043.3 Muirfinn and the Glasae Queen

[Corwin]

#d

[19:39] <Kotono> Muirfinn is at rest, communing with nature and Water. His meditations in the farms are disrupted slightly, as Tannin comes to sit next to him. "Rotten business with those moles," he says without preamble, "Heard all of you were busy while I was digging up the dirt on that book."
[19:43] * Muirfinn nods without opening his eyes. Perpipherally, he is aware of Tannin, much as he is aware of Chok off in the distance, stalking a cow. "Yes, shameful business. There is belief that there are more of them, though they will be rooted out in time. Such a thig cannot be tolerated in this. It saddens me to see it happen." A pause, "What have you found on the book, then?"
[19:47] <Kotono> Tannin glances over at the stalked cow, "Nice pet," he commends idly, "Well, the Sherrod estate was a dead end. Old noble family with roots in the local equivalent of derring-do and adventuring. It came on bad finances, so the last generation decided to recapture those old glories. Turns out some ghouls and shadows thought otherwise. Real sad affair." Tannin explains, "None of it connects with
[19:47] <Kotono> that book near as I can tell, and nothing's awry with the records, or showing anything on Vel or his agent." Pausing to scratch his chin, eyes turing pearly white, "Did go through some old records, it mentions the book a couple of hundred years ago. Says it's nothing but a recipe book. Nears I can tell, they're all clean and this was sleeping under their noses."
[19:53] * Muirfinn nods. "It seems that way. The research I have done seems to indicate that further looks into the nature of this beast are...insidious. The creature has a way of influencing the minds of those that research it. I came across a book that began as a critical analysis of Father and it's horrid ways, and it eventually degenerated into madness and cravings for flesh. If you choose to continue
[19:53] * Muirfinn your searches into this, I strongly urge you to be careful, and get yourself checked by one who can heal the mind and purge evil. For the first time in quite a while, I have no immediate fears for my people. Instead, I fear for my own sanity, and yet I cannot seem to pull away from locating this creature. I feel that it must be destroyed, for the good of all."
[19:55] <Kotono> Quietly looking down, "Yeah, could've told you that," he mutters, "I think it's an Abysspawn of some kind or another, if that wasn't obvious. Did some more questioning around on it, on the side since I was curious. Got a few bits of information about it if you're game."
[21:08] <Muirfinn> "I am. Tell me what you have."
[21:09] <Kotono> "Dug at some real old legends. Ancient," Tannin grunts, "You familiar with Demogorgon, Prince of Demons?"
[21:10] <Muirfinn> "Indeed." Muirfinn's eyes are open now, his meditation completely shattered by the unwanted mental image of the demon, as depicted in texts. A grimace crosses his face.
[21:11] <Kotono> "Familiar with Pale Night, too?" Tannin asks, "Another demon lord, if you aren't."
[21:12] <Muirfinn> "Wasn't she destroyed some years back?" Muirfinn asks. "I recall reading a recent text on it."
[21:16] <Kotono> "I know she lost control of the Children of Androlynne, but last I heard she was still kicking," Tannin says, "Nevermind, it's tangential." He starts ruffling in his cloak, "I found parts of the Valgadda(Which is No More) Codex." Frowning at it, "Every reference has which is no more added in to it. Anyway, it's all pertains to the Father."
[21:19] <Muirfinn> "Perhaps she was merely defeated, then. Or her forces. Texts can elaborate and embellish, sometimes. Cross-referencing is often required for researching a specific topic." Muirfinn nods, more to himself than to Tannin. "I've never heard of Valgadda, I'm afraid."
[21:20] <Kotono> "Neither have I," he admits, handing a bit of parchment over, "This is all I could find. It's a damaged copy of a copy of a copy," he says, "Even with that, this is old."
[21:21] * Muirfinn frowns. "Copies like that will doubtless contain errors, but it still could be a valuable resource." Muirfinn says, taking the bit of parchment and reading it.
[21:22] <Kotono> Thus Muirfinn reads the fragments!
[21:27] <Muirfinn> Frowning deeper and deeper, Muirfinn finally rolls the scroll back up and carefully places it in his pack. "This corresponds with what I have read, really. I came across a book in the library that inferred that Father might be the spawn of Demogorgon. That Pale Night was involved is disturbing, yet unsurprising. It will take me some time, but I might yet be able to glean some effective information
[21:27] <Muirfinn> from this. I have some sources to check, as well as needing to speak with Afina on crafting this weapon mentioned within. I think we might be uniquely suited to destroying the beast."
[21:27] * Muirfinn stands. "You have my thanks, Tannin. This is valuable information indeed."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Yeah, all in a day's work," Tannin rises, "I'll have my official report done up all nice in a day or two, but it won't be anything to bring about great change." Stretching, "Ah, that's the stuff. You ever heard of this Glasae Queen? I'm not too sharp on my fey lore. Figured she's a logical next step."
[21:30] <Muirfinn> "No, I have not. It's one of the things I must speak to Afina about, and perhaps Queen Ilsenine as well."
[21:36] <Kotono> "Good luck and good hunting. While you're at it, got another task for me to look into?" Tannin inquires, "I don't really feel like sitting around Aurora for long."
[21:39] <Muirfinn> "I don't suppose you've come across any tales of black dragons that deserve to die?" Muirfinn looks amused.
[21:41] <Kotono> "Got tied up in that Father business," Tannin shakes his head, "But I can go do that, sure. Got tired of greens?"
[21:47] <Muirfinn> "I have my own issues with blacks, and to a lesser extend all of Tiamat's brood." Muirfinn says, then looks thoughtful. "Speaking of, actually, perhaps a better request would be to ask you to find a way for us to foil Tiamat's plans on Avernus. Killing evil dragons is noble, but throwing a wrench into her plans would be much more productive, I'd bet. If you're willing, that would be your next
[21:47] <Muirfinn> job."
[21:48] <Muirfinn> "Any way we could turn it to our favor would be a bonus as well."
[21:50] <Kotono> Here Tannin hums, "Avernus? That's going right into the snakepit. I can nose 'round there, but I'm going to want to be damn sure protected from being nicked with scrying.  Heard what's happened with the others and being spied on. If they catch me there...I wouldn't make a good lemure," Tannin shudders, "Get me something that'll do that, and I'll do it."
[21:51] <Muirfinn> "I'll speak with the others about requisitioning you that item."
[21:51] <Muirfinn> "You might have to hang about for a few days, though. At least unti they return from Celestia."
[21:55] <Kotono> "That's fine," Tannin says, "I can do that. I'm not going off there without one. Oh!" Snapping his fingers, "Almost forgot! I can't speak for anything below the waist, but above the waist she's just right. Good work!" Grinning and slapping Muirfinn's shoulder, "Didn't think you had it in you!"
[21:56] * Muirfinn blinks for a moment, then snorts, letting forth a sharp hissing laugh. "We'll see what happens, Tannin. We'll see."
[21:57] <Kotono> "Hell, there I was, going down the Infinite Staircase," Tannin grins and waves and arm, "And she flies up, introducing herself and telling me all about the brave soul who nearly gave his life defending the lillend."
[22:00] <Muirfinn> "A very nice young lady, yes." Muirfinn says. "Or maybe not so young. Who knows? Speaking of, she mentioned something to me that I found interesting. According to her, there is a group of dragonkin that are attempting to conquer the Infinite Stair. Know anything about that?"
[22:05] <Kotono> "She mentioned it in passing," Tannin says, "Wanna split the difference? I go nose around about that, then come back and we see about Avernus?"
[22:05] <Muirfinn> "Sounds like a good plan. See what you can scrounge up and come back."
[22:06] <Muirfinn> "She made it sound like them conquering the Infinite Stair would be a bad thing. Since you use it so much, I figured you'd be invested in it as well."
[22:14] <Kotono> Standing up, "I'll get to it first thing in the morning," Stretching, "Good luck with that Father thing. It sounds heavy."
[22:15] * Muirfinn nods. "To you as well." Muirfinn says, heading off to collect his errant dino before it actually harms a cow.

[22:19] <Kotono> OOC: Anything you wanna do/follow up on with that, Muirfinn?
[22:20] <Muirfinn> OOC: Was gonna hit the library and write up a proposal on things, but I doubt that needs actual IC involvement. If you wanna skip ahead or focus on #evil, NBD.
[22:32] <Kotono> OOC: What's the proposal going to be?
[22:34] <Muirfinn> OOC: An unfinished work on how to deal with Father, as far as I am aware. It requires more research before it sees action.
[22:35] <Kotono> OOC: Anything in particular you're going to be researching here? Any related leads or anything like that?
[22:36] <Muirfinn> OOC: The Glasae Queen is a good start!
[22:37] <Muirfinn> OOC: And whoever this Aameul is.
[22:37] <Kotono> OOC: You can make an K:N check on her with the library bonus. K:P on Aameul.
[22:39] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+32+10 K:N
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+32+10 K:N and gets 47." [1d20=5]
[22:39] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+19+10 k:p
[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+19+10 k:p and gets 40." [1d20=11]
[22:45] <Kotono> The Glasae Queen is a mysterious fey monarch. She rules over the Fey Marches and is said to represent the irrepressable light of life. Legends say she was born of her own desire to exist, willing herself into being. She resides in the Swan's Keep, a castle built of water and reeds amid a vast lake in the fey realms. (More)
[22:46] <Kotono> Aameul is one of Demogorgon's heads, with the other being Hethradiah. Both are insane and yet control Demogorgon as one, constantly in competition and yet somehow working together. IT is a madness beyond description, two as one, and yet not united.
[22:49] <Muirfinn> OOC: Is Crystal still in town?
[22:50] <Kotono> OOC: No, she didn't stay long. You'd have to get her Sended or the like.
[22:51] <Muirfinn> OOC: I shan't interrupt her then. Any other fairies about that would be somewhat knowledgeable or scholarly?
[22:51] <Kotono> OOC: Lady Skye comes to mind.
[22:54] <Muirfinn> OOC: Off we go then!

[22:57] <Kotono> You find Lady Skye in Queen Ilsenine's quarters, where she holds court. Two other pixies are with her, dismissed with a wave as Muirfinn approaches. "Muirfinn, I believe?" she says, sparing him a glance.
[22:59] <Muirfinn> "Indeed. It is good to meet you, LAdy Skye. Do you have a few moments?"
[23:08] <Kotono> "I suppose I can grant you a few moments," Lady Skye replies, "What is it you seek?"
[23:10] <Muirfinn> "I have been doing some research into the recent security breach via an abomination by the name of Father. Appeared in Ithea's quarters some time ago. Recent research has turned up the name of a fairy queen that goes by the name of the Glasae Queen. I was wondering if you had any knowledge on the subject."
[23:11] <Kotono> "The Glasae Queen?" Lady Skye repeats, voice a little hollow, "I didn't think anyone but a fey would know of her!"
[23:14] <Muirfinn> "My research material has been quite obscure, I assure you."
[23:16] <Kotono> "Hmph." Giving Muirfin a new look, moment of surprise gone with the wind, "The Glasae Queen is monarch of the Fey Marches. She represents the will of life to be lived, the part of the Cycle that is high summer, the greatest apex of life."
[23:20] <Muirfinn> "I see, I see. That corresponds with what I've been reading today. Is she friendly to non-fey?"
[23:23] <Kotono> "It is said she'll meet anyone who finds their way through her castle." Tapping her lips, "But it is a maze of peril and mysteries, said to have been dreamed into being by Queen Titania, who ordered the Glasae Queen sequestered away within it."
[23:23] <Muirfinn> "Ordered it so? Why?"
[23:24] <Kotono> "It is not a matter discussed," Lady Skye says, a hint of ice coming to her voice.
[23:25] <Muirfinn> "Interesting. How does one come to get to this place, then?"
[23:30] <Kotono> Here Lady Skye alights down, sitting in Queen Ilsenine's throne. She steeples her hands together, "If you could gain access to the fey realms, you would need to travel to the Fey Marches and seek Swan's Keep."
[23:32] <Muirfinn> "Would a Gate spell suffice, or is a fae ring the better method of transportation?"
[23:34] <Kotono> "I believe your magic would work, but I doubt one such as you would come through where you desire. Far too many fey would see it as a chance for mischief." Lady Skye replies, "'twould not be an easy journey."
[23:37] * Muirfinn nods. "She might hold information vital to the destruction of the demonspawn, though. She was mentioned in the last text I was given regarding it. If there is no other way to communicate with her, then I likely do not have a choice."
[23:38] <Kotono> "If you must, confer at least with Afina, if not Queen Ilsenine," Lady Skye replies, "I would not go without at least one fey guide, if not official support fron the Queen."
[23:39] * Muirfinn nods. "I will. Thank you for your time, Lady Skye."

[Corwin]

#d

[22:45] <Kotono> Thus Muirfinn exits Aurora and steps through a Gate. He appears in sunlight. Oh! The sun is so bright here, overwhelming! Muirfinn stands atop a mountain, on a peak. The sun above is close, so close! It hangs larger than life in the sky, sunlight basking his entire body. From within this light a voice calls, "Son of Water who called on the hand of Chaos to reach me." It is a man's voice, strong
[22:45] <Kotono> and sure, vital. "You who have opened a gate to this sacred realm, you seek sunfire?"
[22:48] <Muirfinn> "I do! I am Muirfinn, of the Aurora! It was by happenstance that I came across the means to learn of you. Would you be so kind as to point me in the right direction?"
[22:53] <Kotono> From within the endless sunlight above, a single glass sphere the size of an apple descends. It is a perfect sphere and within it golden fires dance. "Within this sphere is the fire of the sun. It holds the secrets you seek.""
[22:56] <Muirfinn> "I see. My thanks. What is you want in return?" Muirfinn asks.
[23:00] <Kotono> "I require nothing," The voice from above replies, "The trials your Aurora will face are more than enough." On that reply there is a welling of sunlight, dazzling Muirfinn's eyes. When he can see again, Muirfinn finds himself in a bright, open field. It's similar to the field he appeared in on his first visit to the House of Nature.
[23:02] <Muirfinn> Well, so much for heading back through the portal he was concentrating on! Muirfinn takes the sphere and puts it in his haversack, setting off!
[23:04] <Kotono> OOC: What's your plan now? Wandering for awhile?
[23:07] <Muirfinn> OOC: Gotta wait till the next day. Alas. I will wander Elysium!
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 54." [1d100=54]
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 65." [1d100=65]
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 51." [1d100=51]
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 54." [1d100=54]
[23:07] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 75." [1d100=75]
[23:12] <Kotono> Muirfinn wanders. Hours pass in sunshine as he travels the green fields, feeling energy throughout his body. Warmth blankets him, never unpleasant and always drawing him further along. Eventually, Muirfinn comes to see something on the horizon - what looks to be a village, tilled fields and houses far away.
[23:17] <Muirfinn> Aha! Civilization! Muirfinn soldiers on toward the village!
[23:20] <Kotono> As muirfinn advances, he sees that the village is made of sod and brick and wood, simple, one story buildings of no great size. Coming closer, you can see the houses form a loose square around the center, where therein is a pond. Around that pond are stone benches.
[23:21] * Muirfinn investigates, heading up to one house and knocking on the door!
[23:24] <Kotono> You find there is no answer to your knocking.
[23:25] * Muirfinn tries the door!
[23:25] <Muirfinn> "Hello?"
[23:27] <Kotono> The door does not open, nor is there an immediate reply.
[23:29] * Muirfinn frowns and tries another home.
[23:32] <Kotono> As Muirfinn turns, he finds a figure looking at him. Sitting on one of the benches around the pond is a child. He is perhaps ten years old as humans reckon it, human with tanned skin and wearing gray tunic and hose. His knees are grass-stained, a smile coming to his face, "Hello there, traveler!" he waves.
[23:34] * Muirfinn starts, that child is sneaky! He bows at the waist in greeting. "Hello, child. How are you today?"
[23:38] <Kotono> "I'm fine, mister," the child replies with cheer, "You aren't tired, are you?"
[23:39] <Muirfinn> "Not at all. I'm a tortle. We tend to be resistant to weariness. Tell me, are your parents about?"
[23:42] <Kotono> "Everyone else is away right now." The child looks on, "May I ask you a question, mister?"
[23:43] <Muirfinn> "Of course."
[23:44] <Kotono> "You look like a mortal," The child asks, "But you're really a spirit, aren't you?"
[23:45] <Muirfinn> "I would have been born a mortal, yes. I was blessed by the Mother Ocean with a bit of her essence. I am filled with the spirit of water." Muirfinnn nods at the boy.
[23:49] <Kotono> "...ah!" The child smiles and claps his hands together, "That would be why you came here, the water. This is Wellspring. Those mortals who find their way here are tired in spirit, but who cannot die. A path to this place resides in each world, for the weary, righteous soul to come. Those mortals that drink of Wellspring's waters become an inhabitant of Wellspring, leaving behind sorrow. Tell
[23:49] <Kotono> me, did you come here from Elysium or from a material world?"
[23:53] <Muirfinn> "Well, that's a bit of a story, if you have the time."
[23:55] <Kotono> The child pats the bench he sits on, "I love stories!"
[00:18] <Muirfinn> "It's a long one, for certain." Muirfinn takes a seat, though not for long. With words, motions, and sound effects he paints an audible painting of struggle and strife! Over the course of who knows how many hours, Muirfinn reconstructs the glory and serenity that was Lifasa. He describes the serene beaches, forests, and low hills that were his homeland. Of how everyone there lived mostly in
[00:18] <Muirfinn> harmony. Then the devils came, destroying and perverting everything they touched. So great and unexpected was their assault that the tortle race was driven to the brink of extinction! More than a thousand killed, and hundreds enslaved, and nearly every single child slain, all in the first day. Fearing for their lives, the tortles fled! Even fleeing the plane brought its share of strife, though.
[00:18] <Muirfinn> While their time spent on Earth was relatively quiet, the separation from one of the primary elements of their home drove them next to Water. It was there, Muirfinn pats his animated shield for emphasis, that they were assaulted almost immediately by a black dragon. Using the aid of the elements and of nature, as well as the arcane and martial skills of his people, they were able to subdue and
[00:18] <Muirfinn> destroy the creature, though they lost even more of their fighting men and women. Very shortly after, they fled to Arvandor and holed up in a large inn in Brightwater for a few days to gather their wits. It was there that they learned of the Aurora. A force for good, with real heroes fighting tooth and nail to beat back the infernal menace! Once they had learned of that, it was decided that one
[00:18] <Muirfinn> of their number would be sent to find members of the Aurora, to both offer their services and seek refuge. Muirfinn was chosen for this, and was sent forth while the others left Brightwater for a Prime that they could seek temporary solace in. It was only some short time after that Muirfinn located Ithea, a general of the Aurora and fellow refugee from Lifasa, on Earth. From there, a whirlwind
[00:18] <Muirfinn> of activity led to an ambush and the death of a celestial, and finally the exposure of an ice devil's treachery in Earth, and the manipulation was undone. With the devil incarcerated and more allies secured for the Aurora, Muirfinn secured his place with the Aurora and brought his people back to it. Now they fight to foil the machinations of Hell and to end evil tyrrany!
[00:21] <Kotono> OOC: That's a helluva speech, so make a perform (oratory) check real quick? +5.
[00:23] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+15+5
[00:23] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+15+5 and gets 38." [1d20=18]
[00:27] <Kotono> The child is lost completely in the story, listening to each tale and chapter of the long saga Muirfinn spins. He claps his hands fiercely at the ending, "Oh, well said! Well told!" he claps, "A sad but hopeful story. I can understand why you found Wellspring, even if you do not desire to rest."
[00:31] <Muirfinn> "Indeed. I could not let myself cast off my burdens here. They are too great, and I fear no one else is willing to bear them. I am gifted with the burden of time, and the Mother Ocean has given me a task. I shall not fail." Muirfinn says.
[00:33] <Kotono> "The souls here are at rest," The child goes on, "But I can offer aid in another way. Your Aurora, it is a demiplane?"
[00:34] <Muirfinn> "Yes, it is a mobile demiplane."
[00:38] <Kotono> "Wellspring is a demiplane, one I created," The child goes on, "A place for the soul-sick and weary to find peace. Mister, I could help spruce up the Aurora."
[00:41] <Muirfinn> "Well, I'm sure we'd all appreciate that. If you could do that, you'd have my thanks."
[00:43] <Kotono> "Gee, thanks!" The child smiles more now, "How about we go there?"
[00:44] <Muirfinn> "We could, but I actually would need to rest for it." Muirfinn says, looking a bit chagrined. "My original trip was through a Gate spell, which I will not be able to cast again until tomorrow. Unless you know a way to get to Ysgard easily from here?"
[00:50] <Kotono> "Well mister," The child laughs, "I may not look it, but if I can make a demiplane, I'm a really good wizard!" Hopping off the bench and to his feet, "Do you want to go?"
[00:51] <Muirfinn> "Of course."
[02:51] <Kotono> With the windings of magic around you...it's barely a moment. The child utters a few words that sound like crawling, twisting things - and you stand outside of Aurora. The child looks up at it, "...ah. Mister, is that all of Aurora?"
[02:53] <Muirfinn> "Including the giant green...thing. Yes." Muirfinn says. "Would you like to come inside?"
[02:56] <Kotono> "Yes." The child advances on, as the duo enter. The child just looks around, taking it all in with a childish glee.
[02:58] * Muirfinn gives the boy the grand tour then!
[03:07] <Kotono> As you wander the library, "Gee, this is interesting," The child speaks up, "But what about how Aurora works? I can't do much in a library."
[03:15] <Muirfinn> "I'm afraid I don't know. It was designed ages ago by a mage named Medi. Hi magic is incredibly elegant, and mind-bogglingly difficult to understand. He was truly gifted, and a force for good. Unfortunately, as the story goes, he was betrayed. Recently, we had a rash of similar events the other day. More than one traitor was found among our forces. It's all very sad, but it's set us on edge.
[03:15] <Muirfinn> Even if I did know how it all worked, I'm afraid I couldn't tell you. I don't have the clearance yet to make that call."
[03:16] * Muirfinn bows. "I doubt you are here to harm us, for one who spends his days on Elysium, but still."
[03:18] <Kotono> "Wait." The child stops, a different light to his eyes. Suddenly he stares at Muirfinn, as if seeing into him. The sense of presence is startling and thick, permeating the air like choking perfume. "This is MEDICANT?"
[03:20] * Muirfinn looks warily at the child, sensing the change in the air and determining it not to be a good thing. "Yes, it was called Medicant before the refugees from Lifasa found it."
[03:25] <Kotono> The child raises a single, shaking finger at Muirfinn, "Why didn't you say so?!"
[03:26] <Muirfinn> "Most people give me a blank look or ignore it when I mention it." Muirfinn says. "Are you well?"
[03:28] <Kotono> "I grew up on stories about Medicant! My teacher's teacher's teacher trained under one of the survivors!" With a shaking finger that's slowly lowered, "It's what inspired me to study demiplanes!"
[03:30] <Muirfinn> "Ahhhhh." Muirfinn says, a look of clarity and understanding coming over his face as his features relax. "We've been here for some time now, restoring and renovating the place."
[03:31] <Muirfinn> "We've made various changes and upgrades to the more mundane systems. This," Muirfinn gestures to the bookshelves, "is Medi's library."
[03:32] <Kotono> "I see, I see," Nodding quickly, going to touch a bookshelf with shaking hands, "Were there any survivors in statis, by chance? What about the control spirit?"
[03:35] <Muirfinn> "The control spirit was off-plane, I believe. The original discovering group had to retrieve him from what I understand. As for survivors...Elena!"
[03:36] <Kotono> Elena so appears, "Ye-" she asks, as the child kneels before her, "Lady Elena!" he gasps, "The control spirit did survive!"
[03:37] <Kotono> "Control spirit...?" Elena cocks her head to the side, "That's...not quite the term, but hello there," she finally says, perking up, "Lady Elena? I like the sound of that."
[03:37] <Muirfinn> "I'd introduce you, young man, but I don't believe you ever gave me your name." Muirfinn looks amused.
[03:56] <Kotono> "Sasashil," The child finally answers, eyes wide open. "This is really...!" His voice trails off into wonder, "I beg your pardon, and the pardon of all of Aurora! I had thought to help you like typical wandering mortals, but you are anything but!"
[03:57] * Muirfinn gives a half smile. "A fair number of us aren't even mortals."
[03:59] <Kotono> Elena giggles, "The mortals here are some of the scariest, anyway," Elena adds, "They can keep up with the spirits, elementals and heroes." Brightly going on, sitting back on a ghostly blue throne that appears behind her, "I suppose we can accept this apology, right, Muirfinn?"
[04:01] <Muirfinn> "Of course, Lady Elena." Muirfinn says, playing along and taking a knee in front of her.
[04:04] <Kotono> Suddenly giggling even more, "Well, welcome to Aurora then." She stands, grinning, "Aaaaah. So you found someone who knows about Aurora, Muirfinn?"
[04:06] <Muirfinn> "Yes, he says he was taught by...how many teachers was it?" Muirfinn looks at the boy.
[04:07] <Muirfinn> "A student of a student of a student of a survivor of Medican't original fall?"
[04:09] <Kotono> "That's right," Sasashil answers immediately, "I was told the stories of it, and it inspired me to study demiplanes!"
[04:12] <Kotono> "Ooooh." Elena nods, "Well then, welcome to the Crusade!" Elena says, "I can tell you some stories about Sir Medi if you want."
[04:12] <Muirfinn> "Elena still remembers him." Muirfinn agrees.
[04:13] <Kotono> "Really!" The child looks up, "But wait, wait, wait. I can't join a Crusade, I have Wellspring to look after and all the souls there. I came to help out...but I didn't realize this demiplane was Medicant."
[04:15] <Muirfinn> "If there's no one you can pass the responsibility on to for a while, you're welcome to visit."
[04:18] <Kotono> The child begins to pace back and forth, "It's a relatively well integrated demiplane into Elysium," he begins, "With blurred borders that can smoothly blend into it, but the abjurations around it and Elysium's own rules prevent it from being found without a hook. I can't just pick it up and go," he says, "The souls there are the souls of the brave who needed to find a path to happiness. Neither
[04:18] <Kotono> quite alive or quite dead - uniquely suited for a peace similar to Elysium's own, but requiring a different touch." Pausing, "Are in your numbers any who can provide great hope?"
[04:20] <Muirfinn> "Supernaturally, or ideologically? If the latter, we are the figuratve spirit of hope. We comparative few fight to free our entire plane from the control of a duke of hell, and we believe we can do it. We are based on hope in the extreme."
[04:23] <Kotono> "More in the works of oratory, speeches or knowing how to reach out and inspire hope," The child continues, "A great leader, a motivator of men."
[04:26] <Muirfinn> "We do occasionally give speeches. I know that my people have an oral history tradition, and that I am a practiced storyteller. Jaela and Afina are not unknown for them either." Muirfinn offers.
[04:27] <Muirfinn> "You've heard a bit of what I can say already." Muirfinn points out.
[04:28] <Kotono> "Mister, you're good, but not that good," Admitting as much after a few moments, "If you have someone really good at it, you might fire up some of the souls into looking past their pain and picking up for a good cause."
[04:31] * Muirfinn shrugs. "Perhaps not. I know Morniel is an accomplished speaker. He must be, to be a celestial diplomat. I'v enot heard him make a presentation, though." Muirfinn is REACHING!
[04:31] <Kotono> "That or get some good magic to back up your words," Elena points out, "People around here use magic to augment various skills all the time."
[04:32] <Muirfinn> "I know that I have the ability to inspire hops magically, but it's not permanent."
[04:32] <Muirfinn> OOC: Hope, not hops
[04:36] <Kotono> "Well, if you can get someone, you might be able to stir up some warriors," he says.
[04:41] * Muirfinn nods. "We'll see what we can work up. It would be good to let fallen warriors fight again. I'll put up a call about the place and see if we get any bites. Perhaps we have a hidden master speaker hidden in our ranks."
[04:42] <Kotono> "If you do..." The child lets it go at that. "Now, would you show me around more?"

[Corwin]

#d

[20:11] <Kotono> Thus does Muirfinn pass through the Gate. Stepping out, Muirfinn finds himself on the shores of a rocky island. It is quite large to his eye, rising up before him. In the sky above, the heavy, full moon shines light down, casting everything in ethereal radiance.
[20:14] * Muirfinn eyes the rockiness, and then looks at Chok, who he brought along this time. Right now, the dinosaur is hopping up and down over the rocks, playing. Shaking his head, Muirfinn presses on, seeking the second angel!
[20:15] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 65." [1d100=65]
[20:18] <Kotono> Muirfinn takes to wandering. He finds a path up and ahead. He climbs for a goodly time, rising higher and higher! The moon looms larger, and far above he can begin to see little shrines dotting about. But as he does, something else catches his eye. As he crests a ridge, he sees a valley below. It is full of white flowers, motes of moonlight rising up from them. These motes dance in the air,
[20:18] <Kotono> weaving higher and higher into the sky. OOC: Make a will save for both you and Chok?
[20:18] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+27+6 Muirfinn
[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+27+6 Muirfinn and gets 40." [1d20=7]
[20:19] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+5 Chok
[20:19] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+5 Chok and gets 17." [1d20=12]
[20:21] <Kotono> The sight is beautiful. So beautiful that Chok is frozen in place, unable to do anything but stare. Muirfinn feels much the same, but only his years of mental training and effort allow him some semblance of action beyond raptorous fascination. OOC: Act, Muirfin. It's hard to do anything but watch the motes of moonlight, you're treated as being slowed.
[20:22] <Muirfinn> The moonlight making him feel sluggish, Muirfinn heads forward a few steps before noticing Chok's immobility. He sighs and hefts the beast into his arms and slowly makes his way further.
[20:25] <Kotono> OOC: Heading up towards the shrines or down towards the flowers?
[20:26] <Muirfinn> OOC: Let's avoid the flowers for now. If that's my destination, I'll see it through after checking out the shrines and stuff.
[20:29] <Kotono> Muirfinn rises up. As he does, he finds a deep lethargy settling deeper within himself. His eyes grow heavy, his limbs become sluggish and his vision dims. Fatigue embraces him like an old friend as he climbs up, brain adaze. The vision of the shrine ahead blurs in and out of awareness, even as he comes closer. It's a small shrine - pillared and wall-less, simply able to walk in. White stone
[20:29] <Kotono> floor, and a roof that lets in every droplet of moonlight from above.
[20:32] <Muirfinn> Feeling the weariness in his bones, Muirfinn nevertheless trudges into the shrine, looking around. Though he may be weary, he is a tortle! Stout and swarthy! Resistant to even a hard march or a day's swim!
[20:36] <Kotono> It looks to be...mm...vision swimming again, Muirfinn can see something. The hazy outline of a woman, just flickering into being faintly visible. She's just before Muirfinn, offering her hand out.
[20:37] <Muirfinn> "...hello?"
[20:37] * Muirfinn shakes his head violently, trying to clear the cobwebs.
[20:38] <Kotono> The hazy outline of a woman puts a finger to her lips, going to sit. She holds her hand out, as if beckoning Muirfinn.
[20:39] <Muirfinn> Shrugging to himself, Muirfinn heads over to her, leaning Chok's head over his shoulder now for a better carry. Little lizard is remarkably heavy.
[20:40] <Kotono> The woman pats the ground next to her, and faraway, as if through water and distance, "Rest," she calls, a voice making the fatigue within Muirfinn spike anew. "Dream."
[20:42] <Muirfinn> Nothing bad could possibly happen here! Muirfinn still resists valiantly! "...who are you? Why am I so tired?"
[20:44] <Kotono> As a yawn ripples through Muirfinn, her voice is heard again, "Sahiel, dreaming."
[20:46] <Muirfinn> Well alright then. Muirfinn places his reptile friend on the ground, no doubt already sleeping away the...day? Night? Planes can be confusing. His head is tired. Why is his head so tire-Snorrrrrrrrr
[20:51] <Kotono> There's barely even a moment before sleep overtakes Muirfinn. Mmm...hmmm? You now lie in the Courtyard of Aurora. The moon is out and ever so dazzling-bright. No...no. It's entirely the moon. Sitting before you, legs tucked beneath her, is a woman. Her hair is the white of the full moon, long. She wears armor that appears to be little more than the moonlight wrought into metal, breastplate,
[20:51] <Kotono> greaves the like. Several wings of moonlight rest on her back, as she runs a hand over Muirfinn's cheek. "Welcome. I am Sahiel, angel of night and protector of the dreaming. You wished on the power of Chaos to receive the gift of moonfire."
[20:54] <Muirfinn> Blinking up at the angel, Muirfinn says, "Ah, hello. Yes. I did. My name is Muirfinn. Good to meet you. Do you want anything in return?" Ever courteous!
[20:58] <Kotono> "There is no need, not for this," Sahiel smiles, her face becoming older as you watch it - from youthful to middle aged, yet her eyes never stop shining. In her hands is now a flower. The same white flower you saw before, yet instead of motes of moonlight, droplets of sizzling, beautiful white/silver fire blossom within. "Within this flower are the secrets of moonfire. Your friend Balyss will
[20:58] <Kotono> be able to help whomever seeks to learn within, and Gaelach may benefit as well."
[20:59] * Ebiris is now known as Afina
[21:01] * Muirfinn reaches out and takes the flower! "You have my thanks, and the thanks of those of the Aurora. This will no doubt aid us greatly in our crusade against evil."
[21:02] <Kotono> Sahiel's face ages yet - an old woman speaks to you, wizened and old. "Fight on," she promises, as...mmm? Muirfinn blinks, lying. Lying down? Yep, lying down, waking up. Besides him Chok snores, and in the distance, Aurora looms.
[21:03] <Muirfinn> How kind of her to return him to the Aurora! Muirfinn pushes himself to his feet again, hefting Chok as he heads for the Aurora!