Long forgotten days (Afina)

[Anastasia]

"She prefers brachina and erinyes. She does not care for men in any sense of the word." Yian reports. "Though she hides it and also employs malebranche."

[Ebiris]

Well good, those are a lot easier to kill than Nessians. Of course she may have grown more fearful and paranoid since then.

"If pressed and forced to flee, where would Willah flee to?"

[Anastasia]

"Brokenbush or Spirit Gorge," Yian replies once more.

[Ebiris]

"What defences and resources does she have there?"

[Anastasia]

"Brokenbrush is a small fortress guarded by a detachment of barbazu and hamatula, commanded by brachina. Spirit Gorge is where Willah torments fey she captures or has delivered to her." Is the answer.

"Afina, you will see to that place as well, operations permitting." Ilsenine adds, "As if it needs to be said."

[Ebiris]

"Spirit Gorge might actually be where Willah has Lief right now," Afina says, thinking it over. "I believe we have enough information to work with, unless you believe I've overlooked something your Majesty?"

[Anastasia]

"That's all. Sit here and reflect on your mistakes," Ilsenine instructs, walking away. As the two of you leave, "...Afina, with me. A word about something else first."

[Ebiris]

"Of course, your Majesty," Afina says, ever dutiful and attentive!

[Anastasia]

Back to the throne room. Lady Skye is there, and after a curt gesture from Ilsenine, departs without comment. It's empty here and she regards you for a short time. "Why, Afina? Why is Yggdrasil hidden in Arborea?"

[Ebiris]

"I cannot say," Afina shakes her head. "I am sworn to secrecy and none may command me otherwise in this matter." Still, she hasn't seen anything more than Ilsenine has seen, she should be able to figure it out. Moore certainly seemed to have it from his muttered speculations. And Crystal, well she's already devoted to the Court of Stars so she's probably pleased.

[Anastasia]

Ilsenine takes your measure for a moment, then sits back heavily on her throne. "That says it all, does it not?"

[Ebiris]

She's probably figured it out but Afina still won't address the topic directly. "Queen Titania herself desires it to be so," she says to explain the secrecy so that if Ilsenine has worked it out she'll know not to spread the knowledge. Titania or Morwel, they're surely one and the same.

She wonders if Oberon and Faerinaal are the same individual as well or he's yet another consort.

[Anastasia]

"That..." A pause and Ilsenine sighs ever so slightly. She sounds so much older in that moment, drained. "I am relieved, Afina. I laid down to rest after we returned and I dreamed of the Court of Stars." She looks aside, "I remember living there, as surely as I remember fragments of my fey lives now."

[Ebiris]

"Our Cycle had a beginning, just as mine has found its end, your Majesty," Afina confirms as Ilsenine cuts to the heart of it. "You know what I know. If you wish for greater understanding I'd suggest speaking with Kascha, she will know what can and cannot be safely shared."

[Anastasia]

Ilsenine looks away, lost in thought. The silence stretches on long until she at last says, "Leave me."