Shadow rondo

[Anastasia]

That gets attention, "So are we doing that?" Antenora asks, plainly.

[Ebiris]

"Do you want to?" Alicia asks. "Ysgard's been good to us, I can see the allure of staying here. All of us should decide together."

"I want to go to Elysium," Marie speaks up. "It's good to be closer to Mystra in case something happens again. And I like it there."

[Anastasia]

Antenora's silent a time. "I'll go anywhere you go, Alicia. You know that." She meets Alicia's eyes, "Even if Marie's not technically your familiar anymore."

Syala smiles slightly before, "If Mystra's girding for war, that makes more sense. We know how high priority a target Mystra can be, and if Shar gets a chance she could ruin Creation in one moment."

[Ebiris]

"We'll have to ask Jessica too, but Latha?" Alicia asks since their local sun goddess is right here.

[Anastasia]

"I think it's time to move," she says at last, "You want it as well, don't you, Alicia?"

[Ebiris]

Alicia nods. That is what she said after all.

Jessica, I have grown from recent trials in the Abyss and am no longer a demi-goddess. I believe it's time to accept Mystra's invitation to move Sylica to Elysium, but as a goddess here you have a voice too. How do you feel about it?

[Anastasia]

Jessica is at your side in a moment, "Divided," She admits, "There are days where I still miss our home in Balmuria. But you can't go forward if you cling to the past."

[Ebiris]

"I like it here too, but I feel like it would be best for us and for Sylica," Alicia says. "Unless there are any objections, I'll speak with Mystra about how to go forward."

[Anastasia]

After a few moments of quiet discussion, "Go ahead," Syala says at last, "Ysgard can take care of itself. I'm not so sure about Mystra if Shar wants her, and it's not a bad move. Just different."

[Ebiris]

"Then lets go visit Dweomerheart, all of us," Alicia says, gating them to Elysium to go see Mystra and speak of what must be done.

[Anastasia]

Dweomerheart's streets are slower now. People still come and go, but you can see them. Wizards, celestials and other servants. Often obscured or simply integrated well, but every street is guarded. The people move with purpose, and to your superior vision, you can see great waves of magical energy that fortify everything. Every street is a moment away from becoming a fortress.

Not a shadow can be seen. There is always just the right amount of light to prevent shadows.

When you come on Mystra, she sits in one of her grand libraries. A throne of spellfire that burns without heat, her gaze faraway on everything and yet nothing.

[Ebiris]

"Hello Mystra," Alicia greets, at the head of her group as all six deities. "How fares Dweomerheart?"

[Anastasia]

"We prepare," Mystra greets, two words that say it all. "Did you not see it with your own eyes?"

"We did," Syala is at your side, "You prepare yourself or your people?"

"I am prepared," Mystra responds as she rests on her throne, "But you are right. This is in part a warm up, to strengthen those who serve me and prepare them for what will come."

[Ebiris]

"I see better than I did before," Alicia says. "Recent trials have seen me ascend further in divinity, past what could be called a demi-goddess. You remember we spoke before, and you invited us to bring Sylica to Elysium? Well, the day has come."

[Anastasia]

Mystra's expression blossoms into a smile - a real smile. She rises and comes to you, and then embraces you. A light hug, "Blessed news in a time where gloom spreads far too much. There are a few who must be consulted, but I do not believe them to object."

It has come to pass, High One.

It's not words, not as you understand them. It's intent. Warm intent, a sense of gentle welcoming.

I have no objections to this, so long as it is agreeable to you and it is agreeable to Lathander in his role as the head of the House of Nature.

Then soon.

Lathander, please come to me.

The warmth of the morning sun shines. The library is as bright as noon now, radiant and with a bright blue sky instead of a roof now. A fresh meadow breeze is felt, the smell of wildflowers on it.

"Well, well, well!" Lathander chuckles warmly, "The lovely Mystra wishes to invite her six lovely female friends here and I'm supposed to object?"

Mystra's expression becomes openly exasperated, not quite a sigh but she lets out a little huff of air. "Be serious."

"I am. Warmth, joy and levity have all the more important a place when matters are grave. Otherwise, how will we ever make it through the long night?" Lathander challenges back. "Besides, I have my own wayward servant to praise." He walks up to Latha with a fond smile. Nothing's said but Latha meets his gaze.