A long way to the gate

[Nephrite]

Moore lets out another laugh. "I appreciate the enthusiasm. I'll do it soon, but not today."

He expression turns more grim and serious. "We have too many enemies for me to be taking a vacation. Especially one bold enough to show up on our very doorstep."

[Anastasia]

"All the more reason to make the time. If you live in dangerous times, live!" Villisa chides, "For tomorrow you may die."

[Nephrite]

"Do you inspire Cresiel with this same sort of hope?" Moore asks. He's smiling, nonetheless.

"I will. But right now... I need to focus on inner, rather than outer." Moore says.

[Anastasia]

"Ah. I try, I try," Villisa looks ahead, out to the ocean beyond. "Cresiel and I...well, he's a good son but he doesn't understand many of the lessons I'm trying to teach him. He has too much of his father's side and not enough of mine in him." She's smiling nonetheless, "If he's just listen honestly and accept, but his gaze and heart are already elsewhere. I really must avoid dating archons or angels tied to Celestia. They're always looking upward instead of at the world around them."

[Nephrite]

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm chipping away at that stodgy persona of his." Moore says. "Not to say that it isn't always appreciated, and most of the time warranted. I've learned..." He takes a breath. "I think what's beyond the gates above us is something that even an Eladrin would find joy in. I... think there's more than one answer." He says, quietly. "I think everyone can be happy in the end, and I want to see that happiness through."

[Anastasia]

"Well if you truly feel that way, I can put in a good word with one of the 77+7 archangels," Villisa says, "Also, chip away, but it's like working a mountain with a toothpick." Here she sighs slightly, "And he backslides once he's away crusading for a few lifetimes."

[Nephrite]

Moore smiles. "I don't know what my fate has in store for me, but I'm glad to have Cresiel's support, as well as yours. Romiel didn't seem that serious when I met him, though."

[Anastasia]

"Romiel has..." A pause, "Softness is the wrong word, but understanding. He knows how to hold himself back. Cresiel's never had that gift. He's too focused, too intent. He's a being of action. Give him a goal and he does it. He lives in a world where good deeds and righteous victories are the only currency and need he desires."

[Nephrite]

Moore smiles. "Then I'll give him a goal to be less serious."

[Anastasia]

A laugh, bright and warm, "I had Romiel try that once for me. It doesn't work, but it's a lovely idea." You get a gentle pat on your shoulder, "Celestials like him only have some of them here, while the rest is already gone to what lies beyond for them."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "I'll take good care of him, but I think you know that." A smile after that. "I need to reach out to more realms. People like Cresiel can't always see the good in other creatures if they don't meet certain criteria. I want to be a bridge -- not to an end, but to a better future for people. That's something I learned in Aurora that I want to foster here."

[Anastasia]

"Ah, Aurora!" Villisa perks up, "Tell me about it! Cresiel's his normal talkative self and I've heard such rumors about it. Tell me all about Aurora!"

[Nephrite]

"I've never met a more accepting bunch." Moore says. "They didn't even ask me what a pixie was doing wrapped up in Celestia. The most important thing I learned there was never to give up on anything -- no matter what. Medi himself gave up, but in the end it was his legacy that saw to the saviors of an entire world."

A nostalgic smile as he looks up at Chronias. "They have the most wonderful food there, too. You wouldn't think that a military would, but it's true. Hmm... If you ever have a chance, you should see their library. I don't think it rivals Xiranthador, but it comes close."

[Anastasia]

"Oh, of course, of course, but details! What about the people and heroes there?" Villisa asks, "That's the real important part."

[Nephrite]

Moore considers for a moment.

"Jaela and Afina I'm sure you already know or have heard of." Moore says. "So let me tell you some stories about the lesser-known heroes, like Filbrez, Vul'lath and Ebony."

I don't remember a lot of specifics about them, but you damn well better believe he's going to tell her about how Filbrez can get any item, Vul'lath is everyone's tired uncle, and Ebony likes phase spiders.