To challenge destiny (Afina)

[Ebiris]

"Extremely," she admits. "I had to use a limited wish for that sending so it won't be reliable for another half hour, and what I have is limited to the seventh circle. I'm still more than capable against most foes but against the likes of that dogai or Taelfagn I'm not the decisive force I'd like to be."

[Anastasia]

"Unavoidable. The spellcaster's curse. There are times I envy someone like Jaela or Adrian, who can fight on for hours at full or nearly full ability," Tepen admits, as he holds a hand up. "A moment, I'm getting reports from the sewers of a problem."

[Ebiris]

At least the time she does spend fighting is time she has an out-sized impact on things! But yes, it does chafe a little. She waits to hear what's been found in the sewers. Hopefully not another devil trump card.

[Anastasia]

"Early reports are a possible dragon," Tepen replies, "It could be magic imitating a dragon's roar, but with the forces the devils have used so far, we have to assume it's a real dragon until proven otherwise."

[Ebiris]

Were any dragons mentioned in the intelligence package Sylica gave us?

[Anastasia]

No.

[Ebiris]

"If so it's not one that our friends in Sylica expected to be in the area," Afina says. "Too much to hope it's a native dragon rising up to throw off the shackles of devil tyranny?"

At least no one cursed by Bahamut is down there if it is!

[Anastasia]

"I-" Tepen begins with a wry smile, as all of reality flashes white. There is a violent shaking, everything trembling. A howl comes from afar, like a vast creature crying out.

[Ebiris]

Afina jerks to her feet. "What was that?!" she asks, either Tepen who's in telepathic contact with everyone or Elena who can see out of Aurora.

Is Semyaza dead, maybe? So soon?

[Anastasia]

'I'm getting dozens of messages, hold on," Tepen manages, holding his head as he grits his teeth.

[Ebiris]

Restraining herself she nods and sits back down again, holding back her impatience.

[Anastasia]

Tepen is silent for a period, "I believe things have truly gone better an faster than anticipated. Alicia and Syala confront Semyaza."

[Ebiris]

"We've done our part as well as we can," Afina reasons, though they've only captured one of their target cities and are only part done with a second, they've decimated some highly valuable devil opponents that would have been serious force multipliers in any theatre. She can only hope Taelfagn got disgusted and went home with all the support he was otherwise offering after she vanished from his trap as well.

"Lets hope they can do theirs."

[Anastasia]

"Amen," Tepen bows her head, "Lady of Magic, guide Alicia's blade as you have before," he murmurs.

[Ebiris]

Afina doesn't pray, because it's not her thing. Still, she wishes the two goddesses luck!