You find Balyss already back in the temple of Selune, in prayer with Stille standing nearby, at watch.
Fortunately, a night's sleep did you a lot of good, at least physically. You're no longer so wretchedly tired.
Moore gives Stille a wave and will wait for Balyss to finish whatever it is she's doing. She knows why he's here, probably. Or at least has a good idea.
Stille comes over to you, "Ah, is your fatigue lifted? I heard about yesterday." He keeps half an eye on Balyss, but his posture loosens, relaxes.
"I had a lot of thinking to do." Moore agrees with a smile. "I guess people saw me flying like a zombie in the middle of the night and probably wondered."
"Like a restless spirit is how I heard it," Stille chuckles. "It may be some time, dear Balyss isn't coming up right away. Is it something I can help with?"
"I've got some messages from 27 I wanted to discuss with her." Moore explains. "I can tell you if you'd like."
"Certainly," Stille says, "Perhaps I can lend some insight."
He will repeat verbatim -- thankfully, his memory seems to be better lately: "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. You can't help her now, no one can. She knows what's coming."
A pause to let Stille take all of that in.
"To be clearer, or as clear as one can be considering 27. Afina is going to fight Gathgorian alone. I haven't looked up this... Grim Fiend or whatever, that's one of the questions I have, if she knows anything about it. The part about me surviving I already know. I don't know who the person is 'we can't save,' but... yeah. It's a lot to process." He admits.
"That is," Stille agrees quietly, "Difficult all around. Someone you've met before and will meet again?" Stille murmurs, "Vagueness."
"The most concerning thing was his mention of the 'nine of the ninth,' which... I mean, I figured we were already being watched, but are there really those closer to the Lord of the Ninth than the other eight?" Moore says with a sigh.
"You can see why I came here first." Moore says with a bit of a grin.
"Moore," Balyss speaks in her own voice, standing before Stille can comment. "Welcome back."
"Balyss." Moore says with a smile. "Thank you. Sorry to be a burden again."
"You're alive and not captured by Hell. That is enough for today," Balyss says, then sighs, "Really, be more careful!"
Moore smiles a small bit and nods, the smile fading. "It was my mistake. I didn't realize until too late what was going on. Admittedly, that sort of thing never happened before... but I should've known better. I still need to find a way to apologize for it, but that's my burden, not yours." He says as he manages another smile.
"Do you have some time to possibly try and sort through 27's message? I didn't want to just go to Gisfal until we had a better idea." He explains.
"27 again?" Balyss sighs, "Yes, of course. Tell me what he said." She comes over to you, "Verbatim, if you can."
Moore laughs at that. "Don't worry, I've been taking to remember exact details for these sorts of situations."
He will repeat 27's message for her and, once done, make his own commentary again.
"It should be no surprise Afina is going to face Gathgorian, but I think if he's denied access to his help she can beat him without any trouble." Moore says. "There are a variety of concerns in the message, especially about the days we have."
"That one troubles me the most," Balyss concurs, "Hell may be planning something, they know we're on a clock now."
"Let's see... a score of something is 20, right? So half of that is 10. So if we started with 90, then that would be after 80... So we have 5 at least. Either way, I don't think anyone was going to wait until the final day for our operations... but still, that's something to pass on to Gisfal and the others, I think." Moore says. "Still, it'd be good to know exactly how much time we -do- have so we can try and preempt anything... do you think Selune could shed some, aha, moonlight on that?" He asks.
Balyss kneels and closes her eyes, silent for a time. When she speaks it is in another voice, one cool and calm. She glows with gentle moonlight as she intones, "Bel has bet everything. His throne is not secure, not any more."
"So he is racing to not just defeat us, but also to fight back against those who are taking advantage of the situation." Moore says with a nod. "In such a race, he is likely to make follies... but we can't bet on those... Would you say fortune would be with us if we strike in the next week, or do the likes of Taelfagn cloud that too much?" He asks. His tone is quiet -- respectful.
"Strike when you are ready," Balyss says, starting to float up off the ground, face glowing so brightly that you avert your gaze. "Use the absolute light if you must, but triumph."
Moore blinks. "I... ..." He clears his throat, then simply nods. "...Are we still safe -- well, as safe as we can be, to attack Salem Dizal? I mean to say, is Hell still in operation there?"
"Hell is there, but Hell was there," Balyss says, "Strike as you will."
He nods again. "Is the Grim Fiend one of Asmodeus' direct servants?"
"Yes," Balyss says, silver moonlight filling the chapel, surely shining outside of it now, spilling out. "Beware the Grim Fiend Aesmadeva, for he stands at the right hand of the King of Hell. Beware him, for he is the personal blade of the Lord of the Ninth. Prepare for the Ashmaida he leads. Prepare for war should they come."
Moore nods, noting the names. They'll have to... do something about that.
Take 10 on K:P for 76, are the Ashmaida likely the other eight to round out the 'nine of the nine'?
Correct.
The Ashmaida are the Executioners of Hell. They serve to destroy those who have personally offended Asmodeus. They are nine Nessian Pit Fiends of the highest stature lead by Aesmadeva, the personal bodyguard and confidant of the Lord of the Ninth. They have slain arch-devils, demon princes and even the occasional high celestial or slaad. They are direct, immensely powerful and a threat of the highest caliber. In addition, each carries a shield made from one of Tiamat's scales. Except for Aesmadeva, they are identified by the color of the shield they carry. The Azure and Sapphire Ashmadia, the Emerald and Jade Ashmadia, the Ebon and Onyx Ashmadia and the Ashen and Sallow Ashmadia.
Then all they can do is prepare. "Is there any avenue we have yet to explore that we still have time to? It seems like almost all of our allies are stepping in, but I wonder if we have left a stone unturned in our focus." Moore admits.
"Prepare yourself now, not others," Balyss says, then slowly descends to the ground. She stumbles backwards as the light goes out, Stille dashing to her to catch her.
"Thank you, Moonmaiden, for your endless blessings on us." He says with a smile and a bow. "Hopefully one day I can wield my own light the way you do." Moore says as she leaves, looking over to Balyss afterwards.
"That can't be easy. I'm sorry." He says with a frown.
Balyss replies with something roughly akin to, "Beijogeogignsi." Or so.
He looks over at Stille. "Is that a 'don't worry about it'?"
"Close enough," Stille chuckles, "Dear Balyss clearly needs time to recover from this visitation. If you'd excuse us?"
"Yes, please convey my thanks and apologies to her." Moore says.
"Elena? Can you please let Gisfal know I need to talk to him as soon as he has time?" He calls out, flying out of the temple.
Gisfal is easily enough found and...
Go ahead and set yourself up with what you're going to tell him.
He will give Gisfal a rundown of the information from 27, including the new information that the Grim Fiend is out and about and keeping an eye on them, as well as the fact that they should strike when they're ready but they really don't have 85 days left.
It's really up to him how to handle all of that but he wants to make sure he passes all the information he has as soon as he can!
Gisfal listens to it, "Fortunately soldiers are arriving and the final battles draw near," he says once you're done, "But we'll have to hurry even more."
"I wanted to make sure the information was passed on. I also have a request, if we have anyone we can spare. My foray into Smoke cost us, and I am still responsible for that... all the more reason I want to see it resolved. I want to return and dismantle whatever they're doing there." Moore says, his usual cheer gone and replaced with a steely resolve.
"I am obviously not the best at leading these sorts of things, do you see wisdom in letting another lead and allowing me to follow?" He asks.
"Right now, forget about Smoke," Gisfal says, "If Jetina's soul escaped, she's reforming in Celestia. Go retrieve her. We'll need all the healers we can get for the coming battle."
"I don't think I can." Moore admits. "But If the Mountain allows it, I'll return with her."
"Prepare and leave. Take one or two people with you, just in case," Gisfal instructs. "Questions?"
Moore shakes his head. "I'll report back once I've returned."
He'll see if Cresiel wants to go.
Easily enough done. Anyone else?
Hmmm. Morniel has other things to do... Moonlight? Or is she back from her trip to get judged by Lathander?
Is still dealing with that so not a good choice.
Hmmmmm. He never asks Mei anywhere, so he'll see if she'll give him a nod.
You find Mei kneeling and praying in the temple of the Triune. She is alone there for the moment, several people leaving as you come in.
Moore will make some ruffling noises after a few minutes of waiting, not wanting to just disturb her out of the blue.
Mei turns at this, rising and meeting your gaze.
Moore opens his mouth to say something, then smiles and shakes his head.
He holds his hands forward so his thumbs and the rest of the tips of his fingers are touching each other (kind of like in a triangle), then he makes a motion like he's walking and then puts a hand over the top of his eyes like he's trying to see something then puts his hands together like he's praying.
Mei nods crisply and steps forward.
He makes a gesture for her to follow and will go to Aurora's gates!
Blahblah mission readiness arch and all that and he'll use Aurora's Gate to go to Lunia! Well he's aiming for wherever but he knows they always start in Lunia so.
Indeed, you step out into Lunia's wine dark waters, the three of you emerging from the portal as Cresiel takes the lead, looking up towards the light far above as he does.
Moore looks up as well. If they weren't supposed to be here in some fashion they'd have been turned away... are they being called up already?
Wisdom check.
[13:12] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6+13 wis check
[13:12] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=12]
You look up - and look away. The light above is too radiant for you, but as you blink your eyes clear, you spy a path going up the mountain ahead.
One of these days he's really going to have to figure out how this works... do the paths form out of nothing?
Anyway, he points the path out and starts in that direction!
Mei follows as Cresiel does the same. "The paths are there for when we need them, yet are hidden from us when we do not. Celestia gives us what we need, but not always what we want. Do you understand?"
"How did you..." He shakes his head. "It's less the overall missive that I don't understand and more the mechanics behind it. But it's a triviality in the grand design of things."
"How did I what?" Cresiel asks as you walk along the beach towards the path. "Nor do I. I do not pretend to understand how the holy mountain works, though I have some grasp of its methods and motives. One must begin with the central fact: Mount Celestial beckons all to reach Chronias. Everything it does is surely to that end."
"You must be good at reading my puzzled looks." Moore says with a laugh.
He glances back to Mei and thinks for a minute. He snaps his fingers as he seems to get an idea.
He points up to the top of the Mountain and makes a motion like slow waves with a prayer at the end. Then he holds up three fingers and looks at her with a questioning face as he continues to go up, but he keeps an eye on her for her response.
"I do not follow. You spoke aloud about the paths forming of nothing," Cresiel says, pausing in his walk to turn to you. "Were you not aware?"
Mei merely nods at that and follows.
"...I did?" He blinks. "I didn't... hmm."
He takes a breath. "...I think I get it. Wisdom has to be asked for to be received ... or something like that." He offers a smile and a shrug. "I'll have to be more careful about what I think I'm not saying, then."
"Ah. Then it is the will of Celestia," Cresiel agrees, "Yes, to learn wisdom begins with asking a question. It is a truism I was first taught a long time ago, and it is a vital one to remember. We cannot climb the mountain alone. None of us are that strong and free of sin's stain."
Moore laughs quietly. "It makes sense. I'm always thankful that it's willing to share wisdom with me whenever I am here."
"Then you'll surely make it to Chronias one day," Cresiel says gravely, "For listening is one of the most important parts of learning."
"One day." Moore agrees with a bit more mirth. "But that's... a while from now, I think." He says with a smile and a look back at Mei. He ponders for a moment again and then he points at the ground and holds up one finger and points at Mei with what he hopes is an obviously questioning expression.
Mei smiles, holds her hands to her chest and continues to walk.
Make a Spot check, Moore.
Take 10 for 63.
You walk up - and soon you see a side path branch off, sloping sharply upwards and away from your current path.
"One of these days when I have time to idle about I'd like to see if Hindsight even works here. Probably not." Moore says as he diverts to go up the path. "Well, unless there's wisdom in seeing the paths traveled by those before, I suppose."
"Of course," Cresiel says, "This path may take us directly to Mercuria. It seems in this case, Mount Celestia wishes for us to have haste."
"I was honestly reticent to even come here to find Jetina." Moore admits. "I figured when the mountain decided she was ready, she'd return to us. Although... this is making assumptions about what we're being led to."
Mei steps forward, taps a finger on your chest and then points to the path ahead.
"Perhaps so," Cresiel says, "Perhaps so."
Believe in himself or take responsibility. Maybe both? Either way, the message is clear.
He proceeds forward with a smile and nod to Mei.
You travel up the path, soon enough coming up it and into a valley sparsely filled with tombs.
Mercuria? Yes. You've been to this place before. Jetina's tomb is close, as you recall.
"I'm honestly just curious about the actual layout." Moore says with a chuckle as he flies along the path he recalls from last time. "But it probably depends on who passes through... anyway, I have some apologies to make."
"Go," Cresiel says, "We will wait for you. This part of the path is yours alone, I believe."
He lets out a breath. "All right."
He gives a salute to Mei and flies on and ahead.
You approach Jetina's tomb. The door is open and no angel or archon guards it. As you approach it, you hear moans and Jetina's voice, faraway cries for help.
He has no hesitation as he flies in!
You fly in. Within is a simple marble bier where Jetina lies. The insides are decorated with statues and symbols, but you barely glance there. Jetina lies there, shuddering and nude. She shakes and cries out softly, "Help...help...."
"Jetina." Moore calls out, flying over to grab her hand. "You're safe. It's all right."
"...Moore?" Jetina manages to gasp, "It hurts. It hurts."
"Yeah, that's... my fault." Moore says with some regret. "I'm sorry, I couldn't do enough to protect you."
He does, however, at least try and help -- if she's in pain he can help with that.
He's going to cast Heart's Ease since he's pretty sure this is a psychological thing and not physical.
K:P check here as well.
Take 10 for 61
It's a side effect of being slain by a being of opposing ethos. It'll pass in time, but Jetina needs several days of bed rest.
You see Heart's Ease does bring a little bit of relief, but she still groans feebly. "Moore..."
Is this what all those devils goes through? He hopes it's a lot worse for them.
Either way... "It's all right, we'll bring you back to Aurora and you can rest there. We won't go anywhere until you're ready." He affirms.
"Okay...okay...." Jetina's voice is woozy, "Take me there. I want to rest."
"Okay, hold on just a moment." Moore says. He pats her hand gently as he goes back outside of the tomb. "We're going back to Aurora, could one of you go ahead of us and ask Elena to have a robe on hand that we can wrap her in when she gets there?"
Mei shakes her head and undoes her robe - a simple, old thing, the basic of basics. Uncaring of her undressed state, she picks it up, hands it to you and then points ahead, back towards Jetina.
Cresiel politely averts his eyes, "Ahem. I will do so." A murmured prayer and a gate appears, Cresiel going through it.
Moore just smiles at Mei and gives her a silent laugh and shrug in Cresiel's direction for her benefit. He gestures towards the Gate and nods, but turns and will go back with the robe.
"I need to create a spell that just makes plain clothes..." He says to himself as he returns.
It's easy enough to dress Jetina in it - Mei's shorter than her but it's no big deal.
Taking them back?
Yes.
The return is uneventful enough and...
What are you going to do with Jetina back?
She can go rest in the medical area since they're used to dealing with that sort of thing. He'll make sure Mei's robe gets returned.
Other than that he's just going to see if anyone needs any help. He still does want to go back and do the operation on Smoke again but it's probably best to wait until the days sync up before he tries.
Okay, I'm going to pause you here. Tryll and Surru need to catch up, I've said today is meant to focus on them, so I'm going to start swinging towards that.
Do me a favor and post a roll of 1d100, Moore.
[13:35] <Nephrite> roll 1d100
[13:35] <Serith> Nephrite roll for Serith < 82 > [d100=82]
You wander a bit. Things are tense, waiting, but you soon enough find yourself back in the cafeteria, unexpectedly hungry. As you settle in to get a bite to eat?
"There you are," Finnegan takes a seat next to you.
"Finnegan." Moore says with a nod. "I still owe you a more proper apology, though I don't think words will quite suffice." He gestures at a spot across from him nonetheless.
"Well, you're alive to give one," Finnegan says, "Be thankful for that alone."
"Ha." He smiles, then shakes his head. "You're right. Wallowing in the past isn't going to solve anything, nor make up for what happened. Going forward, I understand better how to handle situations like that... But, even more importantly, that considering the circumstances with everything going on, a normal battle against some devils is very quickly going to spiral out. They're doing the same thing we are." He takes in a breath. "Either way, what can I do for you?"
"A warning, first of all. Make that mistake again and I'll hold you accountable with a wrath that would make the Triune jealous," Finnegan says, voice hard and expression tight. "Though if I'm there next time, I'll knock you out and drag you back to Aurora. My mistake for not pressing it there."
A beat after that, "As long as you're alive and well to learn from a mistake, that's enough. So many aren't as fortunate as you are."
"Mistakes all around, then." Moore says with a matching serious expression. "Yes, I am thankful I've been able to receive the wisdom to move forward and know what I have to do to make up for it."
"Yeah. You're the type to beat yourself up over it?" Finnegan asks, sitting back and looking upwards.
"Normally." Moore answers. "But I know of a few reasons not to. I was blessed to be given that wisdom, so I won't squander it by being depressed."
Finnegan reaches forward, a mug of something hot and steamy appearing in his hand. He sits back and a goodly drink before he replies.
"So what are those reasons?"
"To make a long story short, even deities make mistakes." Moore answers. "Ones which have a much longer-lasting impact on Creation itself. In comparison to those, making an error in judgement... well." He takes a break to grab a cracker and put some cheese on top of it. "The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and understand how to not have them again. At the same time, just going on and acting like you didn't make a mistake while saying 'don't worry, I learned from it!!' is really insensitive, so... that's why I still think I need to apologize."
"Yeah, and what are you going to do about it afterwards?" Finnegan says, "Also, how's Jetina?"
"She's recovering." Moore answers. "What, specifically? I can't really tell you exactly, it would depend on the situation. For this particular scenario, I still want to go back to Smoke and deal with whatever they're doing there... except this time covertly. Go in, smash everything, leave before they can do anything, or just get out if that doesn't seem possible." He shrugs a small bit. "At least, I think that's the best route to consider."
"Yeah. Who are you taking this time?" Finnegan asks, considering that as he drinks.
"An excellent question that I haven't given a lot of thought to." Moore says. "I think having four is still a good idea... If you're still willing, you'd be welcome, of course. Um... beyond that, we definitely need a higher-caliber spellcaster, but I hadn't thought about who was available. I know Balyss has her duties here, so... maybe someone like Mei or Simmer."
"At least one other person who can manage a planar escape," Finnegan says, "Mandatory."
"Hm... I'd think Simmer could cover that, but..." He rubs his chin. "If we wanted to be sure, then Mirajane could probably cover it."
"As long as they can do it," Finnegan says, "I wouldn't put it past Hell to try again."
"No, I'm still... curious, myself, what was even going on there." Moore says with a frown. "Either way, though, I think if we go under cover of invisibility, we know where it is... well, relatively speaking, anyway. I don't think they'd expect us to come back."
"Possibly," Finnegan finally says, "Fine, I'm in again."
"I'll ask around and see what kind of team we can come up with and make sure we're 150% prepared." Moore promises.
Okay, plans?
He did make a promise to go to the Court, so he'll do that before he goes galavanting.
Going alone?
Yes.
> roll 1d100
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 68 > [d100=68]
The court is currently quiet. A few musicians play and a couple of nymphs and a single satyr are having a conversation to the side, but it's peaceful at the moment. Perhaps the othes are all training? Ilsenine sits on her throne, head bowed in thought, perhaps lost in a reverie.
Moore will simply fly to the spot he normally takes for these sorts of things and kneel down with his head bowed to wait to be noticed.
"Moore," Ilsenine declares after a few moments, "Welcome to the Court."
"Your Majesty." Moore responds, looking up. "Please allow me first to apologize to both you and the Court for worrying either over my actions." He allows a moment of pause before he continues. "Second, please allow me to apologize further for the actions I took on my outing yesterday that led to such an outcome that we needed to be rescued. To not belabor a point unnecessarily, it will not happen again."
Ilsenine nods to that, "The Court hears your words," Ilsenine announces, as the conversation pauses as the few eyes in here turn to you. "The Court hungers for your words on recent diabolical activity. Are these words suited for the entire Court or best spoken to mine alone?"
"Word will reach the Court whether through my words or the words of others, Your Majesty." Moore says, although he does smile just a small bit. "I will explain what brought me to Salem Dizal to begin with, as well as providing updates on what I know in regards to other matters." Moore says.
They are a day ahead but I think it's fair to report on Mala and Velasca's capture?
"Then speak," Ilsenine commands.
Yes, though she'll probably already be aware, but go ahead and expo it up.
"I received a missive from On High," Moore states, though he realizes there may be some who do not adequately understand what he means, so he takes a moment to clarify. "I am allowed to see certain aspects of things by the Light of Celestia. It bade me go to Salem Dizal in Smoke to stop the atrocities the devils were creating. They are there concocting experiments with poisons and gasses."
He moves to stand at this, since it will be far easier to gesticulate. "We journeyed for some time before we located what I presume was a perimeter to their activities." He explains. "Your Majesty, I believe illustration would be the only way to do justice to this story and be a reminder to all of the follies of overconfidence." He nods to her and will gesture.
Using his 1/day permanent image to basically recreate the elements of the battle, including the Nessians, Moore, Finnegan, Jetina and Westwind and the various blows and so on and so forth. Basically he's going to recreate the battle.
"Thankfully, despite my error in judgement, Generals Afina and Jaela were able to locate us." Moore gestures to display them. "We were able to escape back here. It is my goal to return there today... this time, things will be silent and we will not be caught unaware." Moore says as he dismisses the image before anyone complains too much about it.
"Your Majesty may be aware of this, but for those who are not, the traitors to Lifasa, Velsaca and Mala have been captured." Moore announces. "That brings the total number to four of the nine. It's my understanding that Velasca surrendered herself, which I find... well, I'm surprised that there are those in Hell who could realize their own cause was crumbling around them." He says with a small shrug.
"I should also note that I returned the other day from an excursion to Mineral with a great deal of adamantine. It is my understanding that it will be forged into a construct for our assault on Lifasa." Hm. He really should find out if anything is being done with that or not...
Ilsenine's expression becomes cold at the mention of the captured traitors, "Yes, we are aware and rejoice at two more being brought low. We find your words pleasing, Moore. Rise."
Moore stands up to face Her Majesty!
Ilsenine gestures you to come closer. Once you do, "I am pleased you are well," she says in a low, quiet voice.
Moore smiles and gives her a small nod.
"If Your Majesty has the time to speak candidly, I do have some other news." Moore says.
"Speak," Ilsenine smiles faintly, keeping her voice down.
"27 gave me some missives." Moore explains. "The Lord of the Ninth's Grim Fiend Aesmadeva and his Ashmaida will face us in Lifasa, or so it seems. Afina will have to face Gathgorian alone." He says. "I know she is her own entity now, but... It would be remiss of me to not let you know."
"Thank you. Does Afina know yet?" Ilsenine asks.
Moore shakes his head. "I have not had a chance to speak to her on the matter."
From there, you are lead back to Ilsenine's private rooms. She sits down once there and gestures for you to do the same. "Afina and Gathgorian fighting is hardly a surprise, they...clashed when Afina rescued me from Gathgorian's fortress."
Moore nods. "I'm sure she's prepared for it, but even so, knowing that she'll have to face him alone may get her to save more magic than she would otherwise use."
"Forewarned is forearmed," Ilsenine agrees, then shakes. It's sudden, a spasm going through her as she slowly lowers her head into her hands. "A moment, please," she says, voice quiet.
Is this what he looks like when he gets touched by The Light?
He rests a hand on her shoulder as he waits.
Ilsenine needs a few moments and goes still, "...never mind it," Ilsenine says, "Where were we?"
She's a grown woman, if she wanted to discuss the matter, she would.
"Gathgorian and Afina, Your Majesty." Moore explains. "We also do not have as much time as we thought... I imagine the final battle will be fought in a week or two, if not sooner. 27 explained that we do not have much time once 5 days from now pass."
"I see. Tell me 27's words," Ilsenine commands.
Moore clears his throat and will repeat them verbatim: "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. You can't help her now, no one can. She knows what's coming."
Slowly Queen Ilsenine sits back once you're done, eyes closed. She rests her hands on her lap and slowly murmurs, "I see now. Less time than we think, eh?"
"Your Majesty has the right of it." Moore says. "I have yet to discern what the first two sentences refer to or the last two. I would presume they refer to the same person, but... one can't quite be sure when dealing with slaad."
"What's certain is that whomever it is, they know it's coming," Ilsenine says, "Though perhaps they do not appreciate what it truly is?"
Moore nods. "Yes, I agree." He lets out a bit of a breath. "Either way, that's all the information I currently have on matters outside of here. How was your... um..." He gestures rather abstractly. "Trip?"
Ilsenine is quiet, "A moment, please. The way 27 spoke of this woman strike me as important, more important than my trip. Is there anything else you can think of about it?"
"Ah... when I was speaking to him, he told me that there was one besides Afina and Jaela. From the sound of it, he was referring to Jetina, who I recovered from Celestia -- I met her again when it was all done, which to me meant her reformation." Moore explains.
"I suppose it's entirely possible that it wasn't her... but I don't know who I'd 'meet,' in that case." Moore says.
"When it's all done...but what is all done?" Ilsenine asks thoughtfully, eyes closed. "That's what I dearly wish to know."
"I had originally thought he meant when she reformed on Celestia." Moore says. "But... Yes, it sounds like there's something else. Because 'when it's all done' would mean to most the liberation of Lifasa, but... that's likely 'the end,' there. Hmm..." Moore rubs his chin. "I guess I could just ask him directly."
"Do you think he'll answer," Ilsenine says.
A long, slow yawn as 27 emerges from beneath Ilsenine's tiny chair. The pixie queen goes still at this, 27 going to pace around the chair before curling up at Ilsenine's feet.
Moore can't help by hide a smile (badly) at this.
"Well, since you're here, would you mind clarifying something as best as you can? 'When it's all done,' is that the battle for Lifasa?" Moore asks.
"Yes," 27 says, and then quietly, "I miss Ithea."
"I do too. She really knew how to talk to you guys." Moore says with a smile. "Do you mind if I ask what 'the end' is, then? Is something happening after the battle for Lifasa?"
"Her battle isn't Lifasa's," 27 says, closing his eyes and saying nothing more.
"Well, that narrows things down a bit." Moore says with a smile. "I had thought it was about Jetina, but it sounds like there's a third person entirely. I guess I can just go down the list, but... if I were to take a guess, it's probably Mirajane, Hanna or... maybe Sylvie?"
"Maybe to all of them," Ilsenine says, "But why? Which of them would you meet again and why?"
"Well, maybe it's... more metaphorical." Moore suggests. "At least, that's my guess. But I'd think whichever one it is, they'd immediately understand."
"I see," Ilsenine says, "Then....dare I say, ask them." Her voice is dry, "The process of elimination?"
"That is likely the best way. Actually, I may just ask Mirajane first, she might just have an idea." He smiles. "As long as it isn't you this is all about, anyway. I know you had ties to all of this before, but... I'd think of anyone, if it did resonate with you, you'd know."
"It's not me," Ilsenine says, "27's words mean nothing to me, as always." She sighs ever so faintly, "When I return its to begin the process of restoring Lifasa, and I will see you again."
Moore smiles. "Well, do you want to save the recap of your trip for another time, then?"
"Yes," Ilsenine says, "No matter how vexing, 27's words are often helpful. Solve this," Ilsneine commands.
"As you command." Moore says with a smile, followed by a bow. "I'll report back."
He's off to find Mirajane!
Let me momentarily pause you while I finish sorting Afina and Jaela, so I can get everyone on the same day finally. This won't be long.
You find Mirajane atop one of Aurora's spires, watching Elysium from afar. She is perched up here almost like a bird atop a statue, gaze faraway and ahead.
"Where do you want me to start?" He asks as he flies up. He surely isn't going to startle her, how could he!?
"As you like," Mirajane says, gaze out towards Elysium.
Moore clears his throat and will go back through 27's missive again. Boy, it really is a good thing his memory isn't failing him lately...
"Any chance it makes more sense to you than to me?" He asks.
"I'm afraid not," Mirajane says, "Whatever it's about, I don't think it's about me."
"Well, that's a relief. Copper for your thoughts?" He asks as a follow-up.
"Great battles are ahead," Mirajane says, "I'm taking in Elysium now, while I have a chance. Soon I won't and we'll be at war - true war. Our final war for Lifasa."
"You have a lot of burdens on your shoulders." Moore says quietly. "Take some time to relax, all right?"
"You as well," Mirajane smiles faintly, "You as well."
"Eventually." Moore agrees.
Let's try Sylvie.
You find Sylvie outside, in Elysium and sitting beneath a shady oak tree. "Moore," she says as you flutter up, gaze opposite you, looking out over Elysium and Benfal.
"It seems to be a popular pastime lately." Moore says as he turns to look out over the fields.
Sylvie doesn't respond to that, just looking out over the fields.
"I have something I'd like you to hear." Moore explains. "It's from 27, though, so you may want to sit down." He smiles as he observes she is already doing such a thing.
He will take a moment to repeat 27's missive again.
Sylvie nods slightly, "So 27 said that, huh?" she replies when you're done, glancing over at you.
"Yes." Moore answers. "Do you think it means something for you? A Yes or No is sufficient, if you're willing to answer."
"Something like that."
Sylvie's reply takes some time and is long, almost stretched out. She turns back away, "I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. It's bigger than Aurora anyway and it's my own prideful fault. I'd also appreciate it if you keep this to yourself."
Moore smiles and flies over to take her hand. "Well, it sounds like we'll meet again, so let's wait for that, all right?" He gives her a smile. "I think I kind of understand what it means, but if you need help, I'm here, all right? I get it -- it's bigger than all of this, but I feel a kindred spirit with you over being burdened by a," At this he gives her oogie-boogie hands, "~Super mysterious thing of creation~ so don't burden yourself with it alone, all right?"
That draws a smile from Sylvie - a sad one. "Don't worry about it. Let Erathaol tell you when it's time, because it ties into the true reason you were stranded in the Seas of Light. Focus on Lifasa now, what's coming...will come, no matter what happens here."
He counters it with a beaming smile and pats her hand. "Destiny is like that, until it's not. I'll be here for you before and after, whatever that means for you, I promise." He agrees. "Come back to us one way or another. For everyone's sake."
"I'll see you later, Sylvie." He gives her a wave. "Let me know if you need anything. It's not all on your shoulders." He smiles a little and then will head off!
"Good luck, Tryll's about to make you an offer," Sylvie says. Thank you. When the time comes...she has to be defeated, no matter what.
"When did you turn into Mirajane?" Moore just gives a lopsided grin as he flies off.
Ready to merge in with Surru or something else first?
You mean Tryll but yes I'm good to go.
I'm tired, yes. I'll get that going this evening.