Enter Alyssa

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa raises an eyebrow and does some quick magical calculations...


What do you think on using prestidigitation and telekinesis to get it done?

[Anastasia]

Not long at all. Less than a minute with prestidigitation.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa leans against the door frame and casts some simple magic and shifting of dishes with her innate telekinesis, using them to clean the dishes.

[Anastasia]

Oddly the kitchen doesn't react to this, though the middle aged woman watches with a growing look of amusement. Within a minute they're all cleaned, a slow clapping from her. "Bravo. Innovation is the key, both on the battlefield and in other walks of life. Of course, what's innovation without the power to innovate?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"You live in the realm of a god. I doubt that little cantrip surprises you."

[Anastasia]

"Wisdom," The woman's voice is now powerful, rich, commanding. It draws your attention like nothing else, making you look at the woman. In an instant she is more - a woman with black hair, long and loose, joined with crimson red armor. Her face bears a smile, strong and confident. "Well met, Alyssa."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa inspects her for a moment, then inclines her head in respect and difference.

"Lady Red Knight. I thank you for your hospitality. I assume you've been watching me?"

[Anastasia]

"I have. You can learn much about someone with how they treat those they see beneath them," The Red Knight says, none of the other workers here seeming to notice the two of you at all. In an instant you are elsewhere, a tower room with a large meal set on the table. Peaches drowning in rich cream, a large slice of delicately seasoned beef, little balls of soft, white cheese seasoned with herbs, peppers stuffed with a a cream and vegetable mixture and finally a bottle of wine.

"What host doesn't feed the hungry guest. Enjoy my hospitality, eat." The Red Knight says, going to look out the window.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa inclines her head again, taking some of the offered meats and cheeses.

"And what did you learn of me, Lady Knight?"

[Anastasia]

The food is amazing - the best you've had that isn't pure magic, and even this rivals it. The Red Knight has a golden goblet full of wine in hand, taking a long drink before replying, "That you're independent and want to do things yourself, rather than relying on others. That you're not so prideful as to consider mundane work beneath you. That you have the guts to ask me a question instead of being a bowing pile of fear. I like that." The Red Knight holds her goblet up in a moment of salute to you.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa returns the salute.

"I have had to... Come into leadership, so to speak. My days off scrubbing pots isn't so far behind me. At heart, I'm am explorer. As for the cowering, well... That was mostly an educated guess. Soldiers value courage and direct eye contact."

[Anastasia]

"Good soldiers too. There's far too many bad soldiers out there," The Red Knight remarks with a long, throaty chuckle after. "Let's get to brass tacks - I see potential in you, Alyssa. Tremendous potential, stoked to a burning inferno by your draconic patron." A pause, another long drink of wine. "Potential to learn, grow, become mighty indeed. But you need someone to help you, train you. A patron, a mentor and an ally."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa considers... "I... am not opposed to the opportunity. I am cautious of God beings, between the dragon who I haven't been able to discover anything about and the issue I'm here about."

[Anastasia]

"Consider it carefully," The Red Knight says, "As of now, you are highly desirable. Anyone who made you a servant would gain by it, powerful mortals such as yourself rarely last long without a patron. With a patron, it is a sign that if any other deity gets out of line, I will oppose them, as will my allies." Leaning forward a little bit, "I won't lie to you, you have a tremendous opportunity. You could offer your services and faith to almost anyone and they'd accept it, and with your power and loyal service, you'd have a prime spot in any afterlife when your mortal life ends. Assuming less savory parties don't kidnap you or worse first, like Shar."

At this the Red Knight merely looks to you, "Though she's just as likely to be hostile as to court you, as you have seen."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa leans back for a moment in thought.

"There's a few issues. First, I'm already a devotee of someone: Shaundakul. I mentioned before that I'm an explorer at heart, and the horizon and knowledge is what I'll always chase. Any mentorship from you will have to be... Approved, I suppose, by the old bearded one. I don't know much about the relationships between all you gods, but I can't imagine that the two of you are more than friendly to each other, despite essentially being neighbors.

Second is that I've already been approached by someone. Not that I plan to have any dealings with her, but Malcanthet has requested parlay, of all things. I'm sure whatever her offer is will come with a chain, a broken mind, and some weird sex torture.

Third is Shar. She's already committed murder inside my Order and I'm sure she had something to do with one of my Regents being sacrificed. And she's cursed one of my diviners. I have every intention of taking that pound of flesh out of her ass."