The eternal battles forward

[Anastasia]

Of course it does. Malcanthet does what Malcanthet does. Besides everything, she's also good at being petty.

We did wait two hours to see Hell last time, but they beat us here and it as framed as a chance to freshen ourselves.

Was it?

It was at least partly sincere. There was also a level of social jockeying in the preliminaries. We spent some time selecting the right, lawful titles for everyone. A devil won't truly care if someone is a Duke of Celestia, General of Aurora or a Baroness of a fey court, but they will respect the social standing this title represents. Conversely, I doubt any of us have what Malcanthet measures for personal worthiness.

That's why Mystra made Alter Self, is it not?

Meanwhlie Antenora chuckles very softly before she responds.

I was thinking about spiritual depravity, not something so physical.

Fiends do tend to like Alicia and I like to remind them that she's off limits to them. It's such a wonderful reason to smite a fiend.

[Ebiris]

"Oh yes, was this the same room as you waited with Aurora in that time, Antenora?" Alicia asks aloud.

I doubt Malcanthet truly believes she can have me as she once aimed for, but she'll still make the attempts if only for her reputation and to get under our skin.

[Anastasia]

"Oh, and it was so pretty then, too. Sparkly!" Antenora bubbles, caressing the curtains with her hand. "It's decided, we'll get some curtains just like this!"

Syala says, "Whatever you prefer," she says without any great care, "We have enough rooms to decorate in the palace, and I'll be expanding the basements soon. We need more space, we're starting to fill it up."

She's not that foolish, but it doesn't mean she won't try.

You buckled once to G'renna's blandishments, she knows you aren't invincible. She has to try because of that. She's gain so much if she succeeded and she can hardly make us angrier at her.

A knock on the door and a man's voice calls, "Queen Malcanthet has arrived. We will begin in 20 minutes, unless you require more time."

[Ebiris]

"Twenty minutes is sufficient," Alicia calls back, naturally attentive with her divine senses for the movements of any new arrivals.

[Anastasia]

You sense her a moment later. Malcanthet approaches the manor alone, nothing to hide her from view. She wears an elegant and sheer black dress, like a body suit that reaches from her neck to below her knees. It's transparent in places, hinting but not giving away the goods. These areas of transparency flicker and drift about the dress, like moving peep holes.

Antenora glances out the window before with a grimace?

Oh Malcanthet, that one's low and ugly, even for you. That's just too desperate.

Syala looks out as well and adds in.

I have a dress like that.

Antenora glances sidelong at her before she replies.

It looks far less desperate on you, Syala.

A quick recovery, or at least the attempt.

[Ebiris]

Can I tell if it's an avatar or the real deal?

Just accept the bias behind the sentiments and move on.

[Anastasia]

You're pretty sure it's the real Malcanthet.

It is uglier on her. What do you think, Alicia?

Antenora has the good sense to shut up and instead check herself over, as if preparing to go.

[Ebiris]

Alicia gives Antenora a little smile as she replies to Syala.

It's too obviously trying hard on her, of course you wear it better my love.

[Anastasia]

Syala puts an arm around your back at that and with a contented smile she replies to you.

Much better. You have excellent taste, Alicia.

Antenora nods as if she's satisfied with her check over, then steps out of the room as if going ahead. Syala looks her way as the door closes.

We really must do something nice for her. Her heart was in the right place.

[Ebiris]

Heart in the right place or not, this really isn't a time to be wandering off alone. It's not as if she and Syala are going to have a romantic moment where Malcanthet can see them. "Don't go too far, we're starting soon," she says aloud to Antenora.

The holiday we gave her and Marie recently didn't work out so well so we'll have to do better next time.

[Anastasia]

Antenora nods and stays in the room as meanwhile?

The two of us really do need to come up with something special for those two.

[Ebiris]

Yes but not right now, lets keep our minds sharply on the task at hand.

[Anastasia]

Ready to move along then?

[Ebiris]

Yes.

[Anastasia]

Soon enough the three of you are escorted into the meeting hall.

It is a large room with no windows, circular in shape and with a domed roof. The outer wall has a carved pillar every 5ft or so, save for the entrance you come through and one directly opposite it, where a single pillar is skipped. Each pillar is carved with various images of natives of the Astral and with the githyanki being dominant in them all.

There is precisely 30ft of space between those and the center of the room, which is dominated by a raised dais, ten steps leading up to it. On this dais are two long tables opposing each other, 15ft of space between them. Within this space is a black circle with with yellow words ringing it. It reads in Draconic the following: To all, understanding and wisdom.

The table near you is one of rich dark woods with whorls of solid gold and inlays of opal on the sides. In the center of the table mithral is inlaid, with the holy symbols of Alicia, Syala and Antenora next to each other in a circle. Surrounding the circle are the following words in Celestial, wrapping around it: Tomorrow shall not be sacrificed for today.

The table opposite you is made of delicate pink coral with delicate, pearly white plaster used where needed. In the center of the table is a black starburst with the unholy symbol of Malcanthet in the center. Around that circle and written in Abyssal is: All shall celebrate with me.

There is an entrance opposite you. It is there that Malcanthet stands and awaits you. She is as you saw her before, her gaze roaming over each of you openly. You feel unclean in that presence, as if your clothing does nothing to stop her from seeing your bodies beneath. She smiles faintly, red lips bearing her amusement as you enter.

From - you aren't sure where - no. You catch it, an incredibly subtle twisting of space. Beautiful work in the moment you observe it, well worthy of the greatest archmages. A male gith walks out from this and into the room, as if it only natural. He is a gith of middle years, walking with a sure and strong step. He wears light armor and carries a jeweled wand in hand. His voice carries across the chamber with commanding ease. "It is my great honor to present the Lord of all Githyanki, our eternal Queen and the ruler of the Astral Plane, Queen Vlaakith." He kneels after.

Just beyond the left side of the dais and 15ft up a throne appears in the air. A flash of light follows and there sits Queen Vlaakith. She merely raises a hand, "Enough. We have no need for introductions here. Be seated."