RAW

[Corwin]

#ed

[21:09] <Kotono> Thus does the trio advance on further. In time, you come to see a fortress. Ahead of you is a grand, gleaming fortress of white marble, towering over you. Its gates are wide open. As the sound of seven trumpets is heard, you can feel a palpable sense of protection.
[21:11] <Jaela> This should be their destination, from what she's learned about Lunia. Jaela continues heading towards the fortress!
[21:12] <Afina> "Is this Barachiel's fortress, Morniel?" Afina asks, looking up at its towers, even those dwarfed by the mountain above.
[21:14] <Kotono> Morniel looks on, as Afina sees the towers. Seven of them, each somehow seeming almost as tall as the mountains themselves. "We will be received in the courtyard, and yes, it is."
[21:15] <Afina> Smoothing out her clothes, Afina presses on!
[21:24] <Kotono> Ahead you go, the gates of the fotress opening before you! Above you Lantern Archos fly, taking up the first notes of a glorious hymn. After seven notes it is joined by others within, complimenting the trumpets. Ahead in this courtyard is an army of celestials, facing you and at attention. The light of each shines as brightly the noon sun, yet at the head of them is but one. It cannot be
[21:24] <Kotono> looked at directly at first, but you find you are able to withstand it after several overwhelming moments. Its beauty is piercing, perfect in every way. A man, perhaps 7 feet tall. He is wrapped in gold armor that blazes like golden fires. In his eyes you can see the creation of life itself, unkonwn things that make themselves known to you. Several wings are at its back, seeming to be made
[21:24] <Kotono> of pure light and life, the same as his eyes. Morniel approaches, coming to kneel, "Sir Romiel, we are honored by this reception. I bring the champions of the Aurora, who seek to overthrow Hell and restore justice to a fallen world. In the name of Barachiel the Messenger and the Triad, I introduce to you Afina and Jaela of Lifasa and the Aurora."
[21:27] <Afina> Since Romiel isn't a monarch Afina feels no compulsion to kneel, though she lands behind Morniel and bows respectfully. "We bring greetings from the Crusade."
[21:34] * Jaela follows up on Afina's respectful bow with one of her own, saying as she straightens up, "It is an honor to be invited here, Sir Romiel."
[21:41] <Kotono> "In the name of Barachiel the Messenger, I greet you," Romiel says, "I welcome you to Mount Celestia."
[21:45] <Afina> "Thank you, Romiel. It is good to be made welcome after some of our experiences with powers aligned with Celestia," Afina states bluntly, "Nonetheless we think our interests have enough overlap for Celestia and what remains of Lifasa to become friends."
[21:46] <Jaela> "It is a beautiful place," Jaela says honestly. "I hope that there will be plenty of time to experience is properly after this visit."
[21:56] <Kotono> "Let us talk of that first," Romiel says, leading the trio within. The fotress is vast within - huge hallways and defenses, filled with the celestial host. You are taken to a room - here chairs are provided around a table, before a towering mural of a seven tiered mountain, the peak aglow with light.
[21:57] * Afina perches herself on a chair and waits to hear what Romiel has to say first.
[21:58] <Jaela> Since Romiel made the opening move, Jaela waits for him to follow up on it as she takes her own seat.
[22:00] <Kotono> Morniel sits as well, awaiting. Romiel goes to sit beneath the mural, just below the bottom of it. "Morniel has spoken well of Aurora, but there have been concerns over the matter of the vampire Annalise. There have been assurances that this is no longer a concern."
[22:02] <Afina> "It is a sore point, but in the end we at least killed her rather than stabbed her onto an altar for someone else to find in a few millenia," Afina replies, knowing she'll never be thrilled with how that turned out even if she accepted the necessity.
[22:03] * Jaela refuses to believe Celestia never really knew what happened, but ignores any of that. Instead, she adds, "Annalise has been destroyed, as Afina said."
[22:05] <Kotono> "It is so. I can confirm it as well. Annalise is no more," Morniel adds.
[22:06] <Kotono> "That was one such point. The other is the disagreements with the Platinum Dragon," Romiel says, "I have been advised of what occured there. I would wish to understand why you made the choices that you did."
[22:09] <Afina> "To secure the aid of Gisfal, a warlord on Ysgard, he asked us to prove our might and sincerity by bringing him the heart of a green dragon," Afina begins, "Baleruk was chosen, but when we confronted him he explained his situation to us. We were intrigued and thought it better to gain his service if he could live up to his boasts, thus we agreed to help him," Afina replies. "Once a bargain
[22:09] <Afina> was struck we could never betray it. Bahamut's alliance with Tiamat and the horrors they sent to bar our way only reinforced that in our minds we could reach no accord with those two."
[22:11] <Jaela> "The truth of the matter is that Bahamut carried on high-handedly and hypocritically," Jaela adds her own point of view. "We had already given our word to support Baleruk, as Afina had said, and that choice had nothing to do with Good or Evil. In that case, it should be up to us to choose whether we intervene in the affairs of dragons or not." She nods briefly at Afina. "If you look at our record, aside from strict self-defense, we have been consistently taking out Tiamat's forces and doing our best to get along with Bahamut's."
[22:18] <Kotono> "While I respect the loyalty you place on your given word," Romiel says, "There are concerns over your judgment. Should events conspire to force Bahamut and Tiamat together, such an event speaks of terrible things."  Here he pauses, listening to the last of your words. "There have been whispers of something else. An artifact capable of purging any evil?"
[22:20] <Afina> "I do not know if it can decisively be said to purge *any* evil, but we do have a powerful... concept, that can do that," Afina replies, unsure if 21 can properly be called an artifact. "It prevented the spawning of a devil specifically bred and proven capable of effortlessly mentally dominating anyone from Lifasa."
[22:20] <Jaela> "Isn't it a biased way to look at things, Sir Romiel?" Jaela muses. "Bahamut is doing something horrible, and quite blatantly at that. Yet the first reaction is that he must have a very good reason for it? It seems that he is being given too much leeway for his otherwise good past deeds and reputation, yet a righteous deity straying from the path is not entirely unheard of, is it?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "A concept?" Going on calmly from that, "Torm's case was exceedingly unusual, and at least in part due to outside influences. I find it distressing that your first reaction to one of the hallowed champions of light is distrust." Romiel replies.
[22:27] <Jaela> "What are we supposed to think, Sir Romiel?" Jaela asks, spreading her arms. "When Aurora is working with an undead abomination, Celestia shows concern. When Bahamut does so instead of, say, requesting for help from the Holy Mountain's forces, it is rationalized rather than questioned. And his behavior towards us throughout has been dishonorable, whether in person or through his representatives. There is only so much we can take on reputation, isn't there?"
[22:30] <Kotono> "Our concerns are simple," Romiel continues, "You have given aid to a powerful vampire and force of darkness, then defied Bahamut. It casts doubt on your judgment, and the course of your Crusade."
[22:31] <Kotono> "Ahem." Morning coughs into his hand, "If I may?"
[22:32] <Jaela> They don't really seem to care more than their talking points, and Jaela decides to leave things as they are. She nods at Morniel, listening to what he has to say to advance their cause.
[22:34] <Afina> "That vampire offered us aid when we were at our weakest, before we had even found Aurora," Afina interjects. "And consistently proved herself a loyal and valuable ally... until the end," she carefully avoids looking at Jaela there. "As for Bahamut, please consider our situation. Our entire world had just been subjugated by Hell, a plane that was supposed to be held in check by its opposition
[22:34] <Afina> planes - we had no reason to consider anything out here our friend until it could prove such. By allying with a force so closely entwined with our oppressors, Bahamut proved himself unreliable to us. Did you know we have received offers of alliance from the Lich Queen Vlaakith? She will receive no more consideration than Bahamut, however."
[22:41] <Kotono> "As it stands, it must be remembered that Aurora is not infalliable," Morniel says, "Aurora has done things Celestia does not approve of, that I do not approve of," he states, "Nonetheless, they strive for good and are worthy of a second chance - everyone is."
[22:43] <Jaela> Except Annalise? Jaela keeps her sudden amusement in check, coolly observing Romiel.
[22:52] <Kotono> Romiel shows no tells - only composed and calm. "That is why you were invited," Romiel confirms. "Military aid is not to be given lightly, and we wish to be assured of your responsibility and good judgment before that."
[22:52] <Jaela> "Would you like to come and observe for yourself, Sir Romiel?" Jaela offers quite seriously.
[23:01] <Kotono> Romiel considers this, "I will, pending conferring with my superiors."
[23:02] <Jaela> "Will we be meeting with your superiors as well?" Jaela asks, glancing at Morniel briefly. They were invited to Barachiel, weren't they?

[Corwin]

#d

[02:10] * Ithea just nods, as she goes to grab onto the remaining bags from the attendants.
[02:15] <Kotono> Bags obtained, Sylvie and Ithea head out. "Want to gather the troops then head over to Rapture?" she asks.
[02:17] * Ithea nods again. "Might as well, unless you want to just hang around and wait for them to come to us."
[02:20] <Kotono> "No sense sitting around," Sylvie says. OOC: Just gonna go poking around for them?
[02:20] <Ithea> ooc: sure why not.
[02:26] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[02:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 16." [1d100=16]
[02:27] <Kotono> You wander a little bit - it isn't hard to find Simmer. You find her about four streets down, coming out of a shop. A distinct scowl  lingers on her face, muttering under her breath.
[02:29] * Ithea blinks at that, as she approaches the firey fey. "Something wrong, Simmer?"
[02:31] <Kotono> As yo uapproach, you see the shop has the image of an open book above the door as well as a silver wand. "Oh, nothing. Only the wizard in there told me fiery creatures can't browse the scroll selection because of the fire hazard."\
[02:37] <Ithea> "That's unfortunate. Were you looking for any particular spells?" Ithea asks curiously.
[02:38] <Kotono> "No, just browsing," Simmer mutters, glaring back at the store.
[02:40] <Ithea> "Cheer up, I'm sure there's other stores with better protection on their wares that you'll be able to enjoy," Ithea says, trying to cheer up the dryad.
[02:42] <Kotono> "Sure, we'll shop later,' Sylvie adds, as Simmer turns around, "I guess you're right. I don't really like scrolls, anyway. You're holding dead trees with them, you know."
[02:45] * Ithea doesn't say anything to that, given Sylvie's and hers love of books!
[02:54] <Kotono> With that, the three wander along further. Balyss and Stille are found after a loop around, waiting outside of Eliae's shop. "There they are!" Balyss calls, waving, "Where'd you all go?"
[02:59] <Ithea> "Looking for you, we got a bit restless and decided not to just wait around, sorry," Ithea apologizes. "By the way, a little warning next time your recommendation is an ex, alright, Stille?"
[03:01] <Kotono> "Ah, my apologies," Stille smiles easily, "I had thought she would have been more understanding, my mistake."
[03:02] <Kotono> Sylvie raises an eyebrow at that, while Simmer hums, "Wait, you went to see one of Stille's former loves?" A few beats that, "That's so strange. I'm used to relationships ending in fire and explosions for all."
[03:03] <Ithea> "She was pretty nice, she had both good and bad things to say about Stille," Ithea replies to Simmer. "Her shop is very impressive too, although you'd probably dislike its process."
[03:04] <Kotono> Balyss gives Stille a rather unamused look, while he merely smiles, "What's done is done," he says, "Shall we make off for Rapture now?"
[03:06] <Ithea> "Let's," Ithea says in agreement, already starting to head towards Rapture at that.
[03:06] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[03:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 98." [1d100=98]
[03:06] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[03:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 75." [1d100=75]
[03:09] <Kotono> On reaching the bridge to Rapture, you pass over it without incident. The world becomes hazy and warm, sensual shadows draping over things. "Ooooh!" Balyss looks about, "Isn't this something? It's like she said."
[03:10] <Kotono> "Like when you're had too much firewine," Simmer agrees, stifling a giggle into her hand, a vision of soft-focus, red lovliness.
[03:10] <Kotono> "Ah, a most enjoyable feeling," Stille adds for his own part, offering his hand out to Ithea, "Shall we? Let us go seek council and succor within."
[03:11] <Ithea> "You know, it feels almost odd not to have anybody greet us on the way in," Ithea comments, having already been to Rapture before and having been greeted by some feline every time. She does nod to Stille though. "I seem to have good luck around that fountain, so we'll go there first."
[03:17] <Kotono> The trip to the fountain is without incident. Balyss giggles often as you walk, Simmer whistling and Sylvie hanging back. When you reach the fountain, you find it overwhelmed! Hundreds and hundreds of cats lounge around, a sunbeam soaking the entire area in warmth. They're all purring, a cachophonic rumbling filling the air. Cats of all colors, from tiny little ones to twenty pound cats that
[03:17] <Kotono> aren't that far removed from being a small wild cat.
[03:22] * Ithea bites softly her lower lip, wondering just a bit if this sort of welcome is because of her. Because its a little awkward being a former catfolk amongst a sea of cats...
[03:23] * Ithea slaps both of her cheeks and starts to search for signs of pink amongst all the felines. Like searching for a needle in a haystack, probably, but Lady Sharess will hopefully stick out somehow if she's around.
[03:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[03:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 16." [1d20=11]
[03:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[03:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 20." [1d20=12]
[03:27] <Kotono> Thus you search around, starting to look amid the felines! As you do, "Eh?" Sylvie's voice calls from behind you.
[03:28] * Ithea turns to look towards Sylvie at her call!
[03:30] <Kotono> Balyss, Stille and Simmer are gone! Sylvie stands there, starting to stumble forward and holding her chest, grimacing. "Felt a pull, but I felt 21 inside of me flare up."
[03:34] * Ithea blinks. "...It might be like when Lady Bast sent 27 back to Aurora the last time we were here," Ithea comments, trying to sound positive about that, though she's slightly worried. Hopefully that was the case...
[03:37] <Kotono> As Ithea turns back around, you find a simple housecat sitting atop the fountain. A pink cat, one who leaps right at Ithea! With feline grace it lands on her shoulders, "Mmmr, you're full of surprises! Now what happened to you to put you in such a miserable state, and whoever is your friend?" Curling up and lying on the back of Ithea's, whiskers tickling Ithea's cheeks, "Don't worry about the
[03:37] <Kotono> others, I wanted a nice, intimiate conversation. I always have time for fellow felines."
[03:41] * Ithea scratches the cat under the chin, relaxing at its words. "Well, I'm not quite a catfolk anymore, though I'm glad you still recognize me, Lady Bast, and have the time for me. As for my state...well, let's just say Lady Beshaba and a deck of cards got mixed up with my curiosity and good intentions. Oh, and this is my best friend from the Aurora, Sylvie of Balmuria."
[03:43] <Kotono> Sylvie nods and coughs, stepping back. "Don't let me interrupt."
[03:44] <Kotono> The feline turns its head to Sylvie, giving her a long look. Sylvie scoots back several more steps, well away now. "Mrr." The feline murmurs, then turns back to Ithea. The scratching makes her begin to purr away, "By chance, did you come to regain your catsblood? Fireblood doesn't suit you."
[03:46] <Ithea> "You see right through me, Lady Bast," Ithea answers with an honest smile.
[03:49] <Kotono> "Too many people assume I'm nothing but a lady of pleasure," Sharess continues, purring away, "They forget that every cat has sharp eyes, keen ears and sharp claws, like any hunter. Even many of my faithful forget that...mmr, ask that Balyss about Halene in Balmuria sometime." With her tail flickering back and forth, "I like you, because you came here for reasons other than that. You're a fighter,
[03:49] <Kotono> a warrior. I like that."
[03:56] * Ithea blushes at the praise, making a note about this Halene for later. "I'm honored by your praise," Ithea says with a pleased smile. "As for other people, well, I doubt most people have the pleasure of engaging you in a conversation. If they did, I'd imagine they too would know better than to assume that's all there is to you."
[03:58] <Kotono> "A sweet talker, too!" The feline on your shoulders purrs even louder, "I could use a champion like you. Killing devils in my name, reminding people that I have more than one aspect. It would be delightful."
[04:01] * Ithea blinks in surprise. "That...that's quite an offer for someone who once renounced her faith," Ithea replies a bit quietly, as she honestly ponders the offer.
[04:03] <Kotono> "That means you hadn't found the right one yet," Sharess purrs, "I'm casual - you don't need to become like those worshipers. I have enough devotees of pleasure. I want someone with claws, someone who fights."
[04:08] * Ithea grins in a bit of amusement at that. 'I just haven't found the right one...eh?' Ithea repeats in her head, mentally picturing herself as a little catfolk girl, casually window browsing between three churches, each dedicated to a different goddess: one to Mystra, one to Selune and one to Sharess.
[04:08] <Ithea> "Well, I certainly do like to kill devils," Ithea comments, smiling a bit more as the mental image takes shape. "I'm not much for the whole baring my claws though, I like to keep -some- distance I admit. I can hit more targets that way."
[04:09] <Kotono> "Oh, it's a figure of speech," The feline goes on,
[04:09] <Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[04:09] <Kotono> "Oh, it's a figure of speech," The feline goes on, "You don't actually have to claw them up. A glaive will do."
[04:14] * Ithea laughs honestly. "I know... well, rather, I figured-slash-hoped. I am kind of attached to Afina's work, though like you said, you're casual," Ithea replies with a grin, and she can't resist scratching the pink cat under the chin again and leaning her head to rub against the fur gently. She can almost imagine having fur of her own again as she does such. "Right?"
[04:16] <Kotono> As the cat you hold purrs away in complete contentment, "I'm not one for great ceremony. Now that you've lost it, you understand how wonderful and right it is to be a cat. Cats don't waste time with unimportant things that don't interest them."
[04:21] <Ithea> "Then I'm doubly honored that you so often seem to have time for my visits to your realm," Ithea says right after.
[04:23] <Kotono> "You pet me so nicely," Sharess purrs louder yet, somehow, almost drowning out her voice. "So what do you say?"
[04:30] <Ithea> "I'm certainly favourable to it. I always do feel at ease with you and I like petting you as well," Ithea says. "And really, the only other deity I can claim to have felt favourably to in a long time towards is Selune and she already has her own champions, I think." Ithea thinks of both Balyss and Stille here.
[04:30] <Ithea> "I can't think of a reason to say no, honestly, though I should at least ask what does being your champion entail before I truly accept."
[04:31] * Ithea looks towards Sylvie, curious what she's doing there since she's been so quiet throughout all this, and she was honestly more focused on Sharess all this time.
[04:38] <Kotono> Sylvie has backed well off, about 50 paces down the street and away from the felines. "Why, killing all those uptight, vile devils in my name, the occasional prayer, letting people know that Sharess stands for more than just pleasure chasing."
[04:43] * Ithea raises an eyebrow at Sylvie's backtracking, but doesn't dwell on it as Sharess answers her question. "I can do that," Ithea says happily. "Like I said, I don't really have any reason to say no, so I guess that yes, I do accept the honor you're offering to myself, Lady Bast."
[04:46] <Kotono> "Gooooood," Amid that purr Ithea sees sparks burst out from all her body! There is a faint moment of burning pain, covered up by an itchy feeling! Fur regrows all over Ithea as she was before, her form returning to what it was before the deck! "We can't have you twisted into that form, can we?" Sharess says, as the sparks form a ball of raging flames, coming to hover before you. "Ah, such magic.
[04:46] <Kotono> A Deck of Many Things. Curiosity and cats, so true."
[04:51] <Ithea> "I've been told that before," Ithea says as she pats herself over, not disagreeing with the very truthful statement as she is making sure everything is back in place, looking pleased even with her tail which swishes in the air behind her.
[04:54] <Kotono> Everything looks to be in order! At this Sharess leaps off, and takes the ball of fire in her mouth, as if carrying a kitten. She lands atop the fountain once more, "A gift to Aurora," she decides, leaning into to lick the ball of fire all over! It smooths out, becoming a fire-red cat. It looks around, tail swishing about, before fixiating on Sharess. "Ithea, come here." The Goddess sits primly
[04:54] <Kotono> now on her haunches.
[04:59] * Ithea approaches as commanded! As she does so, she also casts magic that causes her eyes to glow, her vision improving such that she can detect magic in front of her. Not likely to be too useful with all the magic in the plane, not to mention Sharess' presence, but she still uses that sight to examine the newly created fire-cat that Sharess created, all with the same curiosity that got her into a mess with the deck of many things.
[05:00] <Kotono> The feline radiates overwhelming magic. Strangely, Sharess radiates not a drop of magic to your senses. OOC: You can make spellcraft if you like.
[05:02] <Ithea> roll d20+32 spellcraft
[05:02] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+32 spellcraft and gets 42." [d20=10]
[05:04] <Kotono> Sharess laughs, "Oh Ithea. Had I not been withholding my nature, your inquisitive magic would have risked rupturing your mind," she says, fondly, "You need but ask. I have taken the magic that transmuted you and given it the spark of life. A loyal pet for you - a fine choice for a familiar, should you ever choose to acquire one."
[05:05] <Ithea> "...well, we did just talk about cats and curiosity," Ithea says just a little bit sheepish, as she scratches the back of her head briefly, before leaning down, as she attempts to pet the firey cat, wondering if it will burn or not.
[05:06] <Kotono> The cat is warm, but not uncomfortably so. It turns to Ithea, 'Master?' It asks into Ithea's mind. 'Will you take care of me?'
[05:08] * Ithea smiles and picks up the cat, and rubs her face against its fur, giving a small giggle as an answer.
[05:08] <Kotono> The cat rubs up against Ithea in return, and in a contented voice, "Will you name me, Master?'
[05:15] * Ithea ponders that and given that the mental voice sounds male-ish, after some moments of thought, she finally answers, "...Would you liked to be called Rukkig? My best friend from childhood was named that and he had a firey spirit that I'm sure you will more than live up to."
[05:16] <Kotono> 'I like it,' The feline replies, as you hear from behind, "Ithea!" Stille calls!
[05:17] * Ithea turns at that, standing back up while holding Rukkig against her chest as she searches for Stille, wondering if he returned from the Aurora after being sent away by Sharess.
[05:20] <Kotono> You find Stille, Sylvie, Balyss and Simmer approaching from behind! "There you are!" Balyss calls. "One moment we're here, the next we're being encouraged to play with a pile of kittens."
[05:23] <Ithea> "Lady Bast wanted a private audience, it seems," Ithea replies with a smile. "I'm assuming that's why Sylvie stepped back and waited for the rest of you to return. How do I look, by the way?" she asks, almost a little vainly now that she's back in her original body.
[05:25] <Kotono> "Wonderful!" Stille says, while Simmer wavers a hand, "I liked the new you, but this isn't too terrible."
[05:29] * Ithea laughs at Simmer's predictable answer. "Well, maybe you'll like Rukkig a bit more, then, Simmer," Ithea says as she raises the fire cat up for the pyro dryad to see. Pausing, while holding him up, Ithea does turn her head to look back towards the fountain, wondering if her friends' reappearance meant that Sharess was finished for now, or if they simply interrupted and there is still more to be said between the two of them.
[05:30] <Kotono> No sign of Sharess on looking ba-"Oh!" Simmer's voice cuts in, as Rukkig is snatched up! Simmer holds the cat to her, "He's adorable!"
[05:30] <Kotono> Sylvie smiles faintly, "Well, if we're done, let's go home."
[05:32] <Ithea> "Lady Bast did say casual..." she mumbles quietly with amusement, and figures if there's more to be said, it will be said the next time they meet, or Ithea gives a prayer, perhaps. Nodding to Sylvie, she agrees. "Sure, let's go home then."

[Corwin]

#ed

[20:02] <Kotono> Morniel returns the look with a slight pause, waiting on Romiel. "As of now, I must confer with my superiors. I will not be long," Romiel rises, "Perhaps a half hour. Do you require anything in the meantime?"
[20:03] <Afina> "We are content," Afina replies, needing no conveniences.
[20:04] <Jaela> "We were bringing Celestia something that it has lost," Jaela voices. "There is no reason to put it off for later, I believe."
[20:05] <Kotono> "Hm?" Here Romiel pauses, "Do explain."
[20:05] <Afina> Jaela has it in her gauntlet so Afina lets her handle it.
[20:06] <Jaela> "I'm bringing out a weapon," Jaela says for his convenience, standing up. Then, with a gesture, the jovar is held in her hand. "Are you familiar with this? Its name is Valane. It was our hope to reunite it with a proper owner during an audience with Sir Barachiel."
[20:13] <Kotono> "A lost jovar." Romiel studies it briefly, "I will report this to him as well. As of this moment I do not have the authority to take you directly to him, but it may well be coming after this."
[20:14] <Afina> "We will wait," Afina affirms, sitting patiently.
[20:14] <Kotono> With that, Romiel vanishes.
[20:15] * Jaela was about to hold it out to Romiel, but just places it on the table with a shrug and sits back down.
[20:15] <Kotono> Morniel sits back in his chair, exhaling out. "May I offer a word of advice?"
[20:15] <Jaela> "Of course."
[20:18] <Kotono> "Diplomacy is about what is said and what is not said." Morniel begins, "A certain understated discretion is often worth more than a hundred pointed words. Bringing up a burr of contention during a meeting for reconciliation and going on the attack with it is unwise."
[20:20] <Afina> "But isn't that what he was doing?" Afina asks, having never had a head for diplomacy. "Going on about Annalise and Baleruk?"
[20:20] <Jaela> "It was," Jaela asserts. "But I understand. I was mistaken in thinking that we wanted to understand one another and move past our differences. Instead, this meeting is about seeing if we would be willing to bow our heads and play along with Celestia." She shrugs. "To a certain point, the answer is yes."
[20:22] <Kotono> "How we handled that was likely a test," Morniel states, "How do we handle it, and how does it speak of us?" Taking a moment to sigh quietly, "Jaela, if a possible ally was to come to us and cast asperations on Adrian or Tepen's character, would it speak well of them to you?"
[20:22] <Jaela> "Actually, I would listen to them and decide for myself," Jaela responds.
[20:24] <Afina> "I'd probably get angry," Afina admits readily to not being so open minded. "Do you think if I hadn't mentioned our previous bad experiences then the whole subject wouldn't have come up?"
[20:25] <Kotono> "I suspect it would have," Morniel says, "I suspect Romiel is appraising us and forming his own opinions to report to Lord Barachiel."
[20:26] <Jaela> "It's possible," Jaela admits. "In any case, we just have to try again. Since they want to see how much we can hold ourselves back, let's go with that when Sir Romiel returns?"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Yes," Morniel says, "Diplomacy is as much a battle as a swordfight. A wrong feint, a slip of the foot can be akin to poorly chosen words or a flawed approach to an argument. Think carefully of what you say and speak with consideration."
[20:29] * Afina nods, at least trying to take that on board. Time will tell how well she does with it, though.
[20:30] * Jaela settles to wait patiently for Romiel's return.
[20:32] <Kotono> You wait perhaps ten minutes, in a gentle silence that asks for nothing and brings a peace of mind. It is disturbed in the gentlest way, Romiel appearing again before you. "I trust your wait was not uncomfortable?"
[20:32] <Jaela> "Not at all," Jaela responds, otherwise waiting on him to continue.
[20:33] <Afina> "It was fine," Afina seconds.
[20:35] <Kotono> "Thank you," Morniel replies, hands folded in his lap, "It was no problem."
[20:36] <Kotono> "Lord Barachiel will meet you shortly," Romiel replies, "Before that, there are a few questions we would like to ask of you. These may be of a sensitive nature, so certainly estimations and approximations are acceptable."
[20:37] <Afina> "Go ahead, we'll answer what we can," Afina confirms with a nod.
[20:37] <Jaela> "When there is a need for an approximation, we will say as much," Jaela agrees.
[20:38] <Kotono> "What is the size of the armies Aurora can call on?" Romiel asks.
[20:40] <Afina> "Over three thousand bodies of varying ability," Afina replies, not seeing a need to hide what their enemies already know.
[20:40] <Jaela> "Considering that we are constantly recruiting, that may well change shortly," Jaela adds. "I am expecting troops from Arvandor as we speak."
[20:44] <Kotono> "A fine force, especially one gathered of your own efforts," Romiel remarks, "Is it true that you've crossed swords with Gathgorian, the Supreme Command Sergeant Major of the Pits?"
[20:45] * Jaela has nothing to say here, deferring to Afina.
[20:46] <Afina> "Yes, during the mission to rescue Queen Ilsenine from his fortress on Avernus, he arrived as we were departing and we briefly exchanged blows before carrying out our evacuation with the mission accomplished," Afina explains clinically. "I was only able to land one blow, but he managed no reply."
[20:47] <Kotono> "An impressive feat." Here Romiel pauses, "I've lost friends to his blade. I know full well his power. There are dark rumors of his status in Hell, and captured intelligence places emphasis on him."
[20:48] <Afina> Deciding to share a bit, Afina goes on, "Our own intelligence suggests the Dark Ministry is preparing him to supplant Abigor. For ourselves we will make no discrimination, they are both hated enemies of Lifasa."
[20:50] <Kotono> "Your intelligence is good," Romiel confirms, and after a moment, "We intercepted a diplomatic communique from the forces of Bane to Martinet. Abigor's time is marked; Bane was to be made aware of this, as he has interests in Abigor's legions."
[20:53] <Afina> Considering the source came from Gathgorian's bedroom... Afina shudders briefly. "Abigor led the invasion of Lifasa. He will be made to answer for his crimes by his victims, not the schemes of his allies."
[20:54] <Kotono> "We find it puzzling that he was allowed to lead the attack on Lifasa, despite falling out of favor. Between his failures against Zquujaj and the crusade I lead with the Goddesses Alicia Reynes and Seira Aryn, I would not think such a favored task would fall to him. Can you cast any light on the motives of this, by chance?"
[20:55] * Afina shakes her head. "Perhaps it was simply due to his power? When he set foot upon Lifasa, all plantlife died. All of it, including many ancient and powerful dryads and other defenders of the natural world. Could Gathgorian have accomplished the same?"
[20:56] <Jaela> "We also know devils follow prophecy," Jaela volunteers her own opinion. "Duke Taelfagn could have decided that Abigor would do this long before his fall from grace, but their ironclad belief in that prophecy kept things on track."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Gathgorian's presence is mighty," Romiel says, "But he is not of Hell's peerage. The wound to the material would he would cause would be great, but not on that scale." Steepling his hands together, "But if he is to become a Duke of Hell, then he is not far from it. Hm." Pausing on it, "Thank you for that. It may reassure you that Bane's interest in Lifasa is minimal. The same communique
[20:57] <Kotono> made reference to paid compensations for his lost interests in Lifasa, and diplomatic thanks for his cooperation."
[20:58] <Kotono> Romiel sharply looks to Jaela, "That is not a name to be spoken lightly. That Duke is invovled as well?"
[20:58] <Jaela> "Yes."
[20:58] <Afina> Afina really wants to comment on deities hanging out their Lifasan followers to die, but a look at Morniel dulls that urge.
[20:59] <Kotono> Morniel is frowning, "Did it mention the nature of this compensation?" Morniel asks, "I cannot imagine Bane would allow whatever followers he had hidden on Lifasa to be offered up to Hell."
[21:00] <Kotono> "Dark forces. Duke Taelfagn is perhaps the only child of the Pit that holds only Ducal rank." Now looking to them, "Do you know what the Malefircariem are?"
[21:01] <Kotono> "Souls, both new and ones of unique value to Bane," Romiel replies, "It did not go into specifics. It may well have been a trade of choice worshipers or souls Bane desired. He would not lightly sell his own interests out, and cannot be ignored in teh politics of the invasion. That is only speculation, I'm afraid."
[21:02] <Jaela> roll 1d20+33 do I?
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+33 do I? and gets 51." [1d20=18]
[21:03] <Afina> "So Bane perhaps received the souls of his favoured servants to reward, and any benevolent and valiant figures he desired to torment?" Afina surmises, promising herself that there will be a reckoning for this.
[21:04] <Kotono> "That would be my conclusion, especially if Bane's interests in Lifasa were as small as the idyllic state of the world suggestions. Selling out his interests there may be palatable to him if there are not many there to begin with," Morniel hums.
[21:05] <Afina> Oh, she really really wants to ask how many followers Bahamut had! She actually fidgets in her seat with the barely restrained desire, only Morniel's warning holding her back.
[21:06] <Jaela> "We cannot do a thing about Bane right now," Jaela says, intending to move past that matter for now. "You brought up the Malefircariem, Sir Romiel? Then, that Duke is one of them?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "Yes. Long ago - so long that the numbers have no meaning to mortal minds - Hell was not fully formed into the iron order that you see today. It was ruled by powerful devils, thousands of warlords of incredible power. These were known as the Malefircariem, or Hellspawn. With the rise of authority in Hell, they were largely wiped out...save for the few that bowed to the authority, such as
[21:09] <Kotono> Mephistopheles and Dispater. The ones that survived and avoided imprisonment within Stygia or Caina are reclusive figures, quasi-godlings at war with the Hell that spawned them, the rest of the Creation that loathes them and the order that both empowers and chains them."
[21:11] <Jaela> "But this one remained hidden, and found himself into Asmodeus's favor in Nexus?"
[21:12] <Kotono> "Nessus," Romiel corrects, "Yes. Of the ones that were not destroyed, imprisoned or forced into hiding, they all became Archdukes or Lords of the Nine - yet save for Taelfagn. He were merely made a Duke, to rule over the diabolical concept of destiny. By rights and Hell's authority he should be an archduke, but for reasons unknown he is only a Duke." Now resting a moment, "Your Crusade will
[21:12] <Kotono> attempt to destroy Taelfagn?"
[21:14] <Jaela> "He will die by our hand," Jaela asserts, quite confident in Afina's ability to slay the cursed Duke.
[21:14] <Afina> "Yes, he will die as he has lived," Afina promises, having already ensured it to be so.
[21:15] <Kotono> "He must," Romiel murmurs, "Are there any other diabolical figures of note involved in this?"
[21:16] <Jaela> "Of note, meaning nobles?"
[21:16] <Afina> "Bel, though I had thought it would go without saying," Afina replies, not knowing of any other big names.
[21:18] <Kotono> "Nobles or devils of unusual power," Romiel agrees, "We can provide more informationa bout them - for Hell relishes secrecy and loathes the truth being spoken."
[21:19] <Jaela> "There is a particularly nasty pit fiend on Lifasa going by the name of Kalabaros," Jaela voices. "He has the ability to reanimate souls and the empty shells they leave behind when stolen."
[21:22] <Kotono> "Kalabaros the Soulsmith," Romiel says, "That sounds like his work. He pours his congealed and augmented blood into the empty shells to keep them going."
[21:24] <Afina> "That's exactly what we've observed. So it is his blood, then?" Afina picks up on that, since it of course offers a route to work magic upon him more easily.
[21:24] <Jaela> "Do you know of any cases where he has used this ability tactically, in battle?" Jaela asks Romiel. "Where the person has survived it, rather than losing their soul and becoming a puppet?"
[21:25] <Kotono> "No, but my knowledge of him is not extensive," Romiel admits, "What I do know suggests his means are largely for spying and scouting."
[21:25] <Jaela> Perhaps her own concerns over Tepen's condition merit consideration after all. Jaela resolves to look into it.
[21:26] * Jaela frowns, then. "What about a paeliryon going by Xantara?"
[21:27] <Kotono> "Yes," Romiel replies, "She's apparently found a burning reason to return to Dis and find service close to Dispater. If anything, she's become unusually paranoid, according ot reports," Romiel replies.
[21:27] <Jaela> "I wonder why," Jaela mutters.
[21:28] <Afina> "She'll get hers, sooner or later," Afina says with quiet confidence.
[21:29] <Kotono> At this Romiel rises, "You will be taken now and prepared for your audience," Romiel rises, "For now I depart your company."
[21:30] <Afina> "Thank you for your time, Sir Romiel," Afina stands up to see him off. Then she can see what Morniel thinks of her performance! She thought it was pretty good!
[21:30] * Jaela stands up herself. "Thank you, Sir Romiel. This has been illuminating," she tells him.
[21:31] <Kotono> "May the light and glory of Chronias protect you," Romiel states, before vanishing into glorious light. Morniel rises as well, watching him go.
[21:32] <Afina> "How were we that time?" Afina asks Morniel once they have privacy.
[21:32] <Jaela> Since Romiel mentioned being prepared for the audience rather than taken directly to Barachiel, Jaela decides to store the Valane away for now.
[21:34] <Kotono> "Better," Morniel says, as the door opens. An angel clad in white, female and perhaps six feet tall with green skin, enters. "I am Crystal," she introduces herself, "I will be leading you through the purifications before meeting Barachiel. Please, come with me, sirs and madams."
[21:35] <Afina> Well, it is a common name... still, this is a much bigger Crystal. Taking flight so as not to crane her neck, "Thank you, Crystal. Lead us on?"
[21:37] <Kotono> The trio is lead on. You are lead to a small room with burning braziers of incense, smelling of brass and honeysuckle. "Please kneel," Crystal instructs.
[21:38] * Afina kneels, content around things burning.
[21:39] * Jaela finds herself curious about the purification rites of Celestia, and follows Crystal's instructions.
[21:44] <Kotono> Morniel kneels as well, as Crystal goes to the braziers. She gathers the sweet, metallic smoke to her fingers, clinging to her fingers like a second skin. She goes to each of you, tracing brief, interconnecting patterns over your foreheads and cheeks. Each time she repeats the same words, "By the seven glories, wash away sin and make us unto children, innocent and pure."
[21:45] * Afina has a brief flashback to when she woke up in Simmer's forest after being changed into her new state... it was quite nice actually, being so innocent. But if she wanted that she'd have just burned to death and been an innocent and pure fey reborn far away from her troubles and cares...
[21:46] <Jaela> It hasn't even been that long for her, has it? Jaela is struck by how fast her life had been changing in a few short years.
[21:54] <Kotono> As this happens, Crystal then goes to the door. She returns with a bowl full of water, "Please," she starts with Jaela, "Each of you take a sip of this water. It has flowed down the Holy Mountain, and is purified because of it."
[21:56] * Jaela accepts the bowl into her hands, and takes a healthy sip from it.
[21:58] <Kotono> The water is cold and tastes of nothing. It sends goosebumps up your flesh as you drink it, and yet it does not bring discomfort - not even to Afina.  Once all have drank, "Lord Barachiel awaits. Please come with me."
[21:59] <Afina> Taking it as a sign that she's more and more inured to water, Afina rises and follows her friend's namesake.
[22:00] * Jaela briefly makes sure that her armor is impeccable and her cloak flowing behind her properly after rising back to her feet, and then follows as well.
[22:08] <Kotono> Thus you advance out. Around you are a thousand glories. The walls tell tales of mortal heralds, spreading the word of Celestial and triumphing over evil. You find yourself in front of golden gates, leading into a throne room. The radiance is overwhelming as you enter to a horn's fanfare. There is not quite a throne, but ther eis a point of inexorable light. A being that wears a trailing
[22:08] <Kotono> line of cloak-like cloth from ankles ot shoulders, wrapping around his body. The cloak is the stars and the night sky. In a hand is a sword pointed down, crackling with lightning. His presence is overwhelming to your senses, like trying to look into the noon sun with your bare eyes. "Welcome, represenatives of Aurora."
[22:10] <Jaela> Once more, Jaela offers an honored representative of Celestia a proper bow. "Thank you for this audience, Sir Barachiel," she says upon straightening up after holding the bow briefly.
[22:13] <Afina> If not a king he's certainly close enough to it for Afina to do the right and proper thing in kneeling before him. "Your welcome is well taken, Messenger of Heaven. Thank you for allowing us here before you."
[22:13] <Kotono> Morniel kneels as well, bowing his head, "Sacred Herald, thank you for granting us this honor. I bring greetings from the Triad."
[22:27] <Kotono> "You seek alliance with Celestia?" Barachiel states, right to the point, his words like a physical force, overwhelming your senses.
[22:32] <Jaela> "We do," Jaela responds, reciprocating by being as direct herself. "Against the Hells and the forces of evil, you will not find our committment wanting, Sir Barachiel."
[22:44] <Kotono> "Fierceness against evil is only one of the seven virtues of Celestia," Barachiel states, "What of vigilance, mercy, wisdom, sacrifice, patience and transcendance?"
[22:45] <Afina> "Our world was taken in a day because we were innocent of the horrors out in the planes," Afina states as she rises. "It has been a harsh teacher but we have learned its brutal lessons well. You will find few more vigilant than us."
[22:48] <Jaela> "Yes, I think our vigilance will not be found wanting either, Sir Barachiel," Jaela responds, deciding to go down his list. "Mercy is what caused our initial rift with the Triad. Sacrifice? We of Lifasa and the Aurora have more than done our share of that. Wisdom and patience is something better left to others in the Crusade, yet we had the wisdom to try and mend any rifts we had with the forces of good before they were to fester." And she is genuinely not sure to say about transcendence, ending up glancing sideways at Morniel for help there.
[22:49] <Kotono> Here Morniel rises as well, "AS for transendence, what can offer that but the light of Chronias? We do not pretend that Aurora can match that."
[22:50] <Afina> "We have had the wisdom not to throw our lives uselessly at Hell's innumerable hordes head on with our currently small numbers," Afina supplies as Jaela struggles with that one. "We are patient, and know that one day, however long it takes, all things will be accounted in the balance."
[22:53] <Kotono> "Finally," Morniel kneels again, "I cast aside my pride and ask you, no. I beg of you to aid us. I believe, that despite follies, Aurora is a force for good and Medicant can live up to its original promise. For the sake of the dreams of Lifasa and Medi who cam so long ago, please, aid us."
[22:54] * Afina looks at Morniel with surprise at him going so far, and then humbly follows his example in kneeling. She can do no less for such dedication to their cause.
[22:56] <Jaela> She was not going to do this, but she can't let Morniel debase himself that much for their sake and remain unmoved. She comes down to one knee, lowering her head. "We are stronger together than divided, Sir Barachiel. Whatever our differences may be, if we overcome them then we can take the Aurora beyond its original purpose, not merely match it."
[23:01] <Kotono> For a few moments Barachiel is silent, then his presence renews. It is nigh overwhelming now, a light that dissolves his throne room into nothing. A radiance that sears your eyes in glory eternal, and in a voice that makes your bodies quake in rapture, "Of all the sins, pride is the most difficult to cast away. Doing so speaks well of you, and well of your hearts. No matter if you were lead
[23:01] <Kotono> to it or not." You can detect a trace of reproach in Barachiel's voice, Morniel replying in an overwhelmed voice, "If I am not to help them, then what purpose do I have? Compared to the pain they have suffered, what worth it my own pride? I would beg at the feet of Asmodeus himself, if it were to free Lifasa and avenge this wrong. My Lord Herald, what has happened is not right! It must not
[23:01] <Kotono> be so!"
[23:04] <Jaela> Morniel is far trickier than she had ever given him credit to. Jaela resolves to remember that, much as she would remember the strength of his belief in the Crusade.
[23:05] <Afina> Woah now! Lets not go crazy, Afina thinks as Morniel mentions begging Asmodeus. "You have no obligation to help us," she looks up to support Morniel's argument regardless, "It will be hard and it will be costly. But it is right, and we will never forget those who aided us when we were at our weakest."
[23:09] <Kotono> "Your point is well taken," Barachiel at last replies, "One of the holy lessons is that all have sin and none can ever earn redemption. It is not earned, but freely given to those that ask. I cannot deny you this, not when you ask like that. Ones who cast aside pride and embrace humility can always count on our aid."
[23:11] <Afina> Standing up now, Afina asks, "Shall we discuss now the specifics of what Celestia is able to commit to the Crusade, then?"
[23:14] <Kotono> "Romiel will rejoin you soon to travel to Aurora, as promised. He will see to your forces and determine the exact time of committment best suited to Aurora," Barachiel replies. "He is authorized to act as he best sees fit."
[23:17] <Afina> "Then, in return you may call upon Aurora and its forces to aid in your own struggles," Afina reciprocates. "Let today mark the beginning of enduring friendship between the people of Lifasa and the holy mountain."
[23:19] * Jaela rises to her feet and takes a moment to collect herself. "Then this still leaves the matter of one of Celestia's treasures, recently discovered by the Crusade." Jaela produces the jovar and holds it out towards Barachiel hilt first. "We hope that you would be able to accept the Valane as a sign of that friendship, Sir Barachiel."
[23:23] <Kotono> "Valane." The blade is taken by Barachiel, bursting with lightning! Blue lightning dances over the blade as he holds it, "Lost over a thousand years ago in Water. Thank you for returning this lost treasure to us."
[23:25] * Jaela bows her head in response.
[23:25] <Afina> It shows they're not beggars, so Afina approves.
[23:27] <Kotono> "Thank you," Morniel murmurs.
[23:30] <Kotono> "Go now, Romiel awaits," Barachiel says.
[23:31] <Afina> "Until we meet again," Afina nods, backing away.
[23:31] * Jaela follows suit.
[23:33] <Kotono> Morniel follows. You find Romiel awaiting just outside the golden gates, "I can transport us to Aurora, if you desire," he offers, "I am ready."
[23:35] <Afina> "If you are able. You know where it is?" Afina asks curiously.
[23:35] <Jaela> She's not territorial about that sort of thing, and responds, "Just aim outside the dimensional lock, Sir Romiel," she tells him, in case Celestia doesn't know that little tidbit somehow.
[23:35] <Kotono> "I have been advised," Romiel states. With a few words of magic, you find yourselves outside of Aurora!

[Corwin]

#ed

[23:44] <Kotono> After seeing Romiel off, Jaela, Afina and Morniel return into Aurora. As you walk through the courtyard, "I hope you don't feel I took undue liberties in Barachiel's throne room." he states. Meanwhile, you can see Muirfinn coming out of Aurora proper. He has a golden sphere in one hand and a silvery flower in the other. Behind him follows several. Sylvie follows with a bemused look, Sage
[23:44] <Kotono> Vul'lath with a faint look of exasperation, Balyss with open interest on that flower, and Tepen with remarkable calm.
[23:45] <Jaela> "You are one of us," Jaela tells Morniel. "Your actions were on behalf of Aurora and the Crusade."
[23:45] <Muirfinn> "I'm telling you, the applications alone of this could be...oh. Hello. Afina! Just the woman I wanted to see. I found them! Sunfire and moonfire!" Muirfinn holds up the objects for her to see.
[23:46] <Afina> "It was commendable and I'm glad you did it," Afina tells Morniel proudly before hearing the magic word. Fluttering over to Muirfinn she looks eagerly at what mythical sources of fire he's gotten his scaly hands on!
[23:47] <Muirfinn> "With these, and your unprecedented skills, we should be able to unlock the Aurora's true potential!" Muirfinn says.
[23:47] <Kotono> The orb is full of golden flame. Afina feels immediately called to it, her hands growing hot and her eyes blazing - literally, starting to flicker with fire.
[23:48] <Afina> "Oh, I like this one the most!" Afina says, reaching up to the orb in Muirfinn's hand, "May I?" she asks sweetly, embers flicking off her fingertips.
[23:49] <Kotono> "Oh," Sylvie speaks up, "By the way, Ithea's restored," she adds in, "You can thank Sharess for that - apparently Ithea agreed to become one of her champions. Also, could I talk to you two sometime later?"
[23:49] <Muirfinn> "Of course!"
[23:49] <Afina> "Restored from what?" Afina asks distractedly, all focus on fire and she almost greedily takes the orb out of Muirfinn's grip to ogle.
[23:49] <Kotono> Morniel nods, "Other business already calls you. We'll talk again later." he says, stepping away.
[23:50] <Kotono> "Being a fire genasi," Sylvie explains, as...OOC: Make an K:A check real quick, Afina?
[23:50] <Afina> roll 1d20+30
[23:50] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+30 and gets 43." [1d20=13]
[23:50] <Jaela> It wasn't really calling to her, but Jaela nods at Morniel as he makes his escape.
[23:51] <Kotono> "Fascinating, isn't it," Balyss adds, her attention on the flower. "Let me see it again, Muirfinn?"
[23:52] <Afina> "Oooh, the flames of the sun itself! Yes, I'll need to study this, but... oh, it definitely has something incredible to teach me," she says, patting the orb fondly. "What's this about Ithea being a fire genasi, though?"
[23:52] <Muirfinn> "Most assuredly." Muirfinn offers the flower to Balyss. "If you think these are impressive, you should have met the angels I got them from."
[23:54] <Afina> "It sounds like you've been busy. Good work, Muirfinn. Good work indeed."
[23:55] <Muirfinn> Looking most pleased, Muirfinn says, "They will require much study, but that's half the fun!"
[23:56] <Kotono> Balyss takes the flower and coos, "Oh, the moonfire in here! It's gorgeous!"
[23:56] <Jaela> "Fire genasi?" Jaela repeats after Afina, since it still doesn't make sense even after thinking about it.
[23:56] <Kotono> "She drew from that Deck," Sylvie explains, "She got changed into that, and sought out Sharess for redress."
[23:56] <Jaela> Ah, of course. Jaela sighs.
[23:57] <Kotono> Here Elder Magi Tepen coughs, "To summarize, in exchange to being a champion for Sharess, she restored her feline form. Further, she took the magic the Deck put into her and made it into..." Here he pauses, sounding chargrinned, "A pyro-cat familiar for Ithea."
[23:59] <Afina> "Oh, that's nice. Familiars are useful," Afina nods as she fondles the orb. "Turning into a fire genasi and not even a pyrocat herself, though... that's a nasty change."
[00:02] <Kotono> "According to Simmer, the cat's unable to be burned, just like a fire elemental. Whenever it's not around Ithea, Simmer's playing with it," Tepen sounds faintly exasperated, "But all's well that ends well."
[00:03] * Jaela just decides to ignore the entire affair. "Is there anything pending?"
[00:03] <Muirfinn> "I suppose." Muirfinn flipflops his hand. "It all ended well enough."
[00:04] <Afina> "I'll have to go see her after I've had a look at this sunfire," Afina says. "Balyss, do you want to go to one of the labs now so we can puzzle these out together?"
[00:04] <Kotono> "Yes," Balyss adds. Meanwhile Tepen shakes his head, "Nothing immediate."
[00:06] * Jaela glances at Muirfinn, Vul'lath and Sylvie in turn before she can decide if she's free for the foreseeable future.
[00:06] <Afina> "Sylvie I'll catch you and Jaela later if that's alright?" she offers to the blonde who wanted the two of them before she goes off to unlock fiery secrets.
[00:07] * Muirfinn shakes his head. "We'll no doubt be working on these for a while."
[00:09] <Jaela> "I'll go do my own thing, then," Jaela voices, deciding to spend the time with Mirajane. "Later, guys."
[00:10] * Muirfinn waves offhandedly, clearly distracted.

[Corwin]

#d

[19:59] <Jaela> First of all, Jaela recruits Elena's help into arranging her magical luxury suite into allowing for a child. Once both comforts and protections have been properly established, Jaela stops by the temple to the Triune!
[20:02] <Kotono> You find Priest and Mei there. The latter holds your child to be, smiling at him as the child sleeps in her arms. Priest watches over this, a genial, kind expression of peace on his face.
[20:04] <Jaela> "Hey," Jaela greets them quietly, approaching. "I'm finally done with all the preparations. Do you two want to stop by and see if I've missed anything?"
[20:05] <Kotono> Priest comes forward, "It would be wise. The first time of motherhood is the hardest," Priest answers, "Have you decided on a name?"
[20:06] <Jaela> "Mirajane," Jaela responds, coming up to Mei to receive the child into her arms. "Growing up genderless will just be weird, so she will be a girl until she's old enough to decide for herself."
[20:07] <Kotono> Mei silently places the child into Jaela's arms, leaning in to kiss her forehead.
[20:08] <Kotono> "Mirajane?" Priest says, "Mira Jane or Mirajane?" Despite that he's smiling, "Why did you choose female?"
[20:09] * Jaela shrugs, taking care not to jar the baby. "Blame Hanna, she started it. And the latter. Let's go?"
[20:16] <Kotono> With that, the trio heads to Jaela's suites. On arrival, Mei looks around with wide eyes. Priest is far more prosaic about it, "Suites worthy of a king," he observes, "I did not believe you to have the tastes for this," he confesses.
[20:19] <Jaela> "I just wanted a change of pace," Jaela responds. "In the end, it's still just a place to stay, but at least I'm removed from the troops like this." She moves towards the crib set in a corner, with a large portion of the room appropriated for the baby's needs. "At least it means I can provide anything to Mirajane like this."
[20:24] <Kotono> Priest follows as Mei continues to examine everything with wide, wild eyed shock. "It seems gaudy," Priest replies as you reach the crib, "But I understand the reasonings for it."
[20:25] <Jaela> "It's fine if you get used to it," Jaela says, waving Mei in after she carefully places Mirajane in her crib. "I guess I need to add a personal touch to it some time. Any suggestions?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "A bough of holly and mistletoe," Priest says, "Over Mirajane's crib. The scent of the forest blowing over her." Mei approaches at last in the meanwhile.
[20:34] <Jaela> "I can do that," Jaela muses. "In fact, Elena, can you help?"
[20:34] <Kotono> As Mirajane sleeps, peacefully aslumber, Elena appears. "Yes? Help with what?"
[20:35] <Jaela> "A bough of holly and mistletoe," Jaela repeats for her benefit. "Think you could get some for Mirajane? Sounds like it helps kids sleep better."
[20:35] <Kotono> "I'll see if I can find one or I'll go send someone to get one," she replies, vanishing away.
[20:36] <Kotono> Meanwhile..."Waaaah...!" Mirajane stirs in her bed, a cry piercing the air.
[20:38] <Jaela> It can't be helped. With a thought, an apron appears over Jaela's armor, and she picks the baby up. "There, there," she murmurs, taking care to move without shaking her too much. For something with her degree of precision, it is an easy task, and then Jaela tries to keep Mirajane close to her and lull her back to sleep. If she were a child, she wouldn't want to spend that time awake either.
[20:45] <Kotono> Mirajane is held, but the crying doesn't cease. After a moment, Mei points at Jaela's bosom with a questioning look. "I fed her not long ago," Priest replies, with a hint of dry amusement, "She doesn't have the needs of a normal child."
[20:47] <Jaela> "It's not how it works anyway, just adopting a baby wouldn't change me like that," Jaela mutters in embarrassment, crossing her room and back. She will give this attempt to lull Mirajane to sleep a while longer rather than giving up right away.
[20:58] <Kotono> Mirajane's cries quiet down as you walk, sleep coming back to her by the time you've reached her crib again.
[20:59] * Jaela keeps Mirajane in her arms for now, continuing to walk with a slow, measured gait.
[21:11] <Kotono> Mei follows, watching the baby with a contented smile. Priest stays where he is, and in a soft voice, "Enjoy these moments of peace, for newborns rarely give their parents much of it." Priest says.
[21:13] <Jaela> "Peace feels uncomfortable, anyway," Jaela responds just as quietly. "If anything, I'm worried over what to do when I have to leave to kill our enemies. Should I hire a fulltime maid?"
[21:14] <Kotono> "You could rely on Elena." Priest says, the hints of a smile coming to his face, "In a way, she mothers much of Aurora. She appears when we call for her and helps us, after all."
[21:16] <Jaela> "I considered it, but I couldn't tell her to put the Aurora on hold. If I had to leave for hours or even days, it's not like she can refuse to answer to her name. And I don't want Mirajane left alone either." She glances at Mei. "Are you interested, yourself? It might mean spending time in this gaudy room...."
[21:19] <Kotono> Mei blushes a moment, but quickly nods, smiling. She leans in again, kissing Mirajane's forehead.
[21:20] * Jaela will just have to not die again and be sure to keep on returning.
[21:24] <Kotono> As you savor this moment of peace, Elena reappears, "Jaela," she says, normal voiced. That's enough to make Mirajane stir, starting to cry all over, "There-ooops!" Reddening, "Sorry! Sorry! It's just that there's an army arriving outside!"
[21:26] <Jaela> "An army?" Hmm, the only question is which one. "Let's go see it with everyone, Mirajane," Jaela tells the baby, and redirects the portal to and from her quarters to lead to the courtyard before heading out.
[21:50] <Kotono> Heading out, you come to Aurora's courtyard. Outside you can see an army gathering - gleaming in glorious armor, a celestial host before you. At the head of them is an elf woman, hair red as a newbloomed rose. Raising a hand up, you can see she wears leather gloves to go with heavy armor.
[21:51] <Jaela> A fellow redhead! Jaela strides over to the elf, a smile on her face.
[21:54] <Kotono> She approaches, offering her hand out, "Jaela of the Aurora?" she asks, voice melodious and cultured.
[21:56] <Jaela> "That's right," Jaela responds, shifting Mirajane into the crook of her left arm so that she could observe the army gathered before them. She takes the elf's hand, shaking it. "This is Mirajane. You caught us just as we were settling in. Funny how things work, isn't it?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "Oh!" Looking to the child, "This is no place for a child, but I didn't even know you were a mother."
[22:00] <Jaela> "Don't worry, even I'm not crazy enough to take a child into battle," Jaela tells her with a grin. "And this is recent. We'll be sure to get you caught up on all you need to know about the Aurora, but proper introductions go first?"
[22:03] <Kotono> "Lady Rosa Unchuar," she shakes Jaela's hand, a good, strong grip. "Blessed be the Triune."
[22:07] <Jaela> "A pleasure," Jaela responds, nodding at the praise to the Triune goddess. Once her hand is freed, she gestures to her sides. "These are Dame Meillarberyl, Voice of the Triune and a fellow Knight of the Melding of the Three, and Priest, one of Lady Angharradh's top healers specializing in resurrections and new life, as well as the head of a coven of likeminded clergy. Of me, you were no doubt informed."
[22:10] <Kotono> Handshakes go all around, murmured greetings and other pleasant things. "Is there anything we need to know or do before entering?"
[22:14] <Jaela> "Elena, the army before me is cleared for entrance," Jaela speaks up clearly. Then, returning her attention to Rosa, she says, "A few simple things, ahead of the tour. The temple to the Triune is right there in the courtyard, a bit off to the side and surrounded by greenery. You would not be able to miss it, and any faithful is always welcome at any time. The fortress operates via portals; trying to get anywhere by walking or flying is more often than not a futile effort. Calling out Elena's name is a way to alert her to anything you need to urgently pass on, to find out anything about the fortress and its inhabitants you have clearing to know, or to help yourself get around. Finally, some of the inhabitants might seem disturbing at first," Jaela continues, thinking of the phase spiders and Canderella, "but in case of a doubt, consult with one of us before anything else. Naturally, the same extends to your troops."
[22:25] <Kotono> "Understood. They'll be briefed," Rosa says, "I'll do so before they enter."
[22:26] <Jaela> "Any questions of your own?" Jaela wonders. "Despite how it must have come across, we're very relaxed outside of battles, and we value our troops. If there is anything we can do for those fighting for us, they just need to name it. And if Aurora can't cater to that just yet, we simply upgrade it until it can."
[22:30] <Kotono> "Not at the moment, but there will be later," Rosa says, "For now, the troops take priority."
[22:32] * Jaela nods. "There is plenty of space in the barracks, and you can pick any open room in the officer's quarters for yourself," she tells Rosa. "The cafeteria is very easy to use, and only one's imagination is the limit to what it could serve." She pauses then, and glances ahead at the troops. "How about we give you time to talk to your forces, for now? Once they've settled in, I can see about giving you that promised tour of the Aurora."
[22:41] <Kotono> "So be it," Rosa nods, "Until we meet again." With a salute she turns back, going to her troops.
[22:43] * Jaela returns the salute with a briefly materialized Val'Finnegan, before she stores it away once more and turns towards the baby in her arms. "How was it, Mirajane? Wasn't it a nice army? Yes it was~"
[22:48] <Kotono> Priest watches on with a bemused smile, "You're taking to this well."
[22:48] <Jaela> "She's a redhead," Jaela responds happily. "I know our Arvandor army branch is in good hands."
[22:50] <Kotono> As you speak, the white hair of Mirajane reddens, as if turning from white to pink to a deep, vibrant red. "That-oh!" Priest stops entirely at this.
[22:51] <Jaela> "See? Mirajane knows it too. Don't you? That's a good girl! You'll have an army just like that if you grow up right!"

[Corwin]

#ed

[19:57] <Kotono> After a hard day of training and enjoying her restored body, Ithea heads to her quarters. On coming in, she finds 27 asleep on her bed. Not awry at all there. However, Rukkig is asleep atop 27, curled up in a cat ball and just as much aslumber.
[20:02] * Ithea blinks at the sight and then smiles. Well, hopefully that's a sign that the two are going to get along. Taking off her armor, she grabs a seat and rests from the training, just watching the two sleep for a while.
[20:04] <Kotono> As you watch, 27 stirs slightly. From his mouth comes, "The Father is not your battle..." He murmurs, "...Find what was with the original Valgadda(Which is No More) Codex."
[20:09] * Ithea frowns a bit at that, resisting the urge to sigh at another mysterious uttering coming from 27. Of course. Still, the duskblade scoots her chair closer as she watches 27, waiting to see if he says anything more, like where to find the original of that codex or more about...about 'Father'.
[20:13] <Kotono> "Aameul desired to consume the Father as well, while Hethradiah desired to torment the abomination they had unleashed. In the argument that followed, the Father was able to escape." 27 murmurs further as Rukkig's tail twitches, 27's heart-sword lightly thrusting out at the same time. "It may be that means to battle back the spawns of madness beyond our Creation could be effective against
[20:13] <Kotono> the Father."
[20:16] * Ithea keeps listening, as she ponders what's been said so far.
[20:20] <Kotono> "Weal and woe, all within the dark sapphire," 27 continues to murmur, "Kalembar is High Vandar's tragedy and tribute. This is High Vandar's tribute. Elena may die, but Galariel must live."
[20:23] * Ithea wonders if 27 is still talking about the same thing now. What would Makaril, Elena and Galariel all have to do with Father?
[20:24] <Ithea> ooc: what's high vandar? knowledge check for that?
[20:24] <Kotono> OOC: K:A.
[20:24] <Ithea> ooc: also, any way to tell what dark sapphire refers to?
[20:24] <Kotono> OOC: Not offhand.
[20:25] <Ithea> roll d20+32 K:A
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+32 K:A and gets 35." [d20=3]
[20:30] <Kotono> "Morniel lies and manipulates..." 27 continues as Ithea draws a blank on High Vandar. "I fear for the future. Medi awaits. Lo, did the infernal host ride into the last sanctuary, Kalembar and Makaril leading the final battle. Fate's chains grow heavier. The Razor Throne watches and desires, and will offer all the wealth of a kingdom above your own."
[20:37] <Ithea> And now Morniel again. Ithea wishes it was easier to decipher what 27 means to say whenever he speaks. Is 27 saying there's something wrong with forming bonds with Celestia? That's one thing Morniel has been trying to help with, but that being a bad thing for Aurora doesn't remotely make sense to Ithea. The mention of a last sanctuary, Makaril and fate however worry her more, and she thinks a meeting with Makaril will be needed very soon.
[20:43] <Kotono> "Gift Rosa with greater endurance. The silver fairy is not what she appears to be. The first dawn of the new Lifasa must be perfect, or all will be for naught.  The last sunset of the old Lifasa must be shattered, or all will be for naught. Yesterday a new life was created with love within Aurora. They must hurry."
[20:49] <Ithea> 'Old Lifasa? New Lifasa?' Ithea thinks with a frown. Not wanting to miss anything, she just keeps listening in until 27 awakens, at which time she'll have to seek out the others and share 27's latests ramblings.
[21:08] <Kotono> "It was made by the Glasae Queen, Empress of the Fey Marches. The crawling children want to see Mother again." At this 27 yawns and opens his eyes, "..Anarch?" he murmurs, "Sleepy."
[21:28] <Ithea> "You were talking in your sleep again, 27," Ithea comments, musing what he's had to say. "That might be why you're still sleepy."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Sleepy.." 27 repeats, closing his eyes. He drifts back off to sleep, leaving Ithea be.
[21:34] * Ithea gets up and leaves 27 and Rukkig to their sleep, as she goes outside her room and then calls Elena, hoping to find out where some of the others are to share her news. Assuming the spirit was listening in after her name was mentioned though, Elena likely already knows what she wants to do.
[21:50] <Kotono> Elena so appears, "Hi," sh esays, "What do you need?"
[21:59] <Ithea> "Hi, Elena. I needed to get the other generals together if they're around. 27's been talking in his sleep again. About Father, Makaril, Morniel, and other...stuff," Ithea says. Guess Elena hadn't been listening in.
[22:02] <Kotono> "Okay," Nodding, "There's an army here that I just sent Jaela to meet, but I'll get the others," she announces, "Meeting room, right?"
[22:02] * Ithea nods.
[22:03] <Kotono> "I'll get Muirfinn too, since he's so interested in the Father," Elena says, "Anyone else?"
[22:08] <Ithea> "Not right now. The five of us will do," Ithea says with a shake of her head.

[Corwin]

#t

[20:38] <Kotono> AFter days and days of study, Afina takes a well earned break. She's resting in her quarters when Muirfinn comes by, seeking her council...OOC: Goa head, yo utwo.
[20:41] * Muirfinn knocks politely at the door, awaiting response.
[20:42] <Afina> "Come in," Afina calls distractedly from where she sits on the windowsill, looking out over Ysgard and letting her brain decompress after working so hard to puzzle out sunfire.
[20:44] * Muirfinn opens the door, stepping in. "Afina, I was wondering if you had a few spare moments to discus something."
[20:45] <Afina> "Hmm? What is it, Muirfinn?" Afina asks, looking over.
[20:48] <Muirfinn> "I found some references to a Queen Glasae in an old document Tannin provided on the Father. I spoke with Lady Skye before you returned, and she said that I should seek your help in contacting her." Muirfinn says. "She also seemed to be displeased about discussing her, and I was hoping you could shed light on why."
[20:50] <Afina> roll 1d20+32 nature, I was a Summer fey!
[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+32 nature, I was a Summer fey! and gets 49." [1d20=17]
[21:07] <Afina> "Ahh. I suppose Skye is a Spring fey..." Afina muses while looking out the window as she considers why a commoner like herself would be asked. "Queen Glasae is an embodiment - perhaps even the embodiment of high Summer, when life is at its strongest and most vital, burning bright and strong. She is not part of any of the Courts, however, not even the Seelie or Unseelie. She is alone."
[21:07] <Afina> Turning back to Muirfinn as she explains all of that, "I do not know how to contact her, though. I had never left Lifasa, not even to visit the sylvan realms."
[21:11] * Muirfinn nods. "Alas. Skye had more information on that, and suggested that I ask you or Queen Ilsenine. I will have to wait for Ilsenine to return, then."
[21:14] <Afina> "Muirfinn," Afina speaks up now, urgency buried in her placid tone, "We fey are isolated and private amongst others, but amongst each other we are all connected. For one to be isolated even then... there must be a reason. Think carefully about pursuing her."
[21:15] <Muirfinn> "Yes, I had thought of that. It's good to hear confirmation." Her association with Father sets me even more on edge. I wish I knew what her connection to it really was."
[21:18] <Afina> "Father is undead. Queen Glasae is life and vitality," Afina retorts even despite her warning. "They could not be allies."
[21:18] <Muirfinn> "Which makes me wonder why she was mentioned." Muirfinn responds.
[21:21] <Muirfinn> "It's just as well. I'll do all the research I can before I decide how to proceed. There was another entry, however, that may pertain to you." Muirfinn says.
[21:22] <Afina> "I do not have an answer for you," Afina shakes her head. "What else?"
[21:26] <Muirfinn> Pulling the scroll from his backpack, Muirfinn reads aloud, "...ness beyond our Creation could be effective against the Father. I do not know, for such means are vanishingly rare. However, there is one flaw in this premise. The Father is a priest. The Beyond rejects divine power and is nearly immune to it. This may be nothing more than addled speculation of madmen and demons forced to
[21:26] <Muirfinn> speak the truth."
[21:26] <Muirfinn> "I believe it may be referencing the Blade of Endings." Muirfinn says, rolling up the scroll again and replacing it in his pack.
[21:29] * Afina starts to laugh, although it's a humourless one. "I suppose that's one way of looking at it. We'll see if Father shows up again."
[21:34] <Muirfinn> "As much as I'd like to say that I hope not..." Muirfinn says. "I've seen more and more signs of him in both my studies and my own recent private adventures. The task to purify the amulet took me to the Deep Ethereal. While I was there, I came across the man who was the deathdrinker's companion spirit. Flayed alive and worse, nearby I heard what I beleive to be prayers to the Father. I
[21:34] <Muirfinn> don't believe this will go away on its own. We will likely have to confront the Father someday soon, and the thought of such does not fill me with so much terror as a desire to destroy him."
[21:35] <Afina> "That's a good attitude to keep, Muirfinn. Fear just gets you or the people around you killed," Afina nods approvingly.
[21:37] * Muirfinn nods. "Something so vile might feed on the fear it spreads too. I will keep you and the others apprised of my progress on this. If you find anything regarding this, or hear mention of it, I would appreciate you letting me know. The more information I have, the better prepared I can be."
[21:39] <Afina> "Just remember who our greatest enemies are," Afina reminds him.
[21:41] <Muirfinn> "Of course. I'm also thinking of the potential benefits of destroying the Father. The attention it would garner us from the various celestial groups could be very useful. It will be no easy task, though. From what I have read, the Father is the progeny of both Demogorgon and Pale Night." Muirfinn shakes his head. "Destroying the Father, even reaching him, will likely be an incredible
[21:41] <Muirfinn> undertaking."
[21:45] <Afina> "And we already have one incredible undertaking to deal with. If Father comes, let him come. Ignoring the devils to focus on this new enemy is folly," she concludes, fluttering off the windowsill and deeming this to have been enough rest. "Is that everything, Muirfinn?"
[21:46] <Muirfinn> "It is."
[21:48] <Afina> "Alright then," Afina flies out past the tortle to see to other matters.
[21:49] * Muirfinn heads off as well!

[Corwin]

#ed

[22:13] <Kotono> Soon enough the generals of Aurora and Muirfinn gather. Elena lingers for the moment, waiting on Ithea...
[22:14] <Ithea> "Alright, so I asked for you all since 27's been speaking again. Jaela's apparently busy, but we can fill her in later," Ithea starts to say. "He was talking about Father at first, but then things went on to stuff about Makaril and Kalembar, about the Aurora and Lifasa, and about Morniel."
[22:14] <Afina> "Start with Makaril?" Afina suggests since that sounds most likely to be time relevant.
[22:15] * Muirfinn listens attentively!
[22:17] * Ithea nods. "I was planning to, actually, since I was a bit concerned with what was said," Ithea says as she repeats what was said starting with the mention of the dark sapphire, Elena and Galariel, a last sanctuary and battle, and fate's chains. "That last part is what worries me. Spies might have gotten into their base or something from the sound of things and a last battle...well, that doesn't sound good for Makaril."
[22:18] <Ithea> "Elena and Galariel possibly dying is also concerning, of course," the catgirl quickly adds as she briefly looks towards Elena with some concern.
[22:20] * Muirfinn raises an eyebrow at that, but listens on.
[22:22] <Afina> "Can you die as long as Aurora stands?" Afina asks Elena.
[22:23] <Kotono> "I don't think I can," Elena replies dubiously, "But um...let's not find out!"
[22:24] <Kotono> "It's been awhile since I've had a 27 headache," Adrian rubs his temples, before going to hold his amulet. "There's a whole lot of headaches in all fo that."
[22:25] <Afina> "Okay, to try and avoid any last battle for Makaril, lets put killing that wyrm helping Harkin at the top of our current priorities," Afina says. "We'll need to prepare a mission to Lifasa soon."
[22:26] * Muirfinn nods. "That sounds like the best choice to circumvent this."
[22:27] <Ithea> "27 jumped around with what he was saying too, I'm not entirely sure if some of the other things he said apply to that either. Like near the end, he mentioned something about old Lifasa's sunset needing to be shattered. Which could mean that Makaril is meant to lose? I don't really know, that's why I wanted to get everyone together," Ithea admits with a grimace. "That sort of interpretation doesn't ring true to me."
[22:28] * Ithea pauses and says, "Actually, I might as well just cover everything he said in order, we can start commenting what we think is meant regarding Makaril and go from there to other topics."
[22:28] * Ithea starts repeating what 27 said, just so everyone has the same information to work with.
[22:29] <Afina> "Who or what is Kalembar?"
[22:30] <Ithea> "Kalembar is Makaril's weapon," Ithea says easily enough.
[22:30] <Kotono> "Speaking of," Gisfal says, "High Vandar? Does anyone know what that is?"
[22:30] <Afina> "Ahh, I'd forgotten... he did talk about it a lot, didn't he?" Afina shakes her head.
[22:30] <Ithea> "Remember, he mentioned something about wanting to test it against dragons?"
[22:31] <Ithea> "I didn't have any clue about that, Gisfal. It's clearly important, but...I was just drawing a blank."


[22:32] <Kotono> OOC: Anyone here can make K:P on it if you care to.
[22:32] <Ithea> ooc: didn't you say K:A last time?
[22:32] <Afina> roll 1d20+30 I do know about planes now
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+30 I do know about planes now and gets 37." [1d20=7]
[22:32] <Ithea> ooc: mind you, my bonus was the same either way.
[22:33] <Kotono> OOC: K:A, excuse me.
[22:33] <Afina> OOC: same mod
[22:33] <Kotono> OOC: Typo, so used to K:P.
[22:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+26 Gisfal
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+26 Gisfal and gets 40." [1d20=14]

[22:34] <Kotono> Afina draws a blank, while Gisfal frowns, "Now that I think about it, I think I recall a lich named that, or with that title," he finally says, "But I don't recall anything else."
[22:35] <Afina> "Didn't he say his sword was a gift from Mystra?"
[22:37] <Ithea> "It was. A gift...for rescuing some of her people from a lich," Ithea says with a frown. "So that's where this High Vandar comes in?"
[22:39] <Kotono> "High Vandar's tragedy and tribute," Adrian murmurs that line in particular, a frown on his face, "It sounds gloomy - something like that Makaril killed the High Vandar and that was his reward?"
[22:42] <Ithea> "I suppose. But this would have happened ages ago, so I don't know if it is actually relevant. The blade seems the important thing here, it was mentioned more than Makaril. Maybe the mention of Elena and Galariel was that this blade is what could kill them or something?" Ithea throws out there.
[22:43] <Kotono> "What exactly can Kalembar do?" Gisfal inquires, "It sounds like more than just another magic sword."
[22:43] <Afina> "It destroys creatures of magic," Afina catches on that. "So we don't want the devils to defeat Makaril and claim the blade to use against us."
[22:43] <Ithea> "That might be the whole point of the warning," Ithea says with a nod.
[22:44] <Ithea> 'Well, and 27's way of saying he doesn't like Elena, maybe,' Ithea doesn't add.
[22:44] <Kotono> "I worried that the rebels on Lifasa are going to be found out," Adrian says, "We should have a way to evaculate them safely in case they're found out. At worst, they can always join us here in Aurora rather than being wiped out."
[22:46] <Afina> "We should prepare Aurora for entering the fray if it comes to a final battle like that," Afina agrees, "But in the meantime launching spoiling attacks on the devils and their dragon ally should delay or prevent it occuring."
[22:47] * Muirfinn nods at Adrian. "Perhaps a contingent Plane Shift or something of the like?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "Also, what matter does the Razor Throne have in all this?" Gisfal continues, "You mentioned that blighted, miserable pile of flesh as well. Have you clashed with Malcanthet's brood before?"
[22:49] <Afina> "No," Afina shakes her head. "Canderella suggested killing a green dragon on her part of the Abyss but that's the extent of our involvement there."
[22:51] <Kotono> "Meddling," Adrian sighs, "It sounds like all things are normal there. At least anything she throws at us won't be ugly."
[22:53] <Afina> "Oh hurray," Afina deadpans, glaring at Adrian.
[22:53] <Kotono> Adrian returns the look completely unruffled, "What? If we're going to have to fight demons, can't we at least fight ones that are easy on the eyes?"
[22:54] <Afina> "Pretty fiends are the kind that people get stupid ideas about 'redeeming' rather than just killing," Afina explains her reservations.
[22:55] <Kotono> "I guarantee you," Adrian smirks now, "As Ithea as my witness, I'll personally stab to death any too pretty fiend that tries that."
[22:55] <Ithea> "Your fiancee will be pleased to know that," Ithea says drily.
[22:56] * Muirfinn shakes his head. "Back on topic. Do we expect any opposition from the Abyss on this then?"
[22:57] <Kotono> "Nothing organized, but this means Malcanthet might meddle," Gisfal replies, giving Adrian a long, disapproving look.
[22:58] * Muirfinn nods. "Unsurprising. We should prepare for it and plan ahead."
[22:58] <Kotono> Adrian coughs into his hand, "In any case-" But he's stopped by Gisfal, "There's one question I'd like to raise as well."
[22:58] <Ithea> "Because of Father, Willim, or just for the shits and giggles because they're demons?" Ithea can't help but ask.
[22:58] * Muirfinn looks at Ithea pointedly. "Yes."
[22:59] <Kotono> "How reliable are these prophecies? What agenda does the provider of them have?" Gisfal asks, "The fragment about Morniel disturbs me - his conduct is beyond reproach, as is his reputation. Why disparage him?"
[23:01] <Ithea> "The only thing I could think of is that 27 is against us making friends with Celestia. Given he's chaos' herald..." Ithea says with a helpless shrug. "And honestly, 27 hates Tannin too, and nobody can figure out why. Neither of them has ever given us -any- reason to doubt them."
[23:01] <Afina> "They come from the slaad lord Ygorl, so his bias is obvious," Afina says as it relates to Morniel, "But in the main he has been reliable and should not be ignored just because of a few personal vendettas."
[23:03] <Kotono> "No use for Celestia for him," Gisfal grunts, "Another force trying to meddle in Aurora's affairs. Medi's legacy seems to invite it."
[23:03] <Muirfinn> "Of course it does. Big flying superfortress demiplane. Everyone wants a scoop of the pudding." Muirfinn scoffs lightly. "It is up to us to choose who will best aid us."
[23:04] <Ithea> "On the plus side, at least 27 hasn't decided to hate Rukkig. That would have been annoying to deal with...not that any of you probably care particularly about that," Ithea mumbles the last part.
[23:05] <Kotono> "Who's Rukkig?" Adrian queries right back, "New recruit?"
[23:05] <Ithea> "Familiar," Ithea corrects.
[23:06] <Kotono> "Oh, what type of familiar?" he asks, "I twouldn't happen to be a cat, would it?"
[23:09] <Ithea> "It would. A fire cat, to be specific. It's a story involving Lady Bast," Ithea says drily as she crosses her arms. "Just remember what happened the -last- time you went too far with the cat jokes, General Adrian."