046.1 Jaela, Mirima and the world of Alere

[Corwin]

[19:45] <Kotono> Mirima is found in the Courtyard. Here are several - Mirima, the Master and Rosa. Before them are lines of troops, several hundred of them. A cross-section of Aurora's forces, as Rosa speaks, voice carrying clearly, "This is not just our duty, but what is just. For that we will push ourselves further and farther, no matter the obsticle."
[19:47] <Jaela> Acting invisible while she's quite literally glowing would just be silly, so Jaela does the next best thing and pretends like she belongs. This might well be a good chance to see more of Rosa, and she's somewhat curious what got Mirima and the Master to work together like they seem to be.
[19:51] <Kotono> Mirima stands at easy attention, all elven graces and fiery litheness. The Master is far more serene, patiently waiting as Rosa continues. She sweeps an arm out, a wide gesture as, "That is why this level of advanced training is essential. Should we fail, it is not only our lives at stake. It is the hopes for justice of an entire world, the burden of righting a monstrous wrong! In our hearts,"
[19:51] <Kotono> Thumping a fist to her chest, "We know Lifasa is wrong and we know Hell is wrong. It is up to us to be ready and able to right this wrong."
[19:55] <Jaela> Advanced training and proper motivation at the same time? That's more than interesting. Saying anything would just disrupt the mood Rosa has going, however, and Jaela decides to observe just where this is all going. She can always try to talk to Mirima afterwards, and she has no personal plans that would get disrupted in the process.
[19:58] <Kotono> "By my order and the orders of General Gisfal, The Master of the Fists of War and Mirima of the Graceful Blow will be overseeing your training. It will be hard training and it will be aimed to break you. You will be broken," Her gaze sweeps out, "We will reassemble you better, stronger and truer."
[20:00] * Jaela barely stops herself from grimacing. How unfortunate. Still, with no better options open before her, Jaela resolves to oversee the training for as long as it would take. To be effective, training must include breaks; she will just have to use the first one to steal Mirima away for a few moments.
[20:08] <Kotono> A few hours pass - hellish, unrelenting training. You watch the three put them through hell - Mirima's work is about grace and mobility, while the master covers unarmed fighting and evasion and Rosa covers armor use. Eventually there is a short break, Mirima sweaty as she drinks from a ladle of water one soldier brings. She wipes her lips and sighs after, resting a few moments.
[20:11] <Jaela> "Impressive," Jaela murmurs, joining Mirima. She grabs a towel, and after summoning enough water to wet it offers it to the elf. "And an interesting combination."
[20:13] <Kotono> Mirima vigorously towels herself off, sighing happily before lowering it. Her hair is touseled now, but her face is cleaner and the flush of activity in her cheeks lessens. "You don't know the half of it. Rosa and Gisfal met in passing, and one thing led to another. There's that training room now, but apparently Rosa's more classically inclined." Pausing to wipe her brow clean again, "It's
[20:13] <Kotono> nothing compared to Strength of Light, but it's still a trial."
[20:15] <Jaela> "Those two hit it off at first sight?" Jaela asks, before adding with a snort, "Professionally, that is?"
[20:16] <Kotono> "Yes," Mirima says, and after a few moments, "Come, I can spare some time. Let's walk."
[20:17] <Jaela> "I was hoping you might," Jaela responds, falling in step with her. "Want to go out into Ysgard for a bit?"
[20:21] <Kotono> With murmured agreement, the two of you step out into Ysgard. The air is viciously cold, Mirima inhaling and exhaling as she walks out, arms spread. Her pace is slow, simply following Jaela for now.
[20:23] <Jaela> "I guess my timing's all bad," Jaela says, not in any hurry either. "I was coming to see you. Well, see if you had a few days to spare, more like."
[20:28] <Kotono> "What for," Mirima's voice is light as she walks along, "Business or pleasure, more like?"
[20:32] <Jaela> "I'm done with business for a while," Jaela responds, grinning at her. "A few raids on Lifasa did the trick. I figured... you know, it's been ages since I just went to a Prime and relaxed. The only time I even visited one was yours, and it wasn't really a vacation. What I'm trying to say here, we can go to any heaven we want to but there's that sense of overwhelming good and all that. I don't think we need that? I'll be plenty happy just from your company. I even figured I could pretend to be an aasimar or something if it came to that, if it's some world where celestials are rare."
[20:34] <Kotono> "Hm," Here Mirima hums to herself, "A Prime doesn't narrow it down. What do you want - a big city? Primal forests? Ocean beaches? Cloud castles?" Despite that she's smiling, "If I have an order from General Jaela to aid her in a foray, I could leave right away."
[20:38] <Jaela> "Heh. I think we've got responsibilities, you know? We get our own rooms, we get better gear, the works. But we're also the ones the troops rely on, and what they could allow themselves, we can't. So it's okay, I'll just wait. Even help you out with the training, if you like. If it's an advanced course mapped out by Gisfal, it has to be finite and not ongoing or whichever." She considers the actual question next, and ends up shrugging. "And I dunno. I've only ever been to two Primes. Mine and yours. On mine, I used to live at this huge city, and in yours I pretty much visited the same. Maybe we can start with something familiar like that, then, and see from there? When you're free again, I mean?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "We also have lives," Mirima counters, "As important is our duties are, what is a blade that isn't cleaned and sharpened? A vacation is our sharpening." Turning to Jaela, "Let's go - not at the end of this, but now, as soon as we can make the preparations."
[20:52] <Jaela> "It's true. We have our lives," Jaela agrees. "How about this? We'll go get Misalea and have her stick through the rest of the day so she's fully in the loop. Then, if we get her to agree to take your place, we'll leave first thing in the morning. I could do all the prep in the meantime. Maybe read something in the library about a suitable place. Maybe some sorta legend that we could check out if we get bored with the normalcy?"
[20:53] <Kotono> "Alright," Mirima smiles a little bit, "Let's do this, then."

[21:00] <Kotono> OOC: What exactly are you trying to find/research?
[21:02] <Jaela> OOC: Maybe some Prime has a Sword in the Stone legend or something? Could make for a fun quest if the city life doesn't appeal.
[21:15] <Kotono> OOC: Could you narrow it down a little more? There's a whole lot of legends out there. Just looking for something interesting?
[21:16] <Jaela> OOC: Sure. If I need to narrow it down let's go with an elf theme and an anti-devil theme?
[21:23] <Kotono> OOC: Make an int check with the library bonus in play?
[21:24] <Jaela> roll 1d20+7+15
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+7+15 and gets 31." [1d20=9]
[21:31] <Kotono> Jaela reads and reads - eventually, she comes to one book. It describes the world Alere, where in the Forest of the Sun can be found the Salvation's Cross, a mystical artifact said to be the bane of fiends and guarded by immortal elves.
[21:34] <Jaela> Nice! Elves, devil-hating artifacts and ancient forests. Alere sounds like the world to go to, so unless Mirima knows something about it that would cause them to stay away, that's where they'll end up going. With that decided, the only things remaining for Jaela are whether she should diguise her wings or not -- reading the book in more detail should tell her how likely that world's inhabitants are to react to her presence, if she's lucky -- and to arrange babysitters for Mirajane. She won't stay away that long, probably no more than a week, so between her mother, Elena and Mei she should be covered.
[21:41] <Kotono> No such luck on that - it's a legend, not a world guide.
[21:43] <Jaela> Better safe than sorry, then. She'll just have to make use of Veil for the actual visit and see from there.

[21:52] * Jaela ends up searching her memories for how she recalls seeing herself just before Lifasa's invasion. She was just a normal aasimar at the time, and that look would suit her here as well. With her eyepatch removed, and looking like a younger, more mortal version of her current self, she probably wouldn't get recognized on sight by people who don't know her in person. As for those who might try to look for her, Greater Anticipate Teleport was invented for that very purpose, and she takes care to have it cast on her. She would need to handle it the next morning herself, but for the initial trip that's quite enough.
[21:56] <Kotono> With that, Mirima meets you. She is dressed simply, her sword at her side and aready. "You look..." she gives Jaela a long look, "More innocent," she decides.
[21:58] <Jaela> Her shield can be summoned within an instant, and the same goes for her weapons. She does like how she looks in her Millennial chainmail, however, so that certainly stays on. "In a good way?" Jaela asks with a grin.
[22:02] <Kotono> "The innocent are the most fun to teach," Mirima smirks, reaching out to caress Jaela's cheek. "Don't you think?"
[22:06] * Jaela laces her fingers behind her head casually, her grin widening. "I'll take us to Alere," she says. "I figure, any some random spot on it is fine?"
[22:11] <Kotono> "Aim for our destination, unless you want to wander," Mirima says, "But whatever strikes your fancy."
[22:14] <Jaela> "I was thinking about wandering," Jaela admits, before heading out of the Aurora's gates with Mirima. She'll try a blind plane shift to Alere and they can experience the world for a bit. There is plenty of teleportation magic in her to get to the forest of the immortal elves after touring that world for a bit.
[22:16] <Kotono> roll 1d100 this does call for random dice
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 this does call for random dice and gets 2." [1d100=2]
[22:16] <Kotono> roll 1d100 this does call for random dice
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 this does call for random dice and gets 88." [1d100=88]
[22:19] <Kotono> OOC: What level of fire res do you have?
[22:20] <Jaela> OOC: Fire Res 10
[22:22] <Kotono> Heat. Hot. You stand atop a sand dune, the noontime sun beating down on you. Your endurance against heat protects you, turning it into a pleasant warmth. As far as the eye can see are sand dunes, the sun shining in a bright blue sky. Not a cloud can be glimpsed above.
[22:24] <Jaela> "Let me take a look from the skies-- you're fine with the heat due to Strength of Light's training, right?"
[22:29] <Kotono> "It's pleasant," Mirima says, "Go on."
[22:31] <Jaela> Her wings are under a glamer, not gone. So Jaela takes off into the air to take a good look about. If they really are surrounded by nothing but sand, she can try teleporting them elsewhere. But even deserts sometimes boast of an oasis, and it would be as good a place as any to start this getaway at.
[22:32] <Kotono> Rising up high, you can see it to the east. It's far away, but patch of green and blue can be seen. It looks like an oasis, yet occasoinally crackles with blue-purple.
[22:35] * Jaela touches down by Mirima, only to sweep her off her feet. "We lucked out, looks like. There's a weird oasis off to the east. Wanna teleport over to it?"
[22:36] <Kotono> "Ah!" With a little bit of surprise she nods, "Fly, teleport, whatever strikes your fancy," she agrees.
[22:37] * Jaela takes them up far enough that they can see the oasis to the east, and then Jaela attempts a mid-range teleport that would put them within a few minutes of walking from it.
[22:37] <Jaela> roll 1d100 teleport
[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d100 teleport and gets 4." [1d100=4]
[22:41] <Kotono> Woosh! So you appear - ahead is an oasis. Palm trees, water and a splash of greenery are about. Yet it regularly crackles with points of electricity. All around are green-blue lizards, regularly crackling with this electricity. They lounge in the sun or by the water, or climb trees or wander about. A few look at the duo as they appear, but they seem to merit no great interest from them, no
[22:41] <Kotono> reaction at all.
[22:43] * Jaela is still uncertain about what to do, but decides to protect Mirima from electricity, first thing, and then do the same for herself.
[22:44] <Jaela> roll 1d20+29
[22:44] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+29 and gets 34." [1d20=5]
[22:44] <Kotono> As Jaela casts, she feels a pressure in her mind. No words, just a feeling. A feeling of a question, asking simply 'What are you?'
[22:45] <Jaela> The problem with telepathy is that she never knows if her mind is being read, or if she's expected to answer out loud. Rather than a rant on the subject, however, Jaela focuses her thoughts on, 'A pair of travelers. Is this your home? Can we visit?'
[22:47] <Kotono> As one the lizards turn towards the duo! Dozens and dozens and dozens - coming up from burrows in the ground, behind trees and in the water! Forget a dozen, this is easily several hundred! The pressure against Jaela's mind is overwhelming, 'You are not Ash'arai. You are not Khalar. You are not Endrost. Tell us what you are.'
[22:47] <Kotono> Mirima gasps, staggering as shegrabs Jaela's shoulder, righting herself.
[22:51] <Jaela> "An angel," Jaela says, wrapping an arm around Mirima's waist. "You're thinking too strongly. Lighten up on it." If they don't, she'll take the two of them away, Jaela decides.
[22:53] <Kotono> The pressure lessens - slightly. 'You are new to us. You may come. Tell us of yourselves. Tell us what an angel is.'
[22:54] <Jaela> "Is it enough?" Jaela asks Mirima, looking at her in concern.
[23:28] <Kotono> "It's lessened," Mirima gasps, "Did you feel that?"
[23:29] <Jaela> "Definitely," Jaela agrees. Well then, they did do as she asked. Why not reciprocate? "An angel's someone on the side of justice," Jaela says, opting to go with what's on her mind. "At first, when Creation was made, there were Order and Chaos as concepts. But slowly, as sentients started living in our Creation, they decided they needed something more so they split further, into opposites of their choosing. That's how good and evil came to be. Evil's about hurting others, while Good's about helping them and stopping Evil. Pretty simple, right? So angels are those who are this natural part of the side of Good."
[23:31] <Kotono> 'Good, evil, order, chaos. What are these?' The pressure asks again, 'We have heard the terms good and evil from the Ash'arai and the Endrost, but never the meaning - save that we are evil, to them.'
[23:33] <Jaela> This time, Jaela consider the question for a while. "In simple terms, Chaos and Order only matter in a society. They're all about how the individual fits in that society. Do you understand this particular concept?"
[23:35] <Kotono> 'Yes. There are us and there are those who are not.' Is the answer you get, 'We survive and they perish.'
[23:36] * Jaela tilts her head. "That's not quite it. A society is the framework for different people coexisting. To use your example, it would exist when you and those who are not you can come together with both sides surviving."
[23:37] <Kotono> 'That is not possible. There is us and there is those who are not. Those who do not join us die in the desert.
[23:37] <Kotono> '
[23:39] <Jaela> "You must accept the existence of societies beyond the desert that you know if my answers are to make sense to you."
[23:41] <Kotono> 'There are more of us beyond this place?' Suddenly even more eyes are on the duo, the pressure ratcheting up like a palpalable force, slamming into your skull, 'Where are they? They must join us.'
[23:42] <Jaela> "I warned you to stop," Jaela snaps, shifting herself and Mirima to a different oasis, this one on Astral.
[23:44] <Kotono> OOC: What's the CL on your spell?
[23:44] <Jaela> OOC: 21
[23:45] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[23:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 24." [1d20=9]
[23:45] <Kotono> A spike of will opposes Jaela's own, the magic rippling - but hers is superior, and a moment later the timelessness of the Silver Sea touches you. You stand in it and the oasis there, the sublime sense of stasis and eternity brushing against Jaela.
[23:46] * Jaela shakes her head with a frown. "Okay there, Mirima?" she asks, dismissive of those pathetic efforts to keep her behind. They thought to counterspell a specialist? Please.
[23:48] <Kotono> "I-I'm alright. They were focusing on you more, I think." Shaking her head, in a dazed, wondrous voice, "So alien, Jaela, and so curious."
[23:49] <Jaela> "There's that, at least." Jaela relaxes, before her grin reappears. "Guess I was good for something?"
[23:52] <Kotono> Her own grin isn't there - Mirima just seems utterly disoriented. "When I was a child, I studied beekeeping. It's all I could think of - the way bees and hives work."
[23:54] <Jaela> "I never did that, but I had the same thought," Jaela admits. "Hives, yeah?" It's a pretty good chance to hear more about Mirima's life, however, so she focuses on that rather than ruminate on a hive of shocker lizards. "When you were a child, you said? So a couple decades?"
[23:55] <Kotono> "Y-yes," Mirima nods, "It has been some time...before the war."
[23:56] <Jaela> "That's what you wanted to do with your life as a kid?"
[00:00] <Kotono> "No, not in particular," Shaking her head and looking around, "I loved honey as a child. I thought that if I learned to keep bees, I could have as much honey as I wanted."
[00:01] * Jaela laughs. "That's as good a reason as any, really. And I kinda admire that sorta thing. If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself, right?"
[00:03] <Kotono> "I've learned that," she says, starting to look around. "Where-where are we?"
[00:04] <Jaela> "Astral, the Silver Sea," Jaela announces grandly, spreading her arms. "And this specific oasis has a portal to Elysium. I just picked a place I know about for a breather."

[Corwin]

[19:43] <Kotono> Mirima continues to look about, eyes wide and wider yet. "It's like being in the sky, so high up that you can't see the ground."
[19:44] <Jaela> "I kinda like it. Wanna try flying with your mind? We never really got a chance for that during our last stop with Dana."
[19:47] <Kotono> "Flying with your mind?" Mirima enquires with a distinctly curious look on her face, "Like telekinesis?"
[19:48] <Jaela> "Kinda." Jaela floats ten feet back, and then gestures towards herself. "Just think that you wanna come closer."
[19:52] <Kotono> Mirima is still for a heartbeat before she flies towards Jaela! A little too fast, soaring past her with wide eyes before she adjusts! With a deft flip in the air she reverses course, "It works!"
[19:53] <Jaela> "Ah, right! Forgot to tell you, our speed's really boosted here. To Afina levels, pretty much. So it's important not to overshoot the destination."
[19:57] <Kotono> Soaring around Jaela in a circle, "It's different than magic. You think and it happens. I'm standing still yet I move!"
[19:58] <Jaela> "It's a great place. We don't get hungry or sleepy here, either. That stuff just doesn't exist here. Hell, the concept of time doesn't really exist here!"
[20:02] <Kotono> "No time? How does anything work?" Mirima says, "That makes no sense."
[20:06] <Jaela> "I kinda oversimplified it," Jaela admits with a shrug. "Pretty much, time is beyond messed up here. It's like everything here is frozen in time, so there's no urge or need to eat or sleep. Your body won't even age a day! But you could also say time does exist in some form, because if you cast Mage Armor it'd fade away eventually. In fact, that's about one of two ways I know for tracking time here on Astral. The other would be by staying in contact with another plane somehow."
[20:11] <Kotono> "If everything else is timeless," Mirima begins, "Why do spells erode? Should they not be eternal as well?"
[20:13] <Jaela> "A question above my paygrade," Jaela responds. "And it's not purely timeless as much as suspended in time. The moment we leave? It all comes back in an instant. So spend two days here, and you might collapse from lack of sleep. Spend a hundred years, and you might die from old age."
[20:21] <Kotono> "How amazing," Mirima remarks, stabilizing in the air, "The githyanki who follow Sage Vul'lath...if I recall, they're from the Astral Plane as well?"
[20:23] <Jaela> "Yeah. In fact, Vul'lath was so old he couldn't leave the place on his own. We had to deage him pretty drastically to save his ass from his lich queen."
[20:26] <Kotono> "Lucky for him," Mirima starts to drift back, "How'd you get involved with someone like that?"
[20:28] * Jaela floats up to Mirima so that they can drift side by side in the silver sea. "He's a sage. One that's known across the planes by reputation. Adrian thought he had a lead on the Aurora, and since I was already on Astral at the time, I figured sure why not. Then we met him-- huh, it was just after coming across Elrisa and Misalea. Yeah, Astral was good for fateful encounters."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Right," Mirima floats along, "But now what? Are we to stay here or return?"
[20:34] <Jaela> "We could try another blind shift," Jaela suggests. "They can be fun. Dangerous, too, I guess." She tilts her head, and casts Fortunate Fate upon Mirima. "Less dangerous, now. Let's give it a second try?"
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 50." [1d100=50]
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 86." [1d100=86]
[20:38] <Kotono> This time you appear in a thick pine forest. The ground has a light crusting of snow, the air chill and your breath misting about you. It's dim here - little rills of snow fall in amid the pines and through the needly canopy above.
[20:39] <Jaela> "I'm fine with the cold," Jaela says, after taking a look about. "How about you?"
[20:43] <Kotono> Mirima shivers, "I prefer it warmer," she says as she rubs her upper arms, drawing into herself. "W-winter."
[20:44] * Jaela grants her cold resistance with a touch. "How about now?" she asks, before wrapping a part of her cloak around the elf. "Better?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "Better," Mirima seconds, curling into that cloak. "Shall we wander?"
[20:48] <Jaela> "Yeah, that's the plan," Jaela agrees, intending to refresh that spell whenever it is about to expire.
[20:53] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 69." [1d100=69]
[20:55] <Kotono> Thus you indeed wander. Through snowy forest you walk about a half hour, before something catches your eye. To your left, the forest morphs as if mere clay, overgrown, trackless clutter becoming a clear, snowlined path as you pass by.
[20:55] <Jaela> "I think it's an invitation," Jaela muses, nodding her head towards the left.
[21:01] <Kotono> As Mirima follows, "By whom, I wonder," she speaks, "Elves? Fey?"
[21:03] <Jaela> "Fey were my first guess. The immortal elves I read about here are in the Forest of the Sun, and--" Jaela gestures around them, "--this doesn't really feel like it."
[21:19] <Kotono> Thus the duo travel ahead. Soon you come to a clearing, ringed by a circular wall of huge oak trees. Not a single snowflake rests here, the foliage of these trees green and summery despite the chill in the air. As you approach, a voice whispers, "Why have you come here, servant of the sky? It is not yet time."
[21:19] <Jaela> "Time for what?" Jaela asks, deciding to play along once more.
[21:22] <Kotono> The voice is masculine, soft spoken and reflective. "...No servant of the sky would ask that," it ascertains. "Yet such as you are, you exist and come forth. Why have you come from the Endless Sky and Elysian Fields to this place? If it is not time to bring the final winter, then state your business."
[21:25] <Jaela> "I was getting out of touch with the world and needed to refresh myself," Jaela responds. "I don't know if you can understand that reason. But I think we lose something of ourselves if we just stay in a heaven or head off into the Abyss to fight." She shrugs. "There was no intent to get in the way. We wanted to spend some time with nature, and then a bit more wiht the locals -- humans, elves, it doesn't really matter. Can you direct us to the right place?"
[21:27] <Kotono> "I shall cast you into the blizzard that forms to the west. It will fall over Wintenor." At this, Jaela can feel her b ody growing cold, the air becoming thick with frost!
[21:28] * Jaela holds onto Mirima's hand, giving the being a nod. Their magical protections should be enough, and it would be an interesting new way to travel.
[21:36] <Kotono> In an instant, Jaela and Mirima shatter apart! What happens next is a dream-daze - of traveling not as one body but thousands of bits of ice and snow above. Flying into the sky and into the chill embrace of heavy gray clouds. Of spinning with countless others as pale faced maidens of ice and snow take the wintry weather through a loom, forming great bands and patterns in the clouds. From this
[21:36] <Kotono> dream you then remember falling, falling as one and many, falling to the dark, glittering world below, a jewel of light amid the nighttime darkness. Then - awareness returns in earnest. You stand in what looks to be a snowclogged street. Around you smooth buildings of metal and glass rise around you. Vast windows and skeletons of what looks to be worked steel and mithral form towers that rise
[21:36] <Kotono> high into the air - the average building looks to be at least a dozen stories, closer to a tower than anything else. These buildings interlink by high walkways, forged of floating, round circular stones. The buildings are adorned with hundreds and hundreds of tiny colored lights, each building having a pattern of style of colored lights. One is blue and red, another is white and green, another
[21:37] <Kotono> is pure blue. Walking about in the streets are humanoids, dressed lightly for the weater. Males wear only simple shorts, while women wear shorts and a cut top. The cold does not seem to bother them in the least, one can note. They resemble humans on first glance, but have a third eye on their forehead, making a triangle of eyes. The third eye ripples with colors, reflecting the nearest light. 
[21:37] <Kotono> Not a one gives the duo a second glance.
[21:39] <Jaela> "Whoa." For an experience like that, Jaela has no other words. She keeps a small portion of her mind on ensuring they would avoid any of the locals from running into them, but the rest of her is split between reliving that memory and admiring the alien structures.
[21:43] <Kotono> Mirima says nothing - staring up at the heavy snowfall above, as it glows with the lights of the glassy towers. Yet you barely have a chance to even do that, as a figure appears before you. He is clad like the others, his two normal eyes closed and his third eye open. It glows a bright white, "The Hallowed Grandfather has informed us of your arrival, servant of the sky," he says, "I am the 9th
[21:43] <Kotono> circle Daevan of West." His voice is sonorous and soothing, numbing as the winter wind blowing into your face.
[21:44] <Jaela> "Hello," Jaela responds, giving her a moment longer to gather her thoughts. "We wanted to visit. Is that alright?"
[21:45] <Kotono> "It shall be as spoken," Is his reply, spreading his hands wide. "Wintenor shall be as spoken."
[21:46] <Jaela> It seems clear enough that her desire to blend in was a bit optimistic, but Jaela decides to learn from this experience to do better next time. "Could you tell us about Wintenor?" she requests, falling into the familiar diplomatic speech patterns. "And about this world?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "It shall be as spoken," He replies, as the wind swirls around you. You find yourselves rising into the air, "Wintenor is where the Unchosen reside, under the care of the Hallowed Grandfather and the guidance Lords of the Sky. We are set apart from the other races, as we are to prepare for the final winter."
[21:48] <Kotono> *guidance of
[21:49] <Jaela> OOC: Do I have any knowledge about these people or the terms they're using?
[21:49] <Kotono> OOC: Unless you have an obscure K:L which I know yo udon't have, no.
[21:50] <Jaela> "And what are these preparations?"
[21:53] <Kotono> Higher and higher you rise, story after story! "It shall be as spoken. We are to store the essence of winter and ensure it is not disturbed," he replies, as you reach about 10 stories up. Here you fly right into a glass window, which ripples open. Within is cold, but at least the snow and wind don't penetrate. Here everything is metal and glass - tables of glass, chairs of metal. Scattered about
[21:53] <Kotono> all over, like a casual smattering. "The Hallowed Grandfather gave us sanctuary and the Lords of the Sky give us wisdom."
[21:55] * Jaela nods slowly. "Did anyone ever come to disturb it?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "It shall be as spoken." The Daevan replies, as glass goblets full of dark red liquid - wine, perhaps - appear on the table. "The Ash'arai have attempted to steal and destroy winter. The Empire of Kalkanar attempted to colonize these lands. Both failed. Mortals are forbidden from these realms, servant of the sky. I ask why you have brought a mortal with you, yet she is not of Endrost nor of
[21:59] <Kotono> Selvorn."
[22:01] <Jaela> "Mirima is a mortal," Jaela agrees, "but she doesn't reside in the mortal lands. She lives with me in a heaven. I would like to ask that you make an exception to her on account of that. She wouldn't try to steal or destroy winter while she is here."
[22:02] <Kotono> "It shall be as spoken, servant of the sky." The Daevan intones, staying standing. "Which Lord do you serve?"
[22:04] <Kotono> Mirima stays quiet for now, seeming to take everything in.
[22:05] * Jaela frowns slightly. "We use different terms back home than you do here. I was aware of that, but I didn't think it would come up. I thought my presence here would go unnoticed." She tilts her head, asking, "Can you tell what I am just by looking at me, without the Hallowed Grandfather informing you of it?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "It shall be as seen." Intoning that, "The Eye of Truth sees all and past the visages of illusion. It is the gift of the Hallowed Grandfather, so that no lies shall deter us from our chosen task."
[22:07] <Jaela> "Oh, I see. Then my original assumption might still be true." Jaela nods to herself. "Could you please provide me with a map of the world, or even just a chance to study one?"

[Corwin]

[19:45] <Kotono> "It shall be as spoken," The Daevan intones once more, as an image appears in the air before you. It is of a long rectangle. Chunks of land are surrounded by oceans, which waterfall off the edges of the rectangle. Below, within and behind the waterfalls are floating continents. Far below the rectangle and even the floating islands is a point of intense light, like a miniature star.
[19:46] <Kotono> "Is this the entire world?" Mirima stares at it, reaching out and touching one of the waterfalls. "The edge of the world!"
[19:51] <Jaela> "Impressive," Jaela voices, studying the projection. "Can you tell us about the world's inhabitants and point them out on the map? I heard of Ash'arai, Khalar and Endrost. And of Kalkanar, now," she adds thoughtfully. "Are those two one and the same?"
[19:57] <Kotono> "The Ash'arai," The map vanishes, revealing a ruddy, red haired humanoid. It is approximately 5 feet tall, all corded muscle and tense, ready energy. It is darkly tanned, with pointed elven ears. "Ash'arai were once known as elves, but the Coming of Arai splintered them away. They roam the hot deserts and arid steppes of the center of the world. In them is the spirit of the flames, as well as
[19:57] <Kotono> the guidance of the Father of Elves. They are a harsh and proud people who loathe the cooler climates."
[19:58] <Jaela> Fire elves. Jaela nods at him in understanding.
[20:03] <Kotono> As Mirima mimics that gesture, "Khalar were once known as humans." So answering, "They were chosen by many Lords of the Sky and gained great variety. In time humanity splintered, becoming many unique races. The Khalar revere Ulata; they reject civilization and all trappings, living as hunters, gathers and nomads. No terrain can bow their spirits, and they can survive anywhere."
[20:04] <Jaela> Was her understanding of the planes limited? Or is this world one of the effectively sealed ones, being an exception to the rule? Jaela resolves to look into that once it is time for her to return to the Aurora, nodding once more.
[20:05] <Kotono> "Ulata?" Mirima asks curiously, "I've never heard of such a deity."
[20:05] <Jaela> "That much, I expected," Jaela admits. "Remember saying the names we use are different? It's unfortunate, but we'll just have to study and compare once we're back."
[20:06] <Jaela> *me saying
[20:07] <Kotono> The third eye of the Daevan closes, and he is silent several moments. In the air the image of a human appears - slender and lithe, unclothed and bearing no weapon. There is an animal's grace to him, all muscle and hunting ability. "Another of our kind knows that Ulata is known as the Oak Father and the Forest Father."
[20:08] <Jaela> "Those terms, I know," Jaela muses, turning towards Mirima. "Silvanus, then."
[20:10] <Kotono> "Ah, different names," Mirima agrees, "That does make sense. I've heard one or two different names for known deities since I joined Aurora."
[20:11] <Jaela> "If we can't wait, I can ask the Triune for a running translation on the names," Jaela offers.
[20:12] <Kotono> "It shall be as spoken," The Daevan intones once more, "You may know Arai as the Lord of all Fires or the Flamelord. He was summoned forth by the greatest of mages. The Coming of Arai burnt away an entire continent, and had consequences felt for millenia."
[20:13] * Jaela sighs. "I'm not surprised."
[20:15] <Kotono> "Summoning a..." Mirima pales in the meanwhile, as your host opens his third eye. "We revere and fear the Lords of the Sky, for they have the power to asunder the world. Arai did take no other action than to strike down he who sought to command him, yet his presence was enough to destroy."
[20:17] <Jaela> "It doesn't even take a deity to cause that much damage by their mere presence," Jaela agrees solemnly. "At least I'm still safe." She wonders if it would ever change for a few moments, before asking, "And the other inhabitants of this world?"
[20:24] <Kotono> "The Endrost are the children of the Elves and a servant of the sky. He gave the elves the gift of life, creating a new race of elves. The Endrost have a touch of the sky's blood and the blood of immortals, yet are still fully mortal. They seek to create life." An image appears - this of a woman with a rounded, placid face. She wears a simple dress, her eyes and ears entirely elven despite her
[20:24] <Kotono> relative bulk by elven standards. "They are not like the Ash'arai, who splintered away. They exist within the realm."
[20:25] <Jaela> "They sound like our best bet for a quick visit," Jaela muses. While waiting for Mirima's own input, she asks, "Can you show me one of their large cities on the map, you think? And come to think of it, will they be able to see past my veil?"
[20:32] <Kotono> "They will not," The Daevan replies, as the map reappears, zooming into the southern part of the rectangle. Into a continent, and into a rolling, gentle plain. "This entire continent is that of the realm. Here, the elves do not only reside in the forests of wild nature." Coming closer, you see a large city of trees that are hollowed into houses, a city of tree islands and wide canals full of
[20:32] <Kotono> sparkling blue water. "Laa is a peaceful city where any with elven blood are welcomed, save for the Ash'arai."
[20:34] <Jaela> "Looks good, thanks," Jaela voices, committing it to memory. "Any other major powers we should know about?"
[20:37] <Kotono> "The Selvorn," The map of the city is gone, replaced by the image of a classical elf, "Are full blooded elves. They are artists above all." Closing his eye again, "It shall be as heard," he murmurs, "We desire to know which Lord of the Sky you follow, even if we do not know the name. In this past decade a new Lord of the Sky has made herself known to us. We wonder if there are others yet."
[20:38] <Jaela> "No problem," Jaela agrees. "Just a second." She casts her Lore spell, and then relies on it to get the point across. "Like I said before, it's the Triune. That's just one of the names for her, of course. Your name for her would be...."
[20:40] <Kotono> There is a brief pause, "Dema." He replies, "You are not of Lyssa, then. I had wondered if you followed her."
[20:45] <Jaela> "No, but I did visit her realm. Her and Las's," Jaela responds. "Her servants are nice and welcoming. So to answer your question, there were two more new Lords, as you say. Las would be one, unless you just group the two of them together into the same whole. The other would be Seira. Her realm and servants are pretty nice as well. Her dominions are fire and... friendship, I guess?"
[20:56] <Kotono> "Seira...thank you for revealing this to us. It shall be as spoken," The Daevan replies.
[20:58] * Jaela waves him off. "Not a problem. Say, are you the one manipulating the illusions here, or is it a device you're operating? If the latter, I could show you their realms with it."
[21:14] <Kotono> "It is my magic," He answers, "The Daevans are all particularly skilled with magic."
[21:15] * Jaela nods. "I'm mostly focused towards combat magic. Though I should really try to do something to cover the gap in utility."
[21:18] <Kotono> The Daevan nods at this, "Shall you require anything else of us now, servant of the sky?"
[21:20] <Jaela> "Do you think you could show us another major city, this one for the Selvorn?" Jaela requests. "And then, the Forest of the Sun? I'm hoping we could visit them all."
[21:36] <Kotono> "All elven cities are those of the Selvorn, save for the Asa'arai," The Daevan replies. "The Forest of the Sun? You seek that?"
[21:39] <Jaela> "I know it holds Salvation's Cross," Jaela responds. "It would be good to see if we're worthy of it."
[21:44] <Kotono> "That is true," The Daevan replies, "To reach Salvation's Cross requires many trials and tribulations. Fiends loathe it, for when you present it, all fiendish lies are revealed. Those under the thrall of fiends are reminded of the hope of salvation."
[21:46] <Jaela> "That second one... is kinda good," Jaela muses. "We did rescue several victims of the fiends, so... yeah, we'll give it a good try. Thanks."
[21:51] <Kotono> "Be warned," The Daevan speaks up, "It is meant to be carried by a child of this world. I do not know if the elves will permit it to be taken by you."
[21:51] <Jaela> "We won't take it by force," Jaela assures him. "And I won't try to take it under false pretenses. If they don't think our cause is good enough, that's that."
[22:05] <Kotono> "It shall be as spoken," The Daevan intones.
[22:07] * Jaela glances at Mirima once more. "Do you want to go and blend in with the locals of Laa? We might even come across a local hero who's itching to crusade against fiends!"
[22:09] <Kotono> "Yes," Mirima rises, "All of this - learning the history of a whole new world, is a bit much."
[22:10] * Jaela rises to her own feet. "Thanks for everything," she tells their guide. "If there's a good chance, I'll step by again and show you images of those realms."
[22:19] <Kotono> "IT shall be as spoken," The Daevan replies. "Do not speak of Wintenor to them, nor of what you have learned here."
[22:20] <Jaela> "Of course," Jaela responds, offering Mirima her hand. "Take care." She intends to plane shift them to the outskirts of Laa via the Astral oasis, except this time without more than a moment's pause.

[Corwin]

[22:29] <Kotono> Warmth. It's warm here, the scent of summery heat. You stand at the bank of a canal just soutside of the city of islands and trees, sun dappled canals full of giant green leaves. These leaves have passengers, coming and going about.
[22:30] <Jaela> "Third time's the charm?" Jaela voices with a grin.
[22:36] <Kotono> Mirima looks about, taking her time as the sun warms away the chill of Wintenor. "Beautiful," she announces in a word, "Such a melding of nature and civilization."
[22:38] <Jaela> "The leaves are nice," Jaela muses, doing much of the same, "but we don't really have any local currency." She loops her arm through Mirima's. "How about a stroll for now? We can follow the canal to the city."
[22:45] <Kotono> With that, Mirima takes your hand and you head into Laa! OOC: More.
[22:45] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 34." [1d100=34]
[22:46] <Kotono> The trip into the city is without incident. You find that once you reach the city, traveling on foot is impossible. Too many rivers and no bridges, but leaves pass to and fro all about on the clear canals.
[22:49] <Jaela> Well, then! When in Laa....
[22:49] * Jaela hops onto a passing leaf!

[Corwin]

[19:25] <Kotono> Mirima follows! On this leaf is a single male elf, wearing a green singlet and hose. He looks ahead, blonde haired and lithe of form. He turns back and greets both, "G'day," he says.
[19:27] <Jaela> "Good day," Jaela returns. Her Lore spell will hopefully alert her if she is about to do something extremely unreasonable that would blow her cover, but short of something like that she is content enough to play it by ear. "Are you from Laa?"
[19:30] <Kotono> "No, from Burea," he says, shaking his head, looking up at the bright sky with his arms crossed, "I'm visiting friends this year." As your leaf floats along he starts to turn towards the edge, "I'm getting off here," he says chartiably, an island ringed with oak trees, the tallest one in the center and with a greenstone tower weaved within it. He does pause a moment, "New in town?"
[19:36] <Jaela> "Yeah, kinda," Jaela agrees, asking before the leaf had a chance to travel out of range, "Where's a good place to stay a few nights?"
[19:39] <Kotono> "Here," he says, "Woodar's Lodgetree." Hopping off, "If you want to get rooms, best to do it now before the evening rush."
[19:41] * Jaela makes to follow, extending a hand to Mirima after she hops off after the blonde.
[19:47] <Kotono> Mirima takes it as the two begin to walk amid the oak trees. Your new friend matches your pace and falls in, "My name's Ula," he offers.
[19:49] <Jaela> "Jaela," she introduces herself, "in service to Dema."
[19:54] <Kotono> "Mirima," Said redhead introduces herself, eyes tearing away from taking in the sights.
[19:55] <Jaela> "Is this your first time coming here, Ula?" Jaela asks their companion.
[19:56] <Kotono> "Saalaa," This word curiously comes through untranslated and un-understood, "I visit about once a decade, after the Redleaf Festival."
[20:01] <Jaela> "What should we try to see, while here?" Jaela asks, deciding to ignore the word she doesn't quite understand. It's easily placed from context, she figures. "Trying to go everywhere just feels like forcing it, and we should really leave something for a future visit, right?"
[20:09] <Kotono> As you walk towards the center tree, you see the grass is wild and the air smells clean and hot. "Oh, the Ten Fountains," he says, "At the least spend a day there."
[20:10] <Jaela> Sounds fun. "Thank you!"
[20:16] <Kotono> "You're welcome," he says dutifully as you head to the tree. He steps to the front door, holding it open for Jaela and Mirima.
[20:16] <Kotono> OOC: Also Jaela, list what spells you have active on you.
[20:21] * Jaela smiles at Ula as she gestures for Mirima to proceed first, intending to follow after her.
[20:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27 (+5 ???)
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+27 (+5 ???) and gets 45." [1d20=18]
[20:27] <Kotono> The two follow in! Within you find an open space, wooded staircases going up, winding in the center of the tower, to the wall where doors and landings are about. Before them sits a single elf, youthful and resting back. Before him sits an upturned helmet, a few coins glimpsed within.
[20:28] <Jaela> Keeping a smile on her face, Jaela waits for their new friend to step inside as well. She'll just follow his lead.
[20:28] <Kotono> Once in he tosses a single small gold coin into the helmet, "I'll have a room again tonight," he says, "Same one as last night." The young elf looks up and waves, "Go on, go on. What about your friends there?"
[20:32] <Jaela> "Would the price change if we stay in the same room?" Jaela asks, indicating herself and Mirima.
[20:45] <Kotono> "You can share a room," The young elf says, "No problem with that. One Vana for one room."
[20:47] * Jaela draws six golden coins from her money bag and drops them into the helmet. "I will pay in advance for a few nights, then, if that's okay."
[20:56] <Kotono> The man pauses and takes one of those coins, "Odd mintage," he murmurs, "Third stairway, fifth landing up."
[20:56] * Jaela dips her head in a nod of acknowledgement, heading towards the staircase at a leisurely pace.
[21:05] <Kotono> As you walk up with Mirima, "Beautiful," she murmurs, holding Jaela's hand. "A unity of land, water and sky."
[21:08] <Jaela> "I wonder if it's like this in spite of what happened with-- you know, or because of it? I could understand a strong desire to save what's left and make an effort to create something even better than before."
[21:18] <Kotono> "I don't know, this world is so different," Mirima murmurs, "Did what happen change it, or was it something more primal?"
[21:21] <Jaela> "We might understand when we visit the Ten Fountains," Jaela muses. "Depending on how ancient they are."
[21:31] <Kotono> Thus you go up to you rroom. Is is simple with a double bed. One corner has a tube of glass, small roots going connecting ot it and going back into the wood and greenstone wall.
[21:35] <Kotono> Mirima heads over to the tube, tapping the glass with a fingertip. She makes a little yelp as her finger slips in instead of tapping, yanking it out, "Sorcerery!" she blurts, before reddening, "Magical glass?"
[21:35] <Jaela> "Huh." Jaela gives the glass-covered roots a curious look. Her own sorcery is easily summoned, and she peers at it closely....
[21:36] <Jaela> roll 1d20+30 spellcraft
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+30 spellcraft and gets 37." [1d20=7]
[21:41] * Jaela snorts, even as her eyes widen at what they are telling her mind. "I was gonna offer resting a bit since we traveled a bunch today, but this will be even better." With a thought, her armors melts away to be stored into her gauntlet, and Jaela drops her cloak before kicking off her boots, one by one. "Let's get in together? The concept's so simple but it's the first I've ever seen it done like this."
[21:48] <Kotono> "What is it?" Watching Jaela disrobe, "Is it some sort of lovemaking machine?" she asks, not hiding her puzzlement.
[21:51] * Jaela laughs. "I guess it could be used like that, though that's not really what it's for. Come on, it's nothing bad. Try it blind!"
[22:01] <Kotono> Mirima goes to the glass, then sends Jaela a look, before shrugging and disrobing. Thus the two step in - front to front, really rather tight. A moment before Mirima can speak, warm water comes from all directions! It's like being flooded all over, waves of water splashing against you all over! In a moment steam obscures your vision, steaming up the glass and leaving the two of you blind to the
[22:01] <Kotono> world around you.
[22:04] * Jaela knows better than to keep on laughing when some of that water or the sap she knows is coming can get into her mouth. Keeping it and her eyes firmly closed, she relies on the magic that lets her see everything around her clearly and with just a bit of mischievousness decides to help Mirima bath.
[22:08] <Kotono> What happens next involves steam, sap, showers and a lot of interesting things to do with hands up close. A pleasant time is had by all, and in due time the duo emerge from their bath. Mirima goes to lie on the bed and slowly dry herself with a towel, humming to herself peacefully.
[22:12] * Jaela relies on prestidigitation, herself, lying at her side. "You know," she says all of a sudden, turning on her side. "It would be wonderful to learn about other things this world has, and bring them back with us. It also got me wondering-- I mean, your world had an actual cauldron of stars, didn't it? Just what else is out there?"
[22:21] <Kotono> In a sleepy voice, "What is anywhere and everywhere? As a child, I would pretend that every shadowed corner had a secret and every well had a buried treasure at the bottom. Mother would lecture me to be less fanciful, but my second Father always reminded me there are more treasures and fantastic things than we could every imagine."
[22:23] <Jaela> "Second father?" Jaela asks, supporting her head on her arm and content to stay that way studying Mirima.
[22:28] <Kotono> "My mother remarried," Mirima answers quietly, her body a study of flushed warm and tricklets of wetness. She is all tender curves mixed with slender, muscular definition. Putting the cloth she uses to dry aside, simply air drying now, "It's nothing remarkable. My first Father was called home far earlier in his life than any would have suspected. My biological father...do you know how Celadrin
[22:28] <Kotono> are born, Jaela?"
[22:29] <Jaela> "A lot like aasimars, I always thought," Jaela admits.
[22:38] <Kotono> "That's the essence of it. There are certain summer festivals where follows of Hanali Celani and firre eladrin from above, among other things, frolic in love. My mother never had any great faith in Hanali Celanil, but somehow ended up in one of those. Celadrin are blessed children, the mother given preferential treatment and a stipend. So I've never known my biological father."
[22:39] <Jaela> "He's probably still around, somewhere," Jaela muses. "That's how those things seem to work. Wanna try tracking him down some time?"
[22:42] <Kotono> "No." Shaking her head, "At my youngest years, I idolized him in my heart. In my years between childhood and adulthood, I hated him for leaving my mother. As an adult, I understand and respect his choice. Besides, had he not, I would have never been."
[22:45] <Jaela> "Makes me wonder if you'll get your wings one day. It's been going around a lot lately."
[22:49] <Kotono> "I asked about that." Mirima smiles sleepily again, "Mmm. Canderella and Ebony had a discussion about it with me. The final point is that these realms change mortal creatures. There's no guarantee it will happen, but it's entirely possible." Yawning again, languid and warm, "Are they sensitive?"
[22:50] <Jaela> "Yeah, kinda. You can ignore it, for combat and such, I know I did. But when you're just relaxing... yeah."
[22:54] <Kotono> "I wonder if..." With a sparkle in her eye and a mischievious chuckle, "The next time we come together, I'll just have to see how sensitive they are," A yawn pierces Mirima again, "But..." Curling in closer to Jaela, arms around her and putting Jaela's head against her chest, "Let's rest. A warm afternoon nap, mmmm."
[22:55] * Jaela puts her arms around Mirima, closing her eyes. A nap sounds just right.

[Corwin]

[20:25] <Kotono> After a restful nap, Jaela and Mirima head out to wander Laa. A few leaf rides in the summery heat take you to an island clad in wood and polished stone. Here a single path takes you in past bands of trees and marble, blocking view of what's inside.
[20:27] <Jaela> "What do you think it's gonna be like?" Jaela wonders, strolling down that path along with Mirima.
[20:29] <Kotono> As you stroll down the leaf strewn path, the scent of summer's warm embrace teasing you, "Considering the heavy water element around here," Mirima says, "I'm expecting wondrous works of art and water."
[20:31] <Jaela> "Natural, you think?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "Well, there's stonework here," Pausing to reach out and tap a wide band of marble, "Expensive, too. Unless marble's cheaper in this world. In my world, it's largely the province of the dwarves."
[20:37] * Jaela wonders how it used to be on Lifasa, before the invasion. "Good point," she responds, lacing her fingers behind her head.
[20:40] <Kotono> Thus you walk on a few minutes. Birdsong serenades yo uas you walk ahead, coming to a circular plaza. Here benches of stone are littered about as the trees break, a sunlit respite. All around are paths going off in various directions, ten more of them. Here elves sit about on the benches and on the grass. A few picnics can be seen, the sound of a harp comes from one male elf practicing and a
[20:40] <Kotono> pair of young boys run past Jaela and Mirima, chasing each other. Amid cries of "Holly holly got you!" from the children, "Ten paths," Mirima says after a quick count. "Ten fountains, I suppose."
[20:41] <Jaela> "Nice! Already not what I was expecting, and surprises can be neat like this." Jaela nods towards the rightmost path from where they're facing. "How about choosing that one to start with?"
[20:44] <Kotono> "Why not?" Mirima says as the two take the path. It goes on for several paces until a veil of heavy branches and leaves obscure the way ahead. Nothing impenetrable, but you'll need to raise them and duck under to advance.
[20:44] * Jaela holds them up to allow Mirima to slip in, intending to follow after her.
[20:46] <Kotono> Ducking under, you come to...trees? Small trees ranging from 5 to 50 ft tall, each one hollowed out and woven like oversized vines. They form fountains, stariways, halls and twisting passages. Water and wood are worked together, growing and vibrantly green, with crowns of leaves all about. Ahead a path under arching jets of water leads deeper in, while a stair of wood leads up into an enclosed
[20:46] <Kotono> walkway above it, and a narrow path to the side between two trees has a path poking out.
[20:49] <Jaela> The enclosed walkway draws Jaela's interest, and she whistles as she heads towards it. "Feels like something taken right out of the Court, isn't it?"
[20:52] <Kotono> Mirima lingers as she follows, "Oh, it's beautiful," she declares. Coming on up, you find the walkway inside is painted a cool water blue. It goes on a a little bit before coming to another stairway down and out of it. However, an elf sits by that stairway, sitting with his legs folded under him. He floats a few inches off the ground, eyes closed.
[20:53] <Jaela> "Hey there," Jaela decides to greet him.
[21:09] <Kotono> "Mmm." He murmurs aloud, "Are you lost?"
[21:11] <Jaela> "Just walking about, taking in the sights," she responds, jerking her head towards him despite his closed eyes. "How're you doing that?"
[21:14] <Kotono> "Magic." He answers dryly, sinking to the ground. "Any child knows that."
[21:16] <Jaela> "Hey, you never know!" Jaela raises her arms in mock surrender. "Could've been some harsh martial training. I heard that happens sometimes."
[21:19] <Kotono> "An uncivilized brute learning this?" He chuckles slightly at that, "I am attempting to meditate and strengthen my mind's might. With all politeness, I chose this place hoping for solitude." He rises now, his eyes opening. He has sharp green eyes, like grass the day after a rainstorm. "I recommend staying to the main path until you find the fountain or indulging in one of the side canals for a
[21:19] <Kotono> swim."
[21:21] * Jaela grins in amusement, wondering what the Master might say in response to that. "We'll keep to the path, then. Keep up the good, mind-sharping work?"
[21:22] <Kotono> Mirima chuckles as she goes past, the man returning that with a nod. "I intend to reach the Leaf of Extending by the year's end. I will."
[21:24] <Jaela> Laughing now, Jaela catches up to Mirima. "That's gotta be the nicest way anyone ever told me to get lost," she comments with a glance over her shoulder.
[21:27] <Kotono> Down the stairs you come to a path, connecting shortly to the main path under the jets of water. "This particular fountain must not be highly visited," Mirima remarks, "If this is not, I wonder now how marvelous the others are."
[21:28] <Jaela> "Should be pretty fun to discover," Jaela muses. "You'll pick the next one?"
[21:30] <Kotono> With a smile Mirima and Jaela continue on. The path goes ahead as she replies, "I will," she says slowly, her pace sedate, "All of this is calming. You chose well this time." Ahead are a few side paths along the main path - each goes on a few feet until turning into a broad, marble lined canal, perhaps six or seven feet deep and curving to the sides out of sight. Far ahead on the main path it
[21:30] <Kotono> goes on, until coming to another veil of branches.
[21:33] <Jaela> Once more, Jaela steps ahead to part that veil for Mirima. "Here's to finding a fountain with more welcoming locals?"
[21:36] <Kotono> Mirima smiles warmly at that action, leaning in to give Jaela's cheek a kiss. One past you find a tree - a tall tree, woven. It is woven like silk, into dozens and dozens of fountains. A tree with inlays of marble, branches and trunk carved cunningly into story after story of large, pool-like fountains. All around it, save for the path ahead, is one great canal surrounding it. There is a path
[21:36] <Kotono> that leads right into the trunk, a stair ascending up into it.
[21:38] * Jaela offers Mirima her hand, intending to walk by the canal and ascend the stair at its end. "Think this tree might be see-through?" she wonders, peering ahead at it. "One way, I mean?"
[21:41] <Kotono> "That would be - " but by the time Mirima is to reply, hand in hand with Jaela, you see that the walls aren't see through. Instead it's a winding stair, with several passages leading out and into various fountains. It ascends up. Sweeping her arm ahead, "Shall we...oh!" Suddenly smiling, "Allow me to show you the way up."
[21:42] <Jaela> "Sure thing!"
[21:47] <Kotono> With that Mirima takes Jaela's hands, leading her up in a series of small, ballerina-style leaps! She's smiling as the two twirl in the air, higher and higher up each jump! Then - to the top! A canopy of sculped branches only lets a little sunlight in, but just enough to sparkle off the water. Ahead is a deep marble pool, with dozens of holes in the side of the canopy pouring water out. In the
[21:47] <Kotono> center a jet of water comes out of a massive marble and wood tube, both materials braided together. It makes a steady gushing rain in the very center. One can note there's also a sign just besides the end of the stairs, written in Elvish before the drop off into the pool, "Become one with the fountains! Follow the current into the fountains and let the water guide you down, tier by tier."
[21:49] * Jaela glances between the sign, Mirima and the jet of water. "Could be fun," she muses, "and my veil should hold. Wanna do this?"
[21:49] <Kotono> "Do you mind your clothes getting wet?" Mirima asks, "There's no way we don't get soaked doing this."
[21:51] * Jaela laughs. "That's what I have prestidigitation for. Shame about not finding a good chance at getting a Ysgardian armor yet, but we can't have everything. And I'm not gonna just flash everyone out here, right?"
[21:53] <Kotono> Mirima matches that laugh, "You aren't that type." she agrees, before a wicked gleam comes to her eyes. "Unless I dared you. Could your pride let you turn down a dare, I wonder?"
[21:55] * Jaela snorts. "My pride's about my fighting skills. Not that I don't have pride in myself besides that, but I'm still not flashing random strangers on a dare." She grins at Mirima. "Fight them at crazy odds, sure thing. But not something like that. Though it makes me wonder if you'd do it on a dare, now."
[21:59] <Kotono> "I would, but only if I had a partner in crime," Mirima says with a teasing smile, going to play with the top of her tunic a moment. "It's sexy and exciting if you're together, tense with the thrill of possibly being discovered. It can be a most engaging way to practice skillfully eluding attention and stealthy movements.""
[22:03] <Jaela> "I can see that. But it's more fun to just keep you to myself," Jaela admits, pulling Mirima closer.
[22:07] <Kotono> "Well, there's good points to both approaches," Mirima falls into a smile at that, "On the good side, I couldn't come up with a better nickname than Angelflash, so there's that."
[22:08] <Jaela> "It doesn't have the right ring to it," Jaela agrees, before she suddenly tackles Mirima into the current!
[22:12] <Kotono> BRR! The water's cold as you splash into the current, finding it a solid pull! Mirima sputters out water as she grins, then the duo is pulled out! A fall and a splash, into another pool and another current! Again and again and again, being tossed about on currents and falling from fountain to fountain, barely having time to come up for air before being spilled out the next! After a dizzying
[22:12] <Kotono> array of falls and currents, the duo splashes down in the canal at the base of the tree. Here the waters are mostly still, Mirima swimming up and shaking her mane of red hair about, sending droplets flying. "Aaaaah!"
[22:15] <Jaela> Laughing throughout it all, Jaela pulls herself out after Mirima. "I've been thinking I'll use magic to dry myself, but wanna check out another fountain like this instead?" she offers. "It's pretty warm out here."
[22:19] <Kotono> Leaning back to float, "Certainly, but let's spice it up." Mirima says, reaching the edge of the canal and pulling herslef out, sitting the edge. Leaning back and basking in the sun, "How about a race up to the top of the fountain again and back down? First one to reach the canal again gets to have the loser do a dare of the winner's choice. It doesn't need to be what I suggested up there,"
[22:19] <Kotono> Pausing to wring her hair out with a sultry smile, "But don't you think something creative could be a pleasant sidebar while we explore? I have a few good ideas that I could dare you f or once I win the race, naturally."
[22:21] * Jaela raises an eyebrow. "Considering your training goes towards speed a lot more than mine, wouldn't it be just easier to ask me without a game being involved? I might just say yes."
[22:22] <Kotono> "The race is fun too," Mirima challenges back, "Of course, if you want to submit to my dares without a fight, I wouldn't say no."
[22:23] <Jaela> "Sure thing, I don't really mind. What did you feel like?"
[22:30] <Kotono> Mirima opens her mouth as if to say something, but nothing comes out. She frowns and crosses her arms, pacing back and forth. She goes to open her mouth again, but shuts it after a half-second. Then she blinks and grins, holding a finger up. "Got it!"
[22:31] * Jaela waits patiently, though she's grinning again. "What is it?"
[22:32] <Kotono> Mirima crooks a finger forward, "Well, come out of the water first!"
[22:33] * Jaela follows her beckoning curiously.
[22:34] <Kotono> Once out Mirima goes behind Jaela and wraps her arms around her, lingering on the very edge, her heels dangling off. As she hugs Jaela from behind, the wetness of her clothing pressing against Jaela's own soaked body, water dripping from the both of them, "Well..."
[22:35] <Jaela> She's going to get dunked, isn't she? "Yes?"
[22:36] <Kotono> "How about you..." Mirima hesitates, "Sing a song to the next person we meet?"
[22:37] * Jaela blinks. "Sure. I'm not that good at it, though. That okay?"
[22:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 8." [1d20=1]
[22:39] <Kotono> "That's-something has my leg!" Mirima yips, pushing Jaela out of her embrace before going splashing into the canal!
[22:41] <Jaela> "A fish, maybe?" Jaela muses, securing a firmer grip on the edge of the canal with one hand before extending the other to Mirima. "Come on, I'll pull you out!"
[22:42] <Kotono> Mirima surfaces and looks about, "...must have been." she confesses, "I swear I felt something." With Jaela's help she emerges back out. "At least I was already wet."
[22:44] * Jaela snorts. "Sing to the next person we come across, check. And now, you wanted that race? Ready? Go!" Without waiting on a confirmation, she takes off for the stairs leading up!
[22:44] <Kotono> "ACK!" Mirima pouts, following along at a sprint! OOC: What's your move speed here, Jaela?
[22:45] <Jaela> OOC: 50ft ground speed, I have Longstrider precast. I figure x4 that for a run?
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC: Dex check, +4 bonus.
[22:46] <Jaela> roll 1d20+9
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+9 and gets 11." [1d20=2]
[22:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 21." [1d20=14]
[22:47] <Kotono> With a head start Jaela takes the lead, racing up the stairs! But Mirima's doggedly sprinting all out, closing the gap! At about halfway up she's only a few steps behind, determined despite the exertion! "Not giving up that easily!"
[22:48] <Jaela> "You'd win easily if I don't do this!"
[22:49] <Kotono> "Fine then, I'll win!" Mirima turns up the speed, as...OOC: Dex again, +4 bonus applies until the end of this or further notice.
[22:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 14." [1d20=7]
[22:49] <Jaela> roll 1d20+9
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+9 and gets 12." [1d20=3]
[22:51] <Kotono> Despite Jaela's head start, Mirima keeps up - however, she can't pass, still just a few steps behind as Jaela reaches the top and the halfway mark, the pool and currents ahead of her!
[22:52] * Jaela dives into the current head-first!
[22:52] <Kotono> Mirima follows, doing a smooth dive in as she follows, the current sucking you two down! OOC: Dex checks again.
[22:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 9." [1d20=2]
[22:53] <Jaela> roll 1d20+9
[22:53] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+9 and gets 14." [1d20=5]
[22:54] <Kotono> Falling and splashing and swimming! Jaela opens up a further lead after three fountains, racing ahead as she falls off another, Mirima just hitting down behind her, a few seconds behind! You hear Mirima curse as she falls behind, following in Jaela's waves! OOC: Dex again.
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 10." [1d20=3]
[22:55] <Jaela> It's tempting to put her strength into it and swim with the current, but Jaela decides to abstain and follows the sign's guidance. Letting the water guide you means going along with it, after all.
[22:55] <Jaela> roll 1d20+9
[22:55] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+9 and gets 12." [1d20=3]
[22:57] <Kotono> Down Jaela goes, splashing and splashing! The currents drag her on, Mirima just behind her - but then a sudden upsurge pulls her along, and with as plash she hits the canal several seconds before Mirima follows! In the aftermath Mirima surfaces, swimming over to the edge of the canal and going to sit there again. Catching her breath a moment, "Damn," she says, "That was properly sneaky of you,"
[22:57] <Kotono> she says with a throaty, breathless laugh. "Soooooo, what's your dare then, sneak?"
[22:58] <Jaela> "I can be that way!" Jaela responds with quite a bit of pride. "Hey, what was going to be your first dare? The first thing that came to your mind before?"
[23:01] <Kotono> "You and a lot less clothing," Mirima admits as she sits back onto her elbows, resting. "You're so interesting when you're like that. But if I kept pushing it, I'd be like a man who couldn't get that off his mind...even if you're so beautiful that you provide an easy excuse."
[23:02] * Jaela laughs. "Somehow, I figured that much. Wanna give the third fountain a try, now, or just rest up in the park?"
[23:04] <Kotono> "Let's rest, unless your dare's interesting," Mirima says, "Did you have anything devious or exciting planned?"
[23:08] <Jaela> "Nah, 'fraid not. How about daring you to get matching Ysgardian armor with me when we return? I might as well not put it off much longer."
[23:09] <Kotono> "Done," Mirima rises then, offering her arm out, "Shall we?"
[23:10] * Jaela pulls her hair over her shoulder and squeezes the water out of it as best as she can, before taking Mirima's offered hand. "Let's."

[Corwin]

[20:06] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead andmake a GI check for reference.
[20:07] <Jaela> roll 1d20+23
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+23 and gets 24." [1d20=1]
[20:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Mirima will aid ow
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Mirima will aid ow and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[20:10] <Kotono> Mirima and Jaela wander in the center plaza a bit, coming to sit next to a woman in a tunic and skirt. She sits with her knees curled up, watching several elven children run and play. She sits on a blanket, a picnic spread out before her, one that she nibbles on. "How things are?" she asks, thoughtfully going to nibble on a grape. "You must be from far away. Oh, are the two of you traveling
[20:10] <Kotono> sisters? Your hair gives you away," she says, her own blonde hair cut neck length and her body that of a typical elf maiden, all natural grace and beauty.
[20:12] <Jaela> "Not really, no," Jaela responds. "I mean, yes, we're from far away. No, we're not sisters." Things sufficiently clarified, she leans back while supporting herself upon her outstretched arms. "We do like to travel all over, though."
[20:15] <Kotono> Mirima chortles at that, "No, not sisters," she agrees, sitting primly.
[20:17] <Kotono> "Oooh. Well, Laa is eternally peaceful," Waving a hand as she plucks another grape, "Oh, would you like one," she offers, "The Ash'arai would not come here and other races are far away."
[20:19] <Jaela> "Yeah, it really feels that way," Jaela agrees, nodding her head in thanks and picking a couple of the grapes off for herself.
[20:23] <Kotono> Mirima takes a few as well - the grapes are fresh and bursting with juice, exploding in Jaela's mouth. After a moment to savor them herself, "I...hold on," she says, turning to the children. One child is being chased by the others, starting to cry, "Children! Stop picking on Elyasral!" she calls, causing the chase to stop cold.  Giving them all a good look, "Sorry. As I was saying, you must be
[20:23] <Kotono> from really far away not to know that."
[20:27] <Jaela> "No kidding. Though I guess it's more because we're always traveling. We've been all over," Jaela responds, not mentioning that it was all in the span of a single day. "How about you? You're a resident of Laa, yeah?"
[20:28] <Kotono> "I was born here and I'll die here," your host says with a little smile, "I've never had a trace of wanderlust."
[20:30] <Jaela> "You never know," Jaela muses, plucking another grape. "We live for a long while. Say, is it really that strange? I figured there'd be lots more people like us, traveling for fun or for training. Maybe even for a holy purpose."
[20:34] <Kotono> "It's not that strange," your host admits as Mirima snacks away. A little smile comes to her face as she focuses on the grapes, seeming ot miss the converesation. "You two seem more foreign than most travelers."
[20:38] <Jaela> "We don't really stay anywhere for long, aside from around others like us," Jaela tells their host, which is true enough. "Then again, it also lets us see all sorts of weird stuff. I never thought there'd be a day when I'd run across a bunch of sentient shocker lizards in the desert, though I guess I should've known it'd happen. But hey, how many can say that? It makes for an interesting life."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Shocker lizards?" Asking back at that, "You've been to the realms of the Ash'arai?" Her interest keens up at that, quite visibly.
[20:39] <Kotono> Finishing her grapes, "We've passed through," Mirima says. "The highlight of the trip was the lizards."
[20:42] <Jaela> "Pretty much," Jaela agrees with them both. "It was pretty hot. In an unpleasant way, not in a fun one."
[20:49] <Kotono> "The Ash'arai are insane to live there, it's not meant for life," Your host goes on, "Abominable is what it is. What can you expect from the insane?"
[20:50] * Jaela shrugs. "They might have been an asset in a fight, if there was anything to fight against?"
[20:52] <Kotono> "Oh, there's things to fight," Your host mutters, pausing a moment. She looks to the children, who are currently clustered around a tree. After a few moments she turns back, "So I'm Valaa," she says, "You are?"
[20:54] <Jaela> "Jaela," she introduces herself back, although belatedly. "And really? I guess we ran into plenty of dangers, but it never really felt... organized? Yeah, that's a good word."
[20:59] <Kotono> "Mirima," she adds in, "Mostly just random bits of fortune and misfortune. We perservered."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Fortunate," Valaa murmurs, "So what are you doing in Laa?"
[21:16] <Jaela> "Right now? Enjoying the Fountains," Jaela responds. "We're not really into this idea of settling down, but spending a few days at a nice city like Laa is pretty grand before going back out there into all sorts of hostile lands."
[21:18] <Kotono> "I have to admit these Fountains make a good argument," Mirima adds in, "Are they all so wonderous as the on that way?" With a point Mirima points out the path you were on.
[21:21] <Kotono> "Oh," Nodding, "The Old Tree's good, but it's not as involved as the others."
[21:21] <Jaela> "Involved?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "The Old Tree is the first fountian made," Valaa explains, "So it's the simplest."
[21:31] <Jaela> "We'll have to see at least one more before we move on, then," Jaela decides, glancing over at Mirima. "You don't mind, do you?"
[21:40] <Kotono> "Are you kidding? Of course not!" Mirima grins easily, "The Old Tree was amazing! Who made these?"
[21:40] <Jaela> Wondering about that herself, Jaela listens attentively.
[21:45] <Kotono> "They were the work of Yuleman Craftsheart, High Thane of Laa and his life's work," Valaa explains, "HE spend centuries creating them to the last detail."
[21:48] <Jaela> "It's one hell of a legacy for him," Jaela says in appreciation.
[21:49] <Kotono> "It's his legacy," Valaa explains, looking over to the children. With a distinct frown, "I need to go," she says, "They're going to get into trouble again, I can just feel it."
[21:51] <Jaela> "How about I help you out with that?" Jaela offers. "Even a little bit? There's a song I picked up a while back that children adore. It's not like I have training or anything, but it might stave the trouble off?" She grins, adding, "If only for a little bit?"
[21:53] <Kotono> Mirima begins to grin as well, as Valaa nods, "A singer? Sure, you can sing to them after I gather them up."
[21:56] <Jaela> A promise is a promise! And while she's being honest enough about not having any training, that sort of thing comes quite naturally to someone like her. However many mistakes she might make in the process, she probably wouldn't hurt anyone's ears by trying, and Jaela picks an elven children's tune from Arvandor.
[21:57] <Kotono> OOC: Make a perform(song)c heck.
[21:58] <Jaela> roll 1d20+11+15
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+11+15 and gets 36." [1d20=10]
[22:02] <Kotono> Thus Jaela sings to the children. Her voice is augmented with her magic, a merry and inspired tune for the innocent children! They fall into listening well, as does Valaa and Mirima! The song goes on, and when it ends, clapping follows. Mirima whistles, "Whoo! Encore!"
[22:04] * Jaela taps her nose with a grin. "One song's all you get!"
[22:19] <Kotono> Mirima snaps her fingers, as Valaa claps her hands, "Well done!" she calls as the children cheer.
[22:20] * Jaela takes an exaggerated bow, waving at the children as she straightens up.
[22:22] <Kotono> Amid the cheers Mirima comes up, murmuring low, "Shall we make our escape now, songbird?"
[22:24] <Jaela> "Sure thing," Jaela agrees just as quietly. "Another fountain?"
[22:30] <Kotono> "Yes," Mirima agrees, "Choose a path this time."
[22:31] <Jaela> The second to the left, this time, relative to her. Jaela studies it for a few moments, before shrugging. "I'm getting a good feeling from that one."

[Corwin]

[19:28] <Kotono> The path Jaela chose leads past another veil of branches. Once past, you find a dead end with several holes in the ground, surrounded by a pool of water. A sign is posted, reading in Elven, "Not for those short of breath or of a clastrophobic disposition."
[19:29] <Jaela> "What about those who can breathe water?" Jaela murmurs to Mirima, making the offer.
[19:30] <Kotono> "It sounds like you'll need to hold your breath," Mirima shakes her head, "Water breathing will take the tension out of it." She goes to one of the holes, "I can hold my breath just fine."
[19:31] <Jaela> "Let's take a look, then," Jaela voices, taking a deep breath and jumping into the nearest hole.
[19:36] <Kotono> Woosh! Jaela finds herself falling into water, splashign down! Immediately she's swept along by a current! The tunnel is not dark - luminesence comes from the walls, various colors as you race along! You pick up tremendous speed as you are pulled along for several moments - and ahead you can see brighter light, as if you're about to emerge out somewhere, fast!
[19:37] <Jaela> She hardly worries about that, both due to the damage she can take and because she can take flight if she ever needs to. That, in turn, allows Jaela to go on with the flow and enjoy herself without any reservations.
[19:42] <Kotono> Like an arrow from the bow Jaela shoots out - out of a waterfall, sending her flying ahead at lightning-fast speeds! She's hurtling towards a large, swirling pool - and after a moment she splashes in! The waters push her up, naturally floating her, even as it drags her towards the center! A moment later Mirima splashes near you, rising to take a breath of air! She's grinning exuberantly.
[19:43] <Jaela> It feels much better without lava, Jaela decides, returning that grin.
[19:47] <Kotono> In and in and in you go, starting to submerge again as you circle on down! Back into water, being pulled down in the center - and into another tunnel! This one's waters are warmer, bubbling and burbling as you race through! Glowing designs of fish and dolphins can be glimpsed as you race by, down and down and down and down!
[19:50] * Jaela takes care to breathe when she gets the chance, otherwise enjoying the experience. That part is exactly the same as while swimming, and she's rarely had a chance to swim in a place this interesting!
[19:52] <Kotono> Down and down and then you're totally submerged into a whirling subterrainan pool - bu tonly a moment! The currents are pulling you up, towards another tunnel! You barely have a chance to see Mirima before you're rocketing up, soaring high up this tunnel!
[19:53] * Jaela stretches her arms out ahead in anticipation!
[19:55] <Kotono> Up and up and up and woosh! Jaela rockets out with water, momentarily being a part of a fountain! Yet she barely has a chance to see anything before she rockets up...into a pool! Gravity seems to do a 180, and now she's right side up, several feet below the surface of a still, serene pool! Evne as she notices this, a bubble is forming around her.
[19:57] * Jaela can only blink and observe the bubble. She has plenty of air left, after all.
[20:00] <Kotono> The bubble shuts out the water around her, as she sees Mirima splash down nearby, a bubble forming around her. Once it is formed, Jaela begins to rise to the surface! Up she goes - and breaks the surface of the water! Again reality does a 180 and she's falling away from the upside down pool! Below her is a massive tree trunk, hollowed out and serving as a massive fountainhead for a mammoth pool.
[20:00] <Kotono> In it you can see dozens of elves, playing in the sunkissed waters as you float down towards it.
[20:02] <Jaela> Two more are about to join them, and spending some time being lazy in the warm waters would do them a world of good.
[20:03] <Kotono> Slowly the two drift down into the warm waters. On contact with the surface your bubble pops, putting you right on in! Mirima follows, going to float along on her back with a happy sigh. "Oh, now that was breath-taking!"
[20:03] * Jaela splashes some water at Mirima, rolling her eyes. "That was a terrible pun!"
[20:07] <Kotono> Mirima splashes back and laughs, turning her head aside from the watery barrage! "It was your fault," she retorts, "I'm going to go swim and stretch my muscles."
[20:08] <Jaela> "I'll be floating right here," Jaela calls back, content to do that and study the elves near her.
[20:18] <Kotono> The elves here wear simple cut off tunics and shorts, bits of thick cord holding them in place where needed. They tend towards bright colors - oranges and yellows and reds. Not a one seems to have a care in the world. As you do so, one swims up. A roughly teenaged elf, with a mess of black hair and more muscles than usual. He's built more like a human, yet still swims smooth as any elf. He wears
[20:18] <Kotono> green shorts and nothing else, save for a silver chain around his neck. "Hi there," he greets Jaela, a little smile on her face, "Why are you wearing armor in the water?"
[20:19] <Jaela> "Hey," she returns, shrugging. "Just felt like it. S'pretty comfortable."
[20:22] <Kotono> "Won't it rust?" The boy asks, "You know, if you're too poor to afford something, I can loan you something."
[20:24] * Jaela laughs. "Hah, as if! It was made by one of the best crafters in existence! A little bit of water ain't got nothing on it." She raps her knuckles over the breastplate in confidence.
[20:25] <Kotono> The young man repeats that rapping on Jaela's breastplate, "Really? Say, would you like to get out, get a drink and tell me about it?"
[20:26] * Jaela mulls over it, before she shakes her head. "Nah. Thanks for the offer, but I feel like soaking up the sun a bit more."
[20:27] <Kotono> His face falls for a moment, but with a rally a smile replaces it. "Well, if you change your mind," he reaches out and pats Jaela's side, "I'll be around!" With that he swims away, leaving Jaela be.
[20:29] * Jaela waves after him, before closing her eyes and waiting for Mirima to get back. They can try another fountain -- one of Mirima's choice, this time around -- and then snoop around for any suitable heroes who might want to join the Aurora's ranks.
[20:31] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 54." [1d100=54]
[20:32] <Kotono> It's a little time - of floating and soaking in the warmth. It's easy to lose track of time, and its a goodly time before Mirima returns. She floats along, next to Jaela. "Oooooh," she says, sounding sleepy, "Isn't this wonderful?"
[20:33] <Jaela> "Yep." Jaela cracks an eye open just a bit, peering at her sideways. "You do realize you're gonna pick something at least as good?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Mm." A little noise of contentment, "I had offers of more appropriate clothing. I could get us some if you care."
[20:37] * Jaela snickers. "I had an offer like that myself. But I kinda like this. It feels comfortable. Safe, too."
[20:41] <Kotono> Smiling as she floats, "You are attached to your clothing, aren't you? It's too bad I already promised someone we'd change." Whistling now, "I even took the small liberty of buying them from her."
[20:42] * Jaela snorts, now. "When I was starting out, you wouldn't often see me out of my full plate. I'm already dangerously underdressed!"
[20:43] <Kotono> That earns Jaela a lazy splash, "All that armor does nothing but make you smell like an armory and dull your reflexes. Why hide yourself in it when there's a better way?"
[20:44] <Jaela> "It doesn't smell!" Jaela insists. "Because it's magical like that!"
[20:52] <Kotono> "Now you're nitpicking," Mirima retorts, "Come come now." Taking Jaela's hand, "It's a vacation. Stop worrying."
[20:54] <Jaela> "Oh fine." Jaela dunks her head in the water, before emerging. She brushes her hair back to get it out of the way, and shakes a finger at Mirima. "I'm still keeping my cloak."
[21:01] <Kotono> "If I didn't know better," Mirima watches that finger, "I'd say you were afraid to show off your body. I have to tell you that it's worth showing off." Going in to take that finger in hand and lower it, "You're gorgeous."
[21:04] * Jaela raises her arms in surrender. "You already convinced me. So where's that wannabe appropriate clothing at?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "This way." Out of the pool are several raised stone slabs, seeming to be for sunbathing. Besides several tubes are wooden stalls, Mirima going to the third. "Yours is in that one," Pointing to the second, "The cords hold the cloth in place, so make sure those are tied tightly enough."
[21:11] * Jaela heads inside, and before anything else tries to familiarize herself with her new outfit. Almost certainly, it would require slits for her wings that her cloak would then conceal, but better take a proper look at it first.
[21:15] <Kotono> It's the same red as Jaela's hair. A pair of really short shorts and a strip of cloth for her top, along with matching cords of white.
[21:17] <Jaela> Just as she'd thought, then. Jaela makes the changes, and then stores her armor away into her gauntlet and puts the red outfit over her underclothes. She takes a moment to ensure that her cloak settles back properly over her when she's done, cord secured tightly over her waist, and then heads outside once more.
[21:22] <Kotono> You find Mirima there - wearing white with red cords. She's wearing about the same as you, sans the cloak. She gives Jaela quite the look over, "Shall we see about that new fountain now," she says.
[21:23] <Jaela> "Let's," Jaela agrees. "Pick a good one!"
[21:27] <Kotono> roll 1d10
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 6." [1d10=6]
[21:37] <Kotono> Mirima and Jaela head to another fountain. Here you find that past the veil that the trees hang heavy over. From above the pathway ahead, small fountains hang upside down under the tree branches. They do not fall, nor does the water, ignoring gravity. Instead, fountains hang about above, Mirima's gaze going up towards them.
[21:38] * Jaela whistles, turning about in place as she admires the hanging fountains overhead.
[21:41] <Kotono> Mirima does the same, walking slow and putting an arm over Jaela's shoulder. "There's magic to reverse gravity, I've heard of it. They must have improved and specialized it."
[21:43] * Jaela grins at her. "I always thought it was useless magic, but this just proved me wrong."
[21:48] <Kotono> "It's amazing what one elf can do over a lifetime. No human wizard could hope to keep up." Mirima says, standing still and looking up
[21:48] <Kotono> .
[21:50] <Jaela> "I think it's more about talent and inspiration than it is about living long enough," Jaela responds with a shrug. "But it's plenty amazing, yeah."
[21:53] <Kotono> "It is, but I'm a little tired," Mirima admits, "How about we head back for the day?"
[21:54] <Jaela> "Sure. No one's said we have to visit the all in a single day, right?"
[22:03] <Kotono> OOC: Ready to hop along a bit? You wanted to gather some info?
[22:04] <Jaela> OOC: Yeah, let's do that. If this world has immortal elves with an artifact and archmages who do this sort of thing or summon deities, it might have contemporary elven heroes!
[22:09] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, make a GI check. Mirima can aid if you li.e
[22:10] <Jaela> roll 1d20+23+15 let's go all out
[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+23+15 let's go all out and gets 45." [1d20=7]
[22:20] <Kotono> Most elven adventurers form bands, traveling the lands, are the current thrust. Some of the most notable are The Five Leaves, a band lead by Hiesran Winddale. They defeated the Sea Dragon pirates. Another notable band is the Compatriots. They're a trio of female sorcerers of some sort, and defeated the Ash'arai in an engagement in the Heartland Wastes. There's also High Prince Brim, who is said
[22:20] <Kotono> to be a swordsman without compare, who personally defeated all who have ever fought against him.
[22:23] * Jaela decides to keep at it, and find out just what sort of opposition had all of them faced. With the sorcerers, at least, it might also be possible to estimate their power from the mightiest spell they were rumored to have cast.
[22:31] <Kotono> The Sea Dragon pirates numbered hundreds of organized boats and were lead by the Pirate Lord. He was said to wrestle leviathans for fun. For the sorcerers, it is said they mastered the weave, reaching the 9th circle. Brim's harder to judge - it's just a string of 'he won'-ness.
[22:33] <Jaela> Yes, swordsmen are the hardest to judge, Jaela muses to herself. Though she could always test him herself, if it came to that. The focus of her inquiries shifts to where she could find either of the groups or the High Prince, before smoothly seguing into their appearances and names to better identify them when the time comes.
[22:39] <Kotono> The Five Leaves resides in Laa sometimes, though it sounds like they're not in town right now. The Compatriots reside in a private tower a ways away - details are sketchy. Prince Brim can be found in the Crean Castle easily enough.
[22:42] <Jaela> Since he is the only one she can easily try to reach, Jaela decides to focus on the prince. Different lands have different protocols for meeting with royalty, though it seems that anyone who comes with a proper challenge will be met, at least. "How about it?" she consults with Mirima before any concrete movement on her part. "Sendings could arrange for an audience easily enough with the adventurers, and we can show up at the castle just fine. Do you have any preferences?"
[22:56] <Kotono> "Whichever," Mirima replies, "They," With a look to Jaela, "Aren't what interests me here."
[23:00] <Jaela> "How about a duel with Prince Brim?" Jaela suggests. "I kinda want to see you fight him after all those stories."
[23:06] <Kotono> "Sounds fine," Mirima says, "As long as there's something on the line to make it exciting."
[23:08] * Jaela raises an eyebrow. "Sounds to me like you want a special prize for beating him. Got something in mind?"
[23:20] <Kotono> "Something fun." Mirima agrees, chuckling, "Something to raise the stakes."
[23:21] <Jaela> "Just fishing, then?"
[23:36] <Kotono> "Oh, I think you know what I like," Mirima sits back with a little rumble of amusement, "Offer something and make it exciting!"
[23:41] <Jaela> "How about I'll fix Aurora up so that it has those nice little washrooms?" Jaela suggests after thinking it over.
[23:43] <Kotono> "If I win?" Mirima says, and after a moment, "What if I lose?"
[23:44] * Jaela starts to answer before she grins. "Don't lose. It's gonna be pretty bad."
[23:45] <Kotono> "Humor me," Mirima leans forward, "Or is your bluff just a stall for time?"
[23:47] <Jaela> Rolling her eyes, Jaela raises one gauntleted hand. "I've still got a suit of full plate with me. It will chaff something awful since we're not a perfect match, but you should be able to wear it and walk in it. Slowly."
[23:49] <Kotono> "Oh well then," Mirima hums, "Fine. Shall we?"
[23:50] <Jaela> "Sure thing."
[23:51] <Kotono> OOC: Going to be shifting or teleporting?
[23:53] <Jaela> OOC: Let's do this the next morning, after refreshed daily spells+Miracle'd Veil+Miracle'd Greater Anticipate Teleport. That'll eat up a couple hours, but we can just learn about the protocol for challenging the prince on a duel. Then, two greater plane shifts via Astral oasis to the outskirts of the castle.
[23:59] <Kotono> OOC: How are you going to go about learning the protocol?
[00:00] <Jaela> OOC: There are stories about the people he defeated, so probably at least a couple start before the actual duel. Thus, GI? If that fails, Lore of the Gods for a local knowledge.
[00:02] <Kotono> OOC: K:N/R.
[00:02] <Jaela> roll 1d20+22
[00:02] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+22 and gets 34." [1d20=12]
[00:07] <Kotono> The protocol is to challenge him by coming to him and declaring your intent in well refined poetry. Lacking th eskill to properly compose suitable poetry is considered a dire insult.
[00:10] <Jaela> Just as she'd compensated for her lack of forging skills with magic, Jaela will do so with this challenge as well. And on the off chance it simply has to be by the challenger, she places a hand on Mirima's shoulder and imbues her with that particular spell and two more in support of her efforts.
[00:11] <Jaela> OOC: Imbue with Spell Ability, Divine Insight, Sign, Divine Favor.

[Corwin]

[19:51] <Koaway> With a teleport, you find yourself atop a hill. Ahead of you lies a slight valley, green and lush. Ahead, crafted of strikingly purple stone, is Crean Castle. It is a typical castle, save that the stone is a rich, royal purple shade. A path ahead leads to the front bridge.
[19:52] <Jaela> "You caught the spells I shared?" Jaela asks, not leaving much to chance. "The first two, if you cast them now, will give you a boost with both composing that poem of challenge and on your reflexes at the start of the duel, and the latter is more for if you find yourself needing a bit more to get past his defenses."
[19:54] <Koaway> "I did," Mirima says, "I'll hold them in reserve for if I need them. What point if I beat him with another's power? THere's no excitement in that. If this were a life and death battle, I would, but I'm stricken that this will be a glorified duel."
[19:56] * Jaela shrugs. "So long as you use the first one, it's all good. Who ever heard of composing poems for that sorta crap? But hey, whatever suits him, he's the Prince. If a bit of magic can avoid some unintentional insult, I'm all for it."
[19:59] <Koaway> "I have," Mirima says, "Some bards challenged each other with insulting songs in my homeland." She starts to walk forward, "Perhaps our prince has some bardic leanings as well?"
[20:01] * Jaela laughs, taking a moment to straighten up her cloak before following. "That's not the same thing! I get the part about insulting someone inventively to get them to lose their shit and attack. It's the whole part about asking someone politely and in rhyme to get beaten up that gets me."
[20:05] <Koaway> "I think it's fun," Mirima says with a smile growing at Jaela's laughter, "It lends an elegant air to the battle. A refinement as steel clashes!"
[20:07] <Jaela> "I kinda agree, aside from the grave insult part," Jaela voices. "I think that's where scorn might come, or a bit of laughter for the added humiliation, but it's not the sort of thing to take too seriously. I wouldn't be, anyway." She shrugs. "To each their own, and I'm good with playing along since we're guests."
[20:11] <Koaway> "So let's go see how this goes then," Mirima says. OOC: Ready to move on a bit?
[20:11] <Jaela> OOC: Yep
[20:20] <Koaway> Thus you pass to the castle gates. There's guards there, but with a glance they leave Jaela and Mirima be. Thus you head within - no courtyard, but instead right into an entry hall. Here elves mill about, all dressed well and brightly, hurrying about or lingering, doing this or that.
[20:22] <Jaela> Relying on the descriptions she had gotten for the prince while originally seeking out this land's heroes, Jaela spends a few moments looking about herself.
[20:25] <Koaway> No sign of the prince offhand - though you do see a few that your magic tells you are servants. They're clad in muted tones of orange, going here and there. Those in blue are nobles and those in white are commoners in good standing. Meanwhile Mirima does the same, "So how do we find him?" she asks.
[20:27] <Jaela> "We ask for help," Jaela voices. She looks for a servant that is both near and not under a pressing duty, before drawing near them.
[20:31] <Koaway> This one is a male elf, adult and with the grace all they possess. He walks unencumbered, pausing, "Yes, ma'am?" he asks as Jaela approaches.
[20:33] <Jaela> "Hello," Jaela greets him. "Could you spare my friend and I a moment? We have a question on protocol concerning the High Prince Brim."
[20:34] <Koaway> "Of course, ma'am. How may I help you?"
[20:36] <Jaela> "Tales of the prince have spread far and wide," Jaela continues, not even needing to exaggerate. "He is said to be a swordsman without compare that never turns down a proper challenge. My friend has come wishing to do just that, a poem already composed, yet we are not certain how to actually deliver it to the prince in the proper way."
[20:43] <Koaway> "Ah!" Immediately bowing, "This way. I'll take you to the Master of Protocol."
[20:48] * Jaela dips her head in thanks, and then gestures for him to lead the way.
[20:53] <Koaway> You are lead along to the kitchens. Amid all the working staff is a man clad in noble blue - an actual man.  He watches over them, nodding on occasion. He is perhaps at the cusp of beginning middle age, his dark purple hair thinning. "Sir, these two desire the proper protocol in challenging Prince Brim."
[20:54] <Jaela> It's certainly strange, Jaela admits to herself. "Hello," she repeats, waiting for his advice.
[20:59] <Koaway> "You do? With me, with me," He nods, dismissing the servatn with a wave of the hand. "Prince Brim should be in the Blossom Court now."
[21:01] <Jaela> "Certainly," Jaela assures him. "It would be a pleasure." She smiles at Mirima, quite ready to follow.
[21:07] <Koaway> You are lead into a courtyard - full of flowers of every color. Paths lead through it, the scent of pollen heavy in the air. As you wander, you come to a small, fenced in and freestanding patio. It is covered with roses, so thicky as to give privacy to within. A single wrought iron gate leads within, "Go in and deliver your poem to Prince Brim," he instructs.
[21:09] <Jaela> "Thank you," Jaela says sincerely, and then waits for Mirima to take the lead here. Of course, if the prince is far more formiddable than they've considered and she's met with a humiliating loss, Jaela might feel tempted to step in herself. But for the time being, she's quite content to remain an observer for the duel itself, because it would serve as an evaluation as well. Someone who can fight on a parity with Mirima and conducts himself honorably would be the right sort to try recruiting.
[21:18] <Koaway> Thus you go within. Here you find several tables, a servant pouring tea as one elf sits. He is perfectly elven - all grace and unseen muscle, like a too-thin dancer and yet vital. He wears clot-no. It's chain mail, so fine that it moves like cloth and barely rustles. A green cloak with a blue stripe down the middle goes with that, a sheathed blade at his belt.
[21:20] <Koaway> Mirima steps forward, and...
[21:21] <Koaway> roll 1d20+21
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d20+21 and gets 37." [1d20=16]
[21:26] <Koaway> What follows is some rather creative poetry, a challenge wrapped in fine verses and rhyming scheme. Prince Brim turns, a half smile on his face as he listens. By the end he claps, "One of the better ones I've heard, magically aided or not." Rising in one motion, smoother than oil, "So it's gotten to the point that the Sky is seeking to cross my blade?"
[21:28] <Jaela> "There is a certain elegance in having natural skill bolstered by magic that meshes perfectly with it, wouldn't you say, Your Highness?" Jaela voices with a matching smile.
[21:30] <Koaway> "Elegance can be found in everything," Drawing his blade, already advancing lightning fast, "On guard, duelist! You have my attention - don't let me down!" OOC: Init for Mirima.
[21:30] <Koaway> roll 1d20+8 Mirima
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d20+8 Mirima and gets 13." [1d20=5]
[21:30] <Koaway> roll 1d20+16 Prince Brim
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d20+16 Prince Brim and gets 17." [1d20=1]
[21:30] * Koaway changes topic to 'Prince Brim(17)>Mirima(13)'
[21:31] <Koaway> Before Mirima can even react, Prince Brim is on Mirima, blade slicing across her like flashes of steely light!
[21:31] <Koaway> roll 1d20+30 (-10 ICE)
[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d20+30 (-10 ICE) and gets 47." [1d20=17]
[21:31] <Koaway> roll 1d20+30 (-10 ICE) crit?
[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d20+30 (-10 ICE) crit? and gets 35." [1d20=5]
[21:32] <Koaway> roll 1d20+25 (-10 ICE)
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d20+25 (-10 ICE)  and gets 30." [1d20=5]
[21:32] <Koaway> roll 1d20+20 (-10 ICE)
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d20+20 (-10 ICE)  and gets 38." [1d20=18]
[21:32] <Koaway> roll 1d20+20 (-10 ICE)  crit?
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d20+20 (-10 ICE) crit? and gets 33." [1d20=13]
[21:33] <Koaway> roll 2d8+30+8d6+1d6 nonlethal hit 1
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 2d8+30+8d6+1d6 nonlethal hit 1 and gets 65." [2d8=1, 1][8d6=1, 2, 6, 6, 4, 5, 2, 6][1d6=1]
[21:33] <Koaway> roll 1d8+15+8d6+1d6 nonlethal hit 2
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d8+15+8d6+1d6 nonlethal hit 2 and gets 45." [1d8=3][8d6=1, 4, 2, 2, 6, 6, 1, 3][1d6=2]
[21:33] <Koaway> roll 2d8+30+8d6+1d6 nonlethal hit 3
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 2d8+30+8d6+1d6 nonlethal hit 3 and gets 68." [2d8=1, 3][8d6=3, 3, 5, 5, 1, 6, 5, 4][1d6=2]
[21:34] <Koaway> roll 65+45+68
[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 65+45+68 and gets 178."
[21:36] <Koaway> Just like that, it's over. Mirima gets whipped by the flat of the blade thrice as Prince Brim dashes by, sending her sprawled out and rendered into dreamland! He finishes his stride by leaping back to his seat and picking up his tea, "Better than the last few," he says, "She needs endurance training or a way to cover her vitals from precise blows. That last shot to her spine caused her to lose
[21:36] <Koaway> conciousness."
[21:37] * Jaela blinks.
[21:38] <Jaela> "This was so humiliating I'm tempted to compose a poem," she finally admits, after several lengthy moments of staring at the scene.
[21:38] <Koaway> "I'm the best in ten generations and I have the wealth and rank to obtain almost any sort of aid I desire," Casually sipping his tea, "Don't be surprised. It wasn't a fair fight from the beginning."
[21:40] * Jaela purses her lips. "I guess that'd be churlish of me. Can you wake Mirima up, or do I need to, Highness?"
[21:41] <Koaway> Prince Brim rises, fishing a small stoppered silver vial out and uncorking it. He kneels and gently opens her mouth, pouring it down her throat.
[21:41] <Koaway> roll 3d8+5
[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 3d8+5 and gets 11." [3d8=2, 1, 3]
[21:42] <Koaway> It's enough to make Mirima stir, groaning with pain. Prince Brim picks her up and helps her to a chair, "I also don't fight fair," he adds, without even a hint of shame. The servant comes back, pouring a cup of tea for Mirima and then looks to Jaela, "Would yo ucare for some, ma'am?"
[21:44] <Jaela> "That would be lovely," Jaela responds, getting over her shock and a certain measure of disappointment. She returns her eyes to the prince. "Your skill was clear, even through such a brief showdown, High Prince. I would go so far as to say I doubt there are any mortals left on Alere who will challenge you with the blade. Is that the conclusion you arrived at as well?"
[21:46] <Koaway> He sips his tea, as the servant bows and steps back. "I doubt that's right. Even if I'm the best swordsman in all the word, creatures who use other means can surpass me. Moreover, even if I'm the best one on one, most battles are not so agreeable as to be duels." Here he smiles, "Arrogance is a sin, Servant of the Sky. If you're baiting me, I have to respectfully decline."
[21:46] <Koaway> Meanwhile Mirima cracks open one eye, before going to hold her middle and whimper softly.
[21:47] <Koaway> *world
[21:49] * Jaela steps over to Mirima and places a hand on her shoulder, before a ninth circle spell of healing is channeled into her to cure all of her aches and bruises. "You misunderstand my intent, Prince. What I am saying is that I am impressed, and that at the same time I can only see diminishing returns for you here on Alere. True, you will grow in strength. But without suitable opponents to match yourself against, your skills will increase at a much slower rate. And the chance of you doing good will also lessen, unless you take it upon yourself to confront all of the world's ills and prevent those below you from gaining the necessary experience and growing themselves."
[21:50] <Koaway> "It sounds like you wish for me to renounce my station and become a roving warrior for justice," His observation is amused as Mirima straightens up, "You do understand I'm next in line for the throne and leaving would create problems, even for a religious context."
[21:52] <Jaela> "You would not be the first heir to the throne to join our Crusade," Jaela says, amused as she recalls the circumstances surrounding Dana's recruitment. "And rather than renounce it, you would be putting in on hold for a short while. If you are willing to consider it, then I will tell you of the cause I wish for you to join. If not, well... we'll have our tea and we'll leave."
[22:04] <Koaway> "I'll at least hear you out," Prince Brim says, "What is your Crusade?"
[22:14] <Jaela> "In simplest terms, the devils have moved on several Primes in recent times," Jaela responds. "It is unprecedented for the Hells to seize worlds that haven't chosen to fall of their own accord, yet they did that anyway and the planes are largely standing by and letting them do it. Oh, there's certainly resistance, often clandestine, but no major power has moved to put the devils in check so far. That is what our Crusade is about. My friends and I are in command of a small planar realm, a mobile fortress, and we are using it as our base to strike back at the devils and drive them off the worlds of Lifasa and Benfal. We've gathered an army and we have plenty of allies. But what we could always use more of are competent, charismatic leaders to direct all those troops." She tilts her head. "Sound like a worthy cause?"
[22:17] <Koaway> "It may, but I have questions," Prince Brim goes on, "First of all, Hell? I'm afraid while I know the term, my studies in religion were not much above the cursory level. I'm aware of the concept of 'planes', but little more than that. Could you elaborate?"
[22:22] <Jaela> "The first step here is to accept that something can exist as a solid, material thing and as a concept at the same time," Jaela responds, after thinking about the phrasing for a few moments. "The planes are divided between concepts, and in a very real sense they are the concepts they embody, too. If you are a rule-abiding despot, or a murderer with a rigid sense of duty, you may well find your soul journey to the Hells after your death here. Yet the planes are not only the destination for souls. They each have servants that fit with those ideas, and the devils are the servants of the Hells. Some of them are souls of mortals, twisted from aeons of torture into becoming like them. Others are born, or fall from grace to end up there, yet it rarely matters for the final result. The ultimate goal of the Hells is to conquer reality and make it conform to their ideals through the application of force and torture, and they've had all the time in Creation to get very, very good at it."
[22:24] <Koaway> "Fascinating," Prince Brim replies as Mirima finally gets to her tea, "So this underworld has the ability to come forth from it and attack?"
[22:27] <Jaela> "Every plane has that ability," Jaela muses. "The key ones, at least. But there are agreements in place to prevent it, normally. It seems that the Hells found several loopholes they are exploiting right now. At the same time, we know they are over-extended. Things will settle down if they get the chance to absorb these worlds and adjust, before striking anew. But we're not going to give them that time."
[22:29] <Koaway> "So in military terms, this invading empire has captured several holdings, but the army is overstretched as they try to absorb them? You take this chance to counter attack and roll them back." Nodding slightly to this, "Sound military strategy. These agreements prevent the ones above from intervening against them on this other plane?"
[22:32] * Jaela drinks from the tea she had been served as well before answering. "That is the kindest explanation I've seen thus far," she responds. "At the same time, the ability to act through the Aurora, our fortress, is our own loophole. After all, Arvandor is not moving to fight the Hells directly; they are merely lending their forces to an ally."
[22:34] <Koaway> "Right. Political loopholes," He seconds, "The right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing."
[22:36] <Jaela> "We have confidence that we can win this, staying within the limited goals of pushing devils off Primes they target for themselves," Jaela tells him. "At the same time, devil forces are infinite. And even if they weren't, as long as suitable mortals exist and continue to die, Hell will never run out of troops to throw at us. They have other obligations, of course, but even with those the only way for us to actually win is to keep growing ourselves."
[22:37] <Koaway> "How does that work?" Prince Brim frowns, "My mathematics teacher was insistent that something infinite was infinite. You can't overstrain an infinite force. The concept is impossible."
[22:40] <Jaela> "If we oversimplify the situation, then I could say there are two factors at work here. The amount of devils may be infinite, but not the amount of devils that matter. And the other is that, like I said, they have their other obligations, which draw so much of their attention that the remainder we are facing is merely insanely high, and not an infinity."
[22:41] <Koaway> "That's not how infinity works!" His protest comes, "You can take as much as you want away from infinity, but it's still infinity! That's why it's infinite - there's no limit."
[22:42] <Jaela> "That's why I said it's an oversimplification," Jaela responds with a grin. "There's an infinity of demons, and they are at war with the devils. The war is taking place on Avernus, the first layer of the Hells, which is also the one where the forces to occupy Lifasa are currently being diverted from. What happens when you match infinity with another infinity?"
[22:46] <Koaway> "Demons? Aren't they interchangable names for fiends?" Prince Brima sks, "But nevermind the infinity questions, I doubt it's going to be productive.":
[22:48] <Jaela> "Fiends is a wholesale name for the residents of the lower planes," Jaela asserts with distaste. "Each of them has sick designs for any mortals he might seize, but those designs are different. The concepts behind them are different, and at times they come into outright conflict, as is the case with devils and demons." She purses her lips. "I have a spell that will let you understand all that and much more, Highness. Yet I doubt that understanding is necessary to make a choice to join our Crusade. Is it?"
[23:04] <Koaway> "It isn't," Prince Brim agrees, "Why did you come to me? I have an entire kingdom to rule in due time, and this is my apprenticeship. Why not go to someone with skills and far less attachments?"
[23:08] <Jaela> "Even when some of those necessary skills are so deeply entwined with your responsibilities?" Jaela asks. "I've learned about the leading adventurers of this world. The Five Leaves and the Compatriots, to be exact. And there is certainly merit in approaching them. Yet they work as individuals or as a small team, at the most. You, however, have been in a position to lead many. Which best suits an army?"
[23:10] <Koaway> "A fair point," He concedes, seeming to ruminate on it a time, falling into silence.
[23:16] <Jaela> "If it would make you more comfortable, Highness, I could extend the same offer to them as well, or even to others of your choice that you feel are worthy." She could go about her criteria, and that however it might seem not just anyone would do. But instead, Jaela decides to repeat something she'd told him before. "I believe that just as much as the Crusade can benefit from your presence, Prince Brim, so could you learn from it. We have fighters surpassing even your skills -- not many, true, but still more than you will find on Alere. There is much to learn about the proper ways to lead people, and about the mistakes one must avoid, and few places offer to show it in such starkness as a holy crusade. And finally, it is not a permanent transfer. Thinking of it in terms of another apprenticeship would not be off the mark, while at the same time allowing you to see how your people here would do in your absense. The Triune -- Dema -- wishes me to assume a similar role upon Lifasa once it has been liberated, so I have actually given the matter some thought. If I didn't think it was a good prelude for rulership, I would not suggest as much."
[23:24] <Koaway> "Hm." A soft murmur at this, "You understand that I must consult many people and think on this. As much as you implied otherwise, I cannot answer you today. But I may be interested."
[23:29] * Jaela inclines her head. "The need for consultation and careful consideration is prudent. I would advise against consulting many, however, unless knowledge of and visitation by those from the outer planes is far more common than I was lead to believe. Someone strong enough to recognize my nature and who can be trusted with certain knowledge of fiends is one thing, but should rumors spread through the population...."
[23:31] <Koaway> "Discretion is of course requisite," Prince Brim retorts with a hint of bemusement. "Gossip is the death of any well laid plan."
[23:33] * Jaela grins. "Would you prefer for me to stop by in a few days? Or to contact me with a Sending spell? Delivering such a message to Jaela of the Aurora would be enough."
[23:38] <Koaway> "Give me a week," Prince Brim decides, "If you haven't heard back from then."
[23:38] <Koaway> *by then.
[23:39] <Jaela> "Certainly, Highness," she agrees, before finishing her tea and glancing over at Mirima. "Let's return for now, unless you're interested in a rematch?"
[23:41] <Koaway> Mirima shakes her head, "No, my pride is deflated enough for the day." She rises, "Thanks for seeing us."
[23:43] <Jaela> That's true enough. Jaela never expected such a swift loss, so she'll wait until she reminds Mirima of the penalty game. For now, she's content enough to plane shift them away once proper protocol has been observed.

[Corwin]

[19:45] <Kotono> You end up with Mirima, wandering into another fountain. This section looks to be all marble fountains, pathways of them like displays, each one with a wooden carving added to the center. Not that Mirima notices - she seems subdued instead, far away.
[19:46] <Jaela> "I realized what went wrong," Jaela says casually, pausing by one of the fountains to observe it from close by.
[19:46] <Kotono> This fountain has a sparrow carving water coming out of its mouth, "Hm?" Mirima says, sounding rather distracted.
[19:49] * Jaela taps Mirima, just over her amulet. "You're still not back to top form, as far as your combat gear's concerned," Jaela tells her. "We got so distracted by the shiny sword you landed that we forgot that. A proper enemy would have at least a belt like mine to boost him, and that would've let you counter-attack and put him down." She frowns. "How are you doing for gold?"
[19:50] <Kotono> "About six thousand, as Aurora reckons it," Mirima now looks up, "I'm saving up for one of those wondrous belts." Pausing a moment, "I lost because I let my guard down. I wasn't expecting some noble prince to attack me on the spot, let alone in the middle of his private rose garden."
[19:54] <Jaela> "Yeah, he said he doesn't fight fair." Jaela snorts. "But I don't feel quite so bad over the entire thing after I figured this stuff out. Anyway, I've got about six thousand too, myself. Do you figure the other girls at the Tower might lend you enough to tide you over? I don't really expect Misalea to go somewhere in the near future, so it could be your chance."
[19:56] <Kotono> "They'd need about eight thousand? No chance." So Mirima replies, "It's possible Canderella or Adrian has that much, but I know Misalea doesn't. Still...I have to admit I respect his passion. A passion to win, using surprise as an effective form of stealth."
[19:58] <Jaela> "I respect that he healed you up, offered you tea and then gave my proposal actual thought. He seemed pretty great, as far as people go. I can see getting along with him."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Do you think he'll join?" Mirima asks, turning her attention to the fountain.
[20:01] <Jaela> "I think he wants to," Jaela muses. "Whether he'll be allowed to is another thing. But he has to realize we're the good guys, right? So even if he joins up and sees it's not for him, he has to know he'll be able to get back without trouble. In that case, if you were a prince looking for experience in leading people and a swordsman interested in meeting worthy opponents, why not give it a try?"
[20:05] <Kotono> "I think you're right," Mirima says after a few long moments of staring at the fountain, "You think the choice is out of our hands and his hands?"
[20:08] <Jaela> "Nah, not really. We still have a card to play, and if he really wants to-- well, you know how we got Dana to our ranks, right?" She grins. "Point is, any army's got this rule. If you're offered leadership of any kind, like a promotion or a chance at command, and you turn it down? You never get offered again, ever. Fuck, you're lucky if you get to keep what you do have without being quietly retired somewhere you can't harm your cause. If you've got even less conviction in your ability than your superiors, hey, who're they to doubt you, right? It's sorta like this, whether they realize it or not. It's not all that fair, though I'd love to see him of all people complain over it, but point is no one who's watching from above will ever reach out towards him during his no doubt long and glorious life if he just decides to stick to his home where it's safe."
[20:09] <Kotono> We'll see then," Mirima finally says, and with a put on sigh, "So...about that bet."
[20:10] <Jaela> "Yeah. Tricks or no, he still won." Jaela grins. "But no worries, it's magical full plate so it doesn't smell a bit. Or rust, really, even if you go into the water in it."
[20:13] <Kotono> Mirima smiles a little bit, "Maybe we could renegotiate something else," she says, putting a warm, hopeful note in her voice as she takes Jaela's hand. "Something far less constrictive."
[20:14] <Jaela> "Ah, but then the next time you bet on something you'll know I'll go all soft on you. Where would all the tension be? The excitement?"
[20:14] <Kotono> "How about," Mirima smiles now, "I make the offer exciting all on its own, to make up for that?"
[20:16] <Jaela> "Maybe if the offer is exciting enough, I'll cut the time you're in that armor by half?"
[20:18] <Kotono> "Instead of wearing so much, I could go in the opposite direction," Mirima squeezes Jaela's hand, "More tolerable than wearing that armor and much more interesting for you, I'm certain. Wouldn't that be more fun than wearing that metal suit?"
[20:20] * Jaela laughs. Mirima really does tend to have a one track mind about these things. "How about we defer it for our return to the Aurora? This is a vacation, so we should enjoy it. There'll be plenty of time to put you in full plate after."
[20:21] <Kotono> "Alright, I'll take that," Mirima says, "So...now what?"
[20:22] <Jaela> "If we manage to recruit the other heroes of this world for the Crusade, I'm sure it would put pressure on our detractors with the Prince. And while none of them would be as good at leading forces as him, from what we can tell so far, they'd be quite welcome with the Aurora."
[20:23] <Kotono> "I mean more immediately," Mirima says, "Shall we spend the day here or do something else?"
[20:25] <Jaela> "That's what I meant, actually," Jaela admits. "Let's use a Sending to the sorcerers and see if they bite. We can invite them over to a fountain of our choice. If they come, we see if they're up to it. It not, we get to spend another day relaxing here, and then we'll try the Five Leaves."
[20:28] <Kotono> OOC: What's your sending going to be and to which one?
[20:30] <Jaela> OOC: Do I know the leader of the Compatriots? If not, a name for one of them will do.
[20:57] <Kotono> OOC: Yes, her name is Bellea.
[20:58] * Jaela thinks about it for a moment, before sending her message to Bellea after ensuring no one is around to overhear it or spot her casting. 'Would like to meet you, whether as future employer or friend. If agreeable, let's meet at the fifth fountain of Laa. Jaela, servant of Dema.' Afina would probably compose a better message, Jaela muses, but at least she must be getting better at this. If they're curious, they can express as much with the return message, and a trio of powerful sorcerers with their own private tower should have the resources to send one of their own afterwards, if they want more details or to reschedule.
[21:04] <Kotono> There is no reply - but a few moments later, a gray mouse hops up to the edge of the fountain, staring up at Jaela. In her mind she hears, 'What do you want?' It's a faintly masculine voice, a high pitched and officious tone.
[21:09] <Jaela> "Who am I speaking to?" Jaela decides to ask, to clear that up first and foremost.
[21:10] <Kotono> 'A servant of the Compatriots,' it answers, 'Who referred you to us?'
[21:10] <Kotono> Mirima looks between mouse and Jaela, "A familiar? That was almost instantaneous!"
[21:16] <Jaela> "No one referred me as such, unless one counts the fame your group has gained with the people," Jaela says, shaking her head. "I'm recruiting for a Crusade of liberation," she continues after a momentary pause, deciding to test the waters. They already knew that religion would be involved, given she used her patron goddess to identify herself in the sparse message. Time to see if the prospect itself is palatable. "Talented individuals such as the Compatriots would be more than welcome. Aside from doing the right thing, there is the inevitability of riches and fame. There is the opportunity for leadership, alongside rare arcane lore beyond even your own reach."
[21:22] <Kotono> 'So that's your sell?' The mouse banters back, 'What manner of arcane lore?'
[21:25] <Jaela> "I know enough about those you serve to be interested, but not to tailor a specific offer," Jaela responds. "If we met and got to know each other, that is liable to change. Where it comes to the lore, however... does the name Medi hold any meaning to you, or Medicant?" Normally, it wouldn't on a world as isolated as this one is, apparently. But for mages powerful enough, who may well benefit from spells similar to those Jaela uses to gain knowledge she has no right to have....
[21:26] <Kotono> 'It may,' The mouse replies, 'Who is your Crusade against?'
[21:29] <Jaela> "Devils," she responds. "In particular, the occupational forces lead by Bel and Abigor, though we don't discriminate too much. If the name I mentioned does mean something to you, then you'd know Medi's legacy is being put to good use once more, just as you'd know just what that sort of legacy and the connection it bestows to those involved mean."
[21:34] <Kotono> 'If you're serious about this, you can produce some worthwhile arcane lore to prove it.' The mouse replies.
[21:38] * Jaela purses her lips. "I don't really carry scrolls of Might of the Solar," she muses. "But I could show you something interesting all the same. Mirima, let me know if someone's coming over, alright?"
[21:39] <Kotono> Mirima looks around, "You're clear."
[21:42] * Jaela holds out her hand, and Val'Finnegan slides into it, as commanded. "I'm not fully up on familiars, and it might not even be the only way for you to monitor things. For all I know, you're Scrying on him, and could identify just what I'm holding." She shrugs. "But if you're doing that, then you've already seen a priceless artifact. If anyone upon this world would recognize just what it is," Jaela continues, taking a fistful of her quilium cloak with her free hand, "I would expect it to be you."
[21:43] <Kotono> The mouse makes a show of inspecting each, 'Interesting,' It replies, 'I'll return tomorrow at this time. If you're serious about it, have a new spell or similar arcane lore.'
[21:46] <Jaela> "I can do something better," Jaela offers. "If your mistress is here tomorrow, I can show her what happened to Medicant over the ages. Why settle for second-hand knowledge and trinklets, after all, when a single glance would reveal that much more?"
[21:47] <Kotono> 'Since you're so generous, you'll produce both,' The mouse replies, 'If you can't produce some kind of new arcane lore or spell, you're wasting our time. It should be a simple task for you, if you're being honest.'
[21:48] * Jaela snorts. "I don't mind playing along, especially when I'm the one scouting." Val'Finnegan returns back to storage. "Tomorrow it is."
[21:49] <Kotono> 'Tomorrow,' The mouse squeaks, before vanishing away.
[21:51] <Jaela> "What do you think?" Jaela muses, glancing at Mirima. "I'm not sure I'd send a familiar over to meet someone unknown over distance. Unless the divinations I ran went well, I guess? But I'd probably rely on something else entirely if I could, like a golem or a type of summons."
[21:55] <Kotono> "
[21:55] <Kotono> "Then is it another type of servant?" Mirima questions, "To get something here so fast speaks of powerful magic."
[21:58] <Jaela> "Yep. Mind, I'd think it more a factor of their home than of personal power, the same way the Aurora has a few tricks with remote viewing and opening up gates. But it's still impressive." She offers the elf her arm. "Got any ideas for neat arcane lore to share tomorrow? I guess I'm wearing some of it, but it's not the sorta thing I want to be showing them."
[22:01] <Kotono> OOC: Okay Jaela, what's your plan here now?
[22:05] <Jaela> OOC: If Mirima doesn't have any ideas, let's spend the day gathering more info about what the Compatriots seem to like. There might be a story that reveals what inclination they have in magic. Then we'll see what I can bring from the Aurora.
[22:07] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, roll GI again.
[22:07] <Jaela> roll 1d20+23+15 okay
[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+23+15 okay and gets 41." [1d20=3]
[22:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Mirima aids
[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Mirima aids and gets 22." [1d20=16]
[22:13] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 74." [1d100=74]
[22:17] <Kotono> Several hours of searching turns up some information on the Compatriots. Bellea is confident and powerful, the leader of the group. Fula is the brains of it, more prone to going off erratically. Zala is the support - moreso since rumor has it that she's had a child in the last few years. Of note, they display a high variety of magic and don't seem to specialize strongly in any one theme too
[22:17] <Kotono> much.
[22:20] <Jaela> "Let's return for now?" Jaela proposes to Mirima. She has an idea that she needs to run by Elena, as it happens.
[22:22] <Kotono> Returning to Aurora is without incident. On reaching the courtyard, a single request brings Elena to appear. She's dressed up in leathers and traveling clothes, a longsword on her belt and a quiver of arrows on her back. "Welcome home, Jaela," she greets. "How do you like it?"
[22:23] <Jaela> "Thanks," Jaela returns. "It's good to be back." Taking Elena's clothing in, she nods to herself thoughtfully. "Nice. A solid adventurer look."
[22:24] <Kotono> "It's the wise ranger avatar of Mielikki," Elena twirls about, giving you a good 360 look of it. Meanwhile the courtyard is busy as it always is - including several hundred rescued monks going through practice, like a wave of humanoids constantly in motion.
[22:26] <Jaela> "A wise avatar wouldn't refer to herself as such," Jaela says with a grin. "But that aside, say I was trying to recruit a bunch of powerful mages off the Prime we went to and they wanted proof of some great arcane achievement. Since they're a group of generalists, more or less, I figured that rather than tailor it specifically I could just bring one of the guardian golems back with me. What do you think?"
[22:32] <Kotono> "I'd say it's ab ad idea," Elena replies right away, wagging a finger, "They're the last line of defense! You're supposed to save them for emergencies!...but we do have a big army," she admits after, "And technically you're one of the commanding generals of Aurora."
[22:34] <Jaela> "If one of them makes all the difference within the half an hour or so window I'd be gone with it, I weep for our chances of success," Jaela mutters. "Still, do we have anything in our stores right now that'd do well enough to show our power? Some tenth circle scroll, or a nice little artifact mortals won't easily land their hands on?"
[22:44] <Kotono> "Hmmm," Elena hums, "There's that scroll of Sunlance Makaril passed on," Elena says.
[22:46] <Jaela> "I'll bring them both over, then." Jaela frowns. "In fact, it'd be good to have the disguised golem along in case their reputation is all wrong. It'll follow all my commands even away from the Aurora, right?"
[22:46] <Kotono> "It should," Elena says, "I don't see why - oh hold on," Frowning, "Hanna needs me for something." Blink goes the Elena, gone and away.
[22:47] <Jaela> "Yeah sure," Jaela agrees, inwardly wincing at Elena's less than certain response. "What do you think about our chances there, Mirima?"
[22:54] <Kotono> "It's a plan," She finally says, "Give them what they want."
[22:55] <Jaela> "Less give, more show," Jaela muses. "We've recruited people with actual gold before, and these three seem to be good enough for that. But I'm not just handing something over before I see some committment on their end."
[22:57] <Kotono> "Right," Elena appears again, "As I was saying, the golems should be fine. I don't see why they wouldn't."
[22:59] <Jaela> "Nice." Jaela nods at her. "Anyway, if all goes well I'll be bringing at least one guest back with me. Just a look at the door to Medi's quarters should be enough to get them interested, if the Aurora itself falls short. If there're some areas you'd want me to keep off limits, figure them out before I leave?"
[23:02] <Kotono> "Of course," Whistling happily at that, "I will!"

[Corwin]

[19:58] <Kotono> Thus the two return the next day. Right on time the mouse is there, awaiting and looking up at the trio.
[19:59] * Jaela raises an eyebrow. "Are we still going through intermediaries?" she asks, peering at the mouse. "Or is this shapeshifting of some sort?"
[20:03] <Kotono> 'I am more than capable of doing what needs to be done,' The mouse squeaks in your minds, 'Did you bring it?'
[20:04] <Jaela> "Do you like my bear?"
[20:06] <Kotono> 'I'd like it more if it were a spellscroll,' Is the little mouse's sharp retort.
[20:08] * Jaela brings the Sunlance scroll out of her pack. "Genuine enough?" she asks, holding it up. "Now, you wanted to see my credentials. I think I've more than done my part. How about speaking face to face, now?"
[20:10] <Kotono> OOC: To read it or just holding it up to briefly show it or what?
[20:10] <Jaela> OOC: Holding it up comfortably enough to be read/IDd
[20:13] <Kotono> The scroll is read, 'Ooooh, so you weren't bluffing,' The rat's voice becomes faaaar more interested now. 'Take me in one hand, and have your sister take your other hand, and the bear take her hand.'
[20:14] <Jaela> Even as she picks the mouse up, the scroll stored away, Jaela simply has to wonder, "Do many people try to bluff the strongest mages of the land for no apparent gain?" She offers Mirima her other hand with a grin.
[20:19] <Kotono> 'It's been known to happen. The most dangerous game.' With mouse in hand and Mirima in the other, reality bends like a sheet of paper! When things unbend, you stand within a plain, small stone room. The floor is decorated with a sunburst mural, all oranges and yellows. Light comes from it, enough to provide faint illumination. Ahead is a door, 'In there,' The mouse hops out of Jaela's hand and
[20:19] <Kotono> scurries away.
[20:20] <Jaela> Not one to ignore such an invitation, Jaela proceeds for the door.
[20:27] <Kotono> Ahead is a small, simple sitting room. Everything is gilded with gold and expensive woods, a fireplace with an untarnished platinum grate and the walls decorated with gemstone murals against rich wooden backdrops. Standing before the fireplace is an elven woman - tall for her kind, scraping six feet. She has honey-blonde hair with a single streak of snow white down the center. She wears a floting
[20:28] <Kotono> array of scrolls, wrapping around her in a runic dress. You can catch glimpses of familiar magical notations as they spool endlessly around her.
[20:29] * Jaela doesn't feel intimidated, being fairly tall herself. "Heya," she greets the mage, peering closer at her. "Excuse the dumb question, but you're actually wearing the scrolls as a robe?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "Heya?" Her voice is rich and stirring, every decibel a noble trained voice. "My choice of dress is far above the plebian tastes of someone with such a common mode of address."
[20:35] <Jaela> "No doubt. But I was really wondering if you normally wore it, or whether it was more of a form of dress for special situations."
[20:38] <Kotono> "It is highly enchanted," she replies, a hint of testiness in her voice, "I wear it when I desire the benefit of the enchantments therein."
[20:41] <Jaela> "Fascinating!"
[20:52] <Kotono> "I'm sure it is," Her retort is airy and disinterested, "I believe introductions are proper in this situation, unless heya is acceptable from where you hail from? I am Fula."
[20:56] <Jaela> "It tells me more about the person I'm meeting than you might expect," she responds with a smile. "I am Jaela, and this is Mirima." Since they seem to be keeping to the shorter form of address, that should be enough. "I believe that we've established both my credentials and your own guarded interest. In that case, would you like to proceed onwards? If there are any specific questions regarding my proposal, I will strive to answer them to your satisfaction."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Yes. Tell me more of Medicant and what you're doing," she commands.
[21:03] <Jaela> "We renamed it to the Aurora when we took over," Jaela corrects her. "And from your point of view, we are raiding devil outposts and the occasional hostile dragon. Dragons famous across the planes hold treasures surpassing any who might live on a Prime. Finally, we have our support network with a few highly-placed allies. Sunlance, for example, was received from one such ally. That should all help explain just how we possess that sort of magic."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Why rename it?" She asks after a few moments.
[21:07] <Jaela> "A sign of a new beginning, in part. And it gave us a sense of possession as well. I doubt we could have made it home if we had just treated it as Medi's property." Jaela shrugs. "Besides, the Aurora is the symbol of our Crusade. Even someone who doesn't know about Medi's history and legacy can relate to this name, wouldn't you say?"
[21:11] <Kotono> Instead of a direct answer, another question comes, "What are the overarching goals to your Crusade and how do you intend to reach them?"
[21:15] <Jaela> "In the first stage, we are going to push the devils off any Prime they've conquered. I believe I said something to that effect?" It's a rhetoric question, and she continues without waiting on an answer. "The second stage would be to take the fight to the devils, the way Medi tried to. That would be fairly long term, however. As for how to reach them, we're going with guerilla tactics for the time being while gathering sufficient forces and developing our intelligence sources on the devils and their occupation armies. Our armies are constantly growing, yet we could always use talented commanders. Or, as it happens, talented individuals who could work as a tightly-knit, special unit."
[21:22] <Kotono> "The bait, as it were, is the lore you've recovered in Aurora and from your allies." So concluding, "But one scroll does not a treasure make."
[21:29] <Jaela> "Certainly not. Of course, you hardly expected me to bring the Aurora's treasury with me, either," Jaela reasons. "Frankly, I think you are underestimating our allies a bit. Some of them are Medi's contemporaries, and quite a few of the others are personal friends of certain deities. Even I wouldn't be able to boast of that degree of closeness to my own patron." She considers the best way to proceed for a short while, before asking, "Perhaps it would be best if you now reciprocated, Lady Fula, and told me just what you knew about Medi and his legacy, as well as the artifacts I demonstrated yesterday."
[21:33] <Kotono> "I know of his plans, hopes and ultimate defeat," She admits, "I know about Aurora - the signs and portents around it are heavy."
[21:36] <Jaela> "I see. Well, then. Are you speaking for your friends as well, or would they like to come along with us on that visit I promised you?"
[21:37] <Kotono> "I represent the three of us." As the scrolls furl and wind around her, "That is sufficient."
[21:37] <Jaela> "I assume I can plane shift the four of us from here?"
[21:39] <Kotono> "You can," She replies tartly, rising and offering her hand.
[21:41] <Jaela> With a bit of focus and an incantation, Jaela shifts them to Ysgard next to Aurora's gates. Yet more focus goes on dispelling the Veil from the golem she brought along, and she commands it to rejoin its brethren.
[21:43] <Kotono> In the glory of Ysgard do the four appear, Fula looking about at it all. She keeps her expression neutral, taking it all in with a cool, appraising air.
[21:45] * Jaela wonders how much of that is a show Fula is putting on for her sake. "This way," she voices, and steps within the courtyard. Raising her voice, as is customary for her in such cases, she calls out, "Elena!"
[21:46] <Kotono> Amid the bustle of the courtyard Elena so appears, "Yes?" she asks, dressed normally for a change.
[21:47] <Jaela> "Please put it back," Jaela tells her, tossing the Sunlance scroll over. "And while we're on the subject of scrolls, how about trying that look for yourself?"
[21:48] <Kotono> Elena vanishes with the scroll, reappearing moments later. "What lo-ooooooh!" Her face becomes a little 'o' of shock, eyebrows going up up up! She stares at the whirling scrolls!
[21:49] <Kotono> "Remarkable, isn't it?" Mirima adds in her own little comment.
[21:49] <Jaela> "Stylish and useful," Jaela voices, leading them through the courtyard and past the Graceful Blow tower.
[21:50] <Kotono> Fula follows along, "You have a variety of soldiers," she observes, "Elementals as well."
[21:51] <Jaela> "We have an even broader variety of officers," Jaela responds. "The strangest of them has to be the prismatic dragon Baleruk, I would say."
[22:00] <Kotono> "Prismatic dragon?" An eyebrow rises at that, ever so slightly.
[22:03] <Jaela> "Much as it sounds. He's very shiny." Jaela steps past the portal, keying it to the library, and then waits for everyone to emerge after her before asking, "Elena, which of the generals happen to be in?"
[22:06] <Kotono> As Fula looks around, Elena replies, "Adrian and Gisfal."
[22:07] * Jaela nods, tempering her surprise. So others followed her example and went away for a few days as well? "How about Tepen and Vul'lath?"
[22:15] <Kotono> "Tepen is here, but Vul'lath is with Ithea and Afina on business," Elena replies.
[22:20] <Jaela> "If he's not busy, could you ask him to join us?" Jaela requests, before gesturing at the bookcases. "The purpose of this room hardly needs explaining. Our unique points come from compiling the selection the library boasts from across the planes, and combining it with an efficient sorting system designed by Medi. Despite the enormity of the information, it takes us practically no time at all to find the right book on any given topic as well as we start looking. Would you like to try it?"
[22:22] <Kotono> "Find me a book on the revolutions of the moon and sun," she says, "Let me see how fast you do it."
[22:23] <Jaela> Not quite what she'd expected from an offer to try it herself, but Jaela decides she might as well give it a try. The last time she went through the library in earnest, the indexing system was far slower and it should be fun to see if it really does deliver within a minute as promised.
[22:26] <Kotono> Sure enough, within a minute books have been produced for Jaela! Fula watches it all impassively, "Impressive for a library this size," she admits, "How is the depth of knowledge here?"
[22:28] <Jaela> "There hasn't been a topic we were unable to find," Jaela says earnestly. "And when you consider the kind of obscure and ancient lore we sometimes need to seek...." She shrugs. "There is esoteric knowledge that wouldn't be found here, of course, but for that we have a merchant of rare books on the Aurora to round things out. If you are familiar with those rare grimoires that increase your awareness or expand your horizons, even those can be found sometimes in his selection."
[22:33] <Kotono> "Mmmmmmmmm," Drawing that out as she glides over to a bookshelf, "There are a lot of them." Her fingers run over the spines of a few books before she turns her attention back to Jaela, "What of Medi's spellbooks? Are they here?"
[22:35] <Jaela> "In a manner of speaking. Let me show you," Jaela responds, heading for the portal again. This time, she intends to arrive outside the entrance to Medi's quarters.
[22:39] <Kotono> The trip is without incident. Here Fula awaits a moment, "...Well?"
[22:41] * Jaela gestures towards the door. "You wouldn't begrudge me a little test of your skills in turn, I hope? Please take a look at magic placed upon the doorway."

[Corwin]

[19:39] <Kotono> The elf sorceress goes to do just that, murmuring a few words of magic. She cocks her head to the side and then stares anew. The seconds stretch by as she does, one after another after another...
[19:40] * Jaela waits patiently. Aside from genuinely giving Fula the time she needs to crack it open or realize her limitations, this is also a good opportunity for Tepen to catch up as per her request, if he's free to do so.
[19:43] <Kotono> Tepen enters after about half a minute of this, sending Jaela a quiet look as Fula continues to concentrate on the portal.
[19:45] * Jaela drifts back to give Fula her space, whispering to Tepen, "These are negotiations over recruiting the best sorcerer team that lives on the world I was vacationing on. Thanks for coming over."
[19:48] <Kotono> "Mmm." Tepen replies quietly, "Any commands?" His eyes glance over her scroll-outfit in the meanwhile.
[19:51] <Jaela> "I think we're compatible," she tells him, "despite any rough edges there might be. But Fula's focus seems to be on the arcane, most of all. If that's the case, then having a real specialist for that sort of thing would be best. And, of course, few sorcerers match the full knowledge of wizard that spent his entire lifetime studying." Jaela shrugs. "It's not an order as such, but after I'm done
[19:51] <Jaela> with my brief tour I'd love it if you could find some topics to engage her on. For reference, she perked up the most while discussing advanced magic such as Sunlance.""
[19:54] <Kotono> As Tepen nods his assent, "This is incredible," Fula murmurs, "High sorcery of the likes I have never seen!"
[19:56] <Jaela> "We have something even more advanced," Jaela says innocently, "but that particular area is off limits to guests, I'm afraid. In any case, I can relate. It took me two more tries before I discovered the key for the door. In fact, I'd be impressed beyond measure if you managed the same from seeing it for the first time."
[20:02] <Kotono> "The work of it is absolutely sublime," Fula goes on, eyes on Tepen, "I heard your plan," she adds imperiously, "I approve of it, far more than a tour. Wizard of Aurora, let's talk."
[20:06] * Jaela nods, glancing at Tepen herself. "The next and last stop of the tour was going to be our laboraties and workshops," she tells him. "Medi's design and our investment into them have turned them in the best one might find across the planes, I can state that with confidence. Please find the time to make a brief stop there as well." Turning towards Elena, Jaela says next, "Please prepare a guest suite, in case a quieter surrounding is sought."
[20:08] <Kotono> Elena nods sharply!
[20:10] <Jaela> In that case, she'll wait for them to leave before seeing if Mirima wants to go for a drink. The cafeteria or her tower, whichever suits her best. There's no rush, and since she's minding the fort with Adrian and Gisfal, Jaela can easily afford to wait on Fula.
[20:16] <Kotono> Soon enough Mirima and Jaela end up in her tower, small little glasses of something clear and strong poured. Mirima kicks back in a deep, comfortable chair, "You'll get her if Tepen does well at all."
[20:18] <Jaela> "It's a great opportunity, isn't it?" Jaela muses, seated opposite Mirima without her disguise for a change. "We don't really put our high mages at risk on the front lines, the rewards are obvious and there's plenty of chances to work with others like you that you simply wouldn't find just on one world. Normally, anyway. And a mage like that can always hop back home if they feel like it."
[20:21] <Kotono> Sipping her shot as she hms, "Tepen's been too sick to risk until recently, and even now his roll is a support one. Vul'lath isn't a warrior but a diviner."
[20:24] * Jaela giggles before she can stop herself. "Anyone with that sort of magic is more than qualified to be a warrior. But I get what you're saying, and I agree. Our best use for them is in support and defense roles than on the true front lines."
[20:26] <Kotono> "They're too valuable," Mirima murmurs, "It doesn't stop the clerics, does it? Not even your mother."
[20:26] <Jaela> "She's just nuts. Mental."
[20:27] <Kotono> "You're saying that about your mother?" Mirima asks, a hint of surprise in her voice.
[20:28] <Jaela> "In the nicest way possible."
[20:28] <Kotono> "Mmm." Closing her eyes as she sips her drink, further words come not from Mirima but from Elena. "Oh Jaela," she appears, "Speaking of Hanna."
[20:29] <Jaela> "Yeah?"
[20:29] <Kotono> Mirima's eyebrows furrow, "Don't you have any sense of privacy, Elena?"
[20:29] <Jaela> "No, she doesn't."
[20:30] <Kotono> "Yes, but this is important," Elena retorts, "Ever since she got back with Afina, she's alternated between brooding in the baths and seeing how many training dummies she can hack apart."
[20:31] <Jaela> "Hmph. Got back from where?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "Some hidden part of Arborea with Afina. She's upset about," Ticking off fingers, "Slaad, Ygorl in particular, Gathgorian and being manipulated."
[20:33] * Jaela purses her lips, before downing her drink in one go.
[20:34] <Kotono> "She's in the baths right now," Elena adds, "Since I think she could use someone to talk to."
[20:35] <Jaela> "I'll handle it." She gives Mirima an apologetic glance. "Sorry. Let's do something fun tomorrow?" She stands up, and then pauses and glances at Elena. "Say, how is our treasury doing?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Well. Ithea brought back hundreds of thousands of gold worth of sapphires," Elena reports.
[20:37] * Jaela whistles. "Nice! That means I can go for it. Elena, check discretely with our officers. Any of them who don't have the sort of belt we're using, you know, like mine? Ask them if they'd like a loan from the war chest to commission it. Try to compile a list of those who're interested and how much they'd need for me by tomorrow."
[20:37] <Kotono> "On it!" Elena blinks and vanishes away at that.
[20:38] * Jaela give Mirima a wave, and heads for the baths.
[20:38] <Kotono> In there you find Hanna. She sits by herself, reclined back and staring off at the wall. She's only half in the tub, only her midsection and below submerged.
[20:40] <Jaela> Already undressed, Jaela slips into the water to sit down next to her. "So, how much have you messed up?" she asks as she joins her mother.
[20:41] <Kotono> "We didn't make too many mistakes. We were manipulated." Hanna's voice is sour, "You weren't there for when we fetched the Blade of Endings, but you got wind of how Gathgorian was there?"
[20:42] <Jaela> "Yeah?"
[20:45] <Kotono> "Keep it in mind," Hanna glances at Jaela now, entirely unhappy. "Several days ago, one of Medi's old allies came by, an elder titan. Brani detected the Blade of Endings and told us it was a mistake to use, and that we needed to find another way. He casually mentioned Yalandir - the SEVENTH," Emphasis on that, "Layer of Arborea. Incidentally, don't try too hard to remember that - you won't. Just
[20:45] <Kotono> work with me for now."
[20:46] <Jaela> "Sure why not."
[20:50] <Kotono> "He said we could find help there. We went - another story for another day - and did find help there. We were given a vision of the Blade." Bowing her head now, "It's horrible, Jaela. It's a rip and it destroys you from within, as much as it destroys you from without. Even if you can hold the Blade safely, horrors from beyond come.  That flute..." Hanna shudders with her whole body, "That droning,
[20:50] <Kotono> mind killing flute..." Arms going around her, starting to rock back and forth, "Afina can't bring herself to use the Blade any more. We're going to find another way after getting rid of it for good. Fortunately, the one there offered us guidance to finding a way to overcome Taelfagn without it. Without the aid of a self centered slaad who doesn't fucking care as long as Law gets set back."
[20:53] <Jaela> "You know, you feel way too betrayed," Jaela muses. "Look, we knew it was a selfish slaad with fucked up ideas, right? He told me to become a frog or a walking statue if I wanted to escape a horrible fate. And I can't think of him actually lying to us, so I don't see how we were manipulated. You'd need to actually care about some longterm plan for that, and I bet the old frog just did it for
[20:53] <Jaela> the fun of it."
[20:56] <Kotono> Jaela gets a downright baleful look, "That's not all. Gathgorian played us. When we met him there and he let Afina take the Blade, I couldn't understand why. We talked about it, but it was ad ead end. Plus he gave away those spies - it was puzzling, but it did distract us. I have a much better theory now. Somehow he got wind of the Blade of Endings and knew what it would do. He goaded Afina into
[20:56] <Kotono> making sure she took it, knowing it would destroy from within. It's subtle and arcane - the perfect plan for some damned devil to preen over. Makan tried to tell us, I think, that it was a mistake. He was JOYOUS when Afina had the blade. He let her kill him. He warned us. He told us to pray with our last words, pray to be saved from that flute and the numberless hordes."
[20:57] <Jaela> "Well, what happens once you're destroyed from within?" Jaela asks suddenly. "Does the blade go out of control or something? Eat other people?"
[21:00] <Kotono> "The vision ended before that." Hanna says, "We aren't going to find out. They're impossible contradictions, ten dimensional shapes and things that I...that our Creation doesn't have words to describe."
[21:03] <Jaela> "Figures." Jaela sinks further in the water. "You know, going off on what you said and what the blade fucking is? It'll keep on destroying shit unless it's stopped, and I bet it'd be more involved than just slapping some quilium on it. Now, devils? They like to claim credit for all sorts of bullshit plans, but in the end demons are the ones who want everything destroyed. Devils just want it
[21:03] <Jaela> orderly conquered. I trust more in that loser devil wanting some sort of 'worthy opponent' to fight with than him orchestrating the downfall of Creation and shit like that. Don't give him too much credit just because some really unlikely coincidence could be interpreted differently."
[21:07] <Kotono> "Maybe, but I like how it fits too much," Hanna admits, "Gathgorian's being groomed to become a Duke of Hell. The nobility of Hell is above all about scheming and plotting. He makes sure he gets the blade, lets it work on us and makes sure that once things get out of hand that it's contained. Aurora's devastasted or worse and not a single devil has to lift a finger to do it. It's too neat to be
[21:07] <Kotono> coincidence." Staring off again, "Devils destroyed Lifasa, after all. I'm sure they could destroy Aurora, steal it and remake it in their image after those pesky horrors are dealt with. Rotting it from the inside worked last time."
[21:08] <Jaela> "No it didn't. They recruited nine losers. Fuck, they had to really scrape the bottom of the barrel to cheat and break in."
[21:09] <Kotono> "They won," Hanna points out, "Unless taking the entire world of Lifasa is losing?" Shaking her head, "We wouldn't be here if they lost."
[21:10] <Jaela> "They won," Jaela agrees. "But that's not the same as all as insidiously taking it over from the inside." She snorts. "Don't get so lost in symbolisms you'll forget the way back to the real world. You're right about a lesson being in all this, but the lesson is, from what I heard here, that we should be more alert and question our actions more. Not just angst over 'oh no our devil enemies are
[21:10] <Jaela> so much smarter and trickier'. That's just pointless."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Oh no, you're right about the last part." Hanna admits, "They tricked us. It was masterful. It means we have to be even more vigilant." Here she waves her arm about in a sweep, "How do we do the same thing to them?"
[21:14] <Jaela> "Do we have to?" Jaela asks with another shrug. "I still don't buy your pet theory, especially since you seem married to it so badly and on really no evidence whatsoever. Even if Makan wanted to let you and Afina know about that stuff, it's not like that asshole Gathgorian stopped him from talking to you, did he? How dumb is a plan if it relies on your enemies not doing something that makes
[21:14] <Jaela> perfect sense because you hope that they'll just never think of it?" She shakes her head. "Besides, tactical gambits and misdirections are where we're best. Strike on Lifasa, force the enemy to maintain a stronger presence everywhere, use the distraction to get Tepen's soul back. That sorta thing is where we shine. But longterm gambits? That's just not us."
[21:20] <Kotono> "There's plenty of logical evidence," Hanna retorts, "You're not thinking like an arrogant devil. Of course it can manipulate us just so and get away with it. Of course it can deal with whatever horrors are unleashed. He all but made sure Afina would have reason to use the Blade against him and may have even tried to plant a seed that he was trying to undermind Taelfagn." Going on from that
[21:20] <Kotono> after a moment, "Nevermind it for now. It's tiresome that we're being used as much as aided by various forces, for this agenda or that."
[21:23] <Jaela> "Yeah no kidding." Jaela still remembers being manipulated herself, and by Hanna herself among others. "I guess it is pretty tiresome. Wanna blow off some steam by going for a fight? We can go knock over that creepy green dragon freak, or you could tag along with me to Limbo and punch out this titan that's really asking for it. Doesn't even have to be now. We can wait for a week or so for a
[21:23] <Jaela> bunch of stuff to wrap up perfectly first"
[21:24] <Kotono> "Yeah," Hanna says, "That sounds exactly like what I need."
[21:24] <Jaela> "Which one? I figure if we can get more people to bite on it, then the dragon. If not, it's Limbo time. Works?"
[21:26] <Kotono> "Whichever," Hanna says, "Setting back evil a few paces is excatly what I need."
[21:27] <Jaela> "Works for me," Jaela muses. "So hey, to get your mind off that crap. Wanna give me some advice?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "Certainly," Hanna turns now, slipping into the water, "What sort of advice?"
[21:31] <Jaela> "Basically, I was vacationing with Mirima on Alere. You know that much," Jaela responds, describing her situation. "I decided to try and recruit some of the local heroes. We approached a prince who's easily officer rank where it comes to using his sword, and he seems to have leadership skills as well. Afterwards, I decided to set up a meeting with a trio of sorcrers, and one of them's here at
[21:31] <Jaela> the Aurora now, touring with Tepen. I've been wondering if I should stop there or go for the last group of heroes I heard of, that one a more traditional traveling band. Or, hells, if I'm not going far enough and to try recruiting more from other worlds."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Recruiting from mortal worlds is difficult," Hanna begins, half closing her eyes as she savors the waters. After thatthey open right back up, "Angels generally deal with extraplanar threats that don't involve the Prime instead of calling heroes to do it, and vice versa. Take a mortal hero away and a mortal problem they'd solve could get out of hand. You need to remember that before taking all
[21:33] <Kotono> of a world's worthy warriors away. I'm not saying Aurora's a bad cause, but everything has consequences."
[21:37] <Jaela> "I considered the absolute worst first," Jaela muses. "A full on invasion. But in that case, in a world as magically advanced as theirs, those they leave behind -- servants, court mages, apprentices -- can call for them, and they in turn can not only be there to deal with the situation, but enlist Aurora's help. It's literally if something was happening in that prince's throne room and there
[21:37] <Jaela> was absolutely no time to so much as send off a message that I figure a problem will arise." She shrugs. "Then, I considered the lesser problems. War breaks out, or some localized conflict, and it needs its heroes. But that just gives the people slightly down the ladder to take their place and have their shot. The sorceresses, for example? It seems at least one member is semi-retiring, and they
[21:37] <Jaela> don't make public appearances. Since they're merely the best team of mages, not the only one, I'm not too worried over that stuff. And, of course, if it does seem like a horrible conflict then they can always be called on, and then we'll be around to help."
[21:38] <Kotono> "If you've reasoned it out so well, I'd say you're in the clear," Hanna replies, "Anything else?"
[21:41] <Jaela> "Just looking for you to poke holes in my arguments," Jaela admits. "I know there's always a chance something unexpected will happen. But I wanna minimize the known problems, at least. After all, like you said, the Aurora's kinda a unique cause. In the end, it's about defending Primes from devils, so it's not strange at all for people from Primes to fight in the Crusade. But if I start going
[21:41] <Jaela> around recruiting them all over, will that trigger something I want to avoid?"
[21:42] <Kotono> "You should be fine for that. Each Prime tends to have it's own unique cultural quirks. If they worship any particular deities, you may want to make an offering to them and even a divination. Better to be polite than bring the wrath of one. If they don't want a mortal interfered with, you may find out in an extremely unpleasant fashion. Especially if it's not a righteous deity."
[21:43] <Jaela> "If it's a deity that wouldn't even try to understand my motives, I probably don't want to be recruiting their servants."
[21:44] <Kotono> "They might understand, but approval's not the same thing," Hanna points out.
[21:45] * Jaela nods. "Yeah. I gotta cover that stuff. I'll bug Priest for a divination here, I think. I didn't really spot anything obvious so far, but it's a good thing to keep in mind. Anything else?"
[21:47] <Kotono> "There can be culture shock." Going on, "The Planes use the same names for deities. Mystra's known as Mystra from Elysium to Hades. The Planes often have unique names for them and other things. It may not change anything or it may change some things. Name changes are simple to deal with and aren't a problem. More complex matters are, but those tend to be self evidence quickly."
[21:48] <Jaela> "Yeah. Faiths themselves can have their variation, especially if some of those deities had a more active role on a Prime," Jaela muses, before blinking. "But hey, I've been wondering. Why are the names the same for Lifasa and for Mirima's Prime? What gives?"
[21:50] <Kotono> "What do you mean?" Hanna asks, "Mirima's Prime isn't called Lifasa, is it?"
[21:51] <Jaela> "I mean the Triune is the Triune on both. Mystra's Mystra. That sorta thing."
[21:54] <Kotono> "Not every Prime has unique names for them," Hanna says, "I don't know what determines it. Some have the planar names in some parts and local names in others. Some have many local names, different in reach region. They can, but it isn't assured. I think the Hidden Layers have something to do with it - Kascha mentioned mutable truth."
[21:54] <Jaela> "So yeah, about those. Does every concept have them? Are there like nine hundred and ninety hidden layers of Hell?"
[21:56] <Kotono> "No. According to Kascha - she's the one who knows about this, as she merged with Arborea for so long - there's twelve layers to Arborea, not three. The other nine are sealed away and serve three purposes: Three important things manifest there - mutable concepts of the truth, time and dreams. I don't know if that's all encompassing, but I do know that Temporal Compact has ties to it as well."
[21:57] <Jaela> "Huh. Well, more power to Arborea. I always thought it should have more layers."
[22:00] <Kotono> "I suspect there's something to do with the fey there, too." Hanna adds, "It's old, established myth that the fey and eladrin are tied in some way. On the sixth layer, we found it was the domain of Grandfather Time. We appeared in a comfortable library and he told us how to proceed to the next layer, and recommended Afina not seek out what lies on that layer. I can't prove it and it may well be
[22:00] <Kotono> long, but I suspect it's one of many secrets hidden down there."
[22:01] <Jaela> "That's what he said to Afina, not the two of you?" Jaela confirms. "Yeah, makes sense, in that case. Afina seems to really hate the idea of a link there."
[22:03] <Kotono> "They fey have a somewhat strained relationship with the idea of faith and eternal life." Hanna agrees, "It's probably best she doesn't find out."
[22:04] <Jaela> "Mmm. So if the Blade's no good, what's our alternative for dealing with that Duke of Destiny?"
[22:05] <Kotono> "I'm not sure yet. We'll be guided after we dispose of it," Hanna says, "The seventh layer is in part dedicated to the ordered, righteous keeper of the Temporal Compact, as the sixth was in part dedicated to the wholly good Grandfather Time. We met Erathaol there. I'm not clear if he's Celestia's keeper of if he was there on other business, but he offered us guidance freely after showing us the
[22:05] <Kotono> vision of the Blade."
[22:08] <Jaela> "Guess we'll have to keep wondering for a while longer, then," Jaela muses. "Ah well."
[22:08] <Kotono> "Mmm." Stretching back, "Any other advice...and how was your nice trip with Mirima?" With a hint of a teasing smile, "Is she keeping you interested?"
[22:11] <Jaela> "Nice trip was nice," is all Jaela will say on the subject. "It also taught me something new. I guess I always knew it, but never realized how important it would end up being so I put Elena on that. Oh, and we're gonna be heading back in a few days. The prince's gonna give me his answer, and there's a devil-hating artifact that I'm gonna aim for as well. I heard its guardians want to part with
[22:11] <Jaela> it only for a local, so I'm hoping his royal highness agrees to make a play for it. If not, I'll just have to submit my own candidacy and see how that goes."
[22:13] <Kotono> "Good luck," Hanna says, stretching back, "I'll take your retience to mean that Mirima kept you occupied. She does seem like a bit of a troublemaker."
[22:14] * Jaela snorts. "I don't wanna hear that from you.|"
[22:16] <Kotono> "Really?" With a chuckle, "What fun is it being a mother if my dear daughter won't give me anything embarrassing to talk about?"
[22:18] <Jaela> "I see a sad and boring life ahead for you, then."
[22:19] <Kotono> "Aaaaah..." With an easy stretch and smile, "That just means I talk to Mirima instead."
[22:20] * Jaela matches that stretch and smile, not seeming to have a care in the world. "Have fun with that."
[22:21] <Kotono> "I will," Hanna stands, "I think I'll go visit her right now." Shaking her wings about, sending droplets about, "This should be fun."
[22:22] * Jaela waves after her. "I think I'll soak for a bit more, before getting ready." She raises her voice slightly. "Elena, wanna take a break as well for a bit?"
[22:24] <Kotono> Elena appears, unclad and splashing in, "You called?" she asks, "Need me for something? Tepen and Fula are really going at it. They're into magical theory."
[22:24] <Jaela> "Just thought you might deserve a break," Jaela admits. "You can still monitor things just fine, right?"
[22:26] <Kotono> "Yes," Elena asks, "Why?"
[22:27] <Jaela> "So you'd get a chance to kick back and relax, and no one can even say you're really ditching work to do it." Jaela grins. "And if someone does, let me know."
[22:27] <Kotono> "Sure!" Elena says, and with a little smile, "Wanna know what Mirima's doing right now? Especially since Hanna's going that way?"
[22:28] <Jaela> "Drinking?"
[22:29] <Kotono> "She has a glass but she hasn't touched it. She's watching the fire in the fireplace and daydreaming. Hanna's not there - she's going through the courtyard...oh, she ran into Misalea," Elena narrates, "They're talking about the weather, all polite...oh, there they go, just a polite greeting."
[22:30] * Jaela shakes her head. "I kinda wonder what it's like to be you-- but anyway! Anything interesting happen while I was away? Did we get anyone else joining the Crusade? Any intelligence on horrible devil interests or Tiamat's forces? Humiliating drunken moments I missed out on?"
[22:32] <Kotono> "Well, do you want the useful answers or the fun answers?" Elena asks back.
[22:32] <Jaela> "Let's go with fun, just fill me in later if it's actually important."
[22:34] <Kotono> "27 died but he came back. Hanna had to fetch him. She wasn't happy about it, either." Elena says.
[22:35] <Jaela> "I wouldn't be, either. Where did she fetch him from?"
[22:36] <Kotono> "Limbo. He was killed by Tiamat's meddling with a sapphire dragon," Elena explains, "But fortunately it all worked out...and..." Elena cocks her head to the side, "Your mother doesn't waste time, does she?"
[22:37] <Jaela> "What, is she hitting on Mirima?"
[22:38] <Kotono> "Hanna's like that?" Cocking her head back towards Jaela, "I haven't seen her show much interest in anyone like that, man or woman. No no. She told Mirima she's there to get embarrassing stories out of her."
[22:39] <Jaela> "I dunno, I don't really care. I just tried to think of the most horrible thing she could do that'd be possible." Jaela shrugs. "Aside from 27 and Tiamat's bitchiness, that's about it?"
[22:42] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmmm, at least things that happened publically." Elena replies, "Well, one other thing. It happened sort of publically - it was in the halls. Lief and Crystal had taken a few drinks and were heading back. They were laughing, joking and came close - and they started kiiisssiiinnng." Giggling at that, "It was adorable, but it didn't last. After a few they both broke off and fled. The next
[22:42] <Kotono> morning had the typical apologies, it was a mistake we were drunk sort of apologies."
[22:43] * Jaela palms her face. "It's okay, I don't need to know who's screwing who. You can skip that sorta stuff."
[22:44] <Kotono> "But that's the best gossip!" Elena giggles again, "If Lief and Crystal get together, how do you think Afina and Queen Ilsenine will take it? Do you think they'll be jealous? Wouldn't they make a cute couple?"
[22:44] <Jaela> "Afina and Queen Ilsenine?"
[22:45] <Kotono> "I meant Lief and Crystal, but they'd be cute too," Elena says, "Like a knight protecting his Queen, giving his entire heart and soul to her into passion!"
[22:46] * Jaela snorts. "Yeah try not to suggest it to them. How about yourself? Had any progress?"
[22:48] <Kotono> "Eh," Elena shrugs, "We're close, but not all the way there," she says, "We're comfortable."
[22:48] <Jaela> "Like a really, really old married couple?"
[22:51] <Kotono> "..." Elena gives Jaela a dirty look, but after a moment it breaks, "Oh wow. Mirima's buckling. Hanna's trying to get her to talk - telling her about the excitement involved. Aren't fiends supposed to be the skilled tempters?"
[22:53] <Jaela> "I'm more concerned about the effort she's putting into learning something like that about her daughter. Is she gonna chase down my exes after that?"
[22:54] <Kotono> "Oh wait, no, she's not buckling," Elena crosses her arms and blushes, "They're talking about you, if you really have to know. Hanna's acting like the concerned but caring mother, making sure that Mirima knows to treat her daughter right."
[22:56] <Jaela> "I can't believe you're still blushing!" Jaela says, shaking her index finger at Elena. "Not someone like you, with all you must've seen and heard so far!"
[23:01] <Kotono> "Oh shush!" Elena mutters, then with a little smirk, "Including Mirima's room in the tower. Actually..." Admitting as such, "I'm sort of desensitized to it after so much of it. Who's doing it and why is much more interesting than the act. Galariel told me that when you see everything, the magic of secrets is lost."
[23:02] <Jaela> "I can't believe you needed to be told that! Geez, you're such a kid!"
[23:04] <Kotono> Sticking her tongue out, "It means that when I choose to be, I'm the best gossip in Aurora! Every good gossip is about relationships, even if others deny it."
[23:05] <Jaela> "So what's the best gossip in Aurora has to say about the Triune's people? Priest, Rosa and Mei?"
[23:07] <Kotono> "Priest is a wonderful, giving and compassionate soul." Elena says, "He helps anyone who wants it without preconditions. He guides towards the Triune without forcing. He's also lousy for gossip because of it," Huffing, "Rosa and Gisfal are spending a lot of time together lately - and there are sparks flying!" Whistling, "Rosa's defenses have been breached! But they're keeping it all in private
[23:07] <Kotono> and haven't let a word of it out publically.:
[23:08] <Jaela> "Huh." Jaela blinks. "I was so sure he was with Kascha, too. Guy gets around."
[23:09] <Kotono> "Yeah, about that," Scratching at her cheek and looking away, "He feels bad about it but Kascha's upset. They had a fight when he went to apologize recently, after Afina cheered her up. He's in her doghouse, but I think the apology got through once she had a good cry."
[23:11] <Jaela> "Huh," she repeats. "Well, he breaks Rosa's heart too, I break a few of his bones. Sounds fair to you?"
[23:13] <Kotono> "Sure. They're crazily passionate behind closed doors. He told Kascha that he fell for Rosa fast and hard, and he didn't mean to. He was sincere since he told Rosa the same thing," Nodding, "Mei's a hard one. She doesn't talk so she doesn't really establish direct gossip. There's a lot around the soldiers and her vow of silence. There's a common misconception her vocal cords were ripped out and
[23:13] <Kotono> magic prevents them from being restored. Lots of rumors around seeing her at night, silently walking, too. Almost like a ghost story."
[23:14] <Jaela> "Walking?" Jaela asks, dismissing the silent part. That much makes sense. "Where to?"
[23:15] <Kotono> "Just around. She likes to take nighttime strolls," Elena explains, "She's silent, and some people think she's offputting because of it."
[23:15] <Jaela> "Think she'd like it if we gave her a few cheap bells?"
[23:17] <Kotono> "She doesn't care," Elena says, "I think. Maybe. Since she doesn't talk." Finishing lamely, "There is one thing I know - I think she's getting restless being around Aurora. I'm inferring this from what I've heard Priest mention in his daily prayers, but I think she wants to fight evil with you."
[23:18] <Jaela> "She's not the only one. But evil's pretty hard to track down! You'd think it's easy, going off and fighting evil, but it actually takes lots more planning than it looks!"
[23:19] <Kotono> Laughing at that, "Poor little paladin," Elena croons, "Oh, Adrian and Misalea are tense still, so be gentle around them. Misalea had a bit of an unexpected problem."
[23:20] <Jaela> "Yeah, no kidding! So if you know something evil that needs beating down or Tannin shows up with some info or we hear from one of our allies-- wait what? Problem? Huh?"
[23:22] <Kotono> "Girl and boy problems. It turns out that a half breed hag and a rare subspecies of elves aren't the most biologically compatible," Elena says, "They thought she was pregnant, but it turns out that either she was and miscarried right away or she wasn't, but either way there's apparently some problems there. Balyss was running herself ragged, in part by discreetly helping them. They're both
[23:22] <Kotono> stressed over the entire thing."
[23:23] <Jaela> "Doesn't Misalea need some star elf ceremony thing to ensure they have kids in the first place?" Jaela wonders. "I thought they were doing it at the wedding."
[23:24] <Kotono> "I think so, so it was more unexpected," Elena says, "It's mostly worked itself out and they're going to be fine. Let's see...Tepen's been spending a lot of time with Ellese. She's all over the place and broken mentally. Tepen's remarkably patient with her, even when she throws acid at him."
[23:25] * Jaela winces.
[23:29] <Kotono> "It's bad." Elena says, "But he's making progress with her. Slowly." Kicking her feet, "In happier news, Canderella has a good time, but she has the sense to keep it quiet. Being able to punish loose lips with apocalyptic thunder helps."
[23:31] <Jaela> "Oh geez. I just don't want to know."
[23:31] <Kotono> "You should make her a morale officer!" With a naughty giggle, "She makes morale," Emphasis on that, "Rise right up!"
[23:32] <Jaela> "What's the use in raising the morale of just half our forces?"
[23:32] <Kotono> "Who says she stops with only half?" Elena says, "She is a succubus."
[23:32] <Jaela> "She did. Told me she only liked guys." Jaela shrugs. "You probably remember, you spy on everything and doubly so on anything remotely related to sex talk."
[23:34] <Kotono> "I do not...and um, I don't think she was telling you the truth," Coughing discreetly, "I'm sure of that."
[23:35] <Jaela> "Huh. You don't say?" Jaela shrugs. "I wonder why she'd do that."
[23:36] <Kotono> "Don't know," Elena says, "I've never asked her. I think I did miss the conversation she told you that in, it doesn't ring a bell. I've been keeping a closer eye on her - she is a succubus, and I don't want anyone to get soul sucked!" Nodding at that, "But she hasn't done anything like that."
[23:37] <Jaela> There is an easy joke to be made there, but Jaela abstains. "I'm glad we have you to study her so closely. To guard our souls, of course."
[23:40] <Kotono> "I'm serious!" Blushing brightly at that, "Though she tried that with Adrian and Misalea once. That was so romantic...Adrian stepped up and punched her right in the face! Oh, he went on about how Misalea was his and he wouldn't let anyone else try and seduce her, and that Misalea was the only woman for him. Then they threw her out of the tower window."
[23:41] <Jaela> "If she ever gets out of hand, just drop hints that Mom is lusting for her. That'll be good."
[23:42] <Kotono> "Okay, that's it. I'm done," Elena shudders, vanishing away in a blink, "I don't have a death wish!"

[Corwin]

[19:40] <Kotono> Hours pass. Eventually Jaela and Fula meet again in the suite that was put aside. Tepen is there as well. "You have a marvelous collection of things," she stays right away.
[19:41] <Jaela> "Thank you," she responds. They certainly try, although not that much of it is her fault. She's the one trying to deal with recruitment, not acquisition or crafting.
[19:50] <Kotono> "I find your Aurora extremely compelling," Fula goes on, flashing a momentary, demure smile to Tepen. "The quality of archmage Tepen is not to be denied, and others show great promise as well. Your knowledge of arcana is extensive and with a surprisingly vast breadth."
[19:50] <Kotono> "I believe," Tepen coughs into  his hand, "That she means more than I. It is not all my knowledge or effort on Aurora."
[19:53] <Jaela> Not really surprised by Tepen playing it humble, Jaela inclines her head. "Our knowledge and capabilities are ever-increased by worthy individuals joining our cause," she voices.
[19:59] <Kotono> "I can officially say we're highly interested now," Fula continues, "I still need to talkto the other two, but I can say that I'm in favor of your offer now."
[20:00] <Jaela> "I'm glad to hear that," Jaela says. "Would you like to bring your friends over for a visit, or contact myself or Tepen?"
[20:06] <Kotono> "I'd like to introduce you to them," Fula smiles ever so slightly now, all imperious grace. "Say the day after tomorrow."
[20:08] <Jaela> "We can transport ourselves over to the waiting room your familiar showed me," Jaela suggests, deciding to interpret that 'you' as referring to herself and Tepen. "Around the same time as before, the day after tomorrow. Would that be acceptable?"
[20:10] <Kotono> "Yes," Now Fula rises, "It is. Should something arise to prevent this, a Sending will be directed to both you and Tepen."
[20:11] * Jaela nods. "Certainly. By doing so, you will cut down on the slight chance that the Sending fails to reach our plane."
[20:32] <Kotono> Two days later Tepen and Jaela teleport! You appear in the same sunburst receiving room as last time, the door ahead of you awaiting...
[20:32] * Jaela walks up to the door, opening it.
[20:38] <Kotono> Within you find Fula awaiting. She is clad as before, "Come with me," she commands.
[20:38] <Jaela> "Please lead the way," Jaela requests, holding the door open for Tepen.
[20:42] <Kotono> You are lead to the wall as Tepen follows, murmuring a word of thanks to Jaela. The wall splits apart like flowstone, revealing a simple metal disc within, big enough for several people to stand on. It is made of what looks to be rings of gold and silver, forming a bull's eye in the center. Fula steps on right away.
[20:43] * Jaela waits for Tepen to proceed before following after him.
[20:44] <Kotono> Once the three of you are on, the disc ascends! You are in a narrow tube of flowstone, ascending higher and higher! The air is cool here, cooler than it should be. "The air here is always equivalent to a late spring breeze," Fula says, "Travel should be refreshing, not a sweaty trudge up stairs."
[20:45] <Jaela> "I certainly approve," Jaela agrees. "If the Aurora used any transportation aside from portals, I would expect Medi to have done something much like it."
[20:47] <Kotono> "In truth," Going on from that, "We can travel in any direction - up to down, left to right, forward to back - and the magic here would keep us properly oriented without realizing we may be traveling upside down or at a diagonal."
[20:47] <Jaela> "Did it take long to create this tower-- I assume this is the tower you are said to reside in, of course?"
[20:53] <Kotono> "Several decades," Fula admits as you continue to go, "It's a tower only in the sense we call it one and an illusion make sit appear to one to anyone who stumbles on it. It's a knotted series of interconnected bands and shapes. Imagine a child's block set of spheres, triangles, rectangles and so forth. It hovers in the air, connected by wildly twisting passages. Yet anyone who enters would note
[20:53] <Kotono> the relative geometry conforms to a tower - albeit much bigger than it appears on the outside."
[20:54] <Jaela> "Impressive. How did you come by this concept, if I might ask?"
[21:00] <Kotono> As you continue to 'rise', "When we defeated the Ash'arai, we took one of their greatest treasury pits. If you aren't familiar with that, they bury the treasures they find in great drifts of warmed sand, all for obscure religious reaosns. In it was a gold carving of shapes and twisting bands. It gave us inspiration when we had nigh incalculable wealth to expend."
[21:02] * Jaela nods at the explanation. "Do other people beyond the three of you live here?"
[21:05] <Kotono> At this the rise stops. As the wall ahead begins to flow out of the way, "We've arrived. Your question will have to wait briefly."
[21:06] <Jaela> Accepting this, Jaela waits for Fula to leave before following herself.
[21:11] <Kotono> Ahead is a dining room. One of grand scale and luxury, golden light pieces and paintings all over. A long table with unlit candles is ahead. Approaching are two women. One has black hair and a confident strut, wearing a mage's stereotypical robes, in red. The other wears a light pair of spectacles and wears a blue ballgown, head shaved bald. "Jaela and Tepen, this is Bellea and Zala."
[21:12] <Jaela> "Lady Bellea. Lady Zala," Jaela greets them in turn, offering each a bow.
[21:15] <Kotono> "Lady Jaela," Zala returns that with a curtesy, "Sir Tepen. Fula went on in some detail about her impressions of Aurora."
[21:17] <Jaela> "Favorable ones, I hope?" Jaela asks lightly.
[21:22] <Kotono> "If what you speak of is true, yes," Bellea says, voice commandingly imperious, just like Fula. "I hear you're an orator of no small skill, Jaela. Tell us why we should join the Crusade and risk ourselves for a battle that is not ours. Without appealing to some nebulous concept of the right thing."
[21:32] <Jaela> "I believe that you are uniquely placed to benefit from the two main reasons to join the Crusade," Jaela responds. "The act of doing the right thing is hardly nebulous, for one. Our actions determine our afterlives, and that which enriches us also enriches our souls. And in a very real sense, we get to feel the approval of our patrons in life as well, whether it's a direct one like mine -- Lady Angharradh, or Dema as she is known on this world -- or a pantheon at large. The idea that doing good is its own reward may well come from this, and from seeing the way you benefit others with your skills and effort. Is saving a world from oppression and its inhabitants from neverending torture not a worthy goal? Is pushing the devils back so that they reconsider before ever trying the same thing, perhaps with this very world, not worth standing up to them?" She pauses briefly. "And then, there is the self-interest. Like the first reason, I feel it is rather blatant here. Having very real and material gains is nothing to scorn, I feel, and you stand to benefit greatly from joining the Crusade. Due to the strength and knowledge of our opponents and allies, what ends up trickling down to us is rarely anything short of amazing. I can state with certainty that the three of you would learn far more and gain far more insight by being with us than studying here on your own. The experience will open horizons before you that might have seemed a distant fantasy before. Just to name one example, we received an invitation to the realm of a personal servant of Vae -- of Mystra. You could easily be among those who respond to it, and who reap the rewards from such a thing."
[21:40] <Kotono> To all of that you get no reaction, until the last when Bellea turns to Fula, "I'm for it," she announces. "Zala?"
[21:42] <Kotono> Zala gives Jaela a rather long look, "I'm outvoted," she shrugs, "Are there any other children there?"
[21:45] <Jaela> "Yes," Jaela responds. "Before all else, the Aurora is also a home to refugees. If you refer to the officers, then I am taking care of a child. Few places are safer than Aurora's inner sanctums, even with the enemies we keep. Doubly so since the Aurora is capable of gating out as needed, and a number of heavens are safe havens for us."
[21:45] <Kotono> "If you're wrong, Vae help you," Zala says baldly, "I'm in then."
[21:47] <Jaela> "Children are our future. The Crusade would be nothing without them."
[21:50] <Kotono> "Now," Fula continues, "Tepen and I were talking about how you can merge other spaces within Aurora?"
[21:51] <Jaela> "We can," Jaela agrees. "Our highest achievement to this point is absorbing another demiplane into the Aurora, while retaining its uniqueness."
[21:56] <Kotono> Here Tepen steps forward, "Fula and I discussed adding this tower - Flowswaurm - to Aurora. It would need to become an attachment of the main building and would be difficult, but not impossible, to do."
[21:58] <Jaela> More difficult than just dropping Elrisa's tower in the courtyard, then. "It seems you have the details worked out," she muses, with a glance at Tepen to confirm it. "And with Elena available and attentive, she would have alerted you to any inherent problems. What do you need from me to make it work, then?"
[21:59] <Kotono> Tepen ever so slightly inclines his head forward, "We need Aurora to come here. A rough estimate is that it'll take three to four days to complete. There will be some cost as well, but it should not be prohibitive."
[22:00] <Jaela> "I don't foresee a problem with this," Jaela muses. "I want Ithea and Afina to return, first. We'll dispatch Sendings to the others who remain away at that time to either hold where they are for a while longer or divert to one of our allies for a few days."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Alright," Fula nods, "When you're ready, send us word and come here."
[22:04] * Jaela nods. "I expect it to happen soon, within a few days at the most."
[22:13] <Kotono> Gisfal and Mirima meet Jaela outside of Aurora. "What's your measure of this Prince?" he asks as the trio meets.
[22:17] <Jaela> "He uses a style that's similar to Mirima's, from what little I could see. I had no problem with his personality. When I think of his future goals and responsibilities, however, I can't help but think of you," she tells Gisfal after considering that brief encounter and what she had heard about the prince from the people of Alere. "Whether I'm right about this or not, only time will tell, I suppose. But my invitation should make more sense now, at least?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "Yes," Gisfal replies, keeping his voice thoughtful. "Warriors of high social standing struggle between duty and the desire for battle. We'll see if we can't tilt the balance towards battle."
[22:22] * Jaela grins. "And I'll be there to remind him that preparing for that duty can be done by managing the challenge brought on by the Aurora. Ready? I'll take the three of us to the same spot outside the castle I used last time."
[22:26] <Kotono> "Ready," Mirima seconds.
[22:26] * Jaela takes them across!
[22:28] <Kotono> Thus you appear in front of the castle. From there is' a simple trip to meet with Prince Brim, in the same rose patio. After being introduced to Gisfal, "Tea? Honey cakes?" Prince Brim asks.
[22:29] <Jaela> "I'd love to," Jaela agrees, finding it much more pleasant to discuss things over snacks.
[22:33] <Kotono> Mirima nods and Gisfal demurs. After a few requisite sips and bites, "I'm going to have to decline," he says, "Unfortunately, my current duties are not so easily shorn. My father's health is not at its apex, and he could be called home to the sky soon."
[22:35] <Jaela> "If it a matter of poor health, Aurora has its share of healers including myself," Jaela mentions.
[22:37] <Kotono> "There's no cure for old age," Prince Brim shakes his head, "I can't go off and adventure during this time. I owe it to my father to be there for him and for my Princely duties. "
[22:38] <Jaela> "As it happens," Jaela muses, "there is a cure for old age, albeit I'd grant you that it is very difficult to obtain."
[22:42] <Kotono> "I've heard myths for it, but never seen a real solution, beyond expensive, rare potions that repeal a tiny handful of years," Prince Brim says, "What is this wondrous cure you know of?":
[22:46] <Jaela> "There is more than a single one," Jaela responds. "I know of several methods myself. One is a game of chance in Brightwater, a heaven, where years may be bet and won. Another is a very advanced and, indeed, expensive spell; unlike the rare potions you mentioned, however, it will remove a century if used. Yet another, and one I had the privelege of personally obtaining, is a special water from a spring of youth, which in return for a few memories -- skills, that is, and not the more personal ones -- would return the one drinking it to true youth, whatever their age. There are others still, of course, out there in the planes." She grimaces. "I don't intend to hold this over you, if that's how it sounds. If you're devoted enough to your father to try for any of them, I will find the time to help you whether you join our cause or not."
[22:49] <Kotono> "Any of them is an adventure for a well trained warrior," Gisfal adds in after, "Remedies against eternity are no scarce thing."
[22:50] <Jaela> "Yes," Jaela agrees, a smile on her face. "I lost a leg on it, myself, and then Afina reforged a substitute out of the surrounding water and we went on fighting. Good times."
[22:57] <Kotono> Here Prince Brim looks down, locked in thought. "A warrior..." he murmurs, "I cannot decide on my own, as this is my Father's choice. What you speak of would be a miracle."
[23:00] <Jaela> "We did it before on behalf of an ally, just as we did the same for a friend. So our perspective on this sort of thing is a bit different than that of most people," Jaela voices. "Is your father well enough to receive visitors?"

[Corwin]

[19:51] <Kotono> "No," Shaking his head, "He is in his royal solitude."
[19:52] <Jaela> "Ah. Would you like us to wait while you consult with him, then?"
[19:55] <Kotono> After a moment's thought, "Yes," he says, rising. "Excuse me. The help will see to your refreshment in the meanwhile."
[19:56] * Jaela nods, quite content to wait for the prince to return to them.
[20:00] <Kotono> Once gone you are served fine pastries, cakes and drink. Mirima nibbles on a slice of strawberry cake and cream, while Gisfal steeples his hands together, "Are there any cultural or spiritual mores that may defeat this strategy? Few mortals will turn down more time to live otherwise."
[20:01] <Jaela> "Only personal preference, I think," Jaela muses. "I didn't rely on divine knowledge for this, but the Prince's reaction didn't indicate any taboos being broken here."
[20:07] <Kotono> Nodding slightly, "Do we know anything else about the politics in play? Prince Brim could be playing stratgems we have no way of predicting, or there may be factors in play unseen to us." Mirima meanwhile makes a little moaning sound deep in her throat, a little contented smile as she savors her cake.
[20:09] * Jaela tries a similar cake herself. "Honestly, I have no idea," she admits. "We're clearly not part of any political party on this world. And we'll accept a firm no if given one, so I see little reason to plot against us. Why go to all that effort to trick us out of something when we're openly ready to offer such things free of charge?"
[20:11] <Kotono> It tastes rich - far too rich for what it is, the strawberry and cream flavor virtually exploding in her mouth, waves of intensity with each bite. "Hmph," Gisfal shakes his head, "So we're making our strategy up as we go along," He half smiles, "Some of the greatest victories happen that way."
[20:12] <Jaela> "It feels more honest that way, doesn't it?" Jaela asks, after tempering th sweetness with tea. "I'd take that over any tricks."
[20:20] <Kotono> "Honesty and politics aren't on speaking terms," Gisfal observes in the meanwhile.
[20:22] * Jaela snors. "Yeah, but we're all friends. Allies at most. It's just how it is, and we know from Medi's example it's how it's gotta be. What's the point in manipulating someone into joining if there's a chance we'll repeat Medi's mistakes in the end?"
[20:28] <Kotono> To that Gisfal merely nods as time passes. An hour slips by in waiting and then more. Mirima finishes off more cake and settles into a distant trancelike sleep. Gisfal withdraws Storseier and takes his time polishing the blade. "The troop strength of the Salvation Unit is good, as is the morale," Gisfal says. "Have you spent any time with them?"
[20:30] <Jaela> "I don't get as much time with the troops as I wish," Jaela admits.
[20:34] <Kotono> "Generals never do," Gisfal says, keeping his voice quiet as Mirima rests. "Leadership is lonely and there is always a divide. The founding leadership," With a nod to Jaela, "You're neck deep in diplomacy, heroism and facing things an army can't touch."
[20:36] * Jaela nods. "And it's sometimes best keep it that way, so that if I piss someone important off it doesn't trickle down."
[20:38] <Kotono> "Mmm." A word of agreement as he continues to shine his falchion to a glistening bright sheen, "I'm not so entangled, and there's powerful warriors enough in Aurora. I've all but taken on the slack with the common soldiers and Lady Rosa has found it pleasing to aid in this."
[20:39] <Jaela> "Yeah, I caught that." Jaela destroys another bit of cake.
[20:41] <Kotono> "She's dedicated," Gisfal says, "Morniel has been aiding with the deeper integration of various units. His mind wicks to the finer points of order with a swiftness enviable to an Inevitable."
[20:43] <Jaela> "Speaking of Morniel, has there been any word from Celestia or the Triad?"
[20:45] <Kotono> "Yes, they're organizing." Gisfal says shortly, "Morniel's been slipping back there when he has a few hours, they're getting things perfect."
[20:48] <Jaela> "Great news! Once it happens, we'll need to reshuffle our forces a bit," Jaela responds, excited with the news. "I've been toying with the idea of splitting some of the armies in two given how they've grown lately, and this just might be the time to do it."
[20:48] <Kotono> "Our forces-" Gisfal stops as you see Prince Brim enter. "Later," he murmurs to Jaela.
[20:50] * Jaela looks expectantly towards the prince.
[20:56] <Kotono> Prince Brim goes to sit once more, "Unfortunately," he says with a hint of longing in his voice, "At this time I cannot accept your generous offer."
[20:58] * Jaela stands up at those words. "The Aurora does not conscript people into service," she says. A hand is offered to the prince, as she adds, "If the situation changes, or you wish for our aid, let us know."
[21:01] <Kotono> Prince Brim smiles, a bittersweet one, "I will," he offers, his handshake strong and firm. Mirima rises as well, as does Gisfal.
[21:02] <Jaela> "It's time for us to go home, then," Jaela tells Mirima and Gisfal, offering a hand to each. Once taken, it would be a simple matter to plane shift them back.