Home again

[Anastasia]

There are people in the nearby rooms, but they're generally asleep.

A single serving maid is heading down the hall, a mop and bucket carried.

[Ebiris]

No, if she gave the maid an inclination to visit that room it would be sending her to her death. If the man screams and that alerts the maid and rouses others fine, but Alicia won't intervene in that fashion.

For the Hammon she does him the favour of pushing back his tiredness, aiding the adrenaline boost he has so he can have a better chance of pushing back the dagger. If that's not enough, Helm will keep his soul safe.

[Anastasia]

> roll 1d20+4 str check merchant
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+5 str check Hammon (+3 adrenaline thanks to Alicia)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d20=3]

It is a struggle, a struggle for a life in a single moment. A struggle that in the end, superior weight sees to. The dagger sinks down and plunges in, a pained gasp as it comes up after that, no more resistance as it plunges in again and again, the merchant's face splitting with a grin, blood splattering over his tunic and face.

In that last moment you catch something out of the corner of your eye. The image of an armored guard, watching, waiting and standing vigil. Shadows in the room coil, twist, writhing on the opposite side.

[Ebiris]

Alicia has intervened as much as she's willing to for Hammon's life, it has to come down to him in the end lest all mortals be reduced to nothing more than divine pawns. It's unfortunate that he met his end at the hands of such a grotesque murderer, although many of her faithful in the region know to beware and watch for that face from dreams she's given them so hopefully he'll be brought to account soon.

She merely trusts Helm to take his soul now and deliver it to where he ought to go.

[Anastasia]

The shadows and guard stand opposite each other - but in the end Hammon's soul flies free and true to the Well of Souls. Slowly the shadows retreat, Helm staying a time yet.

[Ebiris]

Things aren't quite as they should be - Hammon shouldn't be dead after all. But they're as good as they can get for now, so Alicia's observation of the area relents as well and she goes to spend some time dealing with Sylican matters and bonding with her cat.

[Anastasia]

It is a few peaceful hours to see to things and rest. Human things - petting your kitten and watching him play, his mind sharp and active, a palpable if clumsy force. Martin declares war on an old sock, clawing and rolling with it, occasionally lifting them both into the air with a flare of mental power.

You watch this, a moment from filling out decrees and signing things that must be signed, as part of you sees towards your faithful - Daluth in single combat with a goblin champion, Anisa guarding travelers, Zane teaching a promising child how to conjure simple spheres of colored light.

A knock on your door, three raps on it. "Sister?" Jessica calls.

[Ebiris]

"Come in Jessica," Alicia calls, standing up from her seat where she'd been watching the kitten play and sifting through prayers.

[Anastasia]

Jessica enters, pausing halfway to watch Martin. He's airborne again, floating along as he claws away. "What a curious cat," she murmurs. Then she comes to you and gives you a brief hug, before going to sit next to you, pulling a chair up.

[Ebiris]

"He amuses me," Alicia agrees with an amused look as she returns that hug against her currently unarmoured body, sitting down after. "What's on your mind, sister?"

[Anastasia]

"I would like your honest, heartfelt opinion, that's what," Jessica says, taking your hands. "Between Latha and I, who do you favor taking the offer of ascension?"

[Ebiris]

"I'm not normally one to shy away from decisions like that, but in this case I actually am torn," she shakes her head. "Latha was my first though, I'll admit. Her experience on the bridge of Al-Sihal has prepared her for the sort of duties and judgement being a deity entails, and her role in Sylica is far more visible than yours which would make it easier for her to gain a following and build her church.

"But, you have been talking about expanding your influence, making more of a difference. You deserve the opportunity to pursue that... and there is one other factor. Io provided us with research materials on becoming One - Antenora's feat may be replicated more easily with it. Seira is currently making use of that work, but if we were to try again I think Latha would suit that method better, therefore it would make more sense for you to take advantage of this opportunity while it beckons. So... I wait to see first if you two will simplify the decision. If neither of you wish it, Antenora will be empowered. If both of you do, I'll judge yours and Latha's words and come to a decision, and hope neither of you will begrudge me for it."

[Anastasia]

"Then I wish to ascend," Jessica says, "I wish to have the chance to become more. Creation needs help, Alicia. Creation needs us," Jessica meets your gaze, "I can't sit at home and ignore need when I've been given so much. Not this time. Not again."

[Ebiris]

She smiles warmly and reaches over to pat Jessica's hand. "Thank you for saying so. I'll make my decision once Latha gets back to me as well, neither of you will be kept waiting long."

[Anastasia]

"Thank you, sister. I...have to do something, be it this or something else. It's time to." At this, you feel it. The connection with Jessica, bright and strong, resonating.

Node update, go read.