037. "Hell, my fiancee sprouted wings not long ago. Things happen."

[Corwin]

#ed

[20:14] <Kotono> Time passes with Simmer, the two chatting for a time. Simmer reclines back, basking in the heat hot enough to burn a man alive in an instant. "So," she says after a pause, "How does Fire feel to you now?"
[20:17] <Afina> "It's nice," Afina admits, sitting on Simmer's belly as she reclines. "I was using a spell that gave me the body of an elemental, it felt similar then, but never quite as complete as now... but everything that burns here, it's not really *burning* since it's just doing what it always does. I want to see flames ravage over something pristine, blackening and ruining it utterly."
[20:18] <Kotono> "Oh yes," With a dreamy sigh Simmer smiles, "Besides, it's not ruining. Something flammable isn't complete and used until it's charred ash. Something that isn't burned? Now that's something ruined in need of saving."
[20:20] <Afina> "I see," Afina ponders that. "There are things I don't want to burn - I shouldn't. I can visualise it as being 'nice', but I know I shouldn't and that feeling's stronger. I want to save Lifasa for everyone, I can settle for just one burning volcano for me alone."
[20:24] <Kotono> "Mmmm. Yeah." Simmer lazily blows a puff of flame out of her mouth, "Balmuria was like that for me. I was tempted a few times, but it wasn't right. Nice, but not right."
[20:26] <Afina> "I wonder what my Queen will think of me now, though... I can't be part of a fey court when I'm not even fey, can I?" Afina's mind flickers to another topic. "Have you ever had to deal with other fey since changing? How did it go?"
[20:28] <Kotono> "One." Simmer frowns, "She killed me on the Prime, but as a spirit of fire I reformed here. Her name was Senaril, a cannibalistic nymph of Shar. So I don't think she counts." Brushing that aside, "There's only a few scattered fey on fire, and those are odd ones with fire in them, like me. Most of them are Unseelie. I've talked to a few of the sociable ones," Twirling a bit of her hair and
[20:28] <Kotono> craning her neck up to look to Afina, "You're an outsider looking in now, no matter how hard you try. You aren't part of the Cycle and they won't ever understand Fire."
[20:30] <Afina> "That's what I thought," she nods wearily, looking out over the burning forest. "Well, I already spurned the cycle when I had other pixies who fell in the Crusade resurrected, it must be fitting revenge for me to be cast out like this."

[Corwin]

#d

[19:49] <Kotono> Home. A shift from that windowless cell takes Jaela to the gates of Aurora. As she enters in, Elena appears before her. "Jaela?" she asks quietly, no longer shifting horrifically or changing in size or voice.
[19:51] <Jaela> "Yes?"
[19:53] <Kotono> "You got back just in time. Elder Magi Tepen and Sage Vul'lath are calling a meeting. Something's gone wrong on one of Afina's missions." Elena says, "You should attend."
[19:54] <Jaela> "I will be present," Jaela asserts. "Are Morniel and Hanna present? If so, I want them to attend, along with you."
[19:55] <Kotono> "Okay, I'll tell them," Elena says, "Meeting room in ten minutes. Any questions? I need to go tell Ithea next if not."
[19:55] <Jaela> "None. You can tell her I'm on my way," Jaela responds, starting to head down the courtyard. Meeting up with Mei will have to keep till after the meeting.
[19:56] <Kotono> Elena stares as Jaela walks away, shaking her head before vanishing. Meanwhile, Ithea is training. Her glaive flashes out as she fences in the training hall, working away. This is disturbed by Elena appearing, looking rather subdued. "Ithea?" she asks, "Ithea, there's a meeting. Something's gone wrong on one of Afina's missions."
[19:59] <Ithea> "...with Afina? Alright, I'm on my way," Ithea says with a frown, as she wipes away a bead of sweat and starts heading for the meeting room.
[20:01] <Kotono> With that, the group gathers. Sage Vul'lath and Tepen are both there, as is Morniel. Each of them looks concerned, though professiona. Hanna is there as well, sitting quietly and looking off at nothing in particular. Elena lingers nearby as Jaela and Ithea enter, and a few minutes later Adrian does as well. Tepen raises his hand, "Be seated and we'll get to matters. As some of you may know,
[20:01] <Kotono> Afina left on a journey to Fire and Magmasoul to assassinate a fallen angel, both to advance our cause and curry favor with Zaaman Rul, Elemental Prince of Fire for Good."
[20:02] * Jaela nods curtly, not interrupting the man.
[20:02] <Kotono> "I heard that in passing," Adrian goes to sit, "She's not answering the Sendings?"
[20:03] <Jaela> "What do you mean by that?" Jaela instantly speaks up.
[20:05] <Kotono> "Correct," Tepen nods, "My own failed. Between planes, this happens a small percentage of the time, so I had Sage Vul'lath," A nod to the dour faced githyanki, "Attempt his own, with a modified spell that overcomes that problem. Still nothing." AT this point Vul'lath speaks up, "I had...misgivings," he pauses here, "I cast divinations to gather more information, and all I saw were great bonfires,
[20:05] <Kotono> infernos and blazes, and the augury I had Balyss perform burst aflame when invoked."
[20:08] <Jaela> "Did someone try a Commune spell to figure out if she is even still alive?" Jaela asks, now frustrated.
[20:09] <Kotono> "Balyss is attempting that as we speak," Sage Vul'lath says, "However, I fear it may not be productive. Afina is deep within powerful regions of Fire, and I wonder if even Selune can see that deeply. In any case we will be attempting more sendings - but in the meanwhile, we need to be prepared for the worst...and to be prepared in case Afina requires rescue."
[20:10] <Jaela> "I will stay at the Aurora for the near future, then," Jaela states. "Has anyone contacted Zaaman Rul? As a local power, he might have insights from spies and informants."
[20:11] <Kotono> "Drena's been dispatched, but we're not expecting anything there," Morniel speaks up, "Magmasoul is a region hidden by Imix, Prince of Evil Fire. Zaaman Rul's intelligence efforts there are frusturated."
[20:12] <Jaela> "If she has been captured and is in need of rescue, where would she be held? Which prisons exist on Fire for that purpose?" Jaela asks. "He would know that much."
[20:12] <Kotono> Adrian glances over at Ithea, "You up to having to thrash living incarnations of fire, Ithea?"
[20:13] <Kotono> "We're asking him that, yes. If she is imprisoned, it will certainly be within one of Imix's prisons," Morniel nods, "Perhaps within his palace of flames."
[20:14] * Jaela nods her understanding. "Is that all? Is there anything for us to do but wait?"
[20:15] <Kotono> "At the moment, that's all," Tepen says, "We want to be prepared in case a rescue is needed. Have a rescue team chosen and prepared."
[20:16] <Jaela> "I will handle that," Jaela responds. "In that case, is there any other pressing business?"
[20:17] <Kotono> "Not at the moment," Tepen says and Elena speaks up, "The chaos has been purged. There's some damage to a few parts of Aurora, and Galariel will let you know about that soon."
[20:17] <Jaela> "Then I have something of my own to raise."
[20:18] <Kotono> "Go on," Tepen says, with a nod.
[20:20] <Jaela> "I have just returned from the Watcher's prison. The matter of hostilities between us have been decided entirely as my responsibility early on, and now the matter of punishment has been settled as well. Therefore, Morniel, I would like to formally request the Triad's aid in our Crusade. With the legalities settled, it is now only a matter of judging whether our cause is just and worthy. I would like you to handle this request on behalf of the Aurora."
[20:22] <Kotono> "It is settled?" he asks, "I'll see to it and begin preparations. Is there a priority to it? I would prefer to see this potential crisis with Afina solved before I leave."
[20:24] <Jaela> "On the matter of priorities, our allies are foremost," Jaela responds resolutely. "Then, it is a matter of making contact with the leader of the resistance. This would go after both matters have been settled, one way or the other." She turns towards her mother. "Hanna, the matter of requesting increased support from the Court of the Stars is the same way. Once Afina has been rescued, I would like to ask you to handle that."
[20:24] <Kotono> Hanna turns and nods, face neutral, "Alright."
[20:26] <Jaela> "My own contribution will come from Arvandor. I will delay that trip, for obvious reasons." She stands up. "Elena, gather us as soon as there are news."

[Corwin]

#ed

[20:32] <Kotono> Simmer's quiet for a bit on that, "It's also a rebirth. You're never going to die and reincarnate now. You are as you are, now and forever, unless you're slain here. Age will never touch you, nor will infirmity. It's...something." Settling on that, meanwhile Afina hears the following in her mind, 'Afina, this is Vul'lath. Reply with your situation if you hear this.'
[20:35] <Afina> About to reply to Simmer, Afina startles atop the dryad posture going rigid. "I'm in a burning forest. Plane shift scroll gone. Simmer, the name?" she looks at her companion to identify this place better for others to come after her, aware of the word limit she's under for her reply.
[20:36] <Kotono> "Simmer's Grove?" she answers after a few moments, "I named it myself. No one else lived here until I did."
[20:37] <Afina> "Simmer's Grove..." she trails off, knowing that probably won't be enough. "I'll lower my defences. Scry quickly. Before devils do."
[20:38] <Kotono> Simmer gets up, "If you're bringing guests over, I'll get dressed," she says, "All the humanoid men start walking funny and staring if you don't wear clothes. Isn't that silly?" Going to her cabinet and beginning to rustle in about it, "Can you still go invisible? I don't think I have anything pixie sized here."
[20:42] <Afina> "I can, but most of them have seen me naked and didn't react much," Afina shrugs, taking air as Simmer gets up. "And they'll need to see me to know I'm here." Nonetheless she goes to procure some well charred wood, a quick fabricate spell turning it into a rather rigid and uncomfortable one piece that covers her chest and bottom without getting in the way of her wings.
[20:43] <Kotono> As Simmer rustles out a garland of flowers, one that doesn't burn in the heat, and what looks to be some sort of skintight red dress with a golden belt and bracers, "There's another thing. Afina...are you in a relationship? If you are and you want a child, you may need to investigate magic. My change burned me barren."
[20:44] <Afina> That draws a pained wince from her. "No, but I'd thought... someday..." she trails off. Well, there's always magic, isn't there?
[20:45] <Kotono> "It can be fixed," Simmer murmurs, "A miracle or a wish will do it. I don't even know if you are - your transformation was different from mine." Now fully dressed, "Just so you know, so you aren't surprised later."
[20:46] <Afina> "I'll have one of the healers on Aurora look at me later," she decides. It's not a priority for now, no. But she'd like to know.
[20:48] <Kotono> Patting herself down now, and doing a spin, "So how do you like it? I had it custom made for the next time I have to go off Fire."
[20:50] <Afina> "It's very pretty," Afina smiles, perhaps feeling more enthusiastic than she normally would about such things with her sensibilities warped by fire. "I'll need to find new clothes for myself once we're back. Where did you have it made?" she asks, fluttering close and circling Simmer even after she's spun to look her over.
[20:51] <Kotono> "Eternal Embers," Waving a hand, "It's several weeks journey that way. It's best to teleport."

[Corwin]

#d

[20:46] <Kotono> It's not long before Tepen and Vul'lath call Jaela back. Adrian's there as well, as Vul'lath begins, "She's on Fire," he begins, "Her scroll is gone and she needs extraction. She's in a place called Simmer's Grove."
[20:46] <Jaela> "Do we know more about it? I can try shifting blindly, but...."
[20:47] <Kotono> "It's a forest of flame, I scried," Vul'lath says, "It did not look hostile, beyond being part of Fire. There was another woman with Afina, a creature of fire. An odd looking one, but I did not have time to ponder it."
[20:48] <Jaela> "Alright, let's give it a try," Jaela says, casting fire resistance upon herself and then Adrian. "The two of us will go. In case it's a trap, let's not bring any more, and we'll be able to shift out at need. Ready?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "I am. I can get out on my own if things go wrong," Adrian says, offering his hand to Jaela.
[20:49] <Jaela> "I know that," Jaela agrees. "Let's get out of the gates first." But once out, there is little to do but shift them over to the destination described by the Sage.

[Corwin]

[20:52] <Kotono> Meanwhile, the air of the grove ripples! Appearing through a gap in reality are two - Jaela and Adrian! Adrian looks about immediately, focusing on Afina. "Afina, you alright?" he asks, "You weren't answering your Sendings."
[20:52] * Jaela draws Gae Bolg upon arrival, but keeps its tip pointed at the fiery ground.
[20:53] <Afina> "Do I look alright?" the now notably brown skinned, orange eyed, and red haired pixie asks bluntly. "Things in Magmasoul went really bad for me, and I had to take desperate measures."
[20:53] <Jaela> "It's not a disguise, then?" Jaela asks just as bluntly.
[20:53] <Kotono> Simmer saunters over to Afina, but keeps quiet otherwise. "No," Adrian admits, "But hell, my fiancee sprouted wings not long ago. Things happen."
[20:54] * Jaela gives Simmer a curious glance, but refocuses on Afina pretty quickly.
[20:54] <Afina> She shakes her head. "I'm as cut off from the Cycle as I'd have been if I'd taken Annalise's offer. I'm a creature of fire now, not nature." Letting that sink in she adds as an afterthought, "Also all my equipment was burnt to nothingness. Except the hat."
[20:55] <Jaela> "It's a very nice hat, I always thought," Jaela admits, before extending her hand to Afina. "We're here to bring you back. Coming, or there's unfinished business left?"
[20:55] <Kotono> "You're still alive," Adrian says, "Though I'm sorry for what happened," Rubbing his chin for a moment, "Yeah, we're the rescue party. Little need for a rescue, though."
[20:57] <Afina> "No. The Sundered Sun can live, I'll just make something nice for Zaaman Rul... if I ever get enough money to replace my sword and work out of debt to Filbrez anyway..." sighing now and not expecting any of them to truly comprehend the enormity of what's happened, she just gives up. Nonetheless she perks up when looking at her fellow pyrofey. "This is Simmer. She's a friend of Balyss and
[20:57] <Afina> Sylvie so she's coming with us. Simmer, these are Jaela and Adrian."
[20:58] <Jaela> "I will cover your debt," Jaela says, "if that would be one less concern for you." She salutes Simmer with Gae Bolg at the introduction. "At your service, Simmer."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Hi there. If any of you want to burn or need something burned, I'm there for you. Even devils," she adds, "Though it takes more fire."
[20:58] <Afina> "She's going to teach me that, too," Afina adds with a smile. "If you really want to, Jaela... it's a very big debt, though."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Another one?" Adrian's voice has disbelief, "If Tannin counts, isn't that three of them from one Prime now? No wait, four with Simmer."
[20:59] <Afina> "Three from the one city, though."
[20:59] <Kotono> "I thought it was absurd, too," Simmer pipes up, "Though I don't know any Tannin. Is he part of Whimsical Sweets?"
[20:59] * Jaela keeps her thoughts on the wastefulness of it to herself.
[21:01] <Afina> "Don't think so," Afina says into the mounting silence. "Anyway, can you take us back to Aurora?"
[21:01] <Jaela> "On three, then," Jaela says, counting down. And then, the four of them shift over to the gates!
[21:13] <Kotono> In an instant, the four vanish and reappear! For three, it's just another trip. For Afina? Fire is gone. Everything goes from being warm and right to being bitterly cold and wrong. The air of Ysgard chills her to the absolute bone, a whimper rising up in Afina's throat. The gloriously warm fires are replaced by the bracing air, shudderingly felt by Afina. Meanwhile Simmer looks up,
[21:13] <Kotono> "...that's...huge," she settles on a word, "Big as a titan...no, bigger!"
[21:14] <Jaela> "It's home," Jaela says, gesturing inside. "Welcome to the Aurora, Simmer. Welcome back, Afina."
[21:15] <Afina> "Mmmm..." Afina makes a soft piteous noise, shivering and hugging herself. With effort, she masters her dignity and straightens up, but still observes, "It's so cold. Is this what it's like for all the fire elementals here?"
[21:15] <Jaela> "I was considering ways to improve their conditions," Jaela muses. "My thoughts were constructing a furnace or a magma moat. Do you think it would help?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "It's really cold," Simmer agrees, rubbing her arms even as she looks up, "You get used to some of it, but it's not nearly as pleasant as being in Fire. Magic helps if you know that sort that hedges cold away."
[21:17] <Afina> Casting cold resistance on herself and Simmer, she nods. "A magma pool would be really nice," she agrees with some enthusiasm.
[21:17] <Kotono> "Lava. Magma's too dense. You can slip into lava," Simmer appends, "Well, outside of Fire, anyway."
[21:17] * Afina accepts the correction easily.
[21:18] <Jaela> "Design it? I'll take care of the preparations."
[21:18] <Kotono> The feeling of cold leaves Afina - while not hot and pleasant, at least it's not chilling now.
[21:18] <Afina> "Thanks, Jeala. Come on, Simmer, I'll show you around and we can find Balyss and Sylvie."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Good," Simmer says, "I'll pay you back with a protective spell next time you need one. Greater mage's armor or a superior resistance spell?"
[21:20] <Afina> "Resistance. I have the armour spell... or know it." She promptly recasts it since it was dispelled earlier.

[Corwin]

#ed

[21:28] <Kotono> Thus Simmer and Afina take off! As you walk through the courtyard, you can see several things. The phase spider's lair is full of webs, to the point where there are small halls and rooms of spun webbing. Sitting on a chair of webbing outside is Ebony, a phase spider sitting in her lap. Angelic wings can be seen, wrapping around her and the spider like a blanket. A few people watch and interact
[21:28] <Kotono> with the spiders, including Misalea - who also's gotten into the wing business, apparently. Adrian's heading that way, too. A ways away from that you see the fire oozes - oh wow, they're cute! - being lead around by the crusty dwarf who commands them, soldiers giving them a wide berth. Atop Aurora you can see the Master, Tannin and Arrel, engaged in what looks to be a leap filled, three way
[21:28] <Kotono> spar across the roofs and spires of Aurora.
[21:30] * Afina points people out and assigns them names for Simmer's benefit as they go, deciding to check up on Ebony after all of this since they've both had their existences radically change and really just to welcome her back. In the meantime the library is probably the place to be to find Sylvie.
[21:34] <Kotono> Thus you head to the library. It's really rather quiet here - no sign of Tepen or Vul'lath - or even Annalise, who once spent not inconsiderate time here. Sylvie is here, buried in a thick tome and with her head bowed, intent on it.She's curled into an oversized chair, not even looking up as you come 'round to see her.
[21:37] <Afina> Fluttering over towards Sylvie, Afina speaks up since the blonde isn't paying attention to her surroundings. "Sylvie, I found another of your old friends!" she announces brightly. Then, realising that this might not actually please her given what happened last time, she quickly appends, "This one's happy to see you."
[21:40] <Kotono> "Hi," Simmer makes a little wave, "You've grown up, Sylvie! You've put on some muscle, too, and a lot of gear. Say, weren't those straps Wayland's?"
[21:41] <Kotono> Sylvie blink-blinks openly, for a moment not reacing, "Simmer!?" she drops the book out of her lap, rising as Simmer comes forward and crushes her into a hug!
[21:42] <Afina> Awww, isn't that better than a slap? Afina looks on quite approvingly before she realises what she's doing and forces a more composed demeanour onto herself. Fire really is playing havoc with her emotions.
[21:44] <Kotono> "Afina just popped out in front of me," Simmer says, "One thing lead to another."
[21:44] <Kotono> The hug breaks, Sylvie smiling broadly, "Our world's important...and I guess it's getting tangled in this, too. But nevermind that," Sylvie says, "Balyss is here, too!"
[21:45] <Kotono> "I heard," Simmer says, "How's she doing?"
[21:46] <Afina> "I can go find her for you and send her over if you two want to catch up," Afina volunteers, calling for Elena.
[21:48] <Kotono> Elena appears, looking rather downcast. "Hi," she says, before looking up at Afina, "Oh, you're back! Color change?" she asks, guilelessly, "Is this the fey fall look, like falling leaves?"
[21:50] <Afina> "Don't I wish," Afina shakes her head. "No, I've been torn from the Cycle so now I'm not even a fey. It was that or dying and giving up on Lifasa, so I can't complain. What about you, you look b-" she only just barely keeps herself from saying 'blue' before hastily amending, "Glum."
[21:52] <Kotono> "Annalise and Jaela and everything," Elena shrugs, "It wasn't...were you even here for that?" Elena quickly adds. "Hav eyou heard?"
[21:52] <Kotono> Simmer watches but keeps quiet.
[22:10] <Afina> "Heard what?" she asks, glancing at Simmer and Sylvie a little bit guiltily at having interrupted their reunion.
[22:10] <Kotono> "Guess not," Elena says, "Annalise is dead. Jaela killed her."
[22:14] * Afina lands on the ground as she digests that. "She should never have come back, or at least not the way she did. But her betrayal couldn't go unanswered, at least Jaela understood that." Remaining still a moment, she flutters into the air again. "Could you find Balyss and ask her to come to the library? I should go and talk to Jaela."
[22:15] <Kotono> "I'll do it," Elena says, Sylvie and Simmer sharing a look, Sylvie shaking her head.
[22:16] <Afina> "I'll have to speak to you later, Simmer. Sorry," Afina tells her fellow pyrofey, departing now to the Courtyard to find Jaela.

[Corwin]

#d

[21:29] <Kotono> You find Mei kneeling before the altar of the Triune Goddess with Priest. Her head is bowed in silent prayer and supplication. Priest is silent as well. A few elves are here, a couple from the Graceful Blow. Two sharing a book of looks to be holy script between them, and another is in reflective meditation.
[21:30] * Jaela leans against the wall by the entrance and waits to be noticed, however long that might take.
[21:33] <Kotono> A few minutes. Priest finally looks up then, not disturbing Meillarberyl as she prays. He turns and comes, "She's extremely devout," he says, "When not in religious observation, she trains herself. When in the latter, she takes poses that tone and shape her body, and when in the former, she fights to the beat of hymns."
[21:34] <Jaela> "I could tell as much about Dame Mei," Jaela concurs. "Is she acclimating well? I regret that I placed the burden of helping her settle upon you. Did she find a nice room for herself?"
[21:36] <Kotono> "When she laid down to rest briefly, she did so in a corner here. She shook her head when I asked her about her own room." Going on from that, with a shake of his own head, "Her silence makes things difficult...and perhaps a shame. Her voice has a resounding majesty and beauty when she recites the Benediction."
[21:37] <Jaela> "Do you know more about her vows? I was certain she would not speak at all. And is telepathy acceptable, whether in normal life or as a tactical means in a combat situation?"
[21:42] <Kotono> "Her vow of silence covers everything, save for when she uses the Voice of the Triune," Priest explains, "When she entered she first spoke the Words of Benediction. I don't believe telepathy is covered by the vow, though with her level of devout worship, she may abstain."
[21:44] <Jaela> "I will keep it to times it would offer a key advantage in a battle, then," Jaela decides. "Did you introduce her to anyone? Do you know her name-- ah, I suppose she would have written it down?"
[21:47] <Kotono> "No, I hadn't heard it until you uttered it," Priest replies, "But she seems to be at ease."
[21:48] <Jaela> "We should do it," Jaela voices. "People need to know alongside whom they fight."
[21:53] <Kotono> "I'll have it done," Priest says, "It shouldn't be prohibitive."
[21:54] * Jaela inclines her head slightly. "I will tag along, I believe. Perhaps I will even get a chance to hear her speak. And I will certainly collect Val'Finnegan."
[22:04] <Kotono> Priest nods, falling in with Jaela.
[22:05] * Jaela comes to kneel at the altar by Mei's side. Her own prayers might not be as devout in comparison, but her faith is true. Once done, she turns her head towards Mei to see if she had been noticed.
[22:07] <Kotono> Mei has turned by this point, eyes deep and blue. She awaits Jaela silently, saying not a word.
[22:08] <Jaela> "It took me longer than expected, but I have returned," Jaela says. "I would like to introduce you to your allies, if now is a good time."
[22:14] <Kotono> Mei nods at that, rising.
[22:15] <Jaela> "How did you like Val'Finnegan?" Jaela asks, leading the way out of the temple and to the courtyard. "There is a very strange story about how I got it."
[22:17] <Kotono> Kneeling and picking up the weapon besides her, Mei presents it back to Jaela. She smiles nonetheless, face lightening all at once. It brings youth to her face, a youth untouched by war and sorrow.
[22:18] <Jaela> Her own smile is a bit crooked, and Jaela accepts the weapon. It promptly disappears into her gauntlet. "I have no idea if your vows allow you to wield it, or if a spear is your weapon of choice. If it is, however, and you can... you just need to convey that desire to me, and it is yours."
[22:20] <Kotono> Mei shakes her head, gesturing. A beam of golden radiance flickers over her hand, momentarily forming the shape of a glaive.
[22:21] <Jaela> "Oh, you too? Kitten uses glaives. Do you need one from our armory, or is this how you summon your weapon?"
[22:21] * Jaela stops and sighs, then. "Do you need one from our armory? I'll learn to ask things properly, I promise."
[22:22] <Kotono> Shaking her head and smiling, she gestures again. The glaive appears in hand, a swift, quick series of thrusts and parries performed before it fades away.
[22:23] <Jaela> "Nice. Even our styles are the same," Jaela muses, doing likewise with Gae Bolg, "except you're doing it without relying on a magical crutch like me."

[Corwin]

[22:26] <Afina> As the two compare their polearms, a ruddy red figure flutters over towards them, Afina stopping nearby. "Jaela. Elena told me some of what I missed while I was away," she begins, not very good at the comforting business but wanting to try, especially since she's gone through what Jaela now has before, unlike most anyone on Aurora.
[22:27] <Jaela> "Ah. Yes." Gae Bolg disappears. "Yes, she would do that."
[22:28] <Kotono> Mei stops at that, watching Afina silently. She smiles hesitantly to her.
[22:29] * Jaela gestures at her. "This is Dame Mei, a fellow knight of mine. You might remember Tannin's investigation upon my request to look into that matter?"
[22:31] <Afina> "Ahh, it's nice to meet you then. Welcome to the Crusade," Afina allows herself to be distracted, smiling back at the other Triune Knight. Looking back at Jaela, she hesitates a moment before volunteering, "If you want to talk about it, or just need a hug, let me know? I know what it's like to do what you did."
[22:37] <Jaela> "I wonder what I would have done if you were here," Jaela muses. She shakes her head, then, and kneels to put her arms around Afina. "Do you ever get the part of you that you lose back?" she whispers to her.
[22:38] <Kotono> Mei smiles warmly at Afina, kneeling with Jaela, though not touching her.
[22:40] <Afina> "No," Afina admits honestly, unable to lie even if it would be kinder she still tightens her arms around Jaela to offer physical comfort, though of course unable to get them all the way around. "Why do you think I'm unable to love? But I had to do it more than once. There's still hope for you."
[22:43] <Jaela> "Thanks, Afina." Jaela closes her eye. "She had such a horrible time growing up. She never had a chance."
[22:48] <Afina> "No... but despite it all, I could have called her friend. I know why you could have loved her," Afina encourages, her hot skin warming against Jaela except where charred wood covers her body. "That doesn't make what you did wrong, though. What she did couldn't be permitted to happen again."
[22:52] <Jaela> "I know. We can't abide treason. Not without... genuine remorse, or anything like that," Jaela agrees quietly. "But even then. I couldn't save the person I wanted to save the most. I just can't try again, but without that there's nothing left. Just freeing our world. But nothing after that."
[22:53] <Kotono> At this moment Mei reaches forward, tapping the holy symbol of the Triune Goddess on Jaela's armor.
[22:54] <Afina> "For me it's killing all devils. You'll have to find your own answer," Afina offers, parting slightly to see what Mei's doing and smiling slightly. "Yes, you have your goddess. Follow her, for me it was loyalty to my Queen that kept me going back then. That could work for you as well."
[22:57] <Jaela> "That is what I'm doing right now. The Code and the Crusade." Jaela snorts. "I went to Helm's realm. Naliel is same as before."
[22:59] <Afina> "I hope to... Fire, that you didn't recruit her!" Afina sputters with sudden indignation.
[22:59] <Jaela> "Certainly not."
[22:59] * Jaela shakes her head. "She gloated for a while, but they decided not to kill me."
[23:03] <Afina> "How generous," the warped pixie mutters sarcastically, letting go of Jaela. "I hope she gets reunited with Torm soon."
[23:04] <Jaela> "I have put her out of my mind. But I would not want you to be caught unawares, in case more from the Triad arrive to fight for the cause."
[23:08] <Afina> "If they're like Morniel it's fine. If they're like her they can go right back home and we'll be far better for it." Fluttering into the air at chest height of the other two women now, "Anyway, I should find Simmer to better learn how to handle being made partly out of fire, but come find me if you need anything more, okay?"
[23:09] <Jaela> "I might," Jaela admits. "Maybe... maybe after a few days more. And if Simmer cannot help you, the Triune might grant me a Miracle for you. So there is that, Afina."
[23:10] <Afina> "Thanks," Afina nods gratefully, fluttering off.

[Corwin]

#ed

[22:19] <Kotono> After everything, Muirfinn heads to the library. Some lore research is called for, and heading there you stumble on something unusual. Sylvie's there, which is normal enough. What isn't is that there's a red and oranged skinned woman with her, clad in garlands of flowers and a skintight sort of dress, as well as heavy gauntlets. Her skin looks faintly like burned tree bark, and she's smiling
[22:19] <Kotono> as she talks to Sylvie. If you didn't know better, you'd say that's a dryad - but they're never away from their trees, let alone looking so burnt.
[22:20] * Muirfinn walks, up, azure eyes taking in the strange creature. "Hello Sylvie. Who's this? A new recruit?"
[22:21] <Kotono> "In the flesh," Simmer says, "Simmer. You're...wet." She says after a moment, " I mean, nice to meet you! Sorry, you're giving me that creepy crawly thing water does."
[22:22] <Kotono> Coughing into her hand, "THis is simmer, a fire dryad, or pyrodryad as we like to call her. She's a friend and she's joined the Crusade after what happened to Afina."
[22:23] <Muirfinn> "Ah," Muirfinn bows at the waist. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Simmer. A fire dryad, you say? How fascinating. How did this come about?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "Ley-line accident. My tree burned but I survived by a fluke," she answers, "Fire took the place of my tree in supporting my life."
[22:26] * Muirfinn nods. "Fortunate that you survived. You are a friend of Sylvie's then? Perhaps from her home plane?"
[22:26] * Muirfinn eyes Sylvie. "She didn't slap you too, did she?"
[22:28] <Kotono> Sylvie reddens, "N-no! This meeting was happy!"
[22:28] <Kotono> Simmer laughs, "Slapped, really? I'll have to hear that story." Getting up, "I'll get it out of Balyss then. Come on, I want to see her."
[22:31] * Muirfinn waves them along. "Don't let me keep you then. I'm sure we will meet again, Simmer."
[22:37] <Kotono> Simmer waves and the duo goes off!

[Corwin]

#ed

[22:49] <Kotono> Kascha is gathered up, the two walking to the gates, "So this world may be untouched, or at least the part of it you were on is?"
[22:51] * Muirfinn nods. "We ranged about twenty miles in every direction. Lots of hostile wildlife will be about, though not evil from what we could tell. Simply hungry. Watch out for the house-sized ones. They're quicker than they look. Not much else though. We never encountered anything resembling intelligent life."
[22:52] <Kotono> "Okay. What's the flora like," You stand outside in Ysgard now, soaking up the cold, chill air.
[22:53] <Muirfinn> "Large and colorful. It's very topical, so everything tends to grow big and close together. The humidity is high as well, so plant life is extremely successful. The beach areas where we stayed were really the only way to find large amounts of clear ground."
[22:57] <Kotono> Nodding, and in a moment you stand on a beach. It's familiar - an open beach with the waves lapping against it. It's hot, the heat shimmering off the sands. The ocean is a beautiful blue, ahead of you the edge of a thick, deep jungle. "So 24 hours," Kascha says, wiping her brow, "Want me to keep a watch while I look around?"
[22:58] <Muirfinn> "If you wouldn't mind, I would very much appreciate it. If you're cautious, you should be more than a match for anything roaming around. We never encountered anything more than mundane beasts. No magic in them whatsoever. Just be aware that some of them are crafty, and that everything you see is prey for something else."
[23:06] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, going to start summoning? Also, for reference, what spells do you have on yourself?
[23:07] <Muirfinn> OOC: Superior Resistance. Anything else is too short a duration to keep up.
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 13." [1d100=13]
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 10." [1d100=10]
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 15." [1d100=15]
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 58." [1d100=58]
[23:11] <Kotono> Hours and hours pass. Kascha comes back with several filled sacks, but nothing else happens. Night falls, and then dawn...and finally the ritual finishes! Muirfinn fills a momentary fatigue erupt from him, as it emerges out. A l izard, a dinosaur! Not so thankfully huge as others, but it's coming right at him like an old friend.
[23:12] * Muirfinn looks up from his meditation at the beast. He stands and makes a welcoming gesture to his side.
[23:13] <Kotono> The dinosaur approaches, sitting and looking up at Muirfinn with open curiosity.
[23:14] <Muirfinn> Casting Speak with Animals, Muirfinn looks at the creature. "Hello. Would you like some food?" He pulls some salted meat from his pouch.
[23:17] <Kotono> The dinosaur comes over, taking the food quickly and wolfing it down, "You summoned," It answers, simply.
[23:19] <Muirfinn> "Indeed I did. We have much to do. Are you prepared?"
[23:22] <Kotono> "Yes," It says immediately, "I am prepared to serve."
[23:23] <Muirfinn> "Let's go then." Muirfinn turns, heading back to where he last saw Kascha.