Shake the dust off your feet

[Anastasia]

Mystra merely says, "We both know that our time may grow short. Signs and omens come, and the Prophecy speaks. Shall we sit back and meekly accept what will happen, or is it time to strike?"

[Ebiris]

"I agree," Alicia says. "But it's important to look at your feelings here to see if you're acting in haste or error. Fundamentally I believe we have to act and neutralise the threat she poses. And now, with her being weakened by the Arbiter's judgement, is the best time to do so. Whatever tricks or defences she has, we have to prove ourselves strong enough to surpass. The only other choice is death at a time of her choosing."

[Anastasia]

"I still don't know if we can win," Antenora says, "But if we can maintain a bridgehead with Aurora, then we can try and try and try again." She speaks frankly, "Endurance will win the day, I pray, even if a first charge may not."

"And that," Mystra says back to you, "Is no choice at all."

[Ebiris]

"So there you have it," Alicia concludes. "We've reached the point of decision, where the fate of Creation hangs in the balance, and our tomorrows are numbered unless we act. We can all feel it - she can feel it most of all. The time is nigh for her to prove Primus's awful equations, and we must be the factor he neglected to account for."

[Anastasia]

"What of you then, Alicia?" Mystra continues, her impossible, burning gaze on you, "What of your role in this to come. Are you content?"

[Ebiris]

"I'm only a small part in it," she says. "I know in a straightforward confrontation with her I'll lose every time. And that does bother me. I'd like to defeat her with my own strength... but I know my part is important nonetheless. I'm making a difference. And I'm happy with that."

[Anastasia]

Mystra slowly smiles. "When you say wise things like that, so much wiser than I was at you rage, I'm so proud of you."

"Makes you want to hug her to your chest and tell her good Alicia, good Alicia, doesn't it?" Syala calls.

[Ebiris]

"I might be young in terms of gods and immortals, but ask any human," Alicia smiles and taps a hand over her heart, "There's plenty of hard-won life experience here."

[Anastasia]

"If I may be to die soon, then..." Mystra comes forward and hugs you, pressing you to her chest. "Good Alicia. Well earned life experience indeed."

Syala laughs, a rich and plentiful sound.

Antenora smiles as well, "And yet I feel I'd be the dog if we were to take animal totems, not Alicia."

[Ebiris]

Alicia wraps her arms around Mystra to hug her back. "Don't die," she says firmly. "We're doing this for all our tomorrows."

[Anastasia]

"You too. Don't die, Alicia." In a softer voice, "I'm tired saying goodbye to friends over the ages."

[Ebiris]

Alicia nods and lets go of Mystra. "So. Are our hearts all renewed with confidence in our cause? Are our minds clear about the necessity and the risks?" she looks to Syala and Antenora as well. "Not everyone is so comforted before battle, we should take it as our blessing."

[Anastasia]

"Yes," Mystra agrees.

"We're ready," Antenora goes to Alicia, "I won't die here. All of this is just the beginning."

Syala does the same, "Then, we'll triumph: Together."

[Ebiris]

"Just tell us when and we'll be there," Alicia concludes after that.

[Anastasia]

"Just a few days now," Mystra says, "If you have anything to do before this effort begins..." An obvious opening, half a question and half a chance.