A Return

[Corwin]

"What is it?"

[Anastasia]

"A magic tome," she says, "The Burning Arcanum, a collection of fire magic. A minor artifact made by Bristis Pel, his mother."

[Corwin]

"If he has any leads, we can look into things," Seira assures her. "I just have something to do on Fire myself, and then we're good." Making a mental note to add it to Vayley's itinerary, she asks, "How about the trip itself? Do you need anything else? More bodyguards to appear more impressive as you arrive?"

[Anastasia]

"Maybe Xera, if she's free," Kascha says, "Someone else to help out, and she could use the experience. Since Emily...er..." A pause there, a shuffle. "Is she?"

[Corwin]

"I was going to send her off with you originally," Seira affirms. "Instead, she's bullying apprentices on a Prime by existing. Go figure, right?" Considering the request, she finds herself more and more amenable to the idea. "I wanted her to be our contact on Benfal, but this works just as well. In fact, how about we go invite her now?"

Let's invite Xera to the groupchat~

[Anastasia]

Getting Xera isn't hard. She comes on over, magic parting to let her through. "Mother," she greets you warmly, your daughter smiling, "Aunt Kascha."

[Corwin]

"It's good to have you back," Seira welcomes her with an answering smile. "Has Celestia been kind to you?" That smile turns teasing as she asks, "Met anyone there, by chance?"

[Anastasia]

"It has been, yes," Xera meets that look quite calmly. "I've practiced my meditation quite a bit. I believe it is called 'Dodge of Motherly Aspirations.'"

[Corwin]

"In that case, I've got something to make you a master at it," Seira tells her happily. "Kascha has requested your services as a bodyguard, and how can you refuse this adorable face?"

[Anastasia]

"Then I will," Xera says without hesitation. "What is the nature of the threat that requires a bodyguard?"

[Corwin]

"We've recently tangled with Shar and Lixer," Seira reasonably tells her. "Besides, I'm always active on the Inner Planes."

She doesn't plan on getting into the details now; the two of them will hear all about it if she succeeds on the first try.

[Anastasia]

"Yes, mother," Xera lets it go at that, "I'll protect Kascha with my life."

That makes Kascha frown, "Don't die! I've died before, it's not something to enjoy."

[Corwin]

"Yes," Seira affirms. "The goal is not to bravely die, but to work together to delay any actual threats long enough to get away. And call on me if it actually happens, both of you!"

[Anastasia]

"I promise," Kascha says, and...

Anything else to add here?

[Corwin]

Seira would like to collect Oraga and go to Sylica.