Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

Back home. Sylica resonates as you appear within your private quarters.

Fee free to describe if you want.

Jessica goes to a nearby chair and sits heavily, "That was far too close, sister."

"We triumphed and shone," Latha says, gently, "But it was rather closer than I'd prefer, but a victory is a victory, and this was a big one. Soon the story will spread of how we struck down Noir Jardin. Our own bards should provide helpful in that."

It's a nice suite, white marble floor and columns opening onto a balcony over Syala's private garden, a few creeping vines with fragrant flowers extending from the garden and into the suite itself to lend a bit of natural ambience and pleasant scents, with opulent wooden and cushioned furniture to sit around on. Paintings on the walls show various natural and pastoral scenes, as well as stylised battles and portraits of various Sylican notables.

It even has a maid with a tea set waiting for them. Said maid being an elven-looking woman with purple hair and a somewhat flamboyant black and white uniform. "Good job," Marie says as she offers everyone drinks, "We were all getting the run-down as it happened from Alicia's avatar," she adds for Latha and Jessica's information. "Had us on the edge of our seats!"

Alicia gratefully takes some tea and sits down on a chair near Jessica's, having a sip. "Zariel's uncertain future aside, we utterly humiliated Lixer at the beginning of what should be a grand new chapter in his life. Hell is weakened and embarrassed, and even if I wasn't able to properly deal with Glasya's avatar, nor can she take much pride in so inconclusive a battle from her side. Altogether I call this a good day."

"Thank you, Marie," Latha takes her tea and has a long drink. "We strode forth and triumphed."

At this you feel a connection with Latha, a warmth. A tendril of power passing between the two of you as magic concentrates in your mind. These are my blessing.

Node update for Latha. Post that you've seen and read the updated node topic in your next post.

You gain Latha's Sunmantle as a bonus 11th level spell known. If you already know that spell, you can retrain that spell known to a new one.

Seen

"We did... did you feel that, Latha?" she asks, lowering her cup into its saucer and looking at the deva. "I felt a connection just now, and... I learned one of your spells." She couldn't demonstrate it unfortunately since she expended all her magic of that tier, but it's definitely in her head now!

Latha meets your eyes, "I felt it as well, Alicia." She gently hums to herself, "A blessing on high for our gallantry? The light of Chronias inspired me to make my mace from Lunia's sands, surely it could bestow knowledge of one my spells to you."

Jessica shakes her head at Marie, "Ice water if you have it," she says, and then in a louder voice, "Perhaps Zaphkiel approves of trying to save a servant wronged?"

Marie does indeed and provides Jessica a fresh glass from an enchanted carafe of ice water, listening attentively to Alicia and Latha.

"I felt something like it during the battle, a presence. It encouraged me to show defiance to Hell and advised that Asmodeus would not interfere in what was my first test. It called it 'our competition' so... between Asmodeus and Zaphkiel, the pinnacles of two sides of law... it would fit."

"Chronias is ever more radiant," Latha concurs, "The two sides are moving." A statement ,a certainty, "With Shar looming, why would they not?"

"That's an assumption," Jessica points out as she gets her water, "Marie, is Antenora around? She's usually good for these sort of logical reasonings."

"I'll go get her then, she's with Syala. I'll get them both!" Marie says, flouncing off.

"It is an assumption," Alicia agrees. "I felt a similar connection with Syala a few days ago, and I thought it was Sylica itself lending us more strength."

"It only makes sense. Perhaps when you retrieved me from the brink of Chronias, Zaphkiel saw you and found you worthy?" Latha's gaze turns to the garden outside and the sunshine there.

"Giving you power has to be difficult," Jessica speaks up, "It wasn't Mystra or Sharess, was it? Or well Mystra, you nearly match Sharess now."

"I'm not sure," Alicia considers Jessica's words. "I went to see Mystra before starting this endeavour, and she never mentioned anything like that. "It didn't feel like the last time she empowered me either. There was a particular resonance, first with Syala and then with Latha just now."

Latha considers this even more, "Did Seira report anything like this, or did Empress Sulia?"

"Neither of them mentioned, but it could be like me where they didn't feel a need to," Alicia admits. "Whatever that feeling was, the fact was I had a goal I needed to achieve. Defiance or interference didn't come into it, success was what mattered," she says with conviction, sitting with her back ramrod straight.

"Exactly right," Antenora strides in, a nod to Alicia. "You look motivated. Don't worry, Syala's gotten me up to speed. It sounds fitting with the name of your sword."

Syala follows, taking a seat of her own.

Marie walks in behind the pair and then offers them refreshments as well before she ends up standing diligently next to Antenora, the picture of a well regulated and lawful maid.

"I feel motivated," she says to Antenora. "We're not finished with Zariel, but that was a good first step. And the fight with Glasya showed me where I need to improve as well... though I'm still puzzled how Lixer had an avatar out so quickly."

"Tell me about it, I hated having to check up on your avatar while it was growing," Marie speaks up. "Like some creepy half-formed Alicia-doll!"

Jessica laughs at that, "They sell those in Liberton - little handmade dolls of yourself and Syala. Fully finished and made of cloth, though."

Antenora glances back at Marie and smiles before continuing. "It also is something of a decidedly lawful bend. The bonds of friendship, the bonds of community, depending on one another. No, you're right, this has the hallmarks of a lawful being. Right now, you're the common link," Antenora meets Alicia's eyes, "We can't assume you absolutely are, but it may be that you're the key to this, the focus. Perhaps you and Syala as well, we don't know enough to reason. But in the meantime, can you elaborate on this resonance and everything that happened around it?"

"Oh I like those, it was the half-formed bit that bothered me," Marie adds in cheerfully. "She's fine now anyway, can't even tell her apart from the real thing!"

"I'm glad to hear that Marie," Alicia says mildly before focusing on what actually matters. "Well the first instance was with Syala, you remember?" she asks her wife. "We were talking about the offer to relocate Sylica to Elysium when we become more powerful deities. It... I'm sure it was the realm itself, not anything from outside. It resonated and flowed through us. This place that always challenges us..." she says that more softly, echoing Syala's words. "I felt my wits sharpen afterwards as well, an expansion of consciousness."

Syala nods, "I thought the same, it would fit. It's also possible it was and what happened with Latha was another altogether." She sits back, "Antenora, what does your finely honed sense of logic tell us?"

To this Antenora merely shrugs. "In truth, I don't think we can discern that. What limits a being like Zaphkiel has can only be guessed at in the most broad terms. It's entirely possible Zaphkiel was able to act through Sylica or motivate it to act.  The only ones I can think of are that he cannot settle the question of good vs evil through his own fiat or to do so would cause effects as to make it undesirable, that he cannot destroy Shar or that it would likewise be undesirable in consequence, and with Ao this is entirely possible, and that he is not required to directly act, but instead act indirectly. He has no moral imperative to solve evil himself, nor perhaps any at all beyond his own sense of right and wrong."

"Which means...?" Jessica lets that hang rather gently.

"It means that as long as Zaphkiel is a factor in our estimations, we can't conclusive prove anything beyond what facts about him we can reasonably deduce from his actions and lack thereof, and understanding he may do things none of us are ever aware of. Ask a mortal farmer why no one cured his wife's fatal illness, even after he prayed to whom he worships and he could not tell you why his prayer went unanswered. Yet ask whom he prayed to and the answer is readily apparent. Like that, Zaphkiel's ultimate motives, goals and reasonings are unknown to us, as are his limitations."

Alicia listens along to Antenora until she comes to her conclusion. "There's another thing," she says, going through her memory of what just happened with Latha. "I almost lost it in the feeling of connecting to Latha, but I swear I heard 'these are my blessing'. Hmm..." she looks out over Syala's garden. "Triel was a servant of Zaphkiel when he made the furnace that would one day become our Sylica. That could be enough for a connection to go through, for Celestia to influence our realm."

She looks back to her companions, nodding to Jessica, "I'd intended to visit Celestia to learn more about Chronias's uncommonly bright radiance. We saw that just now but of course we were occupied with Zariel. It may be worth making a proper visit outside of the House of the Triad to ask one of our friends there about what's happening."

"This is strange," Syala hums, "Hold on, I'm going to ask Seira if anything like that happened to her."

"It could be," Latha says, gaze matching yours. "Perhaps we can find answers in Jovar? There the light of Chronias should be dazzling."

Marie nudges Antenora with her elbow while Alicia and Latha trade looks and wait for Syala to report back with anything she learns from Seira.

Antenora tilts her head back and up, "Yes, dear?"

Marie makes an unbelievably put upon face. "Alicia can Antenora go with you to Celestia as well? She'd really like to go!" she then simpers at her master.

"Oh, of course," Alicia looks over to the pair. "I was going to ask anyway, I know how much you like it there Antenora," she says pleasantly.

"Excellent," Antenora's smile grows, puffing up a bit to blow back Marie's bangs. "And since you were so helpful with that, afterwards I can take you to Mechanus as a reward. Wouldn't that be fun?"

"Is this what they mean when they say no good deed goes unpunished?" Marie asks, crossing her arms over her apron-covered chest.

"Nonsense," Antenora chuckles, "Alicia, Latha, I think Marie could use some time listening to the harmonies of the gears. Sitting still in deep meditation, listening to every song of them."

Latha merely glances at Marie, "Well..." she begins, drawing it out.

"Hey Jessica, didn't you say there was something strange going on with the Seldarine in Arvandor?" Marie asks, not even deigning to look at Antenora for that one. "Maybe we ought to send out an envoy to investigate that instead. It'd let Antenora be more useful instead of just taking a pleasure cruise in Celestia."

"Hmm..." Alicia hums at that in consideration, stretching out the tension... "But no, we have enough going on with this thing and finding a way to heal and then redeem Zariel. The Seldarine can announce what's happened in their own time."

"Yeah, Seira's had it happen to her," Syala announces, interrupting. "Hold on."

Attention turns to Syala, Antenora straightening up. "I do agree, we only have so many things and the Seldarine are friends. If we must know, we can ask them or Queen Morwel, she may know."

Alicia and Marie both refrain from further teasing of Antenora as they wait to hear more from Syala.

"Donald's the first time it's happened, but Seira's hypothesizing that it'll happen to other people she's close to. It would match what we know," Syala admits.

"Hmm. Something to watch out for," Alicia says, having a sip of her tea as she considers it. "Well regardless I'd rather stay safely in Sylica for the rest of today since those fights drained much of my strength, so we'll see about visiting Celestia in the morning."

"Your avatar's fresh, so if you're staying here why not send her out to do something?" Marie suggests, pulling out a piece of parchment from under her apron and studying it. Then she pauses and takes out a pair of spectacles from the same place and perches them above her cute little nose before she officiously studies the parchment. "Syala didn't you want to send your avatars to Lifasa to fly the flag together? You could do that."

"That's a thought," Syala says, as everyone considers and...

Okay, next move then, Alicia?

Avatarlicia and Syalavatar will go to Lifasa and spread the word. If cool stuff can happen or it fulfils a node goal (I don't think it does, sounds like Syala's node will go off when we hit DvR 2) then we can do it IC, otherwise we can skip to tomorrow with Alicia, Latha, and Antenora going to visit Celestia. We'll start with visiting Romiel and depending on what he says go to Jovar next and possibly see Xerona.

Okay, just one question: Any particular location or place in Lifasa or just random pick?

Any place that's already starting to show much in the way of worship towards either of us.

Sunnyhill is exactly what it sounds like. A rolling plain of gentle hills, a large village (almost a town, really) near an iron mine. The buildings are tall here and made of good stone, taller buildings on higher hills connected by wooden foot bridges. There's no gate or walls, just a rolling, rollicking down developing more every day.

You can feel your faithful here, your chapel and Syala's grove both with worshipers - and the presence of another. A cold presence, cold as a winter wind. An avatar, making no move to be hidden, coming from atop one of the larger buildings on the northern end of the city, far away from you on the southern end of it.

While the divine presence of Alicia's avatar is evident to those who can sense such things she's keeping it low-key and presenting herself as a human woman of middle years, dark hair showing streaks of grey and strong body starting to soften in places. Her face is mature and kind, with laughter lines around her eyes. "Well, seems we're not the only ones with this idea. Shall we say hello?" she asks Syala. "The Crusade to liberate Lifasa had to make allowances for Auril so they could challenge Abigor, so we can't really object to her presence too strenuously."

Syala is a middle aged man of graying temples but good looks, well weathered and with a beard and walking stick.

"Unfortunate, but unavoidable. No sense in undoing the peace by fighting with Auril. Let's and see if we can politely slow down her recruitment efforts."

A twist of reality and both Alicia and Syala are hidden from the eyes of mortals, teleporting to the air above the building Auril's own avatar sits atop at a respectful (and non-teleport interdicted) distance of four hundred feet. "Greetings, Frostmaiden," she greets as they then fly down towards their counterpart, knowing well enough that she'll hear.

Alicia's avatar is girded for battle to a degree, wearing a breastplate and with a standard enough longsword at her hip. She'd intended to show the part of a seasoned veteran and dispense low-key advice and assistance unless anyone really seemed interesting and worthy enough to show more of her true strength and glory to.

Syala has her staff, and that's enough for her.

Auril has perhaps 50 gathered before her, listening as she speaks. She is in the form of a cold queen, a crown of ice and a robe of frost. "...that winter always comes. There is nothing shameful in that, nor weak in recognizing this fact." The mortals listen to her, spellbound and rapt. "Winter comes, for it is eternal. Yet with me it need not be a cruel winter to you. Those who serve me find winter is far more than a time of snows and wanting."

In your mind Auril's voice replies, formal. 'Greetings, Queen of the Battlefield and Mother of the Pride,' she sends, 'Watch as I induct them into the proper worship of winter. For even in Lifasa, winter will come.'

Alicia elects to watch in peace, unseen by all save Auril. 'Maybe we should try being more obvious like that? It just never sits right with me because I come from a world the Gods were distant from, but if this is the way of the wider Creation...' she muses telepathically to Syala. 'It's nice that she's saying winter won't necessarily be cruel at least. Think she's mellowing out?'

'Hardly. It just means she can sugarcoat it to hook them in,' Syala responds. 'Also, Lifasa's a special situation. It's usually more in the middle. Your world was on one end, this world is on another right now. It's a time of legends.'

'I live in hope,' she responds playfully. 'Alright though, we'll try showing our full splendour instead after Auril's made her pitch. Shame we never got to fight Bel here like Seira did, that'd really push us forward.'

'You do that,' Syala's mental voice sharpens, becomes serious. 'Some of my faithful in Balmuria - that couple I mentioned, Alexia and Rogar - are challenging a Sharran infestation. I'm focusing on that and seeing if I can intervene without triggering escalation from Shar herself.'

'Balmuria?' Alicia loses that playful edge as well. 'Let me know how it goes, I can work through the Crimson Guard to help.'

'I will. It's a fairly low intensity skirmish - the two of them first three slightly weaker Sharrans. If they don't show signs of trapping their souls, I'm not inclined to intervene directly if they lose,' Syala sends back. 'They have to stand on their own, so long as Shar isn't interfering.'

Meanwhile Auril continues on. "It's fine to be scared of winter. That's a sign of wisdom." Auril continues on, as flashes of knowledge, imparted to all. Aurora's officers warding against the cold. Cones of cold tearing through devils. The bitter chill of Ice. "Even the great heroes of Aurora respect and fear the cold. But I offer the true solution. Come with me. Come into winter's embrace, and become one with the cold. Liberate yourself from your yearly fear and live like kings and queens during winter, instead."

'Interfering is what Shar does though. Nothing's too small or petty for her to act personally - I'm still smarting over what happened to Andrea in Balmuria. Don't let yourself end up the same way,' Alicia says firmly.

She half listens to Auril as well but it's rather less important now. She certainly is sugar-coating it thickly though.

> roll 1d100 higher the better here
<Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 87 > [d100=87]

'Oh yes - oh look, they're beating up the Sharrans fairly decisively, one's already down.' Syala sends back cheerfully. He just had to stop a heavy mace with his face. Bad decision, that sounds like your tactics for wrestling me.'

'I got the mace off you and returned with interest, didn't I?' Alicia retorts. 'Anyway, just watch out for them getting resurrected for another try. Shar's a strange one for being so benevolent towards her servants now and then... funny isn't it? Her showing such mercy to that depraved nymph led directly to Sylvie from Balmuria obtaining the power of 21 and using it against Hell on Lifasa.'

You feel the faintest disquiet at the mention of 21. A gnawing discomfort, steady. A familiar sensation when it comes up, admittedly.

A shimmer before Auril, and a cold, haughty woman appears. Alicia can identify her as a yuki-onna, clad in armor of blue ice, wrapped with a snowstorm around her. Her ice-white hair is long and blows gently, as if in a breeze. "This is Eltea, she is my servant and will instruct you on how to submit to the will of winter."

'I wonder if someone used Shar there or if it was mere fortune?' Syala murmurs as...

> roll 1d100 higher the better here
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 higher the better here --> [ 1d100=16 ]{16}

'Shar's bolstering the other two, I'm bolstering them back,' Syala reports, voice terse. 'Rogar's wounded.'

Of course she is. Alicia remembers Kesse of course - those depraved royals, bolstered and supported in the extreme by Shar... yet as powerful as they were, as many resources as they had... they were weak. Brittle. Unable to stand for themselves. Easy prey once Alicia turned her sights on them.

She likes to think that there's a downside to being as hands on and supportive as Shar is, that her minions are unable to handle true adversity and are just used to coasting along on borrowed power.

But it doesn't stop the ruin and pain they leave in their wake before someone better comes along to put them down.

> roll 1d100 higher the better here
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 higher the better here --> [ 1d100=49 ]{49}

As Eltea sees to the education of new converts, Auril vanishes from their sight. She floats up to the two of you, coming your way.

'Could you handle Auril? It's a tense fight right now, could go either way.' Syala sends.

'Reinforcements,' She adds, 'More Sharrans...and a Crimson Guard brigade showed up. That your work, Alicia? It's newer recruits, a tracker, a healer and a warrior.'

'I think I know the ones you mean,' Alicia says, nodding to Auril's avatar once she's close enough to converse civilly.

"Auril," she greets aloud, her voice not for the ears of mortals. "Since we ended up in the same town we thought it polite to say hello." A glance down at the people listening to the yuki onna, "You did well backing the winning side in this war."

It's not as if Alicia particularly likes or hates Auril. She's a malevolent deity yes, but one that's so straightforward about it that it's almost respectable. None of the games or corruption favoured by Alicia's primary antagonists. In a way Neve was something like a lesser version of Auril, and she even had a soft spot for that Frostwind Virago.

"Alicia," Auril returns, "A small investment that reaps a large reward is ever wise." Her expression is chill, cool. "So they will learn of winter, learn to freeze and learn to serve me. No matter who triumphs, Hell or Lifasa, winter will grow stronger."

> roll 1d100 higher the better here
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 higher the better here --> [ 1d100=61 ]{61}

'They're doing slowly better, winning,' Syala sends.

"How cold-blooded of you," Alicia says. She'd ordinarily phrase it more politely because Auril is showing good strategy there, but that phrasing is exactly what she'd take for a compliment anyway. "In any case, our own faiths are burgeoning here as well, and we'll be lending them their own inspiration while we're here." She looks down at the upcoming Auril worshippers below, "What was it Aurora's leaders said when making their concessions to winter? That the Lifasa of old was too used to peace and that softness gave Hell its opening? Once the euphoria of liberation wanes, new battlelines will be drawn and swords will be sharpened."

"Yes, and I will be a power on this world," Auril concurs, "We shall compete amid the gales of winter and the blinding blizzards - but not today. You will see that winter swallows even the most brave and righteous, Alicia."

"It's enough to endure the Winter and come out stronger from the other end. I don't want weak champions after all," Alicia returns, looking briefly up at the sun in the sky. "But I agree, our competition can wait for another day. Farewell, Frostmaiden," she takes Syala's arm and teleports them over closer to the grove being tended to by Syala's upcoming worshippers.

Still close enough for Auril and her to sense one another but they've said hello and don't need to hang around each other any longer.

Once teleported, Syala shakes her head.

> roll 1d100 higher the better here
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 higher the better here --> [ 1d100=43 ]{43}

"A retreat. They lost 2 to no losses for us," Syala speaks. "A marginal victory. Still, they did good and that particular cult hideout will be obliterated now."

"Not bad," Alicia says, shedding her disguise to appear in her natural appearance in her prime, armed and armoured with her distinctive panoply (if rather stripped down from full potential in her avatar's case). "So since Auril's said her pitch, I think starting with yours here is a good move, give a more balanced perspective of nature to everyone."

Syala does the same, "Let's," Syala concurs, "Preaching to the faithful, but let's bring more in."

"They'll be galvanised from seeing you and spread word all the more," Alicia smiles. "You take the lead and I'll support you, then we'll visit my church and swap."

The grove is beautiful. New apple trees are everywhere, a nearby building with cider presses seen, barrels of the stuff stacked up outside. Here perhaps a hundred people are about, working at the harvest, talking amid one another and more than a few are flirting. Syala merely raises a hand at this, her divine presence flaring to life. All eyes turn to her with gasps, apples dropped from suddenly nerveless hands.

"Come, all you faithful," Syala intones with a smile. She takes a seat amid the grove, "Come sit around me. Don't worry, the apples will keep. They're strong, like all of you will be."

Alicia's presence is somewhat muted as she sits down next to Syala. She doesn't want to detract from her wife's presence, but she doesn't tone it down all the way - the point is that Syala has her support, and the members of Syala's faith can count on support from Alicia's.

Everyone gathers around Syala, "Let me tell you about the apples, how Alicia and I met and the strength of family," she begins, "All of them mean something important - many things that are important, in fact."

Go ahead and react, settle in for story time.

If there's going to be some sort of warning about not eating apples off the ground Alicia will check out. Everyone knows the rule is they're fair game at that point!

Then again she did throw the mace at the tree to make the apples fall, so that could be abused... but it's not like she had any intention, or even knew they weren't just particularly tasty ysgardian produce!

Everyone gathers - men and women, young and old. All staring in rapture and listening, "Alicia and I met when she came to the Tree of Idun, which I guarded back then. Thus did we battle over an apple, and in the end Alicia claimed an apple. She was strong and I was strong. Yet we were not as you see us now." Syala picks up an apple from the ground, holding it in hand. It breaks with a wet SNAPCRACK of apple, running down her hands.

"We were not strong enough alone. But Alicia came back, again and again." Syala takes a second apple and squeezes it, this apple bulging inward but not breaking all the way. "Each visit we grew closer and closer." Slowly the apple presses Syala's hand back, becoming more and more whole. Then she drops the apple, completely intact and undamaged. "Then we became one. Then we were strong enough help save Lifasa and see to all of you. All of you, who will find loves and families, who will enjoy long, happy days on this world and eternity with us thereafter. Like apples on the branch, red and untouched by any worm of bug."

Bit of artistic license, but Alicia accepts Syala's retelling of events. "Ours wasn't a simple courtship, yet in testing each other we grew in both strength and affection," she speaks up to support Syala's point. "Our struggles together defined and brought meaning to our lives. Just as you all struggled in your own ways to see the dream of a free Lifasa, and the meaning you've gained from those struggles."

One man - perhaps thirty and with black hair peppered with a bit of white - speaks up, "Is that why we have pain and suffering, to grow stronger from them?"

"Struggle and suffering aren't the same," Alicia answers. "How many were brutally crushed and exploited by devils when they ruled Lifasa? There was no meaning to that, no grand purpose to your suffering no matter what propaganda Hell may spout. It's an unwanted external force. But the struggle to free Lifasa was internal, it was in all of your souls as you fought for every day dreaming that it would be better than the last, that one day you'd be free, and able to protect others from ever having to suffer again."

"Yes, think of the apple," Syala says. "Suffering crushes in. Struggling makes it strong, so that suffering won't crush it." She smiles at him, "Gregory, that was a good question. You and Melly have my blessing. You two will have many children together."

You feel Syala's will, to a brown haired woman sitting next to Gregory, perhaps 25. You sense it - barrenness, mended and reversed.

Melly gasps and blushes as eyes turn to her, "W-we haven't told anyone yet! How did...?"

Syala merely smiles at that.

Alicia smiles as well, but stays quiet now to let Syala take proper charge over the gathering.

Syala rises, "Well, they know now," she laughs, "Stand everyone, it seems we're having a wedding today." A pulse of will, a table laden with food and drink appearing, long enough to sit hundreds easily, far longer than the grove, and yet fitting smoothly into it.

"Gregory, Melly, go get dressed. You have the outfits you've always wanted for your weddings at your homes. Everyone! Eat, drink and celebrate. Let every wedding with my faithful be a celebration towards happy days ahead. For there will be days of struggle beyond them as well, so fortify well now."

Alicia stands as well. 'Going to stay and marry them?' she asks Syala privately.

'It would be bad manners if I didn't,' Syala agrees.

Alicia then gets comfortable to join in the celebrations.

Chances are word will spread and her own adherents will flock around even before she has a chance to visit her church, but that'll just make it a bigger party and let people mingle and make friends more.

Plan here in detail? Just mingle and spread the word amid the festivities?

Kinda yeah, I'll hang out with Syala and shadow her but if a bunch of my own worshippers show up I'll step up to give them a proper pep talk.

Sure enough, by the time the vows are said and the wedding feast has begun, a hundred has gone to well over a thousand. People from the entire town come, celebrating and joining in. Even Auril is there, unseen and watching, lingering outside of the grove.

Plenty of your faithful has shown, notably.

Go ahead and set yourself up here, then.

And the celebration is a fine thing, not simply as a wedding but perhaps as another marking of this new beginning for Lifasa as much as for Gregory and Melly's lives. Alicia doesn't want to detract from that, but soon once the numbers have swollen Alicia migrates off to one corner of the grove. Those who already worship her know to follow her, those who may be curious or interested can of course go with that flow.

"A fine wedding, and a lovely couple," the goddess of battle says, raising a goblet towards the festivities over in that other part of the grove as she addresses her congregation. "Lifasa needs more memories like this, to wash away the horrors of the past. The war is won, and Hell banished from this world... but make no mistake that your safety must still be fought for. Hell took Lifasa by twisting the minds of nine pawns, and even if no devil may set foot on this hard won soil," she stamps her foot into the earth, "Their agents will remain watchful for chances to pervert what you all worked so hard for. Not only Hell, the forces of the Abyss, and other dark deities will see opportunities even in the wake of a successful Crusade."

"That is why I am here before you, to encourage you to not forget your struggles of the past years, to keep your weapons and your wits sharp so you can continue to defend what's been earned at such cost. Lifasa produced heroes worthy of legend and renown during its Crusade - the likes of Afina, Jaela, Tepen, and Ithea brought such might to their battles that even Gods must sit up and pay notice. Any one of you could one day stand alongside them. Just as I was once a simple mortal housewife, before becoming what I am, so to could your struggles forge you into Champions able to save an entire world."

The faithful listen - most of them armed and ready, even now. Listening and learning, perhaps 80 of them all told. Another 50 or so are along with them, listening along.

"We have to be strong apples," One calls, drinking deep from his mug, "Because we have to see to the roads and travel, because there will be dangers again. Like Auril." This one is 20 or so, a tall and broad young man named Will, but called by everyone as Ox. One of your faithful, a mop of messy brown hair atop his head. "I heard she preached here today, and even if she helped Lifasa, people forget she's still evil."

Nod alongs and murmurs to that, everyone listening and agreeing with you.

"That's right Wil, one of her servants even remains to continue ministering in her stead. That the cold of winter can not only be endured, but welcomed... but then what? What would Auril have her faithful do to those who don't welcome winter? Lifasa saw those who bowed their heads to devil tyranny, becoming the torturer's whip in hopes of avoiding their own suffering. Beware those who tell you all that is required is obedience," Alicia warns.

Words that are heard and listened, surely Auril's avatar hearing them as well.

"That's right," Ox agrees, "Saint Alicia, I want to become one of your holy paladins one day to help with that."

Another stands - one you don't know, not one of yours. A woman, perhaps 18 or so, with blonde braids and a serious expression, "I as well. Too many did I see tormented by Hell, my survival a miracle of misery. No more. Help me be strong."

Murmurs and cheers of approval from your faithful at this, as you see Auril watching, eyes on Ox and the other. 'Will you tell them what to think when they lie dying in the snows, Alicia? How many of your champions die on the road, alone and cold?'

"Strength cannot be given, only earned. But I will show you so you may learn and understand the kind of battle I espouse, the blending of martial prowess and magical skill to form a coherent and unstoppable whole," she raises her hand as those around her are granted visions of battle taken from what Ebony saw during the Crusade, the strongest heroes fighting against hell with glaive, spear, or sword, all blended with magic.

Ithea's control of the area around her with misery bottle and her deadly glaive flashing out to rend apart a a draconic pit fiend. Afina manipulating her speed to leave a spread of fireballs around minor devils as she slices the neck of a necrolyte cornugon faster than it can react. Jaela inviting attacks simply so she can counter at every opening, blasts of holy power detonating around her while she duels a nessian pit fiend and holds back a tide of lesser devils.

"Do you see?" she asks in the wake of that. "Heroism, war, battle... you don't have to worship me to embody these things. None of Aurora's generals did, yet their skills, their bravery, that I can only salute. Just as I hope to salute yours in time."

'Too many, Auril. But nor are yours any more immune to lonely and bitter deaths, so it serves you little to gloat on it.'

The people are lost in the images, lost in the memories of a war recently finished. They seem absorbed in it, taking in every moment of their heroes.

Meanwhile, Auril merely responds with, 'Mine expect it in the end, for it is the beginning of the true and eternal winter. I wonder...what sort of death will Will have there? Shall we compete over this? Shall he have a heroes death, worthy of song and tale, or will he die cold and alone, a corpse not to be found until the spring thaw?'

'And mine know to stand on their own two feet and rely on their own strength, not mine,' Alicia returns, able to chat with Auril while those gathered around her are absorbed in visions. 'If Winter is endured and survived, they'll be that much stronger to handle what comes next, for there is always another year and another season ahead. I can accept the indiscriminate cruelty of an apathetic season - of the many evils in Creation yours is not my focus. But should winter's fury be targeted against mine out of spite then I would gladly change my stance."

Auril does not smile, but you feel a certain cold amusement from her, like ice sliding down your back. 'Not an outright war. No. A Competition,' You feel the emphasis on that word, the capitalization like a physical thing. 'This mortal serves you and I challenge him. Which of us will see triumph here, I wonder. Do you accept?'

'Does that amuse you?' Alicia asks. 'I have recused myself from the Competition over Daa-vid's fate on my own prime, I have little interest in competing for sport. Especially a contest where mine must survive and win each and every day while yours needs but win once.' She looks over at Auril's avatar outside the grove, meeting her eyes. 'Do you see this man as a threat, a potential barrier to your eternal winter? Mystra tells me that the pains of my own mortal life were rooted in Shar setting events in motion because I was seen as a threat to her goals in my homeland.'

'Hardly a threat.' Auril's voice has the same cold amusement as before, 'But a lesson, and one that will prove winter's superiority again. Unless you are certain that what you are cannot defeat me, Alicia. Then yes, refuse and return to Sylica chastised, knowing that your champions cannot hope to compete with winter.'

'Champions must be forged, and a cold crucible serves just as well. Try then, Auril,' she invites. 'I will see if overcoming winter on this newly liberated world will give rise to a hero like Lifasa has produced before.'

And while she's not the sort of goddess to throw favours around lightly, nor is she distant or uncaring. Her voice is heard for Wil alone now. 'Wil - Ox. You seek to become one of my paladins, but know the road is not easy. As Auril's strength waxes she will seek to bury your potential beneath her uncaring snows. Find allies you can depend upon, and raise your head to the challenges before you.'

'...I will,' Ox sends back to you, his thoughts firm. 'I will not disappoint you, my Queen.'

Auril meanwhile declares, 'It is agreed.' Then she is gone, as if never there, save for a few snowflakes that fall to the ground.

Hopefully she won't regret this! 'I have faith. Lifasa has produced fine champions against Hell, but new battles will need new champions. Rise up and be unbowed by whatever travails await.'

From there she'll probably want to close things out along with Syala so they can move along. Don't want people being too used to having deities around!

Sounds good. Check with Marie's schedule and tell me what your next move is?

Actual-Alicia will go visit Celestia with Latha and Antenora.

You find Latha and Antenora atop the Opal Mountain. Both watch the flow of souls to the celestials there - a steady trickle, ever slowly expanding as you expand your influence. Both are in full gear, as one glowing soul lands in the hands of an angel -

Milyard, the scent of the road, always traveling, protecting, fighting, the laugh of the ogre chieftain, sending the women and children off, holding the line against them, pain. So much pain, a moment's prayer echoing in you rmind, bloody and dying, 'Please...please let them get away... -

Antenora bows her head a moment, Latha joining her. Once done Antenora extends her hand out, the soul flying to her hand. She holds it to her and smiles, raising it up. It flies into the sky, slowly taking the form of a star of light, rising up to rain down and be reborn.

Alicia's followers aren't ones to die asleep in their beds after long and quiet lives. At least in Sylica they're given some respite and reward, before joining the battle once more. She expands out her own consciousness, to see if Milyard's sacrifice was enough. Were the ogres stopped, or at least delayed long enough for others to get to safety?

They are still hurrying on the road, past night, towards safety in a nearby town. Yet the ogres are following fast, the chieftain leading them. He carries Milyard's blade in hand, still stained with blood.

Is there any safety to be found in that nearby town, or would its inhabitants just be more victims?

A simple divination that tells you yes, it would be safe. A strong guard and militia will take care of any ogres that try their luck.

Well, for a dying man's prayer Alicia will exert herself just a bit, if only in her usual understated style. As the ogre chieftan passes beneath the boughs of a tree arching over the road while waving that purloined blade about, a spider will happen to fall onto his nose and bite down in reflexive action.

It's not a deadly toxin or anything, but perhaps it'll cause enough of a distraction and slow the rushing ogres down a bit. As for the town and the presumed safety it offers? A sudden gust of wind out of nowhere will ring its watch bell so the guard are ready.

That's as much as she can do here. She'd like to use her power to help more directly, like she would have were she a passing knight on the road. But she doesn't want her power to stifle the growth of others, even if it's painful.

The spider is swatted away, a bite rising on the ogre's nose. At the same the bell of the city begins to ring loudly. The gates open, guards beginning to spill out, assessing the situation.

With a glance you can see the ogres slowing and scout detachments deployed into the night, towards the fleeing victims.

That will have to be enough. Alicia continues to watch what happens, but at her physical body... "Antenora, Latha, are you both ready to visit Celestia?"

"We are," Antenora turns to Alicia, a smile on her face. "He'll be happy here and promote fast, I think. I don't think he needs a long, second childhood. He needs to be a protector."

Latha looks to the sky as Milyard's soul flies up and away, "I agree. Let him become. Let him remember, perhaps, he may be one who benefits from it."

"Well... lets give that a try then," Alicia elects to go with Latha's instincts here. Allowing Milyard recollection of his life, she incarnates him as a protectar, the simplest form of angel beyond a cherub, allowing him to appear near where forces that recently fought in the Lifasan crusade are passing on lessons to more green celestials. He can get swept up in that easily enough and settle in, and hopefully advance quickly like Antenora predicts.

Thus it is done, incarnating him instantly to your will. "I'll keep an eye on him," Antenora says, "Now then, Celestia?"

"Yes, we'll go visit Romiel first," Alicia confirms. They might know the Hebdomad more directly now but Romiel's always been a good friend and supporter of their efforts so checking in with him on recent Celestial events feels right.

With that in mind she opens a Gate to outside his fortress on Lunia.

As you go, "Oh, that reminds me," Latha says, "His son was with Aurora, wasn't he? Cresiel was his name?"

"He was," Antenora says, "I don't know if he's still with them now that they're changing focuses. I met him briefly, he's very focused, determined."

"I heard from Ebony that he's returned to Celestia," Alicia says as they linger by the gate. "There's been a lot of turnover in Aurora's forces, but Jaela's still there, gearing up for the next Crusade. It'll be hard to top that one, but I have faith - that's why I've left Ebony with them after all. Anyway, lets go. If Chronias is growing more radiant for a reason, we ought to discover it," she says, walking on through.

Light.

Chronias is bright.

Latha looks up to it, momentarily spellbound.

Antenora does the same, silent.

You feel drawn to it, a sensation in your bones, the light enrapturing you.

Alicia looks up as well, smiling softly as she feels that perfect light on her face.

But there's more to do here than just bask in it! Turning her head towards Romiel's fastness, she contacts him telepathically. 'Romiel? It is Alicia, here with Latha and Antenora. Are you able to host us right now?'

The fortress is as you remember, if rebuild and expanded slightly. Soldiers are outside and in, at practice. Angels and archons fly about, practicing in the skies above as well.

'Alicia, please come in. Teleport to where I am, it is not warded.' Romiel replies.

Taking the hands of her two companions, Alicia teleports inside at that invitation!

It is a room full of light. Light and warmth, windows letting in the glow from above. Here Cresiel sits at a table, full of documents and papers. He looks up from reading one, alone in here. "Everyone," he greets, "Well met. It has been some time."

"Chronias glows. It calls all of us, in its way," Latha says, following you.

"It has, hasn't it?" Alicia agrees, walking over. "You're still looking well, though." She glances out the window. "Jessica told me Chronias was especially radiant recently, and I saw it briefly for myself when I visited the House of the Triad yesterday, but I hadn't the time to ponder it fully. Is it a portent of something to come? A change in the Mountain? That's really what we're here to learn."

"Opinions are divided," Romiel walks to the window as well, Latha behind him and Antenora behind you. "Some believe it is the beginning of the End, when Barachiel shall blow his trumpet to signal Sealtiel to open the gates to Chronias. Others hold it to be a warning of great danger, and that we must grow wiser and strengthen ourselves. Yet others simply travel higher, seeking to reach Chronias."

Looking up at it, the light of it bright on his face. "The Hebdomad are simply telling any who ask to ponder the light of Chronias."

"Perhaps Alicia has good fortune. There are things divinity will not tell others, but will tell other divinities," Latha speaks up now.

"That I do not know," Romiel admits, "But there are signs, omens. Something important is happening, of that I am certain."

"My next idea was to ask Xerona, though simply meditating on the light may prove fruitful," Alicia admits. "But I felt it was a worthy excuse to visit," she turns back to Romiel with a smile. "How is your son doing? I heard from my own contingent on Aurora that Cresiel had returned to Celestia in the wake of Lifasa's liberation."

"Ah, Cresiel." Romiel smiles and shakes his head, "His mother complained to me recently, so I daresay he is doing well."

Antenora frowns at that, "That's uncharitable." Her gaze is on Romiel, "Why?"

"Oh, you misunderstand. His mother is Villisa, a solar who serves Sune. Our relationship was circumstantial and a mutually agreed mistake, but Cresiel arose from it. Villisa and I do not agree about much, including our son's path. He follows the path of Celestia and crusading, something Villisa finds ample cause to complain about. Mother and son are not close, they simply are not terribly compatible. Whenever she complains, I know he's doing something worthwhile and crusading."

"That's still..." Antenora frowns even more, "I don't like it. It reminds me too much of mortal relationships, or some relationships ruined by erinyes, who turn love into love filled with sweet poison."

Spreading his hands, "Nonetheless, it is a pattern we have fallen into, comfortable and warm. Regardless, Cresiel has been reassigned to a newly risen noble here. Moore from Aurora, I believe you would be familiar with him?"

"Really Antenora? It puts me far more in mind of you and Marie, always complaining and bickering at each other," Alicia says. "Though in your case the relationship somehow works regardless." She turns back to Romiel and nods, "The pixie bard, yes? I'd heard he'd left as well though not that Cresiel was with him. It's good for the bonds forged during that Crusade to stay strong even if people all go off to find their own further battles to fight."

Antenora blushes rather considerably, lighting up her face. "...our arguments are meaningful." she finally says.

Latha merely gives Antenora a look, as if the facial equivalent to declaring that no sir, you do not believe that.

"Yes. He's the Duke of Songs now - not equivalent to Ducal rank in Baator, but still of some standing. He has a keep on this layer, I believe." Romiel says, "I have not visited, but Cresiel and I have been in touch."

"Really? He must have impressed someone then," Alicia says, letting Antenora have her delusions. "Anyway, what have you been working on lately?" she asks, a glance at Romiel's table full of paperwork. "Not that I want to keep you away from any of it, but it's good to trade notes. Seira and I bloodied Lixer's nose yesterday and pulled Zariel out of Hell... that's a long-standing issue we've both been bothered by ever since we heard the story of Torm's fall, though given her state the work's only just starting there."

"Intelligence gathering. I'm filling in for a few years for another, who was loaned to the House of the Triad." Romiel explains, "I was just reading about disturbances on Avernus, though no reports that are that solid as of yet. That was the two of you?"

"That seems to be against type," Latha remarks, "Broadening your horizons?"

"Likely so," Romiel admits, "The path higher takes you places expected and surprising. I'll trade you that story for some intelligence about Malcanthet's recent doings as well as some rumbling from Zquujaj."

Bypassing Sending's limits without a drain on her resources in a way that makes archmages everywhere green with envy, Seira sends to Alicia, 'I'm going to visit with Chan. She asked to see me, and said she wouldn't mind seeing you as well. Are you available and interested?'

"Oh, in that case yes I can tell you it all straight from the horse's mouth," Alicia nods readily. "Seira attempted to infiltrate Noir Jardin while Empress Sulia and I made a diversionary assault. Lixer sent an avatar into the fray - if you're unaware, creating an avatar takes weeks up to a year depending on a deity's strength, so how he had one already is a mystery to me. Regardless I killed him before we tangled a while with an avatar of Glasya which was also present," she gets to covering the broad strokes of the event.

"Lixer's forces seem to be a half and half split of devils and undead that I noticed, but his elite servants seem to be entirely undead based on what Seira and I observed. She was challenged by a group of nine liches supported by a projection of Lixer inside the fortress while his avatar took the field escorted by eight liches. They were slain but their phylacteries were unaccounted for, so they may be a threat in future. Or perhaps not depending on where they were kept... during the battle Glasya brought in her vanity project of a flying warship made out of the Hag Countess's spine. I hurled it out of the sky at Noir Jardin, apparently at the same time as Seira was setting off a volcano beneath his throne."

"With the recent transfer in ownership perhaps weakening her bonds, that ended up being enough for Zariel to slip loose entirely. The green hellfire Lixer had conjured over Avernus was now being challenged by white flame no less deadly. Glasya's avatar quit the field there while Seira descended deeper under Noir Jardin and found Lixer and Zariel stalemated as they hurled their power at one another. She distracted Lixer enough to tip the balance and forced him to flee, before she and Zariel left as well. That's around when my side of it also departed, though it looked like everywhere around Noir Jardin was going up in flames the last I saw. I can only hope the liches' phylacteries were consumed in the cataclysm."

"So that's our story of adding to Hell's recent troubles. What's been happening in the Abyss?"

She hears Seira's sending and replies, 'Not at the moment, I'm catching up with Romiel and then going to Jovar to see Xerona. Please pass on my regrets?'

Your story is listened to, taken in and considered. "Bel would have dealt with that more directly and forcefully. I do not believe Lixer is fully in control of his Dukes yet, nor certain elements that were not purged due to necessity." Romiel considers, "You chose a wise time to strike." Drumming his fingers on the windowsill as he considers, "More of his infrastructure must have been damaged than I thought, Bel's contingencies may have been extensive."

"I was not aware of the limits of avatars, but I would lay that at the feet of his dread father," Romiel continues, mulling it all over. "Also, that ship has a name, but I cannot recall it. I do recall it has a sphere of force as a defensive measure, can be controlled from afar and slowly repairs itself as if a living thing. We sent a strike force to try and destroy it - ultimately unsuccessful, but we came close. It has unnatural toughness and endurance, then even after wiping out the crew, it acted to Glasya's will. Only one agent made it back."

Gaze skyward even now, "Did it survive your treatment of it?"

After that answer Romiel goes on. "So Zariel is free? What became of her?"

"Grandakalos, Glasya called it," Alicia supplies. "It did have a force-bubble shield but I was large enough to still wrap my fist around it. It damaged Noir Jardin on impact but seemed unbothered itself and was able to right itself and fire on me with some sort of ray cannon. It left the field when Glasya's avatar did."

"We've currently left Zariel in Ilmater's care at the House of the Triad. She fell unconscious after she and Seira escaped and hasn't recovered. Likely won't without outside help. That's something we're looking into now."

Huh, that's different. A quiet prayer from Ebony as you listen, notable for what it says. 'Alicia give me strength.'

That sounds more weary than scared. Alicia projects back a sense of supportiveness and encouragement.

And back in Sylica her avatar sorts things out with Syala to arrange a spa day for Ebony when she completes her current assignment.

'Alicia, give me strength as apparently Benyen and Dana are a match made in....a Heaven, though I can only wonder which.'

"Too bad," Romiel says, "She invested a good deal of resources into it. We aren't sure if it's anything more than it appears, but we'd like to eliminate it from the board. Still, though, Zariel," Romiel murmurs aloud, "That's a complication. Can I help you with your quest with Zariel?"

"Do you know much about her before she fell?" Alicia asks. "Any old friends that might be glad to see her back and help her on the road to redemption? Beyond that to actually heal her we need to simultaneously mend her soul and divinity. Ilmater and Empress Sulia are both on it so she can't really ask for better care, though we need those with similar souls to hers - Seira has some ideas for that, as well as a spark of divinity wrested from an evil deity. That'll be the real challenge but we're due a consult with Seira and Sulia on working out targets."

"A little," Romiel says, "We didn't move in the same circles - she was higher ranked and busy," Romiel admits. "But I can make inquiries. Is Zariel's return a secret? I will be discreet if it is." He looks up, "I hadn't heard anything about it, but the House of the Triad often confides with the Hebdomad directly on things of importance."

"I would fear many of her friends are in warmer climes, as she was," Antenora says, "I understand that the time of Torm's fall was an unmitigated disaster thanks to the God-King."

"You're not wrong, but some still carry the banner of what Torm was," Romiel turns to Antenora, "I will see to that as well, if you wish."

"It's no secret," Alicia shakes her head. "In truth it does Seira, Sulia, and I good to have our actions there be known. Though her current location doesn't need to be spread wide - what we did to Hell can be done elsewhere after all. Anyway, if you can find any relevant contacts there it may be helpful once she's up and about again. In the meantime though, what was that about Malcanthet and Zquujaj?"

"Malcanthet has been sending out more feelers to mortal agents than usual. That's one of her big patches as that's one of the areas succubi specialize in, but she's being more aggressive and more open lately." Antenora's expression turns a touch frosty as the mention of the succubus queen, while Romiel pauses to withdraw a particular document. "Here's the notable ones: Elimnar the Returned, a mortal thief and derring-do of legendary skill who has returned to his mortal world after a centuries long vanishing. Alyssa Songsteel, a mortal who has seemingly mastered several circles of magic beyond mortal magic in an instant and commands a wizard's guild. Rackal Longres, a mortal dragonman who was thought lost fending off a tarrasque centuries ago and has returned to lead the empire he established."

"All three sound like mortal paragons, movers and shakers that will mold their Primes for generations," Latha points out, "A theme?"

"Possibly, or merely the Succubus Queen aiming for quality," Romiel says, "We did a lot of work to get this information, we know it's reliable. Something's spurring Malcanthet along is the common consensus, she wants or needs more allies for reasons unknown. There may be an Abyssal war brewing."

Alicia commits the names to memory and asks, "Does that tie into Zquujaj, then?" she asks.

"No, but Zquujaj is showing signs of rallying his troops. It isn't clear what for - one would assume another attack on Avernus, but there are plenty of demons who would fight him because of his origins," Romiel reports, "We have no real assets with Zquujaj right now, he's uncannily good at identifying potential traitors or spies. So our information is only known by second hand reports, but reliable ones, as they come from Graz'zt's personal intelligence services."

After a beat, "We're seeking information if the two events are related. It is not impossible Malcanthet and Zquujaj are going to go to war, or may be forming an alliance to oppose another force. We just don't know enough to say decisively."

"I've been mostly focused on Hell between Benfal and Lifasa's liberations, so I'm not so up on Abyssal happenings," Alicia admits. "I know Seira likes to keep tabs on Zquujaj so I can check in with her if she knows anything. The time is certainly ripe for them to attack Avernus, but internecine war is never far in the Abyss too."

That seems to be about it on that subject, so... "We'll let you get back to your work now Romiel, it's been good to see you again though. If we turn up anything related to those two I'll send word, for now though we'll go to Jovar and see what else we can learn about Chronias's radiance."

Next move, then?

We'll gate ourselves to Jovar and barring immediate encounters/revelations we'll go visit Xerona and see if she feels chatty.

Light.

Jovar nearly overwhelms even you.

The gemstone fields of Jovar glisten, the light turning each gem into a rainbow. The light is beautiful beyond words, and a soft, subtle song emanates from the crystals. Wordless music, a steady humming that is indescribably wondrous. The sky is utterly dominated by the light of Chronias, a mantle of glory atop Jovar itself.

Those around you - archon, angel, mortal, dragon and whatever else - simply stare upwards, lost in contemplating that light.

"It's so much more here," Alicia murmurs, staring upwards and feeling the light flow over and through her like a tangible thing, feeling its unheard music in her very bones. "Latha, your thoughts?" she asks. Few others can claim to have gotten as close to Chronias and returned as she has after all, so her insights must have merit.

Latha stares up, spellbound by the light. She reaches a hand up, as if to grasp it. "So much more, and still the barest fragment I could imagine. A reflection of a reflection of a reflection of the true light, and yet this..."

"It is perfect," Antenora looks up as well, entire body immersed in the light. "Can it be anything else?"

'Come.'

Xerona's voice is within your mind, calling you. A single word, meaning clear to you. The Guardian of the Bridge of Al-Sihal awaits.

"The bridge isn't far, and Xerona awaits us," Alicia says into their reverie. "Come," she flies off towards their destination, the owner of the Liath-Flail who helped them overcome the Dark Six and free the children of Androlynne.

It is not far, distance fading as you advance. Like a summer haze parting to the first winds of autumn, you find yourself before the bridge of radiance. Here a slow but steady line of the faithful pass, Xerona admitting each and everyone further within, into Chronias.

Yet she is before you at the same time, a perfect copy. In that instant Chronias looks closer and yet ever distant. "Hail," she greets you, "You have come. Know that I speak to you as a seraph, and my instructions come from the highest."

Xerona has instructions for her? Then it was definitely wise of her to come here! Concentrating her attention on the child-like seraph before her rather than the unattainable in the distance, Alicia bows her head. Even as a goddess she must respect the highest.

"Then I will hear and heed your words, Seraph Xerona," she agrees.

Latha matches your gesture, while Antenora does so as well, but looks up after to meet Xerona's gaze. She only lingers a moment, averting her eyes.

"You and Seira have a three fold task ahead of you. Listen well." Xerona says.

"First, you must grow stronger as warriors and as deities. There is time yet as events move, you must be prepared and ready for them. Continue to oppose Shar and the other evils of Creation, as you always have."

"Second, you must find Io. The Father of Dragons has returned to Creation by empowering a mortal. Discover what his pursuit of perfection has given him."

"Third, you must find the 21. It waits and prepares for a day in the future. Its coming and its growth has strengthened us all for the times ahead. Know that 21 is the battle for a soul, and the strength of it, forged and decided in Aurora's Crusade, shall be instrumental."

Throughout this Xerona speaks, her voice searing itself into your mind. A memory so vivid you can virtually hear her words when you think of them. The light of Chronias shines brighter as the next words are spoken, "Know that now you and Seira do not stand alone. Through the actions of others, three other groups shall aid in the coming war for the fate of Creation. Io has chosen not to stand aside, and in this has taken action to bestow greater hope on Creation."

What, only three? Alicia can't help but feel the fate of creation could stand to have a few more people invested in it.

Then again the Arbiter was clear that she couldn't share what she knew, or disaster would unfold.

As for those tasks, of course the journey of self-perfection and becoming stronger is an eternal one, that she constantly exerts herself towards. Finding Io... well, Seira's good with dragons. It's possible that new prismatic dragon Baleruk could be involved - if Bahamut and Tiamat stood in the way of his ascension due to an ancient dictate from Io, it makes sense that he'd return to see what's transpired and possibly take action himself. Then there's 21. Sylvie vanished after the final battle for Lifasa, but then there's her child in Balmuria and his uncanny growth of talent. She was already watching over that to ensure the boy wasn't captured or used by those of ill intent, but if the mother ever checks up on him they might be able to make contact there.

"I understand," she says after considering all of that. "I will pass this on to Seira as well."

"In addition, prepare," Xerona continues after your agreement, "For there is one other factor. Those loyal servants of Sylica and the Cauldron, those in the highest confidence and unto a node to you and Seira, surrounding you and strengthening you; you must prepare them for the possibility of ascension of their own, for events move faster now. Io's actions have given us more hope, but all of you must become all you can, for a day may come where that is their fate."

Latha stills at that, bowed head wearing a look of surprise.

Antenora closes her eyes a moment, "Then there is another way around Ao's judgment?"

Alicia stills as well. "I had heard - recently in fact," from Ilmater yesterday, "How big a risk my own ascension was. Has... something changed?" She doesn't really want to talk about it directly since so much must be couched lest Ao find cause to interfere, but is it the Incarnation of Law back in some form?

"At the right time, you will understand. For now, merely prepare," Xerona commands. "To speak more of it now is a risk we cannot take. Go with the blessing you have already received, for in each other you shall find great strength and growth."

"Very well," Alicia accepts that she's gotten all she needs to know from this. "We'll continue to cultivate our strength for the challenges ahead. Farewell, Xerona," she looks out over the bridge and at Chronias before she turns her back on the light and opens a gate back to Sylica so they can return home.

Once back Antenora exhales heavily. "...do we talk about this," she asks aloud, turning to you. "I had not thought..." A trail off, "It is a lot to think about."

"It is, isn't it?" Alicia agrees. "Lets take a little while to think about and process," she suggests. "We can talk about it later, after putting our thoughts in order. I'll need to tell Seira too, but I'll do that when we go to discuss the Zariel thing."

As you speak, you feel it. A connection to both Antenora and Latha, a glow. The Black Horn Spear and Glorious Duty momentarily glow with the light of Chronias, leaving them brighter, more alive, more real.

Two node goals complete, Antenora's and Latha's. Go check out the changes and post you have in the next post.

Read it

"There it is," Alicia says softly, looking at their altered weapons. "The connection between us grows stronger. A synergy, like I felt with you earlier Latha. And Syala before that."

"A blessing from above," Antenora murmurs, holding her spear up, examining the black-horned tip. "We will use this wisely. We still have so far to go."

"Farther yet," Latha murmurs, "The path never finishes until Chronias, and we have long indeed to go before we can ponder such a thing."

"There is," Alicia agrees with Latha. "More to ponder. Go now, think about what we heard and your own futures. We can talk more once our thoughts are in order."

She'll go visit Jessica herself, ground herself a bit by spending time with her sister and family.

Walking, flying or teleporting? This actually matters.

Flying. Jessica won't live that far from the palace after all.

You arrive, the people heading in parting before you, murmurs and kneeling. The faithful and visitors both give you access with nary a comment, and thus you go in. Here people take what they need and eat, Jessica bringing fresh loaves of bread out, while Roald works in the back. Will, all of his child happiness on display with a smile, balances a tray of fruit pies as he takes them out, "Fresh pies," he shouts, brownish hair a bit of a mess, long and uncut. "Fresh fruit pies for everyone, just like an elf makes!"

There's also another person of note here, a familiar face. He eats bread stuffed with cheese, in armor and gear as he leans against the wall. Commander Oberuth is there, watching Jessica and family bustle about the shop.

Alicia's not in her armour or visibly armed right now, wearing a light blue dress over her usual leggings and tunic getup that typically goes beneath her armour. When flying around you can't wear just a dress after all! "Good morning Wil, are any of those pies for me?" she asks her nephew before dealing with any of the adults.

More eyes turn to you as Will laughs, "Sure, Auntie!" he calls, a little surge of magic as an apple pie flips end over end, coming right at you. A full sized apple pie, no less. "Catch!"

Fortunately Alicia's reflexes are quite literally divine and she's able to smoothly catch the bottom of the pie out of the air, slowing it down so it doesn't just splatter over her hand. "The launch item cantrip?" she asks, taking a bite. "It's not bad to work in a bit of magic practice while helping your parents. You'd be learning all about how to clean with prestidigitation if I were a little slower," she then teases, leaning over him.

Will grins at that as Jessica calls, "No throwing pies, Will," she calls.

Meanwhile Will just says, "Thanks, Aunt Alicia. Can I be a pie thrower when I grow up and join a circus? I could eat pie every day then!"

"Ask your mother," Alicia says, not getting involved in that one. "Though now that you mention it I wonder what the Great Circus is up to these days. You remember when they came to Balmuria, Hellman?" she looks over at her former commander.

Oberuth's gaze is tired. It's the first thing you notice - bloodshot and worn, standing out from his otherwise youthful and unmarred looks. Nonetheless he smiles and says, "I do. I do. If you're good, maybe your Aunt will have a circus here."

Will smiles and gives you a hug, tray of pies hovering int he air. "Thanks, Auntie," he says, "I don't care what Ruff says about you, you're the best!"

"Will," Jessica pauses on restocking loaves, everyone watching the family interaction, "I've told you before, Ruff can't talk. Honestly."

"Can too! You just don't listen, Mommy!" Will sticks his tongue out, unhugging you and grabbing the tray of pies.

Alicia returns the hug, patting her nephew's back and then stepping back and folding her arms as he recovers the tray. "And just what's Ruff been saying, hmm?"

"That Syala's better than you because she wins more when you wrestle," Will says, nodding.

"Well... Syala is really good at wrestling," Alicia is forced to admit. "But there's more to life than just that, just because she wins more doesn't make her better. But I know you're on my side anyway," she smiles and ruffles his hair.

Will beams at that, "Yeah! I bet I could outwrestle Marie, and maybe Antenora, too!" At that he hurries off with the pies, "I'll be a circus wrestler, too!"

There's quite a gulf between Marie and Antenora, but one can dream right? Leaving Wil to help his parents she goes over next to Oberuth. "So, what brings you to Sylica, Hellman?" she asks, their conversation unheard by the other patrons of the bakery. "Surely not just our fine baked goods."

"Restlessness," Oberuth shakes his head, "The nightmares last night were worse than usual," he confesses, "I'm hoping somewhere will give me solace."

"I hope we can offer it," she says. "Elle was mentioning how they're worse when I saw her the other day. I wonder... have you visited the ethereal plane since they started? The connection between it and dreams... since no magic seems to help abate them, perhaps that might offer a way of confronting them?"

Oberuth closes his eyes a moment, "I have not. That is the Deep Ethereal?" he half asks, eyes weary when he opens them again.

Alicia nods. "Things that are dreamt have substance there. Echoes of things both real and imagined... I once fought myself there, even," she explains. "It's not necessarily safe, of course."

With a tired shake of his head, "It never is," he says, quietly so. "Going alone would be foolhardy. Are any of you experienced with the Deep Ethereal?"

"None of us are vastly experienced, though I've been there like I said. Have you heard from Pollyanna or Demedais recently?" she asks. "It's more their area of expertise through Uatu."

"I met with Pollyanna briefly," A pause to yawn, a gauntlet clad hand brought up to his face. A grimace after, "Helm keeps them busy, but both of them send their regards. I'll go call in a favor from them, then."

"Let me know if I can help," Alicia asks, finishing her pie. She'd want to talk with Jessica but honestly she looks so busy... seems she's always running full tilt at the bakery whenever she visits. "Bye Jessica, Roald," she waves to her sister and brother in law. "And Wil you make sure Ruff understands why I'm the best auntie!"

"Sister!" Jessica calls, "Put on an apron and help out," she says, "Business is hectic today!"

Some murmurs at that, shock and surprise. Oberuth gives you a look, and in a tired voice, "Were you any good at cooking, back before all this began?"

Well, she did want to take her mind off recent revelations with simpler activities. "Maybe not professionally but I never got complaints," she tells Oberuth, going behind the counter and grabbing an apron so she can lend a hand.

"No magic in the kitchen except for the special foods," Roald calls, "Just put your love into it." He's busy kneading dough, while Jessica goes to fetch more bread to put out.

"Sister, can you make cakes? Anything will do, there's ingredients under there and a selection of flavors. Go light on the chocolate, we're running...oh wait, replenish that while you're there? Our domestic supply's small and our usual trader for it is late. Chocolate with chocolate cream topping and see about some fruit pies, and maybe something with strawberries and cream." Jessica calls out, already moving loaves. "Will! Go help your father with the kneading!"

Alicia uses her divine majesty and power over reality to... put a bit more chocolate in the cupboard. Then she starts making pies... her cooking expertise is more that of a housewife making domestic meals, bread, and the odd little treat. But she knows her way around well enough to start making a selection of cakes according to Jessica's requested recipes.

For giggles, make a profession (chef) check, unless you have another skill reasonably suitable for it.

[18:34] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 lots of sad customers here today
[18:34] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+9 lots of sad customers here today --> [ 1d20=18 ]{27}

It goes...well. Surprisingly well once you get into it, cooking away. It's nostalgic, bringing back memories of days long gone to you. The simple interaction, the -mortalness- of it is a balm to you, putting aside your worries.

Cake after cake is made and put out, the world around Alicia a blur. In due time - a few hours you think - you finally pause. The crowds are even larger now, Jessica coming over, "Whew. Good work, sister."

"Thank you," Alicia says. "Though I don't think you're going to be getting much respite for a while," she looks over the crowd pushing out onto the street with a slight smile. "We should talk, though. I'll come by your house after you close up, okay?"

Next move?

Lets go chat up Latha and Antenora now they've had a chance to think. Syala too.

There are quiet places in Sylica. Places of refuge, of meditation, of beauty. This is one of them.

A crevice in the mountains, a hidden place with walls of natural stone going up hundreds of feet, magic and instructions keeping it private. Within it is a vast, steaming pool of water, a natural hot spring. Stone steps lead in, decorations of various aquatic creatures about. All excellent stonework created by Syala's will, letting out steam and jets of water as desired. It's quiet here, the gentle noises of nature and movements of water the only sound.

This is where you find Latha and Antenora, soaking in the hot waters. Antenora's eyes are closed, up to her chin in steaming water. Latha sits up to her hips, gaze up at the sun above as the afternoon begins to give way to evening. A glass of ambrosia is in hand, sipped from occasionally. A bottle of ambrosia and another cup is there, a good ways towards being emptied.

Go ahead and set up.

Alicia arrives with Syala and undresses so as not to be the odd one out, slipping into the water facing Antenora and Latha. "Had some time to put your thoughts in order, both of you?" she asks.

Syala settles in, lights gone as she soaks. "Alicia," Latha concurs. "I have. Antenora?"

"I have," Antenora says, then pauses, "Could you invite Marie, please? Her elven form. She should be here for this, she has a say in it as my wife."

That's easily coordinated with her avatar and a moment later Marie appears as a naked elf-maiden who slips into the waters next to Antenora. "Here I am!" she says brightly, getting comfy.

"Marie," Antenora turns to her, "We met Xerona today, who implied that others may rise along with Alicia and Syala, and that they may be a way around Ao's judgment. In particular, she suggested those closest to Alicia." She meets Marie's eyes, "What do you think? Such a thing would be a huge change, were it to happen."

Alicia keeps quiet for now to let Marie and Antenora hash it out.

"So you want to become a goddess?" Marie asks point blank. "I don't mind it. Alicia hasn't become impossible to deal with. And I could become one too if it's on the table, right?" she says casually. "But there's a lot more to it than just holding up your hand. As a goddess you have to represent something, something that people care enough to worship that they're not already getting elsewhere. Like..." she points at Syala. "Syala's a nature goddess but she's different enough from Mielikki or Chauntea or Silvanus that there's reason to follow her rather than one of them. And Alicia?" she points at her master. "She's basically what Torm used to be but with a bit more emphasis on arcane matters. So if this whole Zariel plan comes through and Torm comes back to the light, it's actually going to be a bit awkward for the two of them."

"What I'm saying is," she says, looking between Antenora and Latha, "Is being a god isn't just a nice power-up like promoting to a stronger form. You're putting yourself out there on the market basically, and you don't want to be selling the same thing someone else is already selling, otherwise what's the point? So what's your answer to this question: Why should I pray to you?" she challenges.

"Redemption," Antenora answers without hesitation. "The shining symbol of what anyone can become, no matter how deeply steeped in evil. A soul redeemed through loyalty and compassion, who understands those virtues. Perhaps we shall have a mild conflict with Torm should he be saved, but...we will be able to cooperate."

Then, with a faint smile, "Love, I never said I wanted to become one, did I?"

"You didn't, did you?" Syala says with a note of amusement in her voice, "Regardless, you've thought about this?"

"I have." Antenora confesses, "Before this way. I had considered that perhaps once our great task was done, that the situation may allow more liberal deification. If I could rise up to that and support Alicia, support so many others, it would be my duty to do so."

"If you didn't want it we wouldn't be talking about it," Marie shrugs, a little splash of water around her. "Still, that's a good answer. Alicia sort of skates by on attracting those sorts just by association with you. That's how we've got Ebony and Marchalu and a few others like that around here."

"That sort of faith might not have the most broad appeal to the lay-worshipper, but for those it does speak to they'd be the most devout anyway," Alicia speaks up. "I see the Torm comparison you just made Marie, though I think of myself more as drawing from Mystra, giving voice to those who'd use magic to battle evil, rather than simply loving magic for its own sake. It doesn't have the same broad appeal, but it's focused so those who do cleave to me, they do so passionately."

Steam gently billows around the five of you, obscuring things momentarily as warmth suffuses your bodies. The red light of sunset begins to shine on the waters, casting everything in darker colors and soft shadows. "More importantly, not everyone sees the same thing and follows for the precisely same reasons," Antenora looks up now, "You fancy yourself a deity when you're still a familiar?" Smiling now, "Why Marie, aren't you just a cute little fairy?"

Latha smiles at this, "Ahem. Before the two of you begin flirting, please. Alicia, my name is Latha. A fragment of Lathander. How can I be anything but?" She shakes her head, "I struggle with this and struggle for a way to discern myself from him."

"A cute little fairy with big dreams," Marie insists before the flirting embargo is placed.

Alicia meanwhile looks towards Latha and nods. "The sun is the sun, isn't it?" she agrees. "Even if you sought to embody a different aspect of it - noon or dusk rather than Lathander's focus on dawn... you'd still be placing yourself in direct competition with him."

"I don't want to compete with him," Latha says, looking up, the rays of the setting sun staining her face red. "Yet...Antenora said this is her duty? It is my duty as well, if so offered from on high. Yet I do not know what to do, how to make myself stand out. Please, give me your advice and wisdom, for I sorely need it."

Syala rubs her chin, "Let's see. A mace, sunshine, glory, good. Well, you use a shield, that's different, I don't think Lathander usually does. But he's also associated with protection, which makes it tougher. No, Latha, if you want this, you need to grow into it more. Become something more than just Lathander's fragment."

"Light and dark," Antenora speaks up, "What is darkness but the sun momentarily withholding its rays? Darkness is stained by its deep association with evil. Perhaps it does not always need to be so."

"What about duty, or perseverance?" Alicia suggests. "You held the bridge at Al-Sihal. You endured the Halls of the Vanquished. Even now you're talking about this in terms of doing your duty... that's a domain that I think resonates far and wide."

"Stepping on Helm's toes a bit though," Marie pipes up.

"Latha's worth stepping on a few of Helm's toes," Antenora says, rather firmly.

"Duty...perseverance..." Latha says them slowly, as if tasting the words. "Yes, I do believe you have something. The Steadfast Sun or something similar to that. That may work."

"Yeah but you're preaching to the choir here," Marie mutters.

"That's not a bad title," Alicia agrees with Latha, speaking over her familiar. "Of course we still haven't gotten into how you'll end up elevated, but it's still good to have a plan for if it happens."

"That leads into another question: How?" Syala sits back and soaks, looking up at the sunset in thought. A mug appears in her hand, which she drinks from and ponders. "Is this an end run around Ao or is there some way to do this that no one's ever figured out?""

"Ilmater said in the past different incarnations would give different answers. If one tried to ascend and was blocked by Ao, the Incarnation of Law may later allow it, rather than the aspirant be condemned to eternity as a hunefer," Alicia says. "Perhaps even if the Incarnation itself is gone, things have been left behind carrying its approval?"

Meanwhile Marie pours out another glass of ambrosia and hands it to Alicia so she can have a drink, before the eladrin makes her own.

"Hm. Like a wand waiting to be used, rather than a spell manually cast?" Latha muses on it, "I suppose it could be possible."

Antenora ponders as well, scooting over to Marie and resting against her. "Alicia," she murmurs, "Have we ever met anyone who shows signs of that? Being non-standard, I mean, or something awry with their divinity? If we could find an example, we could get information from them."

Marie smiles and pats Antenora's knee as they sit together, sipping her own ambrosia.

"Well, there's the God-King obviously. I don't think we're going to see any more Fairest Stars laying around though," Alicia gives the immediate example to come to her head. She sits silently a moment after that, magic and power twisting around her as she reaches for divine insights that'll give more relevant examples.

Knowledge (religion) check, alter realitying divine insight, greater heroism, improvisation, and guidance of the avatar for +15/+4/+15/+20 insight/morale/luck/competence bonus.

[15:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97 knowledge religion
[15:14] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+97 knowledge religion --> [ 1d20=12 ]{109}

The ambrosia is good, happiness filling you as you drink. Antenora smiles and rests a few moments, simply relying on Marie.

On reflection, one memory surfaces. Seira's story about Eblis, the fallen angel who broods deep in the Elemental Plane of Fire. An archdevil with power higher than he should, removed from all of Hell's machinations and politics. He is not an archomental nor a Lord of the Nine, yet commands divine power as surely as you do. He commands no faithful, no clergy serving him, and yet he is.

"One springs to mind," Alicia says, the energy around her dissipating away. "Eblis. Another Fallen, once among the greatest of angels. He fell to Hell but was then immediately banished by Asmodeus, though he still holds the title of Archdevil. He now dwells in Fire, with divine power matching an archomental or Lord of the Nine yet no title to match, and not a single soul pays him homage as a deity."

"Not exactly someone you can visit for a friendly chat though, is he?" Marie points out.

"Seira did," Latha points out, "Though it went rather poorly."

"Perhaps not," Antenora concedes, "But if we could find some way to talk to him, maybe...?"

Seira's still alive so she's got that going for her! She doesn't even talk about going back to fight him again like she does that dragon in Salt.

"He hates mortals, celestials, and gods," she mentions. "So finding an intermediary that wouldn't set him off among our ranks is a trick. Although this is sensitive enough that I'm not sure I'd want to trust it to another."

"If your avatar had a mind of her own she'd be flinching right now," Marie says knowingly.

"Well..." Alicia has the grace to look a bit embarrassed. "I'd still be greatly inconvenienced by its loss, it's not as if I'd send it on a suicide mission."

Syala laughs, shaking her head, "That would be a setback. Also, he's hardly the only one there. Remember the Sundered Suns? Ebony's report on Afina mentioned one of them was behind that mess in Magmasoul, even indirectly. Magic crumbles around them and Eblis as well, when they will it to."

"I could go with your avatar," Antenora speaks up, "Perhaps as those who have both seen something that changed us profoundly, we can find common ground?"

"I'm not thrilled with the risk, but we can't really afford to be timid, can we?" Alicia asks, taking a drink of her ambrosia and tilting her head back to look at the sky.

"Well don't just gate up in front of his hidden fortress, he'll think you're there to do what you did to Lixer," Marie chimes in. "Send an intermediary to ask about having a meeting under truce. Like a fire elemental or inevitable, something that won't trigger his hatred."

"Naturally," Latha agrees, drinking deep. With a smile that belies the serious discussion, "Should we bring Seira into this before we get too far ahead of ourselves? Also...five. Five of them. Ourselves, The Cauldron and...who? Three other groups is what Xerona said. They have a stake in this answer, even if they do not know it."

"I think so. Seira has better connections with the elemental planes," Alicia agrees. "Mmm... there's Sylian, of course," she says at Latha's question. "Xerona mentioned Io has taken action and empowered a mortal. And Sylvie? We were charged with finding 21 regardless."

"We have many goals forward, in addition to our own goals," Antenora says, "The time for idling in the warm waters is ending."

"Do we know who that mortal is?" Syala asks of you, "That would help speed things along."

Alicia shakes her head. "Xerona didn't say, nor offer any clues I'm afraid."

"We'll need to find out, and find the other two groups," Syala says, "Make sure they grow up strong and that we can work with them. We don't know who was chosen, like Sylian, it may not be someone we like."

A pause at that comment, "Possible," Antenora concedes, "We'll need to seek out information."

"There's lots ahead of us," Alicia agrees, rising up out of the water, moisture sluicing off her body to leave her bone dry as soon as she steps out. "I'll arrange a meeting with Seira, there's lots to talk about."

Back to the Cauldron!

Also I can just like assume Cor's read this thread and knows what's up rather than having to type out an expository summary.

That's more than fine. Are you going with anyone or by yourself?

I'll bring Marie.

Okay, I'll migrate you two over in a little bit. This thread is done.