It's not too hard to find Elder Magi Tepen. He's back in the library, a small and simple meal of bread, jam and water before him. He looks up from it, "Moore?" he asks.
Go ahead.
"Elder Magi." Moore says -- a bit of his usual overflowing optimism and otherwise good mood muted. "Thank you for your assistance, first of all." He says, offering a bow. "I feel like no one's admonished me sufficiently yet for what happened..." He takes a breath. "I keep telling myself that the wisdom of Celestia teaches there's more to learn from a defeat than a victory but I don't know if I actually believe it. But... nonetheless, sitting and crying and moping about it won't help anyone. Jetina will recover, thankfully -- and she will return when the Holy Mountain believes she should return."
He droops slightly at that. "Still, it's my fault. I need to ensure it doesn't happen again -- do you mind if I explain to you what led up to it so we can perhaps figure out if I was led deliberately into a trap?" He asks.
"By all means," Tepen says, pushing aside his meal and giving you his attention. "Explain the events, beginning to end. Stick to facts and try not to editorialize, we can fish out opinions and justifications later."
"I couldn't sleep the other night." Moore explains. "I was laying in bed when I heard it -- the same as any other time. It was a missive from On High. I will quote it exactly as I remember it, it was as such: Wisdom: The reward for success is more opportunities to succeed." He says, then takes a breath to continue. "Knowledge: See Sarem Dizal on Smoke. The devils infest that place and prosecute profane research into the nature of smoke, poison and gases. Reward: Every soul that does not die choking on poisonous vapors. Prepare for tomorrow."
With that finished, he continues on, but gives Tepen any time he needs to take notes. "I performed a divination to find out where Sarem Dizal was, and was given the information to find it on the Choking Path. Balyss did not give me any information that would have led me to the contrary of going there, so... we went. It was probably an hour or so, I was able to sense where devils had previously walked so we followed in their footsteps. After some time I saw a magical sensor and tried to dispel it... I was unable to. It was then that the... battle started." Moore concludes.
Elder Magi Tepen sits back and laughs when you mention the message of wisdom. "Yes, a successful worker is often burdened with more work, while the slacker is let be. One of Creation's little ironies."
After that he listens to it all, "Alright, and I presume you found yourselves stuck it in then, and events proceeded on in the direction already known?"
"That's correct." Moore nods. "Afina doesn't think it's anything more than us being caught unaware, but I wanted to explore every avenue to be sure."
"It's likely unrelated to Sarem Dizal," Tepen says, "We've been scried at many times before. Generally, it's better to retreat than let Hell swing at us with whatever they have, though this time the response was truly excessive. I've never heard of that many Nessians being fielded at once in any credible work, save for the Siege of Halamaza."
"Afina had suggested it was a feint to try and draw us in and then capture us once allies had committed. I can't say I can completely discount the possibility." Moore explains. "At any rate, it is... strange, to me, that they'd come at us with such force. I have to wonder if Bel's gambit is making the rest of the Lords feel that they need to preempt his victory in Lifasa or try and aid him."
"It's difficult to say, but I can tell you what we know of Nessians," Elder Magi Tepen says, "If you feel that would help you determine that."
"By all means. I survived, so there's wisdom to be gained from the ordeal, one way or another." Moore agrees.
"Nessians are pit fiends from Nessus, the lowest layer of Hell. They're not merely pit fiends - many normal pit fiends swarm Nessus - but ones that are far stronger. It is said that they serve the Serpent Throne directly. Little else is known of them, for vanishingly little lore ever emerges from Nessus, and much of it is tainted or wrong. They're primarily seen as agents of the Lord of the Ninth, though the wisest scholars known that they are also bestowed on the Lords of the Nine, Prince Lixer and Princess Glasya before her ascension to Lord of the Sixth, Archdukes and some Dukes of Hell to use as they see fit. They are given in groups of nine."
Tepen pauses here, "They're seen as pinnacles of diabolical growth, normal devils hold them in a reverential awe. They are strong, fast, powerful and unshakably loyal to the Serpent Throne. They rarely come forth and then only at the command of Hell's leaders. A single one is a match for the greatest of heroes and exemplars, they are unrelenting foes that only cease when slain or banished."
"Do you think, then, that something more serious is going on in Sarem Dizal, like when we tried to attack Lixer's holdings some weeks ago?" Moore asks. "Or would your experience simply see this as possibly Lixer trying to take advantage of an opportunity and nothing more than that?"
"It's impossible to say," Tepen admits, "We never know for sure if a devil ambush is tied to what we're doing or just bad luck. Since you got this from direct prophecy and didn't spread it, I'd lean towards it being opportunistic."
Moore nods. "I suppose it's possible that whatever is going on there is by Lixer's design, and that's why he came. Well... at any rate, I do want to go back, but I'm unsure how to approach it given what kind of defenses they have."
"It may be unwise and the path may be cold or altered," Tepen points out, "I'd investigate but be incredibly cautious, since if we're wrong about all of this and it is tied to the devils in Smoke, you could be walking into a death trap."
Moore nods. "I'll consult with Adrian or Gisfal tomorrow on it. Is there anything you can think of that would make us invisible to a magical sensor? I know our regular mental protections prevent most scrying and there are some spells to prevent it, but I somehow doubt a regular spell would be sufficient against what they were using. I don't consider myself a magic master, but if I was unable to dispel the actual sensor, it was put there by someone quite powerful."
"Mind blank, but the devils are using something to bypass it." Tepen smiles thinly, "They are not the only ones, it is one of Sage Vul'lath's and I's personal projects. Being able to pierce more diabolical defenses would be invaluable." He reaches over and brings back his tray of food, "We would go from emptiness on that front to a meal of scrying before ourselves, though we must use it wisely. Peering directly into the personal abodes of the Nine or dark Nessus is to court disaster."
Moore nods. "You start to have some sort of one-upping of magic on each side. Hmm... all right. I'll just have to be more careful in the future. Thank you, Tepen."
"You're welcome," Tepen says gravely, "Is there anything else?"
Moore lets out a breath. "I'm sure there is, but I'm in no condition to learn it right now." He says with a weak smile.
"Going to seek rest and succor?" Tepen asks with a kindly smile. "Your mistakes weigh heavily on you after that." It's not really a question with the way he says it, simple certainty appended.
"They don't call you Elder Magi for nothing." Moore says with a bit of a sad smile. "Thank you again." He bows to him and will do just that -- at least for now, he'll go to his room to lay down. It may not be time to sleep yet, but...
Man, he really screwed everything up today. It's hard to just ignore that even if he realizes there's no sense in wallowing in his own self-pity.
You go back to your room to rest. Have you ever heard the story of the Hecatoncheires?
Your bed is soft and succor for your body, even if your mind is restless. Tannin met him, you know, and survived to tell the tale. But surviving him isn't the hard part if you can avoid attacking him.
You see Jetina's face in your mind's eye, a hazy glow of memories that inevitably terminate to the horrifying cries of the Nessians. The powers erred in making the Hecatoncheires as well as how they treated it. They shirked the duties given to them by the Three Incarnations and then attempted to dispose of it.
Jetina...is she safe? Did she reform? The thought comes to you more than once, along with the knowledge that you just don't know yet. Everyone makes mistakes, even those chosen to return from the light. Do you understand what must be done?
You are tired, no sleep coming despite your fatigue. So tired. Everyone stumbles as they walk to Chronias. The journey is not only about traveling to it, but picking yourself up after stumbles and resuming the path up the holy mountain.
Even the gods themselves can make mistakes, right?
For some reason, that thought comes to him... not to worry.
Right? You shouldn't worry about things outside your control -- you should just do what you can do.
Ugh, but right now he can't sleep.
...When you're tired and you can't sleep, the best thing to do is...
There's some irony in this sort of thing, isn't there?
He pulls himself up out of bed to go get a snack, again from the cafeteria.
You head to the cafeteria. It's noisy even this hour, people eating and drinking with their comrades.
Looking for a particular thing, just a snack to go or someone to spend some time with?
Some light crackers and tea. If he sees anyone he knows he'll go sit with them.
There's a few people you know about.
Gold is sitting and eating a roast chicken, Hamogan keeping him company.
You spy Mirajane drinking something by herself, gaze far away.
Well, if there's anyone who can see clearly through someone being bleary and exhausted, it'd be Mirajane.
He heads over to where she is -- now, knowing her, she'll probably turn to see him before he even gets there...
Mirajane does so, tea and crackers appearing by her will as you sit down. She sips her drink - it looks like milk - and speaks once you're comfortable. "You can't rest like this, can you? Not yet."
"I'm not used to failure." Moore admits. "At the same time, if I'm trying to be an inspiration to other people, I can't let failure stop me." He takes a breath and stifles a yawn with some tea.
"I'm not willing to let it go. Jaela said she'd help, but I know she's busy with Afina, so... I have to do it myself, but... this time, I'm going to do it right. Prepare properly." He says, with some amount of confidence in his voice.
"Do so, mother needs me. I know, Elena," Mirajane rises, "Eat and think, Moore, that's the best thing you can do, and my apologies over the timing."
"I will. Thanks Mirajane." He offers her a smile. "Don't get yourself into any trouble."
Next move then?
He'll sit and wait for about 15 minutes and enjoy his tea and crackers. If nothing happens he'll head back to bed.
As you sit alone, "Can I join you?" Elena pops in, sitting opposite you and wearing a plain dress.
"It's hard for me to say no when I ask you all the time for things." Moore says with a tired smile. "I'd offer you some crackers, but... well."
"Yeah," Elena says, "Why don't you go get some sleep? You look exhausted. Food can wait."
"My mind is too made up to be awake right now." He smiles again. "Sit down, let's talk. Maybe you can bore me to sleep if you really want to."
"Sure, gossip it is. Did you hear about Gisfal and Hanna?" Elena says, settling in.
"This feels like it's going to lead to a punchline." Moore responds with a bit of a grin.
"Oh, it's not that bad," Elena laughs, "But tell me what you think it would be."
"I don't know... it sounds like it'd be something like someone spotted both of them with a a new pet cat or something seemingly to destroy their serious exteriors." Moore says with a smile. "But perhaps it's more interesting than all that?"
"A cat, really?" Elena laughs into her hand, "Cats bring them together, huh?"
"That or 27." Moore says with a confident, if a little lazy, nod.
"As a matter of fact, it was 27," Elena smirks, "That really should have been your first guess, though."
"What is your opinion on all of that? Between the two of us." Moore asks, as he takes a sip of his tea and a cracker. "The entropy, all of that. Does it worry you?"
"Yes," Elena says, "I worry about a lot of things, including you going to bed," Elena says, "You really do look terrible, Moore."
He takes in a breath. "All right, all right. I won't worry you any further." He smiles. "We'll talk more tomorrow, all right?"
"Rest well," Elena says, vanishing.
You smother a yawn and a desire to stretch as you rise. Sleep sounds wonderful now. It's not that she'll see tomorrow, it is that she'll see too many tomorrows.
That really must get tiring...
Just like not being able to sleep. He finishes off his tea and will flutter, a little bit wibbly-wobbly, back to his room.
As deeply fatigued as you are, getting back to you room is a luxury. Less of a luxury is that Lady Skye awaits you outside of you room.
"Oh, Lady Skye." Moore says with a bit of exhausted surprise. The type that's much harder to hide with his usual charm and charisma. "Is everything all right? It is unlike you to need to speak to me at such an hour."
"Her Majesty heard you were unwell and of today's incident," Lady Skye says coolly, "She wishes to express that the Court and herself are available."
"Please tell Her Majesty that I..." He covers his mouth with a hand to yawn into it. "...Excuse me. Please let her know that I..." He blinks, wearily. "...You did not come all this way for me to turn you or her down." He yawns into his hand again. "Though I fear I will offer little more than to be an embarrassment in my current state."
"You are correct," Lady Skye's voice is crisp and cute at the same time, "I would be wise for me to tell Her Majesty that you were indisposed."
"I will come ask to see if she has time to see me in the morning, then." Moore says, offering a small and tired smile. "If that is acceptable."
"It is," Lady Sky concurs, "Rest."
Moore offers her a bit of a wobbly bow before he retires to his room to try and sleep. Again.
You lie down and close your eyes, sleep coming quickly.
Look up.
Not this again...
Is he... dreaming? Can he even...
In whatever state he's in, he tries to look up. Or is this metaphorical? Really, he's asking way too many questions to be awake...
You blink your eyes awake, emerging from sleep. 27 is perched on your ceiling above you, staring right into your eyes. He's about the size of a large cat right now.
"What sage advice have you brought to me in my hour of need?" Moore asks. He doesn't bother moving at all.
27 stares at you, somehow clinging to the ceiling. He is silent a few moments, your eyes starting to slide back shut. It's only then does he speak.
"She won't be here forever, but long enough, because of the choices she made. You have less time than you think once half a score of days have passed. Nine watch you, but they are not the dreaded nine, but instead the nine of the ninth. Beware the Grim Fiend, for he leads them on an unholy mission. Afina will face him in Lifasa's bowels as the final battle comes closer - alone. You have to survive, because you'll meet her again when it's all done, but before the end. Jaela's destiny has finally cleared, rejoice. Save Lifasa."
A pause and then 27 says one more thing.
"You can't help her now, no one can. She knows what's coming."
"...There were an awful lot of She's in there and I'm guessing you're not going to tell me which one is which." Moore says quietly. "How many different people are you talking about? Three or four?"
""One other besides Afina and Jaela," 27 says, "Beware the Grim Fiend, but he only connects to one other sentence. You must understand that."
"He's the one Afina is fighting alone, right?" Moore asks. "Also, I'm guessing I need to survive to see J, the one unmentioned. Is that right?"
"No," 27 says, "You are wrong. Afina will not fight the Grim Fiend, for if she does, she will die."
"...Can we really only talk like this when I'm exhausted?" Moore says with a small smile. "...All right, so no Afina on Grim Fiend. Then the him Afina is fighting is... someone else. Taelfagn? Or do you even know?"
"The one her destiny is tangled with now: Gathgorian," 27 falls and lands right besides you without making a sound. "Even if Lifasa is saved but Afina falls to Gathgorian and he survives, a threat as grave as Taelfagn will rise. Gathgorian may become the one to sunder all chaos beneath his blade. He has seen his path and the way to triumph, but he must overcome Afina. He may be the one to understand the meaning of the banished Archdukes and forge meaning from the meaningless."
"All right. For the person I can't help, is that Other J, or J?" He asks.
"Neither," 27 says, curls up and closes his eyes.
"Ah, so A. ...Do you want to come to Smoke with me tomorrow to finish what we started, or is that a loose end I should worry about later?" He asks. He has a feeling he won't get a response on that one.
No answer. From the looks of it, 27 is fast asleep.
"You bother other people when they're asleep, you're lucky I don't disturb yours." Moore says with a huff as he collapses back into his pillow.
Mental note, go talk to Balyss in the morninzzzzz
Okay, so what are you going to do with the info 27 decided to dump on you?
Nothing and not tell anyone. Clearly, He's wrong.
Okay, okay, he's going to go talk to Balyss about it in the morning. He has other things he wants to discuss with her (and Her and her and Her and so on)
Okay, new topic then since you're going ahead a day.