046.3 Muirfinn and Ellese

[Corwin]

[20:01] <Kotono> "If you want to make this about power?" Eudard says, "Everyone needs power, but only a fool relies on it above all." Tapping his knuckles to his breastplate of crystal, "The wisdom of the soul is the greatest treasure of all. Something Sir Muirfinn understands - better than you, I reckon, Miss Sylvie."
[20:07] <Kotono> "...I know," Sylvie admits quietly, "I've learned that from my own follies. Aurora is a good cause above the rest of it. That's why we're seeking power. That's why I'm carrying what I am. That's why we're here."
[20:08] <Muirfinn> "While we don't lack for power, we are seeking aid. We're not looking for a handout of a powerful world-ending artifact or something of the sort. We need manpower and minds."
[20:15] <Kotono> "Hm." Here Eudard gives both of you a look, speaking of the open pondering he does as his eyes study the both of you. "In my time I have done and seen much. I cry off pride, but in truth I have walked with the Gods and crossed blades with abominations that should have never been. That is a wiser answer than power. Power alone is a cold comfort, even if it can level armies. Others and souls
[20:15] <Kotono> is indeed a wiser answer."
[20:17] * Muirfinn nods. "Power alone is insufficient. We seek aid. Real aid. If it were mere power, the tool Sylvie wields would be more than enough." Muirfinn gestures at Sylvie. "But it's not. We need fresh warriors and fresh minds. We seek people who are willing to fight against evil's perversion and tyrrany."
[20:19] <Kotono> "In that, my friend, you have chosen well," Eudard offers his hand out to Muirfinn, "Again, I am only a shepard and not the ultimate arbiter of this matter, be it of this mortal world or the immortal eternity beyond. Rest here this night and tomorrow there will be more."
[20:21] * Muirfinn takes the hand and nods. "You have my thanks."
[20:23] <Kotono> That night is rest. Sylvie falls asleep early, bundled in blankets and snoozing away. The two share a simple, unremarkable room. Muirfinn is awake, able to hear the soft, subtle and insistent sound of a knocking at the door.
[20:24] <Muirfinn> Looking up from his evening preparations, Muirfinn heads over and opens the door.
[20:27] <Kotono> At the door is Eudard, still dressed in his armor. Speaking in soft tones after a glance at slumbering Sylvie, "Would you care to join me for night's reflections?" he asks. "The solemn hours of evening's ponderings pass by better with a man of good philosophy and learning."
[20:28] * Muirfinn blinks. "Ah, of course."
[20:30] <Kotono> From here the two end up back in Eudard's spartan office. A few chairs are here, positioned to look out at the blue cavern past the window. "Sleep is one sacrifice to eternal vigilance against the wicked," Eudard says, "By blessings and sorcery I need but little sleep, and the rest can be made in the balance of restful thought."
[20:31] <Muirfinn> "Not so blessed am I, but I shall endure. What would you like to talk about tonight?" Muirfinn asks as he takes a seat.
[20:35] <Kotono> "If I may ask, is your friend always like this? I fear that the weather is disagreeable to her." Looking out at the cavern, "She left a mark on those who watched her. Most of those we get are too devoted or determined to complain. You seem far more sanguine."
[20:38] <Muirfinn> "The cold affects me just as well as it does her, but I am blessed with the element of water. Though it pains me, I find comfort in it. Or do you really refer to her attitude?"
[20:40] <Kotono> "Both," he admits, "Your circumstances are unusual, so allowance should be made as well. But if I may, you seem far better suited for this than she is. My impression of her is of no great spiritual wisdom. She may understand parts, but not the important underpinnings."
[20:51] <Muirfinn> "Her heart is in the right place, even if she may come across as childish or abrasive. She has had a difficult life for one so young. She is smart, though, and is quite nice to be around if you can accept her for who she is. She believes in our mission. I came along because I am one of the few that considers her a friend, at least of the few that are not originally from this plane."
[20:58] <Kotono> A slight nod, "I am glad you came with her. I have an inkling of what's happened to her, as the Crimson Guard has had a few dealings with Whimsical Sweets over the past handful of years. Tragedy strikes at all stratums of life, an indiscriminate and uncaring beast of chaos. I may infer it has touched you, and yo uhave emerged from its claws wiser instead?""
[21:00] * Muirfinn snorts. "Devils conquered my home plane. A few of us escaped. It's been...difficult. I'll spare you the long story, it's late."
[21:03] <Kotono> "It is," Eudard murmurs, "Balmuria has had its own conflicts with Hell. In that, we can share our sympathies."
[21:05] <Muirfinn> "Yes, so I've heard." Muirfinn shakes his head. "Hopefully by the end of this, they'll decide to take a break for a century or two."
[21:06] <Kotono> "More like a millenia," Eudard says quietly.
[21:07] <Muirfinn> "That'd be quite nice."
[21:08] <Kotono> A nod and a short silence reigns, "I'll not keep you later," Eudard says, "Rest well."
[21:09] * Muirfinn nods. "Indeed, things have become a bit heavy. I will doubtless see you tomorrow. A good night to you." Muirfinn says, standing to leave.
[21:21] <Kotono> The next day begins with a simple breakfast of warm porridge and water. After that and a brief morning service to the Triad, you meet with Eudard again. "I've been in touch with my superior officer," Eudard says, "He wants to meet with Aurora's command staff. He's occupied right now with another affair, but within a few weeks he should be free."
[21:22] * Muirfinn nods. "I'm an officer, but not one of the generals. I can get one if that's what he would prefer."
[21:27] <Kotono> "As much of the high command as can make it," Eudard says, "You'll be meeting with Commander Hellman Oberuth. We'll send word when he's free."
[21:28] * Muirfinn nods. "I will make the request when we return, then."
[21:30] <Kotono> "Thank you," Sylvie says, to which Eudard returns that nod. "You're free to go now."
[21:31] <Muirfinn> "You have our thanks for this. We will be back in a few weeks. Where should we meet him?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "That will be explained then," Eudard says, "It's to be determined."
[21:32] * Muirfinn nods.