A blessed homefront

[Anastasia]

"Then see to that first and return once you know," Mystra agrees, "That will affect all other matters."

[Ebiris]

"Do you have a timescale I can give them for when their aid will be expected?" Alicia asks, not wanting to upset their crusade timetable on vagueness.

[Anastasia]

"Unless events move unexpectedly, at least a month," Mystra says, "We have some time yet, at least. But that may change as things go forward."

[Ebiris]

"Very well, I'll return presently," Alicia says, rising and retrieving her sword before she vanishes, returning to Sylica. From there she'll contact Ebony to check on Aurora's present status and see if they're ready to receive her visit.

[Anastasia]

They can see you, yes. Any prep for this trip?

[Ebiris]

She'll just plane shift on over, and bring Marie with her for company/safety.

[Anastasia]

You find Aurora is busy as always. However, Ebony awaits you just outside the gates. "My lady," she kneels as you approach, "I have heard your request."

[Ebiris]

"Thank you Ebony, you can rise," Alicia bids, taking in their surroundings to see where Aurora's sitting at today. "Is Aurora's command staff available for me?"

[Anastasia]

It's Bytopia, as it was before.

"Yes, what is available," Is Ebony's answer, "They await your words."

[Ebiris]

"Good, take me to them then," Alicia asks.

Marie looks around but she seems fairly at ease. She has been visiting Garl Glittergold a lot recently so she's no stranger to Bytopia.

[Anastasia]

It's bright and lively. No sign of the gloom from before or the menace. Animals can be seen outside, not a speck wrong here.

You are escorted within to Aurora's meeting chamber. Here Morniel and Gisfal sit, along with Hanna and Drena. Also with them is 27, Prince Westwind and finally Sage Vul'lath. "I present to you two of the rulers of Sylica, Alicia and Marie." Ebony declares as you come in.

Morniel comes forward, a deep bow, "You seek our ears and we shall lend them to you."

[Ebiris]

Marie gives everyone a bright smile but lets Alicia do the talking.

"Thank you Morniel, everyone," Alicia says, her divine presence restrained as she stands before the assembled heroes of Aurora. "This time it is I who comes to you seeking aid," she begins. "Are you aware of the Prophecy of Primus?" her eyes go across the group but she settles on the githyanki as most likely to be learned about such things.

[Anastasia]

"I've ran across it," Hanna remarks neutrally.

"Yes," Sage Vul'lath seconds, "I am familiar with it."

[Ebiris]

Alicia nods and then elaborates for the rest of the class since the sage is choosing not to show off his wisdom. "In very simple terms, it's a formulation that Primus has derived which points to Shar's inevitable victory and the end of Creation. Ultimately it's only one God's theorem, but Primus's word carries a lot of weight in such terms. And Shar, whether she believes in the specific prophecy's specifics or not, is preparing for her own endgame."

Marie then smoothly picks up after Alicia, so she's not just standing around but can contribute herself. "That doesn't mean we're just letting her however. Mystra and Selune and others are preparing a pre-emptive attack. Against the sort of defences Shar has on Shadow we're going to need every edge we can get, and Aurora is perfect for offering a safe base in such hostile territory."

"We helped you against Hell, and against the First Vampire," Alicia concludes, picking up after Marie's piece. "Now we ask you to help us, in what may be our most pivotal battle."

[Anastasia]

In Vul'lath's defense, he assumed you were going somewhere with that question, not inviting him to tell the class about it.

"Selune, is it?" Hanna reckons aloud, "We owe her. Though speaking of Shar," A pause here, "The Duke of Destiny spoke of her before the final battle against him. That his ultimate plan was for Hell to overthrow Shar and be the force that stops him. From what Jaela's told me, he sounded like a madman in that battle, crushed under the pressure of his failure."

"None of us were there," Gisfal speaks up, "Afina, Jaela, Tryll, Surraruthru, Adrian, Balyss and Sylvie were, in case you need exact words. So you're saying that bastard's concerns were real?"