Cauldron Festival

[Anastasia]

"Elle keeps a strangle on that market, even after her first shop flew off," Mia remarks, "But there's even more demand now, and while Luna Del Stronger has the reputation, plenty of others are getting into it. Plus, others are often selling magical goods in private sales, even when it's against the law." A shrug and a smile, "Commerce finds a way. Do you need names in particular?"

[Corwin]

"Not right now. I'd just appreciate you taking keeping an ear out for anyone wanting to do more, either locally or out there in the planes. I'm expanding right now, and I hope to sponsor as many idealistic heroes as flock to my banner."

Leaning closer to Mia across the table, Seira says, "We're going to do a great many things on this world, but the top project is eliminating global hunger. After... perhaps we'll be able to move past scarcity altogether. Can you imagine it? A world where commerce deals with luxuries and indulgences rather than violent struggles for survival?"

[Anastasia]

"Well, as long as there's a good bottom line in it," Mia agrees. "Can you actually do that, though?"

[Corwin]

"I could do it myself," Seira allows. "But then Shar and every shitty deity out there will go out of their way to ruin it. Plagues, famines, demon armies, you name it. If I merely guide mortals, it will take longer but we can still do it. And only Shar will oppose us directly, since the others won't risk breaking the rules of the Competition and what that entails."

[Anastasia]

"That sounds a little too easy," Mia says, "I haven't heard of any other Primes that well off for food. Got a secret you aren't telling me?" A winsome smile at that, "Don't worry, I won't spill it."

[Corwin]

"You've heard of Primes ascending to become parts of a heaven? Or of Primes being lost to fiendish powers?" Seira shrugs. "It's the same thing. In the end, Mia, the truth is rather sad. It's not that such feats are beyond mortals on any number of worlds. It's that the evil powers are far more active normally, and work tirelessly to counter such efforts. This world already has a leg up due to our efforts, and I'm well-established here. I've got plans to advance my hold over the world even more, and then my ability to aid the locals against such outside threats will grow."

[Anastasia]

"Well then, don't get lazy," Mia says, "What other plans do you have?"

[Corwin]

"I've got to keep some cards close to the chest," Seira says coyly. "But find someone serious who's interested and I'll share more. Or if you feel up to it yourself...?"

[Anastasia]

"I'll think about it," Mia says, "And consult with my Golden Lady, too. I'll be in touch with your temple here once I have decided." Finishing the last of her food, "Now then, shall we...?"

Anything else to do here?

[Corwin]

It's cool! I'd like to tour my inn (and Elle's shop near it) and then check in on Alicia's place.

[Anastasia]

I'd mostly leave the Inn to your discretion, as that was always your enterprise and I tried to respect that. Do you have anything in particular you want to see there or just the basics?

[Corwin]

Just look at it from the outside and see how it's treated. An actual inn, a nightclub, point of pilgrimage, any combination of factors? Then I'd like to see Elle's store and head off to Alicia's place.

[Anastasia]

Your inn is busy.

That's the first thing you note. People are constantly coming and going, heading in and out. It's well kept and looks nice - from the outside everything looks good, really, Elle's shop nearby. A sign hanging has the inn's name and then the following words, 'Food * Inn * Drinks * Entertainment.'

Another sign reads, 'Created and blessed by Seira, the Dragon Princess'.

[Corwin]

"I was just starting out in the military when I bought the property and renovated," she recalls, speaking to Oraga. "Only a captain, if the youngest one in the history of the Baronies. I wonder whether someone's broken my record?"

[Anastasia]

"How young?" Oraga says, a rumbling tone as he keeps his gaze sweeping about. "20? 21?"