Ahead lies the great light that...

[Nephrite]

He didn't really expect there to be trees here, but he supposes anything is possible.

He continues on, although if the sound of the wood-chopping stops then he'll announce himself.

[Anastasia]

"Careful," Xandra warns, though does not elaborate.

A few more chops, closer and closer. "She hasn't obliterated you," The voice, a woman's. Delicate, feminine, soft. "Then the Maiden of the Gate blesses you enough to continue your reckless advance."

[Nephrite]

"We have come with a reason and with purpose." Moore affirms, as he slows and stops. "We wish no quarrel with the Arch-angels here, though we understand that as guests going so close to the Empyrean Gate, we should do so with respect to whatever you deem fit."

[Anastasia]

"Our purpose is just and necessary," Cresiel declares, "Nothing less and nothing more."

"Had you spoken a single lie, your life would end here," The woman declares, "You speak with truth. For falsehoods and lies lead to the path of death, while the truth leads to life and eternity. No soul can reach the Gate that speaks lies. No soul can..." A stop.

"You have been to Chronias!" The woman's voice rises higher by several levels, "Yet you are not Seraphim."

[Nephrite]

"Thus, you understand the importance of our mission here." Moore says, to the point. "As well as those who bless us with their trust."

[Anastasia]

"Then I must test you, for I will not banish you away nor shall I slay you." The woman declares, "I believe you worthy, but any who reach the Tree of Eternity must be challenged - even the divine. Perhaps them most of all, for I have seen the mistakes of divinity. Thus I charge you to rectify one of those mistakes: You must find and defeat the Hecatoncheires. Learn of this mistake and end his suffering. Succeed and you may continue your path forward."

[Nephrite]

"Then you know that defeating it is a task that cannot be left to a single person." Moore says. "In fact, I think it fair to say that if someone were to be able to defeat that being, they would not be stopped by many within Creation."

A pause, here.

"Though, if someone could somehow get through to it and let it see the light of hope again..." A breath in and out. "It would fall to me to try. Yes, I will endeavor to do as you wish, but in order to have any chance of saving it, or ending it, then I must continue here and find what we seek."

[Anastasia]

"Oh?" An open question, as if an invitation to respond, or to dig yourself deeper.

[Nephrite]

"You may already know what it is that lies here." Moore says. "I cannot speak of it, but I hope that it is sufficient to say that it is our reason for being here at all."

[Anastasia]

A flare of light and - !

Will saves, all.

[Nephrite]

14:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+51 Moore
[14:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=4]
[14:17] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+58, Xandra
[14:17] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=5]

[Anastasia]

> roll 1d20+51 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=9]

A sense of stumbling but you hold your ground, if barely. Your senses reel as you wobble about in the air.

[Nephrite]

He didn't lie or speak any falsehoods, so what was that...?

"Does that mean my answer is insufficient?" Moore asks.

[Anastasia]

"You must leave until your task is done," The woman insists, voice no longer soft. It is strong, powerful. "Come back once you have accomplished your task, however you see fit."

[Nephrite]

We know it is safe here, and where it is. That is perhaps enough for now. I do not wish to rouse the ire of the Arch Angels if we can help it, but if we wish to press the matter we can. Moore says to the others in privacy.