Home again

[Ebiris]

I see. I'm aware that Hell and likely others will soon join the war and I'm reserving my forces to counter their efforts when that happens. But if you or Seira ask we will help no matter the situation.

[Anastasia]

'I'll inform her. Thanks and be well, Alicia. I may be busy killing fiends and efreet soon, so today may be a good day after all.'

[Ebiris]

"No real information yet, but Seira might be calling for our aid soon," Alicia says. "For now I'll have my avatar ready our standby forces with Latha in case they need to go to the Cauldron in a hurry. We can still visit Red Knight ourselves at least until things actually cross that bridge."

[Anastasia]

Jessica is found waiting outside the bakery - which has expanded in size, more people in. You only get a glimpse as Jessica waits nearby, there and yet unnoticed by others.

[Ebiris]

Deferring to Jessica's preferences, Alicia makes herself and Syala similarly unseen as she appears beside her sister.  "Ready to go, sister?" she asks.

[Anastasia]

"I'm ready," Jessica says, taking a breath, "Let's impress her, sister."

[Ebiris]

"You might get a friendlier reception from Mystra or Sharess, but they're a lot further beyond us. Red Knight is closer to what we are - indeed her relationship with Tempus parallels mine with Mystra, or Syala's with Sharess. She's earned her divinity and carved out a respectable place among the gods of Creation," Alicia says to mentally prepare Jessica. "Pay close attention to her for what you can learn, and be forthright. But don't let her intimidate you - we're close to being equals, and shouldn't be considered lessers in any parlay. Lastly, expect her to try and draw out more details on how you and Antenora ascended. Io's wish for secrecy must be respected, and we're not close enough to give away our own secrets. Deflect if you feel able, or simply say that it's a secret otherwise. She can't force anything out of you."

[Anastasia]

"I understand, sister," Jessica agrees, "Is there anything else I should know?"

Syala says with a pat of her shoulder, "That you'll impress the hell out of her before it's done."

[Ebiris]

"What Syala said," Alicia smiles after her serious exposition. "Come then, to Warrior's Rest," she opens a gate to the edge of Red Knight's realm, stepping through and then projecting her presence outwards in a divine 'knock' once Syala and Jessica have joined her.

[Anastasia]

The gate opens, appearing before you. It is of solid steel, polished and painted red. Ornate steelwork parts, revealing a secluded hunting lodge ahead. Forest surrounds it, dark and primeval. Yet the lodge ahead is made of sturdy red brick, three stories tall and untouched by the gloom.

Welcome.

The Red Knight strides forward, in armor save for a helm. Her hair is long and black, falling down her back. She strides forward, posture straight and strong. A warm smiles graces her face, "Alicia," she greets, "Syala, Jessica." The last she focuses on, "Ao thinks well of your family name to promote all three of you with it."

[Ebiris]

"Red Knight, well met," Alicia greets the other armoured warrior deity. "We have been exceptionally fortunate in that regard."

[Anastasia]

"Fortune favors the brave," Syala seconds, "Do you not agree?"

Jessica comes forward, holding her hand out for the Red Knight. The two shake hands firmly, "We all have the same fortune to never succumb and to always keep going. Perhaps Alicia stubborned us into it."

With a tight smile at that, "I would not wager against that," The Red Knight seconds.

[Ebiris]

"Flatterers," Alicia says indulgently. "So, your message mentioned a hunt?" she asks to move things along.

[Anastasia]

"A great hunt," The Red Knight declares, "Tell me, how do you each prefer to hunt?"

[Ebiris]

"I'm not a greatly practiced hunter I'll admit," Alicia says. "When I was younger I'd supplement my supplies while travelling off game. A simple bow and arrow to take down a rabbit or bird close to my camp would satisfy. Nothing dramatic about that," she smiles softly.