Moonwatching (Jaela; 86 days left)

[Anastasia]

You find Balyss in the Temple of Selune, kneeling and in prayer. It's quiet here, a sense of peace and serenity in the air.

Go ahead, Jaela.

[Corwin]

Jaela displays her infinite patience and waits for Balyss to be done.

[Anastasia]

Balyss is at it for some time - perhaps a quarter of an hour before she rises. "Jaela," she greets you, back to you as she rises, turning to see you after that. "I'm glad you made it back safely." Her smile is soft and serene, a faint silvery glow around her head. Her voice is subtly different, calm and with a gentleness that soothes you.

[Corwin]

"I'll tell you a secret," Jaela whispers, leaning closer. "I'm pretty strong."

[Anastasia]

"I know," Balyss says gently, a silver-glowing hand cupping your cheek. "You were still in mortal peril. We saw many tangled threads of the futures that could be but were not. We thank Selune for her mercy in guiding you back safe and sound, for it was a rocky path you followed."

[Corwin]

"That it was," Jaela agrees, mirth melting away. "And I need some guidance now, so that next time I return from certain peril I'm dragging a traitor with me."

[Anastasia]

"Speak, we will tell you what we know, for we are seven like this, and seven will light the way to Lifasa's future, no matter what the nine say." Balyss speaks, her voice becoming one of many.

[Corwin]

"Mala or Ettan are preferred targets."

[Anastasia]

"Mala nurses her wounds, gravely injured," The voices speak, "She hides away in a den within the dying earth, surrounded by magma and unholy prayers. Her magic was not without backlash."

[Corwin]

"Happy to hear that!" Jaela says, perking up anew. "How do we dig her out of there? And can we do anything about Ettan?"

[Anastasia]

"Go down from where her abode began and tear through the broken earth nearby and into the magma," Balyss replies. "It will not be an easy battle."

[Corwin]

"Is there a merit in going fresh tomorrow?" Jaela muses. "Or would it already be too late?"

[Anastasia]

"It would be too late," Balyss intones, "We see that your chance is now or it shall be lost."

[Corwin]

"Thanks. I guess this is it." Nodding to herself, Jaela speaks into the air, "Elena, ask the Master, Afina, Simmer and Mirajane to meet me by the mission arch." Turning back to the possessed Balyss, she asks, "Any final instruction? If there's someone you recommend I bring along, I'll consider it."

[Anastasia]

"Do not bring Simmer, it is not her battle," The voices speak as one, "Do not bring Mirajane, it is not her battle. Three alone shall stand tall, four will bring death and five ruin."