Crushed Slavers

[Corwin]

"I think that part is in all of us, and it's never really gone," Seira muses. "And you know, it might be really hard, but it's not complicated at all. You take a leap of faith one more time. That's all."

[Anastasia]

"I...I will," Zariel murmurs. "I've...I've done horrible things. I've lost my self in hate and revenge, twisted by that bastard of a gnome's plans. I've disgraced myself, humiliated myself, whored myself for power. For meaningless power." Her voice becomes strained, struggling. "And all It took...a few former mortals...who wouldn't give up on me. Who...who..."

[Corwin]

"We wanted to right things, and we believed in you," Seira tells her, pushing off her perch to cross the distance and give Zariel the hug she looks like she needs.

[Anastasia]

A shudder. No tears, just a shudder that seems to jar her entire body.

"Then..." Zariel takes a breath. I merely need to decide what is to be done next."

[Corwin]

"Pick a vague goal to work towards," Seira offers. "Then pick a more immediate goal or two, to get into the swing of things. Figure out the intermediary goals from there, both as you break down an apparently-insurmountable problem like Shar into smaller bits, and as the immediate goals provide you with hooks for further involvement. Perhaps crashing the slavers in one town reveals the existence of a shadowy organization backing them? And so on."

After a brief consideration, she decides to say, "I don't know if you've run into him while visiting, but I used to have a familiar as a mortal. Right now, he's taken the role of our primary metalsmith. His name is Yandrazrt, which you might recognize since you have something in common. He too fought against Daavid, despite being a gnome himself, and was broken for his trouble. Perhaps you could also talk to him and see how he's found fresh goals after regaining himself?"

[Anastasia]

"A gnome," Zariel concurs, "You may have wise council, I will see to him. Perhaps the first small thing will present itself from that."

[Corwin]

"Hearing his story gave me hope," Seira recalls with a fond smile. "If even in that situation, under those odds, there were people who made the impossible choice to stand against Daavid, then nothing is set in stone."

[Anastasia]

"Nothing is," Zariel agrees.
Yemimah.
A few moments pass, "A memory comes to mind, a possible purpose. I may be inferior to many tasks, but one may yet be mine, because I understand what she must be suffering."

[Corwin]

"Forgive me, but are you referring to Yemimah?"

[Anastasia]

"I am." Zariel says, "It came to mind and it feels right." Looking upward, "It was often said that inspiration comes from above us. Perhaps I have begun to remember how to look above."

[Corwin]

Seira nods slowly, stepping away. "I've been trying to put out feelers to get information on her prison. The Mercane are the most promising, and once we have something actionable Alicia will be happy to help. Do you have your own sources to check with, or would you prefer to take over what little I have going there?:

[Anastasia]

"Officially, Dispater does not hold her. Unofficially, he does not hold her. Those of us at the highest ranks have reason to suspect he lies," Zariel says, "As well as the Triad having their reasons to accuse Dispater. I have few sources who will talk to me, but I will prevail on them nonetheless."

[Corwin]

"Just tell me what you need, both for the investigation and to ensure you travel safely."

[Anastasia]

A moment and then another before she says, "A companion so I do not travel alone. As of now I have no one who would stand with me." Her eyes close, a moment of silence following that.

[Corwin]

"I'll make it happen," Seira assures her. It would take time for Zariel to get together with Lagann, and it's time Seira can spend to vet candidates.

Incidentally, I want to chat with Xera.