The Archive (Jaela)

[Anastasia]

"Jaela, what-oh, blood sacrifice," Canderella says, "I didn't take you for the type."

[Corwin]

Jaela merely shrugs, waiting to see what sort of knowledge will present itself in response to her quite precious blood.

[Anastasia]

How much are you going to bleed here? HP number is fine.

[Corwin]

Let's say 10hp

[Anastasia]

You bleed a bit into the basin but nothing happens. Perhaps more is needed?

[Corwin]

Jaela decides to keep going, since she did come here for knowledge.

I'll go up to 50hp and stop if nothing happens.

[Anastasia]

-30 HP total.

You let more blood pour in. The basin glows briefly and the bookshelf right besides it becomes a doorway.

[Corwin]

The first outcome she had expected, then, and not the second. Jaela nods to herself, sealing the cut and cleaning her hand. She steps into the doorway, choosing not to heal herself just yet in case it seals the opening.

[Anastasia]

"I hope regret does not follow one day," Vul'lath observes, "Your blood is potent."

The door opens, revealing a small, bookshelf lined chamber. Sitting on a stool here is a hunched old demon with sickly yellow skin and a long white beard. She is nude and her entire body is wrinkles and sag. A pair of cracked white horns extend up from her head and curve towards her back.

"Jaela of Aurora," She says the name softly and slowly, as if tasting every letter. "Your blood sings of heroism and demands the head of devils. In that we can agree." She beckons you closer, "Tell me who your enemy is."

[Corwin]

"Do I have to pick just the one?" Jaela asks with a snort, stepping over to her. "How about Duke Taelfagn?"

[Anastasia]

"Yes....yes, he is your enemy," The old crone whispers, one withered hand reaching out for yours. "He surrounds you like a bad fate."

[Corwin]

"It's a very happy thought I have, of taking him out and taking his title. It'd suit me better!" Jaela says cheerfully.

[Anastasia]

"No. Your fate is not fate," The old creature hisses as you, "Do not pretend it is otherwise!"

Moonlight stays back, a hand on her mace, while Canderella has her back to this, watching your flank.

[Corwin]

"Semantics," Jaela says with a grin. "I'm gonna kill him. Gonna give me advice?"

[Anastasia]

"Yessss," The creature hisses, taking your hand in hers. "Let me taste your fate."