The Next Step Forward

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa scoffs at that.

"Outside of equipment, most of the money I come across goes back into the Order. Emily, looks like you have some divination to do. Maybe we can get you trained in Cooperative magic... That might help you."

[Anastasia]

"In the meantime," Waukeen smiles, the copy of her outfit flying to you. "Keep it."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa looks at Waukeen a bit suspiciously.

"Not to be ungrateful, but rarely do gifts from gods come without strings. I'm... Leery of the attention I've been getting lately."

[Anastasia]

At this Waukeen smiles, "Sharp of you, no deal is easy and there's no such thing as a free lunch. If you ever get in trouble and need to escape, put the outfit on. It'll teleport you to Brightwater - for a price, of course, to be paid after arrival. You'll find you can put it on in seconds and even over other clothes. A reasonable price, I assure you."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Our opinions of reasonable may differ. Mind giving a bit more detailed... estimate of the cost? And what if there's a teleport block in place?"

[Anastasia]

"Oh, it'll depend on the circumstances, but a few thousand sounds right," Waukeen says, "It's powerful enough a minor teleport block should shatter, but it may not get through a stronger one."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Hm... Thank for the gift, however leery of using it I may be. I appreciate the implied sentiment. Was there any other reason you asked for me to come along? The fact that you sent the invitation to me and not Emily, and simply have her bring me with her, implies there was more to it."

[Anastasia]

"There's no fear in you, at least not the kind that checks your actions." Waukeen says, suddenly more for just one moment. So much your mind reels, overwhelmed by sheer presence. But only for a moment, "Do not forget who and what I am...and it's refreshing for a mortal to talk to me respectfully but not over awed or terrified. That sort of poise can make you a lot of money."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa shakes her head after a bit of wooziness from it.

"Yes, I do... Let it get away from me sometimes. I apologize for that. I've been clawing through the Order since I was empowered, it just becomes reflexive. You're actually the second deity that's mentioned it. I'll have to work on it before I deal with Malcanthet. I doubt she'll be as intrigued by it. Or maybe she will, for the worse."

[Anastasia]

"I also don't want to hurt my dear niece's feelings," she adds, shooting the quiet and grateful Emily a look.

Emily nods quickly, "Thank you, Aunt Waukeen!"

"You've gotten yourself entangled in affairs far above your station. Take care they do not consume you, Alyssa Songsteel."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Yes, that's why I'm trying to make alliances. The Red Knight approached me, and Shaundakul approved it. You're absolutely correct that I'm out of my depth."

[Anastasia]

"Then keep making them. It worked for Aurora, after all," Waukeen notes. "Now then, young lady," turning to Emily, "Get going, you have a replacement to find. Alyssa, it was a pleasure to meet you."

[Iron Dragoon]

"It was both a pleasure and enlightening. I look forward to improving our relationship."

[Anastasia]

And from there you are sent home. No magic, just a simple bit of divine will that returns you to your guild.

Emily sags once she's back, "I'm not a frog, I'm not a newt! Aunt Waukeen isn't that mad at me!"

[Iron Dragoon]

"Well, she did give you quite a bit of work to do. But yes, you made it through. What next?"