Rising higher

[Anastasia]

"Then you understand why Afina crusades again," Lady Skye says, simply. "We all wish her well in this battle." You travel along an elegant hall of tree walls and canopy roof, statues of famous figures here. The warriors of Aurora, including yourself, are all shown here in ungiving stone, good likenesses of all of you.

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "Yes. We all have to get stronger." He says. A grin over at the statues.

[Anastasia]

You are lead beyond into a room. A room full of rose bushes, sunlight coming through gaps in the canopy. Here a pile of soft, silken pillows is where Ilsenine is, lying at rest and eyes closed. Nearby a satyr strums a harp, soothing and restful music as Ilsenine rests.

Lady Skye comes forward and in a soft voice, "My Queen," she murmurs.

[Nephrite]

Moore patiently waits!

There's no need to rush anything at this point.

[Anastasia]

Ilsenine slowly sits up, yawns and stretches, "Good afternoon, Lady Sk-" She blinks, pauses and smiles, "Moore!" A loud cry, then a pause. "Moore," she says, cooler, gathering herself. "Welcome home."

Kaja keeps in position in the back, not disturbing or interrupting the moment.

[Nephrite]

Moore gives a short wave.

"I had business with Aurora and decided I'd been selfish enough for a while." Moore says quietly. "Your Majesty, this is Kaja, one of my comrades in Celestia. Kaja, this is Queen Ilsenine of the Lifasan Court." Moore explains.

[Anastasia]

"Charmed," Kaja says, staying back.

Queen Ilsenine merely  gives Kaja a gracious look before she says, "Come here, there's so much to tell you," Queen Ilsenine says, patting the pillows next to her.

[Nephrite]

Moore laughs quietly. "You can wait outside, if you want, Kaja." Moore says as he flies over to take a seat.

"There's quite a bit to tell you about myself -- so why don't you go first?" He says.

[Anastasia]

Kaja hurriedly takes that chance, Lady Skye going with him.

"Crystal's doing well, though she's currently away on court business," Queen Ilsenine says, "She's doing what she can before she gets too gravid."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "Lady Skye mentioned some grim news, is there anything going on besides what's transpired with Gathgorian?"

[Anastasia]

"That is enough grim news," Ilsenine says, "Jaela and Aurora hunt the First Vampire, perhaps to set things right with the specter of Annalise in Jaela's memories. Afina hunts and prepares to face Gathgorian. We have peace, yet we have war and crusades further ahead." The pixie queen rests against you, a gentle hug.

[Nephrite]

Moore smiles and gives her a comforting hug.

"You're welcome to visit any time you'd like, you know." Moore says. "Though I'm working on a solution so we can talk more regularly and in person. How are you doing, truthfully?"

[Anastasia]

"I miss many of Aurora. I miss Aurora itself. I miss Afina. I miss you," Queen Ilsenine says, "There is much good and much happiness to take up my days, but I am also aware of what I wish was still here."

[Nephrite]

Moore chuckles. "There's something to be said about there is no hunter without a hunted. Has Titania said much in the recent times?" Moore asks. "It feels like most deities have been taking a more active role in things where I've been."

[Anastasia]

"On the evening after hearing of Afina's new crusade, she instructed me to aid Afina as she needs," Ilsenine says, "But otherwise, no."