Moving spheres

[Anastasia]

You meet with Syala as she stands before an apple tree. The apples turn from red to blue as she watches, gaze intent on them. Then the shift to orange, becoming more oblong.

[Ebiris]

"What are you doing?" Alicia asks bluntly, looking at the strange fruit.

[Anastasia]

"Exploring new fruits," Syala says, not looking back. The apples twist back into apples, one falling off the tree and flying over to you. "Try that one."

[Ebiris]

Alicia catches the apple and holds it up with a smile. "Got permission before trying this one at least," she says before bringing it to her mouth and taking a big bite.

[Anastasia]

It tastes like sausages with a hint of sweetness, crisp to the bite.

"Experimenting with me worked out so well for you, remember." Syala says, "How is it? Antenora hated it and Latha liked it."

[Ebiris]

Alicia's brow wrinkles and she shakes her head. "Eurgh, no. No thank you," she says, lips pursed. "My brain was expecting something sweet, so the savouriness did not go down well. Texture's all wrong for that sort of meaty flavour, too."

[Anastasia]

Syala wrinkles her nose, the tree and apple gone. "So how did your book turn out?"

[Ebiris]

"Quite well, it didn't have so much for me to learn - I can cast spells in heavier armour now but I wouldn't want to wear something that limited my mobility anyway," Alicia answers. "It'll be more useful to others, especially since I added my own insights. Just have to wait until I can pick someone worthy to bear it. But actually I was thinking about that Icon of Sensations we took from Jade. There's more to it we haven't grasped, we just need something that can help us with shaping and controlling chaos. I was wondering if you had any ideas before I started consulting elsewhere."

[Anastasia]

"I've been busy," Syala admits, "But no time like now to try."

[Ebiris]

"If you have any ideas on leads I'm happy to try chasing them down," Alicia prods. "My other thought was to have Ebony ask Baleruk for us."

[Anastasia]

"Baleruk," Syala says, "We should meet him sooner or later anyway, and he may more insights into chaos than either of us."

[Ebiris]

"Lets have our avatars visit Aurora tomorrow then?" Alicia says. "Mine's fairly tapped out after today's excursions - even if I don't expect trouble, no sense being too carefree with it."

[Anastasia]

Anything else to do before that?

[Ebiris]

Unless something happens to us, nope!

[Anastasia]

Thus the two of you reach Aurora. Ebony awaits just outside, kneeling as you approach. "I am here to serve," she invites, as Aurora bustles within, warriors training and other such things going on. You spy Hanna working, driving several groups to practice against one another.