Fairy waltz

[Anastasia]

"Whatever it is, he's probably out of our reach," Cresiel declares solemnly, "If he's held by Shar, we lack the ability to retrieve him as of now."

"Maybe, maybe not, but I'm inclined to agree we can't do anything about this directly," Sylvie reckons, pacing back and forth, "Which means we're back to square one on that problem."

[Nephrite]

"Then I think we need to reach out to the Archangels directly." Moore says. "We can't spend more time dealing with their task, even if it is one that is for the good of Creation. We need that seed's power if we're to have any further hope, at least in my opinion."

[Anastasia]

"That doesn't mean they'll agree," Cresiel states solemnly, "Especially if the Guardian of that seed influenced them."

"We did try to bypass this one once already," Jetina admits, "It didn't work then, but maybe we'll do better this time?"

[Nephrite]

"I didn't argue much with them." Moore says. "And Shar wasn't as much of a problem then, or so we thought."

Would a K:R tell me if there's just 'a leader' of the Archangels of Elysium? Maybe that'd be obvious...

[Anastasia]

Yes. He is known as the High-One. Little is known of him but that's standard for all the Archangels. Compared to Zaphkiel or Morwel, he's virtually unknown. He rarely intervenes in mortal matters in any sort of direct way, but it's said he may be behind countless crusades, heroes and victories. Maybe.

[Nephrite]

Lord Zaphkiel, do you know if it's possible for me to contact the High-One? I don't wish to overstep my boundaries, but I wish to speak to him of the seed in Elysium.

Unless you believe that he will simply uphold the decision of the other Archangels.

[Anastasia]

He is not likely to reverse them. He will respond to you as you are divine, but he acts to what he sees is best for all that is good, not what others may feel is good.

His greatest strength and weakness is that he oversees all aspects of righteousness, and his actions may not be obviously helpful on the surface, for her works in matters obscure and profound.

[Nephrite]

It's worth a shot, regardless.

Thus, he takes a breath (that he doesn't need to) and...

High One, I apologize for bothering you - may we speak, please?

[Anastasia]

It's not really words - just gentle intent.

Speak.

[Nephrite]

I wish to speak of the divine seed in Elysium. I understand what the Archangels wish us to do in order to be allowed to it - and I agree with them that it's a matter that should be dealt with for the good of creation.

But Shar is not waiting for us - and while we try and work against her, that seed does nothing. I wish to ask for your permission to go there to obtain it.

[Anastasia]

It must not be so.

Your cause is noble, but the path ahead is chosen for good reason. Know well that a stony road leads to the greatest reward.

[Nephrite]

Then I would ask for your aid, as the one who I was going to is no longer available.

I understand Mask knew secrets of the Hecatoncheires, but he has either fallen to Shar or has become her servant. Either way, we cannot reach him.

If this is the road you ask me to follow, then I ask you to provide me light on it so I can do so.

[Anastasia]

I don't think it'll matter here, but give me a Diplo check in case I'm wrong on the math.

[Nephrite]

Take 10 for 144.

[Anastasia]

And so I'm clear as a DM, refresh me on your overarching plan for the Hecatoncheries?