Io's Labyrinth

[Corwin]

This certainly warrants another fist pump! Eager to strike at the metal while it's hot, Seira asks Io, "What does it mean to pursue one of the paths to draconic perfection? I'm not arrogant enough to believe that I've started the fifth path just because I'm persistent and have been successful so far, but is that a real possibility for me? And if so, how do I make it reality?"

[Anastasia]

"It is not something you need. You are already divine," Io says, "It is a path for my children to chase perfection and perhaps ascend past mortality altogether."

[Corwin]

"Ah, you misunderstand," Seira tells him. "I meant that dragons only really strive to follow one of two paths, because honestly no one really pays much attention to the ruby one. So since I believe that I'm doing the right thing for the right reasons, I want other dragons to follow me. I'm just not sure what it would take to stand shoulder to shoulder with the three known paths for dragonkind and inspire them. Clearly, just seizing things by force doesn't work, given Baleruk's example. Do I... need your blessing for that or something? I do honestly think dragons could accomplish great things following my example over Tiamat's, say."

Or Bahamut, honestly.

[Anastasia]

"I will give you my blessing, if you want it and you feel it will aid your tasks ahead," Io says, "Dragons are drawn to dragons. It will take time for you, as many still see you as a humanoid grown large. Being a dragon is the best way to inspire other dragons."

[Ebiris]

That phrasing makes Alicia smile a little, though she hopes Seira doesn't notice.

[Nephrite]

"Speaking of inspiring other dragons, Is... there any chance you have the ability to rescind a punishment bestowed by other dragons?" Moore asks. "As I'm sure you know, those who helped Baleruk were punished for it with a brand forever. I... don't feel like that was justified, or at least, just like those who have been trapped here, I think the punishment has served its purpose for them. It's my understanding that you were the one who decreed it, but I'll admit I don't have the full story." Moore says.

[Corwin]

"I do, I really think I do." Seira grins, reminiscing, "Once upon a time, I would've wanted validation of my efforts. But at this point, I think it's really to have more of an effect. I'm already trying to change things around in the existing dragon order, so having those I approach view my efforts as sanctioned and legitimate would go a long way and let me get my foot in the door. I'll handle the rest myself."

Thinking about this for a bit more, she asks, "It does make me curious how much we can speak of having met you. Do you wish to keep it a secret, for us to relay something to those who inquire, or something else entirely?"

[Corwin]

At Moore's words, she unwittingly clenches her fist at her side. That fucking Bahamut again....

[Anastasia]

"You would desire that I free them?" Io asks Moore, and then to Seira's words?

"My return is not unknown, but I wish to stay largely rumor. Keep it a secret from those who have no reason to know."

[Nephrite]

"I would, yes." Moore says. "Far be it from me to question your motives, so... please do not take offense. But it's as you said yourself -- compassion may be something that is... foreign, sometimes."

[Corwin]

"I understand," Seira responds. That blessing will probably be somehow felt by other dragons! She'll see how things work out with the Astral Reds.

"Ah, and since you're the absolute authority on this, would you have any advice on how to become an even better dragon?"

[Anastasia]

Refresh me on who still has that brand, y'all?

[Ebiris]

Afina, Jaela, and Ithea I believe.

[Anastasia]

"It is done," Io declares, "Both deeds." No pulse of power, no display - just a stone cold certainty is it is finished.

[Nephrite]

"Thank you." Moore says. He looks at the others. "I don't want to interrupt anyone else's questions, if you all have them, since the rest of mine will mostly be selfish, I think."