Nymph interlude (Afina)

[Ebiris]

"But Queen Vlaakith is hosting it as a favour to us, so just making a few blatant insults to the devils is also going to look bad to our hostess," Afina points out. "Any insults would have to be subtle and carefully chosen."

[Anastasia]

"Good point," Adrian admits, "This isn't my strong suit. All this...sometimes it makes me wish I was still a guard. Ever feel like that?" he asks.

[Ebiris]

"There was a simplicity to my old life, much as with yours," Afina nods agreeably. "But I've become too fond of making my own decisions to ever want to go back."

[Anastasia]

"Yeah, it's nice being on top," Adrian agrees, "Anyway, any ideas on people to send?"

[Ebiris]

"Morniel is the obvious choice, although maybe too obvious? I don't know, Jaela's probably the best one to decide," Afina admits.

[Anastasia]

"Too useful not to send," Adrian remarks right back, "This is his bread and butter. They'll be anticipating him, but I think it's worth it. Anyway, I'll talk to Jaela when she's back. It's not an emergency, though the troops are worked up since the messenger made a big entrance."

[Ebiris]

"How did that play out?" Afina asks curiously, mostly interested in what their response to a devil presence at their gates was but also just in general how provocative the messenger was being.

[Anastasia]

"They used a mercane mage." Adrian almost smiles, but it doesn't really last. "He appeared in a great thunderclap and burst of smoke outside of Aurora, carrying a white flag of truce. The thunderclap was loud enough to shake the ground. Pageantry is all it is."

[Ebiris]

"Theatrics," Afina says dismissively. "I'll go get everyone settled then, work off some of that nervous energy through a few drills," she decides, getting up and flying out of her chair.

[Anastasia]

As you walk away, Elena pops up, "Oh, Afina. Queen Ilsenine has the Court in session and would appreciate your presence, though she understands if your duties occupy you."

[Ebiris]

Well so much for that. Gisfal will have to handle things in her stead. "Thanks for letting me know, Elena," she says, changing her course.

[Anastasia]

The Court is busy, bustling. There's dancing and song, as well as talk and gossip. All of continues as you enter, Crystal nearby as you do. "Afina," she greets you, "Her Majesty wants to talk to you during this."

[Ebiris]

"I'll go and pay my respects," Afina says, considering it best to do that before anything else. Flying over towards the throne she lands and kneels with her head down, waiting to be recognised.

[Anastasia]

"Baroness Devilsbane," Queen Ilsenine greets you, "I would be appraised of the military situation." She then rises from the throne, "With me."

[Ebiris]

Standing up once recognised, Afina follows after Ilsenine to wherever it is they're going to talk about things.