Island raiser

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa gazes at the entrance.

"I do... But not right now. A bit more specialized preparation is needed, I think, Lord Benefactor."

[Anastasia]

"Then come forth and meet me," Io declares, "For you have questions and I shall answer them, to my limits."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa strides forward.

[Anastasia]

Thus your party follows. You step through the gates and -

Stairs. You climb them. On and up, higher and higher. Higher and higher, higher and higher. Higher yet.

Then at last you stand atop the stairs, atop the tower. Here an endless field of stars glistens above, like jewels set into the black silk of the night sky. And yet a larger thing looms below it, something titanic. Something so big a single scale makes Baleruk seem tiny. Here a great wyrm rests, the wyrm of wyrms, in every shape and way a dragon. A dragon of steadily changing shade, shine, tint and even exact form. It is all and none at once, and then you realize it. The night sky is not above it. The night sky is a cloak it wears, as if carrying the entire sky on its back.

Emily eeps softly and bows, Jarem stepping forward and mimicing that. Ianvasah stares, as if utterly captivated by the sight.

"You chose the power of dragons," Io utters to Ianvasah, not unkindly, "Then understand your choice."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa takes a moment to take in the source of her power, the very essence of power, then bows respectfully, waiting for Ianvasah to finish.

[Anastasia]

Ianvasah falls to her knees, staring ahead with dazed eyes.

"By your choice, you will seek perfection with your life, Ianvasah." Io declares, "Meditate on this." Then he turns his gaze to Alyssa, "It is good to meet again."

[Iron Dragoon]

"It is, Lord Io. I'm encouraged that our meeting was more easily accomplished this time. I think our relationship is becoming more open."

She gives him a smile.

"I think you already have an idea about what I want to ask about, Lord Io."

[Anastasia]

"Speak," Io encourages, "There is much to discuss."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Of all the ones sent to your maze over all the years, what about me made you grant this power to me?"

[Anastasia]

"You were the one suited to the task I returned to Creation to aid with." Io explains, "Do you yet understand the task that has been lain on you?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"Defying the Phrophecy of Mechanus and prevent Shar from unraveling all you helped build."

[Anastasia]

"Yes, but there is much more to it," Io says, looking to Ianvasah.

Ianvasah kneels to Io, "I shall do as you command," she says, head lowered.

In that instant you feel the connection between yourselves and Ianvasah, Jarem's instinctive words of magic and understanding flowing a split second later. 

"Oh!" Emily cries, smiling, "That's it, Ianvasah!"

Node update, go read and reply.

[Iron Dragoon]

Read it. Paragon Ianvasah on the way.

Alyssa shivers a bit.

"Congratulations Ianvasah. Lord Io, that's another question we had. What is that connection? We've figured out it involves goals and motivations, but what is it? What power is it?"

[Anastasia]

"Zaphkiel of Celestia provides these boons," Io says, "It is his intervention that helps empower those of yours as you grow stronger."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods thoughtfully.

"How am I suited to this task? What do you expect from me?"