052.1 Jaela in Celestia

[Corwin]

[19:48] <Koaway> Gathering everyone back up, returning to the Golden Heaven is without incident. Ebony follows along with you, "Do you have any particular aim for this layer, or to wander and see what happens?"
[19:49] <Jaela> "This time, I just want to see what Celestia has for me." She gives Ebony a slight shrug. "I'll be welcome back to look for anything specific afterwards, right? So that can be another time."
[19:53] <Koaway> roll 1d100
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d100 and gets 93." [1d100=93]
[19:53] <Koaway> roll 1d100 subtablez
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d100 subtablez and gets 26." [1d100=26]
[19:58] <Koaway> You wander several hours in the light snow and golden sunshine. In time yo ucome up a rocky path, to an isolated, forgotten cliff. No flights of angels or celestials mark time here. There is only the restful silence of solitude, complimented by your footsteps. Far up this rocky path you come a ledge. Here a small cathedral sits, alone and untouched. It is made of wood and stone and would
[19:58] <Koaway> fit into any quiet village. There is no holy symbol visible anywhere on it, the windows opaque tinted glass.
[20:00] <Jaela> Perhaps the inside of it would be able to explain its purpose. Jaela heads there, for now.
[20:03] <Koaway> As you approach, Jaela is overtaken by a powerful sense of wistful nostalgia. Memories of childhood flow to mind, flashes of things and memories of forgotten days. Ebony stops as well, bowing her head several moments and saying nothing.
[20:05] <Jaela> Memories of a better time. She could use to revisit them, and so she presses on after her brief pause.
[20:09] <Koaway> On reaching the doors of cathedral, you find them to be locked. Sturdy and plain wooden doors, nothing remarkable about them.
[20:10] * Jaela knocks, before calling out, "Is anyone there?"
[20:15] <Koaway> No reply. "Are you remembering days long gone?" Ebony asks quietly, her voice as reflectively subdued as the cathedral before you.
[20:16] <Jaela> "You too, then?"
[20:18] <Koaway> "Yes," Ebony says, looking up at the doors. "I'm beset by memories of childhood. Things I haven't thought about in decades."
[20:19] <Jaela> "Good memories, for you?"
[20:22] <Koaway> "Memories." Ebony says, not commenting on it further. She lays a hand on the door and pushes, but it does not open. "Locked," she remarks.
[20:24] <Jaela> "Locked," Jaela affirms. "You know, the weird part about traveling through a heaven is that you never know if it's a physical way of telling you that you can't go back to that time. Or if, you know, it's just a locked door."
[20:29] <Koaway> "The symbolism and reality are intertwined." Ebony runs her hand along the door, "Perhaps we could force our way in...but would it be worth it? Would we recapture lost days of innocent dreams?"
[20:31] <Jaela> "It feels wrong to break into anything at a heaven," Jaela muses. "But you know better about Celestia, so if you tell me we're supposed to I'll get it done." She eyes the door speculatively. "I don't think we can recapture the past, anyhow. Even if you got to feel what you did back then, all the stuff that's happened since is still weighing down on you. I guess you could forget it, but then you're not yourself anymore and what's the point in that?"
[20:34] <Koaway> "..mmm...the endless debate of that," Ebony murmurs. "If the only way you can become pure and happy is to forget, is it worth it?" Looking back up, "I'd never intended to keep my sense of self after I passed. Atonement and forgiveness would have been enough, and leaving behind my follies would have been a liberation. To be myself and yet be free of the past? It is an attractive offer to one
[20:35] <Koaway> who has been too tainted by sin."
[20:36] * Jaela snorts. "It's plenty attractive to just about everyone."
[20:37] <Koaway> Chuckling, "Being reborn and eternally happy in the Heavens is hardly a lamentable fate," Ebony retorts, "Even if the loss of memories is a daunting prospect. In my darker days, I had no intention of losing my sense of self into death. Not that I believe that desire is evil, but the irony is unhidden."
[20:39] <Jaela> "It's pretty much a form of giving up." Jaela closes her eye and stands there a few moments more, absorbing the nostalgic memories that have come to the fore after all this time.
[20:41] <Koaway> "There's nothing wrong with that. Most souls struggle to get through mortal life. Who can expect them to continue on forever?" Ebony asks, before looking down. "Forgive me for being argumentative about this, but it is a question I wrestled with for some time. I suppose as a half-angel that you are far bettere equipped to contemplate forever than a mortal.""
[20:44] <Jaela> "There's nothing wrong with giving up," Jaela agrees with a slight nod, turning away from the cathedral at that. "It's just got these negative connotations because we're all about bravery and fighting to the end. There's a time for that, and a time for knowing when to quit." She waves at Ebony. "Let's keep going? I've reminisced enough for now, I figure."
[20:46] <Koaway> "Yes." Ebony agrees, "Shall we continue on now?"
[20:58] <Koaway> roll 1d100
[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d100 and gets 1." [1d100=1]
[21:00] <Koaway> More hours pass. As you begin to feel the fatigue of the day catch up to you, you come onto another ledge. Here is a grove of pine trees, and within you can see several large tents setup and the glow of campfires.
[21:02] <Jaela> "I could take care of the fatigue," Jaela offers, "though seeing if the people over there," she gestures with her head, "will let us stay for the night sounds more interesting. Got any preference?"
[21:06] <Koaway> "We have no hurry, do we?" Ebony asks.
[21:07] <Jaela> "Nah. I only did the forced march thing a couple times my entire life," Jaela responds, heading for the tents.
[21:12] <Koaway> On approaching, a little lantern archon flies out from one of them. "Hello!" it calls.
[21:13] <Jaela> "Hey there!" Jaela calls back. "Who's staying here?"
[21:16] <Koaway> "I am!" The little archon declares, "I set it all up myself!"
[21:17] <Jaela> "Wow, no kidding! All by yourself?" Jaela looks genuinely impressed. The little guy doesn't even have hands. "Say, can we stay the night, then?"
[21:31] <Koaway> "I'd like guests," The archon goes to the fire, a pot appearing above it. Vegetables follow, slicing of their own accord before falling into the pot.
[21:32] * Jaela sits by the fire, before gently shaking Mirajane awake. It would do her some good to eat and have a break in between all the sleeping. Besides, the company seems nice. "Anything we could do to help?"
[21:37] <Koaway> Mirajane stirs, yawning largely. "Oh no, I'm fine. I'm training!" The lantern archon says, "In a century I'm slated to help a tribe of Will O' the Wisps find a better way to live. Part of that is helping the mortals they draw in and making them comfortable."
[21:38] <Jaela> "You don't say," Jaela muses. "It's training that takes a century to complete?"
[21:43] <Koaway> "Well," The little ball's focus seems to be on the pot, as much as you can tell, "I'm having to develop telekenesis to do it, and it takes a long time to master that."
[21:45] <Jaela> "Good luck with that, then," Jaela wishes him. "Do you get a lot of visitors?"
[21:45] <Koaway> "Lantern," Mirajane stirs in Jaela's arms.
[21:46] <Koaway> "Oh, now and again. Mostly people who come to see the Chapel of Yesterday," The archon explains.       
[21:47] <Jaela> "We went there, too," Jaela voices, shifting Mirajane so that she has a much better view of the floating lantern archon. "Can you tell us about that place?"
[21:53] <Koaway> Mirajane reaches out for the archon as, "It's where memories come to rest," it explains.
[21:55] <Jaela> "So people come over to try and relive their past?" Jaela asks. "Can you actually get inside the chapel?" Glancing down at Mirajane, she grins as she adds, "Oh, do you mind coming over? I think Mirajane wants to play a bit. If you're fine with that and all."
[22:06] <Koaway> The lantern comes over, swept into Mirajane's hands! She giggles and laughs, as the archon does the same. "You can, but only when the time is right."
[22:07] * Jaela can't help but laugh herself at the scene. "So when's the time right?"
[22:10] <Koaway> "Ah!" As the archon is juggled about like a bouncing ball, "When the time is right!" the lantern gets out despite being played with. "I'm not familiar with what the right time is."
[22:10] * Jaela glances at Ebony curiously.

[Corwin]

[19:47] <Kotono> Ebony returns the look plainly, "A time of meaning or symbolism, perhaps?"
[19:51] <Jaela> "Well, if I ever feel like it's time to revisit something, I know where to go now."
[19:53] <Kotono> "It's all about time," Mirajane murmurs, "When the time is right the doors will open, and only when the time is right. An angel with a sword of eternal fire awaits those who seek the mysteries within when the time is not right."
[19:54] <Jaela> A fight! There were times when Jaela would have been excited at the prospect. She pats Mirajane's head, and asks their host, "What about after? Where did your visitors tend to go after they stayed here?"
[19:59] <Kotono> "Up," The archon bobs in the air, "They seek higher! That's right!"
[20:01] <Jaela> "Guess it'll be the same for us as well!"
[20:05] <Kotono> At this Mirajane yawns and curls up in Jaela's arms once more. Ebony smiles momentarily, "I believe I will take my rest now."
[20:10] <Kotono> Rest comes without incident. Come morning you are served a simple broth of vegetables. Thereafter the three rise, Mirajane awake but sleepy. "Shall we?" Ebony asks.
[20:11] <Jaela> "Sure thing!" And since Mirajane is still sleepy Jaela will carry her after recasting the spell that wards her from any unexpected teleportation.
[20:19] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 45." [1d100=45]
[20:19] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 69." [1d100=69]
[20:25] <Kotono> You wander. The cliffs become winding paths without much vertical gain. In time you come to a small mountain spring. The waters are rimmed with ice, promising to be ferociously cold.
[20:25] * Jaela stops for a drink to freshen herself up before the climb can be resumed once more. Or attempted, as it seems.
[20:30] <Kotono> Ebony kneels as well to drink. The water is fearsomely cold, refreshing you deeply. After Ebony rests a moment, and striking up a conversation, "I've heard that you make Mirima happy."
[20:32] <Jaela> "From Mirima?"
[20:32] <Kotono> "No," Ebony shakes her head, "From Canderella."
[20:35] <Jaela> "I don't think she's a very good judge." Jaela sits down facing Ebony. "If she's right on this, I guess I'm glad. I can't really tell that well."
[20:40] <Kotono> Sitting as well and scooping up another handful of water, "Mmm." Drinking that down before answering, "She's perceptive but chooses to be frivolous most of the time. She's quite old and has millenia of experience dealing with mortals. I haven't talked with Mirima often, but I think she is right."
[20:41] <Jaela> "I guess I got some bad advice from her before, but it's not like she made me follow it." Jaela shrugs. "I'm not really a very exciting or adventurous person. And the stuff I choose to dress in doesn't show much skin. I just wonder if that's not too boring for Mirima."
[20:43] <Kotono> "A courtesan's ways only inflame the flesh. A wise mind and righteous bearing can inflame the soul," Ebony says with a faint smile, "Beauty is only one way to capture a heart."
[20:45] <Jaela> "I love the way you said all that without countering me," Jaela says in something vaguely approaching approval. "Seriously, though, am I boring?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "No." Ebony remarks, "You're not boring at all." Getting a little more water, with a half smile, "Why do you think you're boring?"
[20:51] <Jaela> "I don't really think I am. But Mirima seems to like, uh, pretty much the things that I'm not."
[20:52] <Kotono> "There's a saying that I'm sure you know - opposites attract," Ebony says, "That's not to imply that you're boring, just different. That aside, what does she like that you aren't?"
[20:53] <Jaela> "Probably a bunch of stuff that I shouldn't be talking about near a young impressionable mind."
[20:54] <Kotono> Ebony chuckles as Mirajane sleepily stares at the water. In a quieter voice, "She's slept most of this layer. I wonder why?"
[20:57] <Jaela> "We won't be able to tell until and unless we make it to the third, but it either suggests Mirajane's not ready to climb that high or that she can easily see through something that we need to surpass on our own. If I liked to gamble, I would bet on either of those two."
[20:59] <Kotono> "That makes sense," Ebony says after a few moments, as Mirajane yawns and closes her eyes, sleep taking her. "She is but a child. The truth here could simply be too much for her mind to fully appreciate."
[21:01] <Jaela> "Mmm. I'll really wait and see till someone actually tells me one way or the other. It's not like we're climbing all the way to Chronias, and past Lunia the rest of the layers should be safe since you can't just shift or gate into them. Celestia won't really mind me trying to spend some quality time with Mirajane and teaching her stuff, can it?"
[21:11] <Kotono> Ebony merely nods in reply. "Shall we continue then?"
[21:12] * Jaela carefully rises to her feet, before extending a hand down to Ebony with keeping a firm grip on Mirajane with the other.
[21:12] <Kotono> With that the duo continue on...
[21:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 30." [1d100=30]
[21:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 1." [1d100=1]
[21:17] <Kotono> You wander further. You slowly begin to ascend vertically again until you come to another ledge. Here the mountain wall is carved open into an arch, open towards going in. The mountain within glows a steady golden, stairs leading upward seen within.
[21:18] * Jaela proceeds past the arch, mentally repeating the mantra that the mountain itself is leading her where she needs to go.
[21:22] <Kotono> You ascend up. The stairs lead into a vast hall, all smoothly carved but with no designs. Standing just past the end of the stairs is an archon. A tome archon, the authority radiating from the creature palpable. "I am Quesal, servant of the Maimed God." Bowing lightly to Jaela, "Your wonderings were heard."
[21:23] * Jaela returns the bow, doing her best not to jostle Mirajane. "About her?" she asks, glancing down at the sleeping child.
[21:27] <Kotono> Smiling and going to stroke Mirajane's head as the child doesn't even stir, "You were correct. She's not ready to ascend higher, and the holy mountain won't allow her to. She sees much, more than most, and she is not ready for the higher truths yet."
[21:30] <Jaela> "Alright," Jaela says, accepting that. "Any other parenting advice, while we're here? Due to who we are, Mirajane doesn't really get to travel much so most of the time she's just there with me or the others at the Aurora."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Be with her. A child's mother is a precious thing," he says, as Mirajane naps away.
[21:37] * Jaela nods. "Alright. Guess we'll be going back, at least for now," she says, offering her free hand to Ebony. "Quesal, your god's been very helpful to us, beyond just courtesy and such. And I guess it's not like it was all one-sided, but I just want to make it clear that if he happens to need one of his servants helped or a duty he's in charge of handled, all it takes is a word."
[21:51] <Kotono> "Your words will be taken to heart," Quesal promises.
[21:52] <Jaela> "Thanks for everything," Jaela tells him, before informing Ebony, "Shifting us to the gates in three, two--"
[21:57] <Kotono> On returning, you find Hanna awaiting in your quarters. She's sitting down and looks quite tired. "How was Celestia?" she calls.
[21:59] <Jaela> "So-so. Not really what I expected," Jaela responds, going about her business of putting Mirajane to her bed. Once that's been taken care of, she gets a bottle and a pair of glasses and heads back to her mother. "Was going to look you up once I was back. Nice to see we think alike. Juice?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "Only if you add something strong to it," Hanna says. "I ended up going through a group of wine-worshipers." Making a rather distinct face, "I've been craving a drink since then. Anyway, that robe's taken care of. It was complicated but I got it done."
[22:10] <Jaela> "You implying I'd keep liquor where the kid can get at it?" Jaela asks with a snort. "We can just go for that later, pick a plane of choice and the tavern." She pours her apple juice into only one glass and takes a sip. "By taken care of, do you mean burned? Or do you mean it's now a really awesome robe I can try on?"
[22:12] <Kotono> "Juice," Hanna laughs lightly, but drinks. "It's useable. You can go get the details from Tepen, he analyzing it in detail right now."
[22:14] <Jaela> "S'long as he knows to tell me about it after, it's all good. No need to rush that. Listen, that aside there's something we have to take care of. Someone really needs to go see the githyanki queen and gift her with that armor Afina's crafted before we reject her offer. It's way past time for that. How do you think we should do it? I figured going through the Mercane was the safest bet."
[22:16] <Kotono> "That sounds good. Send someone diplomatic and agreeable to the gith with them," Hanna says. "Someone with an exit plan in case things go wrong."
[22:17] <Jaela> "Yeah. I mean, with the curse on me going to see the red dragon-friendly queen's a bad idea. Especially giving my parentage and all." Jaela raises her glass at Hanna in salute. "Not that I couldn't do it, but our goal here's rejecting her offer, not starting a war."
[22:19] <Kotono> "Morniel isn't a good choice. I would advise against any celestial if possible," Hanna murmurs, "....Canderella may be a good choice if you think you can trust her," With a half scowl forming, "She'd get along with the gith better than us."
[22:20] <Jaela> "Exactly. Morniel's about as good a choice here as me, and I already decided I wouldn't be good for it. Candy, though?" Jaela taps her fingers against the table before raising her voice slightly. "Elena?"
[22:28] <Kotono> "Yes?" Elena appears, dressed up like Ithea, including fake cat ears. Twirling a glaive in her hand, "You called?"
[22:30] * Jaela winces. "Yeah, I called. Basically, I need you to check for me with Candy whether she can go on a diplomatic mission to Queen Vlaakith for the Aurora. And then, I need you to look into the same with Filbrez to see if he can arrange for a Mercane delegation on our behalf. Depending on what's more viable, we'll send one or the other. Got that?"