052.7 Afina in Celestia

[Corwin]

[19:06] <Kotono> Finding Crystal isn't hard. She's tending to Hope in the courtyard, polishing his scales with a rag. They gleam now as Hope sighs happily. "Hm?" Crystal looks up from her work, clad in her armor and full combat gear, "Celestia?"
[19:08] <Afina> "Yes, I need a replacement for the Blade of Endings... one that won't do horrible things to me," Afina explains. "Hope's certainly looking better, and this shouldn't really be a violent journey, so how would you two like to come along with me?"
[19:12] <Kotono> "We will," Crystal says, "When shall we go, Afina?"
[19:13] <Afina> "No time like the present. Is there anything you'd need to take care of, first?"
[19:15] <Kotono> "No," Crystal says, "Save that we should report to Queen Ilsenine before we go. Both of her generals leaving at once deserves that much."
[19:17] <Afina> "Oh, that's a good idea," and one Afina hadn't thought of. She normally just tells Elena to let people know, "You're so much better at the niceties than I am, Crystal," she concludes with a big smile at her friend.
[19:18] <Kotono> "I should teach you courtly manners," Crystal considers as you flutter back into the entry hall. "You are a lady of the court now, a general in good standing with Her Majesty."
[19:20] <Afina> Afina's smile vanishes as if it was never there.
[19:22] <Kotono> Pausing to flutter in front of Afina and wave a finger, "Really Afina, what part of that drained your humor as surely as a wraith drains life? Are courtly manners that anathemic to you?"
[19:27] <Afina> "Well... yes!" she blurts out, "Everyone expects me to be diplomatic and clever-tongued, now! Whenever there's some personal dispute or fight I somehow get called on to settle things down or arbitrate... I'm not a talker, Crystal, I'm a doer!"
[19:34] <Kotono> Crystal looks on solemnly a moment, a smile creeping onto her face. She reaches out and lays her hands on Afina's shoulders. "Dear Afina, did you think a title comes only with prestige? You're a leader now and that manner of business is part and parcel of it. Rather than lament what you have, I say you should strive to live up to your new responsibilities, for they open up new chances."
[19:38] * Afina groans. "Fine, I'm sure we'll have lots of people to talk to in Celestia so I can learn from your skills how to make people shut up and be happy about it."
[19:40] <Kotono> "Thus," Crystal's smile grows, "I hearby condemn Afina to a miserable death of talking, diplomacy and politely telling them to be silent. May she never dance again and instead forever mediate mind bogglingly daft disagreements of the highest and most refined pettiness."
[19:44] <Afina> "You know what I like saying before I kill someone?" Afina comments, starting to fly towards the portal again. "'You talk too much.' It's a nice line that perfectly describes the difference between me and chattery sorts, and it also shows that of all the people I kill, it's the chattery ones that most deserve death."
[19:45] <Kotono> Flying with her, "
[19:46] <Kotono> Flying with her, "Perhaps so," she admits, "But you are a leader now and all the complaining won't change it. Curiously, have all the other generals had the same problems as you with this, or have they adapted better?"
[19:49] <Afina> "They're all more used to it - apart from Adrian," Afina shakes her head, "He's more like me in that he's used to being a follower rather than a leader. But people seem to have lowered expectations for him."
[19:53] <Kotono> "It may be fruitful to talk to him about it. Perhaps he can help you?" Crystal volunteers, pausing just before the portal. "Have you?
[19:53] <Afina> "No," Afina blinks, unsure how that would work.
[19:58] <Kotono> "Talk to him," Crystal says, "If he's in the same position as you, he can offer the insights of someone who has the same problems."
[19:59] <Afina> Adrian and insights don't really go well together in her head. "I'll think about it."
[20:03] <Kotono> From there you go to Queen Ilsenine. She sits on her throne, Lady Skye nearby. Crystal approaches and kneels, waiting a moment on Afina.
[20:04] <Afina> This Afina can do, and do it well! She kneels like she was born to do it!
[20:14] <Kotono> "My Queen," Crystal speaks up, Afina and I shall be leaving Aurora soon to see to matters."
[20:14] <Kotono> "Truly?" Queen Ilsenine asks, "What realm are you going to?"
[20:15] <Afina> "We are going to Celestia, to procure an alternate means of defeating Taelfagn," Afina fills in here.
[20:21] <Kotono> "Go with my blessings," Queen Ilsenine says, "When you return, I would like a report of your doings. I have heard of Celestia and finding more out about it would be fair."
[20:22] <Afina> "I visited before, only briefly. Respect and deference are very important to them," Afina supplies as she stands. "Whatever we learn on this journey, we will share, your Majesty."
[20:24] <Kotono> "I await your return," Queen Ilsenine says. "Go."
[20:25] <Afina> Thus Afina leads Crystal out of Aurora, telling Elena the usual bit on her way. And once outside she Limited Wishes them both to Celestia!
[20:30] <Kotono> OOC: Plane shift, just to be clear?
[20:31] <Afina> OOC: yes
[20:35] <Kotono> Thus you appear hip deep in wine dark waters of Celestial. The holy mountain looms above you, just like on your last visit. Ahead the beach is quiet, save for the gentle lapping of the waters.
[20:37] * Afina walks ashore first and then flutters her wings to take flight. "We need to get to the third layer, but you can't just fly up the mountain," she explains. "But if we keep just moving inland and following any clues or advice I think we should be fine."
[20:39] <Kotono> "I've heard. Tests of moral fiber await above," Crystal says, "Have you experienced any?"
[20:42] * Afina shakes her head, "Last trip was a diplomatic one, we were escorted by Morniel and our only test was negotiating support."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Aaaah," Shaking off as she comes out of the water, "So we wander and search for the way above?"
[20:50] <Afina> "That's about it," Afina nods. "If we can find a local guide so much the better."
[21:15] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:15] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=58 ]{58}
[21:16] <Kotono> Thus you begin to wander. You wander for perhaps two hours on these serene beaches, until you see something haead. A bevy of tents are set on the beach, just past the lapping surf. Perhaps three dozen of them, made of canvas and hides.
[21:19] <Afina> Since there's been nothing else on this endless beach, Afina flies up to the campsite!

[Corwin]

[20:05] <Kotono> As you fly towards it, "Tents?" Crystal murmurs to Afina. "How curious." As you get closer you can see elves - blue and green skinned elves, around campfires, talking away. A few plate flutes, eddies of water appearing in time to the light, joyful music.
[20:07] * Afina looks to see how entrenched and worn the tents seem to get an idea of whether this is a temporary or permanent fixture as she flies to the edge of the campsite.
[20:09] <Kotono> It looks transitory - no signs of serious encampent or any debris to indicate a prolonged stay.
[20:11] <Afina> "Hello?" Afina calls when she reaches the camp's boundary.
[20:15] <Kotono> "Hello!" They call turn and call, a chorus of cries. The elves advance, "Fey friends, welcome!" A young woman smiles, coming forth, "Join us in song and celebration!"
[20:16] <Afina> Now welcomed, Afina flutters into the camp, asking, "What occassions this celebration, friends?" in return to their nice greeting.
[20:18] <Kotono> Crystal follows, smiling back, "I thank you for your open hospitality."
[20:20] <Kotono> "Is not every day a joyous one?" Another asks, a slender male with skin the blue of the morning sky. "We celebrate one of our number, who found the will to swim upstream and higher up."
[20:25] <Afina> "That sounds worthy of celebration," Afina agrees, "I am Afina, and this is Crystal. We will join you in marking your friend's success," she offers.
[20:33] <Kotono> The two of you are escorted in to a camp fire. Here several elves sit around, plates of salad and sparkling, sweet smelling and wine dark water brought to you. "I am Misan," The male elf introduces himself.
[20:36] <Kotono> Crystal drinks a draught of the water, licking her lips after. "Thank you," she repeats, "So your friend reached higher on Celestia?"
[20:36] * Afina helps herself to some salad. "Good to meet you," she returns.
[20:40] <Kotono> The food's good and the salad is crisp. "Well met," he finishes, as flute music plays. Amid the trilling merriment, "Would you like to hear his story?"
[20:42] <Afina> "Please, we're hoping to reach higher up the mountain ourselves, it must surely be educational," Afina nods.
[20:49] <Kotono> "His name is Hass," Nodding to Afina's assent, "We swim the seas surrounding Celestia, going amid the heavenly realms via Oceanus. Long did he seek a way higher, for Celestia has always called to him. One day, our tribe came to the mouths of the many rivers that empty from Celestia into the ocean here. What we found there was a wounded dwarf, clad in the raiments of Moradin."
[20:52] <Afina> "How had he been wounded?" Afina asks, showing interest in the story.
[20:58] <Kotono> Crystal nods as well, "He'd been beaten," Misan explains, "He was dying and drowning. At the same time, the currents of the river were pushing upstream. That's rare...only when the currents go upstream can you rise up the rivers. Hass was the first one there, gaze focused on the river. Near him was that dwarf - one that has little user for elves and we little use for him. He saw a chance
[20:58] <Kotono> to take what he wanted...and swam to the dwarf, getting him above water, resuscitating him and tending to his wounds."
[21:00] <Afina> "Take what he wanted?" Afina repeats, unsure what he means by that. It sounds vaguely ominous but the context isn't.
[21:06] <Kotono> "He could have gone upstream and risen higher," Misan explains, "With the currents pushing upstream. Instead he stayed and ensured the dwarf would live. After that he swam back to us, the current having reversed back to normal. He told us the dwarf would live but need help. After that he swam back - and despite the currents being outward, he was swept to the river and higher against the
[21:06] <Kotono> current itself."
[21:09] <Afina> Afina thinks it patently obvious that the current would have dashed him painfully against some rocks and spat him back out again if he'd been so selfishly uncaring. Swap the dwarf for a wounded animal and it's a classic pixie test of character. Still, maybe not everyone sees things as simply as fey do, so she must be considerate, "He acted properly and was rewarded for it, as things
[21:09] <Afina> should be."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Yes, and in denying his desires he obtained them," Misan explains, "There is wisdom in that - do what is right and you will find what you desire, be it what you thought it would be or something else."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Be it in this life or the next," Crystal adds, working on her glass of water. "It is not far removed from tests our kind use to see if a mortal has a kind heart."
[21:15] <Afina> "It is important to gauge one's character before allowing them into your midst," Afina agrees, "Even if the visitor guesses it's a test and acts appropriately, it at least tells you they're willing to make an effort."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Plus it shows they have the wisdom to understand it is a test," Crystal says.
[21:20] <Kotono> "The tests are not always opaque," Misan agrees, "But at the same time, it is said Celestia knows and understands all of us. If it is best we understand it is a test, then so be it."
[21:22] <Afina> "So are you hoping that the rest of you will join Hass soon?" Afina asks. "For that matter is the next layer particularly aquatic?"
[21:23] <Kotono> "No. We celebrate him finding what he desired. Others of us feel closer to other heavenly realms, but he always felt called to Celestia," Misan explains, as a little floating pixie of water flies by the two of you, sweeping into a bow. At the same time jaunty flute music joins it, the pixie dancing a jig. At this Misan smiles, "I've heard pixies are often quite gifted at dancing," he
[21:23] <Kotono> admits. "As have others of us.:
[21:29] <Afina> "Oh, you seem kindred in more ways than one," Afina smiles at the water pixie, "I haven't danced in a while, but I was well regarded for my talent. If it pleases you I shall demonstrate," she obliges, fluttering into the air now and hasting herself as she blurs into a fluid dance around their campfire, twirling and leaping to the tempo of the elven music. Her eyes close, old instincts
[21:29] <Afina> and practice asserting themselves as she moves like she did to entertain at Queen Ilsenine's court in the past.
[21:31] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and make a Perform (Dance) check and describe what you do?
[21:32] <Afina> roll 1d20+21
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+21 and gets 26." [1d20=5]
[21:34] <Afina> It's not Afina's best dance, really, rustiness shows to an observant eye. But she doesn't begrudge herself that, with so many other matters demanding her attention, taking her away from practicing her oldest of skills. But it's relaxing, comfortable even. So even if it's merely proficient instead of stunning, the steam pixie appears content as she moves with more energy than grace.
[21:36] <Kotono> Afina's dance draws a flute joining it, as well as clapping. The clapping of many, lead by Crystal, in time to Afina's dance. It matches her prancing, the music capturing everyone's attention for a few vital moments. When Afina finishes down she gets clapping and a few cheers, Crystal whistling.
[21:38] <Afina> Giving a mid-air bow before landing back next to Crystal. "That was nice. Felt good to let myself move again," she opines.
[21:42] <Kotono> "You know," Crystal hums, "With what happened to your previous sword," A delicate cough, "It reminds me of Hass's story. The easy path versus the right path."
[21:44] <Afina> Briefly wondering what Hywelbane's fiery destruction has to do with anything, Afina catches on before she says anything as to Crystal's true meaning. "Well, I'm not sure if it was really my sword, all things considered," she declares evasively.
[22:04] <Kotono> "Mmm." Crystal murmurs in a non-commital sort of way as Misan gestures, "Perhaps it's a lesson you've already learned?" he ventures
[22:04] <Kotono> .
[22:06] <Afina> "Yes... it's not really a story for polite company so I'll spare you the details," Afina replies. "Suffice to say that many things are in fact too good to be true."
[22:13] <Kotono> "Mmm." Crystal says thoughtfully. "Excuse me, nature calls. Afina?" she asks as she rises.
[22:15] <Afina> Afina doesn't get called on by nature anymore! But she can take a hint, "Excuse us," she adds, following Crystal.
[22:21] <Kotono> Flying back, Crystal makes brief use of a sand rise for privacy. Once nature has been dealt with and Crystal is proper again - a bit of a feat wearing armor really - she turns to Afina, "Perhaps there is a lesson here as well. Rather than indolently celebrating, we should focus on what we seek. Perhaps it is too good to be true to come here and idle about and be doted on."
[22:26] <Afina> "Think about who you're talking to, Crystal," Afina points out as dryly as a steam pixie can, "I'd be happy to zip along all on my own if I thought it would get me there faster, but this place doesn't work like that. Here engaging with the locals is what speeds our journey - whether they fall down injured before us, challenge our opinions, or offer their hospitality. We're judged on how
[22:26] <Afina> we react and reciprocate, and I think friendliness is the way to go. But we've stuck around long enough to display that so moving on is fine, just remember that for our next encounter."
[22:27] <Kotono> To that Crystal inclines her head. "Well spoken." She pauses a moment, before asking, "Can you forgive a frivolous question?"
[22:28] <Afina> "I can probably manage," Afina allows gracefully.
[22:31] <Kotono> "This seems silly," she says, "But do you miss the call of nature...or those things that are part of living that you no longer partake in?" Gesturing a bit feebly, "I confess that I envy the sleeplessness and trancelessness of the celestials in Aurora."
[22:35] <Afina> "Not really," Afina admits, "They were mostly inconveniences, and when I want to eat I can, without worrying about needing to do it all the time... although Balyss has been getting on at me about that," she grimaces briefly, "Since nightmares were becoming more the norm than the exception, sleep isn't much missed, either."
[22:39] <Kotono> "Are you still having them?" Crystal asks, "I was able to help Her Majesty's nightmares."
[22:41] <Afina> "I didn't last time I slept but I did the time before," Afina replies, "I just don't sleep if I can help it, now. Still have to sit and rest for my spells to be restored, though, so it's easy to let myself do it so time goes by faster. Anyway, the elves are probably wondering about us so do you want to go say goodbye and we can continue this while flying?"
[23:05] <Kotono> OOC: Good with skipping along some then?
[23:06] <Afina> OOC: yes
[23:08] <Kotono> After saying your goodbyes the two continue on. You wander a ways farther, until something catches your eye! A glittering column of wind near the base of the mountain, rising up. It catches your eye with surprising clarity as you pass nearby.
[23:10] * Afina wordlessly points to it for Crystal and then changes course to investigate.
[23:11] <Kotono> Crystal nods, likewise silent as she flies towards it. The column of wind is an updraft, soaring up ahead!
[23:12] <Afina> "Hmm..." Afina looks up, "Maybe you can fly to the next layer, after all? See any wounded people around, Crystal?" she looks to make sure it's not a test of character.
[23:16] <Kotono> No one's around. Crystal does the same and shakes her head, "Perhaps we've already passed a test or another is to come," she says.
[23:19] <Afina> "Either that or Erathaol let them know I was coming and decided to smooth the way," Afina suggests, "Lets give it a shot," she says before flying into the updraft.

[Corwin]

[18:55] <Kotono> Thus the two pixies fly into the air! The two of you ascend up into the air, higher and higher! This updraft carries you without a scrap of effort needed on your parts, ascending up! It takes you to a rock cliff high up, the beach below little more than a tiny strip of white foam on the edges of the endless wine dark sea. On this cliff sits wide, broad and vaguely circular building made
[18:55] <Kotono> of what appears to be brass. It has perhaps two or three stories before a vast globe sits atop it, forever spinning.
[18:59] <Afina> "The second layer... Mercuria I think it's called. The next one up is our goal, hopefully it'll be as easy to reach," Afina tells Crystal before looking at the brass building, "This is probably our challenge if we were sent right to it. Ready?"
[19:00] <Kotono> To this Crystal begins to fly towards it. "I always will be."
[19:00] <Afina> "Good," Afina approves, flying alongside her fellow pixie.
[19:08] <Kotono> Flying around, you find a door up front. Instead of brass, this door is gleaming silver, or perhaps mithral. Carved on it is the image of a steadfast angel, staring ahead as if on vigilant watch.
[19:09] <Afina> "Maybe this is a watchtower?" Afina wonders, knocking her tiny hand on the door.
[19:11] <Kotono> There is no answer - only the carved angel staring dead ahead.
[19:12] <Afina> "Hello?" Afina calls. She's not going to break and enter in heaven.
[19:13] <Kotono> At this, the carving's head slowly shifts! It's moving on the door, as if to meet Afina's eyes.
[19:14] <Afina> "Hello," Afina repeats, "Is this a scrying device or are you a construct?" she enquires.
[19:19] <Kotono> The eyes meet Afina's as she speaks. "What foundation supports the throne of Aurilon, forever and ever, until the end of days?"
[19:20] * Afina blinks at that wholly random question. "Is this a riddle or a historical question?"
[19:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+28
[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 and gets 30." [1d20=2]
[19:40] <Kotono> "It's likely theological," Crystal ventures, as no reply is forthcoming. "I believe Aurilon is a city of celestial importance, having to do with one of the Hebdomad."
[19:42] <Afina> "So it's probably one of the virtues Celestia espouses... do you know anything about the city or its ruler?"
[19:43] <Kotono> "If I recall, it's the lord of Mercuria. Unfortunately, I don't recall. My religious studies only touched on Celestia in passing," Crystal admits, "Do you know the ruler of this layer?"
[19:44] * Afina shakes her head. "Erathaol is the ruler of the next layer, and I met Barachiel who rules Lunia. But I don't really know much about this one. Think we should guess?"
[19:50] <Kotono> "I doubt there is any severe sanction for failing," Crystal says at last.
[19:51] * Afina shrugs and picks something that sounds appropriate, facing the embossed angel now, "Justice."
[19:58] <Kotono> Afina is greeted by silence for several moments. Then the voice speaks again - genderless and without inflection. "Justice is one of many virtures. Yet by justice, would you not be cast out of your court for leaving the Cycle behind? You have betrayed everything your past life stood for."
[20:01] * Afina winces. "Yes, but we're talking about your city not my court," she mutters disconsolately. Wait, was that a clue? "Forgiveness, then?"
[20:11] <Kotono> Crystal places a hand on Afina's shoulder, supporting her as the carving speaks again. "Forgiveness is a sweet wine, born of love for your fellow beings and the harvest of mercy. For forgiveness must be supported by love and mercy. Ilsenine cares about you and has granted you her mercy. From this comes forgiveness. But without mercy, none can be forgiven." At this the door slides open.
[20:13] <Afina> "Not telling me anything I don't know," Afina reassures Crystal, though she smiles quite noticably when the door mentions Ilsenine cares for her. "You're a very well informed door," she tells it, fluttering inside.
[20:18] <Kotono> "That's it," Snapping her fingers, "Domiel the Mercy-Bringer." Crystal says. Meanwhile you head in. Here is a small antechamber, carved with images of the starry sky. There's a door ahead, and there's writing on it. OOC: What languages?"
[20:19] <Afina> OOC: Common, Sylvan, Elven, Gnome, Auran, Aquan, Infernal, Ignan, High Maridi
[20:20] <Kotono> It's written in words Afina can't understand. Crystal does flutter to it and reads it a moment, "Can you read Celestial?" she asks.
[20:21] * Afina shakes her head. "Haven't had need to learn it."
[20:25] <Kotono> "It says Home of the Lost," Crystal translates.
[20:26] <Afina> "But if you're at home you're not lost, and if you're lost you're not home," Afina states the obvious paradox, but she opens the door anyway.
[20:38] <Kotono> Ahead ot the left and right are stairs, winding upwards. Past them and straight ahead is an open space of gardens and sunlight. The sunlight comes from the walls, which you find are transparent in here. Gazebos are dotted about, with tables and chairs there. On the far end there are doors. Sitting about you see two figures, on opposite sides of the room. One looks to be a hulking man,
[20:38] <Kotono> easily 20ft tall. He sits, wearing a loin cloth and nothing else. He is flabby with hints of muscles beneath it. He is also bald. The other is a frog-like slaad - human sized and green. It stands at a gazebo, pointing at and counting the leaves of ivy that coat it.
[20:40] <Afina> "Hello," Afina flutters in between them. A slaad seems odd to see here, though she's no opinion on the giant. "Are you lost?"
[20:41] <Kotono> The slaad doesn't stop counting, but the giant looks up. "Yes," he says, voice low. "I have lost something important to myself."
[20:42] <Afina> "What have you lost?" Afina asks, fluttering over towards him.
[20:44] <Kotono> With a look of profound sadness, "Earth. I have lost Earth. I have lost myself." Tapping his broad chest with his hands, "Now I am squishy flesh instead of Earth!"
[20:45] <Afina> "Oh!" Afina's jaw drops. It's almost like an inverse of her own situation, "How did this happen to you?"
[20:48] <Kotono> "I was summoned," He explains, "To battle a wizard with control of the elements." Sadly sighing, "I have always been good at resisting banishment, and his were no different. As I crushed his body, he cursed me to be seperated from what I am. Earth returned to Earth, but I did not."
[20:49] <Afina> "And you came here? Has no one been able to help you?" she asks.
[20:51] <Kotono> "I worked for the fleshy mortals," He explains, "Earned gold. Lots of beautiful, Earthy gold." A look of melancholy passes to his face, "But spells to return me to Earth failed and attempts to introduce Earth back to me also failed. I wandered." So he says with a profound sigh, "Until I helped free a celestial from a prison of rock. He told me that the lost find mercy here, and get back
[20:51] <Kotono> what they lost - or learn to live without it and find things to fill the gaps left behind."
[20:57] <Afina> "I see," Afina nods, "I have a similar story. I was once a being of flesh, but in a place called Magmasoul I infiltrated to murder a fallen solar, my protections failed and fire consumed me. But instead of leaving nothing, it left me as a being of fire. I was distraught, once I regained my senses. But since then I have strived to take all the elements into myself, to become something
[20:57] <Afina> greater - I have already become a creature of water as well as fire, and I am searching for a way to become part of Earth. Like me perhaps you might find something greater to become. Or perhaps like me you'll find the Earthy equivalent of Magmasoul, a place beyond petty spells that can rejoin you with the Earth."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Water and Fire?" The huge, former elemental stares, "I don't understand. But...if I could only get back to Earth, I could find a place like that."
[21:06] <Afina> "Ahh, of course, you can't go to Earth directly, can you?" Afina recalls. "Then I see few alternatives; you could go instead to Ooze or Magma, which are close... but your fleshy body would struggle to endure them. Or you could go to a place called the Cauldron - it is there that I was able to take water into myself, and it is there that you could find an expert able to introduce earth
[21:06] <Afina> into your current body."
[21:18] <Kotono> "The Cauldron..." The earth elemental says, "I'll ask the Shepard about it."
[21:20] <Afina> "If you like before you go I can try my magic. It's not my specialty, but I'm still better than a lot of people. Couldn't hurt, could it?"
[21:22] <Kotono> "Yes!" The answer is immediate, the creature standing and looming massively over Afina. "Try!"
[21:25] <Afina> "Alright, this will just take a second," Afina promises, preparing her magic, "Soil, rock, metal, and ore, come back where you belong and make this one whole!"
[21:25] <Afina> OOC: Limited Wish
[21:29] <Kotono> OOC: CL check.
[21:30] <Afina> roll 1d20+20
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+20 and gets 24." [1d20=4]

[Corwin]

[18:55] <Kotono> Afina calls on the power of Earth! Great rocks fly up into the air, spinning around the elemental until they touch him! At that moment they wink out of existance, fizzling away.
[18:56] <Afina> "Sorry," Afina shakes her head once it's done. "I think the Cauldron's your best option for specialised help. Tell them Afina sent you and it should help."
[18:59] <Kotono> The huge, muscly creature bows deeply to Afina, "I give you my gratitude. The Shepard has not be able to lift my curse."
[19:02] <Afina> "Just keep trying, there's still hope," Afina encourages him, before glancing at the other occupant of this home of the lost. "Do you know how the slaad came to be lost here?"
[19:04] <Kotono> "He lost his chaos," As that is explained Crystal turns towards the slaad, who continues to count ivy leaves. She whistles low as the elemental goes on, "He lost his chaos and found order. He is obsessed with rituals and counting - you can predict what he'll do after watching him once. When you greet him, he'll use the exact same greeting. If you touch him, he'll use his tongue to clean
[19:04] <Kotono> himself immediately. He's compulsively obsessed."
[19:06] <Afina> "That doesn't sound right at all. I'll see if there's any helping him, though - good luck to you," she bids the elemental before fluttering across to the slaad, "Hello, I'm Afina," she greets him.
[19:08] <Kotono> Crystal follows. On getting over you hear, "593, 594, 595-" A stop as he turns. He rubs his hands together once, "Hello, I am Order. I greet you."
[19:08] <Afina> "Hello, Order. I hear that you have lost chaos. How did that come to be?"
[19:12] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once, then, "It's a funny story. I fought a powerful Inevitable and ate it after I won. After I did, it all made sense. Chaos is wrong, Order is right."
[19:14] <Afina> "So it seems like it won rather than you in the end," Afina opines, wondering if this is a thing with outsiders. Do they regularly adopt the beliefs of whatever they eat? She'd want to investigate if it weren't so cruel.
[19:17] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "No, I won. I won over myself. I triumphed over myself."
[19:18] <Afina> "So really you're... an inevitable in a slaad's body?"
[19:21] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "No, I'm a slaad in a slaad's body. I just know better about Order now."
[19:22] <Kotono> Crystal tilts her head to the side, more and more at each exchange. Her head is nearly horizontal by the last one, "I say," she ventures slowly, "You seem happy with the changes, or at least you accept them."
[19:23] <Afina> "Yes," Afina agrees, "If you understand yourself and your beliefs, why are you in the home of the lost?"
[19:28] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "It was everyone else's fault. I went around correcting people across the planes. There's so much disorder out there, you know. But no one appreciated it. I'd spent hours and hours making it so that a hedge was evenly trimmed down to the tiniest measurement or that all the sheep in a flock are the same size and no one appreciated it! I was
[19:28] <Kotono> in despair, but then the Shepard found me. He appreciated what I do." Turning to the ivy once more, "There are exactly 2,100 ivy leaves woven in a perfect ten piece pattern on this gazebo."
[19:29] <Afina> "That's nice," Afina says in a studiously neutral tone, "If you don't mind me asking, ahh, how did you ensure all the sheep were the same size?" she asks carefully.
[19:33] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "I measured them and altered them. I encouraged them to be orderly and they were." Smiling, his froggish face splitting with it with perfect symmetry, "Animals are well ordered if you instruct them in it. Unfortunately, the owners of the flocks often worried of witchcraft." His smile fades into a faint, symmetrical frown, "But no one
[19:33] <Kotono> appreciated it."
[19:34] <Kotono> Crystal merely holds her tongue during that, and right after, "I see," she says. "It's good that the Shepard appreciates what you do?" she ventures.
[19:36] <Afina> That sounds better than chopping feet off or putting them on racks, so Afina lets it go, "So what do you do other than count leaves here? Don't you have a garden of your own to tend so others can enjoy its neatness?"
[19:38] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "Yes. Would you like to see it?"
[19:40] <Afina> "Yes please," Afina nods, unsure now if there's anything she needs to help with or fix, since the strange slaad seems quite happy and settled here.
[19:56] <Kotono> Order dusts his hands off and then rubs them together, starting to walk, "It's upstairs." he says, going back the way you came and to the stairs.
[19:57] * Afina flutters along after him happily enough, waving to the fleshy elemental as she goes.
[20:03] <Kotono> With a wave back from him, you are lead to the stairs! As you begin to ascend them, you notice two things. Order counts each step, and a celestial is descending. A man with fine, delicate features and luminous brown eyes descends, the wings of an angel pristine behind his back. He wears robes of plain cloth, yet that seem to have more luster than gold itself. In a musically pleasing
[20:03] <Kotono> voice, "Order, your new friends will be along after I talk to them. Go along and prepare the garden for them."
[20:04] <Kotono> "As you say, Shepard," Order respectfully bows to him before he goes up the stairs and away.
[20:04] <Afina> "Oh. We'll be with you soon, then, Order," Afina acquieses, stopping in place to regard the keeper of this strange sanctuary.
[20:18] <Kotono> Once Order is up the stairs, "I am the Shepard and I oversee this sanctuary. I can see you've lost something important, but that's not why you're here." He begins to walk, down the stairs and back towards the garden. "I'm sorry Order bothered you so. He's not functional, but lost in an Inevitable's nightmare of obsession and repetition."
[20:19] <Afina> "It wasn't a bother," Afina demurs, flying after him, "But yes, we're only passing by."
[20:33] <Kotono> "This refuge is for those who have lost something vital," The Shepard explains, "A slaad that has lost his chaos, a child of earth that has lost his connection to it, a human that has lost his humanity. Did you come to this place on purpose, or was it a matter of your travels?"
[20:35] <Afina> "Just our travels," Afina replies, "It was the first place we saw after coming up from the beach. Our destination is in Venya, so we naturally came inside in case we had to prove our worthiness in some manner to earn our way forward."
[20:36] <Afina> "I am Afina and this is Crystal," she belatedly provides introductions.
[20:50] <Kotono> "It's a pleasure," Crystal says, as momentary greetings are exchanged. Once done, "Your karma guided you here," The Shepard says, as you walk the garden. "I see that you gained something else to fill the void of your loss, and had others to support you."
[20:54] <Afina> "We have lost so very much... but we fight hard every day to take it back and punish the ones who stole our world," Afina swears earnestly, "My own personal matters are small in comparison."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Perhaps they are smaller, but no less important." The Shepard says, "Thank you for your advice about the Cauldron. I had not considered that realm, and treatment is outside of my power."
[21:05] <Afina> "I think it's his best chance with the elemental planes closed off or too hostile to his current form," Afina nods.

[Corwin]

[18:54] <Kotono> "In another time you may have come to this place yourself," The Shepard remarks, "But may I ask you a question?"
[18:57] <Afina> "If you like," Afina allows, hovering before him.
[18:58] <Kotono> "You've lost much," The Shepard says, "But what have you gained?"
[19:02] <Afina> "Friends, respect, independence, power... I'm more than I ever was on Lifasa," Afina freely concedes, "I won't ever say a word of thanks for it, though," she finishes with utter finality.
[19:07] <Kotono> "What is gained cannot replace what is lost, only console the emptiness," Crystal remarks, "Not in this case."
[19:08] <Kotono> "I understand," The Shepard smiles now, pausing at the end of the garden. "Though I was referring to your newfound elementalism and loss of your fey status."
[19:10] <Afina> "Oh, that?" Afina blinks. It's rather unimportant in comparison... "I've gained more tolerance for high temperatures, the ability to breathe water, some command over the elements... I don't need to sleep or eat anymore, either," she rattles off.
[19:16] <Kotono> "I see." There's a really rather pregnant pause after that. The Shepard finally breaks it with, "Ah. A fey who has lost her feyness fits in here. Learning to compensate and gain from what was lost is one of the tenets of recovery, should regaining what is lost be impossible.
[19:16] <Kotono> "
[19:18] <Afina> "I accepted it as the price for continuing the Crusade," Afina says calmly, "There is nothing to lament, I would choose the same way a hundred times over."
[19:25] <Kotono> "You have steel in you," The Shepard says, "More strength than most, I say."
[19:28] <Afina> "Someone must stop Hell," Afina presses on, "Otherwise who's to say that a few lifetimes ahead of the Cycle I'd find my home being conquered and degraded by devil legions again?"
[19:36] <Kotono> Crystal bows her head at this, silent and withdrawn.  Meanwhile The Shepard smiles again, "Well spoken, my friend." Going to the doors at the end of the garden, he opens one leading to a quiet hall.
[19:37] * Afina follows along obligingly, wondering where she's being led.
[19:44] <Kotono> At the end of this hall is another door. It is opened - and ahead of you is a golden field. The air itself is infused with golden radiance and serenity. Gentle hills and snowdrifts are about, like an idyllic valley in late winter. "Mercuria," he says.
[19:47] <Afina> "Ah," Afina nods in understanding, "But before we go out there, we did say we'd look at Order's garden. Can we go back and do that first?"
[19:51] <Kotono> "If you like," The Shepard says.
[19:52] <Afina> "Just straight back up those stairs, then?"
[19:54] <Kotono> "YEs," He points ot them, "Most of the second floor is his garden, it'll take you to it."
[19:55] <Afina> Thus Afina goes for a quick sidetrip to see what the slaad's dug up.
[20:01] <Kotono> Ahead is...nature. Nature perfectly organized. Lines of trees identical to the last leaf. Grassy fields with each blade of grass perfectly straight. An apple tree with the same amount of apples on each branch, each apple identical. A pond that looks to be a perfect circle. Not a thing is out of place here, Crystal still seeming to be lost in her own reverie.
[20:03] <Afina> Afina resists the temptation to take an apple and ruin the symnetry. "Crystal," she addresses her fellow pixie, "I hope you're not going to run off to Hanna so she can turn you into a half-celestial just because of my speech about fighting hell forever."
[20:09] <Kotono> "...huh?" Crystal blinks and looks up, "I'm sorry, I was reflecting. What did yo usay?"
[20:10] <Afina> "What were you reflecting about?" Afina asks rather than bother to repeat herself.
[20:11] <Kotono> "What we need to do to win," Crystal remarks, smiling faintly, "Nothing more."
[20:13] <Afina> "Let me know if you come up with anything," Afina asks, fluttering around to enjoy the garden for a bit and thank Order for his work if she sees him. Then it's back out to Mercuria to find their way upwards!
[20:15] <Kotono> It's not hard to find Order. He kneels just outside of a field of grass, using his finger to precisely adjust a blade of grass.
[20:16] <Afina> "Thank you for showing us your garden, Order," Afina tells the slaad, "I can tell you worked very hard on it."
[20:21] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "Yes, it took much effort."
[20:24] <Afina> "It's come together surprisingly well," Afina says with a look around, "Do you express yourself in other constructive or creative pursuits here?"
[20:26] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "It's easier here. Order is here," Order explains, "Other places don't haver order."
[20:30] <Afina> "No," Afina looks down at perfectly regimented lines of grass forming a carpet that doesn't crowd the roots of a nearby tree nor have its lines marred by those same roots greedily stretching themselves out under the lawn. "The natural order resists mere surface appearances in favour of its own designs."
[20:35] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "The natural order can be given real order."
[20:44] * Afina shakes her head, "You're confusing surface with substance," she argues. "This garden of yours is pretty, and I admire the effort you've put into it - but that's the problem, it required effort. If this were transplanted to the world and left to itself?" she hovers just above the grass, careful not to put her weight on and crush even a single blade, "These blades would grow
[20:44] * Afina unequally, depending on how much moisture and light each receives. Burrowing insects would arrive, some adding to the fertility of the soil and aiding growth above them, others taking away the ground underneath and devouring the roots." Now she flies up to the trees, "These trees would grow unevenly, each one fighting to push taller for more sunlight, putting the shorter ones in the
[20:44] * Afina shade. Their apples would be devoured by animals and passed to grow new trees wherever they're dropped, regardless of design. And only in some spots would they receive the right sun and not be devoured themselves to grow into trees of their own. That is how it would go," she concludes, fluttering over towards Order, "Because the natural order prizes survival and fecundity over aesthetics."
[20:47] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "This natural order can be augmented. It can obtain true order." Order says so with absolute conviction, "Inequality can be extinguished. Variance can be eliminated. The imperfect can be perfected."
[20:52] <Afina> "Only with constant effort to keep every variable in its new balance, though," Afina reminds him. "And depriving yourself of the chance to find beneficial changes - much as the one you yourself experienced." She's not even sure why she's debating him, but since Shepard says he was trapped in an Inevitable's nightmare it seems worthwhile to at least try and open his eyes to a more nuanced
[20:52] <Afina> view.
[20:55] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "No change is beneficial, save for those that come towards order. Once perfect order is obtained, change is obsolete and must be eliminated. Perfect order requires no more striving, for all is right."
[20:57] <Afina> "But how do you tell apart the changes that are beneficial and those that aren't without allowing them to come to fruition?" Afina presses.
[21:01] <Kotono> He pauses to rub his hands together once again, "Order. There is always order."
[21:04] <Afina> "But there are many different kinds of order. And not all are equally beneficial," Afina says, deciding she's not going to get any further with him. "Just something to think about. Thank you for showing us your garden, Order," she finishes, fluttering up to leave.
[21:04] <Kotono> You find Crystal awaiting, head bowed and lost in thought still.
[21:05] <Afina> "C'mon Crystal, you can reflect and fly, I hope," Afina prods her friend, fluttering back down the stairs.
[21:10] <Kotono> "...huh?" Crystal blinks and looks up - again. "I'm sorry," she follows, "This place strikes an introspective resonance within me."
[21:12] <Afina> "Don't worry, I'm doing enough talking for both of us," Afina says somehow without sighing. "Anyway, it's time to go, we still need to find our way up to Venya."
[21:14] <Kotono> "My apologies." A blush comes to her cheeks as you go downstairs and towards that door, "I'm doing a poor job of supporting you on this journey."
[21:16] <Afina> "I bought you along for the company mostly," Afina shrugs, not denying it. If Shepard's around she'll bid him farewell, but otherwise she'll just head right out that door!
[21:18] <Kotono> You head out the door without meeting Shepard. Coming out, you aren't on the cliffs at all - but instead in this hilly valley of snow and golden radiance. "Like the wintertime of childhood memories," Crystal opines, "All wrapped in golden nostalgia and just enough snow to be picturesque."
[21:22] <Afina> "You're suddenly poetic," Afina opines, just seeing snowy hills. Then again her childhood was spent in dense forest not pictureseque hills, and snow was a sign of the Unseelie waxing...
[21:23] <Kotono> "A lingering remnant of my introspection," Crystal says, "But it is pretty."
[21:24] <Afina> "I suppose it is at that," Afina acquieses, fluttering out over said hills towards the far higher mountain slopes in the distance.

[Corwin]

[18:53] <DMtono> You fly on for a little while.  An hour or two, perhaps? It can be said to be nothing but peaceful and calming. In time you come on a deeper valley. Here lies several stately marble buildings, embossed with gold. In the fields between them are ornate grave markers, each one decorated with fine art of celestials and heavenly miracles. Amid them one figure wanders - a man in full armor
[18:53] <DMtono> save for a helmet. His face is old - downright ancient, yet he still has a full head of white hair, delicate like a baby's first tufts. He carries no weapon with him, his armor a steel masterpiece.
[18:58] <Afina> Thinking briefly of their own memorial hall, Afina takes care to examine all the markers she passes out of respect for those dead and beyond recovery even in the afterlife. As they near the armoured old man she stops and nods to him in greeting. "Hello. Are you the keeper, or a visitor?" she asks gently.
[19:03] <DMtono> The writing meansw nothing to Afina, as it looks to be more Celestial. As you approach, you see the man's armor has golden accents. Two golden gemstones adorn the armor, one on each shoulder. "Yes, you could call me the keeper. Firenza De La Porte." His face is solemn but not unkind. "Do you seek a particular memorial?"
[19:05] <Afina> "Afina, and this is Crystal," Afina provides introductions, having abandoned the pretense shortly after discovering she couldn't even read any of them. "No, we are only passing. Are these all ones that fell in defence of Celestia?"
[19:07] <DMtono> "No, those graves are higher up. These are memorials for mortal heroes," Firenza explains, gesturing to one, "So that righteous bravery is never forgotten."
[19:08] <DMtono> "Pleasure to meet you," Crystal greets, "Memorials? A fitting reward for others, but a hollow one for the departed."
[19:09] <Afina> "Oh. So they're all still existing as celestials and archons here, then?" Afina asks, intrigued by the notion that one could come across their own grave, so to speak.
[19:13] <DMtono> "Yes, that's right. Those who earn a grave here are not those who remember the life they left behind. Thus we will until the end of time." Kneeling to a nearby grave with a grunt, the image of an angel carrying a bloodied warrior away into the heavens adorns the gravestone. "This one was that of Sir Amesar Wolbrak, who held the Final Gate of his kingdom's border defense for twelve days,
[19:13] <DMtono> until reinforcements could stem the tide of the ravaging armies of Bane. In the end he collapsed from exhaustion, having kept himself going without rest all twelve days. Had he not, the Final Gate would have fallen and thousands would have died and thousands more would have had their lives ruined."
[19:17] <Afina> Allowing herself to indulge in the thought of one warrior holding off a tight of thousands over nearly two weeks, Afina wryly thinks that he must not have been a spellcaster, then. The more bitter thought that Lifasa never even had one day is sadly hot on its heels but she does her best not to let such bitterness get to her. "He must have been a tremendous warrior."
[19:22] <DMtono> "He was a holy warrior and ordained priest." Bowing his head and whispering a mute prayer, "Such was his closeness to the heavens that he countered and withstood all the clerics who served Bane. His blade held back entire platoons in a swing and his shield stopped catapult shots." Rising now with another grunt, "Everyone here hs a remarkable story like that - some are against armies,
[19:22] <DMtono> others are thes truggle of ordinary men against threats we would swipe away with a single swing of our blades."
[19:25] <DMtono> Crystal murmurs a prayer before replying, "It's heartening that this place has a purpose. I find normal graveyards melancholy places better suited to the restless dead than fond memories."
[19:27] <Afina> "A triumph is a triumph, and a sacrifice is a sacrifice," Afina agrees, knowing that she once was weak and fearful and would have hesitated before many foes she's since faced with the benefit of training and growth. "I've never seen a real graveyard before," she admits at Crystal's comments, being more familiar with the Seelie tradition of planting a tree over the dead.
[19:29] <DMtono> "I've visited a few human graveyards," Crystal mentions, "You aren't missing much."
[19:30] * Afina nods, trusting Crystal's wisdom on the matter.
[19:31] <DMtono> "A proper graveyard is a keepsake writ in stone, marble and memories," Firenza explains, casting his gaze all over slowly. "It is what you make of them that determines if they are that or shadowy places of dread and superstition." After that he says, "So your wanderings have brought you here?"
[19:32] <Afina> "Yes, we are journeying to Venya to gain assistance for our Crusade," Afina explains. "The path from Lunia to here became apparent easily enough after some time of wandering."
[19:37] <DMtono> "Your Crusade?" He asks, "What evil do you crusade against?"
[19:39] <Afina> "Hell," Afina answers, "We hail from the world of Lifasa. For us there were no grand and storied defences, though - in a single day our world was overrun, devils poured from portals too numerous to count. And when Abigor set foot on our world every plant withered and died in an instant. We lost more than can be imagined..."
[19:56] <DMtono> "We lost everything," Crystal adds after that, "We lost our land. The sufferings..." Silence follows after that.
[19:57] <Afina> "But we haven't lost hope," Afina says into that silence. "We're fighting back. And though there's few of us, we've found many friends and allies to stand with us. Our victories may not compare to our first defeat, but they're building."
[20:06] <DMtono> Firenza looks off at the sky at that, as if gazing at something behind him. "I've been there before," he says, "You've made it past the hardest first steps."
[20:08] <Afina> "It's definitely better now than it was before we found Aurora," Afina agrees, before peering at Firenza, "Did it ever end, for you?"
[20:12] <DMtono> "In the end, I reclaimed the Sublime Throne. My enemies were defeated and driven out of Montesilva. I could have chosen to take the war to them, but I allowed them to survive and eventually we learned to live in peace. My enemies were mortals," he adds, "Some of that won't be a possibility for you."
[20:14] <Afina> "No," Afina shakes her head gravely, "There will never be peace as long as Hell exists. Even if we liberate Lifasa and make it whole again, we can't rest and risk Hell doing the same to other worlds, or coming back for us in the far future."
[20:58] <Kotono> Firenza turns his attentions to Afina, "How can you defeat what is immortal and eternal?" With a long, tired look, "I would like to know if you've found a way."
[21:02] <Afina> "I had a way recently..." Afina admits, looking away, "But the price was one even I could not bear. As Hell remains in existence I clearly have not found a way - all I can do for now is to fight at every turn and every level, to encourage all I meet to join that fight. Even if all devils can't be irrevocably destroyed, they can be forced on the defensive so that they're unable to visit
[21:02] <Afina> the same ruination as they brought to my world unchecked."
[21:10] <Kotono> The faintest sigh comes from Firenza before he replies. "I wish you well at it," he says, "It took me centuries to fully heal the wounds of war and I fear you face millenia instead of centuries."
[21:11] <Afina> "No doubt," Afina nods. "Farewell, Firenza," she says, starting to move once more in fluttering off.
[21:12] <Kotono> Crystal follows. Once out of earshot, "Centuries?" she murmurs, "Humans don't even live a single century, do they?"
[21:13] <Afina> "What would a human be doing in Celestia?" Afina retorts. "He shed his humanity long ago."
[21:15] <Kotono> "He didn't have the wings of an celestial," Crystal points out, "Nor do they ever look so old. I thought him a human blessed to spend his dotage here."
[21:17] <Afina> "Well either he's not a human or he found some way to live longer than they normally do," Afina shrugs, not considering human life expectancies to be something she should care about.
[21:18] <Kotono> After a few moments, "You're right," she says, "I had thought there something more to it, but it's not our business even if there is."
[21:20] * Afina nods, considering it closed. "Lets just keep going, sooner or later we'll find our way up."
[21:28] <Kotono> For a goodly time you wander - until a golden, soft night falls. No sign of a path up, but Crystal's starting to yawn as you fly about.
[21:31] <Afina> "Want to find a place to rest?" Afina asks, seeing how she's noticably flagging.
[21:34] <Kotono> "It would be wise," Crystal says, "Fatigue draws me closer to sleep. A weakness you no longer suffer."
[21:35] <Afina> Crystal's definitely seeming more and more stuck on Afina's differences, but she doesn't call the other pixie on it. "I'll fly up a moment to see if there's a good spot nearby," she says, looking for either habitation or just a good tree. Even a bush will do in a pinch.
[21:38] <Kotono> You find a good, big and tall pine tree a bit up. This tree looks ancient and yet vital, no signs of any rota t all.
[21:39] <Afina> Jaggy pine trees may annoy mortals, but unless they suddenly grow needles of cold iron they're no problem for hardy fey! "Lets rest in that tree over there?" she suggests, pointing to the tree as she descends back towards Crystal.
[21:40] <Kotono> Crystal nods and flies up. She finds a nice wide branch, curling up next to the trunk. She yawns again after, "Pine trees. It's been awhile," she says around another yawn. "Pardon."
[21:42] <Afina> "It's alright, I'm not bothered," Afina smiles slightly, not having much in the way of social graces to care about little things like that. Settling herself on a branch near Crystal, she contents herself to sit and relax for a bit. She's not used many spells today but she can restore them with peace and quiet.
[21:47] <Kotono> OOC: Make a will save, Afina?
[21:47] <Afina> roll 1d20+30
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+30 and gets 39." [1d20=9]
[21:49] <Kotono> Several hours pass in rest, Afina well into her restorations. Then...CRACKBOOOOM! There is a massive burst of sound, a furious howl of anger!
[21:50] <Afina> "Crystal wake up!" Afina yells perhaps redundantly, speeding herself up immensely to fly out from the tree's shade and look around while everything else is subjectively frozen!
[21:52] <Kotono> Crystal begins to rise in slow motion to Afina, as she looks about! Just above her is a roiling, bloodshot eye in the air. In it you can see great burning fires and the twisted, distorted image of - something. A Pit Fiend, perhaps, but somehow more than that. You nary have a moment to view it, before a great bell tolls and the eye blinks out of existance.
[21:54] <Afina> Slowing back down, casts detect magic to better identify just what happened...
[21:54] <Afina> roll 1d20+35 spellcraft
[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+35 spellcraft and gets 53." [1d20=18]
[21:56] <Kotono> "AAAAH!" Crystal sits up and fumbles to awareness as Afina scans. It's the remnants of a scrying spell. It's far more refined than greater scrying and is a fading, dispelled 11th circle spell.
[21:58] <Afina> "Scrying," Afina tells Crystal sharply, "Devils scried on us. Their attempt was dispelled but that won't stop them being able to gate forces here. You'd better get ready for a fight." So saying she begins preparing her own pre-battle spells, starting with greater heroism...
[22:02] <Kotono> Crystal chants, invoking Righteous Fury on herself! Yet as you do so, the skies above become bright! They appear in great waves - entire legions in the sky of winged angels, illuminating brighter than the noonday sun. Meanwhile...
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+57
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+57 and gets 67." [1d20=10]
[22:03] <Kotono> Before you, twisting, hellfire gates begin to appear! They are heavily distorted, coming into amid the groaning of tormented souls. Yet each time they appear the realm around you grows brighter, pushing back against them!
[22:04] <Afina> Afina is quick to launch a dimensional anchor at any gate that Celestia shows even the barest hesitation in sealing back up!
[22:04] <Kotono> OOC: Make a quick ranged attack roll.
[22:05] <Afina> roll 1d20+34
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+34 and gets 50." [1d20=16]
[22:06] <Kotono> Indeed, one gate in particular becomes stable! It groans and grows, stretching into being! In it you see absolute darkness and hellfire, the latter only making the darkness worse. You can see naught but nine sets of burning red eyes amid it, great winged figures hidden in darkness. But then Afina's dimensional anchor hits the gate, causing the image to collapse and the gate to fail!
[22:08] <Afina> "They're really pulling out the stops!" Afina mutters, looking all about and alert for further attempts.
[22:10] <Kotono> The gates are fading - fading more as yet more angels and archons appear, all around the tree. Then a calm voice states a single word, seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere, "No." The last of the gates vanish.
[22:12] <Kotono> Crystal keeps her blade up, rather wide eyed at the entire affair.
[22:13] * Afina doesn't allow herself to relax just yet, even if it's looking better. Though she does wonder if the celestials will evict them for bringing such trouble here.
[22:15] <Kotono> One of them comes forth - a being about the size of Hanna, all light that makes Afina faint. She can barely look at it, a sudden feeling of intense power making her vision swim as she can't even make out its features. "For our security and your safety, would you come with me?" It speaks in a voice that is both man and woman at once, and something beyond either.
[22:17] <Afina> "Of course," Afina nods obediently, not begrudging them whatever they have to do to keep their home safe. She ducks her head slightly down and to the side, keeping the too-bright angel off centre in her vision.
[22:21] <Kotono> "Yes," Crystal agrees. The moment the two of you agree, you are somewhere else. No time passes, no instance of teleporting. You're simply there. You are within light, light eternal and everlasting. It's as bright as the celestial before you, yet not so overwhelming. A moment later the celestial is before you, "May I look into you a moment?" it asks.
[22:27] <Afina> She has to consider that for a second. Celestia is their ally of course, so some degree of sharing is okay, but is there anything she needs to hide? She's done terrible things, but none she denies or sees reason to hide. She's not privy to any knowledge that could seriously jeapordise the Crusade if it got out, nor is she really holding anyone's confidence... "Very well," she accedes,
[22:27] <Afina> "But I ask you to keep what you find to yourself save what must be shared for your home's safety."
[22:51] <Kotono> There's no even a touch. Just a faint feeling of contact a moment and that's it. "Done. You are not guilty in this affair," It pronounces. It then looks to Crystal, who nods. "Done. You are not guilty in this affair."
[22:54] * Afina nods, hardly surprised. "Of course for Hell to know we were off Aurora, it shows they still either have someone monitoring us from the outside or spying from within," she notes to Crystal.
[22:58] <Kotono> "Scrying doesn't surprise me," Crystal replies, as meanwhile the celestial figure simply vanishes. As it does, "Another will be here momentarily."
[22:58] <Afina> "Ah, right," Afina nods to the celestial as it vanishes, shrugging to Crystal afterwards. Maybe they'll hurry them up to Venya so they can leave more quickly?
[23:01] <Kotono> "Not one for the social graces," Crystal says, but her voice falters. Her hand shakes as it goes to her chest, "What was that? It felt like power and majesty."
[23:02] <Afina> "Certainly powerful, and likely of high rank to match," Afina shrugs, looking askance at Crystal's more visceral reaction to the just departed angel.
[23:04] <Kotono> After a moment and an exasperated look back, "My heart hasn't stopped pounding. I wake up to devil portals, then august and powerful angels and then we're...where ever we are now."
[23:06] <Afina> "Sorry, I suppose it must have been more startling that way," Afina admits, chastened for her lack of consideration. "Where are we anyway?" she wonders, looking about at the light all around.
[23:16] <Kotono> "I don't know," Crystal admits, "That may be the point."
[23:18] <Afina> "Well, in any case we need to be far more stringent about precautions when we leave Aurora for excursions like this. Did you see how many gates they were forming? We'd have been fighting an army."

[Corwin]

[18:46] <Kotono> "Even now, Baator makes us change and suffer to merely go out as we please," Crystal says with a note of distaste in her voice. "At least we were fortunate for when they attempted this. Had this happened in a neutral ground, I fear for the results."
[18:48] <Afina> "I would've plane shifted us away before the first devil could step through their portal," Afina reassures. "It's tempting to stick around and fight to make them regret the attempt, but I remember what happened to Kascha. We can't ever forget that we're weaker and have to set the terms of the battle before it's even begun if we want to prevail."
[18:53] <Kotono> "Unfortunately," Crystal remarks, and quieter, "I hope to be able to manage the same defense soon. Holy paladins can usually only manage a fourth circle of magic, but I believe true belief will reveal more. I am loathe to run again, but we have no choice."
[18:56] * Afina nods, letting silence reign for a moment before, "How long do you think they'll keep us here?"
[18:57] <Kotono> "Until it's safe for everyone," Crystal says after a moment's thought. "We've garnered high attention if that response means anything." S
[18:57] <Kotono> OOC: Ignore the S.
[19:00] <Afina> "From both ends, I think," Afina agrees. "Through the portal I saw what I think was our scrier. Looked like a pit fiend but different enough I think it could be picked out from a crowd. We'll have to ask our experts back on Aurora if they recognise him..." she trails off a moment, "Also, that was very quick to scry on us, and given how you can't repeat it the same day they got it right
[19:00] <Afina> the first time. Could happen, but still it implies they must have things that aid them in scrying on us."
[19:04] <Kotono> "We've battled and bled against devils numerous times," Crystal floats in the light-void, looking about. After seeing nothing but more light with a slight frown, "Is a bit of blood from a weapon enough to aid in scrying? How about a scrap of flesh clinging to devil claws?"
[19:08] <Afina> "They are," Afina nods, "But there's factors against - if the target's on another plane as we are, and you've never met the target as I'm sure is the case, then having some blood only cancels that out rather than providing a benefit. Having a picture and a possession can then tilt the odds slightly more in favour," she concludes her list of the various factors in play. Adding as an
[19:08] <Afina> afterthought, "I wonder if blood from my original body would be linked to my current one?"
[19:20] <Kotono> "Hm, that may be worth finding out," Crystal replies, but then there is light. Before you stands Romiel, offering a hand out, "The immediate threat has passed," he says, "Would you care to relocate to more comfortable lodgings while I explain to you what's happened?"
[19:22] <Afina> "Yes, that would be fine," Afina nods and takes that hand, "Crystal this is Romiel. We met when we arranged the alliance with Celestia."
[19:26] <Kotono> "It's a pleasure," Two tiny pixie hands takes Romiel's hand, as light envelopes you. You stand on a windswept cliff, the great seas surrounding Celestia stretching out below. Just behind you are three chairs - two sized for pixies and one sized for Romiel. They face out, as if to sit back and enjoy the view. The wind that blows is fair and warm, smelling of spring's rapid rebirths. Before
[19:26] <Kotono> you the sky is night, endless stars shining in the sky above.
[19:27] * Afina accepts the implied invitation of the appropriately sized chairs and settles in one. "Devil scrying is a hazard we're almost used to, but the number of portals implied a far larger force than the last time they got through. Whether it was to handle local defenders as well or if they'd prepared that much just for me I don't know."
[19:32] <Kotono> The chair is comfortable - just like sitting in a soft, sunny glade. Crystal sits as well, Romiel joining you. He looks out to the night sky, "Gating directly into the higher heavens or deeper hells is rare. It can be done, but it requires might to achieve and stealth to prevent detection. Whomever did it came close to lulling Lord Domiel's senses. Few beings could manage such a feat."
[19:34] <Afina> "It was an 11th circle scrying spell that was used to find me, so that's somewhat telling of their power but doesn't necessarily show the full extent."
[19:37] <Kotono> "It tells enough," Romiel says, "Few sane beings will attempt the enterprise, for being discovered invites the immediate reaction of the heavenly lords and deities. Power and a reason to strike. Radiance suggested it is likely Prince Lixer of Hell. He satisfies the need for mighty magic and has a reason to be furious at Aurora."
[19:41] <Afina> "Hmm. That would explain the difference in the pattern..." Afina allows, "But I wonder if he got use of resources from whomever's directing Bel's scrying efforts to aid in his own attempt."
[19:43] <Kotono> "Would Prince Lixer have the authority to do that? Devils are all about scraping before authority," Crystal doesn't keep the distaste out of her voice, a thin half frown showing.
[19:45] <Afina> "I don't think so. Remember those letters we found of Glasya rubbing her superior status in his face? Bel has the same status," Afina points out. "But he might have done a favour since the ends suit him just as well. It doesn't really matter, I just wondered since we were on the topic."
[19:46] <Kotono> "Politically, Lixer is essentially equivalent to an Arch-Duke of Hell," Romiel notes, "If he has his father's support, he would have more authority than one in that matter. It's plausible they could be sharing resources." As he looks out, the first few warming hints of the pre-dawn can be seen. "If it comes down to Bel and Lixer butting horns over it, it would depend if Asmodeus deigned
[19:46] <Kotono> ot make his will known. Most likely they cooperated, as you say."
[19:48] * Afina nods. "So what now?"
[19:52] <Kotono> "You're safe in Celestia," Romiel says, "With warning there is no chance they can strike here, and you will be watched over in case they try. Aurora is safe as well. Past those realms, I would suggest full warding against scrying at all times. The spell Mind Blank would be best, though a stout will enhanced with magic would be a wise second line of defense. You're free to continue your
[19:52] <Kotono> sojourn here. We will not be intimidated by Hell.""
[19:56] <Afina> "Mind blank is easily available from Aurora. I might even learn it myself at this rate... Thank you, Romiel," she rises up from her comfy chair, "Can we return to Mercuria and carry on from there?"
[19:57] <Kotono> "Thank you for protecting us," Crystal rises right after Afina, "Far too many have not."
[19:58] <Kotono> "Fly up," Romiel says, "You will find the way back to Mercuria."
[19:58] <Afina> "Yes, thank you," Afina seconds Crystal's sentiments, taking off now to fly up the mountain.
[20:04] <Kotono> You find it an easy flight, carried on warm dawn winds. Rising higher and higher, you soon find yourselves back in Mercuria, flying amid the breaking dawn.
[20:06] <Afina> "Well, that was some diversion. Do you want to find a place to rest some more before carrying on?"
[20:07] <Kotono> "No, I can never go back to sleep during the dawn. Let's keep going. If I tire, we can rest later."
[20:08] <Afina> "Alright, onward," Afina proclaims, flying off into the snowy hills.
[20:18] <Kotono> You fly on for the rest of the morning and into the afternoon. While pleasant there isn't much to break the monotony and Crystal is starting to yawn. She finally stops, "I think a rest is in order," she calls, "I can use magic if you'd rather keep going."
[20:20] <Afina> "No, maybe if we stop something will come to us?" Afina suggests hopefully, looking around. As pretty as the snowy hills may have been, it's dreadfully monotonous without anything at all to break it up.
[20:29] <Kotono> You're flying. Below you are a few more pine trees scattered about amid the rest of the hills.
[20:30] <Afina> "You can pick the spot this time," Afina invites.
[20:33] <Kotono> Crystal goe sright to a tree, curling up. It doesn't take her long to slip into sleep. Soon enough she's dead to the world, snoozing away.
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: Describe what you'll be doing while sh erests?
[20:34] <Afina> Like before, Afina sits on a branch near Crystal, relaxing and centring her mind to replenish her arcane potential.
[20:43] <Kotono> As Crystal sleeps, "Ilsenine..." Crystal murmurs, snoozing away and shifting a bit.
[20:45] * Afina pays little attention to such sleepy murmurings.
[20:54] <Kotono> As you rest further, you see something below. A dog approaches - a big one, a golden furred one with its tongue lolling out. It comes to Afina's tree, sitting before it and looking up.
[20:56] <Afina> Happy for a distraction, Afina drops off her branch to float just above the dog. "Hello," she greets it.
[20:58] <Kotono> The dog pants before standing up and giving Afina a big, wet lick.
[21:03] <Afina> Making a face, even though the spittle thankfully evaporates off her quite promptly, Afina backs off slightly. "I'll take that as a compliment..." she mutters, having at least seen wolves behave similarly back home.
[21:08] <Kotono> The dog barks several times, before starting to go off! It stops after a few dozen paces, turning towards you and barking again.
[21:08] <Afina> "Crystal, wake up!" Afina calls upwards, "We've received an invitation!"
[21:10] <Kotono> "Mmmgh?" Crystal sits up and rubs her eyes, evenas she flutters up, "'fina?" Yawning massively and flying down, hair frizzy and eyes only half open, "What'sazat now?"
[21:12] <Afina> "There's a dog," Afina points to the canine, "It wants us to follow it. Might be a good time for some magic to perk yourself up."
[21:15] <Kotono> "Mghsg." Incoherency is your answer as Crystal fumbles for her holy symbol. She whispers something mostly incoherent, but it seems to do the trick. She perks right up, "A dog?" she asks, "Are you certain it just doesn't want to play?"
[21:16] <Afina> "It could play right here if it did," Afina reasons, fluttering after the dog.
[21:21] <Kotono> Thus you fly on! The dog talks up at a good, ground eating run, requiring reasonable haste with flying. "Hm. He's big enough for one of us to use as a mount," Crystal observes, "Perhaps he's offering?"
[21:21] <Afina> "You think?" Afina blinks, "Well, I suppose you know riding animals better than I. Feel free to try."
[21:34] <Kotono> Crystal flies towards the dog - but it turns back to her and lolls its tongue out before running faster yet! Crystal is left behind as it continues setting the pace! "Wait!" she calls, going full speed - but the dog's running faster yet! It's running towards a rising mountain, a path ascending upward.
[21:35] <Afina> "I think that's a no," Afina laughs at Crystal's misfortune, flying on after it.
[21:37] <Kotono> Crystal's reddening as she flies on, Afina easily keeping pace. The dog stops at the start of the path, turning and sitting. It pants there and awaits.
[21:38] <Afina> Stopping in front of the dog, Afina spares a glance up the path first and then, "Is this the way up to Venya? Or towards a test?"
[21:44] <Kotono> No answer. The dog just pants a moment. Meanwhile Crystal flutters down to it, "Noble dog," she says, "Do you mean for one of us to ride you?"
[21:45] <Afina> "You really want to ride that dog, don't you?" Afina asks, wondering why Crystal's so stuck on it.

[Ebiris]

[19:22] <Kotono> The dog sits there and continues to pant. Crystal flies up to it, running a tiny pixie hand along the side of the dog's head. She smiles a little bit, "Good boy," she says softly, "Good dog."
[19:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+33
[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+33 and gets 47." [1d20=14]
[19:24] <Kotono> The dog turns and licks Crystal all over, getting her to laugh and cry out, "Not like that!" Flying back and around, she positions on the back of the dog, laying against his front. "Good boy, good boy," she keeps whispering as it stands up, Crystal then going to sit. "Good dog." Turning to look back up, "Afina, would you like to ride with me?"
[19:26] <Afina> "Doesn't look comfortable," Afina demurs, fluttering by and up the path.
[19:28] <Kotono> With that the duo takes off! Crystal keeps up despite being ground-bound, her mount's loping run eating up great deals of the rocky path. It seems ot know exactly what to do - when to jump, when to run, when to turn. Crystal holds on with a tight smile on her face, the wind blowing her hair back.
[19:31] * Afina isn't as thrilled with her transport as Crystal is, but she much prefers to control her own flight than to rely on something else to carry her. Unless it's going really really fast, of course.
[19:55] <Kotono> Up and up and up and up you rise! Eventually you come to a widening of the path, a plateau before the mountain path rises higher. Here stands an angel with a blade of glowing golden flame, twelve feet tall and girded in armor of stars and sunlight.
[19:56] * Afina stops a few feet from the angel. "Hello. I'm Afina," she greets it.
[19:57] <Kotono> "I am Crystal," Crystal follows, the dog slowing down to a walk and then a stop before the angel.
[19:58] <Kotono> "Ahead is Venya, the Pearly Heaven. Fey and spirit of steam, what do you seek in the highter truths?"
[20:00] <Afina> "We seek Xiranthador," Afina answers confidently. She doesn't know if it's a person or a place but she's seeking it!
[20:03] <Kotono> "Seek the Glass Tarn and seek to learn of the offering," It instructs, stepping aside.
[20:06] <Afina> "Thank you," Afina nods, fluttering on up the path.
[20:08] <Kotono> "Thank you," Crystal adds, following on dogback. Climbing up, you find yourselves at a rise. Ahead is valley after valley, mountain paths connecting them. The valleys are filled with rivers, tended forests and neatly kept fields. The sky is pearly white, flights of robed angels in the sky above.
[20:11] * Afina smiles at seeing how this layer seems more populous than the others. "Look, we can ask directions up there," Afina tells Crystal, flying up to intercept one of the angel-flights.
[20:18] <Kotono> You fly up. You have learned enough to identify these as Astral Devas, surrounded by a glowing fog of cloudy mist. There are seven, speaking as one to you, "Hail and greetings!"
[20:19] <Afina> "Greetings," Afina returns that, "I am looking for the Glass Tarn, can you tell me which way I should go to find it?"
[20:23] <Kotono> "Fly on through the rest of the day and through the night. Follow the brightest star in the sky until you find a still lake that reflects the stars." The seven point ahead as one, as slowly they fade into cloudy mists. In moments a cloud is before you, drifting away into the sky.
[20:26] * Afina blinks at the odd transformation but says her thanks anyway, flying down to inform Crystal. "You might have to leave your friend behind," she notes after telling the directions.
[20:31] <Kotono> Crystal rises and pats the dog a few more times, whispering to him. After she flies up and away, a smile planting on her face.
[20:34] <Afina> "You really bonded with that dog, didn't you?" Afina remarks amusedly, flying up and in the direction the angels pointed.
[20:37] <Kotono> Crystal flies along with Afina. She smiles despite herself, strugging before giving into a laugh. "I learned ground charging on the back of a dog. They're noble animals and make fine, noble mounts. It's been too long."
[20:39] <Afina> "Aww, that must have been really nice for you, then," Afina smiles. "When you acted so keen on it, I thought you just had a thing for riding any appropriately sized creature you ran into."
[20:46] <Kotono> "If that was so, I'd be riding one of the bigger folk around." Smiling at that, "Can you imagine using oneof them as a mount?"
[20:49] <Afina> "I doubt most would put up with it. Or be very good mounts," Afina chuckles. "Although Ebony's goddess is supposed to be amazing."
[20:50] <Kotono> "I've heard that," Crystal says, "The courre have mentioned it. I don't understand it, do you?"
[20:52] * Afina nods. "I saw a bust of her when I visited the Cauldron with Kascha. It's hard to describe but it did look very comfortable."
[20:55] <Kotono> "I'll accept your word for it," Crystal says, flying along now. OOC: Ready to hop along?
[20:56] <Afina> OOC: yes
[20:58] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 69." [1d100=69]
[21:01] <Kotono> You fly on for the rest of the day and into the night. The night brings a lovely sea of stars, but one burns brighter than the others. It illuminates the sky almost like a sun, yet the pure white light it sheds does not disturb the gentle mantle of night over Venya. Crystal stares up at it as she flies, "Beautiful."
[21:03] <Afina> "I wonder what the stars here really are?" Afina ponders, orienting herself by that brightest star and looking down for a lake that reflects the constellations.
[21:12] <Kotono> On you fly. "Hm?" Crystal asks, "Do you think they're something besides stars?"
[21:15] <Afina> "Stars are what worlds revolve around. We could see others from Lifasa because they all exist in reality... the Prime Material, as they say," Afina replies, "But we're not there - you couldn't see Lifasa in the sky here, they're probably just dots of light. Hanna mentioned something like that with the stars in Arborea which she can work with, so I wondered if Celestia's stars worked the
[21:15] <Afina> same way."
[21:21] <Kotono> "A fair question," Crystal admits as you fly al-oh! Below you see it! A bowl shaped valley, most of it taken up by a lake. This lake is so still that it seems a reflection of the sky - no, it's a part of it, the starry sky visible on it.
[21:23] <Afina> "Ah, there it is!" Afina points down. "Hopefully we can find something to tell us about the offering when we get there," she adds, flying towards it.
[21:27] <Kotono> Flying down, you find the shores to be peaceful. As you descend, you can see occasional stone slabs in the ground, spread out all over the edge of the lake.
[21:29] * Afina takes the time to examine those slabs in case they have iscriptions or anything useful. Otherwise she'll just circle around the lake looking for clues.
[21:34] <Kotono> The slabs are in Celestial. Crystal goes to read one, "The gift of prophecy shall come to those who toss something of sincere value into the Glass Tarn. Woe will come to those who toss something that is not." Looking up, "Straightforward enough."
[21:38] <Afina> "Prophecy? I could have just asked 27," Afina pouts. "Wait, no, last time I did he told me to get the Blade of Endings... Still, this isn't what I expected. Am I going to be given a prophecy that tells me to go to some other far-flung place to get a counter for Destiny?"
[21:43] <Kotono> "I hope not," Crystal says, "I trust them enough to not send us on a wild chase. I hope." Adding that with a slight sigh, "Do you?"
[21:48] <Afina> "I'd hope so, but... prophecy." Sighing, Afina tries to think of what she values but can safely rid herself off, but as she goes over her possessions she comes up distressingly blank. None of them have any value outside of their function, and can easily be replaced. Even Afame is more a curiousity than anything else. Of course there was one thing she never even considered, and her eyes
[21:48] <Afina> tilt up as she realises that. Her hat. Powerfully enchanted though it may be, it serves far more as a symbol of home and familiarity, the only thing that's truly hers and survived Lifasa. Slowly reaching up, she removes the stripy patterned headpiece of floppy twintails, holding it before her and looking at it, her revealed hair mussed from so long under the hat. She actually sniffles.
[21:52] <Kotono> "...Afina," Crystal speaks up here, going forward and taking a hold of Afina's hat. "Maybe I should offer something instead. Put your hat back on."
[21:54] <Afina> "No..." Afina shakes her head minutely, "Do you have anything you can honestly sacrifice that we can't replace as soon as we go back to Aurora?"
[21:56] <Kotono> "I have one thing." Crystal hefts her Pixielance, "I value this lance because you made it for me, my friend. Even if I replace it with a stronger lance later, it won't be the same."
[21:58] <Afina> "Even if I'm the one that makes this stronger lance?" Afina asks, hugging her hat to her chest.
[22:01] <Kotono> "You gave it to me when I needed it the most," Crystal says, "There won't ever be another Pixielance that matters so much to me. Besides," With a faintly exasperated sigh and a smile joined together, "You look stupid with your damned hat."
[22:03] <Kotono> *without
[22:04] <Afina> "You wear something for three hundred years and see how you look without it, then," Afina sniffs and plants her hat squarely back on her head, though right afterwards she reaches forward and hugs Crystal. "Thanks, though. I'll definitely make you a great lance!" she promises.
[22:04] <Kotono> Crystal returns the hug tightly, "Thank you." After she turns away, taking the lance and tossing it into the Glass Tarn!
[22:12] <Kotono> The lance splashes into the Tarn, yet does not disturb the tranquility. Oh no, that comes from the waters before you parting aside in two great waves, revealing a stairway built into the slope of the lake, leading towards the center.
[22:15] <Afina> "Good one, Crystal," Afina approves, starting to head down the revealed stairs.
[22:21] <Kotono> Down you go! The water flows back into place above you as you do, but a corridor of air surrounds you. Down you go, deeper and deeper! It's dark here, but your darkvision picks up the slack. Even after a few minutes of walking, there's no end in sight - just more stairs up to sixty feet ahead, where your darkvision ends.
[22:22] <Afina> "Can you see alright, Crystal?" Afina asks, prepared to put up some light if needed.
[22:24] <Kotono> "Of course. Why do you ask?" Crystal glances over at Afina.
[22:25] <Afina> "Just checking since it's dark," Afina replies, happy enough to continue on that note.
[22:26] <Kotono> "It's not dark," Crystal says immediately, sounding bemused.
[22:28] <Afina> "Yes it is," Afina retorts. "It's pitch black... maybe it's because I never made a sacrifice?" she wonders.

[Corwin]

[17:56] <@Kotono> "Don't worry. I'll make sure we find the way," Crystal says, offering her hand out to Afina. "Let me know if you need my help then."
[17:57] <@Afina> She can see well enough regardless, but Afina takes her friend's hand anyway.
[18:03] <@Kotono> The stairs go on for a goodly time - you've spent at least twenty minutes at it but on they continue. Crystal squeezes Afina's hand as you continue on, "I had not expected such a descent, considering how the realm values rising."
[18:04] <@Afina> "Where better to hide secret things, then?" Afina reasons. Even so, this is a long way down. The lake probably isn't even above them anymore.
[18:08] <@Kotono> Down further. Another twenty minutes of flight, if not longer. Down and down you walk, until at last you reach the end. Standing here is a dead end wall, with an arched doorway at the bottom. The door is closed shut, and standing guard is a celestial. A celestial clad in brilliantly bright shadows, not disturbing the darkness and yet so painfully radiant as to threaten to sear your eyes.
[18:08] <@Kotono> It holds a cudgel of the same bright-shadow stuff. Its face is beautiful, delicately cast features at odds with the rest of its body. As you see it, you realize the following knowledge: It wishes to know why you have come here.
[18:11] <@Afina> Stopping, Afina speaks in response to the intent, "One who wields Destiny as a weapon and shields his body with it as armour is my foe. I have come seeking the means to defeat Destiny that I might defeat the devil."
[18:18] <@Kotono> You realize that it understands. Its wings glow, emerging from the shadows to wrap around its body. You realize it will let you pass, but that it desires something. When Xiranthador was created, Erathaol asked the heavenly host for a guardian to protect the entrance for all eternity. It volunteered without a second thought and has not left this place since that day. What it desires is
[18:18] <@Kotono> the surging of blood and the joy of waging the wars it was created to lead.
[18:21] <@Afina> "Do you wish to battle us?" Afina asks, examining the shadowed angel carefully, "Or can you leave after I have taken what I need? You could join our Crusade and find battle after bloody battle."
[18:22] <@Kotono> "If you desire a battle," Crystal says, "I would be honored. What say you, Afina?"
[18:23] * @Afina waits for its response before replying to Crystal.
[18:23] <@Kotono> You know but one thing: Yes. The celestial raises its cudgel, desiring to battle the mighty fey who have come here.
[18:26] <@Afina> Drawing both of the swords she carries, Afina hands of Hywelbane II to Crystal. "So be it. We will fight until you have had your fill," she nods, fluttering back now and surveying how much room she'll have to work with.
[18:28] <@Kotono> OOC: Whta are the stats on that?
[18:28] <@Afina> OOC: Hywelbane II - Shiftsilver small short sword +5, holy, evil outsider bane
[18:30] <@Kotono> The stairs extend back up higher than she can see. There's 40ft from wall to wall here and it's 30ft from the bottom of the stairs to the angel.
[18:31] <@Afina> It'll do. Raising Afame at the ready, Afina waits. "Attack on three," she says, before counting aloud to that number...
[18:32] <@Kotono> OOC: Init.
[18:32] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Crystal
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 Crystal and gets 26." [1d20=15]
[18:32] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+17 Guardian Celestial
[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 Guardian Celestial and gets 18." [1d20=1]
[18:33] * Kotono changes topic to 'Crystal(26)>Guardian Celestial(18)'
[18:33] <@Afina> roll 1d20+25
[18:33] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+25 and gets 30." [1d20=5]
[18:34] * Kotono changes topic to 'Afina(30)>Crystal(26)>Guardian Celestial(18)'
[18:34] <@Kotono> OOC: Go Afina.
[18:35] <@Afina> Starting slow to better test the guardian, Afina hastes herself and Crystal before flying forth and kicking it in the chest, springing back and up out of range so retaliation won't be easy.
[18:35] <@Afina> roll 1d20+35
[18:35] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+35 and gets 53." [1d20=18]
[18:38] <@Kotono> The kick comes - but the guardian's skin is harder than steel! The kick simply fails to register, as Afina's foot tingles from the contact! Meanwhile Crystal charges in, Hywelbane raised up in a classical slash down!
[18:38] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+37 (+2 charge)
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 (+2 charge) and gets 51." [1d20=14]
[18:43] <@Kotono> But that blade slices across its skin, skidding across like steel scraping on stone! Mere moments later, the shadow-light around the angel pulses outwards into a blinding corona! OOC: Fort saves.
[18:43] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+31
[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+31 and gets 49." [1d20=18]
[18:44] <@Afina> roll 1d20+21
[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+21 and gets 32." [1d20=11]
[18:49] <@Kotono> The radiance is too much for Afina, the world becoming a blinding glow that hides everything! Her eyes sting, tears leaking out!  OOC: Blinded for 7 rounds. Do you have any alternate forms of perception?
[18:49] <@Afina> OOC: nope!
[18:49] <@Afina> OOC: except really good listen check
[18:50] <@Kotono> OOC: You can make one to try and pinpoint things if you like.
[18:50] <@Afina> roll 1d20+33
[18:50] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+33 and gets 47." [1d20=14]
[18:52] <@Kotono> OOC: You can hear him ahead. There's a faint swishing ahead - you'll still hav emiss chance, but you know where to swing, yout hink.
[18:56] <@Afina> Afina pouts, it wasn't long ago that she wouldn't be hindered in the least by this... Well, she can make herself recover more quickly. Speeding herself up massively, she casts some protections namely greater heroism and shield before dropping a searing ball fire (once ball lightning) on the angel's position and then flying above it and just out of Crystal's range and detonating a searing greater fireburst!
[18:56] <@Afina> OOC: -4 rounds on blind duration with time stop added
[18:56] <@Afina> roll 1d20+22 SR if needed?
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+22 SR if needed? and gets 41." [1d20=19]
[18:56] <@Afina> roll 1d20+22 SR if needed?
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+22 SR if needed? and gets 35." [1d20=13]
[18:57] <@Afina> roll 19d6 DC 29 reflex half, searing ball fire
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 19d6 DC 29 reflex half, searing ball fire and gets 66." [19d6=4, 5, 3, 2, 3, 5, 5, 1, 3, 6, 4, 4, 2, 2, 6, 6, 1, 1, 3]
[18:57] <@Afina> roll 19d10 DC 29 reflex half, searing ball fire
[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 19d10 DC 29 reflex half, searing ball fire and gets 122." [19d10=8, 10, 8, 6, 9, 6, 6, 4, 1, 7, 9, 10, 3, 5, 10, 2, 6, 3, 9]
[18:58] <@Afina> OOC: that was fireburst on the second
[19:05] <@Kotono> Afina isn't able to see - but she hears the hiss of fire, the crackle of flame, and the movement of wind. The slicing of steel through the air, Crystal drawing in her breath before the sound of metal on flesh. Then there are the sounds of smashes, follow by Crystal gasping in pain! OOC: Go Afina. You aren't sure what's going on and blinded, so rolls are being done behind the screen.
[19:07] <@Afina> OOC: do I know the duration of my blindness?
[19:08] <@Kotono> OOC: Not IC, no.
[19:09] <@Afina> Speeding up herself again, Afina casts a limited wish so she can see what's going on!
[19:09] <@Afina> OOC: 6th level time stop, will act after description
[19:14] <@Kotono> Afina's vision clears! Crystal floats limp in the air, seemingly unharmed and yet terribly dazed. The celestial is unharmed, yet a small smile can be seen how. A feeling of pure joy is known to Afina on seeing this, broadcast to her as clearly as all else she can see.
[19:16] <@Afina> "Shouldn't have held back, should I?" she mutters, piqued at the lack of even the slightest burn. "Well try this, then!" she cries, diving at the angel and stabbing fiercely with Afame before pulling up and away!
[19:16] <@Afina> roll 1d20+52 7th level arcane strike
[19:16] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+52 7th level arcane strike and gets 69." [1d20=17]
[19:16] <@Afina> roll 1d20+47 7th level arcane strike
[19:16] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+47 7th level arcane strike and gets 62." [1d20=15]
[19:16] <@Afina> roll 1d20+52 7th level arcane strike skirmish shoes
[19:16] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+52 7th level arcane strike skirmish shoes and gets 60." [1d20=8]
[19:27] <@Kotono> OOC: Two hits.
[19:28] <@Afina> roll 1d4+20+6d6+2d6+7d4
[19:28] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d4+20+6d6+2d6+7d4 and gets 72." [1d4=1][6d6=5, 6, 1, 5, 2, 3][2d6=2, 5][7d4=2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 4, 4]
[19:28] <@Afina> roll 1d4+20+6d6+2d6+7d4
[19:28] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d4+20+6d6+2d6+7d4 and gets 72." [1d4=1][6d6=2, 6, 6, 4, 6, 4][2d6=4, 1][7d4=4, 1, 4, 2, 2, 3, 2]
[19:33] <@Kotono> The two blows land - they scrape into his skin! The creature has blood - a thick, reddish fluid that comes out only far enough to seal the wound. At this Crystal focuses in on herself, suddenly no longer dazed and beaten-looking! OOC: She expended her lay on hands pool to heal herself. She's at full HP with 4 points of nonlethal. Add her in #elysium. Celestial is up.
[19:43] <@Kotono> Behind the celestial, a wheel of light appears. It is a great magical circle, filled with runes of light. Seven spokes to the wheel, each spoke's runes meaningless and yet known. Lunia, Mercuria, Venya, Solania, Mertion, Jovar, Chronias; Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness and Humility. From this wheel comes all encompassing light, as pure and ethereal as newfallen
[19:43] <@Kotono> snow. At last the first words of the battle are spoken by the angel, his voice barely above a whisper, "Behold the truth!" OOC: Will saves, you two.
[19:43] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+27 Crystal
[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+27 Crystal and gets 36." [1d20=9]
[19:45] <@Afina> roll 1d20+34
[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+34 and gets 54." [1d20=20]
[19:48] <@Kotono> Yet Afina sees no truth. Instead, by some unknown instinct, she draws into herself. Why she does it she cannot say, but in the light of her mind she sees her memories, feelings and hopes. Everything that makes her Afina, everything that defines her, everything that is within her is held around her like a shield against all harm. It lasts a few eternal moments, and when the light has
[19:48] <@Kotono> cleared? Crystal lies on the ground, eyes glazed over. The celestial stares at Afina, that smile becoming a grin. Unbound joy. You know this, feeling it from the celestial along with shock at the tiny creature's will. OOC: Go, you're up.
[19:50] <@Afina> "Truth hurts?" Afina asks quietly with a look at Crystal. Shaking her head briefly she swoops down now leading with a tiny fist to the celestial's chin before her blade finds its chest and she pulls back!
[19:50] <@Afina> roll 1d20+47 7th level arcane strike fist
[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+47 7th level arcane strike fist and gets 48." [1d20=1]
[19:50] <@Afina> roll 1d20+47 7th level arcane strike sword
[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+47 7th level arcane strike sword and gets 65." [1d20=18]
[19:51] <@Afina> roll 1d4+20+6d6+2d6+7d4
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d4+20+6d6+2d6+7d4 and gets 66." [1d4=3][6d6=1, 3, 4, 1, 5, 4][2d6=3, 3][7d4=1, 4, 3, 2, 4, 1, 4]
[19:52] <@Kotono> Another stab into it - a tiny wound, but one that scabs over immediately like the last two. From that wheel seven globes of light come, gathering around the celestial, before they fly at Afina!
[19:52] <@Kotono> roll 7#1d20+47 touch AC note AC and miss chance.
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 7#1d20+47 touch AC note AC and miss chance. and gets 389." [7#1d20+47 = 67, 56, 54, 53, 52, 48, 59]
[19:53] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+47 crit chance on the first
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+47 crit chance on the first and gets 65." [1d20=18]
[19:53] <@Afina> OOC: touch AC 46. Really should've used swift action dodge to make it 50. 50% miss chance, though!
[19:53] <@Kotono> roll 7#1d100
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 7#1d100 and gets 342." [7#1d100 = 90, 31, 7, 80, 56, 36, 42]
[19:54] <@Kotono> roll 21d6 nonlethal
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 21d6 nonlethal and gets 66." [21d6=1, 1, 6, 4, 6, 1, 3, 4, 6, 3, 1, 5, 3, 2, 6, 3, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3]
[19:54] <@Kotono> roll 7d6 forgot the crit got through
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 7d6 forgot the crit got through and gets 23." [7d6=3, 5, 3, 1, 3, 6, 2]
[19:54] <@Kotono> OOC: 89 nonlethal totla
[19:54] <@Kotono> .
[19:57] <@Kotono> The globes fly around Afina, who dodges several but takes three right into her center! The globes leave her woozy and dazed, like she just bumped her head the wrong way. Yet she's still up, as the celestial watches her with the utmost interest, anticipation thick in the air and in Afina's mind! OOC: Go.
[20:00] <@Afina> "Alright, try this then!" Afina retorts, speeding herself up long enough to form a planar bubble of pure fire around herself! As that manifests she directs the searing ball fire back over the angel and then whips around to its other side to launch an orb of searing fire into its back!
[20:00] <@Afina> roll 19d6 DC 29 reflex half on searing ball fire
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 19d6 DC 29 reflex half on searing ball fire and gets 78." [19d6=5, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 3, 3, 6, 4, 6, 2, 6, 6, 1, 6, 3, 5, 2]
[20:00] <@Afina> roll 1d20+40 ranged touch for searing orb of fire
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+40 ranged touch for searing orb of fire and gets 59." [1d20=19]
[20:00] <@Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[20:00] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+45
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+45 and gets 64." [1d20=19]
[20:01] <@Afina> roll 116+5d6+2d6 and swift action dodge
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 116+5d6+2d6 and swift action dodge and gets 141." [5d6=2, 6, 4, 6, 3][2d6=2, 2]
[20:03] <@Kotono> Searing hot flames engulf the angel, burning it all over! Yet it still stands, the same red blood oozing out of the burns to cover them up! It stands there, and finally speaks again, "The fifth..." he whispers, as the wheel behind him glows bright! Too bright to look at, as the shadows around the angel are banished! Suddenly all is enveloped in beautiful, pure and true light! A massive
[20:03] <@Kotono> corona of it cloaks the angel's body! OOC: Go Afina.
[20:07] <@Afina> Debating what to do to keep things interesting rather than repeat the same trick over and over, Afina gives a mental shrug and throws out all the stops. Again forcing herself to move at insane speeds, she expends her last eight circle spells on forming a triangle of Prismatic Walls hemming the celestial in and unable to move! She then floats down to where Crystal rests on the other side of one of those walls, sparing her friend a brief glance to see if she's stirring at all.
[20:08] <@Kotono> Crystal looks to be completely out. Her eyes are glazed over, and in them you can see...you can see...! You can see something beautiful and too much for you, having ot avert your gaze. OOC: Are you done with your turn or is ther emore coming?
[20:09] <@Afina> OOC: that did it, 2 turn time stop with 7th level slot and using all 3 rounds to put a wall on each. Shouldn't be able to see through the walls, on that note. All pretty colours~
[20:12] <@Kotono> The walls glow brighter! A nova of light is gathering behind them, shinig partly through the prismatic barriers! The colors are starting to fluxtuate, as it's suddenly hard to breathe! The air is supercharged with pure, primal power! OOC: Go Afina.
[20:14] * @Afina feels excited, wondering what awful force the guardian will bring to bear on the impassable barriers she's set up against it! Then again the devils broke a prismatic wall with their tree of a hundred thousand ghosts, so she's forced to admit it can be done, to her disappointment. Flying up away from Crystal now, she floats to the other side and waits to see what'll happen, remaining on the defensive until the outcome is decided...
[20:15] <@Afina> OOC: total defence and swift action dodge
[20:37] <@Kotono> From within the prismatic barriers, great light is gathering! The prismatic barriers shimmer, each layer becoming the same white as the vast light behind them! There are no words - the light comes from ahead and behind and the sides and below and above all at once. A light of such purity that Afina is left shaking as it approaches, even as the prismatic walls around the celestial glow
[20:37] <@Kotono> white - but stay intact, a few flecks of color still in them as...OOC: Fort, Ref and Will save.
[20:37] <@Kotono> OOC: +3 circumstancial bonus to all.
[20:38] <@Afina> roll 1d20+28 fort
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+28 fort and gets 29." [1d20=1]
[20:38] <@Afina> roll 1d20+41 ref
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+41 ref and gets 48." [1d20=7]
[20:38] <@Afina> roll 1d20+37 will
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+37 will and gets 56." [1d20=19]
[20:42] <@Kotono> Afina is knocked back by the massive force of the light! As she lies dazed she somehow manages to dodge the light, curling into herself as pure power cascades around her! Her dazed mind needs several moments to clear, but when it's done the light is gone. The angel kneels next to Afina's prone form, a look of pure wonder on its face.
[20:44] <@Afina> "Oooh, I think that's your win, then," Afina says, sitting up. She has no allusions about how defenceless she was for long enough to end her.
[20:57] <@Kotono> Knowledge comes to Afina: How joyous the celestial is. You know your wounds have been healed, as Crystal slowly stirs and recovers. How a feather of the celestial's wings rests in your hands, still thrumming with the power of that overwhelming light.
[21:00] <@Afina> "Typically it's the defeated who offer tribute," Afina notes dryly as she looks at the feather for a long moment. She'd reciprocate but her wings can't really detach parts and she no longer generates pixie dust on them. "I'm glad you enjoyed your chance to battle, though."

[Corwin]

[18:46] <Kotono> You understand that you have given more tribute than you could ever truly grasp. Meanwhile Crystal slowly rises, getting to one knee and then standing.
[18:49] <Afina> "Perhaps so," Afina murmurs as she understands its meaning. Bowing her head slightly, Afame flashes and a forelock of wispy white hair is severed from her head, deftly folded into a loose knot and then offered to the angel in a reciprocal gesture. "A trophy for your victory."
[18:50] <Kotono> The lock of hair is taken, as you understand one thing - you will be remembered and remembered fondly. The angel holds it tightly in one hand, to his chest like something precious.
[18:52] <Afina> "It was a good fight," she nods, then turning to her friend, "Are you well now, Crystal?"
[18:54] <Kotono> "I am able to continue," she says, voice speaking from a deep depth of dazedness. She wobbles on her feet, stumbling to the wall and leaning against it. "Once everything stops spinning."
[18:56] <Afina> Fluttering over, Afina lands next to Crystal and offers her shoulder. "Lean on me, then. What we seek is just ahead."
[19:00] <Kotono> Crystal does just that, leaning heavily on Afina. Crystal smells of faint, subtle things of the forest. It's a nostalgic thing, bringing to mind memories of days long gone. Together the two of you head through the door. Ahead you see the bottom of a lake, or perhaps the ocean. Dark waters are illuminated by radiance from above, a path outlined by smooth, rounded stones.
[19:18] * Afina looks curiously at the airtight path under the lake, staring up a moment after before she continues on along the path. She's at home in the water and Crystal's as safe with her as she'd be with a nixie.
[19:21] <Kotono> As you walk under the lake, "What happened?" Crystal asks, "I recall a circle of light and then things get hazy."
[19:24] <Afina> "I managed to stab him some after that and he retaliated by launching the spokes of that circle at me. I fired back and then he started glowing fiercely, building to something huge - to counter that I locked him inside a triangle of prismatic walls, but the energy he unleashed was able to take down every colour one by one and still be strong enough to knock me right out. Considering the
[19:24] <Afina> Elven Tree was only able to counter a prismatic wall and go no further, we just battled an angel of stupendous power."
[19:31] <Kotono> "It wasn't like the other angels I've met," Crystal agrees, still resting on Afina's shoulder. "It looked humanoid, but everything it did felt inhuman."
[19:33] <Afina> "Yes, it reminded me of a construct in some ways. And would make sense for a construct to be a guardian in such a secluded but critical posting," Afina nods, happy to support Crystal until she's better as they slowly walk along the path.
[19:39] <Kotono> Soon enough Crystal is able to walk on her own. On you go! After a little bit of walking, you can see it ahead. A great fortress sitting underwater, a castle of giant seashells glued together with coral. It is a large square fortress, with high walls and a glass dome over the top. As you approach the castle glitters in bright light.
[19:42] <Afina> "Didn't expect that... I wonder what we'll find inside?" Afina muses, fluttering just above the ground now that she no longer has to support Crystal.
[19:49] <Kotono> As you can get closer, you see each shell is easily dozens of feet across and tall. Each varies in color from light grays to shades of purple or into white. The coral that holds it all together echos these colors, but brighter. You can see that the coral emits a subtle glow. As you approach, you see no gate. Yet even as you look for one, a segment of the wall shifts. An unguarded, arched
[19:49] <Kotono> entryway appears, the water ceasing at it. Despite being wide open, not a drop spills in.
[19:51] <Afina> "Looks like an invitation," Afina smiles momentarily at Crystal, flying towards the entrance.
[20:00] <Kotono> Within you find the courtyard is an open air library. Bookshelves hundreds of feet tall rise up in all directions, scroll cases are stacked just as high, and floating platforms make steady, slow loops around. What must be hundreds of thousands of books and scrolls can be seen, and with no end in sight. Hallways are made in the spaces between shelves, bookshelves coming together into
[20:00] <Kotono> arches and patterns above - yet are still bookshelves.
[20:02] <Kotono> Crystal looks up and up and up and up and up and up and uuupppp! "By the starry court!"
[20:03] <Afina> Glancing over at the nearest shelf, Afina looks curiously to see if any books are labelled in languages she knows. "I should have brought Sylvie..." she mutters as her gaze then sweeps over the rest of the visible library.
[20:07] <Kotono> The first dozen books aren't, but the 14th is in Sylvan. It's titled, "The Roundtrees." Meanwhile Crystal merely agrees quietly, "Yes. She would be entirely at home here. So we are supposed to find something to defeat destiny here?"
[20:10] <Afina> "Yes, I hope we don't have to search the library for it ourselves... someone definitely knows we're here, though. Lets look around until we find someone?" she suggests, fluttering now into the aisle ahead.
[20:20] <Kotono> You fly on. Down several massively long halls of bookshelves, down and on - until you come to a dead end, a bookshelf barring the way. Kneeling there is a robed figure, clad in sackcloth and hood. He looks to be in prayer.
[20:22] <Afina> On one hand it would be rude to interrupt, on the other outsiders don't have bodily needs and could keep it up for a long long time. Patience wins out, for it was one of the virtues the guardian listed in his attack, so Afina lands lightly but audibly behind the robed figure and waits without a word.
[20:22] <Kotono> Crystal does the same. After a moment she kneels as well, bowing her head into silent prayer.
[20:25] * Afina isn't going to display any false piety when she has no one to pray to, so she merely stands respectfully silent.
[20:28] <Kotono> This lasts a little time until the robed man speaks. "Thank you for your understanding," he says, "When you reach a dead end, focus on the dead end and your desire to find the wisdom you seek. A way will reveal itself. But know the ways that you find will take you to what you need, not what you want."
[20:31] <Afina> There shouldn't be a dichotomy - she wants to kill Taelfagn, and she needs to do so if Lifasa is to have a future. "I understand. Thank you for your assistance," she returns, beating her wings to float decently high above him and then focusing on the shelves in front. Much like on Elysium when she used her determination as a flame to open the way to Galariel... and what a prophetic
[20:31] <Afina> metaphor that turned out to be! She now focuses on her determination to find the wisdom she needs.
[20:36] <Kotono> Crystal rises with you, staring ahead. You feel heat - from both yourself and Crystal. Crystal looks up in surprise, "Afina. I feel I need a favor from you."
[20:39] <Afina> "Just ask," Afina says, implicit that it will be granted.
[20:41] <Kotono> "I need to burn." Crystal looks ahead, "From Afame. If fire is to open the way ahead, I realize that it must be shared."
[20:44] <Afina> "Simmer will be so happy," Afina comments dryly. Resting one hand on the hilt of the sword at her back, she reaches across to take Crystal's hand with her other, granting her a temporary transformation similar to what Magmasoul did to Afina.
[20:47] <Kotono> Crystal goes rigid, crying out in silence! Instead a gout of flame erupts from her mouth! Her wings catch ablaze, skin turning the color of newborn fires. Flames wreath her body and expand out - yet they do not burn a thing here, not even the books they touch. Crystal floats in the air limpidly for several seconds, flames dancing over her. "Let us reveal the way forward now," Crystal
[20:47] <Kotono> says, voice having a popping and hissing undercurrent.
[20:49] <Afina> That's all familiar to Afina, though she rather prefers her current faintly breathy voice over the hissing one she had before water became involved. "Forward," she agrees, recalling her focus.
[20:52] <Kotono> As you focus, the air becomes hot and hotter again! A warmth that soothes Afina to the bone, as ahead a single book glows fire orange! It floats out of its own vollition. The spine can be read. In Ignan is written, "The Path of Flame."
[20:56] <Afina> Oh. She'd expected an opening to appear with a path ahead, but he clearly meant a less literal way ahead. Reaching out she grasps the book and looks for a ledge or empty shelf that could fit two small fairies while they read.
[20:58] <Kotono> As Afina grasps the book, it flies out of her hand! It opens wide, the pages flapping and turning! The book spreads wider, the library around you fading away! You stand in a fiery land of plenty. All burns. All burns beautifully, just like Fire. The sky is ablaze, and on the horizon volcanoes spew magma and ash into the air. It's so wonderfully warm here, surely hot enough to burn a
[20:58] <Kotono> normal creature to a cinder.
[21:02] <Afina> "Ahhh," Afina sighs pleasantly at the lovely temperature. "When I first changed I found normal temperatures were disagreeably cold but heat like this felt wonderful. Is it like that for you?" she asks Crystal, sure it will be - herself and Simmer provide a valid sample, after all.
[21:17] <Kotono> Crystal inhales the gassy air, exhaling with a smile, "Yes. It's so right." Fluttering ahead, "I'm baking like a roast over the fire and it feels magnificent."
[21:19] <Afina> "If you're still transformed by the time we return to Aurora perhaps you can enjoy the lava baths as well," Afina suggets, now slowly turning in place to look for any landmarks.
[21:24] <Kotono> Far ahead you can see something rising on the horizon - a ziggurat rises from on the horizon! It is brick red and shimmering with flames around it.
[21:26] * Afina points to the ziggurat. "That's where we're going," she says, starting to fly towards it.
[21:27] <Kotono> It takes a little time to fly to the ziggurat - massive and tall, hundreds of stairs leading to the top. Atop it you can see one figure sitting. A fire elemental that is at most human sized, sitting indian style and staring at the sky.
[21:31] <Afina> Landing before the elemental, Afina speaks, "Hello. I am Afina and this is Crystal," she introduces them, unsure what the elemental's role is in this and so not making any assumptions.
[21:33] <Kotono> Turning his gaze to them, "Welcome to this paradise. Do you enjoy it?"
[21:36] <Afina> "The warmth is pleasant and the views are striking," Afina compliments. "What do you do here?"
[21:38] <Kotono> "I watch everything burn. Is that not enough?" he asks, "Would you care to join me? Sit and watch the world burn and burn with it?"
[21:40] <Afina> "It does seem rather passive," Afina admits, being more a fairy of action. "But perhaps for a short while we can join you," she allows, moving to sit next to the unnamed elemental.
[21:50] <Kotono> Crystal joins them, sitting as well. Once you sit, "Fire is paradoxical. Mortals use it to warm themselves, cook their food and forge iron. Yet they fear it burning them and reducing all they own to ashes."
[21:52] <Afina> "Growth and decay..." Afina smiles slightly, "The dichotomy is a fundamental one."
[21:58] <Kotono> "Hellfire and goldenfire." The elemental continues, "One damns, the other purges evil."
[22:00] <Afina> "I've seen much hellfire," Afina says tone becoming curious as she continues, "But goldenfire? That must be rare..."
[22:02] <Kotono> "As Fire is skewed towards Evil, it is seldom seen compared to hellfire," The elemental explains, "But it exists. The first embers of it can purge any evil - even destined evil. Through pure belief in a better tomorrow it can overcome even destiny."
[22:05] <Afina> "Ahh... much more potent than hell or even searing fire, then," Afina nods approvingly. Given how the traitors were all set on their path by Destiny she wonders especially how it would react with them. "So how might one learn to command goldenfire?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "Several can call it on - including the deity Seira, who favors you. But goldenfire by itself is not what you need. The first embers of goldenfire are what you need."
[22:07] <Afina> Sounds like a quest! Unless they're lying around here for her to take freely, that is... "Then where was the flame first ignited?"
[22:09] <Kotono> "Elysium, but I know not where. Only that it must be connected to Fire." So he answers.
[22:13] <Afina> Perhaps Galariel would know... "That is enough to start a search," she allows, "But what must be done with the first embers should I find them?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "I do not know, but only the holy can bear them," The elemental says.
[22:23] <Afina> "You mean devout and pious?" Afina clarifies with a look at Crystal. She doesn't fit the bill herself, for all that she appreciates and enjoys holy weaponry. Which is rather troublesome, really, since Crystal would have trouble with fire.
[22:25] <Kotono> "Those are qualities associated with the holy," The elemental says in a crackling pop, "But it is not the core of holiness."
[22:27] <Afina> "My only real understanding of holiness is that holy weapons truly harm devils," Afina admits, "Could you explain what the core is for me, please?"
[22:33] <Kotono> "Holiness is Goodness. Charity, compassion, love and all the virtues are symptoms of goodness and holiness.  A holy weapon has a solidified form of goodness within it, the essence of that. Holiness is being those virtues. That is how I understand it, but I know I do not understand it all."
[22:36] * Afina smiles. Of course, it's just as the Guardian showed in his attack, which she even thought about a few minutes ago in the library, too. Of course an assassin isn't the most kind profession, but she's not really an assassin anymore, anyway. For all that the skills remain useful, she's employed in a far more diverse manner than she once was. "Perhaps there is hope, then."
[22:38] <Kotono> "There is always hope," Crystal murmurs.
[22:39] <Kotono> "I see your path will take you from here now," The creature says, "Are you ready to return?"
[22:40] <Afina> "Yes," she stands, inclining her head respectfully "Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us."
[22:41] <Kotono> At these words you appear within the shelf-halls again. A different place than before, a path leading yo8u ahead.
[22:41] <Afina> "I'm sure there's more wisdom for us. Lets wander until we find another dead end?" Afina suggests, starting to fly forward.
[22:42] <Kotono> As you fly, "What is our purpose here now?" Crystal asks. "Was that it?"
[22:46] <Afina> "We know that goldenfire burns through evil destinies, and we've been told to find the first embers of goldenfire. But what to do with them? What we're looking for now is further context to help with that. But moreso, we don't just need to attack Destiny, we need to keep ourselves safe from it as well. The more we learn, the better prepared we'll be."
[22:50] <Kotono> "If we're going to heavily search here," Crystal says, "Perhaps we should return with those better suited for it? This is entirely a scholarly pursuit, and I fear neither of us are dedicated scholars."
[22:52] <Afina> "We're not reading, it'll be like the last dead end," Afina replies, "Besides, returning would require a further sacrifice. We should make the most of it while we're here."

[Corwin]

[18:47] <Kotono> "Understood," Crystal says as you fly along. As she does she puts a hand to a book, watching the flames dance over it. A frown comes to her face, as she gazes heatedly at the book, "It's strange, but as I sit here and watch it not burn, I'm stricken by how wrong it is."
[18:49] <Afina> OOC: is she burning a random book or is that the Path of Flame we just left?
[18:50] <Kotono> OOC: Random book.
[18:52] <Afina> "Ah, don't!" Afina grabs Crystal's hand and tugs it away, casting a quick Mending on the book. "Sorry, I know it's not your fault but I had the same urges too. Perhaps we should leave after all and come back when you're yourself."
[18:55] <Kotono> The book is not burnt, despite Crystal's flames. "Perhaps this would be best," She admits, "But you are correct as well. We should find someone else and find out if we'll need to sacrifice to return here." Reaching out and running a burning hand over Afina's hat, "Tears don't become you."
[18:57] <Afina> "It's not a good look for anyone," Afina returns, taking Crystal's hand again and trying to limited wish plane shift them back to Aurora.
[19:06] <Kotono> In an instant you stand before the gates of Aurora. Crystal looks about, staring at the winds. "Hm?"
[19:06] <Afina> "What is it?" she asks, following Crystal's eye.
[19:09] <Kotono> "Gods." Crystal breathes, "For a moment, I recalled some silly nattering of Simmer's. Something about fire and wind. When I felt that breeze, it came to mind in vivid detail." Flexing her hands open and closed, licking her lips with a dry, burning tongue after, "I salute your willpower. Not only do thoughts of pyromania constantly intrude, but it feels so right to listen to them."
[19:12] <Afina> "They got easier to deal with in time... you don't have to worry, this time tomorrow you'll be back to normal as if it never happened. But in the meantime we could grab Simmer and give you a turn in the lava pools if you like?"
[19:15] <Kotono> "Let's go," Crystal flahes Afina a warm smile, leading her into the courtyard. As you're about halfway, "Hi," Elena appears, "Oh Afina, you're back. There's something you need to make - an ice axe as part of a diplomatic effort with Auril. Oh, did you hear about that yet?"
[19:17] * Afina shakes her head. "Why do we care about Auril?"
[19:21] <Kotono> "We shouldn't talk about it out here," Elena says, "Sorry Crystal, but this is important. I overheard you - Simmer's in her room if you want to go on ahead. I'll try not to keep Afina long."
[19:23] <Afina> "I'll catch up at the pools, Crystal," Afina tells her, waiting for Elena to continue.
[19:24] <Kotono> "Meeting room," Elena says, "I'll grab someone else to help explain it - probably Jaela. Go on over."
[19:26] <Afina> "Oh, right. Okay, I'll meet up with you as soon as I can, Crystal," she says, anticipating this to be a lengthy explanation and flying towards a portal for the meeting room herself.