Moonwatching (Jaela; 86 days left)

[Anastasia]

"Yes...yes." Velasca considers, "Where were we?"

[Ebiris]

"Quinn's dwarven mercenaries," Afina prods.

[Anastasia]

"Yes. They are no great threat except the officers, but still inferior to typical devil legions. They are numbers, not a true threat. Do not be overly concerned with them, there are greater worries," Velasca explains. "The arts of war will see you well against them, but they are not kind to captives."

[Ebiris]

"No devils are," Afina says succinctly, recalling Operation Renewal. "What about the others?"

[Anastasia]

"They are not devils, merely cruel," Velasca says. A pause as Jaela returns, as...

Go ahead, Jaela.

[Corwin]

"We've got it," Jaela says, rather than keep Afina in suspense. "How's it going over here?"

[Ebiris]

"Passably," Afina answers, nodding in satisfaction that with another sigil they're a step closer to victory. "Velasca's telling me about recent reinforcements the remaining traitors have had drafted to their cause."

[Corwin]

"Does it look like Apasa's our best bet for the time being after all?"

[Ebiris]

"Couldn't say, I'll wait and see if Mala has a more urgent tip but for now I think this information's worth following," Afina answers, as her discussion with Velasca has so far covered more of grand strategy than tactics useful for a quick capture raid.

[Anastasia]

Going on from that, Velasca quickly recaps the Marburn Company. "I would suggest any who risk being taken prisoner by them commit suicide if possible. They will not accept no for anything they desire, up to your very thoughts with magic from a few of their captains. While they are not the biggest threat, they are numerous and cruel. Hmph, rather like lemures, and ultimately about as meaningful."

Jaela gets a long look after that, Velasca's expression neutral save for the slightest smirk. "In the end...is it worth it, to serve rather than to rule, even if your throne is illusory?"

[Corwin]

"Don't tell me you're an atheist outsider," Jaela deadpans. "Anyway, you namedropped Syrel as Apasa's hiding spot? Can you give us its defenses, his top minions, the works?"

[Anastasia]

"Hardly," Velasca says with a sneer, "Do you see? Everything we were offered was ultimately an illusion, a lie. My throne on Lifasa is dust and delusions."

A pause after that, "I can, but a moment first. Is there water here? Cold water. It has been...some time since I last had cold water."

[Ebiris]

"I'll get some," Afina says, glancing at Jaela before she flies out, going to procure a glass of ice water from the mess before she comes back and offers it to the devil.

[Corwin]

"No cold water?" Jaela repeats. "Whyever not?"

[Anastasia]

"Pit fiends are marked by Hell's fires, not the cold of Stygia or Caina. It is seen as a contemptible mortal weakness amid your peers to drink it," Velasca says.