off to with Eudard? We never saw you all night after you left."
[23:48] <Kotono> "We went to a waterfall. It was beautiful...we talked. I talked about how I wanted all of us to be happy and safe, while Eudard talked about how he needed the strength to serve Helm's will."
[23:49] <Alicia> "Well, I suppose it's nice if you made a new friend," Alicia smiles. "How about you, Latha?"
[23:50] <Kotono> "I couldn't focus on any of it," Latha admits in a low voice. "I kept thinking of the light of Chronias. The night feels like a pale specter compared to that."
[23:52] <Alicia> "Ah," Alicia winces inwardly, still unsure whether she should feel guilty for pulling Latha away from that or not. "Well, in any case," she moves briskly along, "The Dark Six and the Neverborn are no more. Hopefully things will be quiet around here for a little while and we can take some time to recover from the past week."
[23:52] <Kotono> "I think it will be." Jessica says, her voice banishing worry and bringing a deep serenity ot the room. "Marielle, did you find anything different about yourself, either?"
[23:53] <Alicia> Marie looks up from where she'd been doing some introspection and answers Jessica...
[23:55] <Alicia> "Yes! I'm even closer to meeting Antenora's criteria!" she announces gaily.
[23:55] <Kotono> "Huh?" Antenora blink=blinks at that, "What do you mean?"
[23:56] <Alicia> "A ball of light isn't my only other form, now," Marie replies smugly, parking herself on the kitchen table.
[23:57] <Kotono> "...oh." Antenora shakes her head, "Oh yes...THAT conversation. Are you serious?"
Session Time: Mon Dec 21 00:00:00 2009
[00:00] <Alicia> "Definitely," Marie nods. "I'll even demonstrate!" she flies off the table and positions herself over an empty spot of floor, rapidly expanding as her feet descend to touch the floor and her wings vanish, leaving her looking just like the aasimar-form Alicia occassionally grants her, except with this change her clothes have enlarged to fit instead of simply falling off and leaving her nude.
[00:00] <Alicia> "I can take on other forms too, but this one's familiar," she adds, looking down at herself.
[00:01] <Kotono> "...I'm not sure if this is a blessing or if the Court has a sense of humor, or both and more." Antenora stares.
[00:02] <Alicia> "Well, that'll save me a few spells here and there," Alicia replies, utterly unperturbed even as Marie makes a kissy-face at Antenora before reverting to her standard form and flying over to land on Antenora's head.
[00:02] <Kotono> Antenora sinks her face into her hands, "Mystra help me..."
[00:04] <Alicia> "Anyway!" Alicia briskly moves the conversation on. "I was thinking that now we've cleared away our current set of problems, we should enjoy a nice holiday while there's a chance. I have a few ideas of my own, but do any of you have recommendations for places we could visit? The whole cosmos lies open to us!" she encourages.
[00:08] <Kotono> "Hmmm." Jessic aturns, a ladle in hand. "Arborea again, or Brightwater or Dweomerheart? Alternately, somewhere secluded on the Prime?"
[00:09] <Kotono> Antenora considers, "The Prime sounds better. We've been out on the planes so much lately."
[00:10] <Alicia> "There was this lovely deserted island I found completely by mistake while we were exploring those gnome ruins in the jungle," Alicia offers. "I don't know what else is there, but the weather was nice and the beach was lovely. No civilisation to speak of, though, but it would be nice for getting away from things entirely."
[00:11] <Alicia> "What about those endless plains?" Marie volunteers. "No one knows us there, so we could relax more and still enjoy the benefits of civilisation. The people are all very friendly, and we could find out if Mizin had any luck?"
[00:12] <Kotono> "Mmm." Antenora hums, "We could do both. Get a tan for a few days then go visit? I'd like to do something completely relaxing and free first, I think."
[00:13] <Alicia> "What do you think, Latha?" Alicia essays a hopeful look to the deva, somewhat worried by how insular she's been of late.
[00:16] <Kotono> Latha smiles, "I'll go where yo ugo. Alicia...just give me some time. That's all."
[00:17] <Alicia> "Okay, but if there's anywhere you want to go, anything you want to do... just say the word, okay?" Alicia asks earnestly. "It might not be Chronias, but there's still meaning to be found out there."
[00:18] <Kotono> "I know." Latha says with her own smile.
[00:18] <Kotono> "What sort of clothing should we bring to a beach or the endless plains, Alicia," Jessica turns back to look to her.
[00:22] <Alicia> "Something light and airy for both - it's quite warm in both places," Alicia replies, smiling as she gets into this idea. "So, that's us five. We should bring Hugo and Dawnhope as well, and ask Seira and Amaryl. I already invited Elle, and Donald last night. Anyone I'm missing?"
[00:23] <Kotono> "That sounds good. Too many people spoil things," Antenora points out, "We could also look up Ysgard at some point, now that I think about it."
[00:24] <Kotono> "A tan would be nice...can we tan?" Jessica frowns then, "Do angels tan, I mean?"
[00:24] <Alicia> "I want to ask Syala how she does that trick with her aura of light," Alicia nods, now that her own aura has gotten brighter it might be something she can learn. At Jessica's question she defers to Latha's superior angeling experience.
[00:25] <Kotono> "We can." Latha says absently, "You can get as much or as little a tan as you like. We don't sunburn, the sun's light isn't enough to burn us."
[00:27] <Kotono> "Lava doesn't burn me. The sun's nothing," Antenora says dismissively, "The warmth of the sun sounds good after the Negative energy plane."
[00:28] <Alicia> "The inner planes are generally unpleasant all around," Alicia concludes. "Air and Water are the only ones I'd honestly consider nice places."

[Corwin]

[20:58] <Kotono> ---
[20:59] <Kotono> The morning passes. After lunch, Antenora, Marie and Alicia take a long break, sitting down and falling into idle conversation. The simple lulls of life are like an enchantment all their own. Antenora leans back, closing her eyes. "Alicia...?"
[21:00] <Alicia> "Yes, Antenora?" Alicia asks genially, enjoying the chance to simply relax and switch off for a while.
[21:01] <Kotono> Queen Morwel's voice makes your heart surge with love, coming from Alicia's voice. "Dearest Heroes of Mother's Mountain. I communicate through Antenora to contact you directly."
06[21:04] * Alicia sits up straighter at that, wondering why Morwel needs to resort to such an opaque means of communication. "I'm listening," she responds quickly, looking at Antenora as she fights the urge to blush at the sudden surge of affection.
[21:05] <Alicia> Marie swoons a little but likewise pays attention.
[21:07] <Kotono> "By right of combat and bravery you won these. By virtue of knowledge and learning, they should be yours." Antenora's hands sparkle with light as she draws scrolls on the table! Thus they appear, sitting there, dusty and sealed with black wax. "Magic the Dark Six called on, taken from Bleak Rendor."
[21:09] <Alicia> "We already claimed two artifacts of the liches while we were there," Alicia explains, feeling guilty at accepting a gift from one she loves so dearly. But to refuse would be far more rude, "But if it is your will, Lady of the Lake, we will accept and put them to better use than their former owners ever could."
[21:11] <Kotono> "In this knowledge I am proud of all of you," Antenora reaches out, touching Alicia's cheek. "Be valiant and brave, as the heroes you are."
06[21:12] * Alicia shivers a little at the contact - although the fact that it's Antenora's body makes things rather awkward. "We'll always strive to live up to your faith in us," she promises earnestly.
[21:13] <Kotono> "Be well, heroes." With that Antenora blinks and turns as red as magma, "Oh my..." she sits back, hand dropping away. "She...she has a way with things...doesn't she?"
[21:14] <Alicia> "That she does," Alicia nods with a blush of her own.
[21:14] <Alicia> "She was inside of you!" Marie accuses with a jealous point at Antenora, before her voice drops to a desperately curious tone, "What did it feel like?"
[21:15] <Kotono> "I...I..." Antenora tries to speak but it's a hopeless battle. She sighs dreamily, "Her hand was on my shoulder and she was all around me. She asked if she could use me a moment...and of course I agreed!"
[21:18] <Alicia> "Who wouldn't?" Alicia sighs. "It's... I don't think it's magic or anything, she's just so... incredible!" she struggles for words to articulate the marvels of Morwel.
[21:19] <Kotono> "I know!" Antenora sighs as well, "She's absolutely incredible. Were law not so perfect and immutable, I would join the Court of the Stars with all my vigor. To think she can almost compare to the purity and perfection of order!"
[21:23] <Alicia> "Mystra was almost as overwhelming the first time I saw Her, but She did something to make it easier on me," Alicia muses at the comparison. "It's different, though - Queen Morwel's so unrestrained. Pistis Sophia was just like any other angel when we met her, but I think she was deliberately occluding her true splendour. Queen Morwel just... is."
[21:24] <Kotono> "She wasn't hiding herself at all." Antenora gushes out, "Pistis Sophia was humble. Queen Morwel...that's what she is." Closing her eyes, "I can see her face when I think about it, vivid as the sunshine. Like us to the common folk, perhaps?"
[21:25] <Alicia> "She's a Queen. She's entitled," Marie nods sagely. "Anyway, you going to take a look at those scrolls?" she asks, prompting Alicia to reach over and pick them up to take a quick look through and identify them.
[21:26] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 36 on spellcraft throughout
[21:28] <Kotono> The spells are as follows: True Meteor Swarm, Miracle of Health, Summon Black Rock Triskelion, Alabaster Perfection, Glaciante's Spiteful Ward, Enviolate Spell. Alicia can learn more about them if she cares to read them.
03[21:28] * Knight (~carthrat@c122-107-246-130.eburwd9.vic.optusnet.com.au) has joined #dunes
[21:29] <Alicia> OOC: Since I don't recognise any, I guess I will!
[21:29] <Kotono> As Alicia skims through them, "Anything interesting," Antenora comes to sit right next to her.
[21:30] <Alicia> "They're all beyond the ninth circle," Alicia replies flatly as she skims them. "I'm not even impressed anymore. Not after being on the receiving end so many times - it's no different than the gulf between third and fourth circle."
06[21:31] * Alicia starts with Glaciante's Spiteful Ward, since she's almost certain she was on the receiving end of that one/
[21:37] <Kotono> Thus Alicia reads! (PM)
[21:38] <Kotono> "What's it do," Antenora continuesto watch, "Perhaps so, but the skill involved is immense. I tried the basic magics and cantrips at the temple once - I couldn't even get those right."
[21:42] <Alicia> "Well, at least I know it cost him three thousand gold to temporarily keep me from dispelling anything," Alicia hands the spiteful ward to Antenora. "You probably could learn - considering what you are, magic is in your blood as much as mine. But you'd start out as a novice and it would take years of focus to get where I am. Your other skills would probably atrophy."
[21:42] <Alicia> "Just focus on your personal development," Marie reassures Antenora. "Lots of the higher celestials in Dweomerheart attain significant arcane power that way."
[21:44] <Kotono> "True." A burst of white energy explodes around Antenora's hand. "Some of it's already there."
[21:45] <Alicia> "That's the spirit," Alicia smiles as she looks up Miracle of Health - it doesn't sound like the spell a lich would use but she suspects it has something to do with those monstrously overgrown remorhaz sent against Malmuth.
[21:46] <Kotono> "I almost would prefer divine power, like a Planetar or Solar." Antenora rests back, "Calling on the wrath of Mystra to heal and strike down the wicked." Starting to smile, "Surely you've dreamed of that before, Marie?"
[21:47] <Alicia> "There are a few like that in Dweomerheart," Marie confirms, "But the arcane wielding ones are a specialty of Mystra, which makes them all the more exotic and exciting!"
[21:48] <Alicia> "This one could stop a plague in its tracks, and... can only be used by priests," Alicia blinks as she hands Miracle of Health over, starting to frown. "They must have taken it as spoils after slaying a very powerful cleric..." She lingers on that thought for a moment before sighing and looking up True Meteor Swarm.
[21:49] <Kotono> "Booty, yes." Antenora crosses her arms, "A useful scroll to have if the plague breaks out again."
[21:50] <Kotono> "That makes me thankful that we're the ones here. That it isn't others that are looking at Hell-Striker in the future and wondering who carried that before they fell to them," Antenora half smiles, half frowns, shifting back and forth. "A chilling thought."
[21:51] <Alicia> "He doesn't talk about his previous owners at all," Alicia notes sombrely. "Well, what will be will be. We're here now," she resolves. "This is an improvement of the meteor swarm pit fiends are fond of. Nothing truly imaginative," she concludes, moving on to Alabaster Perfection.
[21:53] <Kotono> "What will be will be, because of us. No more heroes forgotten in the mists of time." Antenora's face settles on a smile, "Even when you're being like that, you're inspiring to watch, Alicia. The way you command and draw yourself..."
06[21:55] * Alicia raises an eyebrow at Antenora's compliment. "I wasn't even trying," she admits, "Because believe me, when I do try it takes a lot of effort. Anyway, this one I think was what was on the invisible axe-maiden who gave us so much trouble," she waves it in the air before passing it over. "Nice protective benefits but very unsettling side-effects."
[21:56] <Kotono> "Like?" Antenora raises an eyebrow back at Alicia. "That's just how you are. You're magnetic, alluring, radiant. A casual motion by you can be more powerful than a stormy rant from a common human."
[21:59] <Alicia> "Well I suppose I am a rather uncommon woman," Alicia smiles amusedly. "Anyway, it makes your skin like porcelain. Cold and very hard - and also very unsettling. It lasts forever once cast, too."
[21:59] <Alicia> "I'll pass," Marie makes a face as she leans over to look at the scroll. "People confuse me for a doll often enough."
[22:00] <Kotono> "Maybe so..." Looking right ot Marie, "I think you'd make an adorable doll."
[22:01] <Alicia> "I'm adorable already!" Marie insists, flying up over glomp onto Antenora's upper arm. "And don't you prefer me with a soft and warm body?" she croons.
[22:02] <Kotono> Antenora's expression is amused as she reaches up to pluck Marie off her arm, "Caina was freezing cold. One can learn to appreciate cold things there."
[22:03] <Alicia> "And yet still you left," Marie points out as she allows herself to be plucked as Alicia coughs and moves on to read up on Enviolate Spell - she suspects this one will go in the bin based on the name.
[22:07] <Kotono> Antenora places Marie in her arms, cradling her close. "What's that one do, Alicia?"
[22:09] <Alicia> "Converts all the wounds inflicted by a spell into vile injuries," Alicia replies, making a face. She promptly scrunches it up and tosses it into the fireplace. Nothing good can come of such knowledge.
[22:11] <Kotono> From the scroll plumes of acrid black smoke gush out! The stench of death and fire fill the air, like a smog trying to choke every drop of air out of your lungs.
[22:17] <Kotono> Antenora coughs, "Smells like Hell. Fitting."
[22:17] <Alicia> So much for consecrated ground preventing any nasty side effects. "Who makes such shoddy scrolls?" Alicia coughs and grimaces, standing up and flapping her wings to beat back the vile smoke, casting a cantrip to help her in cleansing the air.
[22:17] <Kotono> The air is so cleansed! Antenora rises and does the same, the air soon clean and clear once more.
[22:20] <Alicia> Once the living room is back to its previous homey smell and bereft of cloying smoke, Alicia sits back down and looks up the last scroll, the rather obvious 'summon black rock triskelion'.
[22:23] <Kotono> Antenora sits, holding Marie close. "So is that what summoned that abomination of Ogremoch to fight us?"
[22:23] <Alicia> "Wow..." Alicia's eyes widen. "Remember those two Black Rock Triskelions that were sent after us while we were fixing that gate to the Plane of Earth? It cost two hundred thousand gold for the liches."
[22:23] <Alicia> "That's stupid!" Marie blurts out. "You could bind a ton of pit fiends for that!"
06[22:24] * Alicia turns to stare at her familiar, who shrinks back. "Or, y'know, other comparatively powerful outsiders. The going rate's the same, I guess."
[22:25] <Kotono> Antenora holds Marie closer. 'I think the value is in summoning such an obvious avatar of evil. We didn't choose to go down that route, but Ogremoch would have been a distraction for little gain, I think."
[22:26] <Kotono> After a moment, "I think I'm also redundant today, I think." With a grimace, "I think."
[22:27] <Alicia> "I do that too, sometines," Alicia replies supportively, patting Antenora's leg before she crumples up the scroll and tosses it into the fire, already magically controlling the air around the fireplace to keep smoke from suddenly billowing out and removing any incipient foul odours.
[22:28] <Kotono> The scroll burns away! "That's all of them. Fascinating to see what the Weave can do with such a level of power."
[22:31] <Alicia> "It's mostly uncharted territory. While I've made a few innovations, most of my spells are modelled on existing ones that are fairly common across sorcerers and wizards everywhere - it's far easier to learn that way," Alicia explains. "When I reach that level of understanding I'll have to make my own way, but I doubt I'll look to any of these for inspiration."
[22:31] <Alicia> "Seira should get more use out of them, at least - assuming she doesn't want to use any in the short term. She'd probably like Alabaster Perfection."
[22:43] <Kotono> "Yes." Looking down atMarie thoughtfully, "I wonder...not Amaryl, but I wonder if she might try it on Donald."
[22:45] <Alicia> "I thought she might use it herself. If Donald or Amaryl want to use it that's their choice," Alicia shrugs. "I'll let everyone know about these scrolls and we'll hold onto them unless anyone wants to use one immediately."
[22:46] <Kotono> "Sounds right." Antenora sits back now, letting her eyes close. "You know...let's just let those scrolls sit here a time. Sitting here, talking and letting the day drift by is real happiness to me right now."
[22:49] <Alicia> "There's no great rush," Alicia agrees, opening up her portable hole and dropping the scrolls inside lest Hugo accidentally read one, before furling it up again and settling back on the couch to relax.
[22:50] <Kotono> "Now if only Marie was a cat...." Antenora sighs, "A purring cat would complete this, wouldn't it?"
[22:52] <Alicia> Marie grows up all of a sudden, Antenora finding a fully grown and well-formed elf draped across her lap with her arms around the deva's neck. "I can purr if you stroke me just right," she carols, batting her eye-lashes coquettishly.
[22:59] <Kotono> Antenora turns faintly red, "Marie!" she manages to sputter out. "Alicia, control your familiar!"
06[23:01] * Alicia sighs and turns a lazy gaze on her familiar. "Down girl," she commands without much heat. Marie pouts but nonetheless shrinks back to her normal form, remaining on Antenora's lap nonetheless.
[23:02] <Alicia> "Ironically if I'd known I'd have my wish granted I would've asked for awesome sexy hair like Honeydip has," she comments, entirely unaffected by the brazen display she just put on.
[23:03] <Kotono> Antenora exhales out, her breathing slowing down. "Honeydip's larger than life. Someone you could wnat to grow up into, Marie?"
[23:04] <Alicia> Marie nods brightly. "She's really impressive. People like to write us fairies off because we're so small and easy to overlook, but no way she'd let anyone overlook her!"
[23:06] <Kotono> "I wonder how she got to be a general at Androlynne?" Antenora looks to Alicia now, "She seemed to know the Lady of the Stars. Maybe she guided her along?"
06[23:06] * Alicia furrows her brow and tries to think back on what she's learned of Androlynne's history before answering Antenora...
[23:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+26 planes
06[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+26 planes and gets 43." [1d20=17]
[23:12] <Alicia> "From what I've heard about her she earned a place of honour in the Court for her skill at arms before she was given her position in Androlynne," Alicia replies after a moment.
[23:12] <Alicia> "She told me that she used to have a human-sized form that retained her pixie traits, but lost it from lack of use while fighting in Androlynne. Queen Morwel let her regain the ability after she left the Abyss, so might have granted it in the first place."
[23:12] <Alicia> "She knows her stuff, though, no doubt about it. You didn't get the chance to fight alongside her, Antenora, but she easily kept up with us in skill at arms, and her leadership had us fighting together better than we've ever done before. She's a force to be reckoned with, no doubt about it."
[23:13] <Alicia> "Hah, you did it too!" Marie points. "You weren't kidding about being redundant!"
06[23:14] * Alicia makes a face but doesn't contest the point.
[23:14] <Kotono> "An inspiration...though with the Queen helping her  of course..." Antenora sighs wistfully. "And...yes, you did." Starting to laugh, "We seem to have gotten in a habit of repeating ourselves."
[23:16] <Alicia> "Not very inspiring, is it?" Alicia asks, before shrugging. "Anyway, Honeydip got where she is on merit. Queen Morwel wasn't there in the Abyss while Honeydip spent centuries battling against endless hordes of demons. Many who'd try what she did would either die or succumb to the evil of the Abyss themselves. Anyone who can't see past her small stature is a fool."
[23:18] <Kotono> "Doubtless." Antenora then emits another sigh, "Alicia, the charisma those beings radiate, the statue and skill...am I like them? You fit in with them so well, as does Seira."
[23:20] <Alicia> "What brought this on?" Alicia asks in faint surprise. "You've always pulled your weight in battle - Jessica and I would have certainly been lost to Pale Night if it wasn't for your actions on the mountain. And you're no slouch yourself in terms of the presence you convey."
[23:23] <Kotono> Smiling now, "Nothing. It's just that you've grown even more powerful in the crucible of trial. I have to make sure I stay worthy to serve you."
06[23:27] * Alicia just shakes her head. "Don't worry so much about things like that, Antenora."
[23:27] <Alicia> "Besides, you're not the one that got left at home to miss out on all the adventures over the past few months," Marie points out, looking up from Antenora's lap. "I'm just lucky that crown thing worked for me and Hell Striker both!"
[23:28] <Kotono> "I'll be at Alicia's side for eternity," Antenora vows, "I can make up for you when you're playing homemaker, Marie." With a gentle smile and stroking the top of her tiny head, "I know I shouldn't worry about those things. I do anyway."
[23:32] <Alicia> "Oh... speaking of helping you out, Marie," Alicia glances at her familiar, "I made an arrangement with a slaad we met in Greenrot to bestow the power of chaos upon you, but I think I lost since we got sidetracked by the Dark Six before I could meet my conditions for the wager. I should probably contact him to pay up..."
[23:32] <Kotono> "It's a slaad. It'll be along when it pleases it," Antenora shrugs, "Not that we should evade our debt, of course, but a paragon slaad like that is going to do what it will."
[23:34] <Alicia> "Awww. What did you wager?" Marie asks curiously.
[23:34] <Alicia> "The template ingot - not like I had a real use for it," Alicia shrugs. "But he has no real way to contact us, so I should probably make the first contact myself. Although perhaps I should find out what happened in Jova first, since he might have failed on his end, too."
[23:37] <Kotono> "A sending?" Antenora rests back, "That's the most direct means I can think of."
03[23:44] * Sierra_Workhell (~Melanchth@pool-71-178-103-55.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[23:45] <Alicia> "He could lie... but if he does I'll eventually find out and and express my displeasure at being tricked," Alicia muses, sitting up straight and calling upon her magic to whisk her voice across the planes and to the ears of Snnjssi! "We were sidetracked by events on Androlynne, and Gurlan still lives. If you believe the bet is won, name the place to receive your due."
[23:46] <Alicia> roll 1d100 since he's probably not on the prime
06[23:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 since he's probably not on the prime and gets 43." [1d100=43]
[23:54] <Kotono> "Nunnan's Rock." That's the answer Alicia gets back.
[23:56] <Alicia> OOC: any relevant knowledge to help me figure that cryptic response out?
[23:56] <Kotono> OOC: Planes.
[23:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+26
06[23:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+26 and gets 28." [1d20=2]
[23:57] <Alicia> "Either of you ever heard of Nunnan's Rock?" Alicia asks Marie and Antenora, frowning at receiving such a terse reply. She remembers him being a lot more gregarious when they first met.
[23:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+23 Marie
06[23:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+23 Marie and gets 33." [1d20=10]
[23:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20=22
06[23:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20=22 and gets Error: Numeric values only." [1d20=18]
[23:59] <Kotono> "I have. Distasteful, nothing but chaos. It's a hunk of chaos that fell into a portal from Limbo. Slaad are seen there sometimes." Antenora makes a deep gagging sound, "Not a place I care to spend much time at, butsuch is duty."
Session Time: Tue Dec 22 00:00:00 2009
03[00:00] * Sierra_Workhell is now known as Cid_Samson
[00:00] <Alicia> "Do you know the way to it well?" Alicia asks. "It being the astral we could end up there for weeks if we're not careful."
[00:08] <Kotono> "I do," Antenora agrees, "Want to go today?
[00:08] <Kotono> "
[00:10] <Alicia> "Lets give it a try - I'll cast a greater magic weapon spell on your spear before we leave and if it's worn off before we get there we'll come home and figure something else out," Alicia nods. "I don't want another repeat of our first trip to Greenrot."
[00:11] <Kotono> "Oh yes." Antenora rises, "Ah well. Peace and quiet dull the senses of battle."
[00:12] <Alicia> "I just want to get this out of the way so it's not hanging over us while we're trying to decompress," Alicia replies, giving Antenora the plane-shift ring since she has the best idea of where they're going. "Lets tell everyone where we're off to and then go?"

[Corwin]

[16:57] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Do you know the way to it well?" Alicia asks. "It being the astral we could end up there for weeks if we're not careful."
[16:57] <Kotono> > "I do," Antenora agrees, "Want to go today?
[16:57] <Kotono> > "
[16:57] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Lets give it a try - I'll cast a greater magic weapon spell on your spear before we leave and if it's worn off before we get there we'll come home and figure something else out," Alicia nods. "I don't want another repeat of our first trip to Greenrot."
[16:57] <Kotono> > "Oh yes." Antenora rises, "Ah well. Peace and quiet dull the senses of battle."
[16:57] <Kotono> <Alicia> "I just want to get this out of the way so it's not hanging over us while we're trying to decompress," Alicia replies, giving Antenora the plane-shift ring since she has the best idea of where they're going. "Lets tell everyone where we're off to and then go?"
[16:57] <Kotono> OOC: Basically going to give Oberuth and company a heads up then shift over?
[16:58] <Alicia> OOC: Sure. I'll invite Latha as well if she wants to keep busy and do something, but if she's not interested I won't push her.
[17:00] <Kotono> OOC: Latha'll pass. She still has a lot of stuff she's working through.
[17:01] <Alicia> OOC: just the three of us, then
[17:01] <Kotono> Antenora, Alicia and Marie make the required notifications, then gather back. "Ready?" Antenora asks.
[17:01] <Alicia> "Just a moment," Alicia reaches over to cast a spell on Marie's longbow, the duration of which will let her keep time in the astral.
[17:01] <Alicia> roll 1d100 spell failure
06[17:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 spell failure and gets 4." [1d100=4]
06[17:02] * Alicia frowns as the spell fizzles. "Hate when that happens," she mutters, trying again.
[17:02] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[17:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 47." [1d100=47]
06[17:02] * Alicia keeps trying until it sticks.
[17:02] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[17:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 18." [1d100=18]
[17:02] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[17:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 69." [1d100=69]
[17:03] <Kotono> After several tries, Marie's bow is enchanted.
[17:03] <Alicia> "That was entirely too much effort," Alicia complains, wringing out her fingers. "Now, keep an eye on that spell - it'll last nineteen hours. If we haven't found the rock by then we'll just come home and arrange another meeting. I've no desire to spend another few weeks wasting away in the astral."
[17:05] <Kotono> "Agreed." Antenora stretches back, before using the ring! For a moment every around you shifts, before you stand in the Silver Sea! It's endless depths stretch before you, farther than you could ever hope to see. Antenora hovers in the air, pointing in a direction and beginning to fly.
06[17:06] * Alicia follows right after Antenora, while Marie sits on her head since for once she's the slowest one here.
[17:07] <Kotono> Thus, timeless time passes! On and on and on you fly! As you make more distance, "It's galling that circumstances cost us against this damned slaad so much." Antenora says out of the blue.
[17:09] <Alicia> "I'm trying not to be bitter about it," Alicia replies magmanimously. "Just look on it as paying him for killing the ruler of an Abyssal city."
[17:13] <Kotono> "I suppose." Antenora looks back to Marie as they fly, "If you need power, there's always order to turn to."
[17:16] <Alicia> "Is that a bribe?" Marie asks curiously. "Seems rather underhanded... besides, Alicia's a representative of order and I get loads of power from being her familiar, anyway."
[17:17] <Kotono> "Just that order would be happy to have you," Antenora says with a warm smile, half flying backwards to turn to MArie.
[17:19] <Alicia> "You can have me any time you like, Antenora," Marie banters back cheekily. "In fact, how about you help me try out my new shapechanging abilities when we get home? I bet we could have lots of fun!"
[17:21] <Kotono> "Well, with order, you don't just rush into things like that!" Antenora shakes her head, "You get to know the person, there's a long formal courtship, you visit parents - not that we can here -, you sign contracts and have a wedding...then you get to what you're talking about. IT's all very well controlled."
[17:23] <Alicia> "We've known each other nearly two years, now," Marie points out as Alicia resists the urge to sigh. "And given what you've said about baatezu cuisine, it's probably best I don't meet your parents. And isn't it silly to wait until after everything's formalised before even finding out just what you're getting into? Seems pretty reckless, to me," the courre chides.
[17:24] <Kotono> "The point is that you don't rush into these things!" Antenora retorts right back with a smile. "Haste makes waste. Doing things properly makes the best results."
[17:26] <Alicia> "I guess you must have a different definition of what constitutes a rush when you've seen six centuries," Marie pouts.
[17:27] <Kotono> "The wisdom of time," Antenora nods along, "Alicia, don't you agree with me?"
[17:29] <Alicia> "I got married when I was twenty to a man I'd known for a little over a season," Alicia replies almost too brightly.
[17:29] <Kotono> Antenora crosses her arms and gives Alicia a long, long, long look.
06[17:32] * Alicia shrugs unapologetically. "I was young and in love. I don't think either applies to you and Marie, though."
[17:32] <Alicia> "Ouch," Marie cries laughingly. "My delicate maiden's heart has been maligned!"
[17:33] <Kotono> "I'd have thought you would have had more of a courtship." Antenora's looming frown fades, "Your family's faux-nobility, wouldn't they have insisted on it?"
06[17:35] * Alicia laughs a little at the faux-nobility phrase. It's far too accurate. "It had little to do with my family. Why do you think we went to live in a village on the outskirts far away from them?"
[17:37] <Kotono> "A good point." Antenora flies along in the timeless sea, "Your life before I met you fascinates me. Did the events of your life forge you what you're into today, or were you born with this talent?"
[17:43] <Alicia> "Well, obviously I was born with magic in my blood - not like I'd ever so much looked at a spellbook before it first manifested in me. I was far more interested in swordplay, but was never particularly religious for all that I've held strong morals since I was a child," Alicia explains, content to elaborate on her origins to kill the time as they travel through the void.
[17:43] <Alicia> "My parents mostly venerated Lathander and Chauntea, and I paid some lip service. The temples of Kelemvor and Mystra in Kelara held little appeal for me when I was growing into womanhood. It almost makes you wonder where I'd have ended up if Kelara had any organised devotion to Torm or Tempus..."
[17:44] <Alicia> "Scary," Marie shivers at that possibility.
[17:46] <Kotono> Antenora frowns at that as well, "Thankfully Mystra was there. You would make a powerful champion of evil or destruction." Looking down a bit, "I could tell that when I first saw you. ..say, Marie, what did you think when you first saw Alicia?"
[17:50] <Alicia> "I got a pretty good briefing on what I was going to be in for, so it's not like I was surprised," Marie admits. "Still, it did surprise me that she always wears so much black. I mean, that's got bad connotations for paladins!"
06[17:50] * Alicia sighs. "Alright, Marie. Next time we go into battle, I'll wear a pristine white dress. I think the superiority of black clothing will be readily apparent by the end of things."
[17:51] <Kotono> Antenora giggles at that, "Alicia the Bloodflier..." she murmurs, "Alicia looks good in black sa well. Practicality and appeal rolled well into one."
[17:52] <Alicia> "It's a colour that goes with anything. Besides, my armour is shiny enough," Alicia raps her gleaming and form-fitting mithral breastplate.
[17:54] <Kotono> In the distance, Alicia can begin to see something. It looks like something brown and gray, hovering in the Silver Sea. "At least for Marie now color's not important. She can change to match her clothes.  You can alter yourself if it's important. I suddenly feel so...limited." Antenora starts to pout, a smile cracking it. "Regulated to one hair color and body shape."
[17:56] <Alicia> "You might eventually get a similar ability as you become more and more like an astral deva," Alicia reassures, before pointing ahead, "Is that the rock, by the way?"
[17:57] <Kotono> "Oh!" Antenora turns back, "I think so. Let's go find him."
[17:58] <Alicia> "We made good time," Alicia smiles in relief. "I don't want this errand to cut into our relaxation any more than necessary, so hopefully he's around to accept his winnings and then we can go home."
[17:59] <Kotono> Thus you fly closer! It's a vast, jagged rock! Atop it lies all sorts of vegetation. As you fly, you see a vast tree has been felled. Atop it's point sits a white slaad, waiting.
[18:01] <Alicia> "Snnjssi!" Alicia waves, her translation magic helping her pronounce the tongue-twisting slaad name without too much impediment as she flies up to the top of the tree. "I hope we didn't keep you waiting too long."
[18:01] <Kotono> The slaadi waits, "Time means nothing here, except when it means everything. I had thought you died, for Gurlan stayed untoppled!"
[18:04] <Alicia> "It was unfortunate but a few hours after we met you our world was suddenly attacked by a cabal of liches called the Dark Six. We've spent the past week fighting them across the Prime, Androlynne, and the Negative Energy Plane. Gurlan sadly dropped down our list of priorities," Alicia explains regretfully.
[18:04] <Alicia> "Given the time that's passed, I've little doubt you'll have accomplished your side of the bet, so I might as well pay up."
[18:06] <Kotono> "The mummy lord fell, but it was really a vampire lord reincarnated into a death knight demon lord," With a smile, "The hordes suffered and perished, and I was pleased." His gaze travels to Antenora and then Marie, "One is not like the other. You chose companions well."
[18:07] <Alicia> Marie gives a little wave while Alicia smiles at the compliment. "They're both good friends and true allies," she agrees, taking off her backpack and reaching inside for the template ingot, which she holds up towards Snnjssi. "To the victor goes the spoils, though."
[18:34] <Kotono> The template ingot is taken, shifting like wildfire in the slaadi's hands! "A fine contest." With that the slaad ripples into the silver sea, gone!
[18:36] <Alicia> "Right, we're done. Lets go home?" Alicia turns to Antenora and Marie.
[18:36] <Kotono> With that, the ring is activated!
[18:36] <Kotono> roll 5d100
06[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d100 and gets 179." [5d100=5, 14, 59, 68, 33]
[18:36] <Kotono> roll 1d9
06[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d9 and gets 2." [1d9=2]
[18:37] <Kotono> You stand in a forest. The scent of salt and air tinges your nose, a faraway but steady lapping of waves heard.
[18:38] <Alicia> "We didn't land in the sea for once, but we're close!" Marie remarks, craning her head towards the sound of waves.
06[18:39] * Alicia looks up at the sky to try and gauge what time it is.
[18:39] <Kotono> "The beach?" Antenora sniffs her nose, "A small miracle. The beach, the waves, the sand...the sandcastles...We do seem drawn to the sea muchly."
[18:39] <Kotono> It's daytime. Alicia can't quite tell from here - too many trees. She could tell with a better view of the sky.
[18:41] <Alicia> Well, it didn't take too long regardless, so they can be home for lunch or dinner. "I don't really understand it, but almost every time we plane shift to Balmuria we arrive at sea. Anyway, lets go home and see about getting something to eat," she suggests, teleporting the trio to their house.
[18:41] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 1." [1d100=1]
[18:46] <Kotono> Thus you arrive home for an early dinner. As the three settle in, odds and ends since JEssica isn't around, "I didn't think of it before, but," Antenora asks aloud, "What are we going to do on that island?"
[18:48] <Alicia> "Swim, play games, talk, laze around, maybe explore a little," Alicia lists off easily, "The main point is just to be somewhere quiet and peaceful where we can relax."
[18:50] <Kotono> "Mmmhmm." Antenora sips water, "Since there's so many of us, I imagine we'll tend to splinter off into groups?"
[18:52] <Alicia> "Probably be unavoidable," Alicia admits. "Still, everyone knows everyone, so we should all be able to get along."
[18:55] <Kotono> "Oh yes. I'm not saying it's bad," Taking a bit of meat and starting to chew on it, swalloing before she goes on, "I'm sure Seira and Amaryl will slip away at least a few times, for example. I'm just thinking of how to have the most fun with this. Shush Marie," With a lazy gaze at the eladrin, "Think it, don't say it."
[18:56] <Alicia> Marie looks up from where she's sitting at the table like a normal person, enjoying a full-sized portion the same as Alicia and Antenora. "We should have a sandcastle building competition with everyone," she suggests breezily, ignoring the implication.
[18:57] <Kotono> Antenora twitches, "Which means I'll naturally win, right Alicia? A well planned sandcastle will triumph over all."
[18:59] <Alicia> "Latha might give you some competition in that regard," Alicia replies cooly, a faint smile teasing her lips. "But I think Hugo's the one to watch out for, at least once he gets the hang of it."
[19:00] <Kotono> Starting to rub her chin, "A very good point. I should talk to Hugo now and instruct him on how to properly plan this out."
[19:03] <Alicia> "At least wait until we get there," Alicia chides.
[19:06] <Kotono> "Maybe." Antenora looks up, "Hmph." Stopping to look down at her food, "Should we bring special food and drink? Perhaps we could get some of the fermented ambrosia Strength of Light had? Oh, and speaking of...how is that venture of yours in Wetwind Harbor doing?"
[19:10] <Alicia> "Ambrosia isn't safe for most people to drink, remember," Alicia points out. "As for Wetwind... I normally check in on it and go on buying trips every other week, but we're now looking at over a month because of all that time we wasted trying to get to Greenrot. Considering how the books looked, I'm actually pretty worried that it's been able to stay solvent."
[19:10] <Alicia> "Why don't we go look in on it after dinner?" Marie suggests. "Right now they'd be in the mid-afternoon lull, so it'd be a good time to see how things are going."
[19:12] <Kotono> "Yes, but some of us can have some one evening as the sun sets and get drunk on happiness. A fine way to end a day," Antenora points out in return. "That's a fine idea. There should still be plenty of sunlight there...though..." Starting to frown, "That is something I've been wondering about. You notice how day and night vary as you travel very far very fast with magic?"
06[19:13] * Alicia nods to Antenora. "Since the sun rises in the East then dawn happens earlier the further East you go."
[19:14] <Kotono> "Ah, that makes sense. I wonder if you go far enough East...could you find the Sun or Lathander's Realm? Perhaps a portal to it?" Thoughtfully pausing, "Past those mountains is a cursed land, as Seira told it then...?"
[19:16] <Alicia> "You'd eventually end up where you started," Marie chimes in, pushing her plate away and patting her belly in satisfaction at the objectively biggest meal she's ever eaten. "The Prime's just a big ball when you get right down to it."
[19:18] <Kotono> "Really?" Antenora pushes her plate away, food mostly nibbled on. "I heard a story once about a man from the Prime, who sailed so far he fell off the edge of the world and landed in Baator."
[19:19] <Alicia> "He probably just had the bad luck of sailing over a portal into the Styx," Alicia surmises, gathering the plates and going to wash them. "Although I do wonder just what it looks like from Selune's vantage in the sky."
[19:20] <Kotono> "You know..." Antenora stops there, "With the proper magic...perhaps a vacation on Selune herself?"
[19:22] <Alicia> "That sounds rather presumptuous - I doubt She'd approve," Marie comments. "But you could always visit the Gates of the Moon - didn't you have fun there the last time?"
[19:25] <Kotono> "Perhaps it is, but the idea is strangely appealing." Standing up as she does, "We did. Frolicking an dplaying like children. That reminds me of the beach as much as anything."
03[19:26] * Merc (~k@c-98-196-68-69.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[19:27] <Alicia> "We were on the beach when we did that, too," Alicia adds as she puts away the now clean dishes and utensils. "Anyway, if we're going to go to Wetwind I'll need to get changed into my usual disguise. Want me to just disguise your wings, Antenora?"
[19:28] <Kotono> "Make my disguise a little more interesting this time," Antenora says. "I know, that's why I think of the beach."
[19:32] <Alicia> "Interesting like exotic but still humanoid, or do you want to be a mephit or something?" Alicia clarifies.
[19:33] <Kotono> "Surprise me," Antenora says, "Something new, something different." Then with a slight pause, "Perhaps the Queen's touch is making me a bit impulsive, but why not?"
[19:37] <Alicia> Marie remains as she is, quite smug in her apparent elf-iness while Alicia goes upstairs to get changed. When she returns she's a severe and frumpy looking middle-aged human woman with greying hair, dressed in shapeless black robes and carrying a quarterstaff.
[19:37] <Alicia> Tapping Antenora with it, the former erinyes is transformed into a water genasi, keeping most of her proportions but turning her skin aqua blue while her hair looks more like strands of green kelp. She even has small vestigial wings, diaphonous and bringing to mind the flaps of jellyfish.
[19:38] <Alicia> "Oooh," Marie marvels at the transformation. "Better than when you turned me into a zombie pixie!"
[19:38] <Kotono> Antenora looks at herself, checking over her arms. "Well enough. This will fit in there?"
[19:40] <Alicia> "I don't care what anyone says, I was proud of that one," Alicia tells Marie, before shrugging in response to Antenora. "Not really. It's by the sea, but genasi are rare wherever you go. Although I think we'll see a lot more of them around the bay here in coming decades if Oolu has his way..."
[19:41] <Kotono> Snickering a tthat, "Oh yes. Perhaps a few more aasimar as well, doubly so with the eladrin passing through."
[19:43] <Alicia> "Anyway, it should be fine for where we're going - the Reveller's Oasis has built its reputation on its connection with the planes, given all the exotic cuisine I acquire for it. Are you both ready to go?"
[19:43] <Alicia> "Ready!" Marie springs to her feet.
[19:44] <Kotono> "On your mark," Antenora stands besides Alicia.
06[19:44] * Alicia then proceeds to teleport the three of them to the back office at Marie's establishment.
[19:44] <Alicia> roll 1d100 studied carefully
06[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 studied carefully and gets 94." [1d100=94]
[19:47] <Kotono> Woosh! The teleport is without incident, appearing in the plain but well kept office.
06[19:48] * Alicia now defers to Marie, who opens the door to head out of the office in search of her staff!
[19:49] <Kotono> Heading out, Marie finds the place reasonably busy. Marie knwos that they're preparing for the evening rush, girls scurrying back and forth. Gathering them could be done if she wishes.
[19:51] <Alicia> Marie looks for any sign of her assistant manager as the one who's left to handle all the day to day running. If she's not in sight she settles for grabbing the nearest girl and asking for her!
[19:53] <Kotono> The assistant manager is found, stopping to take a breath. "Ma'am," she smiles, "It's been a time! How are you?"
[19:58] <Alicia> "Good," Marie smiles brightly, taking the girl's shoulders to steady her as she catches her breath. "I don't know if you heard about all the troubles to the East but we were caught up in that for a while," she gestures to the aging witch she normally drags around as well as the never before seen aquatic woman lingering nearby.
[19:58] <Alicia> "Only just got out of it - I can tell you girls all about it since it might be something interesting to share with customers, spread a bit of news from the wide world, that sort of thing," she rattles off breezily before cocking her head, "And now I'm just rambling. Of course, I came to see how all of you were doing! Everything still running smoothly, Nasira?"
[20:00] <Kotono> The girl nods briskly to that, "Things are running good! We're getting more business, and one of the Pasha's servants has begun to patrionize us!"
[20:01] <Alicia> "Oh, excellent!" Marie claps her hands together gaily, every bit the eager businesswoman. "How are stocks holding up then?"
[20:02] <Kotono> "We're running low." With an agreeable smile right back, "We can last another week and a few days if we stretch things."
[20:04] <Alicia> "I never thought they'd last that long to begin with," Marie admits as Alicia busies herself watching the stage being set up. "Have you gotten local suppliers to supplant things?"
[20:05] <Kotono> The girls work on the stage, hurrying about. A few others prepare tables and do general cleaning. Antenora watches as well, and in a whisper, "They seem to be doing alright." 
[20:06] <Kotono> "We've stretched it like that," Nasira agrees. "We're learning how to survive on less."
[20:09] <Alicia> "Better than I'd hoped," Alicia agrees quietly. "I'll want to check over the books, but it's reassuring so far."
[20:09] <Alicia> "That's good to hear," Marie nods. "I'll get my two friends to go pick up some new stock... I'm thinking Arborean sounds like a good theme. While they're gone, I can tell everyone what's been happening in the rest of the world."
[20:12] <Kotono> "That's what you want, ma'am," Antenora says with humble respect, "We'll go do that."
[20:15] <Alicia> "And today was meant to be relaxing," Alicia grumbles. "I suppose a quick trip to Brightwater or the Quarter of the Great Wheel wouldn't be too hard on us."
[20:18] <Kotono> "It'll be fun. What part of Brightwater do you want to go do? Any preference?" Antenora asks back, "They're all various types of fun."
[20:19] <Alicia> "The great market - I've been there a few times for things like this, and we passed through it on our way to Evergold," Alicia replies quietly.
[20:20] <Alicia> "Great!" Marie grins. "Lets just step into my office before you go, then I'll get everyone caught up here while you two go shopping." Heading back into the back office, Marie reverts to eladrin form so she can retrieve her Star dress, shimmying into it before she goes back to elven form, the dress shifting with her.
[20:20] <Alicia> "I'll want to dress to impress if I'm gonna be sticking around here all night while you two shop," she explains. "Since I haven't been around much."
[20:21] <Alicia> "You'll probably have nobles begging to buy that thing off of you," Alicia warns Marie. "Anyway, we'll be at least two hours, probably longer, since I need to use Limited Wish to plane shift, now."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Let's go then," Antenora whispers back. "Walk back and then shift?
[20:29] <Kotono> "
[20:33] <Alicia> "We can go from here - everyone's used to me teleporting around," Alicia replies easily as Marie gives them a little wave and flounces out with all the dramatic presence she can muster to go regale everyone with exciting tales of armies of the dead and brave heroes. Maybe she can even convince the girls to put on a play to show what really happened! Alicia would love that!
[20:33] <Alicia> Blissfully ignorant of such plans, Alicia plane shifts herself and Antenora to the great market bordering Tymora and Sune's realms. Or as close as she can get.
[20:33] <Alicia> roll 5d100
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d100 and gets 263." [5d100=96, 49, 98, 4, 16]
[20:34] <Kotono> roll 1d2
06[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d2 and gets 2." [1d2=2]
[20:35] <Kotono> You stand in rich, verdant hills. A passion red sunset sky flares above you, the air sweet and warm. The grass is a vibrant, throbbing green, soft beneath your feet.
[20:36] <Kotono> Antenora sniffs the air and stretches, "Missed a bit?"
[20:37] <Alicia> Picking at random, Alicia just starts walking towards the direction opposite the sunset. "You always do with Plane Shift. I can teleport us to the marketplace in an hour - for now we might as well just enjoy the walk," she replies easily, not in any particular hurry.
[20:39] <Kotono> Antenora begins to walk as well. For a little time it's peaceful, simple, restful. But as you crest another hill, "You know Amaryl and Seira, Alicia? They're as close as a man and a woman? Will they have some sort of marraige or something akin to it?"
[20:41] <Alicia> "I don't know," Alicia admits. "Since Amaryl... and actually, Seira as well, are both nobles, it's not the usual thing. They need to keep the bloodline going, after all. But Seira's hardly one to be bound by convention."
[20:43] <Kotono> "Yes. What are they going to do, tell the archwizardress she can't do it? Especially when she can probably appeal to Waukeen, or at worst, change one of them to the right gender?" With a slight chuckle of amusement, "The rules are important, but power changes the rules and clarifies them for your own use. Turned on the wrong side and it's a baatezu saying: Power clarifies and absolute power clarifies absolutely."
06[20:47] * Alicia snorts. "I'm more familiar with a different version of that saying, but it sounds appropriately diabolical. They're both very young, anyway. There's no telling what the future holds for either."
[20:49] <Kotono> "A week for us was lifechanging events and battling what should have never been. How are we going to be in a century?" Antenora stops atop the hill, going down to sit. "Now that we have time to think and reflect...what we fought for was a future that wasn't dominated by a reborn abomination demon-god."
[20:51] <Alicia> "I rather like that, the Dark Six spent many thousands of years plotting and scheming, and then everything they worked for came crashing down in just a week once they attacked us," Alicia admits as she sits down as well, waiting out the hour for her magic to return. "It should serve as a very pointed object lesson to others in the future with similar plans."
[20:52] <Kotono> "It should. There's more to that than meets the eye, I'm certain of it. But..." Antenora smiles, turning to Alicia. "Do you remember the offer Pistis Sophia made to us?"
[20:55] <Alicia> "I did," Alicia nods. "I considered it - such a simple life, it does appeal on a primal level. But I think it's too simplistic to reject all possessions - there are many beautiful and wondrous things in this world, and the fact that they can be ascribed monetary worth does not diminish them."
[20:57] <Kotono> "I know. A simple life...forsake everything and live by deed." Antenora looks down, "Yet here we are, spending piles of gold so we can fight better and supply our interests. Pistis Sophia was so free, so unburdened."
[21:00] <Alicia> "I sometimes thought about what I'd be like as an old woman, once I'd gotten too old to actively fight," Alicia admits. "I'd probably end up giving away all of my equipment to up and coming young heroes."
[21:02] <Kotono> Antenora smiles at that, "That wasn't your destiny, but...a charming image. Sometimes though..." Antenora pauses as she laughs. "Old Alicia. Mystra would grant you a long life to teach the new generation. But...to give it all away. To simply be as you are. Being nude is so often sexual, especially to mortals. But to her, it's the ultimate sign of her freedom. She needs nothing, not even false modesty."
[21:06] <Alicia> "Well, she's a pure exemplar of a dimension of Celestia. For her it's the simplest and most natural thing in the world," Alicia replies. "But I think it's worth bearing in mind that the levels above and below hers are quite happy with all of their possessions. She teaches an important lesson about avoiding excess, but there's room for moderation."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Excess can lead to damnation." Antenora agrees. She leans back on her elbows staring up at the sunset sky. "I'm contrasting something I did before with her, if you didn't gather. Even if I eschewed material possessions as an erinyes, there was nothing holy about it. My body was to allure, distract and tempt. Giving away money was only to draw souls closer to my grasp. Being ascetic only hid the greed that burned within my cold heart."
[21:08] <Kotono> Being ascetic only hid the greed that burned within my cold heart."
[21:11] <Alicia> "You mentioned something like that before about Mephistopheles," Alicia nods thoughtfully. "Are you thinking about retaking the ascetic path in Pistis Sophia's example?"
[21:14] <Kotono> "That old legend about him? IT came to mind." Antenora looks to Alicia, "Right now...no. As much as it appeals, I need my spear, my armor, my belt." Tapping the breastplate she wears, "If Mystra ever remade me into a form more suited to it - one who controls the arcane as you mentioned, perhaps? - I would strongly consider it."
[21:15] <Kotono> "As to Mephistopheles, I know not. The most obvious answer is that he continues to change himself to try and oppose Asmodeus. The truth of it is beyond my ken. Perhaps...we can find out one day, should we lay him low?"
[21:16] <Alicia> "It's possible," Alicia considers, focusing more on the first part than talk of archfiends. "Most of Mystra's tenets emphasise the joy of creating magical artifacts, which tend to naturally be very valuable. But there might be room for an exemplar of pure self-willed magic in Her service."
[21:18] <Kotono> "What the future may hold. Perhaps it will be you instead?" Crooking her position to eye Alicia a little bit more, "We're alike. Neither of us has much deep use for wealth and are more devoted to doing good. You seem not to mind going with little or even nothing when the circumstances beg for it. You were the most capable of us when Glaciante's magic robbed us of everything we had."
[21:21] <Alicia> "To be honest, I enjoy the challenge," Alicia smiles. "You remember when we had to go face the spawn of Jormungandr in Ysgard? I had lots of fun with that, relying purely on my own power, crafting improvised weapons with whatever we could find... it was very satisfying. But it's a gamble I'm more hesitant about taking when lives are on the line."
[21:23] <Kotono> "Another reason to go to Ysgard? Strength of Light could arrainge something like that for us." With a poke at Alicia's side, "Running around like that might have different connontations if he's around, though, hm?" Antenora's smile is like a cat's, pouncing.
06[21:27] * Alicia blushes, which looks altogether unfitting of her current frumpy appearance. "He's handsome, strong, and kind. But it was just a one time thing - we have our own lives and he isn't the type to settle down," she explains embarrassedly. "Besides, didn't he offer to let you bear his children when we first met him?"
[21:28] <Kotono> Antenora blushes right back, "Yet he planted his seed into you." Poking Alicia's side again, "Were the tides and moon slightly different, you would be growing his child within now."
06[21:34] * Alicia doubts a child would have survived long in her belly through her recent battles with the Dark Six, but that's far too depressing a thing to say. "Well I'm not. Anyway, speaking of relationships, did you meet anyone at the party in Arborea?" she offers to move the subject along.
[21:34] <Kotono> "One..." Antenora blushes all the way and then smiles, "But you met her, too."
[21:36] <Alicia> "A pity I don't think any of us match up to Queen Morwel's standards," Alicia smiles a little herself. "Nevermind, I'm sure there's an eladrin out there for you somewhere," she adds with a poke back.
[21:38] <Kotono> With a smirk and poking back, "Marie could just as well fit into you now, you know. Or we could be torn, wondering who should love the wonderful shape changing courre who has captured our hearts. In fact...Seira and Amaryl have a mindlink, just like you and Marie. You're like twins!"
[21:39] <Alicia> "That's different - we can just pick up on moods when we're nearby. Seira and Amaryl are in constant telepathic contact no matter how many leagues or planes seperate them," Alicia points out. "To be honest I don't know how they do it. I'd go insane with that, no matter how much I liked the other person."
[21:41] <Kotono> "I know." Antenora chuckles, her mirth dying down. She leans close, looking into Alicia's eyes. "Sometimes I even get a bit sick of you. A rare occurance, but it happens...and sometimes I feel like I want to join spirits with you, to merge into you and become one. I truly don't understand how Seira and Amaryl do it."
[21:44] <Alicia> "Yes, just imagine how much I could have tortured you if we'd made such a link while we were at the 'sanctimonious preaching' stage of our relationship," Alicia smirks, picking up her quarterstaff and standing up. "Anyway, my legs are getting stiff. Why don't we walk a bit more for the next quarter of an hour until my magic returns to normal?"
[21:45] <Kotono> Antenora laughs at that, standing up as well. Dusting herself off, "It's fun talking to you now. I can say outrageous things like that and not get mortified looks or a bevy of sardonic jokes."
06[21:49] * Alicia starts down the rolling green hill, idly swinging her staff besides her as she walks. "I've gotten used to your little quirks. Besides, I don't get half as much trouble as you and Marie give each other. She's a good distraction."
[21:51] <Kotono> "To a human, this level of devotion must seem to be...many things, some of them not complimentary." Following along, "Never tell her this, but about Marie...I really, really like teasing her. The way we argue just flows so naturally. The spark of rivalry I feel with her..."
[21:53] <Alicia> Sighing in a put upon manner, "As always I'll keep your hidden love for my familiar a secret," she affirms. "And quite frankly our current relationship is far less disturbing than having a hateful but utterly obedient baatezu at my beck and call."
[21:56] <Kotono> "You know, I might even consider if I though Marie was capable of forming an eternal relationship and if she matures a few ranks?" Antenora trots along, keeping just behind Alicia. "It's just...were our biologies or tastes different, this joking would acquire a far more meaningful subtext. I...feel filthy for saying it, but I wonder if my mate will end up being..." In a tiny, weak little voice, "Unordered."
[21:56] <Kotono> weak little voice, "Unordered."
06[21:58] * Alicia laughs at how Antenora puts it. And weren't you earlier gushing over Queen Morwel?" she asks.
[21:59] <Kotono> "Queen Morwel is special! I don't normally swoon over women that aren't beautiful, charismatic paladins!" Antenora turns red and then redder, sputtering. "Besides, you were ready to leap into her arms, too! I felt how warm your skin was when she touched you!"
[22:01] <Alicia> "I won't deny it," Alicia agrees. "But it's not just that she's unbelievably beautiful, is it? There's far more to her than that. And she's emblematic of the eladrin race, the ultimate expression of everything it is to *be* an eladrin, just as Asmodeus represents devils. So is there any shame in respecting, or even loving, someone who takes after her?"
[22:03] <Kotono> "But she's chaotic..." Antenora blushes and shivers, "That's so degenerate...but yes, I love her just seeing her." Now taking a breath out, "I really do wonder if Pistis Sophia has it right. Stop worrying about everything, forsake possessions and live in the light of goodness for it's own sake."
[22:06] <Alicia> "That came out of nowhere," Alicia remarks blandly. "Anyway, if Marie were here she'd probably give you a lecture on the wonders of tolerance and how chaotic it is. But I'm not sure if it's strictly that, rather, I think it's in the middle."
[22:06] <Alicia> "Mystra has no particular attachment to Law or Chaos, and if she can love someone like me and someone like Marie equally, I can do no less. People like Marie, Honeydip, Syala, Strength of Light, even Donald - they're all admirable and worthy of respect."
[22:07] <Kotono> "I know, I know. It's just...chaos..." Antenora shivers. "You don't understand, Alicia. Truly, you don't grasp it at all. Perhaps if Mystra chooses to infuse law into you you will."
[22:09] <Alicia> "She hasn't even infused me with good, yet," Alicia shrugs, before reaching over to take Antenora's wrist. "Anyway, we're about to go to a chaotic marketplace, so are you ready to face that?"
[22:10] <Kotono> "With great fortitude!" Antenora smiles back, "Shall we?"
[22:12] <Alicia> "Be strong," Alicia smiles, teleporting them to the memorable looking raised plaza set up to give easy teleport recognition for incoming travellers - the merchants do all the can to make life easy on their customers, at least.
[22:12] <Alicia> roll 1d100 studied carefully
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 studied carefully and gets 68." [1d100=68]
[22:18] <Kotono> ---