The duty to live

[Anastasia]

'So am I, so that's why I had a backup plan! Are you ladies interested?'

[Ebiris]

Lathander plans have a bad track record, and Alicia no doubt sounds suitably dubious as she asks, Could you elaborate on your plan?

[Anastasia]

'Demogorgon has a cult on Dust. Horrible things that attempt to make things that should not be, guarded by powerful servants. Why not send a message to him by sacking that personally?'

[Ebiris]

That doesn't sound like it'll help the war effort on Daun but if it's as horrible as you say it should still be destroyed. Powerful enough to require a deity's hand, though?

[Anastasia]

'Yes,' Lathander agrees. 'I don't gain anything worthwhile by smashing it, and you don't gain anything worthwhile if Demogorgon takes offense and appears. You're strong enough to do it while you can still benefit from it, and I'm strong enough that I can fend off Demogorgon if he appears so it won't ruin your efforts.

We strike a blow back against Demogorgon and prove this Competition is far from over, while I ensure that if he comes, he'll be properly checked. Regardless, a nightmare is ended and we all win for that.'

[Ebiris]

Alright, I'm interested. Honestly it's just nice to stretch her legs. Sulia?

[Anastasia]

Sulia nods as well. "We could invite a third and a fourth," she offers, "Would you like to, Alicia?"

[Ebiris]

"I usually fight with two seconds," Alicia agrees. "And Antenora has been itching to fight some fiends lately."

[Anastasia]

"Then Marielle should come as well, they are a pair," Sulia agrees warmly.

[Ebiris]

Four feels a little bit excessive but if Sulia wants the extra company she won't say no. "Very well, I'll invite them both."

Tell us more of what's on Dust?

[Anastasia]

'Hybrids of dust elementals - strong ones - and various powerful demons. The dust balor one of mine fought controlled sands and dust, choking those it fought, and exploded in a blast of flaying, desiccating sand.'

[Ebiris]

That sounds like an interesting fight. Where is it and is it close to anywhere noteworthy that might complicate matters?

[Anastasia]

'Nothing nearby, not after Aurora set back Lixer's plans there,' Is the answer you get. 'It's on a lump of rock called Xinin Nor. My goal is to rename it Tombstone after we're done there.'

[Ebiris]

Not sure renaming it to something so generic will make a difference, Alicia sends with a wry note, But otherwise I'm on board. We'll gate over shortly to begin our assault.

"Shall we stop by Sylica to gather Antenora and Marie then?" she asks Sulia.

[Anastasia]

"Of course," Sulia concurs, rising.

Any prep here?