049. Aftermath

[Corwin]

#ed

[20:43] <Kotono> "Dragons aren't always like that!" Kascha protests in a whisper, "They can be wise, kind, fearsome and majestic too!"
[20:43] <Kotono> "Which is why they're often sporting egos bigger than Aurora," Adrian banters back.
[20:45] <Muirfinn> "They are all of the above." Muirfinn replies.
[20:50] <Kotono> "Right," Adrian murmurs, Keep your eyes and ears open. We're technically observers, so we're mainly supposed to observe. Just be ready in case there's treachery in the air. If things go wrong, we get our allies out and fall back."
[20:51] * Muirfinn nods, waiting for the event to start.
[21:05] <Kotono> Soon enough a few other senter and then Tealua rises. She claps her hands together thrice, a strangely musical stattico bringing attention to her. "Welcome to the Lillend-Lannark Peace Conference. We will begin with a moment of silent prayer or introspection to ground ourselves before we begin." At this Tealua bows her head, most everyone else following suit.
[21:07] * Muirfinn follows along.
[21:10] <Kotono> Adrian and Kascha follow suit. The silence stretches several heartbeats until Tealua clears her throat. "I am Tealua of the Ten Notes. I shall be the primary speaker for the Lillend." After that she sits, Bristburn rises after, "I am Bristburn of Lannark. I shall be the primary speaker for the Lannark Imperium." He sits and then bot he and Tealua rise, looking to Aurora's table. "We both
[21:10] <Kotono> recognize Aurora's presence here as a third party observer," Bristburn says.
[21:14] * Muirfinn stands and bows. "I am Muirfinn of the Aurora. We are honored to be included in these negotiations."
[21:16] <Kotono> "Adrian Barnan," Adrian rises and does the same, "I hope that our wishes for an equitable solution for all come to pass."
[21:18] <Kotono> With this all side sit, a lillend rising and going over to Bristburn. He passes over a scroll to her, "Here is the Lannark Imperium's counter offer," he announces, "Let us begin with this."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Here we go," Adrian murmurs.
[21:23] * Muirfinn awaits the inevitable explosion of outrage.
[21:29] <Kotono> The scroll is taken and read slowly, "Hmph," Tealua murmurs ever so softly as she reads, but her face doesn't change expressions at all. "Quite frankly, under these circumstances, the right of the scholastic and tribute are both infeasible." Tealua announces, "We are willing to discuss the matter of the Chauswyrm - with several provisions. First, a team of lillend observers will be dispatched
[21:29] <Kotono> along with it. They will have the rank of ambassador and be granted full diplomatic immunity. They will have the right to observe anything to do with the Chauswyrm. Any attempt to wound, kill or subvert these observers will be treated an an act of treachery and a justification for war."
[21:33] * Muirfinn sighs quietly.
[21:33] <Kotono> "Here we go," Adrian murmurs again, glancing at Murifinn.
[21:34] <Kotono> The Lannarks gather together, whispering to one another. After a short conference, "A point of clarification first. Will these observers have anything to do with Aurora?"
[21:35] * Muirfinn looks at Adrian.
[21:35] <Kotono> "It was not planned as such," Tealua admits, "They are here to observe these proceedings."
[21:36] <Kotono> Adrian shakes his head at the same time, "Tealua has the right of it."
[21:37] <Kotono> After that Bristburn looks to Adrian, "We would like to request one of the observers coming from Aurora." He announces, "As they have seen fit to involve themselves in the affairs of the Lannark Imperium, we desire a chance to learn of them."
[21:43] <Kotono> At this Adrian rises, "We'll need a moment," He announces, before sitting and gesturing Kascha and Muirfinn close.
[21:43] * Muirfinn leans in. "I have an idea. We can agree to it if perhaps they are willing to abide by an ambassadorial trade. What do you think?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "It means getting more tangled up into this and more politics," Adrian remarks, "But it's better than sending someone in blind. Downside, we'll likely need to send someone with dragon blood or something similar."
[21:49] <Kotono> "We could ask for that Pel whats his name, he seemed to know what he was doing," Kascha says, "If arrogant. But will we gain more or lose more by doing this?"
[21:51] <Muirfinn> "That depends entirely on who we send, I would think." Muirfinn says. "What about Arrel?"
[21:52] <Kotono> "He'd be my first choice," Adrian says, keeping his voice quiet, "Kascha, you're too valuable to the Crusade and I'm a commanding officer. He's the logical choice since Baleruk isn't suitable for this, even if he wasn't our ace in the hole."
[21:54] <Kotono> Kascha blushes a little bit at that, "T-thanks," she murmurs.
[21:55] <Kotono> "On the downside, this is the second time in recent memory that we're going to go with him to an offer of sending him off on diplomacy. He might get the wrong idea," Adrian adds.
[21:58] <Muirfinn> "Sending Baleruk would be a political disaster. As for Arrel, I HAD thought of that, but I believe that he may have refused the first offer due to it being on Earth. No skies. I believe the idea has merit, but I would like to broach the topic to him gently to gauge his reaction to the idea first. We otherwise lack anyone of draconic descent, I believe?"
[22:01] <Kotono> "Yes." Adrian nods slightly, "Let's tentatively express interest and see if we can get them negotiating under that presumption."
[22:01] <Kotono> "If you want him to agree, the Lannarks should so a dragon the proper draconic respect. In other words, tribute," Kascha adds.
[22:04] <Kotono> "Bribery," Adrian thinly smiles, "I admit, the thought of the Lannarks emptying their coffers to Arrel is something I can endure with great fortitude."
[22:04] <Muirfinn> "I'll bet that Arrel wouldn't complain about it either if we spin it in favor of his hoard."
[22:10] <Kotono> "I'd want to run it by the other generals before promising an officer," Adrian agrees, "But anyway," He seperates and then rises, "We are tentatively interested in that. Assuming that for the moment, what are the other lillend demands?"
[22:11] * Muirfinn nods.
[22:13] <Kotono> Tealua continues, "Second, we will want binding pacts signed and enforced by a mutually agreeable group or agency. We have a potential list prepared and we are open to the Imperium suggesting their own offers. This pact will be one of non-aggression, and the willful breaking of it will incur curses and calamity on the guilty party. There will be no more war in the Infinite Stair."
[22:15] <Kotono> The Lannarks confer again. It's not a short one, going on for about a minute before Adrian chuckles. "I wonder how many apple carts were just upset by that one?"
[22:21] <Muirfinn> "Mandatory curses for any skirmishers or raiders? You bet."
[22:38] <Kotono> After a few good minutes of whispering - and a few not so quiet murmurings that are quickly shushed - Bristburn rises. "We can accept this, under the provision that the exact terms and the group or agency in question is mutually agreeable - and not Aurora, as we feel that is an unacceptable conflict of interest."
[22:40] * Muirfinn looks impassive.
[22:43] <Kotono> Tealua inclines her head, "Those terms are agreeable to us." There are more murmurings amid the lillend, as one rises and focuses. Magic flows, creating a small green bound book. It is brought over to the Lannarks, "Thus that is the entirety of our current agreement. In exchange for the Chauswyrm under the conditions we have set, the rest of your demands are rejected and we come to peace."
[22:43] <Kotono> Bristburn takes the book and begins to read. OOC: Do you have any ranks inspot, Muirfinn?
[22:43] <Muirfinn> OOC: Oooooooh yeah I do.
[22:43] <Kotono> OOC: Make a spot check.
[22:43] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+46 spot
[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+46 spot and gets 57." [1d20=11]
[22:46] <Kotono> Muirfinn can notice the one sitting next to Bristburn is subtly fingering a ring he wears. A plain iron ring on a glance, this particular half dragon with hints of green to him and a composed, professionally disinterested look. The faintest glow momentarily shows around his ring.
[22:48] * Muirfinn just as subtly casts Detect Magic!
[22:49] <Muirfinn> OOC: Reminder True Seeing
[22:51] <Kotono> OOC: Do you have ranks in Sleight of Hand or anything to disguise your spellcasting?
[22:52] <Muirfinn> OOC: Hmm, no I do not. Good point. Could I perhaps use Spellcraft instead to determine the nature of the ring, or would DM be required?
[22:54] <Kotono> OOC: DM would be required. IF you're going to cast it anyway, make an untrained dex check.
[22:55] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+5 Here goes nothing
[22:55] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+5 Here goes nothing and gets 23." [1d20=18]
[22:57] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 3." [1d6=3]
[22:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 you actually have a chance
[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 you actually have a chance and gets 31." [1d20=11]
[22:57] <Muirfinn> OOC: :(
[22:58] <Kotono> OOC: Make spellcraft real quick.
[22:59] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+50Spellcraft real quick before the fighting starts
[22:59] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+50Spellcraft real quick before the fighting starts and gets Error: Numeric values only." [1d20=17]
[22:59] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+50 Spellcraft real quick before the fighting starts
[22:59] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+50 Spellcraft real quick before the fighting starts and gets 51." [1d20=1]
[23:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23
[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 and gets 33." [1d20=10]
[23:02] <Kotono> The green half dragon's gaze flits over to Muirfinn as his handwork, the slightest narrowing of his eyes. At the same time Bristburn's gaze turns over onto the green half dragon.
[23:02] * Muirfinn returns that look!
[23:07] <Kotono> The dragon's gaze narrows even more, Bristburn sending you a look. He nods ever so slightly, "I request a five minute adjournment. I believe Muirfinn of Aurora can explain why." His gaze burns into the green dragon, "Valekar, do you really think that Favortism is not known to Bilsulaanthusar?"
[23:10] <Muirfinn> "I can indeed." Muirfinn nods.
[23:11] <Kotono> Valekar color turns paler as suddenly all eye are on him. Bristburn rises, two others coming to take him by the arm. He is lead out and away, Tealua sending a sharp look to Muirfinn onc ethey're out.
[23:13] <Kotono> "Ah, politics," Adrian sits back, waiting on Muirfinn. "I'm guessing someone's up to no good."
[23:14] <Muirfinn> "The man they just removed was using the ring he was wearing to attempt to influence Bristburn's mind, though I could not tell you immediately what for, or in what direction. Fortunately, before I could react, Bristburn was able to detect it and ward it off it seems." Muirfinn shakes his head. "Such antics would have voided all agreements on all sides, had he not detected it."
[23:17] <Kotono> Tealua frowns but nods, "I was afraid of dissent in the ranks," she admits, "But we shall see how they react to the offer now. Hopefully it breaks in our favor, as Bristburns eemed interested in comimg to an accord."
[23:20] <Muirfinn> "We'll see."
[23:25] <Kotono> Adrian grunts slightly, "We will," he says, as a few minutes pass. Bristburn returns, Valekar nowhere to be seen. As the Lannark contingent sits down, "After review, the Lannark Imperium is prepared to accept this offer, assuming all conditionals and negotiations over previously established points is successful."
[23:26] <Kotono> Adrian sighs lightly, though he's smiling. Kascha smiles as well, as Tealua rises. "Then we are in agreement," shes ays, coming around to the  center. Bristburn follows, the two shaking hands between the table.
[23:27] <Kotono> "We really must have the Lannarks in a pinch," Adrian murmurs, "Still better for war, and better for making friends." He begins to clap, which is echoed by both sides.
[23:30] * Muirfinn breathes a sigh of relief. "Good that we have avoided war. Very good. Pointless war will only come to needless loss of life. More can be obtained through mutual cooperation and respect."
[23:31] <Kotono> Amid the cheering Vivantha comes over, "We did it!" she says happily, "Thank you!" She bows to the three of you, "Aurora helped stop this pointless war!"
[23:32] * Muirfinn bows in return. "It was our pleasure to help. We are honored to have been a part of it."
[23:33] <Kotono> OOC: Skip along a little bit?
[23:33] <Muirfinn> OOC: Please
[23:37] <Kotono> A few hours of celebration pass - largely formal, though at least it has good champaign. The group returns to the palanquin. As you are flown back, "Thank you," Tealua echos Vivantha's words, "Even a fragile and enforced peace is better than a war of aggressive conquest. Our people are defenders only out of our task. At heart we are minstrels and performers."
[23:38] <Kotono> Adrian is sprawled back, "You help us, we help you. It works out well for everyone. Besides, with all the help Aurora's asked for, it would've been boorish of us to turn away from your request. I'm just glad they folded up - guess they're as fractured as we thought."
[23:43] <Muirfinn> "If it had come down to war, I believe we could have assisted. I am glad it did not come to that." Muirfinn says. "For all the Lannarks' boasting of draconic power, I have seen even great wyrms fall to small groups of mortals. Adrian has been a part of this. Worst case, we involve Baleruk and he takes them to task." he chuckles.
[23:43] <Kotono> "Truthfully, yes," Kascha says, "But I was afraid of Tiamat involving herself if we did that," Quietly speaking up, "So I'm happy we came to peace."
[23:44] <Kotono> "You will have our aid," Tealua speaks, "Vivantha as well, once she's been properly augmented. We honor our promises."
[23:44] <Kotono> At that Vivantha looks up, "What? Augmented...you mean...?"
[23:45] <Kotono> "We lost many brave warriors. Promotions need to occur to fill the gaps," Tealua explains, "You did well, Vivantha, and deserve it. Moreover, as you are now, you aren't strong enough."
[23:45] * Muirfinn blinks. "What's this now?"
[23:48] <Kotono> As Vivantha looks on in shock, "The lillend of the Infinite Stair do not promote and change form as normal spirits do. We maintain the same form, but our powers increase instead. The common lillend lack the ability to advance far. They must be recognized and promoted as heroes to grow."
[23:49] <Muirfinn> "Ahh, and Vivantha has earned that? She certainly took a risk when she saved my life some time ago."
[23:52] <Kotono> "She has," Tealua says, "When done, she will lead our committment to Aurora."
[23:55] <Muirfinn> "Wonderful!" Muirfinn claps his hands together twice. "I believe this has been a great success then."

[Corwin]

#s

[20:45] <Kotono> Heading to go see Muirfinn, Afina flies down the hall. As she does, she sees a figure walking down the same halls. It's Elder Magi Tepen, looking decidedly exasperated. His hair is damp, as if he just bathed.
[20:46] <Afina> "Problems with the new recruits?" Afina asks carefully as she stops by Tepen, wondering at his discomfort.
[20:55] <Kotono> Pausing to rub his temple, "Ellese. She's been doing better the last few days, but today she backslid." Elder Magi Tepen sighs faintly, "Magi Ellese exists in there somewhere, but I don't think she's going to come back as she was before. The abuse is too deeply rooted in her psyche and the defenses she erected? Most likely she's going to need to accept what she is now and come to master
[20:55] <Kotono> herself."
[20:56] <Afina> "That seems much more likely, what was done to her can't be pushed aside and forgotten," Afina nods in acceptance of that truth, "What did she do, today?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "She wanted to see the image of a bearded devil." Elder Magi Tepen says with a hint of a chargrined wince, "She was insistent so I humored her, as perhaps it meant she was coming to terms with things. Instead she vomited out pure acid at the image and I was standing behind it. I'd warded myself and my possessions against acid, so no real harm was done."
[21:05] <Afina> "Nothing wrong with having a lethal reflex action towards the sight of devils," Afina comments with an approving nod.
[21:08] <Kotono> With a wry smile, "Yes. She's expressing a desire to do that to a real devil. In the right circumstances, taking her out to do that on a devil raid may be productive."
[21:10] <Afina> "Or for more controlled circumstances I can bind one for her," Afina suggests. "Anyway, I have to go see Muirfinn, so I'll talk to you later, Tepen," she says, fluttering away and off to her original destination.
[21:11] <Kotono> "Muirfinn?" Here Tepen calls, "Hold on."
[21:13] <Afina> "Hm? What is it?" Afina asks curiously, stopping.
[21:15] <Kotono> "?You just missed him," Elder Magi Tepen explains, "I passed him just a few minutes ago, going out."
[21:17] <Afina> "What? But... oh, Elena!" Afina summons the blue girl, no longer feeling quite so chummy as she had during their conversation a moment ago.
[21:19] <Kotono> Elena so appears, clad as Queen Ilsenine this time. "Yes?" she asks.
[21:21] <Afina> "Muirfinn just left while we were talking, why didn't you say so?"
[21:22] <Kotono> "He did?" Elena blinks, "I didn't realize! I wasnt paying attention after I checked!" Elena suddenly starts to turn red, shrinking back, "I didn't think he was going anywhere! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
[21:23] * Afina sighs. She can't stay mad at that face. "Alright, well never mind. I take it you don't know where he's gone, either, then?"
[21:31] <Kotono> Elena screws up her face in concentration a few moments, "Oh, he's going off with Adrian..." she says in a small voice, "Um...sorry?" Looking abashed now, "Sorry! Sorry! Would you like it if I made it up to you?"
[21:33] <Afina> "No, it's fine," Afina replies, taking flight again. "I better go tell my Queen there's been a delay, though."
[21:35] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Does Afina have anything else she wants to knock out today? Tomorrow's going to be a group thing most likely since everyone will be here.
[21:37] <Afina> OOC: Tell the other generals that Abigor has been warned and also mention the anonymous demon that made contact, and plan out further attacks to take advantage of the former.
[21:38] <Kotono> OOC: That all'll come up tomorrow.
[21:39] <Afina> OOC: I'm out.
[21:42] <Kotono> From there the rest of Afina's day is without incident. That evening she settles into doing more blacksmithing work, but she finds a familiar face awaiting her at the forges. Simmer's there, a hint of a smile showing on her face as she waits. "Oh Afina," she calls, voice honeyed.
[21:45] <Afina> "Hello, Simmer," Afina greets the dryad, looking askance at her in response to the tone she's using on her.
[21:49] <Kotono> "So," She begins, "Have you ever dated a fire elemental?"
[21:52] <Afina> "No... why?" Afina asks very carefully. After the attempts to push her at Lief earlier today she thinks she has good cause to be suspicious, too.
[21:54] <Kotono> Simmer chuckles, "So Sylvie picked up that elemental body spell you cast," she begins. "We were joking around and I tried to get her to date a fire elemental. It didn't work, but it got me to thinking. With all that water in you now, you could use another fiery influence."
[21:57] <Afina> "On the other hand I don't feel like dating," Afina says firmly, flying over to one of the workbenches and looking down at what's there to be worked on, to better distract herself. "Especially not an elemental. Fiery or not."
[22:00] <Kotono> There's various requests and bits of things there - plenty to occupy Afina. Meanwhile Simmer comes on over, sitting on the ground and watching Afina. "At least you didn't splash water on me," Simmer quips, "Sylvie was not amused."
[22:03] <Afina> "The possibility of suffering horrible burns because you forgot to watch the duration on your spell would put a damper on her ardour," Afina comments, though mentioning Sylvie does remind her she needs to take care of the Blade of Endings. Perhaps today since everyone seems busy or bent on matchmaking her?
[22:09] <Kotono> "Details," Simmer waves a hand lazily, "When we both have a day or two, I'm thinking about sneaking off to somewhere extra fiery on Fire. Interested?"
[22:12] <Afina> "Sorry, I have to work on planning a further assault once the other generals return," Afina shakes her head. "At best I just have the rest of today free."
[22:14] <Kotono> Simmer hums, "Then you know what? The hell with it. Let's go," she stands up, "Can you manage a mind blank for yourself?"
[22:15] * Afina shakes her head. "I don't know the spell at all. But it would be prudent if leaving, or we would be accosted."
[22:19] <Kotono> "Tepen can do it. Come on," Simmer rises, "You're going to like this!"
[22:20] <Afina> "Alright, then," Afina allows herself to be dragged along since one distraction's as good as another.
[22:40] <Kotono> Soon enough you are mind blanked, SImmer leading you outside of Aurora. "Oh, you're going to like this. Fire and life mix well together, as you've seen with my magic."
[22:43] <Afina> "Well, you can take us there, then," Afina bids, casting see invisibility and looking around on the off chance anyone's lurking close by without precautions against such a simple countermeasure. They haven't used that countermeasure before, after all, so complacency might rule.
[22:45] <Kotono> No one's around. "It'll be a two step trip, shifting and then teleportation," Simmer says, before whisking the duo away! The first stop is one of familiar warmth. Afina feels so much better immediately as true heat soaks into her bones. Around her is the fiery glory of Fire, all ablaze from ground to sky. Simmer pauses a moment to inhale the smoky, choking fumes that are as easy for you to
[22:45] <Kotono> breathe as pure air, "Ooooooooaaaaah!"
[22:47] <Afina> Or water, for that matter! She wonders if she'll be able to breathe dirt as a half-earth elemental... Looking around idly to see where they've arrived, she keeps her hand in Simmer's for the impending teleport.
[22:50] <Kotono> It looks to be cracked, burning plains. In the distance are huge burning mountains. But Simmer's hand squeezes yours before you have a chance to look around in earnest. It's bright here. So bright, the fires burning hot. So hot as to almost purge the Water from you, making Afina's blood boil - in a good way. Around you are rocky clefts and gashes in the ground. From these burning gashes
[22:50] <Kotono> the flames burn even hotter and brighter than they should - verging towards blue and white shades in the middle. In those gashes what looks to be lava occasionally bubbles up, but never out. Afina immediately starts feeling better, energy flowing into her.  Simmer lets go of Afina's hand and makes a happy noise almost akin to a squeal, "The locals don't have a name for here, so I call this
[22:50] <Kotono> the Brightfires. There's a connection to the positive energy plane or similar source of life energy around here and it infuses everything."
[22:52] <Afina> "Oh, so it's like Radiance. But nicer," Afina approves, even if it's probably more lethal to the unprepared. "Ooohh, it does feel nice, though. Does anyone live here?"
[22:53] <Kotono> "Not that I've ever seen, and the locals haven't. They avoid the place and there aren't many locals in this part of fire," Simmer explains, "They tend to distrust the euphoric effect of staying around long." Stretching out, "Do me a favor and bury your head in that gash there, all the way into the lava, and take a deep breath."
[22:55] <Afina> "That sounds so dirty..." Afina comments but nonetheless she flies over to kneel next to the rift, looking down to see what's in before she leans her head in and breathes in deeply.
[22:58] <Kotono> "It does?" Simmer's voice sounds entirely puzzled. In there is lava, with the center being blue white flames that arch out and above. Burying your head is is wonderfully warm, and breathing in gets you a lungful of lava! Yet you do not drown! Instead it's like a dollop of liquid energy flowing into you, leaving you faintly euphoric.
[22:59] <Afina> "Hee hee, oh!" Afina hiccups as she pulls her head free and rolls onto her back. It's rather like Fey Nip, she thinks as she basks in the sensations.
[23:04] <Kotono> It doesn't last long - Afina's head clears after a few minutes. In the meanwhile Simmer strips down, neatly tucking her gear behind an outcropping of rock. "C'mon," she says, "It's better when you let yourself sink and breath it in for hours at a time. I'll hold you so we don't get separated."
[23:07] <Afina> "Alright," Afina nods, sitting herself up and following the pyrodryad in undressing, her own miniature gear and clothes bundled up atop Simmer's. Fluttering up she sits on Simmer's shoulder and asks, "Anything else around here besides euphoric lava?"
[23:09] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm, but later for that," Simmer says, reaching up and taking Afina nito her arms, cradling her like a baby against her chest. The roughness of her skin is like burnt tree bark, felt as she walks over to the edge.
[23:13] <Afina> Letting herself be carried without resisting, Afina settles herself in as comfortably as possible against Simmer's rough skin. A momentary thought passes that she'd make a good exfoliant, but she has more sense than to say that, thankfully.
[23:14] <Kotono> With that Simmer steps into the lava gash, sinking in! Within moment you're in the lava, liquid bliss breathed in! Afina's mind gets a steady stream of it, a sound like a contented murmur heard, if muffled from Simmer. There's a sense of gently sinking deeper down, as your vision is nothing but the burning red of lava.
[23:18] <Afina> This is certainly nice. All the pleasant burning of fire with the weightless immersion of water, and a happy euphoric kick added on top! Holding onto Simmer to keep from being seperated, Afina merely breathes in and out, basking in blissful contentment.
[23:23] <Kotono> This goes on for a dissociated amount of time. Afina can't tell, lost in it. In time it segues into a dream. She's laughing and Simmer's laughing. You're running around Aurora, except everything is on fire. Aurora burns merrily, and there is not a single scream of pain. Instead as you spread fire (you were spreading fire?), everyone's becoming like you. All red and burning and happy. You
[23:23] <Kotono> can faintly hear Simmer sigh in contentment, "Buuuurn..." she mewls happily.
[23:27] <Afina> Hearing Simmer jars back some coherency, chasing away the dream and making Afina blink against the lava pressing down on them. She has no idea how long they've been down here but it must've been a while to have lost track of time so. "Simmer," she speaks up, sluggishly at first but more together as she repeats the name and reaches up to pat her cheek. Not questioning how sound can carry so
[23:27] <Afina> well through lava, she says, "I fell asleep, how long's it been?"
[23:29] <Kotono> "Mmmm...awhile," Simmer's voice is distorted but understandable. Bliss continues to come - Afina's tree is burning. It hurts and she's scared - but not this time. No, the burning feels good. It's good to burn, watching the forest burn with her. "Queen Ilsenine?" she says, voice sounding foggy. "See? He's burning."
[23:33] <Afina> Her face scrunches up in fear at feeling her tree burning, and then the forest starts to burn and she smiles... and then every tree shrivels and dies before fire can even touch them, for Abigor has come. Jerking upright in Simmer's embrace, she realises their memories are mingling, and that can't be good for either of them! Not wanting to bare her past and respectful of Simmer's, she pats
[23:33] <Afina> the dryad's cheek again, harder this time. "Simmer, we have to go! Now!"
[23:35] <Kotono> "But Gathgorian's burning!" Simmer protests, before her entire body jerks! Suddenly you're rising up, swimming up in the burning bliss! As you swim up, you see a face. A beautiful nymph's face, cold and cruel. There's a full moon and so much blood. It hurts even more here, and all that pain boils up in Afina. As she rises she feels herself sending that pain out, watching that face burn on
[23:35] <Kotono> that moonlit night.
[23:39] * Afina feels a spike of panic that Willah has come to attack them in such a compromised moment, throwing out a disintegration ray into the lava and hasting both her and Simmer before the name Senaril is provided to match the face, a different hateful nymph, and one mercifully dead. "Hurry, Simmer! Unless you want us to swap identities!" she blurts out, trying to rise above the confusion that's made all the harder in her semi-euphoric if rather panicked state.
[23:42] <Kotono> Out. It's almost cold out of the lava - but you realize you're lying on the burning ground now, staring up at the fiery sky. Did SImmer reply? You aren't sure. But the euphoria is starting to pass, leaving you more stable-minded. Flickering memories that aren't your own linger - remembered but no longer presenting, even if the name Senaril brings a moment of unchecked hate within Afina,
[23:42] <Kotono> coming from deeply buried in her (no, Simmer's) core. Sometime amid that, "What was that?" Simmer's heard asking.
[23:44] <Afina> "Our minds must have joined," Afina says weakly, laying back and recovering from the rough mental experience, "Memories became confused and washed freely between us... bad ones, mostly."
[23:47] <Kotono> "I burned Gathgorian when he came back, after Queen Ilsenine," With a faintly euphoric giggle, "I did it, Afina. I saved her and took revenge. I watched his bones crackle in the bonfire. All the fires on Lifasa obeyed us and not the devils. Other things that I'm still trying to sort out - court life, I think. I remember your first sword. What did you get?"
[23:55] <Afina> "I don't remember that..." Afina says, wondering if perhaps it was different for Simmer. "My first sword, though? I remember that..." It was after she'd come to the Court of Alfheimr to dance with her graceful and terrifically mobile performances, entertaining the assembled nobles under Queen Ilsenine. And afterwards Ilsenine had taken her aside and pressed a cold iron blade into her hands,
[23:55] <Afina> it made her skin itch and she wanted to recoil, but she couldn't refuse the Queen. She'd said she was impressed with Afina's movements and thought she'd be talented with a sword as well, encouraging her to practice so she could show her queen something new and interesting for her next performance...
[23:57] <Kotono> Simmer just lies there for a time, before finally sitting up. Your mind has further cleared by this point, "What I'd love to know is why life energy caused that," she remarks. "I've learned how life energy works, and memories mixing isn't a part of it."
[00:00] <Afina> "Maybe it's not the life energy, but something else in the lava that's also there?" Afina suggests, sitting up herself, "But if we'd stayed it might not have been the same people who came out of there that went in..."
[00:01] <Kotono> "Or we would have been so connected we would've become inseperable," Simmer remarks, "Like when two dryads become bound together when two trees entwine."
[00:03] <Afina> "One mind in two bodies?" Afina shudders, "Lets not go back in there until we fully understand exactly what's occuring," she decides, going to get dressed. It's bad enough what they'd already shared.