To challenge destiny (Afina)

[Ebiris]

She can't reply reasonably for another hour, but maybe she'll find a landmark in that time? She just sticks with her direction and swims.

[Anastasia]

You swim for a little bit. It's not far until you see someone ahead - a bit below you, but swimming your way. A fetching, blue skinned marid. A female with long hair and wearing tight-fitting cloth pants and shirt. She swims smoothly and carries a backpack on her back.

[Ebiris]

Excellent, a source of directions! "Hello!" Afina calls out in aquan, reorienting to swim towards the marid.

[Anastasia]

The marid gasps as you approach, "Is that...is that..."

> roll 1d20+12 K:N
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=14]

"It's a pixie!" she gasps in Aquan, "A suspiciously half breed pixie of many colors. Are you a rainbow pixie, ma'am? I once heard that there's pixies who are born from the rainbow and protect it from elves, who hunt the rainbow."

[Ebiris]

"As far as I know I'm the only rainbow pixie," Afina answers, coming to a stop. "My name is Afina Devilsbane. I had to plane shift here randomly after getting into some trouble, I don't suppose you know where the nearest settlement or landmark might be?"

[Anastasia]

> roll 1d20+12 K:P
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=12]

"The only one?! A rare pixie?!" The marid gasps, "Forget about that! I'd like to buy your services," she nods, "How about for 2,000 gold a year? No no, you're rarer than that. How about 5,000 gold a year? Too little? 10,000 a year? I just have to have you! Imagine, someone from the Aurora in my house."

[Ebiris]

She cocks her head to the side. "If you know I'm from Aurora you have to know that ten thousand gold is an insultingly poor offer for a year's service," she observes.

It's more money than she has now, sure, but a lot of her wealth is tied up in magical equity!

[Anastasia]

"Oh, oh you have a point. Mmm, I'll have to have my father approve this, but how does 100,000 a year sound?" The marid asks.

[Ebiris]

"That's actually more reasonable, but my calendar's booked for the next few decades," Afina says, her tone a mix of apology and amusement. "Anyway, can you tell me where the nearest settlement or landmark is? I need to orient myself so I can rejoin my army."

[Anastasia]

The marid slumps, "But the family's soirees are so boring. You'd liven them up." She sighs, "No, not really. I'm wandering here to stay away from my father, since we're supposed to be having another stupid wine tasting today." A flush comes to her cheeks, "But I could take you somewhere with magic."

[Ebiris]

"Then I propose a bargain," Afina says, seeing the opportunity. "If you can take me to the city of Elons Rapid on the prime material of Benfal, or even just a noteworthy city here in Water, I'll free up time to attend one of your family's soirees at the conclusion of our current campaign?"

[Anastasia]

"Ooooh. Plane shifting? I can do that too," The marid says, "Say, would you like to make a contract with me? A wish contract? As I know you noticed, I'm a noble marid and I can grant wishes."

[Ebiris]

"Thank you but just the plane shift will suffice for my needs," she answers. "I know a wizard who usually grants wishes for me."

[Anastasia]

The marid slumps, "Fine, but it's a deal," she says, "I'm Guluba of House Springa."

[Ebiris]

"Of course, as a fey noble my word is my bond," Afina promises with all due seriousness. "I'll contact you at the conclusion of our current campaign to arrange things, or if it suits you I can offer the hospitality of Aurora for the duration."