Silken touch

[Anastasia]

"Absolutely," Antenora says without hesitation, "It's meant to be cut and polished. I've heard of stones like that, works of the dwarven gods. Stones so perfect they're meant for dwarven hands to take them, and in turn show them their magic."

[Ebiris]

"Lets take Latha and visit the Cauldron then? Elle probably has the best facilities for working on something like this, and I'd like you to keep an eye on things throughout just in case anything is revealed that others would miss," Alicia asks.

[Anastasia]

"Of course, Alicia," Antenora says.

Any prep before going and dropping in? I doubt it but obligatory.

[Ebiris]

No, it's friendly territory so hopefully no numbers required.

If an army of rogue beholders attacks the Cauldron we'll worry about it then.

[Anastasia]

You get Latha and go to the Cauldron. Elle greets you deep in her workshop, "So! A magical emerald?" she asks. "What happened?"

[Ebiris]

"We've been investigating something in the abyss that makes lies out of truths and truths out of lies," Alicia explains. "On layer 666 - a little while ago Malcanthet showed us a fragment from it which was interesting if not especially potent, and in light of Shar's recent escalations we went looking for the source to see if anything useful could be found there. This?" she holds up the emerald, "Is not from there. It's something we obtained from a fiend called the Man of the Winds, and supposedly holds power over truth that will help us overcome the lies of 666. But it needs to be properly cut to realise its full potential."

[Anastasia]

"I have so many questions about that," Elle finally says, a thoughtful look as she listens to your story. "But is any of that important to this task?"

[Ebiris]

"I just wanted to keep you up to date on what's going on, we don't talk as much lately," Alicia replies. "But really what matters most is that this came from a source I have doubts in, despite how potent it appears to be. So keep a close eye on things."

[Anastasia]

Elle laughs softly, "Alicia, I merely marveled at your adventures. You and Seira always come into the most amazing things." She takes the emerald and places it down, "But that's all I needed to know. Treat it as if it could be cursed."

"Do that," Antenora seconds, "I don't trust him and I don't trust madmen."

[Ebiris]

"You should tell me about some of your own adventures, but I won't distract you while you work," Alicia says. "How long do you think it'll take?"

[Anastasia]

"To do it carefully? Hours of analysis, hours of to cut it just so," Elle pats the uncut gemstone, "Along with math and magic to make sure the cut is flawless and every angle is maximized and numerologically consistent with truth."

[Ebiris]

"Well, Latha and Antenora will help - I want Antenora watching every step since she has a divine talent for the truth," Alicia says. "Take as long as you need though, I don't need it right this second."

[Anastasia]

"Antenora, Latha, come along," Elle says, as the two follow. It leaves you alone as they go to work - going to do anything here or just wait?

[Ebiris]

Alicia will return to Sylica and do goddess things in the meantime.

A lot of people are going to have their prayers answered with messages about being humble and watchful of the consequences their actions can cause others.

[Anastasia]

Soon enough Antenora returns with Latha. "Alicia, it's done," she calls as you look up from your focus.