A Return

[Corwin]

"It's been a generation, yes," Seira agrees. "That success is your legacy to Kesse, for countless generations ahead. Have our efforts at easing the previous queen's life born fruit? If she suffers still, I might be better-placed to help her. And what of the bureaucracy you've established there? Is Agathaiel essential to it, or can we attempt a shift in the guard? I think our true success is measured by whether things keep on working with new faces continuing down the same path."

[Anastasia]

"She's passed," Valar says, "A mercy in the end, let her move onto something better. Agathiel," Rubbing his chin in thought, "We could spare her if you need her and want to train more. That is the final test of institutions, surviving past the old guard."

[Corwin]

"I would like her to guide my idiot daughter," Seira admits. "If she managed to help you change the hearts and minds of Kesse's people, she might help Emily get a bit of common sense. And I think it's time for us to see how Kesse does without such a tight grip at the reigns." Taking another sip of her drink, she asks, "What of Kesse's neighbors? Has there been any further strife?"

[Anastasia]

"Wait," Valar says, "What did Emily do? That aside, relatively little with proactive action and diplomacy. There's still border skirmishes, but we're doing better there."

[Corwin]

Seira sighs. "I don't really want to talk about it." There is a brief silence, but rather than let it turn gloomy, she asks in a blatant change of topic, "I take it that making use of the portal network and all we can offer is better than trying to settle generation-old grudges, at least for the younger folk? Actually, is there a nation on the Prime that decided to be a recluse and closed its borders to organized magical transportation?"

[Anastasia]

"Ah." Valar lets the subject of Emily go, sitting bcak instead with the faintest grimace. "It's working best with the newest generation, breaking the cycle. The older generations are often too set in their ways, like paths made by many feet."

A pause, a drink of ale. "No, no one who's resisting the portal network yet, but we haven't pressed too far beyond yet, though that gets into greater geography."

[Corwin]

"I'll be sure to go over cartography with Abby," Seira muses. "So! We'll keep advisers and our agents will keep discreet observations of the older guard, but you'll find a suitable successors to serve as the king's council." It's strange that she hasn't been coordinating well, but such things are easily fixed and their time is infinite. "Perhaps we could have this change coincide with you announcing a new project, the construction of a grand library that would serve as the repository of knowledge for Kesse's people? Not just a library, now that I think about it, but a monument as well. A museum complex, preserving the lessons from the terror of war and its assorted ills while avoiding demonizing the people or nations involved. While people should look to the future and towards cooperation, it might help to keep in mind just why peace is preferable to the alternative, and we'll do that by giving the visitors a taste of that alternative."

[Anastasia]

"Yes," Valar says, then exhales. "Seira, I'm old now...and the people have done well to change, but it will take more time yet."

[Corwin]

"You've more than earned your rest," Seira tells him quietly. "Valar, only Lathander knows how much you've helped the cause of freedom. How much you've helped me step more firmly on my path."

The unvoiced question is whether Valar wishes to either retire or be reborn in the heavenly realms, or if he's up for the next challenge.

[Anastasia]

Valar smiles, meeting your gaze. "I'm old, not tired."

[Corwin]

"We're abolishing slavery across the Inner Planes," Seira tells him solemnly. "Only our closest allies know. The details will be told in due time, but this is the true reason I wish to recall you, my friend. It's time to break those chains."

[Anastasia]

"I'll be there," he says, "I only hope I have a few days to rest - tired or not, this body has its own ideas of what it needs anymore."

[Corwin]

"The opening strikes will be localized violence and diplomacy," Seira assures him. "Stay for Amaryl's celebrations."

I'll see Kascha next.

[Anastasia]

Kascha's to the side, writing away in her book and lost in it. She hums to herself, a light and airy tune as she scribbles away.

[Corwin]

"How's your trip going so far?" Seira asks her with a grin. "Won any hearts and minds?"