D-ED2 001

[Corwin]

[21:03] <Koaway> > "Even. It's at cost, I bought it for a mere 7,000 gold." Offering his hand out again, "Anything to help the guard...though, I have been thinking about opening an office in Balmuria. Would you know anything about that?"
[21:03] <Koaway> <Seira> "We are always looking for enterprising people to increase the city's revenue and the quality of life for its citizens," Seira responds. "A boost to trading is one of the best ways of accomplishing this. Would you mind telling me more about that Azure person, first, however?" she requests politely. "While the product is genuine, I would still like to hear more about this trader."
[21:03] <Koaway> > "He was a strange fellow. He was from the Fiefdoms, I believe. He said that he had acquired certain interesting goods he was willing to sell. Very easy to listen too, helluva talker. He'd make a great seller." Red Meyer rubs his jowly chin, jiggling. "He had the goods too."
[21:03] <Koaway> <Seira> "Any idea where he was coming from, where he was headed? His plans? The rest of his merchandise?" Seira inquires calmly, giving the curious weapon a look for evil on the off chance there is foul play at hand.
[21:03] <Koaway> > "He left rather abruptly," Shaking his head, "I do wonder if he was being chased." No evil, no evil at all. "He had a glowing set of armor and a cold iron sword in his possession."
01[21:06] <Seira> "It sounds interesting enough," Seira agrees. "I'll bite. I'm afraid I don't travel with seven thousand in gold, but I could offer a suitable trade, if you wished, or return another day."
[21:07] <Koaway> "Feel free to return. I'll hold the item for you, Colonel," Red Meyer says graciously.
03[21:08] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[21:10] <Seira> "My thanks," Seira says once more. "If you had to take a guess, would you bet on our entreprenuer from the Fiefdoms having sold his sword and armor somewhere in the capital, or on having left town with them in his possession?"
[21:12] <Koaway> "Well," Rubbing his jowls, "Colonel, I haven't personally heard of them being seen and Azure did leave in ahurry. It's quite possible someone bought them and is staying low, but I'd guess he still has them.:"
06[21:14] * Seira nods slowly. Even as she considers her options, however, she suggests, "If you open an affiliate in Balmuria, might I suggest setting up at the newly-built area? Land is cheaper, and existing business don't have that much of a presence there, yet, so competition would not be as fierce as in the city-proper."
[21:15] <Koaway> "Ah, a recommendation? I'd be glad to listen to it," Red Meyer grins, "I'll remember that."
01[21:16] <Seira> "Leave me a message at my inn if you are in need of further help to get established in Balmuria," Seira offers. Not that she expects such a need to come up with a successful merchant, but just in case.
[21:17] <Koaway> "I thank you, Colonel," Red Meyer sticks his hand out again.
06[21:17] * Seira shakes it, in turn, before politely excusing herself.
[21:23] <Koaway> Once out, Amaryl turns, "No matter. At least we know more, but now what?"
[21:24] <Koaway> Agathaiel walks along in the chill air, "A righteous weapon being bandied about for such easy sale by a shady man? A curious thing."
01[21:24] <Seira> "We are at a crossroads," Seira announces, once the three of them have left Red's Exotics and are touring Victoria's streets. "To use a Sending to this Azure and attempt to set up negotiations. To teleport to the Fiefdoms and see if my contacts there know of Azure. Or to try and track him down." Here, she glances at Amaryl pointedly. "Something you should succeed at far better than I."
06[21:25] * Seira shrugs, then. "This might well be a celestial agent, just as the goods could have been ill-gotten. I've come across an avatar of Waukeen in Balmuria, once. It stands to reason such things might happen elsewhere as well."
[21:26] <Koaway> "There's one way to find out, but how are you going to find him? Magic?" Amaryl shivers a little in the chilly air, "It's cold out here today."
01[21:28] <Seira> "Magic is always a way," Seira agrees, sharing her cloak with Amaryl. "I was thinking more along the lines of spreading out and looking for clues as well as questioning people at the larger cities around us. Perhaps even use Sendings to dispatch such requests. If we can establish some sort of pattern to Azure's movements, we could then use the last place he was said to have stayed to track him down."
[21:29] <Koaway> "Well, if he's heading to Balmuria it'll be easy to find him. But what if he's heading to the west?" Agathaiel considers as Amaryl shivers against Seira, "Are your contacts as strong out of this kingdom?"
01[21:32] <Seira> "Yes, in the major cities where one would wish to trade," Seira responds without much hesitation. "I doubt your average village has seven to ten thousand gold put together, so there's little point in looking for a merchant trying to sell his wares -- or someone acting like one -- in them. And given the recent attacks, the guards would be more alert, and thus liable to remember more.
01[21:32] <Seira> Mmm. All things considered, I suggest we teleport to the capital of the Fiefdoms. It would also give me a chance to see the damage it took for myself, its rate of recovery, and help out if need be, which are neat pluses."
[21:34] <Koaway> "Very well. Let us travel there," Agathaiel says, "You shall cast the magics?"
06[21:34] * Seira allows Lagann to carry them away to her room at the temple of Waukeen there.
01[21:35] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 77." [1d100=77]
[21:39] <Koaway> Woosh! Seira arrives without incident. You find your room well kept and very clean. The air is warmer here, Amaryl rubbing her hands together. "Who are we going to see?"
01[21:41] <Seira> "Nice and warm, isn't it?" Seira asks happily, routing around in the closet for cloaks matching local fashions, three in number.
[21:43] <Koaway> Thick white robes and wraps are the order of the day. Several have been prepared, smelling nice and new.
01[21:45] <Seira> "Let's touch base with the clerics here, and ask them to find out about Azure as a personal favor, before doing anything else?" Seira suggests, changing into a suitable robe before proceeding to seek the locals out.
[21:48] <Koaway> Thus the party changes robes. Isonu is found in front of a crackling warm fire, reading a thick book. He closes it as Seira enters, "Ah, Seira! It's been some time. How are the fair lands ot the east? How are you?"
01[21:49] <Seira> "Fairly well, all things considered," she returns, offering him her hand. "And you?"
[21:50] <Koaway> "Profit comes as it does." The hand is taken, as well as a short bow after. "Lady Amaryl. M'lady," To Agathaiel last, "There has been murmursin the palace of trouble in the east, as well as some recent troubles of our own."
01[21:54] <Seira> "All related, no doubt," Seira agrees somberly, before her expression lightens as she gesturs at her side. "This is Agathaiel. Agathaieal, High Priest Isonu."
[21:56] <Koaway> Agathaiel glows, her disguise passing. The deva kneels before the high priest, "Holycoin, may the path of wealth and prosperity be revealed to your eyes."
[21:57] <Koaway> "Ah...thank you," With a slight start, "A servant of Waukeen honors me. Are you on business of Waukeen here, Seira?"
01[21:58] <Seira> "Quite so," Seira agrees, smiling. "You could say that Agathaiel is supervising on this one, for me."
[21:58] <Koaway> "We are seeking a man named Azure," Agathaiel rises and stands back, "Seira, I leave this matter to you."
01[22:04] <Seira> "Quite true," Seira agrees. "I have two concerns in mind, here. One is that he might have merchandise I desperately wish to have. The other is that I worry about the legitimacy of said merchandise in his hands to begin with, and wish to be reassured. We know he hails from this region, as far as reports of him go. Do you think you could help us learn more about this man?"
[22:05] <Koaway> "I can ask my contacts," he agrees, "It'll take a little time to rattle out information - a day if you're lucky, but more likely several."
01[22:10] <Seira> "That is perfectly alright," Seira assures him, "although I would like to have initial confirmation of the man operating out of here before all else. If we knew a bit about his origins and moral fiber, I could attempt to use a Sending to him while we search for yet more information."
[22:11] <Koaway> "It will be done. Until then, the hospitality of this temple is yours," Isonu rises, "I'll begin immediately."
01[22:12] <Seira> "Is there anything I can help our clergy with, either directly at this temple, or in the city itself?"
[22:15] <Koaway> "There may be. For the moment enjoy the temple, I will be in contact," Isonu says, bowing and departing.
06[22:17] * Seira acquiesces, intent on showing the grounds to Agathaiel and Amaryl for the remainder of the day. Come morning, they should be armed with more information and more useful spells.

[Corwin]

[22:30] <Kotono> <Seira> "Quite true," Seira agrees. "I have two concerns in mind, here. One is that he might have merchandise I desperately wish to have. The other is that I worry about the legitimacy of said merchandise in his hands to begin with, and wish to be reassured. We know he hails from this region, as far as reports of him go. Do you think you could help us learn more about this man?"
[22:30] <Kotono> > "I can ask my contacts," he agrees, "It'll take a little time to rattle out information - a day if you're lucky, but more likely several."
[22:30] <Kotono> <Seira> "That is perfectly alright," Seira assures him, "although I would like to have initial confirmation of the man operating out of here before all else. If we knew a bit about his origins and moral fiber, I could attempt to use a Sending to him while we search for yet more information."
[22:30] <Kotono> > "It will be done. Until then, the hospitality of this temple is yours," Isonu rises, "I'll begin immediately."
[22:30] <Kotono> <Seira> "Is there anything I can help our clergy with, either directly at this temple, or in the city itself?"
[22:30] <Kotono> > "There may be. For the moment enjoy the temple, I will be in contact," Isonu says, bowing and departing.
[22:30] <Kotono> * Seira acquiesces, intent on showing the grounds to Agathaiel and Amaryl for the remainder of the day. Come morning, they should be armed with more information and more useful spells.
[22:30] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and swap spells?
01[22:36] <Seira> OOC: LVL4 slots empty for myself, LVL7: Limited Wish, Greater Teleport
[22:36] <Kotono> OOC: That it for your change/prep?
01[22:37] <Seira> OOC: Yeah
[22:38] <Kotono> The next morning dawns. Isonu meets you over breakfast, but you notice that the doors are barred and shut. "Sandstorm," I show Isonu opens, "Not a terribly bad one, but unpleasant. Still, I did find some useful information."
01[22:40] <Seira> "Oh?" Seira asks curiously, buttering up a roll.
[22:41] <Kotono> Amaryl takes a few figs, wihle Agathaiel abstains. "Azure's name is familiar, though he hasn't bee in Arad in a several months. He's a low end merchant, getting by but not prosperous."
01[22:42] <Seira> "Thus it is rather strange that he is selling magical weaponry in a hurry in foreign lands," Seira picks up, taking a bite.
[22:46] <Kotono> "It doesn't make good sense, no." Isonu says, as a faint howl of wind can be heard. "Perhaps he stole it, or chanced on a lost treasure?"
01[22:48] <Seira> "Perhaps it is so," Seira agrees. "Does he have any sort of shop open in Arad, or family, per chance?"
[22:53] <Kotono> "Not that I heard of. He was a traveler, going about the Fiefdoms." Putting his hands together, "His reoputation wasn't terribly good or terribly bad. Entirely an average, forgettable sort. Which makes this the more puzzling."
01[22:55] <Seira> "I believe I will treat this as an opening toward honest trading and use a Sending after all," Seira decides. "If, over the course of our negotiations or your investigation, my doubts are raised about the legitimacy of Azure as a merchant, I could always take measures."
[22:55] <Kotono> "I would think he got lucky then?" Amaryl scratches her head, "Perhaps he's underselling the value of them like Red Meyer thought? If he's untrained...?"
[22:57] <Kotono> "There is the question of why he fled Victoria? Is he being pursued or in trouble, or is he paranoid?" Agathaiel looks to Seira, "How are you going to find him now? Scrying?"
01[22:58] <Seira> "We could decide such things on the spot," Seira agrees with Amaryl, before responding to Agathaiel's concerns. "It is entirely possible he appears to flee, if he recently came into good fortune and worries about getting robbed or killed for possessing his wares." She withdraws her spellbook, leafing through it slowly.
01[22:58] <Seira> "Scrying is fairly nasty towards someone you bear no ill will towards. I will attempt a Sending, as I've stated, and only resort to scrying if I have reason to."
[23:01] <Kotono> "Let's see how that goes then? With this sandstorm..." Amaryl coughs, "We can't simply go out and walk to im."
06[23:03] * Seira memorizes the Sending spell, before starting with the arduous task of preparing a message for her magic to deliver. She decides to deviate from the norm usually used in Sendings, and go with, 'I am Seira, a mage. I wish to purchase your wares. If you agree, please speak aloud the name of the city you are in.'
06[23:08] * Seira shrugs. "No answer, not even a less than polite 'go away', which just begs me to attempt scrying next." Even if her chances of success are slim, she feels the need to try.
[23:09] <Kotono> OOC: Going to try scrying straight away?
01[23:09] <Seira> OOC: Well, it takes an hour, but yes
[23:10] <Kotono> OOC: You have that portable scrying shard?
01[23:11] <Seira> OOC: I don't think I got around to buying it. No suitable mirrors, then?
[23:12] <Kotono> OOC: The temple would have a cleric font for it - which you could mimick with limited wish - but not the arcane component. It's the priciest and one they wouldn't really use.
01[23:13] <Seira> OOC: Sure, I'll blow the limited wish on this
[23:14] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+5 secondhand)
03[23:14] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@24.174.51.230) has joined #evildunes
[23:14] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+5 secondhand)
06[23:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 (+5 secondhand) and gets 26." [1d20=17]
[23:14] <Kotono> OOC: DC?
[23:14] <Kotono> OOC: DC?
01[23:15] <Seira> OOc: 29 for lvl7 spells, which this emulates. Score!
[23:17] <Kotono> You see what look sto be a dingy room. A man is throwing bags and handfuls of coins into several heavy wooden chests, working at a feverish pitch. His skin is dark, as is his hair. He wears a simple traveler's clothes, face a mask of panic.
06[23:18] * Seira frowns. "Well, he's certainly in a panic. Let's add to it by teleporting right over?"
[23:21] <Kotono> "Quite the panic," Amaryl checks her gear over briefly, "You have the ring on you, right?"
06[23:23] * Seira hands it over, continuing to study the feverish man. "Take us over there, and we'll see if he's in need of protection or jail time."
[23:25] <Kotono> "Got it," Amaryl says, invoking the ring!
[23:25] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[23:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 92." [1d100=92]
[23:27] <Kotono> Woosh! You appear in a dark, faintly smelly inn room. It reeks of old sweat and ale here, the bed dirty and unmade. One complication - it's not your quarry Azure here. It's a large, muscled man and a blonde woman. They're not wearing much, very occupied with each other and what their tongues can find in each other's throats. Amaryl gawks and turns into a little elf flare, glowing as bright red as lava. "Ooops..." she whispers.
[23:27] <Kotono> red as lava. "Ooops..." she whispers.
[23:30] <Kotono> OOC: Strike.
[23:31] <Kotono> Woosh! You appear in a dark, faintly smelly inn room. It reeks of old sweat and ale here, the bed dirty and unmade. Several wooden chests are here, Azure filling them with bags of gold and coin as fast as he can.
01[23:32] <Seira> "Who are you in such a hurry to flee from, Mister Azure?" Seira asks, casually striding to occupy a spot that cuts off any escape, be it through door or window. And looking at him through her evil-detecting shades, of course.
[23:33] <Kotono> No evil. Azure whirls around, eye sgoing wide. "Aaaah!" He fumbles, drawing a dagger from his shirt. "Get away ,thieves!"
01[23:36] <Seira> "How rude," Seira says with a huff. "At least call us tresspassers, if you must. All I want is a few minutes of your time. If you don't want to sell me anything in your possession, that is well within your rights. But I have strong concerns regarding the legality of those possessions, and your strange behavior has forced me to act in such a manner.
01[23:36] <Seira> If you persist in this paranoid fashion, I will have to make this inquiry an official one, and this is something I believe we would all like to avoid, wouldn't we, Mister Azure?"
[23:37] <Kotono> "We don't mean any harm. We just need to make sure everything's safe for you," Amaryl adds into this.
[23:37] <Kotono> OOC: Make diplo, Seira?
01[23:37] <Seira> roll 1d20+37
06[23:37] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+37 and gets 54." [1d20=17]
[23:38] <Kotono> Azure's tenseless lessons, taking a few big breaths. "O-kay, you sound trustworthy," he says, putting his knife away. "Seira from the United Baronies?"
01[23:40] <Seira> "In the flesh," Seira agrees with a curt nod. "If you are indeed being pursued, nothing short of a demon lord would get to you while we are present, so you may relax. Now, would you mind telling me what has you so jumpy? It is a rare day that such exploits of merchants reach Balmuria all the way from the capital."
[23:41] <Kotono> Azure's hands shake, "It's this loot. It's cursed." Shaking his head back and forth, "The money might be too, but I'm gonna risk it. Made enough to retire in luxury. All 'cause I found that battlesite."
06[23:42] * Seira tilts her head slightly, indicating for him to proceed.
[23:44] <Kotono> "I was blown off course by a sandstorm...really bad.  I stumbled into a battle-ground. It was...lots of broken things and black sand. I found the loot in it and made it back to an oasis, just barely."
01[23:46] <Seira> "Sounds like a fair found," Seira says evenly, shrugging. "Where does the curse come in?"
[23:47] <Kotono> "Started getting bad feelings as I sold it all. Bad feelings. Like I was being watched. Things were right. They were going to get me." Shaking his head along and along and along, "They were gonna come and take it all away."
01[23:48] <Seira> "How long have you been selling it?" Seira asks curiously.
[23:49] <Kotono> "Several months. A piece here, a piece there. Quiet. I know they'd get me if I made more noise." Azure shakes his head, "Sold it all, but...gotta get back and hide safely now. I can't let them get my gold!"
01[23:51] <Seira> "I assure you, if anyone were literally watching your steps with magic, these mysterious they would have stepped in far earlier," Seira muses, tapping her lips. "I could, of course, check if there is any curse at all at play, here, although I doubt that, either. Could you tell me more about the nature of this battle ground and what you found there?"
[23:54] <Kotono> "Y-yeah, okay." After another shaky breath, "It was in the desert, way out there. Everything was really quiet. No bodies, just the bear...and the sand. Patches of sand that were black as night, and others white as snow. It felt creepy. Really creepy, but the stuff as lying around there, waiting to be taken."
01[23:55] <Seira> "Bear?"
[23:55] <Kotono> *gear. B and G are close on th ekeyboard.
01[23:55] <Seira> OOC: Strike~
01[23:59] <Seira> "It is possible it was a battlesite where a follower of heavens fell, and might even attribute for the sensation of being watched," Seira suggests, thinking it over. Plenty of battles took place in that region, leaving dead sand behind. "As long as you did not sell anything to particularly unscrupulous people, however, I would not worry about any sort of reprecussions
01[23:59] <Seira> and suggest that you relax about such things. If you are worried over the more mundane problems, such as being robbed by those who envy your fortune, Balmuria has an excellent standard in keeping the law, and plenty of qualified mercenaries for hire to guard your person, if I might say so."
Session Time: Sat Nov 28 00:00:00 2009
[00:00] <Kotono> "M-maybe, but..." He runs a hand down his face, "You said checking for a curse, too? Like heavens? Angels? Like an angel cursed me?"
[00:01] <Kotono> "Perhaps so if you hold something not meant for mortal hands, but not likely." Agathaiel replies, "If you committed no sin, it is unlikely you are cursed by the heaven.s"
01[00:01] <Seira> "That's highly unlikely," Seira states. "There might be, in exceedingly rare cases, a curse left on objects from a violent passing of their owner, but again I don't believe that to be the case. Just to be on the safe side, once an hour's passed, I could check for such matters."
[00:06] <Kotono> "Y-yeah," Azure nods, going to sit besides his gold boxes. "It's gotten worse as time has passed, too."
01[00:08] <Seira> "I can dispel curses, too," Seira decides to state, in order to help the man calm down. "As Agatha has said, if no sin was committed, you should suffer no ill effects. Oh, where are my manners? This is, of course, Agatha, and last but not least, Amaryl." She gestures at her companions as she makes the belated introductions.
[00:12] <Kotono> "Hello." Soft in voice and smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Azure." Amaryl says.
[00:13] <Kotono> "H...hello." Takin ga gulp in return, "Yeah, you do that. See about the curse as soon asyou can then."
01[00:14] <Seira> "If I might return to that subject," Seira then says, "I am interested in the collection you manage to acquire and sell. In the armor, in particular, but the rest of it as well. If possible, I intend to try and track it down for purchase. As we must wait for a bit until I can call upon those magics, I would appreciate hearing about those dealings, unless they were made in confidence."
[00:24] <Kotono> "I-I'll tell you." A slight nod follows, "I sold it to a man who called himself Laraiel. When I started making my pitches to merchants there, he came up and made an offer. We got along well and it was generous, so I went along with it. Said he was heading back towards Arad."
01[00:25] <Seira> "From Victoria?" Seira inquires, also intent on getting what few contact details might be available.
[00:26] <Kotono> "Yes." A nod there, "That's what he said."
01[00:28] <Seira> "And aside from the armor?"
[00:29] <Kotono> "I sold a man named Red Meyer a cudgel," He goes on, "He's in Victoria. I sold a traveling merchant named Ali a cold iron sword in the Fiefdoms.
[00:29] <Kotono> "
06[00:29] * Seira nods. "Just those three, then? A strange set of equipment."
[00:32] <Kotono> "Yeah," Answering that with a quick nod, "You just know they're magic when you look at them."
01[00:33] <Seira> "You do," Seira agrees. "I ran into Red Meyer the other day, and saw the cudgel. How much did you get for each of them, if I might ask?"
[00:34] <Kotono> "5,000 for the cudgel, 10,000 for the armor and 6,000 for the sowrd," he answers, "21,000 gold in total, roughly."
06[00:36] * Seira grins at the sneakiness of the Victorian merchant. "Might I suggest using gems and platinum for most of your monetary needs?" she voices. "They tend to make travel far lighter and easier. That aside, however, would you take me up on my offer of transportation towards your next destination? I should be able to take you and your gold along, if you so wish."
[00:38] <Kotono> "You mean...magic?" He looks to Seira again, "I heard you can go across the known world in as econd."
01[00:39] <Seira> "I can," she confirms.
[00:39] <Kotono> "Yes, exactly that." Agathaiel smiles faintly, "Arcane magic trivilizes miles into inches."
[00:40] <Kotono> "Okay," Licking his lips, "It'll get me away from THEM, anyway."
01[00:41] <Seira> "Just think about your destination, Balmuria, Arad, or something new altogether," Seira suggests to the man. "Take your time, gather your things for travel. Once you are done, I will be ready as well."
[00:43] <Kotono> "Balmuria'll work," Azure says quickly, "Somewhere they wont' find me...they think I'm going back to the desert, I just know it."
06[00:44] * Seira nods, and settles against the wall to meditate, finding herself a position where she can observe the outside world through the window. Once an hour has passed, she can just start by trying to sense the magic in the room, and see whether Azure has anything left over that he couldn't properly identify, or any sign of magic upon his person or his gold.
[00:47] <Kotono> Azure radiates faint magic, Seira finds.
01[00:47] <Seira> Raising an eyebrow imperceptively, Seira tries to estimate the nature of said magic.
[00:48] <Kotono> OOC: Spellcraftin'?
01[00:48] <Seira> OOC: Yep
[00:49] <Kotono> OOC: Taking ten or rolling/total what?
06[00:50] * Seira takes a moment to reinforce her faculties with Heroism before attempting to discover the exact nature of the aura.
01[00:50] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 38
01[00:51] <Seira> This time, Seira's eyebrows climb all the way past her shades. "What do you know, there really is a curse," she says loud enough to catch everyone's attention. "Azure, please stand still and breathe normally, while I attempt to remove it from your person?"
[00:54] <Kotono> "Ah, an easy solution," Agathaiel smiles.
06[00:54] * Seira presses the palm of her hand to Azure's forehead, channeling enough arcane power to force its way through the curse and eliminate it altogether.
01[00:54] <Seira> OOC: Remove Curse
[00:54] <Kotono> Azure's eyes widen, "They cursed me, oh no..!" he shudders, trying to breathe normally. With that burst of arcane power, Azure's eyes go wider. "...i...it's gone." he says, "That nameless dread is fading away!"
06[00:55] * Seira continues observing the unfortunate man calmly to confirm that the magical auras indeed are leaving his person.
[00:56] <Kotono> The auras are gone. With a smile, "I feel so much better! Why was I so worried...there's nothing wrong at all!"
01[00:58] <Seira> "It is by no means no certainty, but I estimate the curse was of a divine origin," Seira says for Azure's benefit. "Either you've crossed a cleric in some way, or the objects you've found carried something with them... but things should be just fine from now on. Let's go to Balmuria once you've settled your affairs here, then?"
[01:00] <Kotono> "It could have been an object warded to prevent evil from taking it and you were merely unlucky." Agathaiel considers, "Or perhaps the black sand you spoke of?"
[01:00] <Kotono> "I'm ready to go, gold and all," Azure states.
01[01:01] <Seira> "All fine possibilities," Seira agrees. "Just come closer, then, everyone. I will aim for a section of the street just outside my home. You could stay there for the day, Mister Azure, and then choose where to settle down. On three, one, two...."
01[01:02] <Seira> Once everyone is ready, she counts to three and calls upon her strongest teleportation spell, certain to deliver them all on target without fail.
[01:21] <Kotono> The rest of the day's sendings are simple. Isonu promises to sending you late the same day or tomorrow depending on when the sandstorm lessens. OOC: Rest of the day is peaceful. Going to change any spells.
01[01:23] <Seira> OOC: (lvl5) TK, Cloudkill -> blank slots; (lvl4) Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, GMW -> blank slots; (lvl7) Twinned Ray -> Greater Teleport, Twinned Unicorns -> Limited Wish
06[01:24] * Seira intends to see if the next day bears any fruit, and if Isonu does not contact her by lunchtime, she could investigate the smith in Armasea in the meantime.
[01:26] <Kotono> Just before lunch, word comes back. 'Ali is a legitimate merchant, but not in Arad right now. Laraiel is related to celestials and can talk in Arad.'
01[01:29] <Seira> That name was a large giveaway, and Seira's pleased that her hunch was met. "I will be there in half an hour," she sends back, "and I would appreciate it if an audience could be arranged. Thank you, Isonu."
[01:33] <Kotono> After a half hour, the three women gather. "On your mark, Seira," Amaryl says.
06[01:36] * Seira imbues herself with a pair of spells to give herself a boost of confidence and to draw more deeply on her draconic nature, and then accepts Amaryl and Agathaiel's hands. "Towards successful negotiations," she pronounces, calling upon a powerful spell of teleportation to deliver them to her room at the temple in Arad.
01[01:36] <Seira> OOC: Heroism, Voice of the Dragon
[01:44] <Kotono> Woosh! Thus the trio appears! In your room Isonu awaits. A man of regal stature and bearing with deepset black eyes waits. He wears fine traveling clothes with a rich cloak. His skin is like marble, hair dark curls. "Seira," he offers a hand out to her.
06[01:45] * Seira shakes it firmly, inclining her head in greeting. "Laraiel?"
[01:46] <Kotono> "The same." His grip is unrelented, hand smooth as melted iron. "I hear you were after Azure, the man I bought celestial armor from?"
[01:46] <Kotono> "I've informed him of the situation," Isonu states as he stays stead.
[01:46] <Kotono> *seated
01[01:49] <Seira> "That makes the situation even simpler," Seira says with a smile directed at the priest. "Thank you once more, Isonu." Returning her direction to Laraiel, she gestures towards her girlfriend. "This is Amaryl. I was seeking a superior armor for her, as we are about to return to the Abyss to take the fight to our enemies. Her safety is paramount in my eyes, and I believed Azure had just what we needed."
[01:51] <Kotono> "I've heard of the Crimson Guard. You've done good work in this world. You're correct, the armor is powerful, or it would be if it wasn't damaged." Laraiel stays standing, his marvelous voice filling the room and enthralling. "It bears battle scars and it's effectiveness has been compromised."
[01:51] <Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[01:51] <Kotono> "I've heard of the Crimson Guard. You've done good work in this world. You're correct, the armor is powerful, or it would be if it wasn't damaged." Laraiel stays standing, his marvelous voice filling the room and enthralling. "It bears battle scars and it's effectiveness has been compromised. It could be repaired given the proper skill."
01[01:54] <Seira> "I know of two artisans who might be up to the task," Seira says, not missing a beat. "Perhaps even three. Of course, it is near impossible to tell, given I know next to nothing about the battle scars in question. Would you be willing to assist us in this matter, either by allowing us to purchase the armor, or by doing that and helping us restore it to its former glory?"
[01:56] <Kotono> Laraiel gestures to Seira's closet. "I placed it in there. I ask for a favor in return."
01[01:57] <Seira> "Of course," Seira says instantly. "If it is within my power to help, I am always ready to do so for our friends here in Arad."
[02:04] <Kotono> "I need another magical item I possess fully analysed. I fear it may be a cursed arm of the dark side."
01[02:05] <Seira> "The sword Azure mentioned?"
[02:06] <Kotono> "No, unrelated to this." Taking it out from a pocket, Laraiel shows you a pair of bloodied iron gauntlets. They're small but stained in dark lifeblood. "I do not detect evil, but my spirit is uneasy when I hold them. I would like to remove any question about them."
06[02:08] * Seira nods. "Alright," she says, heading towards her closet to withdraw the armor from it and laying it up on her bed. She gestures next to it. "Please put the gauntlets here, and I will attempt to observe them both at the same time."
[02:09] <Kotono> The gauntlets are placed down without incident.
06[02:09] * Seira calls upon Detect Evil and Magic in sequence, studying both objects.
[02:11] <Kotono> No evil but there is magic.
01[02:12] <Seira> OOC: Spellcraft 38 for unique effects/enchantments/school/etc?
06[02:15] * Seira nods to herself, and asks those gathered to make themselves comfortable as she begins preparing the necessary spells. A magic circle against evil and the spell of Identify would be necessary for something a celestial suspects just might be dangerous. Once their arcane patterns are seared into her mind, Seira invokes the former in its extended variant, and attempts to use Identify on the gauntlets.
06[02:21] * Seira observes herself for any foreign auras mingling with her own. If none are in presence, she rounds up the request by having Lagann use a Wish on Legend Lore for the gauntlets, while she herself calls upon similar magic to cast Analyze Dweomer for both of the objects.
01[02:23] <Seira> roll 10*1d4 legend lore minutes
06[02:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10*1d4 legend lore minutes and gets 20." [1d4=2]
[02:25] <Kotono> Seira takes out the armor! It is made of silver and gold, but terribly battered. Despite it, it glows beautifully!
01[02:27] <Seira> "I'm sorry it took--" Seira trails off, frowning in dismay. "Ah, well. At least those were two hours well spent. Laraiel, the gauntlets have the most basic of enchantments upon them, which is then further imbued by delivering a moderate amount of negative energy upon those struck with them. While necromantic in nature, it is hardly a vile or evil or even nasty enchantment.
01[02:27] <Seira> They also aren't old or important enough in the general scheme of things, so rather than believe a simple pair of gauntlets managed to outwit me, I think I'll go with harmless in the way you were afraid about."
[02:28] <Kotono> "Good. Still distasteful, but worthy of putting away in a corner, not needing to destroy or purify," Laraiel says, "Thank you, Seira."
06[02:30] * Seira shrugs. "Don't mention it. And I wouldn't call it distasteful, truly. A simple inflict light wounds spell would harm a person more. Just as positive energy could be harmful if you spend too much on that plane, negative energy has its own reasonable uses."
06[02:31] * Seira decides to add, "Plus, there is nothing vampiric about this ability. It does not drain from the target to yourself."
[02:32] <Kotono> "I still dislike using the tools of death. Let life reign instead, not death." The guantlets are taken, "The armor is yours to do what you will with. I trust you will put this armor to good use."
01[02:33] <Seira> "It is my hope as well," Seira returns with a smile, taking the change of topic in stride. There is little sense to argue over tastes regarding such matters. "If there is any way I might be of use in the future, don't hesitate to call upon me, Laraiel."
[02:34] <Kotono> "I know not how long my duties on this world will last. If they take me in your path, I will come calling," He offers his hand out again to Seira. "Be safe and walk in peace."
01[02:35] <Seira> "You too," she says, taking the proffered hand once more.
[02:36] <Kotono> "Be well, sorry I didn't say much." Amaryl blushes, "But you have such a lovely voice!"
[02:36] <Kotono> "Be well, brother in arms," Agathaiel shakes hands with Laraiel.
06[02:36] * Seira laughs. "It can be easy to get overwhelmed with new people, can't it?" she tells Amaryl.
[02:41] <Kotono> "Oh yes," Amaryl colors again, "SometimesI just want to stay home for a few months and rest."
01[02:41] <Seira> "I think we can manage that, in two months's time," Seira voices. "We'll surely earn our time off by then."
[02:43] <Kotono> "But now what?" Agathaiel goes over to the damaged celestial armor, "Who shall repair it?"
01[02:45] <Seira> "The smith we heard of," Seira states. "That is our next target. As Elle is busy as sin, we'll have to try our luck in Armasea, next. I'll memorize teleporting spells, and once I'm done we can try and see that rumored person."
01[02:46] <Seira> OOC: Identify, MCvE -> blank lvl4 slots, Teleport x2 -> blank lvl5 slots.
[02:50] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, roll TP.
01[02:50] <Seira> roll 1d100 try the first!
06[02:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 try the first! and gets 54." [1d100=54]

[Corwin]

[18:13] <Kotono> ----
[18:15] <Kotono> Questioning around, Seira can find her destination is a bit outside the city of Armasea. Mercer lives there, known as an extrodinarily skilled blacksmith. Seira would know he repaired the Sword of the Sealed Gate using Linthrum and the fragments of the blae.
[18:15] <Kotono> *blade
[18:15] <Kotono> OOC: If you wanna TP over or make travel arraingmenets feel free.
01[18:17] <Seira> Since there is still plenty of sunshine left, and she doesn't want to risk teleporting blindly based on such descriptions, Seira decides to find horses for herself and her companions and ride over to Armasea's outskirts in search of the smith Mercer.
[18:18] <Kotono> OOC: Going on mundane horseback or what?
01[18:18] <Seira> OOC: Yeah. It's just nearby, right?
[18:18] <Kotono> OOC: You do know that's not a mere day's journey or anything by normal means.
[18:18] <Kotono> OOC: It takes a bit of travel to get there, you guys haven't been in a long while though.
01[18:18] <Seira> OOC: I'm in Armasea, and it's still over a day? Okay.
[18:19] <Kotono> OOC: No, I mean that you're in Balmurai right now. I'm talking about from Balmiuria TO the destination.
[18:19] <Kotono> OOC: If you're going to TP over and take horses(Yeah, I said it funny a line up), roll the TP then and I'll move you along.
01[18:20] <Seira> OOC: I was pretty sure I wanted to teleport to Armasea from the start, but okay
01[18:20] <Seira> roll 1d100
03[18:20] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@24.174.51.230) has joined #evildunes
01[18:20] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 75." [1d100=75]
[18:25] <Kotono> Getting horses in Armasea is without incident and easy enough. You go to find Mercer. A large, smoky stone building lies a few miles out of Armasea. A wide chimney emits great black puffs of smoke out, the entire air smelling of metal and fire. There is little decoration outside, the building entirely ulitarian.
[18:26] <Kotono> Amaryl sneezes, rubbing her nose. "It is most assuredly a smithery. Human smiths are always so smoky!"
01[18:26] <Seira> Flashiness has its moments, but a quiet, reserved confidence is also fine, Seira muses to herself. At Amaryl's words, she perks up. "How do elven smiths work, then?"
[18:27] <Kotono> "I'm not trained in the arts, but I can tell you there is far less smoke involved." Sneezing again, Amaryl follows that up with a cough.
01[18:28] <Seira> "We'll have to visit one of them some day and solve this mystery, then," Seira responds with a short laugh, heading up to the door to knock on it twice.
[18:29] <Kotono> After a few moments, a loud, roudy voice calls, "Yeah, what do you want? C'mon in!"
06[18:30] * Seira opens the door, preferring to deliver her greeting in person. "Seira of the Crimson Guard. I'm looking for Mercer?"
[18:31] <Kotono> As Seira enters, she is buffered by heat! Inside are several forges, blazing hot! In this vast room hang cooling and cooled arms, armor and shields in the front half. In the back half are the forges, where the crafter works. He is a big man - six and a half feet tall, flame scarred and wearing a leather apron over his clothes. He wields a hammer as he pounds on a shield, forcing it into place.  "Seira, eh? Captain Alicia send you this way?
[18:31] <Kotono> "Seira, eh? Captain Alicia send you this way?" He speaks over the din of his hammer.
01[18:33] <Seira> Mmm, heat. "You came highly recommended," Seira chooses to respond, before introducing Amaryl and Agathaiel to the smith. "We have quite the unique suit of armor that needs to be in top shape, perhaps even surpassing its original capabilities. I'm reasonably confident the likes of it weren't seen on this world for millennia, at least not in the hands of mortals. Interested in the job?"
[18:35] <Kotono> "Damned right I am." With a few more poundings to shape it, Mercer takes the shield in tongs, dropping it into a vat of water! As it hisses and a storm of steam rises out, "Is it more Linthrum?"
01[18:36] <Seira> "Why don't we just show you?" Seira asks, a smile playing on her lips, as she waits for Amaryl to reveal the celestial armor to Mercer.
[18:38] <Kotono> Amaryl takes the armor out of the carrying sack, placing it onto a nearby table! The forge-light catches in the armor, reflected into the brilliance of an inferno. Mercer looks to it, a low whistle in his throat. He goes over, running his hands over the damaged suit of mail.
[18:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 27." [1d20=13]
[18:38] <Kotono> "This isn't from here, is it? Not from anywhere we're supposed to be?" His hands work into the grooves and gashes, "This construction is beyond any other smith besides myself."
01[18:40] <Seira> "Its nature speaks rather lightly about its origin," Seira agrees. "I know what it is capable of now, and I know what similar designs are made to do. I even have an idea or two of my own about how to adjust those. What I can't possibly tell is whether it would be possible to fix it according to such designs in a short amount of time."
[18:43] <Kotono> "I need to examine it." Hefting the armor up with one hand, holding it close to his face with squinted eyes, "Do you know what it's forged of?"
06[18:44] * Seira is about to say no, when she pauses, and mentally asks Lagann to determine that for her.
01[18:48] <Seira> "Mithral, gold and alchemical silver," Seira reports, detailing the exact composition and how the metals uniquely bind to each other. "I believe it carries itself much like a comparable mithral armor in most ways."
[18:50] <Kotono> Rapping against the tiny chain-links with his finger, "Gold's too heavy for effective armor and much too soft. Alchemical silver can hold an edge...mithral is very good." He eyes it again, "It must be using the gold for some purpose, but what? The armor's too damned light. Magic?"
01[18:56] <Seira> "Speaking of..." Seira trails off, and links her mind closer with Lagann. She can project colorful images in the air easily enough, and her familiar has an endless knowledge of designs. Together, they should be able to display the way the metals come together, and the functions of magic binding them.
01[18:56] <Seira> Truthfully, Lagann could have sufficed in fixing the armor altogether, but setting up a suitable smithy for him would just take too long while they're pressed for time. That doesn't mean his knowledge can't come useful, however.
[18:58] <Kotono> Watching the designs raptly, Mercer's hammerhand twitches around his instrument. "Oooooh...that's how...and the alchemical silver bonds to the gold...and the mithral..." he nods to himself, "And the arcana..."
01[19:02] <Seira> "The most heavily damaged parts are that last, the arcana."
[19:03] <Kotono> After some time of examination, Mercer nods. "I'm not a wizard, but I have picked up some arcane knowledge." He reaches out with his hammer, going through one of the projected images. "It'll need something to reignite the magic. Something powerful and suitable, the stronger, the better. You're a wizard, got anything like that?"
01[19:05] <Seira> "If you mean a suitable magic spell, I'm tapped out for today," Seira admits, "but tomorrow I could work something out. If you had a different idea, I could try spells that go well with this armor's nature."
[19:05] <Kotono> "It might, but not. Something more solid. Something magic or symbolism. Like a sphere of magical power, or the heartblood of an angel." With a shrug, "You know, like in the storytales?"
06[19:06] * Seira is silent for a bit, before asking, "What about a dragon's blood?"
[19:09] <Kotono> "It might, at that. Dragons are naturally magical." Nodding ot that, "If it was reforged in dragon's blood, that could do it. The stronger the dragon, the better." With a critical eye at Seira, "Wasn't there a dragon in Balmuria years back? Still got his blood around?"
01[19:10] <Seira> "In a sense," Seira muses, turning to examine the pendant she had given Amaryl what now seems like such a long time ago. "That, and some of my blood to serve as catalyst to bind the two together, perhaps...."
[19:11] <Kotono> "It would be good. Got anything else to add to that," As Seira examines the pendant. "It doesn't have to be just one thing, as lon gas they all harmonize and they're all powerful."
01[19:14] <Seira> "Only the spells I mentioned previously," Seira responds, glancing at Amaryl and Agathaiel for any ideas.
[19:16] <Kotono> "A holy relic, or perhaps something else?" Agathaiel says after some thought.
[19:17] <Kotono> "Maybe..." Amaryl considers a moment, "No. Nevermind."
01[19:17] <Seira> "How would pure, positive energy mesh with things?" Seira volunteers, mulling it over, before turning towards Amaryl. "Yes?"
[19:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[19:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 30." [1d20=16]
[19:20] <Kotono> "It...like life-energy? Potentially quite well, but I've never worked with anything like that so I don't know for certain," Mercer says.
01[19:22] <Seira> "Would you be averse to having my familiar on hand?" Seira inquires, even as she continues to peer at Amaryl questioningly. "He is quite knowledgeable in the field, and it feels as if such an arrangement would cover all angles."
[19:23] <Kotono> "It was a foolish idea," Amaryl frowns.
[19:23] <Kotono> "That metal ball? If it helps, sure. I could use a second...not what I imagined, but why not?"
01[19:24] <Seira> "He could talk to you directly, if you'd like, though I'll have to ask him not to overwhelm you," Seira responds. "That aside, for the moment, I would like an estimate. How long would such an endeavor take, and how much would you like to charge for it?"
[19:26] <Kotono> "Hells." Scratching on a burnscar on his forearm, "Half a week? A week? It took me three days to remake that Sword of the Sealed Gate, this shouldn't be much longer. As for payment? I want physical copies of those images the ball's making."
01[19:29] <Seira> "Would you be averse to checking with myself before employing the techniques that went into the construction of this armor?" Seira asks him back. "We might have been granted the armor itself, but crafting more of them without any control might get someone we want to keep happy to frown instead."
[19:32] <Kotono> "What do you mean, checking in with you?" Mercer asks.
01[19:33] <Seira> "Passing on the word and letting me run a background check on anyone eager to get their hands on shiny celestial armor," Seira elaborates. "From my understanding, they are restricted use gear even on the higher planes, so if some unscrupulous group got any into their hands, I can only see that lead to badness for all involved."
[19:34] <Kotono> "If you think I can copy this entirely, you're wrong. I can't copy the magic involved. I might be able to find a new process or two out of it, but I'm not a wizard. Making magic from nothing isn't possible."
01[19:35] <Seira> "I see. In that case, I don't believe that to be a problem," Seira asserts, though she glances at Agathaiel out of the corner of her eye for confirmation just the same.
[19:36] <Kotono> Agathaiel nods faintly in return.
[19:36] <Kotono> "Then leave what you're going to leave and come back in three days," he bids.
01[19:38] <Seira> "I can leave the armor here," Seira offers, "and go collect another possible item, perhaps indeed of a holy origin. That way, you could familiarize yourself with it, and tomorrow I will arrive with the remaining would-be components. Is that acceptable?"
[19:40] <Kotono> "Fine." Mercer says. OOC: Seira, what all are you going to give him, by the way?
01[19:40] <Seira> OOC: The armor for now.
01[19:41] <Seira> OOC: I'd like to TP over to Malmuth and have a chat with Saul, in case he has a good idea. He's a mage, a cleric and he studied the happy healing orb, so he should be quite knowledgeable.
[19:49] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. If you're using normal TPs roll 'em.
01[19:51] <Seira> "Amaryl," Seira says once they leave Mercer's abode, wanting to confirm something before they teleport onwards. "You know me by now, don't you? Saying something halfway and then letting it be just makes me more and more curious."
[19:52] <Kotono> Amaryl sighs, "I know. I spoke before I controlled my tongue. I had the idea to offer up the Sun Blade intot he armor."
01[19:54] <Seira> "It's certainly holy enough, and should work just fine," Seira agrees. "But it is also a physical sign of approval we went through hell to receive. Even before usefulness comes in as a factor, I would be hesitant to see you give that up."
[19:57] <Kotono> "Yeah, I thought it would be betraying what we went through." Amaryl agrees, "That's why it's foolish."
06[19:59] * Seira shakes her head. "While the idea isn't workable, as is, how is it foolish to suggest it, when it might inspire others?" She draws the sword Pallanth had graced her with, admiring its beautiful blade. "There are certainly other swords that hold a lot of significance, which was what Mercer was talking about, yet wouldn't constitute any betrayal if used."
[20:00] <Kotono> "Oh, Flash of Heaven! Even the name fits!" Amaryl's cheeks light up with a blush, "Surely that would bring good fortune?"
01[20:02] <Seira> "Quite," Seira agrees, sheathing the blade. "Now, let's go see Dad and ask him for his opinion? I quite value it, even if it doesn't look like it at times."
[20:04] <Kotono> "Let's!" With that, Amaryl takes Seira's hands! OOC: Go ahead and do the TPing thaang.
01[20:04] <Seira> roll 1d100 ring
06[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 ring and gets 12." [1d100=12]
[20:08] <Kotono> You find Saul within one of the restored buildings. A light crust of snow is on the ground, the wind chill. But inside it's warm, Saul sitting in front of a fireplace and drinking hot tea. "Your timing is better than it usually is. I just finished today's magic."
01[20:09] <Seira> "That was a criticism, wasn't it?" Seira asks Amaryl, frowning. "He sees his loving daughter, and the first thing out of his mouth is this." She shakes her head sadly.
[20:10] <Kotono> "Well, Waukeen is perfect. The rest of us..." With a little wavering of his hand ,"We should try to improve ourselves to be better like Waukeen."
[20:10] <Kotono> Amaryl crackls a smile to Seira, "I think, ah, I'll just sit down and have some tea, too."
01[20:11] <Seira> "Fine, fine." Seira plops to the ground by her father. "I figure you would've said something if there were any problems, so the situation here is same old, same old?"
[20:13] <Kotono> "We're doing the best we all can." Saul gestures to other soft seats by the fire, "Queen Tant's running herself raw trying to keep Malmuth running and repair the capital so thousands more don't die of exposure."
[20:13] <Kotono> Agathaiel remainds standing, behind Amaryl's chair.
01[20:14] <Seira> "If you are in need of more supplies, we can certainly manage that," Seira voices. "I'll also be around in the near future, and help how I can."
[20:15] <Kotono> "The Baronies are sending what they can. We need wood - so much wood. Wood for fires, wood temporary cabins, wood for splints..." Saul grunts, "The Faran Preserve is being gutted for wood."
06[20:16] * Seira considers. "What about Pallanth? They can send aid as well, if they were so inclined. Luckily enough, the network of the working portals allows for that."
[20:18] <Kotono> "I've sent word through there," Saul agrees, "They're helping, but we have an entire displaced, mammoth city. Without those circles, it would be far worse than it is."
01[20:20] <Seira> "I suppose," Seira agrees. "So," she then continues, leaning her back against Saul's seat, "would you like to hear what we're running about for this time, Dad?"
[20:22] <Kotono> "Money?" Tapping his chin, "You do go through money faster than a princess in a jewelry store, but...no, probably not. My blessing for Amaryl...no, you didn't wait on that. Spiritual advice as a cler...okay, that's a fantasy." Saul chuckles, "You want me to cast magic for you?"
01[20:23] <Seira> "Spiritual advice is fine," Seira responds. "And do you really want me to react to the second one, oh absentee father of the decade?"
[20:24] <Kotono> Amaryl blushes very much now.
[20:24] <Kotono> "We all make mistakes." Saul waves his hand, "At least Amaryl can't get you pregnant without magic I'd rather not consider. But since this does seem to be unusual, go on. What do you want, Seira?"
01[20:25] <Seira> "I hate you," she mutters, before putting on a smile. "About that shard of positive energy. Do we need it for further studying, or can we use it for a greater good?"
[20:25] <Kotono> Amaryl coughs very much, droplets of tea splattering about.
[20:26] <Kotono> "The one preserving Irenes' sanctuary?"
[20:26] <Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[20:26] <Kotono> "The one preserving Irenes' sanctuary?" Saul considers, "I've studied it as much as I'm going to, I think."
01[20:28] <Seira> "Yes. I realize that without it, the sanctuary may well rot unless we manage to fix the wound in the world," Seira responds. "Some of it, leftover from the war. Other parts, no doubt due to the Neverborn and its lich followers fouling up the region with their filth. Be it as it may, however, would it be of use here? If we brought it over to the refugee camp of Malmuth, it might serve to heal and nuture."
[20:29] <Kotono> "It couldn't hurt," Saul reasons, "If you're okay with losing that foothold in the Wastes, I have no objection."
01[20:30] <Seira> "I considered the benefits of using it in the reforging of celestial armor we managed to track down for Amaryl, so my primary concern was that we have managed to get from it all we could," Seira admits. "I still think it might work out nicely, but even for such a worthy cause, I'm not about to deprive a city of needy people of a chance of better existence."
[20:31] <Kotono> "As I said, it couldn't hurt. I'd want it to be protected - I can take care of that. Well meaning accidents might happen, and who knows the attention it'll draw?" Saul steeples his fingers together. OOC: Seira, make a CL check on see invis.
01[20:33] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 36." [1d20=18]
01[20:37] <Seira> Porceline. Invisibility. That's all Seira needs to know as she springs to her feet with a cry of "Ambush!", magic focusing at her fingertips!
01[20:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 Lagann uses nerveskitter
06[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 Lagann uses nerveskitter and gets 13." [1d20=2]
[20:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 27." [1d20=13]
03[20:39] * Kotono changes topic to 'Assassin(27)>Seira(13)'
[20:40] <Kotono> The assassin's face does not show any emotion as she silently gildes over the ground, running as if on air! Her iceaxe lashes out at Seira as she runs past the rest of the surprised group!
[20:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+30
06[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+30 and gets 32." [1d20=2]
[20:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25
06[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 and gets 43." [1d20=18]
[20:40] <Kotono> OOC: Flatfootd aC?
01[20:41] <Seira> OOC: Like 22
[20:41] <Kotono> roll 1d6+17+6d6 and fort
[20:41] <Kotono> roll 1d6+17+6d6 and fort
06[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+17+6d6 and fort and gets 47." [1d6=4][6d6=5, 4, 4, 6, 2, 5]
06[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+17+6d6 and fort and gets 37." [1d6=4][6d6=3, 3, 2, 4, 1, 3]
[20:41] <Kotono> OOC: DR applies if you have stoneskin up.
01[20:42] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 alas, no
06[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 alas, no and gets 31." [1d20=12]
01[20:42] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 32." [1d20=13]
[20:44] <Kotono> Seira is mauled twice by the axe, rips into her side and chest! The assassin springs back 15 feet in a smooth leap, bouncing off the ceiling and landing in a crouch! Seira feels her flesh start to stiffen at the wound, the edges of it turning to alabaster...but fading afte ra few moments! OOC: Seira goes then init.
06[20:46] * Seira calls upon stoneskin's protection, calling out to Saul, "Dad, do you have Glitterdust in reserve?"
[20:47] <Kotono> "I do!" Saul calls back in a breath! OOC: Saul has his spells as in the topic, which includes one glitterdust. All the earth/wish/repair ones are used up for the day.
01[20:49] <Seira> As the situation seems dire before it even had a chance to properly develop, Seira retaliates with a powerful orb spell that should bypass any defenses this fiend would have, while images spring up all around her!
01[20:49] <Seira> roll 1d4+5
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4+5 and gets 8." [1d4=3]
01[20:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+18 impromptu SA, empowered/maximized orb of cold
06[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 impromptu SA, empowered/maximized orb of cold and gets 33." [1d20=15]
[20:50] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
01[20:50] <Seira> OOC: Evil or not?
[20:50] <Kotono> OOC: No evil.
01[20:51] <Seira> roll 90+5d6 fort 26 or blinded, I'll use soothsaying on another orb next round
06[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 90+5d6 fort 26 or blinded, I'll use soothsaying on another orb next round and gets 110." [5d6=3, 4, 1, 6, 6]
01[20:52] <Seira> roll 110+45
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 110+45 and gets 155."
[20:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17 fort
06[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 fort and gets 31." [1d20=14]
[20:53] <Kotono> The freezing sphere strikes the assassin right in the chest! Waves of ice spread ove rher body, a blizzard's wrath knocking her back! OOC: Init. Roll for Amaryl and Saul, Seira?
01[20:54] <Seira> OOC: Agatha is sitting this one out?
[20:54] <Kotono> OOC: Which orb, Seira, by the way.
[20:54] <Kotono> OOC: Agathaiel, but I'll roll her.
[20:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 24." [1d20=16]
03[20:54] * Kotono changes topic to 'Assassin(27)>Agathaiel(24)>Seira(13)'
01[20:54] <Seira> OOC: Oh. I have an empowered orb of cold (which I used maximize on here), and a normal orb. I'll use the normal next round, given the chance, and benefit from the metamagic.
[20:54] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
01[20:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+8 A
06[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 A and gets 16." [1d20=8]
01[20:55] <Seira> roll 1d20 L
06[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20 L and gets 19." [1d20=19]
01[20:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 S
06[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 S and gets 8." [1d20=7]
03[20:55] * Kotono changes topic to 'Assassin(27)>Agathaiel(24)>Lagann(19)>Amaryl(16)>Seira(13)>Saul(8)'
[20:57] <Kotono> "What's happening," Amaryl sputters, dropping her teacup! As it explodes out in a burst of broken pottery, the assassin clutches it's frozen chest! She leaps into the air, splitting into two fading images! Just like that, she's gone! OOC: Free act.
06[20:58] * Seira gapes, unable to believe it. "The audacity..." she murmurs, using this chance to treat her wounds, in case the assassin returns.
01[20:58] <Seira> roll 3d8+15
06[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+15 and gets 32." [3d8=7, 3, 7]
[20:59] <Kotono> "What happened?!" Amaryl repeats, leaping out of her chair and drawing a handful of arrows and her bow in one movement!
[21:00] <Kotono> "Assassin." Saul barks out words to glitterdust, filling the room...but nothing is revealed. He goes over to Seira, calling on energies to restore her!
[21:00] <Kotono> roll 3d8+15
06[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d8+15 and gets 28." [3d8=8, 4, 1]
01[21:00] <Seira> "I... a woman of porceline." Seira gestures to two deep wounds torn out of her body. "Same look and approach as the molydeuses, so I struck, given how she was sneaking up on us, invisible and with a drawn weapon."
[21:04] <Kotono> "An assassin from the Dark Six?" With a deep gasp, "I didn't hear a thing!"
01[21:05] <Seira> "It was luck and paranoia that allowed me to catch her, really, and I was still too late to do more than sound the alarm before she struck," Seira says regretfully.
[21:07] <Kotono> Saul intones again, washing away the last wounds. "He snuck in without us noticing. If ont for that..."
[21:07] <Kotono> roll 3d8+15
06[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d8+15 and gets 31." [3d8=5, 8, 3]
01[21:08] <Seira> "Did you see that creepy alabastor festering near the wounds, just before it faded?" Seira asks, dismissing her images but still jumpy. "You think it was a creepy Abyssal disease or poison? They are beyond horrifying!"
[21:13] <Kotono> "The answer is what will our reply be?" Agathaiel reports, "We were assaulted."
01[21:14] <Seira> "Do I need some special healing? Really, what Antenora got was so terrible I couldn't think straight!"
[21:15] <Kotono> "Just in case, come here," Saul gestures, "I'll cast a Heal on you."
01[21:16] <Seira> "Right away!"
[21:17] <Kotono> Saul prays to Waukeen, Seira receiving restorative energies! She feels well enough now, her wounds completely gone from the previous healing magic.
06[21:17] * Seira sighs in relief, just before a shudder goes through her body. "Thanks. Now I can worry about the terrible things targetting us without worrying over turning into an abomination."
01[21:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+26
06[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+26 and gets 37." [1d20=11]
[21:20] <Kotono> "Scry it?" Amaryl answers, "And return the favor?"
01[21:21] <Seira> "That is possible," Seira agrees. "This thing teleported rather than shifting to another plane, which suggests a base of operations exists here, somewhere. We should try doing this tomorrow."
[21:22] <Kotono> "But before that, if you're not going to immediately act, did you have anything else to ask me," Saul presses.
01[21:24] <Seira> "Ah, yes." At this, Seira's professional demeanor returns, as if by magic. "I was thinking of using the aforementioned shard in the reforging of the armor, as I've said. Since we believe there is a better use for it at the moment, I'm thinking of other symbolic, powerful and divine objects that might fit together well, here. Your amulet is one candidate, the sword from Pallanth another. What else?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "Well." Saul goes back to sitting, picking up his teacup he put aside. "Colonel Seira, hero of the second Malmuthian order, member of the Order of the White Horizon, she who fought back the horror beyond reality...what holy artifacts do you have handy?"
01[21:32] <Seira> "Of a specifically holy nature?" Seira considers. "My sword, if it qualifies, and the coin Waukeen bestowed upon me. I would be loath in parting with my only physical link to her, and we can't sacrifice one of the keys to Daa-vid's prison."
[21:34] <Kotono> "
[21:34] <Kotono> "Don't you have keepsakes, like the featers of a solar, or the bottled love of a tulani? By Waukeen, Seira, did I forget how to have you take proper souvineers?" Saul shakes his head, "Truly, I have found my failing with you."
01[21:35] <Seira> "Dad, it's so creepy to just go around and pluck the feathers of angels only to hoard them for use in future arcane rituals."
[21:37] <Kotono> "That's why Waukeen granted you the charm and face of an angel," Saul smirks a little bit, "Hmm. If you do want angel feathers..." Saul looks to Agathaiel. "Especially if you happen to be molting."
[21:37] <Kotono> Agathaiel smiles now, a slightly tense one. "I do not molt. If you desire one of my feathers, you need but ask."
06[21:38] * Seira shakes her head in amusement. This does brings to mind the ritual having to do with the gate to the plane of Water, and how she's gathered all of the components for it but the sword scrapings, so Seira uses the chance to consider auspicious combinations for reigniting the flames of justice in celestial armors.
[21:43] <Kotono> OOC: K:A.
01[21:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+25
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 and gets 33." [1d20=8]
01[21:47] <Seira> "Alright. That certainly gives me a good idea of what to go for. What about restraint? I would appreciate advice on that. The only reason I'm not considering the aforementioned shard is because it has other uses still. But what of using the sword and the amulet?"
[21:56] <Kotono> "Seira." Saul looks to her, "The sword is your choice. For the amulet? Hell." Scratching at his chin again, "You've made it your own. If you think that's what needs to be done, well, don' be wrong."
01[21:57] <Seira> "I meant more... I don't know." Seira shrugs. "Mercer mentioned that we should avoid things clashing with one another, and I just want to make sure all the nice magical and holy items can play nicely with one another."
[22:01] <Kotono> "I'd choose one strong item then than trying to mix several and avoid the problem," Saul says after some thought.
01[22:03] <Seira> "Thanks, that does help me realize something," Seira responds. "Alright, I think we have a working plan. Let's rest the night here and then see about trying to scry on our assassin? And Dad, do you think you could use your Dragon Ally spell to summon a golden dragon in service of Waukeen? If we could barter for one of his or her scales, that might well serve to compliment our efforts with the armor."
[22:07] <Kotono> "If you like, though you're paying for it," Saul answers back, "If you're okay with that, fine."
01[22:08] <Seira> "For such a task, it shouldn't be more than a thousand gold, especially if you have the magic of regeneration on hand."
06[22:09] * Seira shrugs. "If we explain the situation, ask nicely for the dragon's blessing and offer full reimbursment for the trouble, it should be fine."
[22:10] <Kotono> "Then so be it." OOC: You're going to rest the night, restore spell sand start anew in the morning? Goa head and switch up spells in topic, tell me when you're good.
01[22:11] <Seira> OOC: Done
01[22:12] <Seira> OOC: Minor edit! Done for real.
[22:22] <Kotono> OOC: Which do you want to do first the next morning
[22:22] <Kotono> ?
01[22:22] <Seira> OOC: First, a scrying!
[22:24] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and declare which scrying and all that.
01[22:24] <Seira> OOC: Right. Does Malmuth at present or Saul have the means for me to scry from?
[22:29] <Kotono> OOC: Saul doesn't have scrying gear handy, and Malmuth is in ruins, so no.
06[22:30] * Seira will attempt to teleport to Balmuria to try her scrying from there, and also use the chance to touch base on several matters with others of the Guard. She can always return to talk more with her father later that morning.
01[22:30] <Seira> roll 1d100 home!
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 home! and gets 63." [1d100=63]
01[22:31] <Seira> OOC: I'll use the soothsaying boost on greater scrying, if possible

[Corwin]

[19:55] <Tiny_Ko_Army> <Seira> OOC: First, a scrying!
[19:55] <Tiny_Ko_Army> > OOC: Go ahead and declare which scrying and all that.
[19:55] <Tiny_Ko_Army> <Seira> OOC: Right. Does Malmuth at present or Saul have the means for me to scry from?
[19:55] <Tiny_Ko_Army> > OOC: Saul doesn't have scrying gear handy, and Malmuth is in ruins, so no.
[19:55] <Tiny_Ko_Army> * Seira will attempt to teleport to Balmuria to try her scrying from there, and also use the chance to touch base on several matters with others of the Guard. She can always return to talk more with her father later that morning.
[19:55] <Tiny_Ko_Army> <Seira> roll 1d100 home!
[19:55] <Tiny_Ko_Army> * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 home! and gets 63." [1d100=63]
[19:55] <Tiny_Ko_Army> <Seira> OOC: I'll use the soothsaying boost on greater scrying, if possible
01[19:55] <Seira> OOC: The soothsaying boost is actually impossible to use out of combat, which this is
[19:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Scrying on the assassin? Caster level check.
01[19:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
06[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 31." [1d20=13]
[20:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira calls on all her magic...but the scrying fails.
[20:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Waiting on your reaction/what you do next/whatever, really. Ball's in your court. I fyou were waiting o me.
01[20:08] <Seira> "Well, that's that," Seira says to herself good-naturedly, deciding to prepare better the following day. For the time being, she decides to pay a visit to Alicia's residence.
[20:10] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Alicia's house is quiet. The door is ajar, however, the smell of food inside. You can hear laughing, light and carefree.
06[20:12] * Seira contemplates sneaking inside for all of a second before laughing at the thought and knocking on the doorframe as she calls out, "Anyone home?"
[20:13] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Come in!" A happy voice calls, Dawnhope's laughter carrying with it. "Oh Seira, is that you?"
01[20:14] <Seira> "No!" Seira responds brightly, stepping inside at the invitation, even as she seems slightly dubious. "Who's home right now?"
[20:15] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Hugo is eating cookies, Dawnhope fluttering ove ra metal pan of them. "It's just us two right now!" she carols, "Hi! Jessica was here but she just vanished...but change is good! Oh, Alicia and the others aren't with you? They're still traveling the Planes?"
[20:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Hugo smiles widely at Seira, "Seira!" he calls and waves.
06[20:18] * Seira waves back, returning the smile. "I was hoping to catch Alicia, Jessica or Marie, actually. Would I have better luck if I returned later today?"
[20:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I'm not sure. Jessica's hopping between Dweomerheart and here a lot. Marie's with her, and I don't know about Alicia." Floating over to Seira's shoulder and perching there, "Oh! Donald works at your inn, doesn't he?"
01[20:19] <Seira> "That bum? Sure. You need him to do some demeaning task for the greater good?" Seira's eyes practically light up at the possibility.
[20:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh no." With a grousing, "I had abet with him and he won." Dawnhope flies off, coming back with a few coins, grunting as she wobbles in the air. "Here, give those to him for me? But...does he need to do something good? Has he sinned and needs to atone, hm?"
06[20:21] * Seira shrugs, even as she wilts ever so slightly. "Probably. We both know the same Donald, right? What was the bet about?"
[20:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "On who could find a dragonscale first!" Pouting, "I was going to check his room for one since I just knew he had one, but would you believe he had it in his pocket?"
06[20:24] * Seira briefly worries that Donald nicked one of the scales she keeps as trophies, but dismisses the thought, shaking her head. "Well, your loss. You had to have realized your chances of getting your hands on one were nonexistent, so it was a bad bet to make."
[20:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yeah, yeah." Grumping, "Oh well, it was fun! Here!" Dropping the coins into Seira's hand, "Oh, Jessica wants to see you when she can. She wants to give you something for Roald."
01[20:27] <Seira> "She would be in luck, given I want to see her as well," Seira responds. "If she gets in touch with Donald back at my home, he'll know how to find me, alright?"
[20:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Okay!" With a little smile, "You won't even reconginze her!"
01[20:30] <Seira> "Just as long as she hasn't taken to wearing porcelain," Seira responds, smiling herself, and follows her sudden, strong urge to pat Hugo's head.
[20:31] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Hugo smiles at Seira, taking her hand. "Hi!" he repeats, "Want?" He holds up a cookie to Seira.
01[20:33] <Seira> "I could go for a cookie," Seira agrees, accepting it. To Dawnhope, she says, "I'm afraid I can't really stay, or the possibility exists horrible things will happen. If Alicia should happen to touch base with you, warn her about invisible pale-faced assassins with flying axes? I'll try to deliver a message, myself, but there's only so much a vague, twenty-five word warning can do."
[20:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Will do!" Dawnhope says, as Hugo goes to Seira. He looks into her eyes, "Careful."
01[20:35] <Seira> "I'm very strong," Seira insists, and after a quick hug to Hugo and wave to Dawnhope she decides to seek out Demedais and Pollyanna.
[20:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As Seira walks, she finds Pollyanna at the temple of Helm. "Seira," she smiles faintly, rising from her prayers. "Demedais is with Commander Oberuth right now."
01[20:39] <Seira> "I won't interrupt, if it is important, as long as you can pass on both a warning and a request from me," Seira responds, looking around for a quiet booth or out of the way corner to occupy.
[20:40] <Tiny_Ko_Army> You go to an out of the way corner, Pollyanna smile growing. "We've been going between here and Malmuth. I've heard what's going on from the Commander."
01[20:42] <Seira> "I'll start with the warning, then, to get it out of the way. Some weird porceline-skinned assassin approached me invisible in Malmuth. She had some sort of flying axe that returned to her, and tried to infect me with each strike. Luckily, whatever it attempted to do, it failed at. It was pure luck that allowed me to even catch her, and she brazenly walked into a very well-guarded room to strike at me."
[20:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army>  "Helm!" With a softly curse of divinity, "I'll have Demedais prepare invisibility purge magics."
01[20:45] <Seira> "When I tried to scry for her, the Greater Scrying spell was repelled without much fanfare," Seira adds, "and she was able to teleport away after a brief exchange. I suggest not holding back, and preparing most thoroughly.
01[20:45] <Seira> Of course, I cannot state for certain I was the target, but an assassin so focused wouldn't seek to silence me if she were after my father or anyone else in that room. She would just strike and teleport away, I believe, so take this as my intuition, drawn from a subjective interpretation of the facts."
[20:46] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "We'll be as carefula s we can then," Pollyanna insists, "What's the request?"
01[20:49] <Seira> "Amaryl and I have been looking for a suitable armor for her, the better to protect her from the ongoing threats, and we finally chanced upon a celestial armor Waukeen has let cross our path. It is worn down with battle and time, however, and requires reforging.
01[20:49] <Seira> I intend to use a powerful magical item as a catalyst, there, but I would also appreciate a keepsake from Demedais, for its many symbolic values. I am trying to ask Alicia as well, of course, and will provide one as well. It would... well, it would make me happy if he helped out with this, even if the request embarrassed him."

[Corwin]

[19:12] <Kotono> >  "Helm!" With a softly curse of divinity, "I'll have Demedais prepare invisibility purge magics."
[19:12] <Kotono> <Seira> "When I tried to scry for her, the Greater Scrying spell was repelled without much fanfare," Seira adds, "and she was able to teleport away after a brief exchange. I suggest not holding back, and preparing most thoroughly.
[19:12] <Kotono> <Seira> Of course, I cannot state for certain I was the target, but an assassin so focused wouldn't seek to silence me if she were after my father or anyone else in that room. She would just strike and teleport away, I believe, so take this as my intuition, drawn from a subjective interpretation of the facts."
[19:12] <Kotono> > "We'll be as carefula s we can then," Pollyanna insists, "What's the request?"
[19:12] <Kotono> <Seira> "Amaryl and I have been looking for a suitable armor for her, the better to protect her from the ongoing threats, and we finally chanced upon a celestial armor Waukeen has let cross our path. It is worn down with battle and time, however, and requires reforging.
[19:12] <Kotono> <Seira> I intend to use a powerful magical item as a catalyst, there, but I would also appreciate a keepsake from Demedais, for its many symbolic values. I am trying to ask Alicia as well, of course, and will provide one as well. It would... well, it would make me happy if he helped out with this, even if the request embarrassed him."
[19:13] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm." Biting her lip as she thinks, Pollyanna looks with half lidded eyes at Seira. "Okay, I have an idea, but let me talk to Demedais and see what he thinks. I'll stop by the inn in a few hours?"
01[19:15] <Seira> "Thanks, it's all I ask!"
[19:15] <Kotono> Bowing her head and murmuring a word of prayer, "Helm watch over you, Seira, and keep you from evil."
01[19:18] <Seira> "If anyone's watching, it would be Helm, wouldn't it?" Seira asks with a smile, waving to Pollyanna. There's some time for errands, and she decides to return home for the time being, and coordinate with Amaryl in person.
[19:22] <Kotono> Amaryl's find at Seira's inn. The insides are buzzing with people getting food and drink, pleasant smells throughout. Masculine bardsong fills the air, Donald sitting with Amaryl. The two are sharing a bowlful of cut up apples and fruits. "They're fresh," Amaryl says in a chiding voice, "They're much better."
[19:22] <Kotono> "They're also not greasy, meaty or able to make me drunk," With a look of disdain, "Just fruit for lunch? Really?"
01[19:24] <Seira> There is an easy joke here, but Seira heroically resists making it. "Depends on the fruit, doesn't it?" she brazenly barges into the conversation.
[19:25] <Kotono> "Donald...oh, Seira!" Amaryl's face lights up, "I was just telling Donald how he needs to eat more fruit, nuts and vegetables. You're a fey-elf, not some burly human or dwarf."
[19:26] <Kotono> Grumbling under the general buzz of conversation flying all about, "I'd rather have a hunk of beef, some bread and a good ale."
01[19:26] <Seira> Donald was a pretty fruity human to begin with, too. Seira shrugs. "Not a nuts fan, myself, but I support the rest?"
[19:27] <Kotono> "Of course you aren't," Donald mutters under his breath, then exhales heavily. "I can take on ten barbazu without breaking a sweat. I say I'm doing things right, like eating." Standing up then, "I think I'm going to go get in some practice with the Guard."
01[19:28] <Seira> "But what happens if a dozen jumps you?" Seira asks him innocently.
06[19:29] * Seira snaps her fingers, then, and golden coins appear floating above them, as if by magic. And it really is, as aside from a little sleight of hand, Lagann is helping her float Donald's won bet from Dawnhope. "Before I forget, here."
[19:30] <Kotono> Donald gives a big, long blink. "Oh, sure." He scoops up the coins, "What for? Did I buy you something and forgot?"
01[19:32] <Seira> "Something about a bet? Good job tricking a little kid out of her hard-earned money." Seira gives him an exaggerated thumbs up.
[19:33] <Kotono> "Oh, that!" Snapping his fingers, "Well, she bet I couldn't come up with a bet that I could beat her at." Donald grins, "Didn't work out so well for her! Besides," Whistling now, "I'm sure Waukeen improves of me enriching myself?"
[19:34] <Kotono> Amaryl looks between the two and puts a hand to her face. It doesn't stifle the giggles that come.
06[19:34] * Seira nods firmly. "You are a true paragon of Waukeen's teachings. Lathander must be so proud!"
[19:35] <Kotono> "He is." Stretching now, "I think I'll go track down and beat up a few demons and devils to chase this down." Donald turns and walks out, leaving the inn.
06[19:36] * Seira waves at Donald as he goes, grinning. "I missed this," she admits to Amaryl quietly.
[19:38] <Kotono> "It's so earthy." Amaryl nibbles at a cut apple slice, "Running about the cosmos, feeling everything we've felt? It's overwhelming. I have dreams of vivid paradise and nightmarish horrors. Every time I'm happy, I yearn to go to Elysium, for I know I would be even happier there. When I feel fear, it dims in comparison to the Abyss and the terror that gripped so hard there. These feelings...these feelings here are nothing to those, but that'
[19:38] <Kotono> These feelings...these feelings here are nothing to those, but that's why they're so good. I can understand them."
01[19:41] <Seira> "The Abyss is... terrifying, yes," Seira admits. "Ever since the first time I was trapped there. It's not the certain, horrible death or the torture to come before it, but the sheer... unnaturalness. You know, you were there." She shudders.
01[19:41] <Seira> "I wonder why it is that I can understand the nightmares, but Elysium or Celestia just don't mean the same to me they should to sane people. I'm happy enough there, but there's still something missing...."
[19:45] <Kotono> "Everything is wrong in the Abyss. No...Wrong. Wrong. Capital w." Amaryl puts down her fruit, going to slide close to Seira. "I don't know, Seira. Are things different for dragons like that?"
01[19:48] <Seira> "Maybe it's that strange deck I played with that has a hand there, but really, I think it must be my ego, my obsession with exploring and building... any combination of those." Seira shrugs. "I suppose it might change one day. But rather than a topic that makes me uncomfortable, how about turning the tables on you?" She turns to observe Amaryl, taking her hand under the table.
01[19:48] <Seira> "Sorry about Dad, yesterday. He babbles in his crazy old person way, sometimes. I don't remember raising him to be like that."
[19:50] <Kotono> Amaryl smiles a tthat, "He's very caustic. The two of you have a relationship that Sir Ambrose would call 'hateful lovers'."
01[19:52] <Seira> "I will pretend this never crossed Sir Ambrose's mind," Seira says quietly, blanching.
03[19:53] * Cidward (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-68-153.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #evildunes
[19:53] <Kotono> "....SEIRA!" Amaryl eeps, "I didn't mean it like that! Oh Waukeen, not like that!" Amaryl holds her hands up, wobbling back in her chair and nearly falling out! "I mean...I mean...not like that!"
06[19:55] * Seira focuses on catching Amaryl and steadying her chair. It's better than continuing that particular thread of thought.
[19:56] <Kotono> Amaryl wobbles back and forth, Seira preventing her from falling out! "I mean just...just...Seira! How could you think that!? It's wrong, dirty, perverted and a crime against nature! It's just an expression!"
01[19:57] <Seira> "I blame you!"
[19:59] <Kotono> "It's not my fault! Your mind is still tained from the Abyss!" Amaryl whispers back, "That has to be it!"
03[19:59] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-514d755e.l2.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[19:59] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Ebiris
01[20:00] <Seira> "Let's just agree to blame Dad?" Seira offers hopefully as compromise.
[20:02] <Kotono> "O...okay." After a few moments of that, "L-let's just eat lunch and relax for a little while then?"
03[20:03] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:07] <Seira> "We can do that, or I could ask you if you want kids," Seira muses. "I didn't really think about it until Dad brought it up. But this keeps on occupying my mind, now, and that is probably because I don't know if you ever wanted... and this is where I pause before I babble."
[20:08] <Kotono> Amaryl turns red as a efreet, but as she speaks, Seira finds her words drowning out in a rush!
01[20:10] <Seira> Caught by surprise, Seira can only stare owlishly, no doubt making a fool of herself.
[20:11] <Kotono> Amaryl's blush grows even hotter as she whispers something, lost as the rush fades. "...it would be strange, since who would bear the child and who would use the magic, Seira?!"
01[20:13] <Seira> Oh Waukeen, smite me now. "I, uhh, my mind blanked out. I, umm, swear it's true. Can you repeat all that?"
[20:14] <Kotono> "S-Seira...!" Amaryl turns redder, "Oh. My. Goddess! Are you...is this...like sex talk to you?!" She says in a mortified whisper, "Oh. My! Let alone out here?!"
01[20:17] <Seira> Even Seira can feel and display embarrassment, and this is indeed one of those moments. "I honestly don't remember your answer. I just remember asking if you ever wanted to, you know, or had dreams of ever having kids. And the rest is just blank until now." Her shoulders sag slightly. "You know I joke about things, but I wouldn't do something like that to you!"
[20:19] <Kotono> "Uh...uh...let's just...uh...let's just go talk in private!" Amaryl rises, scurrying away and back to their private rooms as fast as her well trained legs can take her. She whizzes past a serving girl, blowing past a man entering. Commander Oberuth blinks as Amaryl runs by her, watching her go before he scans. He sees Seira, approaching to her.
01[20:20] <Seira> "Is this life or death, Sir?" Seira asks, standing up abruptly and moving to follow her. "Because I'm in a crisis!"
[20:22] <Kotono> "Go ahead. I mainly came for a drink." Commander Oberuth steps aside Seira.
01[20:23] <Seira> "Please stay! Whatever you want, it's on the house!" Seira hurriedly says, almost without stammering, and rushes after Amaryl.
[20:25] <Kotono> Seira finds Amaryl back in their bedroom, the slender elf girl sitting on their bed. She's looking at Seira as she hurries in.
06[20:30] * Seira visibly steadies herself. "Alright. I can explain this. I can." She felt happy, glorious and warm, literally overwhelmed with love as the rest of her senses blacked out. Even she wouldn't believe it was entirely innocent and unrelated, however, so that part will never see the light of day. "We all know thanks to Dad's lack of tact that magic can manage anything and everything.
01[20:30] <Seira> I was just wondering if you ever... I don't know, had dreams about children. And the reason I asked wasn't to proposition you, but because I realized that I haven't really thought about this at all before, but I'm hardly normal." She pauses, frowning. "I can't explain why I just blanked out there, though, but it's not what you thought! Just take my word for it? Please?"
[20:32] <Kotono> "Okay. I will!" Amaryl nods back and forth, blushing hotly as she plays with her fingers. "Is it...I mean...nevermind!" Amaryl shakes her head back and forth. "I want children...perhaps one in a century, then perhaps fifty to eighty years before having another."
01[20:36] <Seira> "Maybe Waukeen was playing a prank on me? Or Lathander, since I was teasing Donald earlier? Helm sometimes does it, so others might, too...." Seira trails off. "One in a century, huh?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "I know. It's a bit fast...only a century per child, but...I like children," Amaryl admits with a growing blush.
01[20:39] <Seira> "I think that so do I," Seira muses slowly. "But I never really thought about having my own. Is that weird?"
[20:46] <Kotono> "Most women do think of them." Amaryl murmurs.
06[20:49] * Seira sighs, taking a seat by Amaryl. "It's probably another sign I need to relax more rather than run from place to place, chore to chore all the time. Maybe I'll be able to have some normal dreams, then."
[20:51] <Kotono> Amaryl curls into Seira, "When this is all over, let's do that. Just that and forget aobut everything else."
01[20:53] <Seira> "I'd like that," Seira says, relaxing.
Session Close: Mon Nov 30 20:59:12 2009

Session Start: Mon Nov 30 20:59:12 2009
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[20:59] * Disconnected
02[21:00] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[21:00] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[21:00] * Topic is 'Assassin(27)>Agathaiel(24)>Lagann(19)>Amaryl(16)>Seira(13)>Saul(8)'
03[21:00] * Set by Kotono on Sat Nov 28 21:02:54
03[21:00] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Yomi
02[21:01] * Seira (~corwin@bzq-79-182-74-4.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03[21:01] * Yomi is now known as Seira
[21:08] <Kotono> After a little time of relaxation, there's a knock on Seira's door. "Seira?" Donald calls.
01[21:09] <Seira> "Yes?" Seira asks, extricating herself and answering the door in person.
[21:11] <Kotono> Donald's there, "You have a couple of guests here," he jerks a thumb backards, "Alicia's sister and the Commander. Are you going to come out or should I tell them you'll be awhile?"
01[21:12] <Seira> "Can you please ask them to meet us in the reading room?" Seira requests. "We'll be right there."
[21:15] <Kotono> Donald goes and does just that. Amaryl smooths her clothes out, standing up. "Do you want to go right away now?"
01[21:16] <Seira> Prestidigitation makes them more than presentable, and Seira smiles at Amaryl. "We shouldn't keep our guests waiting."
[21:21] <Kotono> Thus you head to your reading room. Amid the bookshelves Commander Oberuth stands. He doesn't really fit in - too big, armored, like a warrior in a laboratory. Everything seems too small for him. Jessica sits demurely in a seat, a book in her lap. White wings wrap around her, kindness and a smile radiant on her face.
01[21:23] <Seira> "Might not recognize her, indeed," Seira murmurs, nodding at Alicia's sister with a smile before coming closer and offering the Commander her hand.
[21:30] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth takes it, his grip harder than steel and his cheeks red. "Colonel," he nods solemnly, "Jessica is here on her own business, go ahead and deal with her first. We'll talk after that."
[21:31] <Kotono> "Seira," Jessica comes over to Seira, book under one arm. "Mystra has chosen to bestow Her blessings on me, so that the glory of magic and good can spread farther."
01[21:32] <Seira> "She chose well, then," Seira says, glancing at the book.
[21:35] <Kotono> It's a book on elementary magic. It's good light reading for Seira, for those days where she wants mental junk food. "Thank you. Roald has been taken to Dweomerheart as well, so that we may be together. He is grateful for your offer of support in Valandia, though it's not needed in Dweomerheart." Jessica goes back to her chair, ruffling in a sack. She comes out with a wrapped loaf of bread. "Roald baked this with help from Mystra's servant
[21:35] <Kotono> She comes out with a wrapped loaf of bread. "Roald baked this with help from Mystra's servants. A thank you gift...eat it not when you are hungry, but as fortification before a great battle."
01[21:36] <Seira> "It will keep until then?" Seira asks with an amused twist of her lips, accepting the gift.
[21:37] <Kotono> "It will." Jessica looks into Seira's eyes, "Our fates did not intertwine how they were expected to, but we are grateful. When our marriage happens, we hope to see you there."
01[21:38] <Seira> "We'll be happy to attend," Seira responds for herself and Amaryl, inclining her head.
[21:40] <Kotono> Amaryl grins, "Lovely! When will it be?"
[21:41] <Kotono> "We were going to wait until spring, but in Dweomerheart the seasons matter little. When things have calmed down, we will have our wedding." Jessica answers brightly.
01[21:42] <Seira> "A lot of dreams are pending on our success, then," Seira notes.
[21:43] <Kotono> "Yes. I must be going," Jessica nods slightly, "There's so much I have to do to prepare."
01[21:45] <Seira> "Oh!" Seira exclaims. "There was a request I wanted to make of you or Marie, since Alicia is away on business. Did Dawnhope pass that on?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "Oh yes." Jessica's face alights with red, "My mind is newly opened to all of Mystra's wisdom. My every lax moment is spent in contemplation of magic. It's easy to neglect other matters for that."
06[21:51] * Seira details the situation with the armor once more, finishing with, "And so I'm hoping to have a symbolic gift from my friends in the Guard to remake it better than before."
[21:53] <Kotono> "Mmm." Jessica considers, "A symbolic item would be simple enough. A bit of jewelery, an article of clothing, a lock of hair, that manner of thing?"
01[21:54] <Seira> "Using a lock of hair here is kind of creepy, and jewelry is both needlessly expensive and not personal enough. Clothing seems to be the right idea, though."
[21:57] <Kotono> "Hmmm. What sort? A shirt? A skirt?" Jessica asks, "Alicia uses magic to repair damage to her clothes so she has few throw-aways, but there are a couple."
01[21:59] <Seira> "Whatever symbolizes her the most, yet she can part with?" Seira says vaguely.
[22:00] <Kotono> "Hmmm. Old armor?" Jessica frowns then, "She usually wears her armor."
01[22:01] <Seira> "Marie might have a clue?" Seira suggests. "I heard she was helping you move around, so she probably won't be too far, right? Whatever I might say, I feel like I'm presuming too much."
[22:02] <Kotono> "I'll talk to her and see what she thinks," Jessica says, "One of us will com eback tonight."
06[22:02] * Seira smiles. "Thank you again for considering my request."
[22:19] <Kotono> Thus Jessica leaves. Commander Oberuth goes to sit them, overfilling a delicate elven chair. His blonde hair and red face fill Seira's vision as he waits. "At ease." He begins, "I fended off an assassination attempt today."
06[22:20] * Seira listens patiently, even as she chides herself with not reporting to him at once after the attempt on her own life."
[22:26] <Kotono> "Elle's magic alerted us - some sort of owman with an axe, we were able to fend her off with help from the Guard before anything too untold happen. Fortunate for us." Oberuth goes on, "Was it a member of the Dark Six or a servant that you know of?"
03[22:27] * Cidward is now known as Sierra_MeltingBrain
01[22:27] <Seira> "She attacked me last night in Malmuth, while we were visiting my father," Seira responds with a wince. "Porcelain skin, flying axe, invisible and teleports away when counter-attacked?"
[22:29] <Kotono> "The axe fits," A nod, "We didn't get a good look at her before she fled."
01[22:31] <Seira> "I was too lax in properly alerting everyone to the threat," Seira admits, more to herself than for anyone else's sake. "My arrogance in considering myself the only likely target for assassination from those liches was clearly unfounded. I apologize, Sir."
[22:33] <Kotono> "Yes. I understand that communication is difficult when you're traveling the planes, but...no harm done." Oberuth continues from there, "When will you and Alicia be back in Balmuria together?"
01[22:35] <Seira> "I don't intend to leave this plane until Alicia's return, so it really depends on her. I could try to use a Sending to communicate with her, if you would like, Sir?"
[22:38] <Kotono> "Do so," Oberuth says shortly.
01[22:39] <Seira> "It would take about half an hour under the circumtances," Seira warns him, fetching her spellbook. "Aside from a warning about the attack and the question about her schedule, should there be anything else?"
[22:39] <Kotono> "For now that's fine," Oberuth says, "I'll wait."
06[22:42] * Seira can't help glancing at Amaryl as she tries to clear her mind. If it were her armor, she would naturally ask the Commander to contribute something as well, even with his dislike of magic's potential to disrupt the binding. For Amaryl, though.... 'Is there anyone else you would like to ask for a symbolic contribution?' she thinks to her. Amaryl has a mentor figure of her own, after all.
[22:43] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth is quiet during this, as Amaryl looks back to SEira. 'I'm fine. I think that's enough - he said not to add too much, too.'
01[22:48] <Seira> Once she is done, Seira casts the magic and takes great care to pronounce the following, letting the tone of her voice deliver the message that everything on the home front is fine. "Commander and myself attacked by invisible assassin on two occasions. Attempting to scry back, everything under control. Do you know when you will be back?"

[Corwin]

[20:18] <Kotono> <Seira> "It would take about half an hour under the circumtances," Seira warns him, fetching her spellbook. "Aside from a warning about the attack and the question about her schedule, should there be anything else?"
[20:18] <Kotono> > "For now that's fine," Oberuth says, "I'll wait."
[20:18] <Kotono> * Seira can't help glancing at Amaryl as she tries to clear her mind. If it were her armor, she would naturally ask the Commander to contribute something as well, even with his dislike of magic's potential to disrupt the binding. For Amaryl, though.... 'Is there anyone else you would like to ask for a symbolic contribution?' she thinks to her. Amaryl has a mentor figure of her own, after all.
[20:18] <Kotono> > Commander Oberuth is quiet during this, as Amaryl looks back to SEira. 'I'm fine. I think that's enough - he said not to add too much, too.'
[20:18] <Kotono> <Seira> Once she is done, Seira casts the magic and takes great care to pronounce the following, letting the tone of her voice deliver the message that everything on the home front is fine. "Commander and myself attacked by invisible assassin on two occasions. Attempting to scry back, everything under control. Do you know when you will be back?"
03[20:27] * Yomi is now known as Seira
01[20:32] <Seira> "She says it would be soon," Seira responds, taking in the missive. "Apparently, Alicia was attacked as well, but things turned for the better. She also mentioned gaining an ally."
[20:34] <Kotono> "Good. We'll wait on her then," Oberuth nods, "No sense in repeating myself."
06[20:37] * Seira is dubious that Alicia meant soon in the sense of right this instant, but humors the Commander and resolves to give it a few minutes.
[20:43] <Kotono> In the mean time, "Do you remember one of your first missions, Seira? I sent the Guard off to deal with some goblins who were attacking outlying farms."
01[20:43] <Seira> "I gained my funniest nemesis from that one," Seira reflects, smiling.
[20:44] <Kotono> "It's like that." Oberuth looks down at his hand, balled into a fist. "But it's on such a larger scale. Not just a day's horseback ride away, or a few weeks of travel. But far more, in this world and others."
01[20:46] <Seira> "What's like that?" Seira asks in confusion, not making the connection at first.
[20:48] <Kotono> "I'm thinking. We're not just Lord Salman's mailed fist. We're more than that, far more." Commander Oberuth shakes his head then, "I'm rambling. It's something I've been thinking over."
01[20:49] <Seira> "The prelude to an empire of our own?"
[20:50] <Kotono> "Empires are for fools." Oberuth doesn't look up, "When you cut the head off, the body dies. Not quite..." Oberuth is interrupted, a knocking on the door. "Seira, Antenora and Alicia are here," Donald calls.
01[20:51] <Seira> "Call it a Union, then," Seira suggests. "Only of full states, rather than Baronies." At Donald's prompting, she raises her voice, calling out, "Come in, come in!"
[20:52] <Kotono> The door opens, Alicia and Antenora entering. OOC: Feel free to intro yourself, Ailcia.
06[20:54] * Alicia comes in as invited. "I'm glad to hear you had better luck with that assassin than I did, Seira. Jessica warned me to dodge the first strike, but the second came before I could even draw my blade, and I was turned into stone in the blink of an eye. Just a pity you couldn't kill it."
01[20:55] <Seira> "She hit me, I hit her back, she teleported. I've been trying to scry on her, but my first attempt went south." Seira shrugs. "I'll get her tomorrow. Want in on this?"
06[20:59] * Alicia shakes her head. "We have more immediate concerns. We managed to gain the aid of Xerona, guardian of Celestia's pinnacle, to aid us when we go to Mother's Mountain. With her power she should be able to hold off Pale Night long enough for us to hopefully find what binds the children to Androlynne and destroy it."
[20:59] <Alicia> "But she is eager to make haste, and furthermore Latha has had to take her station in Celestia until we are done... something she may not be able to leave easily afterwards. I would prefer to follow her to Androlynne today and plan for our attack. Would you be able to come?"
06[21:00] * Seira blinks. "You want to attack... today?"
[21:01] <Alicia> "Ideally tomorrow," Alicia replies. "Ascending Mount Celestia was some exertion and I'd rather have all my spells."
[21:02] <Kotono> "To free Xerona to wield the Liath-Flail, Latha had to take her place. Standing before the light of Chronias, she risks stepping into it and ascending Celestia. If that happens, she'll be lost to us." Antenora starts to explain, her voice level with a quick undercurrent, words tumbling out. "That's why."
06[21:05] * Seira glances at Amaryl. "That's why," she repeats to herself. "You're certain she can neutralize Pale Night entirely? What about the Neverborn?"
[21:06] <Kotono> Amaryl looks to Seira and nods slightly, "If it's for Latha, we have to do what we have to do, but I do wish I had that armor for it."
[21:09] <Alicia> "That's for the future," Alicia shakes her head. "The objective here is solely to free the children. Once that's been accomplished we can deal with the Dark Six and the Neverborn without the threat of Pale Night's plans for the sacrifice hanging over us. Hopefully with Latha back among us."
[21:09] <Alicia> "I do not know if Xerona can neutralise Pale Night entirely, but she is among the greatest of Celestia's wardens, and wields an artifact composed of Celestia's purest essence, which should prove a threat even to a demon lord. She is our best chance at holding off Pale Night long enough to search the mountain."
06[21:10] * Seira nods. "We'll go," she answers simply. "Is there a spot on the team for Agathaiel? I contracted with her on a long-term basis, and even without that, I know she would want to help with something like this."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Who will go? The more forces we have the better, surely." Antenora looks to Alicia.
[21:13] <Alicia> "If she understands the risks and is willing, I'd gladly have her support," Alicia agrees. "I'll collect Marie and Jessica, then we can regroup here for transport. Ask Donald as well?"
06[21:15] * Seira nods. "I'd like us to delay leaving for an hour to settle some affairs, mostly regarding the aforementioned armor," she says. "That doesn't present a problem, I hope?"
[21:16] <Alicia> "It'll take me that long to go home and back," Alicia shakes her head. "Assuming Marie and Jessica are there, but it's the best place to start looking."
[21:16] <Kotono> "You'll be going off? The Guard needs to talk once this matter is settled," Commander Oberuth says, "But for now, go and bring justice to those who would defile our lands."
01[21:17] <Seira> "You wanted to talk to us both, didn't you, Sir?" Seira asks. "There is no reason to delay that, if you had something to say."
06[21:17] * Alicia nods her agreement with Seira.
[21:17] <Kotono> "It's complicated," Commander Oberuth waves it off, "The Dark Six are what need to be stopped right now.
[21:17] <Kotono> "
[21:18] <Alicia> "Very well. Until then, sir," Alicia gives him a salute and a smile before she exits.
[21:19] <Kotono> OOC: Who all is getting athered up?
[21:21] <Alicia> OOC: Alicia, Seira, Amaryl, Anty, Marie, Agatha, Donald, Jessica?
06[21:21] * Seira heads over to her writing desk and prepares several missives for Abagail to distribute to their close allies. That should take care of everything she can't handle in person in the time she has, and recruiting Donald and Agathaiel wouldn't take long, so the rest of the time would be spent waiting on Pollyanna's response and gathering supplies to negate poison and detecting the true natures of those going.
[21:25] <Kotono> As all this happens, Seira meets up with Pollyanna in her back rooms. Pollyanna carries a backpack with her, "So I talked to Demedais. He gave me two items for you to choose from, your choice."
06[21:25] * Seira is eager to see the selection!
[21:28] <Kotono> She takes out two things - a pair of bracers and a suit of heavy clothing. "These are his bracers of wrathful smiting." Placing them down on top of the clothes, "He was toying with selling them, so why not use them for a better cause? The other is a suit of clothing enhanced by the wild magic of the jungle ruins."
01[21:30] <Seira> "I personally think that channeling divine energy to smite things is of higher compatibility to a celestial armor," Seira voices. "If it were an arcane archmage armor, then the wild magic, definitely. But here, that probably wouldn't fit as well."
[21:32] <Kotono> Pollyanna hands over the bracerst o Seira. "Use them well." she offers to her.
06[21:32] * Seira accepts them gratefully, chirping, "My thanks!"
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC: That it, Seira? Antyhing else or ready to move along?
01[21:35] <Seira> OOC: If Alicia has something to give me, I'll TP over to the friendly smith, give him stuff, and TP back so we can plane shift
[21:35] <Kotono> OOC: Alicia, where you?
[21:38] <Alicia> As everyone regroups, Alicia presents Seira with a single white-feathered quill. "I've used this on some of my latest treatises on battling demons," she explains, before glancing sidelong at her familiar. "Marie tells me it's terribly gauche to use one of your own feathers like that, but what's done is done. It has a nice symbolism for what you're trying to achieve, at any rate."
01[21:42] <Seira> "Yes, quite!" Seira agrees. "I'm supplying a new source of magic to rekindle the fading one in the armor, and besides, Dad suggested that symbolism would round out the arcane part quite nicely. I won't take more than a few minutes to teleport over and back." Beaming, she extends her hands to Agathaiel and Amaryl, ready to teleport the three of them over to just outside Mercer's house.
[21:44] <Kotono> Woosh! The three of you blink and appear over there without incident. IT's cloudy and smoky here, the air thick with the smell of burning metal.
01[21:45] <Seira> "We have our support from the core of the Guard, Alicia and Demedais," Seira voices, before they would enter. "And an equally symbolic tie in to Waukeen, if you want to ask Agathaiel's help for it, as she had offered, Amaryl. Have you decided on the magical catalyst?"
[21:46] <Kotono> "What do you think? Is this enough already or...?" She looks to Seira.
06[21:47] * Seira shrugs. "I think the answer lies in the importance in which you hold Waukeen. If I were to answer, it would be meaningless."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Let's do it," She decides after a moment, "If you're willing."
01[21:56] <Seira> "In my opinion, for what it's worth, you can't ruin an armor made at least partially from symbolism and goodness by suffusing it with the love and respect of your friends and patron deity," Seira voices, as the decision has already been made and she would no longer affect it with her words. "Is the amulet your choice for the final component?"
[21:58] <Kotono> Amaryl nods, "I think so. I think it'll work." With a hesitant smile to Seira, "Thank you for all of this."
06[22:00] * Seira draws the Flash and nicks her index finger, letting a drop of blood fall on the amulet's surface. "And that seals it, then. I've always felt it incomplete, but that all ends now. It might not be my heartblood, but in all this, it's the thought that counts, doesn't it?"
[22:02] <Kotono> "Yes." Amaryl matches Seira's smile, "Let's go in. Let's reforge this armor now?"
06[22:02] * Seira needs no further prompting!
[22:05] <Kotono> Inside you find Mercer with the armor, having it laid out over a table. He's waiting, arms crossed and hammer in hand. "So that's it?" he asks, "Have you gathered everything?"
01[22:06] <Seira> "It seems so. I won't be able to leave Lagann here, as I expected to, but I'll likely return before you're done."
[22:08] <Kotono> "Alright." he says, "What are you going to give me to work with here?"
01[22:10] <Seira> "Dragons and arcane magic are interchangeable," Seira states, showing Mercer the amulet, no traces of her blood remaining on it. "And to compliment it, symbolic gifts from those close to us, all with a distinct divine nature. Together, they should give birth to a beautiful armor."
[22:12] <Kotono> Looking them all over, "Right, I'll get on it." He looks over each, "With this and the knowledge I have, it should be easy."
01[22:13] <Seira> "I'm glad you're confident," Seira tells him with approval. "We'll stop by as soon as we're able to, in this case, in two to three days."
[22:14] <Kotono> "Sure." Taking them up, "I'm going ot get to work." He looks meaningfully to the door.
01[22:15] <Seira> "We'll be taking our leave, then," Seira says, teleporting them back to her home.
01[22:15] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 75." [1d100=75]
[22:16] <Kotono> OOC: That i for you guys?
01[22:16] <Seira> OOC: Yeah
[22:17] <Kotono> Thus, everyone gathers. Alicia, Seira, Amaryl, Antenora, Marie, Agathaiel, Donald and Jessica. It's a crew, half celestial, partially draconic and with a few odds and ends. Donald is the one that speaks first, "Well, since I'm the only man here - again - how about we get going?"
01[22:18] <Seira> "Just don't scream like a little girl again," Seira stage-whispers to him.
[22:19] <Kotono> "I will take us," Agathaiel steps forward, "Join in a circle with me."
06[22:20] * Alicia speaks up beforehand. "Before we go I should caution you that regardless of what Xerona looks like, she is a peerless champion of Celestia and possessed of great wisdom. Treat her with respect." Despite saying it's for everyone she's mostly looking at Donald as she makes this warning.
01[22:21] <Seira> "Well, at least if she's that smart and important, she must have experience in dealing with certain types of men," Seira says hopefully, also looking at Donald.
[22:22] <Kotono> "Oh, by..." Donald glares at both, "Thank you for your support."
06[22:22] * Seira grins back at him.
[22:23] <Kotono> At this, you are taken through the folds of reality, passing into another dimension! You stand in the wild forest once more, around a vast tree. This is familiar, having been here several times in the last few days.
[22:24] <Alicia> "It seems we always arrive at the same place regardless of who does the plane shift," Alicia notes thoughtfully. "At least I know the way well enough," she concludes, setting off for Pascorel.
01[22:25] <Seira> "The wards here are quite impressive," Seira agrees. "Maybe one day, we could do something like this back home as well?"
[22:26] <Kotono> Thus the partyhurries to Pascorel! You find it at peace - a soft blue light suffuses the entire town. The children play and laugh, the men at arms at peaceful rest. Reaching Lady Honeydip's abode, you find her with Xerona. The two are discussing things in low words, a conversation aborted as the party enters.
[22:26] <Kotono> Xerona steps forward, the Liath-Flail held to her bosom. "I am Xerona, Judge of al-Sihal."
06[22:28] * Seira waves, her eyes drawn to the Liath-Flail briefly. "Seira. Nice to meet you!"
[22:28] <Kotono> Donald holds his tongue and stays back. Amaryl comes forward, "Amaryl Gaial, Lady of the House of Gaial."
01[22:29] <Seira> It's still as impressive-sounding as the first time she heard it, and Seira wishes her bum of a father got them a last name as well. Something to consider when they return Celebrimbor's soul, definitely.
06[22:30] * Alicia performs the requisite introductions for anyone too shy to speak before getting to business. "We came as soon as we could, although we won't be fully ready until tomorrow when we can prepare our magic. What's the situation here?"
[22:30] <Kotono> "Agathaiel of Waukeen," The astral deva is otherwise quiet. To this, "I am ready, whenever Mother's Mountain is to be challenged." Xerona speaks. "Most of my power will be involved in the Liath-Flail, generating a protective field to shield you."
01[22:31] <Seira> "I have a couple questions about our plan, then. Would a mere Undetectable Alignment be enough here to shield and you and the Liath-Flail? Would Pale Night be able to feel your approach?"
[22:32] <Kotono> "I doubt mortal magic will conceal the full Truth of the liath-Flail." Xerona so answers, "With it's power, subtlety will be difficult."
01[22:34] <Seira> "Teleportation is impossible here, and it's at least several hours at our top speed. If there is something we can do to approach with a degree of subtlety, I feel it better than the alternative. What are our options, in this case?"
[22:34] <Kotono> "There is some respite. LEsser evils will not be able to come close to the Liath-Flail."
01[22:35] <Seira> "What's a lesser evil, to have a sense of scale?"
[22:36] <Kotono> "Approximately around the level of a glabrezu." Xerona answers.
[22:36] <Alicia> "I could cast a Veil as before, but given the presence of the flail I doubt it would meaningfully disguise our presence. Some sort of diversion might be our best bet at clearing a path as much as possible - do you have anything to offer on that track, Lady Honeydip?" Alicia asks the fairy general who lives in a gingerbread house.
[22:36] <Kotono> "So we can't be mobbed to death," Antenora considers, "Between that and a diversion, we surely can reach the mountain."
[22:37] <Kotono> "We can, if we really need to," Lady Honeydip agrees. "I've had some preparations made, just in case."
[22:37] <Alicia> "I don't want you to overcommit and risk being exposed to a counterattack, but some sort of feint would be ideal," Alicia nods.
01[22:38] <Seira> "Since we're not leaving today, it would also help if we knew more about its capabilities," Seira voices. "I'll freely admit I know next to nothing, beyond it being crucial to our plan. If no lesser evils can approach, does it mean they can't even target us with spells? Can they spot us? How close can they come?"
[22:38] <Kotono> "We'll take care of it. When are you going?" Lady Honeydip then looks to them, "Tomorrow?"
[22:38] <Kotono> "They won't be a threat," Xerona promises. "The feeble darkness they embody is nothing compared to the Liath-Flail's light."
06[22:39] * Alicia nods, comforted by that. "It's when we reach the Mountain itself that the real danger arises. Aside from the mother of demons herself, there are likely powerful fiendish abominations best left unknown lurking there. We'll be busy." To Honeydip, "Tomorrow morning would let Seira and I use our magic to the fullest."
[22:41] <Kotono> "Once we ascend to her fortress, then the real battle will begin. Doubtless we'll face things best unknown, as well as the Dark Six." Amaryl looks to Seira, "One night's rest until that."
[22:41] <Kotono> "That's fine. We'll be ready in the morning," Honeydip agrees, "Finally...succeed and this nightmare ends."
[22:43] <Alicia> "If we do succeed, it's likely the demons will throw everything they have across the river to try and wreak as much havoc as they can before anyone leaves," Alicia cautions. "It would be a good idea to try and get things subtly in place for evacuation - if the children can leave there is no need to hold Androlynne."
[22:43] <Kotono> "I know." Honeydip smiles, "We've taken that into account, too."
[22:44] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia matches that smile. "Did you learn anything useful from Lyscrea after we left you?"
01[22:44] <Seira> "And it seems we'll get to taste Roald's latest creation sooner than we expected," Seira says, sighing. "Alright, that was my one moment of depression before my enthusiasm and optimism bounce right back! Tomorrow, we'll destroy the fiends that keep the children bound here. Makes me wish we had a bard along, in some ways."
[22:44] <Kotono> "Enough information to make a good feint." Honeydip smiles grimly, "As much as a demon's plans will hold."
[22:45] <Alicia> "Excellent," Alicia nods. "For all that this is sooner than we'd expected, it's surely sooner than our foes expect as well. With the grace of heaven we might catch them napping."
[22:46] <Kotono> "Yep, and we'll send them to oblivion," Donald grins now, "Marilith, dretch, balor or whatever else, they're all going to lose."
[22:48] <Kotono> "So then...let's rest and prepare?" Amaryl asks.

[Corwin]

[20:44] <Kotono> ---
[20:44] <Kotono> roll 5d100
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d100 and gets 277." [5d100=70, 9, 42, 71, 85]
[20:44] <Kotono> roll 1d9
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d9 and gets 9." [1d9=9]
[20:44] <Kotono> Marie appears  standing on a tinyr ock on the ocean! A large wave is coming her way, looming above her!
[20:45] <Alicia> Wow, Alicia's right. Every time! Marie doesn't hang about though, and teleports to Elle's shop, where she and Alicia have spent lots of time.
[20:45] <Alicia> roll 1d100 very familiar
06[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 very familiar and gets 92." [1d100=92]
[20:45] <Kotono> OOC: Tease bot.
[20:47] <Kotono> Woosh! Maire appears in Elle's shop! Elle is there, kneeling down as she polishes a suit of armor. Her expression is distant, her work automatic.
[20:48] <Alicia> "Elle!" Marie cries, holding out the steadily cracking ruby. "We've got Celebrimbor's soul, but something's been done to him! Seira said you'd be able to fix him!"
[21:08] <Kotono> Elle looks up sharply, "The ruby's also going fast...to me, quick!"
[21:09] <Alicia> Marie flies over and offers the ruby. "He appeared as a ghost but Seira talked him into the ruby - she said he could be restored to his body!" she rattles out quickly.
[21:10] <Kotono> Taking Marie in hand, Elle barks off words of power! A second later, you are in the garrison room holding Celebrimbor! "I can do it quickly enough - is there anything else I need to know, Marie?"
[21:12] <Alicia> "They might still have some control over him, I don't know!" Marie replies quickly. "He was fighting it, but said he felt them in his mind."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Magic Circle," Elle Marie down, quickly tracing lines of arcane magic about! A warding circle flares into light around Elle, as she hurries to Celebrimbor. "This will hopefully hold a possessing presence at bay, at least. I don't have time to do anything stronger."
[21:14] <Alicia> "My aura does the same thing anyway," Marie points out. "Agathiel used dispel evil on him, that made him act himself again, but like he said he still felt them in his mind."
[21:14] <Kotono> "Damn." Elle nods, "We'll have to chance it. Give me the gem."
[21:14] <Alicia> The cracking gem is readily handed over.
[21:15] <Kotono> The gem is starting to fall apart in Elle's hands as she quickly places it into Celebrimbor's mouth. "Gods willing, it should flow right back in."
[21:17] <Alicia> Marie holds Alicia's spells in reserve in case something bad happens. Rainbow Pattern might've been a good idea, after all.
[21:42] <Kotono> The gem shatters in Celebrimbor's mouth! There is a silent moment, before Celebrimbor shakes all over! His eyes fly open, leaping his to his feet! He clutches his head, lines of white alabaster starting to trickle down his face! (More)
[21:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
06[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 29." [1d20=11]
[21:43] <Kotono> Celebrimbor goes tense, before falling to his knees in a heap. He breathes in and out and hacks for air.
[21:43] <Alicia> "Lord Drake?" Marie flies down to his level, looking at him worriedly and checking for any signs of malign influence.
[21:44] <Kotono> OOC: He radiates overwhelming evil.
[21:44] <Kotono> "It's...purge it." Celebrimbor looks up, eyes wide and terrified. "It's in my mind. I beg of you, purge it away!"
[21:45] <Alicia> "I don't have any magic that can help," Marie admits, looking pleadingly at Elle.
[21:47] <Kotono> Elle nods, "Then I'll call on the Weave itself." Elle thus begins to call, "Mystra, hear me! I call on the Weave...purge away this taint!"
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 29." [1d20=14]
[21:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+24
06[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 and gets 33." [1d20=9]
[21:51] <Kotono> Celebrimbor grunts, for a moment his eyes clearing...but it lasts only the barest moment! Celebrimbor shakes all over, "It's still there. His voice, his words."
[21:53] <Alicia> "If I stay close then my aura should suppress any compulsion or domination," Marie offers, flying next to him once more. "At worst we can wait for Alicia and the others to come back... do you have any spells of your own that might help, though?"
[22:02] <Kotono> "I can get them. Just stay here." Elle says, turning away and hurrying out of the room. "Call for help if anything happens, Marie."
[22:03] <Alicia> Marie nods and focuses as hard as she can on bolstering her innate aura to ward off any evil from Celebrimbor. "Just hang on, Lord Drake. You'll be okay, soon!"
[22:05] <Kotono> "Marie." Celebrimbor's voice shakes, "LIsten. Someone should hear this. Alabaster...Dralen...whatever he calls himself now. He's waiting at the top of Mother's Mountain. His servants are there with him to bar further passage into Pale NIght's realm."
[22:06] <Alicia> "What's past the top of the mountain?" Marie asks. "We thought it led to Bleak Rendor, but we weren't planning to go that far - we'd hoped to find what's keeping the children bound to Androlynne somewhere on the mountain itself."
[22:08] <Kotono> White starts to creep from CElebrimbor's brow, reaching into his eyebrows and turning them pale. "Pale Night's realm. That's where the children are...six of them. Six spheres. Six spheres of souls. Every single eladrin child murdered in Androlynne is there in agony."
[22:09] <Alicia> "You mean like this?" Marie asks, producing an illusion of Glaciante's orb. That said things were vile is not news, sadly, but now she at least knows who's souls went into them. "Is it the orbs themselves that bind the still living children, too?"
[22:11] <Kotono> "The orbs are the key to that realm and to Bleak Rendor. In Bleak Rendor lies the final sphere...the seventh sphere. It's where Glaciante's soulf esters, forming a new body. As long as the final sphere is intact, the Dark Six will never die. But listen...Dralen is not the only one there. Beyond there, with madness as his crown, is Sylian."
[22:13] <Alicia> He's not reformed yet? Good news there, at least. "What about the mountain, though? Do you know how Pale Night keeps the children from ever leaving Androlynne?" she presses, considering this a more immediate concern.
[22:20] <Kotono> "A curse... as long as the six spheres are intact, the seventh sphere will live. As long as the six spheres are intact, the children of Androlynne are cursed. Smash the six spheres and I believe the children will be set free."
[22:21] <Alicia> Oh, fiddlesticks! They're going to have to hold off Pale Night, defeat six monstrously powerful liches, a semi-divine undead fetus, and innumerable hordes of undead and demon minions? This is so not what they'd planned for! And Marie can't even warn them...
[22:23] <Alicia> "Yeah... that's really not what we were expecting," she admits quietly. "None of them have any of the protection they need to face the Neverborn - or even survive on the negative energy plane at all, really."
[22:24] <Kotono> "No." Shaking his head, "You don't understand. The six spheres arein Pale Night's realm. Six spheres, suspended in the air." Shaking ihs head back and forth, "As large as a house."
[22:26] <Alicia> "Oh, I thought you meant those spheres!" Marie gestures to the illusion she made of Glaciante's orb. "Almost makes me wish for some angles... But they're still gonna have to go to Bleak Rendor for sphere seven, right? And that's where the Neverborn and Dark Six hang out."
[22:28] <Alicia> "Would Bleak Rendor be accessible without going up the mountain if those six spheres are broken? That's make things a lot easier."
[22:28] <Kotono> "Six and one...six and one..." Celebrimbor mutters as he holds his head. His eyes turn white, irises bleaching of color. "That's what it always is. Six and one. Six and one. Seven. Six are the key, seventh is the power. Do you understand? Six orbs, six powers, six liches, six spheres. One Neverborn, One Pale Night, A Seventh Sphere...do you?"
[22:30] <Alicia> "I think so," Marie nods, straining her aura as best she can while hoping Elle hurries up. She's not sure Celebrimbor can last much longer. "I'll send word to the others to blow up those spheres and then they can leave, but Bleak Rendor will remain vulnerable? There'll be nothing tying them to Androlynne anymore?"
[22:34] <Kotono> "Free the eladrin. They're the key. Six spheres of them." Celebrimbor nods horsely, coughing. His hands are turning white, as he holds his head in them. "Sylian understands it. It's him. It's all him. He scares me more than the Neverborn, Marie. Older. Too old. Too many secrets in his eyes. They're all afraid of him. Glaciante, Dralen, Mudan." As he babbles, Elle rushes into the room. Gilartal is with her, as is Abagail. "More's coming, so get out of the
[22:34] <Kotono> Gilartal is with her, as is Abagail. "More's coming, so get out of the way, Marie." Elle barks.
[22:38] <Alicia> Marie zips behind Celebirmbor as ordered, but makes sure he isn't out of reach of her aura. She trusts it more than the magic circle Elle drew, anyway.

[Corwin]

[21:27] <Kotono> ---
[21:28] <Kotono> Creeping mist surrounds Alicia as she plunges down! Mist all over, a silent, cold mist. Ahead of her she sees light, a faint light through the mist...
06[21:29] * Alicia glows quite brightly herself, not having dimmed her radiance at all since beginning the climb up this mountain - hopefully if her sister and Antenora are below they'll see it. "Jessica? Antenora?" she calls loudly, flying downwards through the fog.
[21:32] <Kotono> Smoke. Alicia smells smoke. Ahead of her flames leap. The valley is on fire. Fire is everywhere. The old dirt path is ruined, blood stained. Ahead she can her the laughter of rough men, cruel. She can hear the crying of a child, agonized. Ahead she can see her house burning. Her head throbs, a headache exploding out. Bandits...the sound of them, the noise of them, the smell of them...the cry of her child...her head...
[21:32] <Kotono> the smell of them...the cry of her child...her head...
[21:35] <Alicia> "No..." Alicia grimaces, fighting to shake it off. It's a cruel illusion, nothing more. "Jessica! Antenora!" she calls out their names again, more loudly this time. She tries to look out for magical signatures shining through the mist, hoping arcane sight will avail her if normal vision fails, if she can catch any trace of their familiar magical items.
[21:36] <Kotono> OOC: Make a will save.
[21:36] <Alicia> roll 1d20+36
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+36 and gets 37." [1d20=1]
[21:39] <Kotono> Alicia...can't. She can't look away. Her magic is lost as she stares and finds herself walking ahead. Her house is a burning ruin. Her husband's head sits on a planted spear, a grimce of agony his final expression. Her child lies on the ground, beaten and somehow alive, despite his brains lying about around him. Bandits are everywhere...her friends are there. Antenora...Latha...Jessica...Marie...Seira....Amaryl...all lie there, broken. Bandits violate the
[21:39] <Kotono>  Antenora...Latha...Jessica...Marie...Seira....Amaryl...all lie there, broken. Bandits violate them while they are dismembered, mocked. Utter despair cascades through Alicia...she failed again. Too late. Too late. Too late. Too late. Too late. Too late. Too late. Her lips move, mouthing this over and over.
06[21:43] * Alicia tries to summon the familiar fury, righteous anger that has served her in the past to overcome adversity and take vengeance... but it just won't come. What's the use? It won't change anything. Even if she derives some temporary satisfaction, they're still dead. Slackening her grip on Hell Striker, she curls up and awaits her own death...
[21:44] <Kotono> They're around her. Laughing. Leering. Failure. They see her failure. They  know what she is - weak, pathetic, false. She feels sorrow overwhelm her..."ALICIA!" Antenora's voice screams, yet is only heard distantly, faraway. "ALICIA!"
[21:46] <Alicia> Poor Antenora, crying out for her even as she suffers. She was foolish to ever put her trust in someone like Alicia. A pity there's nothing she can do, though.
[21:46] <Kotono> "ALICIA!" Antenora's voice is louder, more focused. She feels a pain in her arm, a sharp one! (10 points of nonlethal damage.) "Open your eyes!"
[21:49] <Alicia> Her own torture comes now? It's not as if anything they do to her can compare to the horrors she's seen. Let them do their worst - she'd spit at them if she could work up the will to care.
[21:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 14." [1d20=5]
[21:50] <Kotono> roll 1d3+9
06[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d3+9 and gets 12." [1d3=3]
[21:51] <Kotono> The next blow is harder, overwhelmingly painful! (12 nonlethal damage) Her cheek stings from a slap, her head clearing slightly. "Alicia!" Antenora's voice is even louder, "I said open your eyes! Please!"
[21:51] <Alicia> OOC: Can I?
[21:51] <Kotono> OOC: You can try, sure.
[21:53] <Alicia> Has... has Antenora recovered and beaten back her tormentors? Alicia looks up, trying to look past the leering men towards where she last saw her friend lying broken on the ground.
[21:53] <Kotono> OOC: Make a will save.
[21:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+35 forgot the wis damage on the last roll
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+35 forgot the wis damage on the last roll and gets 38." [1d20=3]
[21:54] <Kotono> Alicia's eyes open! Antenora is flying in the gray mist, unscathed! Jessica is slung over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes, her hand raised and slightly bloodied. The taste of blood fills Alicia's mouth. "Alicia, wake up!" Antenora calls, "Can you hear me now?"
[21:55] <Alicia> Memories ebb back into Alicia's mind, slowly at first and then in a torrent as she realises what just happened. Harshly biting out the words to the spell, she invokes a sphere of anti-magic around herself to ward off the terrible mind-sapping effect of the mist here!
[21:56] <Kotono> Alicia's mind clears! Antenora smiles broadly, as Jessica stirs and groans. "Welcome back. Let's go back up before something worse happens...whereever this is."
[21:58] <Alicia> OOC: Do I have my sword?
[21:58] <Kotono> OOC: It's in hand.
[21:59] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia shelves her self recriminations for the moment, rewarding Antenora with the grateful smile she deserves, "You saved us both." Sheathing Hell Striker so there's less risk of dropping it, she fans out her wings, "Straight up and stay close, the mist can't hurt us while my antimagic holds, but we need to catch up with the others quickly."
[21:59] <Kotono> "Right," With that, Antenora begins to fly up! OOC: Move you two back to #dunes now, unless you want to do anything else here?
[22:00] <Alicia> OOC: Hell no

[Corwin]

[21:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> ---
[21:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Home. Rest. Battle worn and having seen things beyond mortal ken, it is so easy to rest. Dinner comes - Jessica makes it, Antenora sits down to eat with you. Dawnhope is there, smiling and chatting away. Hugo sits as well, Marie fluttering about. Latha sits nearby, quiet. It's a very simple meal, bread, meat, vegetables, cheese. Amid this, "You fought well, Jessica." Antenora says.
[22:01] <Alicia> "You made a valuable contribution," Alicia seconds. "It's a shame about the rapier, but it needed to be replaced anyway." She then turns to Antenora, "And thank you again for rescuing us both from that mist. I hate to think what would have happened to us without you."
[22:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Jessica just smiles, "I'm trying not to think about it. All of it was so unbelievable."
[22:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Dawnhope perches on Hugo's head, as Hugo passes her up a little bit of tomato. "Each time you come back, all of you look more impressive."
[22:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You saved me from my own, too," Antenora's blush comes as she looks down into her food, "I was back in Hell. You were there with me and...I refused to believe that."
[22:04] <Alicia> "I saw all of you being hurt," Alicia answers vaguely as to her own experience, her gaze encompassing everyone present. "I knew it was just an illusion, but... it somehow got stuck in my head anyway. Sapped away at my will."
[22:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Same for me." Jessica says after a bite of cheese and bread, "All my logic and protests were swept away. I couldn't do anything but close my eyes and wait for the end."
[22:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That's what makes you special, Alicia. Even when you succumbed, you still inspired me to save all of us," Antenora looks up to her now, a blush and a smile married together, twitching. "But still...I'm trying to forget that...succubus...thing."
[22:08] <Alicia> "It was revolting, wasn't it?" Alicia makes a face at that, grimacing at her plate before she tries to dismiss it and looks up. "What about your part, Latha?" she tries to engage the deva, hoping this won't be like picking at a scab. "Did you have to block anyone from crossing the bridge during your tenure as guard?"
[22:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Latha's gaze is still distant, still so far away. "No. All that came were worthy. To describe it...I cannot. It is beyond words." Latha is quiet now, "All of us need to see Commander Oberuth tomorrow. Within the light, time was relative. He's planning a very important matter."
06[22:11] * Alicia blinks at that, wondering how Latha knows. "I think he mentioned something yesterday, when we got back from Celestia," she admits. "Bleak Rendor still awaits, but we should take tomorrow to rest anyway. We'll go to the garrison after breakfast?"
[22:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes." Latha looks down then, silent. After a few moments of this, Dawnhope flutters up and perches on Alicia's head. "So tell us about the battle!"
[22:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora gazes at Latha sidelong, "Alicia's a good storyteller," she agrees.
[22:28] <Alicia> "Well, our first opposition was Lord Drake, above a vile lake at the Mountain's foothills" Alicia begins, pushing her mostly cleared plate away and leaning back. "Makes me wonder if we'll find Claris the same way," she adds as an aside,
[22:28] <Alicia> "But Seira had Agathiel exorcise the control the Dark Six had over his spirit, then somehow confined his soul into a gem long enough for Marie to return him to Balmuria and his body. So that wasn't much of a battle at all..."
[22:28] <Alicia> "The first real battle came as we reached the mountain proper, and were engaged by a swarm of tiny undead... eyeball things. As they flew wildly around us all, a marilith riding a howling dragon - the one we saw the other day," she nods to Latha, hoping to bring her more into things, "Emerged screaming about flanking us."
[22:28] <Alicia> "She had no other forces nearby to flank with, though, so I think she was just saying that to sound like she knew what she was doing. Has anyone ever actually encountered a marilith who lived up to the 'legendary general' stereotype, by the way?" she breaks off her tale curiously, looking around the table.
[22:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora shakes her head, "I think it's just propaganda by demons, or by mortals terrified of them." Witt a pfft sound as she blows on her tongue, "We're beyond such petty hype. They're nothing but succubi without what makes them succubi, playing at being a warrior."
[22:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I wouldn't be so sure!" Dawnhope waggles a finger, "That sounds a lot like arrogant overconfidence! Pride comes way before the fall!"
[22:34] <Alicia> "I think the succubus comparison is apt, though," Alicia inclines her head a little, but not enough to dislodge the coure on her head. "I fought one on the astral who admitted to being newly promoted from succubus when I taunted her. And Estaci's brothel in Golmendicoria had lots of mariliths featured in the advertising."
[22:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Interesting." Antenora takes a bite of meat, wiping her chinw ith a napkin as red juice dribbles down. "Perhaps the ones we've met haven't grown into the role, either. A newly promoted devil knows how to act and what to do, but without the guidance of order and law? A new marilith would be lost."
[22:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's not like newly promoted eladrin are deaf, dumb and stupid!" Dawnhope sticks out her tongue at Antenora, "I'm sure they have instincts too!"
[22:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Marie, I think oyu're losing your touch," Jessica's face quirks into a little smile, "Dawnhope's replacing you here."
[22:39] <Alicia> "Maybe the mariliths who know about tactics aren't dumb enough to show up on the front lines?" Marie volunteers, before indignantly flying over to park herself on Jessica's head. "Even if Alicia abandons me for another model, you won't cast me aside, will you?" she asks in a whiny tone.
[22:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I'm here." Jessica reaches up and pats Marie, "Perhaps you rubbed off? The desire for change seized Alicia, Marie?"
[22:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "A good point. Those balors barely even slowed us down. Mystra...." Thoughtfully having crackling white light cascade amid her fingers, "We're becoming the legends."
[22:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Hugo smiles, "Change. Good. Bad." Hugo shrugs, going back to his meal.
[22:41] <Alicia> "That's right, Hugo," Alicia smiles indulgently at the young man. "Sometimes things change for the better, sometimes the worse. Change for its own sake is silly, though."
[22:42] <Alicia> "I'm not broken so don't fix me?" Marie summarises hesitantly.
[22:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Still." Jessica brings a bit of bread up to Marie, "Thanks for saving Celebrimbor. You did good."
[22:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora turns ot Hugo, "Still innocent as a child...I wonder..." She gazes at him for a time, "Did we make the right choice?"
[22:46] <Alicia> "I was just the delivery girl," Marie shrugs, accepting the bread and nibbling on it. "It's what we coure normally do in the heavens, anyway."
[22:46] <Alicia> "Hugo did not need to see the things we saw today," Alicia concludes firmly.
[22:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I'm sure you'll get promoted from that one day," Antenora grins at Marie, before returning to Hugo. She is quiet, lips pursed, "I don't reject what you said, yet...the hottest forges make the strongest greensteel. I wonder...I wonder what could have been?"
[22:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Besides playing innocent pranks and frolicking with your kin?" Jessica chuckles, "I saw a few in Dweomerheart."
[22:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Hugo smiles right back to Antenora, "I'm happy." He says, then goes back to eating his food.
[22:51] <Alicia> "Obviously we get time off," Marie folds her arms indignantly. "Would you want heaven to be all work and no play? The thing is, though, if you slack off and play all the time, that's all you're trusted to do. If you work hard, you're rewarded with more work and greater responsibility. So everyone finds their own niche."
[22:52] <Alicia> "Innocence should be treasured, I think," Alicia responds to Antenora's musings. "He'll find his own path, when he's ready."
[22:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You still get to play forever, if that's what your soul craves." Antenora's quiet expression and gaze settle on Marie. "Luckier than a lemure that crawled up to being a Lord of the Nine."
[22:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Speaking of!" Jessica claps her hands, "We haven't had any devil problems since Esthan was stopped?"
[22:54] <Alicia> "Haven't seen any," Alicia agrees with Jessica. "I doubt they'll be out of our hair forever, but they're probably taking their time to determine a new strategy."
[22:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Mmmm." Antenora is quiet, "Alicia. Have you thought about..." she trails off, "What we saw in our visions on the mountain at all?"
[22:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Hm? You know, if you don't want to talk about devils, you could just say so," Jessica cracks a slight smile, "That wasn't very transparent."
06[22:59] * Alicia smiles at Jessica. "It's still more tactful than bluntly announcing it," she observes. "Anyway, to be honest I hadn't given it much thought - since we got Xerona on our side things were too hectic for much introspection."
[23:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora looks about, "I just think...there's a family here. A good family, a good place to grow and live. That's all." Going back to her food while looking at Alicia sidelong, "Marie would make a good playmate, too."
[23:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Now scowling a little, "What are you two talking about?" Dawnhope peers down, nearly upsidedown to look into Alicia's eyes.
06[23:04] * Alicia raises her gaze towards Dawnhope first and then to Jessica and Hugo. "Sorry, we're being rude, aren't we," she acknowledges. "While in Celestia, I had a dream about my son, Felix."
[23:04] <Alicia> "It's a little confusing, since it was a potential future, but I was able to talk with him... right now he's with Mystra, though. Along with my husband," she explains, voice remaining calm and pleasant as she focuses on the pleasant experience in Celestia, easily chasing away the nastiness Pale Night's realm dredged up.
[23:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh...oh!" Jessica blinks slowly at first, "Then...are you going to bring them here, Alicia?"
[23:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Hugo grins as he eats, "Playmates are fun!"
[23:10] <Alicia> "I don't know," Alicia admits with a wince. "In the beginning, I prayed for their return with all my heart. Over time, though, I've gotten used to the idea that they've moved on and are happy - like Marie," she gestures to her familiar. "Now though, I know they're with the Goddess I love, but also that they're still watching over me..."
[23:10] <Alicia> "I don't know if they're happy as things are or want to come back or what," she shrugs helplessly. "Even if there's nothing I can do right now, I think if I made a proper effort I could find a way to resurrect them. I just don't know if I should."
[23:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora takes a long drink of wine before she answers. "Alicia. I think they're happy where they are, and they'd be happy here. If Mystra gives you the means of bringing them back, I have no doubt she has confidence in this. I think the greater question is will it make you happy?"
[23:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Wait, they're not outsiders or absorbed into things? Are they like held petitioners?" Dawnhope's voice lilts upwards, "That sounds unusual!"
06[23:19] * Alicia squirms a bit. This was far easier when it was just a sad fact of life, not something she had direct power to choose. "I don't know the specifics of it," she admits to Dawnhope before addressing Antenora.
[23:19] <Alicia> "It's complicated," she begins, knowing how weak that sounds. "I've moved on. Changed. For Felix I doubt it would matter, I'll always be his mother. But for Hans... I'm not sure I could be the wife he remembers."
[23:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You're not going to stay at home and cook any more." Antenora nods slightly, "I admit..." she stops here, "Would he be happy with you running around? Would he feel jealous of others who had close relationships with you? Yet...I believe that the love would endure, but..." With a thoughtful sigh, "Your doubts raise a good point."
[23:25] <Alicia> "He wasn't controlling," Alicia shakes her head quickly. "But... I did give up that life for him. And when I think back on our time together... it's a warm memory, but... it's wistful," she frowns, trying to articulate this but not sure if she's being successful. "We never had a chance to fall out of love, but still I don't think I'd have those same feelings now."
[23:27] <Alicia> "How cruel would it be to bring him back into this world, only for the life he knew to remain broken?" she concludes.

[Corwin]

[22:00] <Koaway> "* Alicia squirms a bit. This was far easier when it was just a sad fact of life, not something she had direct power to choose. "I don't know the specifics of it," she admits to Dawnhope before addressing Antenora.
[22:00] <Koaway> <Alicia> "It's complicated," she begins, knowing how weak that sounds. "I've moved on. Changed. For Felix I doubt it would matter, I'll always be his mother. But for Hans... I'm not sure I could be the wife he remembers."
[22:00] <Koaway> > "You're not going to stay at home and cook any more." Antenora nods slightly, "I admit..." she stops here, "Would he be happy with you running around? Would he feel jealous of others who had close relationships with you? Yet...I believe that the love would endure, but..." With a thoughtful sigh, "Your doubts raise a good point."
[22:00] <Koaway> <Alicia> "He wasn't controlling," Alicia shakes her head quickly. "But... I did give up that life for him. And when I think back on our time together... it's a warm memory, but... it's wistful," she frowns, trying to articulate this but not sure if she's being successful. "We never had a chance to fall out of love, but still I don't think I'd have those same feelings now."
[22:00] <Koaway> <Alicia> "How cruel would it be to bring him back into this world, only for the life he knew to remain broken?" she concludes.
[22:01] <Koaway> "Just because the past is gone doesn't mean you can't build a bright future. Look at me...compared to what you helped me with, forging a loving, new relationship would be simple," Antenora smiles wistfully herself, "No matter how good a point the doubts raise, remember that, too. Don't be scared."
[22:01] <Koaway> "On the other hand, it's natural to move on." Dawnhope leans over to speak into Alicia's ear, but loud enough to be heard. "Forever's a long time. Love, life and move along."
[22:02] <Koaway> "A test." Latha says clearly, her gaze still far away and unfocused. "A choice between what you've left behind and the future Mystra has shown you at her side."
06[22:06] * Alicia looks askance at Latha. "Why does it have to be a test?" she asks, not liking the implications. It's tremendously cruel if so. "Why can't it just be a private decision, if it has to be a decision at all?"
[22:08] <Koaway> "You've held lives and souls in your choices before, Alicia. Everyone does, even if they don't realize it." Her eyes bore into her, like lasers of light. "Every action works towards the truth. Every action is part of the truth. Every choice chooses to embrace the truth or to reject it foolishly."
[22:14] <Alicia> "If Mystra or Celestia wanted my family restored, they should have done it when I asked," Alicia returns, tone becoming frosty. "Keeping them on ice all these years as I try to rebuild my life, only to dangle the possibility when I've moved on is wrong, no matter who's doing it."
[22:17] <Koaway> Latha stares right back at Alicia, "The truth is not..." A full stop here, her gaze turned away from Alicia. "I must watch my words. They are not entirely normal now." Rising up, Latha bows her head, "Thank you for the meal. I will go...rest a time."
[22:18] <Koaway> As everyone else stares at her, Jessica clears her throat. "Thank you. You're excused."
[22:20] <Alicia> Alicia's head droops, feeling bad for making Latha feel less welcome after all they just went through, but unable to apologise for finally giving vent to something that's been niggling at her since their trip through Celestia. "I think I'll turn in early as well," she announces a moment after Latha's left, carefully removing Dawnhope from her head and getting up as well.
[22:21] <Koaway> "It's been a long few days." Antenora says aloud, "We need rest and time to let our stresses melt away." Antenora rises, "I'm going ot go pratice."
[22:21] <Koaway> Dawnhope flutters by Alicia, "Want me to bring you some warm tea?"
[22:23] <Alicia> "No. Thank you," Alicia forces a smile for Dawnhope as she shakes her head. "I'm just going to go sleep. Good night, everyone," she turns to the rest of the room, giving Hugo a kiss on the top of his head in passing.
[22:32] <Koaway> roll 1d100
06[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Koaway rolls 1d100 and gets 41." [1d100=41]
[22:34] <Koaway> The next morning comes. Alicia sleeps a dark, endless sleep. Oh, she dreams - she knows it, yet they slip through her hands like sands through the hourglass. She awakens the next morning before the dawn, the smell of something good wafting in. Of cooking food, perhaps? Her stomach rumbles slightly. Alicia can also hear singing, faint and muffled.
[22:35] <Alicia> As is her usual custom, Alicia gets cleaned up and dressed before she goes downstairs to investigate breakfast.
[22:36] <Koaway> As Alicia gets cleaned up, there's a knock on her door. "Alicia?" Antenora calls.
[22:37] <Alicia> "Just a second," Alicia calls, taking a moment to put on her tunic and tie it up at the back - clothes were so much simpler before wings. "Okay, come in," she allows as she works the fastenings, now decent.
[22:41] <Koaway> The door props open. Antenora comes in, carrying a tray. Fresh steam rises from it, food and drink balanced. Dawnhope flutters in with her, carrying a basket of flowers, struggling mightily to keep it up. "Breakfast," Antenora says with a bright smile. "Marie'll be along."
06[22:43] * Alicia sees right through this. "You don't have to coddle me," she makes a face, knowing exactly why they're feeling the need to do just that and wishing she hadn't snapped last night.
[22:44] <Koaway> "Alicia." Antenora to her, presenting the tray. "For Mystra's sake, you faced down abominations that should never see the light of day! You deserve some pampering! I spent two hours cooking this for you, too!"
[22:46] <Koaway> "Ooof...ooof..." Dawnhope makes it to Alicia's nightstand, starting to arrainge the flowers in the basket. "You don't wanna know how hard these flowers were to get, by th eway."
[22:47] <Alicia> "You faced them as well," Alicia points out reasonably, sitting on her bed before giving Dawnhope a smile and genially patting her head. "I appreciate that you worked hard, and I don't want to seem ungrateful. But this is really about what I said to Latha, isn't it?"
[22:48] <Koaway> "Alicia. I get pleasure from serving you." Antenora says warmly, her smile quite strong and quite unrelenting. "That's my relief and relaxation. Let's just enjoy ourselves for the moment? Your oats are getting cold."
06[22:52] * Alicia then accepts the tray, setting it down on the bed beside her and grabbing a spoon to start on those oats Antenora's so worried about. "At least have something yourselves then," she asks. "I don't want to eat alone."
[22:52] <Alicia> Although she can't help but entertain a suspicion that perhaps the intent here is to keep her in her room so as not to disturb anyone else? Antenora would surely be the first to accept that sacrifice.
[22:55] <Koaway> They're oats, though they taste of apples. Antenora takes a bit of pear, nibbling on it. "It tastes fine, but I still don't like eating. If I'm to learn a lesson about it, I fear it's going to be lost on me."
[22:57] <Koaway> "Eating's fun," Dawnhope flutters over to the tray, taking a tiny finger of oats and sampling. "What's so bad about it as long as you don't indulge in gluttony?"
[22:58] <Alicia> "The lesson is to be part of the world. You have to acquire food to survive, either by hunting, foraging, or bartering," Alicia replies, glad of something normal to talk about. Well, normal by their standards. "If you don't require sustenance then that's one less chain linking you to the world. You could be a hermit with no impact on anything."
[23:00] <Koaway> "There are blessed hermits out there," Antenora smiles coyly now, "To forsake everything and live along, pursuing enlightenment and wisdom. It is not a false path."
[23:01] <Koaway> "Oh, don't backtalk!" Dawnhope flicks a bit of oat at Antenora, "That sounds like some batty archmage who can call on great magic but can barely hold a conversation with another person. What's so holy about that?"
[23:03] <Alicia> "I'm with the eladrin on this one," Alicia agrees. "We're people of action at heart, and that's how it should be."
[23:04] <Koaway> "Perhaps so." Antenora eats away at her fruit, "Baatezu are lonely creatures, no matter how many thralls they command and how many superiors they scrape to. For all the iron chains around them, not a one truly supports them."
[23:07] <Alicia> "They still interact with the world, in their own destructive way," Alicia notes after a mouthful of porridge. "But to take your hermit example, a hermit with no need for sustenance could brick herself up in a cave till the end of time."
[23:07] <Alicia> "A hermit who requires food would have to forage or hunt for it, or perhaps make infrequent trips to barter. This keeps her involved in the world, where perhaps she might hear of something that demands she come out of seclusion for the greater good."
[23:09] <Koaway> "True." Antenora chomps down on her pear again, licking her lips clean. She swallows it, "You know Mephistopheles as a fiery archdevil who commands Hellfire, yes?"
[23:09] <Alicia> "And rules over frozen Cania, yes," Alicia nods.
[23:11] <Koaway> "I remember once hearing that it wasn't always like that. Mephisto was as cold as his realm. Of course, that devil was soon beheaded for high treason." Antenora finishes her pear, "But the image of a cold stoic lingers in my mind now."
[23:13] <Alicia> "Aren't you guilty of high treason?" Alicia asks, blinking. "There's really not much comparison..."
[23:14] <Koaway> "I'm not done yet." Antenora smiles now, "A cold stoic that cares about nothing but his own perfection and growth, no matter what. It strikes me as material."
03[23:15] * Koaway is now known as Kotono
[23:16] <Kotono> "Kind of like Alicia's example? It's a little bit of a stretch." Antenora gets Dawnhope perching on her head, "Why go to such a hassle and contort that to fit into your train of thought?"
06[23:17] * Alicia isn't sure herself, but makes a guess. "Perhaps to show that ascetic contemplation can be bad in certain ways, just as anything else can?"
[23:20] <Kotono> "Yes, that." Antenora is quiet for some time after, "My thoughts are difficult to follow at times. My very frame of reference is alien to a human or an eladrin. It's not condescension, but instead what I've learned. Baatezu are all about logic...Alicia understood that. Saying that she loved me and wanted me to be pure would have never worked. She challenged my logic on it's foundations. When I reference a great superior devil...I'm doing much the same. Me
[23:20] <Kotono> When I reference a great superior devil...I'm doing much the same. Mephisto IS Caina. He is it's embodiment, master and lord. The lessons Caina teaches are him."
[23:25] <Alicia> "And yet if the treasonous devil you mention is correct, he hides and distorts his own history. What logic can be derived from a false premise?" Alicia asks thoughtfully. "Of course it could have been wrong - it's one devil's word against another, isn't it?"
[23:27] <Kotono> "Devils lie almost as much as Yugoloths, but not from a lack of trying," Antenora chuckles. "He could have been telling the unvarnished truth or a complete falsehood."
[23:33] <Alicia> "I'd like to think if it was true then it would be more well known," Alicia muses. "But considering how our history turns to mush after a few centuries here on the prime, I'm not really in any place to cast judgement."
[23:33] <Alicia> "Jessica and I were talking about this the other day - the gnomes had a massive presence all over the world two thousand years ago, but now if you were to ask most people about gnomes you'd have them explained as little more than ground-bound pixie-like pranksters."
[23:35] <Kotono> "Curious indeed. Though perhaps your world is a special case." Antenora thoughtfully takes a slice of bread and gnaws on it. "When the desired truth changes in Baator, so do the records and the official line. Spouting an old truth now...that's treason. Those who like the old truth enough to champion end up dead. So it's easier for Baatezu knowledge to slip beneath the waves, at least in Baator."
[23:38] <Alicia> "Well, if it were just humans I could accept it. Two thousand years is an immensely long time. Many tens of generations have passed for us, enough time for tales to be distorted and records lost. But elves have little more knowledge, and for them it has only been a handful of generations. Jessica speculated that there must have been a deliberate effort to forget."
[23:39] <Kotono> "Quite possible. With all that's happened here, I wouldn't put it past the pale." Half eating her bread before putting it back on the tray, "Perhaps in a few thousand years no one will remember Della, but instead remember Antenora the deva?"
[23:42] <Alicia> "Which would you prefer?" Alicia asks curiously as she tears off a piece of bread for herself.
[23:42] <Kotono> "I'm not sure." Antenora looks to Alicia, "In two thousand years, do you want people to remember Alicia...or Saint Alicia, or the angelic Alicia, servant of Mystra?"
[23:50] <Alicia> "I'd want them to remember my beginnings," Alicia nods decisively. "I wasn't born under a portentuous star or groomed by divine agents. I didn't come from a line of heroes or struggle growing up through great trials."
[23:50] <Alicia> "And yet for all the mundanity of my origin, I still achieved great things - I like to think that could be inspirational for other young people who perhaps fancy themselves as having a bit of talent with a sword, today or in the future."
[23:51] <Kotono> "I'd like to think that too. I'd like to be known as an angel of fury and redemption joined together." Antenora slides close to Alicia now, "That someone from the darkest roots can rise high."
06[23:54] * Alicia smiles approvingly. "If anything, it makes your accomplishments more impressive." She then cocks her head and her smile takes an amused turn, "For all that I wonder if there are those in Baator right now enjoying a bit of reflected glory from a once erinyes being among those to thwart Pale Night yesterday."
[23:55] <Kotono> "Sure." Antenora giggles to that, cocking her head back and looking Alicia in the eyes. "Let them be jealous and cling to our glory."
[23:58] <Alicia> Letting out a little laugh at that, Alicia finishes off her bread and stands up. "Come on, lets get things cleaned up and then we'll go see what the Commander has planned at the garrison?"
[23:59] <Kotono> "Of course, Alicia." Antenora stands up, right behind Alicia. "I think Della would in a way crave the position I have. I've gained more station and elevation than any devil could dream of."
Session Time: Sat Dec 12 00:00:00 2009
[00:02] <Alicia> "Even so, it'd be nice if your success encouraged a few more to start dreaming," Alicia smiles as she picks up the tray, starting for the door.

[Corwin]

[19:53] <Kotono> ---
[19:54] <Kotono> Elle rests in her shop. She looks out the window as cold winds and a chilly rain blow, sipping a cup of tea. She still wears black, putting the cup and saucer down as Alicia enters. "I heard you found success in the Abyss?"
[19:55] <Alicia> "We did," Alicia agrees, going to take a seat by the redhead mage. "Wasn't time to really stay and see exactly how things panned out, but I hope everyone was able to evacuate safely with the warning we gave."
[19:56] <Kotono> "Good. Alice..." Elle runs a hand over her face, "You did good.  All of yo udid. Thank you." Elle looks long to Alicia, "I've been studying the Bleak Rendor problem. The way to it is open onw?"
06[19:59] * Alicia gives Elle a sympathetic look as she mentions her apprentice. "I hope Alice can rest a little easier from this. We should be able to go to Bleak Rendor and finish things now - we don't know where it is, but Lord Drake would."
[20:00] <Kotono> "You'll need protections." Elle crisply nods, rising up. "Have you prepared any of your own?"
[20:04] <Alicia> "No, I'm not able to," Alicia shakes her head. "We'd mostly be relying on Seira or any scrolls you can provide to survive the effects of the plane itself. To approach the Neverborn requires specific divine magic that Seira's father or Demedais could muster." Not that she's seen much of the latter, of late.
[20:09] <Kotono> Elle goes back, coming back with a tiny statuette. It is carved, a serene child of white stone with contented smile. "I've made something that'll help. I knew your path would take you to Bleak Rendor sooner or later."
[20:10] <Alicia> "Considering the rate we go through scrolls, a permanent item might be more efficient," Alicia agrees, leaning over to examine the statuette, smiling at its calming aspect. "Did you carve it yourself, too?"
[20:13] <Kotono> "No. An eladrin did." Smiling faintly to that, "There's a lot of them in town and...a pixie, too."
[20:16] <Alicia> "They brighten things up after the horrible battle we endured," Alicia nods her head. "It's well made, though - I suppose having such small hands makes fine details easier for them than us. So how did you enchant it?"
[20:18] <Kotono> "A spell that repels planar effects. I'm sure you're familiar with it?" Now with a longer look at Alicia, "It won't stop the attacks of creatures within Bleak Rendor, but I think it'll hold the wasting energies of the endless depths of oblivion at bay."
[20:18] <Kotono> "It had better," Calling in as she flies in, Lady Honeydip enters into Elle's shop. She wears her armor and spear, "Lady Alicia!"
[20:19] <Alicia> "Lady Honeydip!" Alicia gets to her feet in surprise. "I didn't expect to see you here!" She then looks between Elle and the general in surprise, wondering if Honeydip is the pixie Elle just mentioned.
[20:21] <Kotono> "I'm here from the Court of the Stars." Honeydip flies over, shimmering bright. A human sized woman with transparent gossamer wings approaches Alicia, wearing a breastplate and carrying a spear. "Were not all the courtiers in a righteous fury, we would be having a celebration that would be spoken of for all eternity."
[20:22] <Alicia> "So the withdrawal went as planned?" Alicia asks, looking the now human-sized Honeydip up and down.
[20:24] <Kotono> "Ah yes." Honeydip is as blonde as her name now, hair cascading to the floor and coiling up from it. She is delicate as a flower and twice as pretty, armor kept in place with delicate ribbons here and there. "The children of Androlynne are free, the defenders safely evacuated. A good thing, as the realm itself has begin to shift wildly with Pale Night's wrath."
[20:27] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia nods. "The demons are welcome to whatever's left. As we broke the seals we felt a great joy and saw many lights ascending - I think even the children murdered over the years to Pale Night's depravity have found peace. Dark Six aside, it remains a great victory."
[20:30] <Kotono> "Her Majesty Queen Morwel conveys her thanks and gratitude. She has ordered the eladrin host to assail Bleak Rendor with all we have. The crimes the children have told Her of have no place to exist!" Hitting the ground with the butt of her spear right after, "Bringing Pale Night ot justice will be a far longer task, but the Neverborn is exposed and vulnerable now."
[20:31] <Alicia> "You know how to get there?" Alicia perks up at that. "We were intending to make our own attack soon, so it would be best if we worked together."
[20:32] <Kotono> "With the eladrin children gone, our divinations are having much more success. It seems their defenses have been spread wide open."
[20:36] <Alicia> "Two of the liches are currently regenerating and one has abandoned the others to explore the Far Realm," Alicia offers. "That leaves three remaining, plus the Neverborn and any other servants they have."
[20:36] <Alicia> "Given what was thrown at us during their initial attack on our world, such servants shouldn't be discounted easily, but you're right that this is the best time. Seira has gone off on an errand of her own tomorrow, but we'd be able to make our attack tomorrow I'm sure."
[20:38] <Alicia> OOC: her own today
[20:40] <Kotono> "Queen Morwel bids you to join her champions in the attack. Lady Gwynharwyf directs the attack and welcomes you to her side." LAdy Honeydip says.
[20:42] <Alicia> "I'll have to check with Seira since she outranks me," Alicia admits slightly awkwardly, "But hopefully she should be willing to fight under Gwynharwyf's command. Where would we muster?"
[20:53] <Kotono> "Here. I've been invested with the power to be able to return us to where we need to go," Lady Honeydip says brightly, "Once we have victory, Queen Morwel will properly honor all of you."
[20:57] <Alicia> "Fair enough. Seira owns an establishment next door so we should find her there when she gets back," Alicia nods, before finally turning back to Elle, a little bit embarrassed that they've waffled on for so long without her. "Sorry, Elle. This is Lady Honeydip, former general of Androlynne. And this is Elle Stronger, Balmuria's premiere spellcaster," she performs the requisite introductions.
[21:03] <Kotono> "Charmed!" Lady Honeydip smiles, as Elle returns the same.
[21:04] <Kotono> "Go ahead." Taking the figurine and passing it into Alicia's hands, "In case you need it. If it makes it through in one piece, bring it back to me when you're done."
[21:04] <Alicia> "How do I activate it and what are the limitations on use?" Alicia asks as she accepts the gift.
[21:07] <Kotono> "Tap it on it's head and concentrate. Do the sameto turn it off. It should last for up to 10 minutes a day."
[21:09] <Alicia> Hopefully Bleak Rendor isn't that big, then. "It could be a lifesaver when we're out there," she nods, not wanting to seem ungrateful. "I'll keep it safe to return to you, Elle, I promise."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Good luck," Elle clasps Alicia's shoulders, and after a moment, "Life's too short to waste. When this is all over...we should live life."
[21:14] <Alicia> "You should take a break from running this shop," Alicia returns seriously. "I was thinking of organising a trip someplace nice and quiet for a few days to get some relaxation and decompress once the immediate threat is gone. Be nice to have you along."
[21:16] <Kotono> "Yes, I think that would be best." Elle says, "I've made enough money to buy a few Pasha, but...I need to get away from this. Where are we going?"
[21:18] <Alicia> "I haven't decided exactly. I saw a nice island in the middle of nowhere once... or perhaps one of the Heavens - Bytopia. Nothing ever happens there. It'd be very relaxing, I'm sure," Alicia nods earnestly.
[21:20] <Kotono> "Until then," Elle says, "Then we'll all go."
06[21:21] * Alicia gives the redhead a quick hug. "Keep safe, Elle," she asks before parting, gesturing for Honeydip to come with her out of the shop as she puts away the statuette.
[21:22] <Kotono> Once out and into the cold air, Honeydip wraps her wings around her. She shivers, "The endless nightmare's over. It's been so long since I've been anywhere but Androlynne..."
[21:23] <Alicia> "But the battle never ends, does it?" Alicia smiles wanly. "Still, you've earned some respite." Cocking her head curiously, "If you don't mind my asking, though, why are you human-sized right now?"
[21:24] <Kotono> "To fit in. The children love pixies," Lady Honeydip smiles, "Before I went to Androlynne, I could change my shape into that of a human. Over time there, I lost the ability since I never used it. Now that it's over, I asked Queen Morwel to restore my ability."
[21:26] <Alicia> "Ahh," Alicia nods. "Marie - you remember, my familiar? - she often complains whenever I have to alter her form to human stature. Says it's too clumsy and big," she laughs a little as she leads the general to the dragon-shaped inn.
[21:27] <Kotono> "Coure complain about EVERYTHING!" Throwing her hands up into the air, "The happiest lot of grumbling complainers I've ever met!"
[21:29] <Alicia> "So it's not just her, then?" Alicia nods understandingly. "I know she isn't even serious most of the time, she just does it out of principle, I think."
[21:32] <Kotono> Heading inside to the inn, you find Donald drinking and watching over the crowds. He waves you over, "Seira's in the back. Her and Amaryl and a few others just got back from up north."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Coure..." Lady Honeydip rubs her temples, "I think they do it just to get a reaction sometimes."
[21:34] <Alicia> "Thanks Donald," Alicia nods, going in the direction indicated as she continues her conversation. "I think that's about right. Marie adores having a good argument. I think that's why she gets on so well with Antenora - anyone who actually disliked bickering would've had a terminal falling out long ago."
[21:34] <Kotono> "I talked to Antenora while you were at Gomendicoria," As you slip into the back, "I got the impression she's fond of Marie."
[21:36] <Alicia> "She wasn't at first, but they've grown on each other," Alicia nods, looking around for Seira.
[21:37] <Kotono> Going back, you find Seira, Amaryl, Agathaiel and SAul in Seira's reading room. Amaryl is wearing brand new armor, as the others chatter away.
[21:38] <Alicia> "Seira," Alicia calls as they approach. "Lady Honeydip's hear to talk with us about the attack on Bleak Rendor."
[21:38] <Alicia> *here
01[21:39] <Seira> "We're all ears," Seira responds for everyone present, nodding at Alicia and smiling at the transformed pixie. "Please, have a seat, the both of you."
[21:45] <Kotono> "The Dark Six have committed unforgivable wrongs against the Court of Stars. Now that the way to Bleak Rendor is exposed, Queen Morwel will not sit idle. She has dispatched Lady Gwynharwyf to lead the eladrin host in assailing Bleak Rendor. She invites you to join her."
01[21:46] <Seira> "That's easy enough," Seira responds without needing to think it over. "I'll come. What's the plan?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "We will reduce Bleak Rendor to dust on the wind," Lady Honeydip goes to sit down, spear placed over her lap. "What the Dark Six have done cannot be allowed to stand. The exact stratagies will depend on what we find in Bleak Rendor."
[21:49] <Alicia> "You said divinations had been able to pierce it though, yes?" Alicia asks. "What has been learned so far?"
01[21:49] <Seira> "Do you know how to find it?" Seira inquires. "We might have a way, through Celebrimbor, but he is not yet well enough to tell us that. If you have other means, it would be a welcome surprise."
[21:50] <Kotono> "Our divinations have been successful in the wake of Androlynne being resolved." A short nod, "Undead and lots of them. Our clerics and champions are preparing to return the dead to rest."
06[21:51] * Seira nods slowly. "That would make things easier, and preparations quicker. From what we know, there are seven orbs, six of them granting the liches power and the seventh holding their souls within. We already possess three of them, so taking three more to complete the set and concecrating the ground there should destroy that seventh orb and much of their power."
[21:52] <Alicia> "As well as their ability to regenerate their forms after we kill them," Alicia interjects this very important point. "Glaciante and Alabster are currently reforming within the seventh orb, so if we can get to it before they are whole again it would save a lot of trouble."
[21:52] <Kotono> "Yes. All of you are welcome to come. The sooner we succeed, the better." Lady Honeydip says.
01[21:53] <Seira> "Yes, the need for haste is paramount," Seira agrees. "We might even leave today, if you could handle the spells I normally prepare for Amaryl," she adds, glancing at Alicia. "There's nothing we could do about Death Ward upon such short notice, regrettably, but perhaps our allies would have enough of it to spare."
[21:54] <Alicia> "As to the Neverborn itself, we've learned it can only truly be harmed by artifact-level weapons that possess intelligent will of their own," Alicia adds. "Hell Striker fits, as does a sword one of our allies was granted by Talos. Do any of your forces have appropriate armaments?" she asks Honeydip.
[21:54] <Kotono> "I would think, but I cannot answer that fully." Shaking her head now, "Bring them."
01[21:55] <Seira> "Magic might work as well, so I'll keep a few spells in reserve for facing that abomination," Seira promises.
[21:58] <Alicia> "If we're all able to go today, I can go to find the others at my house and we can set off once reunited?" Alicia asks. "Someone should be able to find Eudard at the temple of Helm, or at least find out where he is from there."
06[21:59] * Seira takes that as a yes, and voices, "I'll meet up with Eudard. Amaryl, Agathaiel, any reservations about going to fight the Dark Six?"
[22:00] <Kotono> "None," Amaryl calls, "Let's finish this."
[22:01] <Alicia> "It's really more of a Dark Three right now, anyway," Alicia sallies forth in an upbeat tone. "We'll meet back here in an hour, then?"
03[22:01] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
01[22:01] <Seira> "Club Donald into coming along, then? Like I said, I'll touch base with the Temple of Helm," Seira speaks, smirking at Alicia's words.

[Corwin]

[23:15] <Tiny_Ko_Army> -----
[23:15] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Once outside in the lit Oblivion, "What troubles you?"
01[23:18] <Seira> "I don't even know if 'troubles' is the right word, but it's a subject I find myself struggling with from time to time," Seira admits. "The way we live life, what happens to us after we die violently in battle. Do our souls become angels, finding contentment if forgetting all the meaning their life ever had? Do we just fade away?
01[23:18] <Seira> And if that's truly our reward, why is it that the magic of reincarnation and resurrection exists, and is sometimes even successful? Does invoking it mean committing a horirble sin against those it is used on, or a valid option?"
[23:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Honeydip blink-blinks. "Wow. I didn't expect a theological quandry."
01[23:21] <Seira> "It's one whose practical applications come up quite a bit. Such as now." Seira looks down. "A lot of lives were lost in the assault on our cities, back home."
[23:22] <Tiny_Ko_Army> With a pause and tapping her fingers aagainst her other forearm, "I'm a general, Seira, not a priest. I know the basic cycle of souls...but my true skill is saving the children of Androlynne. I can give you my opinion, but it's just an amateur one."
01[23:25] <Seira> "I've listened to professional ones and they seem to be the 'pick what suits you best' kind," Seira says with some degree of frustration. "I want to plead with Lady Gwynharwyf to do something about this injustice, but I don't even know if I would be doing more harm than good, if that request were entertained!"
[23:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Gwynharwyf shrugs after a little time. "Mortal lives are fragile, temporary things. It's a shell that tempers the soul within it. Once a soul moves beyond the Prime, it leaves behind life. It is a tragedy to the living, but to others, it is the first step of a journey...and bleh, now I sound like a priest. See? That's the spiel I've heard priests give out in Androlynne. That's not what you want, is it?"
[23:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> *Honeydip. Weird typo.
01[23:30] <Seira> "You got that right," Seira agrees with a snort. "Elle Stronger is one of the nicest people I know, and I still consider her my master in matters arcane, even if now we are as equals. Alice was her apprentice and friend, and she was turned into a wraith by the Dark Six.
01[23:30] <Seira> If only two less days had passed, a Limited Wish would have been enough to return her to us, yet as things stand now, that path is forever closed before mortal magic available to us. And even if we could react in time, is it truly fair to offer such a chance to one person while ignoring all the others who died just as bravely in defense of our citizens?"
[23:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> With a shrug, "It wasn't fair that the children of Androlynne tormented. It wasn't fair that I buried thousands of friends in the long, long centuries I fought in Androlynne. But no matter how unfair it was at times, I did the best I could with what I have. I don't have any regrets."
01[23:34] <Seira> "That's where the difference lies, though, doesn't it? Celestials can't be returned to their previous lives as easily as mortals, from what I can tell. And while Lady Gwynharwyf may not be able to help you, she just might be able to help me."
[23:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "What I'm saying is to follow your heart." Lady Honeydip looks right into Seira's eyes, "Do the best you can with what you have. Sometimes it will be enough, sometimes it won't. But as long as you do that, you'll end up alright."
01[23:36] <Seira> "Then it won't do something unspeakably terrible? All that'll happen is that the fallen might get a choice to return, if they should agree?"
[23:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "If you can get someone do allow it, yes. If. If not, you tried and it wasn't meant to be. They're where their souls had to go. There's nothing wrong with that. Death is as natural as living."
06[23:38] * Seira takes Honeydip's hand, smiling. "Thanks. I'm sure I'll find myself wrestling with this question again, but for now, this helped me make up my mind. When would it be possible for me to make my appeal?"
[23:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Well...there's going to be a celebration in the Court of the STars. IT's ag iven you'll be invited. You could petition Queen Morwel herself."
01[23:41] <Seira> "I'll do that, then," Seira asserts, before hesitating. "Honeydip... on a far more personal note...." She fidgets. "Do you think it would be alright if I tried to look up my mom? I know some petitioners or celestials wouldn't like to see a reminder of their mortal lives. But I never really got to meet her...."
[23:41] <Tiny_Ko_Army> With a gentler smile, "Do you know what realm her soul flew to? Was she devout to a power?"
06[23:42] * Seira shrugs in a show of nonchalance. "She married a priest of Waukeen. That's as good a starting point as any, right?"
[23:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Right. Most petitioners and souls forget their mortal life. It's not impossible to reverse, though it usually requires being a power or having the power who has the soul agreeing to it. I think. I'd get a second opinion from someone who knows this better before committing to it blindly."
01[23:46] <Seira> "I wouldn't want to bring her back against her will," Seira agrees. "That's... that's just terrible. I wouldn't even know who to ask, though."
[23:46] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Waukeen. If she claimed her soul, she'd have dominion over her." Honeydip says instantly, "And if she doesn't, a Goddess can probably tell you who does."
01[23:48] <Seira> "An audience with Waukeen? Well, at least I can speculate that my chances of getting one would be decent enough without sounding haughty," Seira muses. "Thanks. It really helped to talk about this."

[Corwin]

[21:56] <Kotono> ----
[21:57] <Kotono> The wind blows through your hair. The wildflowers that are weaved in send fragrant scents blowing about the balcony. From hear you can see far - the endless starry sky. The forest below. Amaryl runs to the edge of the balcony, hands on the cusp. She lenas forward, her hair rippling in the breeze. "Aaaaah!"
06[22:09] * Seira hops lightly on the railing by Amaryl, tilting back to get a better angle at her face. She starts falling, but uses her wings to hold steady in an impressive feat of acrobatics at the last moment. "It's magical," Seira voices. "This place, us, here together... don't you feel that, too?"
[22:10] <Kotono> "Oh yes." Amaryl leans far over the edge, hopping back at the last moment. Her hair flies about, the flowers staying put within as it blows. "I feel like we've stepped into bardsong and legend."
06[22:12] * Seira admires Amaryl with a soft smile. "The tale of how you heroically slew a balor, facing it off unflinchingly in Pale Night's inner sanctum? Of how the skies were filled with the cries of freed children, of how the earth trembled with the fury of the Mother of Demons?"
[22:14] <Kotono> "Or how you melted the body of the foul Neverborn and..." Amaryl stops to blush, "Oh Seira!"
01[22:14] <Seira> "Yes, that wouldn't really be suitable for impressionable young minds," Seira agrees with a laugh. "We'll have to come up with a suitable replacement."
[22:15] <Kotono> As you talk, the sky grows slightly brighter. Above, a falling star streaks through the sky, leaving a trail of fairy-dust light in it's wake. Amaryl starts to reply, but her gaze goes up to it. "Oh, do you see that, Seira?"
06[22:15] * Seira is quick to make a wish!
[22:19] <Kotono> Amaryl follows the star as it drops beyond the horizon. "Like the Fairest Star...there's still work to do, even as far away as it is."
01[22:20] <Seira> "There's always work to do, but at least we can do it on our terms?" Seira counters, her eyes lingering on the horizon a moment longer, before they return to take Amaryl in once more.
[22:23] <Kotono> Amaryl matches Seira's gaze, "Our terms, our time. It's our time, Seira. Isn't it?"
01[22:24] <Seira> "Waukeen seems to agree, with the trust she's put into us," Seira says with a slight shrug. "But I think it would be, even if she hadn't. We're doing what we chose to, and we don't have any regrets, right?"
[22:26] <Kotono> "I don't have any..." Amaryl admits, "Well, maybe one. But it's a reasonable one!"
01[22:28] <Seira> "Is it one which is in my power to dispel, my lady?" Seira asks with flourish, although the offer is a most genuine one.
[22:28] <Kotono> "Just that I wish The Lady of Stars were with us...Goddess in her vault, she is magnificent, isn't she?"
01[22:31] <Seira> "Unfortunately, this lies beyond my power," Seira admits, although her good mood remains. "But we have quite a lot ahead of us. Who knows what the future holds? This might be a nice goal to join the rest of ours, to make ourselves entirely worthy of attention, and not just for one accomplishment."
[22:33] <Kotono> "Mmmm." Amaryl smiles and looks ot the sky again, "To the future..." Amaryl goes back to the edge of the balcony, "Do you believe in fate, Seira?"
01[22:34] <Seira> "I believe some things are aligned to happen just so, if we don't intervene," Seira muses thoughtfully, staring up at the sky. "But I don't think there is inescapable fate that would take place regardless of our wishes."
[22:36] <Kotono> "Just curious. I heard Antenora talking about it a little while ago and it stuck with me. It's a question for the philosophers." Turning back to Seira now, "It's a silly question."
01[22:38] <Seira> "Antenora takes it too seriously," Seira guesses, feeling pretty spot on there. "The best example I can give you is that I'm becoming a red dragon, rather than suffer through my supposed fate of watching my father sacrifice himself to save me. And yet, at the same time... what I've learned so far tells me that this is exactly what would have transpired, if I remained passive in the face of all this."
[22:40] <Kotono> "Mmmm. Would I have stayed in Pallan-no." Shaking her head, "That's too much to think about now. Seira, I..." Looking to Seira, "Hold me. Let me rest about you and enjoy this dream?"
01[22:43] <Seira> "Was it destiny?" Seira asks. "Quite honestly, I don't know. Does it matter, really? My feelings for you are not driven by some outside source. They took root naturally, as I spent time with you. That's all I need to know." She stands up, balancing herself on the balcony's railing, and extends a hand down to Amaryl. "Rather than rest, might I have this dance, Lady Gaial?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "Oh yes!" Amaryl takes that hand, "Lead on, Siera?"
01[22:52] <Seira> As she pulls Amaryl up, Seira calls upon the the powers of a wish, murmuring, "A moment for the two of us, a dream amongst the stars." And then she steps back, wishing for the magic to achieve the impossible and provide everything necessary for one magical dance.
[22:55] <Kotono> In a flash of light, Seira and Amaryl rise up! "W-what?!" Amaryl looks about as the two ascend! You soar to the stars...or does th estarry night soar to you? But you find yourself amid great lights all about, everything below tiny! Pure silver starlight bathes the both of you, shining incandescently!
01[22:59] <Seira> "When words fail, I call upon the purest of all languages," Seira says, making the first move as music picks up all around them. She smiles softly at Amaryl. "I tried my best to tell you how I feel, because celestial or elven just can't compare."
[23:01] <Kotono> "Oh..." Amaryl looks about, starry tears trickling down her cheeks, "It's...oh....Seira you..."
06[23:06] * Seira pulls Amaryl close, the music becoming a waltz as they glide across the skies. And amidst it all, the thought that her feelings got through is the most prominent of the lot.
[23:09] <Kotono> The dance weaves through the sky, Amaryl staying close. Her eyes are wide throughout, taking everything in. "This is..." A globe of warm light passes you by, shedding starlight onto you.
01[23:11] <Seira> "This realm approves," Seira murmurs. "My magic would not be able to do so much, so close to its rightful ruler, if that were not so. It's nice to have her blessing."
[23:13] <Kotono> Amaryl reaches out, touching the star! Her body breaks apart into starlight, scattering about the realm! It whirls, leaving a trail of stars behind it, before wrapping around Seira and reappearing where she was.
01[23:14] <Seira> Intrigued beyond words, Seira reaches out to touch it, hesitating just a moment as she waits for Amaryl to follow her lead at the same time.
[23:15] <Kotono> You are the sky. You are the stars. You see everything around, breaking apart...and reforming in a moment, head dizzy and vision tinted with light.
06[23:18] * Seira giggles as she reforms, finding herself truly happy, and gives Amaryl a twirl.
[23:19] <Kotono> Amaryl clings close after, "Aaah...dizzy..." she murmurs. "Give me a moment!"
01[23:25] <Seira> "You lead, then," Seira relents, placing her head on Amaryl's shoulder, her cheek resting on it as she admires the elf from nearby. "There are times when I want to surrender it all as well, and you're the one I trust to keep me safe."
[23:26] <Kotono> "Oh Seira..." Amaryl leads very slowly, taking steps around the stars. "That's what I want..."
[23:32] <Kotono> Thus the night passes in a blur. The dream continues on, on and on and on and on. Seira awakens, Amaryl curled against her in rest. The sunshine of the morning spills into her room, her bed as comfortable as she remembers it. Images of the dream flickerin her mind, like memories of a time long aawy, vivid yet.
06[23:34] * Seira brushes her hand through Amaryl's golden tresses lazily, trying not to wake her.
[23:35] <Kotono> "Mmm...Seira?" Amaryl awakens as Seira does this, already stirring. "I...we're home?" she asys, "The dream I had...oh! Seira! The gown! You're still wearing it!"
01[23:37] <Seira> Curses, golden opportunity wasted! Seira just realizes it herself, and leans back into her pillow. "I suppose there's always next time...."
[23:37] <Kotono> "Oh Seira...I had..." Amaryl sits up, hugging her. "We're back home now?"
01[23:39] <Seira> "It was a very pleasant experience," Seira muses, still brushing her hand through Amaryl's hair. "Approaching a dream, flirting with it, yet never quite crossing over entirely. And for all those marvels, it wouldn't have been the same without you there with me."
[23:40] <Kotono> With a sigh, "It was wonderful...." Closing her eyes, "Let's go out and see everyone? It feels like it's been so long. How about the Commander, or Elle? They've both been here and Elle's suffered so, too."
01[23:42] <Seira> "Elle and Celebrimbor," Seira agrees. "Maybe we can try and get in touch with Honeydip afterwards? She promised she'd check if there would be a better place for Celebrimbor to heal at than with us."
[23:42] <Kotono> Nodding along, "Let's go to Elle's shop then?" Amaryl says.
01[23:46] <Seira> Though it's somewhat disappointing, she must leave her bed, and as Seira does so she calls upon prestidigitation to make the two of them presentable. "We can probably even afford to go as we are," she voices afterwards. "I had Dimension Door prepared in advance, so we could just appear back here at a moment's notice, and Lagann can mind our things while we're out."
01[23:46] <Seira> And their gowns aren't sheer and see-through like Queen Morwel's, Seira muses to herself, although they perhaps cling to their forms a bit more than anything the two of them normally wear.
[23:47] <Kotono> Thus the two go! You find Elle's shop open. Elle isn't to be seen, but Alice is there. She comes out, "Oh, good morning. Countess Stronger is in the back right now and isn't accepting visitors right now. If you don't mind waiting a little bit?"
01[23:48] <Seira> Seira's grip tightens on where she's holding onto Amaryl's hand, before she realizes what she's doing and stops herself from actually causing Amaryl pain. "We can wait," Seira agrees, going with the situation. "How are you?" There, that should be generic enough.
[23:49] <Kotono> Amaryl stares, "...Alice.." she whispers in shock.
[23:49] <Kotono> "I'm fine, the wounds are long healed." With a slight smile, "Will you be wanting to buy anything today?"
01[23:51] <Seira> "The possibility of that is over ninety percent," Seira agrees. "But that doesn't matter. Would it be alright if I hugged you?"
[23:52] <Kotono> "Ah..." Blinking at that, "I wasn't aware my near death experience made me suddenly of interest to you, Colonel Seira." She blushes nonetheless, "But thank you."
06[23:52] * Seira takes that as a yes, wrapping her arms around Alice. "I know you don't like me for a reason beyond my control, but I'm really, really glad you're alright."
[23:54] <Kotono> "Ah..." Blushing even more, "Thank you, Seira. I am as well. The wraiths touch makes me appreciate life all over again."
01[23:55] <Seira> "They do, every time," Seira agrees solemnly. Without letting Alice go, she says, "Amaryl and I just got back from a trip to the planes. What day is it?"
[23:56] <Kotono> Jus tas Alice is about to answer, a door to the back open. Elle comes out, Donald right behind her. Elle's face is slightly red, but she turns to Seira. "Oh, good morning Seira!"
01[23:58] <Seira> "Morning," Seira returns, still operating largely blind. With all her heart, she hopes it's not a cruel glimpse of a 'what if', and peers closer at Elle to try and see if she's flushed from exertion, embarrassment or crying.
[23:59] <Kotono> Elle just looks red faces, though her breathing isn't fast. Donald's blushing way more, but hanging back. "Here on business?"
Session Time: Mon Dec 21 00:00:00 2009
01[00:01] <Seira> "Business is on the menu, yes, but I'm also in a hugging mood." And with that cryptic response, Seira doesn't let Elle a chance to react before embracing her next. "Like I was saying, which day is it? It feels like we've been gone for weeks across the planes."
[00:02] <Kotono> "It's-" Elle begins, but another voice cuts through. "Ah, hello," Saul walks in, lugging a bulging sack with him. "Ah, Countess, I'm here to make some orders."
01[00:04] <Seira> The universe is messing with her! But alright, she'll play along, for now. "Such a shame I was here first, old man," Seira states pointedly. "Elle, what do you think about making my cloak even stronger?" She giggles. "Sorry, accidental if bad pun."
[00:05] <Kotono> "I think the size of my order will trump that,"S aul grunts as he places the sack down, "So Seira, what did you get...oh." He stops and looks at Alice, rubbing his chin, "Was that yours?"
06[00:06] * Seira worriedly looks at Elle and Alice.
[00:06] <Kotono> Elle and Alice look at Saul with complete and utter blankness. "Excuse me," Alice says.
[00:07] <Kotono> "Oh, maybe it's like that. Well, I kept talking about money." Saul kneels before the sack, opening it. "Just because you're drink on magic and wine doesn't mean you can stop thinking about Waukeen's tenets or what's happening around you, Seira."
06[00:09] * Seira winces, and decides to just confess and sort things out together. "While on that trip of mine, I kept on wishing that the terrible deaths during the attacks of the liches could have been averted?" She avoids looking at Alice as she adds, "I really hoped someone would listen, but I didn't know... I'm really happy someone did, if...." She finally finds herself lacking words to continue.
[00:10] <Kotono> "I..." Alice stares back. "I'm pretty sure I'm alive and I've been alive!"
[00:11] <Kotono> "No, you did die." Saul looks up, "I suspected that we were being rewarded in an indirect way. The way we were peeled away and it was so easy to talk and everything was magical? The Court of Stars owed us, to."
01[00:12] <Seira> "Let's keep it that way!" Seira agrees, suddenly cheerful beyond belief, and grasps Alice's hands. "You're a really brave, decent person. And Elle loves you very much. So just, please, keep on working together, alright?"
[00:12] <Kotono> "So you...money..." Amaryl sighs, "Isn't that  awaste?"
[00:13] <Kotono> "Ah...okay..." Alice stares, her words slow and halting.
[00:13] <Kotono> "Of course not. Waukeen preaches and teaches the value of money. With this, I'm going to make sure that nothing like this happens again by strengthening us. I suppose I should share this with all of you, too."
01[00:16] <Seira> "Don't forget what you owe me for those two circles back and to Pallanth!" Seira chirps. "Well, there's only one of them so far, but the second isn't far behind!" Turning towards Elle, she smiles brightly. "My cloak! Please think about it, I even have that amulet we got from the djinn, so if I could mix the two together for a really overwhelming final product, it would be so useful!"
[00:19] <Kotono> "I will..." Elle says, still looking between them.
01[00:19] <Seira> Taking Amaryl's hand, Seira flees the shop while she still can!

[Corwin]

[19:42] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, what's next on your agenda, Seira?
01[19:43] <Seira> Once out, Seira decides to see about Celebrimbor, and whether they could be useful in some way to the old elf. Only afterwards can she allow herself to hope that Alice wasn't an exception, and actually check for herself.
[19:45] <Kotono> Celebrimbor is found at the garrison, under protective guard. He rests in a cot, propped up on pillows and reading from a thick old book. "It's over?" he asks as Seira enters.
01[19:47] <Seira> "The battle is, for all intents and purposes," Seira responds, finding a spot on the cot where she wouldn't inconvenience him and leave enough place for Amaryl, if she chooses to sit there as well. "Our allies also recovered Claris, while the Neverborn and five of the liches were destroyed.
01[19:48] <Seira> The sixth went into exile, and Androlynne experienced a fundamental change, as the trapped eladrin children were freed from its curse." She pauses slightly. "But what matters here is how you're doing."
[19:50] <Kotono> "Which one?" CElebrimbor leans forward over his book, staring into Seira. "Which one got away?" Amaryl meanwhile stands next to Seira for the moment.
01[19:52] <Seira> "It is as you think," Seira states. "To fight him meant the likelihood of many deaths; perhaps, the failure of our plans, and Pale Night's triumph. It is regrettable, but letting him go is the choice I made so that we could free them and turn the war around."
[19:58] <Kotono> With a shudder that consumes his body, Celebrimbor leans back and closes his book. Lying down, "It's over....it's over...but Seira, do not forget him. I see him in every dream I have. Every living nightmare that pushes into my dreams I see his face."
06[20:02] * Seira takes Celebrimbor's hand gently, as she promises, "I will protect you. If he returns, I'll be there to stop him. It really is over, you can believe that."
[20:04] <Kotono> Celebrimbor lies back, then exhales out. He sits up after that, "I'm going to return to Pallanth soon. I want to put this nightmare behind me. Is your father going to return soon?"
01[20:07] <Seira> "He has been working in Malmuth, trying to make the city habitable once more based on a plan we cooked up together. How about joining him there once you've spent some time back home?"
01[20:07] <Seira> It might sound callous, but Seira firmly believes that any hurdle must be overcome, unless the person who went through a traumatic experience wants to be ruled by it for the rest of their lives, a mere shadow of their former self. And Malmuth, with her father by his side, would be one of the safest places in the world for Celebrimbor.
[20:09] <Kotono> "Maybe. I had forgotten about Malmuth. How badly was it sacked?"
[20:09] <Kotono> "Razed to the ground." Amaryl answers right back, "Magic and emergency relief prevent a total collapse, but hardship is all about there. The loss of property and live is incalculable."
01[20:11] <Seira> "It was taken completely by surprise, and by foes that were best at ambushes and demolitions," Seira supplies the specifics. "We've done all we could when it came to the people, but Dad is trying to make the sacked portions of the city livable again, and keep the weather cleared, while relief forces help with the distribution of food and essentials."
[20:13] <Kotono> "Queen Tant's doing her best to keep things going, too." Amaryl looks to Seira, "Demedais and Pollyanna have been there as well, helping with relief. But still, so many suffering for the whims of madmen."
[20:15] <Kotono> "The Council...how have they reacted." Resting his ancient arms down, "And, no matter how insane they are...HE had a reason for this. I fear that the true villian may have escaped with a victory of his own."
01[20:16] <Seira> "I said that our forces were helping," Seira agrees, looking slightly puzzled as she glances back at Amaryl. "Perhaps we'll see if there's anything we could help with today as well." At Celebrimbor's words, Seira nods grimly. "We are still trying to determine the reason for their sensical assault on us, but my private theory is that Sylian did this merely to be in a position to cut a deal with us."
01[20:17] <Seira> *nonsensical
[20:18] <Kotono> "Wait." Amaryl starts to speak but chokes on her own words, "You're saying that Sylian did this all just to get your blood and get away with it?"
01[20:21] <Seira> "Unless more information comes to be known, yes, it is quite possible that I am the reason for all these deaths and the suffering," Seira says neutrally. "All for having the luck of facing a horror from beyond when it tried to destroy our world."
[20:23] <Kotono> "No...could one mad wizard have that much knowledge and control over events to do this? His planning went back millenia, Seira!" Amaryl's words shake, "That's just not possible."
01[20:25] <Seira> "I'm not that conceited," Seira responds, shaking her head. "He clearly had a different plan at the time, perhaps this mad scheme about allowing the Neverborn to be born via the Pale Mother and controlling a new deity devoted to him. What I mean is that after that unexpected event of our battle against that being, he might have changed his plans, leading to the attacks on our world."
[20:28] <Kotono> "Maybe..." Amaryl says, "Perhaps we should research Sylian then? Hasn't he changed names a few times, too?"
01[20:31] <Seira> "I believe what we need the most right now is to do all we can for those who suffered through the attacks, and recover our strength," Seira voices. "Mental fatigue is dangerous, and we can't keep on rushing around with the weight of the world on our shoulders. In the long run, it is better to have a slow week and, perhaps, we can visit Mechanus's comprehensive library afterwards."
[20:34] <Kotono> "We should. He was named...Adammal before, I think?" Frowning as she thinks, "That sounds right?"
01[20:35] <Seira> "I can recall those names and a title," Seira agrees, musing, "I think Alicia mentioned something about a third name briefly."
[20:41] <Kotono> "Perith?" With a frown, "That sounds right, but I'd check. After we've had some time to rest, we should marshal what information we have on him?" Amaryl says.
01[20:42] <Seira> "I'm not about to head out into chaos and insanity after him, but we should do all we can to be ready," Seira firmly agrees.
[20:42] <Kotono> "Alright." Amaryl then smiles, "It's good to see you're recovering, Celebrimbor," Amaryl turns to him, "Don't overdo it at your age."
06[20:44] * Seira leans over to whisper, "But if you want to overdo it, anyway, there are many eladrin around who'll be lining up to nurse you back to health. Just say the word!"
03[20:45] * Ebiris (WinNT@95.146.4.95) has joined #evildunes
03[20:46] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Ebiris
[20:46] <Kotono> Celebrimbor's eyes sparkle a moment, "Ah, at my age..." Almost cracking into a smile, "I'll recover."
01[20:49] <Seira> "I'll come back again, and if you need anything, or even just want to go home, ask someone to call me? I'll be right there," Seira promises, standing up and smiling down at him.
[20:52] <Kotono> As you leave out, Amaryl stays close. In your mind, 'He's looking better...but now what, Seira?"
03[20:53] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:57] <Seira> 'Remember all those trapped people whose bondage to Majanni could not be broken, even if their slavery was ended with magic?' Seira responds, not seeing much reason to keep the conversation personal but following Amaryl's wishes easily enough. 'Perhaps, a carefully-worded Limited Wish might suffice to severe it for those who don't want that sort of life, or ameliorate their conditions. What do you think?'
[20:59] <Kotono> 'That's a fine idea.' Amaryl smiles now, 'It would be a good storybook ending, too.'
01[21:01] <Seira> 'I've spent some time struggling with the issue, but nothing I came up with thus far seemed like it would work. Even now, I would prefer to wait until I could call on the actual Wish, but it feels a bit cruel, if this attempt succeeds,' Seira elaborates further. 'After last night, I suppose my confidence about manipulating reality around me for a good cause is higher.'
[21:02] <Kotono> Amaryl takes Seira's hand, stopping in a quiet hallway of the garrison, out of view of the guards protecting Celebrimbor. 'I like that.'
01[21:07] <Seira> 'If nothing else, we'll make sure they all know, both the transformed people and Majanni, that we haven't forgotten about them and are still involved,' Seira muses, even as she eyes Amaryl speculatively. 'I could also threaten him with grave bodily harm to make him share that bit of fey power with you, at that. It disagrees with me, but you might be a different story. The power certainly liked Donald.'
[21:09] <Kotono> 'Mmm.' Amaryl considers, then aloud, "Before we go and commit to that, let's talk to Donald. He's had a time to live with it, I want to see what he thinks of it now."
01[21:11] <Seira> "To be fully decided, why don't you see how a human's been dealing with it, too? Jale also partook in this power, after all," Seira proposes. "But Donald's right here, so we can easily check with him first!"
[21:12] <Kotono> "Let's," Amaryl says, "Let's check home and then Elle's shop?"
06[21:13] * Seira can't argue with this plan!
[21:16] <Kotono> You find Donald at the Inn. His feet are up at a table as the morning passes, a big grin on his face. He looks out the window, snacking on meat and mead. He hums a merry, bawdy song under his breath, humming away.
01[21:17] <Seira> "Donald, my buddy, my pal!" Seira greets him. "Why are you so happy and lewd this fine day, pray tell?"
[21:18] <Kotono> "Oh, no reason." His grin just rises at that, "So Seira, conquerer of demon-god-babies and protector of beautiful elf maidens, what deeds are you up to today?"
01[21:19] <Seira> "Breaking the hateful curse of a desert djinn upon innocent travelers. Pretty tame in comparison," Seira responds. "How about you, and your daily plans?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "Im, ah, going to b ebusy today." Coughing and clearing his throat, "You're going to give Majanni the one-two now?"
01[21:20] <Seira> "It's a possibility, but he might've learned his lesson, if not humility, from the previous experience."
[21:21] <Kotono> "About thta," Amaryl sits down, "There's th epossibility he might give me the same power he gave to you. Donald, what's it like?"
[21:23] <Kotono> "Being fey-blooded?" Blowing his tongue out in a distinct farting sound, "I feel as limp-wristed as a perfumed diplomat sometimes...it helps when I go kill a few demons to remind me I'm a man. Yes, I'm a terrible human man with the grace of a drunken dragon. You'd probably love it."
01[21:25] <Seira> "Your words are tempting my fist," Seira mutters none too quietly. "Would it kill you to... not generally be disgusting? You seem like you're trying to be that! On purpose!"
[21:26] <Kotono> Amaryl gasps, hands to her lips. "Donald! That's...so...exactly what you said." Amaryl hangs her head and sighs, "Seira, he never listens. Poetry and grace are lost on him."
01[21:28] <Seira> "Let's go visit Jale in Arad?" Seira offers to Amaryl, throwing Donald a glare. "We shouldn't really spend more time here, in case the drain of tact is contagious."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Oh, grow up." Donald grins even more, "I'm a man in an elf's body. Look, my honest opinion is that it would suit you...though how a elf/dragon/fey works is anyone's guess."
01[21:30] <Seira> "I offered to turn you back," Seira reminds him icily. "One day I even might, and forget to put your gender back right." Not giving him a chance to respond, she takes Amaryl's hand and attempts to teleport to her room in the temple of Waukeen in Arad.
01[21:30] <Seira> roll 1d100
05[21:30] -obsidian.ab.ca.lunarnet.org:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:30] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@24.174.51.230) has joined #evildunes
01[21:30] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 16." [1d100=16]
[21:39] <Kotono> Woosh! You appear in your room without incident!
01[21:40] <Seira> "Let's see if Isonu can direct us towards Jale?" Seira suggests, stepping out into the corridor as a part of her is all too happy to show off the new gowns she and Amaryl have.
[21:43] <Kotono> Thus you head to Isonu. As the two of you walk, temple goers pause to stare at the two, often spellbound! The gowns ripple andshimmer in the light, men and women both entranced! As you pass through one hall, one can notice one of the entranced people is none other than Jale.
01[21:45] <Seira> "Jale!" Seira calls out amiably, waving at the young woman. She approaches, checking whether Esra is nearby, as the two often seem to be.
[21:47] <Kotono> Esra isn't around. Jale looks up abruptly at Seira, "Oh!" With a gasp, "S-Seira! Those gowns are gorgeous!"
01[21:50] <Seira> "Would you believe we're sky-clad?" Seira asks with a laugh.
[21:50] <Kotono> "Ah..." Blushing, "Waukeen's gold, yes, I may!"
[21:51] <Kotono> Amaryl twirls about, "They're just lovely!"
01[21:53] <Seira> "I like yours the most," Seira compliments Amaryl, admiring her. "The person wearing it draws my undivided attention like no other."
[21:54] <Kotono> "Oh Seira..." Amaryl colors deeply red, as Jale continues to stare. "C-can I help you, Seira, with anything?"
01[21:57] <Seira> "We were hoping so," Seira agrees, seeking a spot where they won't be standing in the middle of a hall and guiding Jale there. "Amaryl wanted to ask you if you could share you experiences," she says as they walk, "from the touch Majanni's power."
[21:57] <Kotono> Going into an empty prayer and donation room, "Oh, you mean...oh yes." She finds a wooden chair and sits down, "About being fey-blooded?"
[21:58] <Kotono> "That's right," Amaryl says, "Seira suggested I undergo the same."
[21:59] <Kotono> "It's like being more sensitive. To the wind, to the air, tothe patterns of night and day. I can smell sunrise, I can hear sunset." She starts to speak, quickly, "Nature is alive to me. Everything around is is a great, grand life form that we can only see the smallest bit of."
01[22:00] <Seira> "I had a similar experience," Seira muses thoughtfully. "Although in my case, it came as a slight price, as other things not of nature seemed dimmer afterwards. Is it like this for you as well?"
[22:01] <Kotono> "Donald neve rmentioned anything like that." With a despairing sigh, "He probably thought it was indisgestion! That...that...human!"
06[22:01] * Seira covers her laugh with a cough just in time. "Mom was human," she protests chidingly. "So's Jale, really! Donald's just Donald, he'd be the same regardless of birth."
01[22:02] <Seira> *race of birth
[22:05] <Kotono> "That's how it is. I don't like all the changes all the time, but I'm learning to adapt to them." Jale finishes, "No offense taken."
01[22:05] <Seira> "Donald tests the most patient of people," Seira says apologetically.
[22:06] <Kotono> Turning red and looking down, "Sorry. Donald vexes me. I would think the God of Fools must surely protect his every step."
01[22:06] <Seira> "Well, he gained longevity, money and fame," Seira says. "Maybe there's something in that."
01[22:07] <Seira> "I'm not one of those things that look dimmer, am I?" Seira suddenly asks Jale with just a touch of worry.
[22:08] <Kotono> "Maybe Lathander need a new jester?" Grumbling now, "I could believe it!"
[22:08] <Kotono> "No...no, not at all," Jale says after a few moments, "Not at all."
01[22:11] <Seira> "Lathander's little error in judgement aside, do you want to consider this some more?" Seira asks Amaryl. "Consult with someone else as well, perhaps?"
[22:12] <Kotono> "I do. Can we think about it for a little bit? I don't need to rush into this like Donald did."
01[22:15] <Seira> "We have the time before us," Seira agrees. Though she would very much like to see how Amaryl might fare with a touch of a fey, there truly is no need to rush anything. "We can just pay him a visit and try the wish, first? I can't reliably cast it enough to cure everyone, even if given a week, so there is plenty of time."
[22:18] <Kotono> "Okay," Amaryl agrees, "Ready to go?"
01[22:19] <Seira> "Thanks for your help," Seira tells Jale with another smile. "Don't be a stranger, alright?"
06[22:21] * Seira calls upon the magic of an unerring teleport this time around, to reach their destination without diversions.
[22:22] <Kotono> Woosh! Y ou appear before the oasis as you did once before! It's as Seira remember it mostly, down to the invisible rainbow being in place.
06[22:26] * Seira uses a scroll of Knock to allow them entry, deciding to conserve the limited wishes in her possession.
[22:27] <Kotono> The rainbow breaks apart, the colors ofa ll the rainbow appearing! "Which one was it?" Amaryl asks.
01[22:28] <Seira> "Indigo," Seira states with confidence, headed that way.
[22:29] <Kotono> Thus you step through! Ahead of you lies a beautiful oasis, colorful tents of silk standing in the heat of the desert. You can hear music in the distance.
06[22:30] * Seira heads towards the music, although she's not so overconfident she neglects to ask Lagann to crush all their enemies should her mind be taken over.
[22:32] <Kotono> As you advance ahead, you see men and women at dance! They enjoy themselves, eating fine foods and drink. Majanni walks about, serving them and hustling, sweat pouring down his face.
01[22:34] <Seira> "Hi!" Seira announces their presence, once she and Amaryl are close enough. "How's the party going?"
[22:41] <Kotono> "Join us!" A man calls, "Seira! Welcome back!"
[22:41] <Kotono> Majanni whimpers and turns to Seira, bowing.
06[22:46] * Seira acknowledges Majanni's presence, but only tells him, "Keep up the good work," before turning away. 'Or else' needs not to be said. "I think we could spend some time partying with you all later," she then addresses the crowd, "but I've recently hit a breakthrough in my studies of the arcane.
01[22:46] <Seira> If there is anyone who would like to be freed of their form, their ties to this place or both, I am confident enough to try this."
[22:47] <Kotono> There's some discussion, before a woman comes forward. "We've grown to rather like this. No work, no sickness, just what we want to do every day. Majanni serves our every whim. It's like heaven."
06[22:48] * Seira considers this, asking, "Have any travelers came across you in the meantime?" while she formulates an answer.
[22:49] <Kotono> "None so far," A man answers, shirtless and deep tanned. He eats at a dark colored fruit, lounging back on a bed of pillows.
01[22:51] <Seira> It would have been nice to be told this at the onset, Seira muses, but at least she learned a lot doing research, and it'll surely be useful some other time in the future. "In that case, I will work on the means to let you contact me, should anything happen that requires my help. With such a foundation in place, I don't see a problem in letting things stand as they do."
[22:57] <Kotono> "Thank you," The man nods, "We owe you so much for liberating us, Seira."
01[23:00] <Seira> Embarrassed, Seira quickly tries to change the subject. "Yes, umm, so this fey thing! Would you mind sharing your experiences?" The more information Amaryl has, the better-informed her decision becomes.
[23:01] <Kotono> Information comes flowing! "It's like being alive int he air!" Another says, "My senses are awakened to the heartbeat of the desert!" A third comments, "It's not quite human, but human at the same time. Emotional."
[23:02] <Kotono> Amary listens to all of these, nodding in the right places. "I see, I see..."
01[23:04] <Seira> "To put this in the proper perspective," Seira whispers to Amaryl, "I think they got a bit more than just the first touch, and spending all their time surrounded by nature must sharpen the senses as well."
[23:06] <Kotono> Amaryl mentally says back, 'My thoughts as well. But they seem happy now...maybe they're too affected to know better, but if they're happy...'
01[23:08] <Seira> 'I can actually try to dispel a fake happiness, if you're worried over that,' Seira suggests telepathically. 'It is far more likely, saddened as I am to say, that the thought of living in paradise under eternal youth is preferable to the prospect of making a hard living traveling the sands with caravans their entire lives.'
[23:09] <Kotono> 'If that's what they think...we've seen too much misery. What happiness we she should be cherished, not disturbed.' Amaryl looks to all of them, smiling. 'Agreed?'
[23:09] <Kotono> *see
06[23:10] * Seira smiles as well. 'Of course. I really don't think it's fake. It might not be their ideal lives, but they seem to like it over any alternatives they can think of.'
[23:12] <Kotono> 'Let's go home then?' Amaryl suggests.
01[23:14] <Seira> Having spent some time at the party, Seira finds the suggestion agreeable, and says her goodbyes, using Lagann's limited wish to breach the wards around the oasis and then teleporting back with the aid of her teleport ring.
01[23:14] <Seira> roll 1d100 home
06[23:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 home and gets 43." [1d100=43]
[23:17] <Kotono> Woosh! Thus Seira and Amaryl appear home! OOC: Ball's in your court. Were you going to Malmuth or...?
06[23:19] * Seira decides to go to Malmuth, and as the trip through the portal network takes them through Waukeen's temple, they might just encounter Saul along the way. Even if not, Seira tries to devote much of her time to just looking around, and estimating if the miracle with Alice was replicated elsewhere as well, or if it were an isolated incident.
[23:21] <Kotono> Thus you walk Malmuth! You findthe city ruins overflowing! People work to reassemble things as best they can. Seira thinks there are more by the time she finds Saul, but it's nothing she can prove. Saul sits in his room there, in front of the fire. Pollyanna is there as well. Pollyanna has a gaggle of children around her as she talks, "Then Lord Helm, through the wisdom of His Champion the Noble Demedais..." Saul rises and meets you halfwa
[23:21] <Kotono> through the wisdom of His Champion the Noble Demedais..." Saul rises and meets you halfway, "Story hour," he replies with a straight face.
06[23:22] * Seira blanches, and thinks to Amaryl, 'Please promise you'll never call me something like that in front of the kids. I'll do the same, I swear!'
[23:23] <Kotono> 'Okay!' Amaryl adds very quickly.
01[23:24] <Seira> "We're here to help," Seira tells her father, leading them away from the children. "Anything that needs a wish, limited though it might be?"
[23:25] <Kotono> "There's some buildings that could use them," Saul leads them outside into the chilly air, "The more and the faster they rebuild, the better."
01[23:26] <Seira> "My thoughts exactly," Seira agrees. And once they're alone, she bluntly asks, "Is it just wishful thinking, or did more than just Alice get another chance at life?"
[23:29] <Kotono> "Nothing I can prove." Saul stops just outside, his breath misting in the cold air. "Faces I haven't seen...but it's a huge city in flux. I see hundreds of unfamiliar faces each day."
[23:30] <Kotono> "I think that what happened happened. It's a fable and plays by a fable's rules, Seira. That's what the Court of Stars is like. Embrace it for what it is and stop worrying."
01[23:31] <Seira> "I was going to say the same thing," Seira admits. "I think it might be alright to let go, now, and to move on towards the future once more."
[23:33] <Kotono> "Like sighing over the Queen?" With a rakish grin as he starts to walk along now.
01[23:34] <Seira> "She's very sighable," Seira agrees instantly. "But she wasn't the only one who caught your eye, was she?" she then teases.
[23:35] <Kotono> "I do believe you've forgotten you should be thinking about profit," Saul points as he walks down a side alley, cutting through a pair of vast stone buildings. As you pass people hurrying along the cold streets, "Have you made any money today?"
01[23:37] <Seira> "I lost seventy five gold in scroll components, so my net profit today is negative," Seira unhappily states. "I still need to hand Elle the rods of metamagic back. The time when I can afford them is still too far away, although I've found out which of the two is more useful to purchase and have around, so that's something."
[23:38] <Kotono> "Ah Seira. Seira, Seira, Seira." With a long sigh, "You must work harder! Harder!" Turning back and clapping his hands together, "Let's go restore those buildings now."
01[23:39] <Seira> "I hate you, mister carries a sack of gold around," Seira mutters. "And don't think you're getting out of it so easily! Do you like Lady Honeydip? Spill!"
[23:40] <Kotono> "Oh look," Saul point sahead to a ruined building, scraps of stone about, "There it is, Seira!"
01[23:44] <Seira> "We can just ask her later," Seira tells Amaryl, and steps ahead, approaching the wreck. "Mind over matter," she intones, summoning her arcane reserves. "Substance over ruin. My will, imposed upon this reality I reject! Restore this land to its former glory!"
[23:57] <Kotono> To Seira's words, the stone wraps back in place! A building reforms, reassembling from dust and ruin!
01[23:59] <Seira> "It's such an empowering feeling, to be able to do this," Seira whispers. Even if it takes away from her ability to cast spells for a while, a throwback to those days she wore a leather armor for protection and to conceal her true skill.
Session Time: Tue Dec 22 00:00:00 2009
[00:07] <Kotono> "It's magic. No, Magic." Saul smiles as he watches the work.
01[00:09] <Seira> "So it is," Seira agrees with a smile of her own. Then, as she turns around, she broaches another subject. "Dad, we talked to Celebrimbor earlier today. I suggested that he spend some time here, working with you, if that's no trouble."
[00:11] <Kotono> "He's welcome to it," Saul nods, "How's he doing?"
01[00:13] <Seira> "Better, though he's having nightmares. Waking ones, too, by the sounds of it. I was tempted to offer the services of a spell I once came across used in short-term memory manipulation."

[Corwin]

[20:30] <Kotono> > To Seira's words, the stone wraps back in place! A building reforms, reassembling from dust and ruin!
[20:30] <Kotono> <Seira> "It's such an empowering feeling, to be able to do this," Seira whispers. Even if it takes away from her ability to cast spells for a while, a throwback to those days she wore a leather armor for protection and to conceal her true skill.
[20:30] <Kotono> > "It's magic. No, Magic." Saul smiles as he watches the work.
[20:30] <Kotono> <Seira> "So it is," Seira agrees with a smile of her own. Then, as she turns around, she broaches another subject. "Dad, we talked to Celebrimbor earlier today. I suggested that he spend some time here, working with you, if that's no trouble."
[20:30] <Kotono> > "He's welcome to it," Saul nods, "How's he doing?"
[20:30] <Kotono> <Seira> "Better, though he's having nightmares. Waking ones, too, by the sounds of it. I was tempted to offer the services of a spell I once came across used in short-term memory manipulation."
[20:31] <Kotono> "Maybe as a last resort." Saul briskly begins to walk back, "It's not something to be done lightly."
01[20:33] <Seira> "Maybe a better spell dealing with trauma could be developed?" Seira muses, falling into step. "Something that lets you keep the memories, but as if through a veil. As if they happened to someone else, or as facts, without the emotional responses they awake, or with those dimmed appropriately."
[20:37] <Kotono> "It's possible and a worthy tool. Still, memories are what we are. They aren't to be tinkered with recklessly." Saul slows down, "It may be willing and it may be excusable, but it's still changing what a person is."
01[20:39] <Seira> "Isn't that what happens when you die, anyway?" Seira wonders. "All the angels I've come across so far treat it as a good thing. Maybe there's another component to what a person is, that being the soul, and certain experience can leave a taint on it to dim it, much like the curse on your spirit. If we could dim such memories and let the affected people's spirits heal in peace, wouldn't it be a success?"
[20:41] <Kotono> "I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but that we should be very careful. There's a vile spell - you know what those are by now - called Mindrape. It allows the caster to totally control, change and absorb the victim's memories. That's what it can be if used recklessly, Seira. On the othe rhand..." Shrugging, "A fireball thrown by a hero to defend a city and a fireball thrown by a demon to set things ablaze aren't any different from each other besides intent.
[20:41] <Kotono>  thrown by a demon to set things ablaze aren't any different from each other besides intent."
01[20:42] <Seira> "That's not really fair," Seira protests. "I know of a bard spell and an entirely neutral wizard spell beyond my present reach that achieve similar results without any vile implications. A fireball really is the best example here, and the point is one I fully agree with."
[20:48] <Kotono> "What I'm saying is that you hold an entire person's memories and mind in your hands. Make sure you're doing it for the right reasons before yo udo it."
01[20:49] <Seira> "That goes without saying," Seira agrees.
[20:50] <Kotono> Once you reach back inside and the warmth there, "Staying long?" Saul asks, "I'll have some tea and food prepared if youa re."
01[20:55] <Seira> "Might as well, right?" Seira consults with Amaryl. "You'll get yet another chance to see Dad in a normal setting, where he's not forced to keep up appearances by being snarky."
[20:59] <Kotono> Thus you go inside. Tea and food are indeed provided, the three setting down. As Saul sips his slowly, blowing on it to send steam about, "So." Looking to the both of them, "How do you like hopping across the world in a few words?"
01[21:00] <Seira> "It got a lot better once I could do it without going off course."
[21:03] <Kotono> "Why is teleportation unreliable?" Amaryl nibbles on a tea cake, "Dimension Door has no such limitation."
[21:05] <Kotono> "You're attempting to whisk yourself away to another part of the world like that," With a snap of his fingers, "Magic isn't easy or logical many a time."
01[21:06] <Seira> "I have a wild theory about that," Seira announces. "It might be a stopgap measure. A way to prune the worthy from the idiots who accidentally reached such magic, perhaps due to the gift of magic in their blood. Just as those who cast fireball on themselves save us from their progeny, so would a mage teleporting around without being capable of handling what he comes across if he veers off his course."
[21:09] <Kotono> Saul chuckles after drinking more tea, "That's quite ruthless of Mystra if so. I didn't think she had that sort of practical mindt o her."
01[21:10] <Seira> "So setting yourself on fire is fine, but this is a bit much?" Seira asks with a snort. "Still, I can't find any reason whatsoever why the same spell, a bit more power pushed into it, suddenly breaks all the restrictions on the basic form without any sense of scale. The restrictions end up feeling artificial as a result."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Magic doesn't always follow reasonings. There's a system to it, the Weave, but it ultimately does what it will. We learn how to bend it to our mind and will as best we can to compensate." SAul drinks more tea, one eyes squinted shut as he regards Seira. "If I ever have leisure, Alicia and her crew of whitewings mostly revere Mystra? The theological debate this question poses could be a good one."
01[21:14] <Seira> "Yes, you... have fun with that," Seira says dubiously, thinking there must be better ways to talk to Alicia about than 'Mystra's Weave doesn't make sense, let's discuss why'.
[21:16] <Kotono> As Amaryl watches the two and nibbles on her food, Saul eyes SEira right back with a smirk. "You've never been much for your theology lessons."
06[21:19] * Seira rolls her eyes. "I like to debate the knowledge I come across, but in the case of the divine, I would get better results arguing with a wall. It's just entirely too pointless to study. Once you are actually in the rare, coveted position to engage Waukeen in a true theological debate, you've probably picked up knowledge you can't learn at those two millennia old lessons anyway.
01[21:19] <Seira> All in all, a waste of my time."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Really? Seira talks about Waukeen all the time!" Amaryl blurts out, "She seems very taken with her!"
01[21:20] <Seira> "That's because I've decided I know what she stands for and to follow that until she tells me I'm wrong," Seira admits. "I just might have hit on the right path, though."
[21:20] <Kotono> "You're as stubborn as a rock, you know that?" Saul starts to really smile then, "I can see you and a priest butting heads until both of youw alk away with migraines."
01[21:21] <Seira> "Oh, please. I know about tact. I can nod at all the right places!"
[21:24] <Kotono> Saul nods.
01[21:24] <Seira> "I can't help but love her, though," Seira adds suddenly. "On a personal level. I can't comprehend it or form it into words, but there were countless times when I felt her presence at my side, times when I had no one else and might have given up otherwise. Even if I don't have a clear memory of it all, I was and remain quite literally touched by her caring."
[21:25] <Kotono> "No, no. Mockery aside, you're onto something. There's intellectual faith and there's spiritual faith. You have the second, it's something you feel and experience. It's much like a wizard vs a sorcerer."
01[21:27] <Seira> "I never really thought about it in that way."
[21:30] <Kotono> "There's a type of divine agent who uses that. They're very close to their divinity, but it's all faith and force of personality. They're far less common than normal clergy, though." Saul says thoughtfully, "I've met one and it was a time ago."
01[21:33] <Seira> "Those must have been difficult times for the clergy," Seira sympathizes. "We might see more like them nowadays."
[21:34] <Kotono> "It was the way things had been for as long as anyone knew." Saul sips a little more tea, before adding a bit of honey to it. "We might lament not reaching farther, but it never seemed to work out."
01[21:35] <Seira> "You're still young! You'll get there!"
[21:36] <Kotono> "It was not Waukeen's will.
[21:36] <Kotono> OOC: GAh.
[21:38] <Kotono> "It was not Waukeen's will." Saul says smoothly, clearing his throat. "That's all."
[21:42] <Kotono> Amaryl swishes her tea around, "You know...about that..."
01[21:42] <Seira> "Amaryl and I talked about this, just the other day," Seira muses, finally drinking of her cooling tea. "If you've done everything you could, and still continue to make the effort, but find your efforts in that area barred, then yes, such is Waukeen's will. If not... it's just a convenient excuse, isn't it?"
[21:43] <Kotono> "Yes. But...our world was different until just a few years ago. Limited, no? Maybe it really was Waukeen's will?" Amaryl says.
[21:45] <Kotono> "Having done my own research and seen these events, I think Amaryl's right. The state of our world isn't the state it was created in." Saul puts down his feat, going for a bit of bread instead. "Something or someone was preventing things from going too far. Look at the power so many have gained os fast."
01[21:45] <Seira> "At the time, quite possibly so," Seira agrees. "We don't know enough... it might have been Ao's verdict, or something along those lines. Given that Waukeen supports us in our quest to change the world and make it more accessible to her, it would not do to look to the past for reasons to stop trying."
[21:47] <Kotono> "That's why I'm looking ot the future," Saul says, "You do the same thing so much."
01[21:48] <Seira> "I'll race you to that coveted Wish?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "It pains me, but you'll win," Saul sighs deeply, "You're rising like a meteor in reverse."
01[21:50] <Seira> "I still have much to learn, though! Such as how to always turn a profit."
[21:52] <Kotono> "No one profits every day." Saul sighs to that, "I've had days where I've lost more money than I care to think about. Which is really just making excuses, but yo ushould be aiming ot profit overall from every situation. Where have you failed lately?"
01[21:55] <Seira> "Even with your help and what scarce donations I've managed to secure, the portals continue to be an enormous sink," Seira muses. "I've also been burning through components and resources of various kinds at a surprising rate in recent days. I'm optimistic that the short-term sacrifices would be more than worth it in the future, as what happened with our family amulet and its ultimate loss,
01[21:55] <Seira> but that doesn't change the situation right now."
[21:57] <Kotono> "That means you need to go find an excuse to liberate more stolen wealth from the grip of evil?"
01[21:58] <Seira> "And that's where the true failure lies. I've managed to fail at that sacred duty on three separate occasions!" Seira laments.
[22:00] <Kotono> "Really? When?" Saul leans forward, "I'm here for absolution, my child."
06[22:03] * Seira clasps her hands before her morosely. "There was a truly unique spear I wanted to bring back with me, but a wall of pure magical force separated me from it! And then, I came across an axe that would take down the mightiest of foes in one lucky strike, yet I did not even give it a second glance.
01[22:03] <Seira> And... and I even left a lich that managed to fight Alicia and Donald off unarmed, in a field of antimagic... I didn't even check if he had a true artifact, such as one to allow him to cast a powerful spell in that field of negated magic."
[22:04] <Kotono> "I can excuse the spear, walls of force are bothersome." Saul ticks that one off, "The axe is bad and the lich is...unexcusable." Saul buries his face into his hands, "One of the Dark Six and you let his treasures pass you by? Oh Seira..."
01[22:06] <Seira> "There must be a lucky demon out there, now, wearing something that should have been properly sold by me," Seira says sadly.
[22:08] <Kotono> "Hmph." With a grumpy look, "Ah well, work harder next time."
01[22:10] <Seira> "I worked really hard to make up for it, when we went after the Neverborn!" Seira says proudly.
[22:41] <Kotono> ---
[22:42] <Kotono> As Hugo goes running past you into the water, Marie in pursuit, Donald stops. Seira and Elle catch up, "Can you two swim in dresses?" he asks, as Elle stands besides him.
06[22:43] * Seira considers taking Lagann into the water after using powerful magics to ward him, but some dislikes are entirely irrational and it would be churlish of her to force the issue. Instead, and calls upon the magic of a limited wish to reshape her gown into a two-piece swimsuit that maintains the perfect balance between tantalizing and sluttish.
01[22:43] <Seira> Once that is taken care of, a warm spot to leave Lagann at, where he'll have a good vantage point over everything, becomes her priority. "That's a silly question, Donald. I have magic."
[22:45] <Kotono> Elle takes off her dress, wearing sturdy cloth undergarments beneath. Donald's smile grows and a blush takes to him. "These will do," she says, "I didn't plan on using magic like Seira, but...my, that's an interesting type of clothing. Where'd ou get the idea?"
01[22:46] <Seira> "I visited that oasis just recently," Seira responds, figuring the question was directed to her. "Now, normally, cloth cut this way would get all soggy and become sheer and seethrough, but magic is involved!"
[22:54] <Kotono> Donald just grins and hurries into the water. He splashes at Seira, "Really? One way to find out!"
[22:57] <Kotono> Elle starts to laugh, heading into the water as well. "Don't make me summon a giant wave, you!"
01[22:58] <Seira> "And yes, I could have swam in the gown!" Seira calls out, diving below the waves and swimming for a while until emerging past the surface. "See? Entirely reliable!"
[22:59] <Kotono> Donald swims like a fish, keeping up with Seira in slow, strong strokes. Elle does alright for herself, Donald swimming rings around her. The two splash each other, giggling. Elle turns to Seira, "Very reliable, yes."
01[23:02] <Seira> "And the actual idea to use the gown didn't come to me just now," Seira confides in her. "I've been thinking of ways to replicate what Demedais uses to call his armor, except to have it apply to clothes. In a way, this is a test for that."
[23:03] <Kotono> "Oh, that's a marvelous idea!" Elle's eyes grow wider, "Of course! If you did it right, you could change your entire look in a moment!"
[23:03] <Kotono> "I guess," Donald starts to tread water, "If clothes are that...ooof!" Elle's elbow goes firmly into Donald's stomach.
[23:03] <Kotono> Farther away, you hear Hugo laughing and splashing, Marie's words of play a counterpoint to that.
01[23:04] <Seira> "Clothing for every occasion!" Seira exclaims. "You're never caught off guard. And you could even consider armor clothing of a sort, so it would have a great appeal to adventurers and soldiers as well, not just rich nobles."
[23:05] <Kotono> "We'll have to investigate this when we get back!" Elle claps her hands together, "Donald, remind me of that!"
06[23:06] * Seira raises an eyebrow at this perfect opening. "Is there something you two would like to tell me?"
[23:06] <Kotono> "Sure," As he rubs his stomach, "Hm...oh." Donald suddenly goes quiet, blushing.
06[23:06] * Seira turns her gaze on Elle, as Donald folds.
[23:06] <Kotono> Elle does the same, "Well...we're sort of...courting each other," she says quietly. "We haven't made it official yet."
01[23:07] <Seira> "I can keep a secret," Seira responds, and then pats Donald on his shoulder. "My friend," she tells him with a serious face. "Your fortune is vast. Elle is a beautiful, kind person. Truly, one of a kind!"
[23:08] <Kotono> "Yeah, that's exactly what I think. Beautiful, kind, lovely, pretty, gorgeous..." Donald looks to her, a blushing smile.
[23:09] <Kotono> Elle turns redder, abruptly splashing Seira before diving down into the water!
06[23:10] * Seira sinks as a result, more than capable of holding her breath for a while, and just floats by herself in the silence.
[23:12] <Kotono> It's peaceful and restful...Seira does come up for air in due time. At this point, Donald and Elle are swimming around, leisurely floating back and relaxing.
06[23:14] * Seira continues floating, except this time it is on the surface of the sea as she stares up at the sky, carried gently by the waves. 'Did you find something better than swimming to entertain yourself?' she inquires with Amaryl, unwilling to disturb Elle and Donald while they're enjoying themselves together.
[23:19] <Kotono> 'I followed Antenora and Jessica...I was curious...and...Antenora's practicing making...sandcastles. I don't get it.' At this, Saul flies over the surface of the water, just above it. "You three," he calls, "We're going to have a game on the beach. Come back over?"
[23:20] <Kotono> Elle rights herself in the water, starting to swim, "Sure. I don't want to get all wrinkled because I was swimming too long."
06[23:21] * Seira briefly loses her composure, sending her scrambling to find her purchase lest she drown gracelessly. 'I... what...' She sighs mentally. 'Dad's calling us for some sort of game. Want to come and play?'
[23:21] <Kotono> 'Sure, we'll be along.' Amaryl replies.
01[23:22] <Seira> "Amaryl's coming too," Seira relays, swimming back to shore leisurely.