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[Anastasia]

Xera is found and taken to somewhere private. One of your rooms which...

Feel free to describe to world build a bit for your divine realm.

Once asked, "I talked to Emily," she says. "I think it went well."

[Corwin]

This particular room has a one-way mirror that runs the length of one of the walls. It changes its view according to Seira's mood, and right now is overlooking a pod of dolphins swimming through Water.

"I gave the two of you privacy at the time, and not just because I didn't want to bother Shaundakul," Seira tells her. "Would you mind filling me in on the highlights?"

[Anastasia]

"Well, Emily was upset at first and we quarreled," Xera says, "There was no path where we didn't - fundamentally, she believed her actions had good intentions and were reasonable." A beat, "The path to Baator is inlaid with good intentions and reasonable deeds."

[Corwin]

Seira nods her agreement. "Did she understand the situation she was placing me in? And beyond that, the problem with looking past people with need that cross her path?"

[Anastasia]

"She did and does," Xera says. "I honestly believe there are times when two righteous people can disagree about righteousness without either being wrong. Not merely law and chaos, but in other matters. Emily is the same and that is what she clings to - but I elaborated to Emily and once we wound down from her quarrel, got through to her. She's rather shaken up but I believe she understands."

[Corwin]

Seira smiles in relief. "Then it's good. If she still dreams of having exciting adventures, that's fine, as it's her life. Ah, how about Zariel? Did she have fun visiting the Gates of the Moon?"

[Anastasia]

Here Xera nods, "Yes, though she did not reveal her identity to the others. It was a complication we saw no need to add to Emily's situation."

[Corwin]

"Fair enough. In the meanwhile, I managed to get something interesting." A flick of her wrist summons the note for Dis, and she offers it to Xera. "I'm considering finding a neutral party that could redeem that and along the way take a good look at Dis, but perhaps the more direct approach of using the sum for bribery could work to gain us information. Do you have a preference?"

[Anastasia]

"Are you offering it to us?" Xera asks, "Or asking for advice?"

[Corwin]

"I'm offering you the choice," Seira clarifies. "I have more options available to me, yet you two are the ones actively working on your own. You may well have contacts you have cultivated or can call upon that would make better use of this. If nothing else, my way will take longer since I still need to cultivate the right connections, given the Mercane situation."

[Anastasia]

Xera is quiet, "I greatly dislike using the methods and money of fiends," she says, "Knowing it is money stained with blood and suffering. Yet such a thing would be valuable in what we are doing."

[Corwin]

"Use every resource at your disposal that doesn't stain your soul," Seira voices. "The money exists in Dis, and were you to do nothing would remain in devil hands. By using it with an informant you don't feed more funds into Hell. If, however, it is a distraction for you I will make discreet inquiries with a few of the more mercenary efreet that I'm enticing to switch sides in the War. Would you like to talk it over with Zariel?"

[Anastasia]

"I would," Xera says, "She deserves to have a voice in this choice."

[Corwin]

"Please do, then," Seira bids her with another smile. "I might need to leave with Donald, but I'll leave the note with Yandrazrt, if so. You can let him know your decision if you're in a hurry and need to leave before I return?"

[Anastasia]

"I will." Xera comes forward and hugs you, "Be strong, Mom. I'm confident Emily will get this right."