043.4 "Today we head to Mount Celestia. Have you prepared yourselves properly?"

[Corwin]

#ed

[20:49] <Kotono> Morniel meets Afina and Crystal before the gates of Aurora. He is clad in armor and light, radiant from head to toe. He floats off the ground lightly, shedding light all around him. In a baritone that commands attention and stirs your heart, "Today we head to Mount Celestia. Have you prepared yourselves properly?"
[20:51] <Afina> The Blade of Endings is decidedly left behind on this trip, and Afina nods. "I'm ready."
[20:51] <Jaela> "We are about to see," Jaela muses, having worn her new cloak for the expedition.
[20:55] <Kotono> With that Morniel offers his hands out, "I shall take us to the Holy Mountain, then."
[20:56] <Afina> Taking a hand, Afina braces herself for a dip!
[20:57] * Jaela takes Morniel's other hand, unable to shake the curiosity she feels towards Celestia. But it is about to be answered, now!
[21:06] <Kotono> The transition is one of peace. There is no screaming hellfire or incomprehensible forces tugging at you. Instead you find yourself standing knee deep in wine-dark waters, on the shores of a beach. Above you towers an impossibly tall and vast mountain, dominating the sky. In that sky you can see celestials flying - white winged angels and archons, soaring about. The distant sound of glorious
[21:06] <Kotono> hymns tickles your ears, as the waters of this sea lap against you.
[21:08] <Afina> Knee deep for Jaela and Morniel is neck deep for Afina! Sighing at the distasteful experience of immersion that she nonetheless strives to get used to, she begins wading to the beach while looking up at the vast mountain.
[21:09] * Jaela gazes up at the flying angels and archons. It would be fun to fight them, she thinks to herself, but hardly a good idea under the circumstances. Maybe another time, if she lucks out and meets a likeminded angel on a return visit?
[21:15] <Kotono> Morniel inhales deeply, the light from above gloriously warm, brighter than any sun and yet gentle on you reyes. He begins to walk forward, "Peace and patience, for this will be a fair walk," he states, "Celestia is a land of journies, of ascending higher and higher on the Holy Mountain."
[21:15] <Afina> Walk or not, once they hit dry land Afina flutters her wings to fly alongside the other two rather than scamper around their feet!
[21:16] * Jaela hasn't actually been sure if it would be like that, or if their audience means a more direct approach. But getting to know Celestia properly feels even better, and so she walks by Morniel's side.
[21:17] <Jaela> "How far have you ever climbed it?" she asks curiously in the meantime.
[21:21] <Kotono> "To the Glittering Heaven, the sixth of seven layers," Morniel replies, "But no higher." Smiling as he looks up, "Had I climbed higher, I would not be here, for none return from the light of Chronias."
[21:23] <Jaela> "Yes, I heard as much. Did you have a favorite heaven?"
[21:23] <Afina> Afina is content to listen to this discussion as she flutters along, curious to learn more about this place.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Venya, the Pearly Heaven," Morniel replies as you meet the beaches - the sand scrunches under your feet, yet is as solid as typical stone, not hindering your walk at all. The air is sweet and warm, blowing down from above. "I spent years reading in the great libraries of Erathaol the Seer."
[21:29] * Jaela raises an eyebrow. "Does it mean you got to meet him? How about Pistis Sophia or Raziel?"
[21:34] <Kotono> "I have met Erathaol thrice - once as a servant, once as a diplomat and once as a seeker of wisdom," Morniel replies, "Each time I gained not what I sought, but what I needed." As you walk the beaches, you can see them above. Dozens of lantern archons begin to cluster above, about 100ft above the trio. "I have not met the Ascetic, but I have met Raziel once. You've seen Hanna in the throes
[21:34] <Kotono> of rage before? Take her at her absolute and most terrifying, combine that with clear headed zeal and a presence that could dwarf kings. Those words begin to describe him."
[21:37] <Afina> Intrigued by what she's hearing, Afina nonetheless looks up at their following. "Is this a normal welcome?" she asks curiously.
[21:37] <Jaela> "That so? Sounds overwhelming." Jaela shrugs. "He's probably too important to consider training any outsiders," she muses.
[21:40] <Kotono> "If you can rise up to Mertion, I'm sure he'd consider you," Morniel says, "Reaching that high proves your worthiness." Morniel peers up, "It's not uncommon. These archons are often newborn, clustering around visitors and full of inquisitive joy." Smiling as he goes on, "They have left behind the burdens of life and now live as a child again, everything full of wonder. To them, you are as
[21:40] <Kotono> special and mysterious as the Gods."
[21:41] <Afina> Giggling at that, Afina decides to be indulgent and waves up at the newborn archons.
[21:41] <Jaela> So they're bored? Cracking a grin, Jaela waves at the lantern archons above.
[21:43] <Kotono> The archons bob in the air, as Morniel calls in Celestial, "Hail and well met, friends. I am Morniel, servant of the Triad."
[21:44] <Afina> "Afina!" the fairy calls up her own name.
[21:46] <Jaela> "Jaela of the Aurora," she introduces herself in turn proudly.
[21:54] <Kotono> The archons bob in the air, staying above and flying around. "Mmm. Often they swarm like...well," With al ook to Afina, "Like friendly pixies, but not today."
[21:57] <Afina> "Never actually been a pixie swarm..." Afina admits thoughtfully, now wondering what it would be like. Then again she'd probably just make the rest uncomfortable... awww.
[21:58] <Jaela> "Seen one once," Jaela muses. "Still remember my first thought, too. 'How terrifying', just with more profanity. They can look pretty huge when you're a kid."
[22:01] <Afina> "Unlike now?" Afina asks, having to fly a bit higher to reach Jaela's eye level.
[22:01] <Jaela> "Few things look terrifying to me now."
[22:06] <Kotono> "Come now," Morniel says, "Let us continue on."
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 39." [1d100=39]
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 19." [1d100=19]
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 100." [1d100=100]
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d100 subtables
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 subtables and gets 76." [1d100=76]
[22:18] <Kotono> You walk along the beat for hours. It is a peaceful walk, conversation coming and going like the waves of the ocean. Eventually, you come on a small house, built into the side of the mountain where beach meets stone. The smell of roasting vegetables and sweet honey comes from it, intoxicating the air before you.
[22:20] <Afina> Sadly it's the roasting part that most appeals to Afina, but she elects to prevail upon their guide as to what's the most appropriate behaviour here.
[22:20] <Jaela> "We can stop to say hi?" Jaela offers.
[22:27] <Afina> Jaela's idea is fine by Afina, so she goes to knock on the door!
[22:34] <Kotono> Morniel follows, "There's no harm in it. Anyone who lives here is inured to visitors passing by." You find there isn't a door - just a gossamer curtain of white silk, hazy in the light. Beyond it, you can see a silk shrouded living room, full of comfortable looking chairs and a fireplace with roaring fire.
[22:34] <Jaela> "Hello? Is anyone home?" Jaela calls out.
[22:36] <Kotono> "Hello?" A gruff voice calls back out, "Come in! Dinner's nearly done and there's enough for guests!"
[22:37] <Jaela> "An invitation," Jaela says needlessly to Afina and Morniel, before stepping inside.
[22:38] <Afina> Afina follows with a "Hello," of her own!
[22:43] <Kotono> As you step in, from the far hallway leading deep in your host emerges. He is a tortle, wearing a loose, sea green robe. He is reptilian and heavy shelled, yet a smile lightens his face. "I am Prash," he greets his guests, "Welcome to my home."
[22:44] <Jaela> "Jaela," her own introduction comes as she doesn't even blink at his appearance. "So you must get a lot of guests, right?"
[22:45] <Afina> Well, a beach would be the best place for any turtle to live, humanoid or not. "Afina," she gives her own name with a brief nod. "We were just passing through and thought to say hello. It's been a quiet trip so far."
[22:48] <Kotono> "Well," Smiling as he gestures you forward, "Oh yes, all the time. The lost and hungry often find their way here, it seems. I've found it's the nature of the realm. All of you look so skinny! Let me feed you and put a bit of meat on your bones."
[22:49] <Jaela> "Ah, no. It's because my dad was an elf. I'm fine, thanks."
[22:50] <Kotono> Morniel smiles gently, "I thank you for your hospitality, but I shall defer to the wishes of my companions on this," he says. "I need no substinance, save for what the Triad provide me."
[22:50] <Afina> Even by fairy standards Afina is alarmingly skinny, and one meal isn't going to change that. But nonetheless, "We shall accept your hospitality, Prash," she nods, fluttering over. They're here to make friends, after all.
[22:52] <Jaela> "How is it to live on Celestia?" Jaela asks curiously.
[22:56] <Kotono> "Oh," Leading them back as he talks, "I came here by an accident, long ago." he explains, "It's perfect. Every day is wonderful as the last, yet never grows old, stale or tiresome. Every day is as if I were a hatchling, but free of the dangers of youth. When difficulty and sorrow come, they only lead to greater joy." The back room is one huge kitchen - several cooking fires, a huge stone
[22:56] <Kotono> counter, a low sitting table, several wine racks, and even what looks to be built in well. On the low lying table are a dozen dishes - the main one looks to be a vegetable stew. There is a golden, semi-solid pudding of some sort, with dark specks within it. There are dishes of fish, of what looks to be seaweed, a bowl of nuts and a big salad bowl. "Sit, sit, try some of everything," he says,
[22:56] <Kotono> gesturing. "I couldn't possibly eat it all."
[22:58] <Jaela> Taking a seat, Jaela decides to try the salad. "Thanks. So when you say long ago, are we talking centuries?"
[22:59] <Afina> Afina tries the stew! "Have you travelled much up or around Celestia since arriving?"
[23:10] <Kotono> The salad is crispy, fresh greens with a light vinegarette dressing, the stew a hearty-steaming hot vegetable broth. It's a medley, everything there and nothing overwhelmed. It has lots of spicy peppers. "Lifetimes. I have become a fixture here," he replies, "Never growing older. I've not traveled - for here I am content. Someone needs to feed the people who come up from the sea."
[23:11] * Jaela laughs, trying the fish dishes until she finds the one most suitable for the salad. "If we didn't have a cook already, I'd be tempted to try and recruit you with that sort of resume!"
[23:12] <Kotono> Morniel abstains, but listens well. "As long as you feel content doing that, continue on."
[23:12] <Kotono> The fish is all fresh - it tastes distinctly fish-like, yet isn't any Jaela knows. It's closest to fresh tuna, despite being lightly cooked. "Recruit? Ah, do you run some sort of restaurant?"
[23:12] <Afina> "Your cooking shows the heart you put into it," Afina approves, trying some pudding next. "Can lantern archons eat, I wonder?" She hasn't seen mouths on them...
[23:14] <Kotono> "I've never seen them do it," Prash replies with a thoughtful creasing of his turtle face, as Afina tries to the pudding. It tastes like honey - only moreso, without being cloying or overwhelming. The specks bring a delightfully meaty counter-point to it, the two tastes blending together into one whole when Afina gets to one of those specks."
[23:14] <Kotono> "They can't," Morniel notes, "Once promoted, many of them spend some time coming to appreciate food. While they do not need it, there is a simple, earthy joy to eating."
[23:14] * Jaela is fine with tuna, even fresh. "A Crusade. But we have a few great chefs along."
[23:17] <Kotono> "...A Crusade?" Prash stops there, hissing softly. "Oh, that brings back memories of days long gone," he finally replies, "Before I came here."
[23:18] <Jaela> "Good times?"
[23:21] <Kotono> "Before I came here, I campaigned to protect the people of Saernfell from the Ashen Dwarves and the Hounds of Night. Coming out of the Meland Parchens, they sought to overrun us in a tide of barbarism, pushing all of us back into the sea. Long did I aid in the crusades to push them back."
[23:23] <Jaela> roll 1d20+33 rings any bells?
[23:23] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+33 rings any bells? and gets 50." [1d20=17]
[23:23] <Afina> "Did you succeed?" Afina asks the most pertinent question.
[23:24] <Kotono> OOC: What particular knowledge are you even trying here?
[23:25] <Jaela> OOC: Planes! To see if I recognize the place and know how things turned out?
[23:26] <Kotono> OOC: Planes reveals no information.
[23:28] <Kotono> "We did in the end," Prash reveals, humming as he drums a scaly hand on the table, "We marched into the Meland Parchens in a great push and sacked their capital of Balantor. They fought to the last man." he reports, "In the end, we prayed over the grounds and then salted it, razed all the buildings and sealed away the oasis."
[23:30] <Afina> "Salted the earth?" Afina's eyes widen, offended at such a grave offence to nature. "Why would you do such a thing?"
[23:31] <Jaela> "They really hated the dwarves, would be my guess," Jaela volunteers.
[23:33] <Kotono> Here Prash is silent. Just before anyone else can break this ruminating quiet, "We had to kill everyone. The children, young as toddlers, fought us - to the death if we didn't disable them. The Ashen Dwarves were stuck by a savagery unknown to the civilized races before then, and I hope has never again been known. It was decide that whatever plagued them, that none of us would bear a chance
[23:33] <Kotono> for it to return."
[23:35] * Jaela can't help herself, and glances at Morniel with a frown.
[23:36] <Kotono> Morniel's expression is grave, and he slightly nods to Jaela. "That savagery speaks of unnatural compulsions," he says, "Were your holy men or sorcerers able to counter this savagery?"
[23:40] <Kotono> "Temporarily," he says, "But then they went from bloodthirsty savages to cold, calculating monsters," he replies, "Our holy men believed them cursed by the Gods for sin beyond the pale. I have fought fiends...they remind me more of them than good, rational dwarves. It may be that a moral malaise sleeps beneath or within Balantor. We could not - would not - allow that to come forth from the
[23:40] <Kotono> Parchens."
[23:42] * Jaela does wonder if they tried hard enough. But now, lifetimes after every last dwarf there had been murdered, she can hardly do much herself. "And after that," she voices, "an accident, and you're here on your lonesome?"
[23:43] <Afina> "But if it were some other cause nature would not soon forget such a transgression," Afina declares, unwilling to believe polluting the land beyond the ability to support life was the correct choice.
[23:44] <Kotono> Going on, picking at a bit of salad, "In time, I went to soothe my weary heart of that war. I went out to sea and swam, and was swept down by a heavy pull. There was a cleft in the seabed, and next I remember washing up here."
[23:45] <Kotono> "It may be," Prash admits, "I have questioned our choices - our arguments were long and vicious, but in the end, we did what we thought best."
[23:47] <Afina> "At least you didn't do it unthiningly," Afina grudgingly relents a bit, now done with the food.
[23:51] <Jaela> "I don't think I can approve," Jaela finally says, shaking her head. "Sorry."
[23:53] <Kotono> "War's a miserable business," Prash finally says, playing with a bit of food.
[23:53] <Kotono> "That it is," Morniel murmurs, and quieter again, "Thank you for your hospitality."
[23:54] * Jaela nods at Morniel's words.
[23:54] <Afina> "Yes, we should get going. Farewell, Prash," Afina nods to the tortle, fluttering out now.
[23:58] <Kotono> Once outside Morniel looks back a moment before falling in step with the other two. "There aren't any accidents in Celestia," he notes.
[23:58] <Jaela> "Of course not," Jaela agrees. "It's a heaven."
[00:00] <Kotono> "There may come a time when Aurora finds themselves with the same quandry as Prash," he observes, "Or that his past and our present cross."
[00:01] <Jaela> "It might," Jaela agrees once more, before pausing. "But his past and our present crossing? That I don't see."
[00:02] <Afina> "We may," Afina admits, knowing already that she's walking a dangerous path by acquiring such a thing as the Blade of Endings. "But far better to burn the devil taint off of Lifasa and start anew. If we render every tainted spot barren we'll have nothing left."
[00:03] <Kotono> "You may not, until it it looms over us," Morniel says, "The wisdom is to remember the lesson here, and bear it in mind for the future - for none of us know what the future will bring."
[00:06] <Jaela> "Definitely. That's part of the reason we're here, to learn."

[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]

#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!