A Return

[Corwin]

Happily, a seat next to Seira is open, and she waves Sanzha over with a smile.

[Anastasia]

The seat is taken, Sanzha giving you a look. "You're strong today, Seira," she remarks, "I feel better just sitting next to you. More energized and hopeful."

[Corwin]

Seira's grin widens. "There's plenty to celebrate today, but we don't get to just rest on our laurels. Not when it's possible for us to go even further, don't you think?"

[Anastasia]

"Mmm," Lady Sanzha says, "So, Seira, Elf Father, Angharradh?" she asks, having a sip of fruit wine, the glass appearing as she reaches for it.

[Corwin]

"And Amaryl," Seira cheerfully adds. "In any case, we asked you to come because it seems like there might be a shortcut to restoring some of your divine power, and the Seldarine are not averse to helping us with this. But your intent, what you represent... that is the most important component. I could suggest being the architect of elemental harmony, but that's just words unless you like the concept enough to stand behind it and own it. Thus... what sort of goddess do you think the future you should be, Sanzha?"

[Anastasia]

Lady Sanzha merely sips her wine and smiles. There's no immediate answer, only considering.

"The question is cogent," The Triune concurs, "Think wisely, answer sharply."

"In all truth, I have not decided. A patron of music in some form, perhaps of the elements as well." Lady Sanzha finally says, "What of you, Seira? What do you think beyond elemental harmony?"

[Corwin]

"I think having a key concept to build yourself around is best," Seira asserts. Giving the gathered deities an apologetic look, she says, "I know that seems to go against common sense, with how much overlap there is. And even I have that, because I can't ignore important parts of me just because someone was there first, or because there is a god that represents those aspects even better. But what you felt when you came near me, Sanzha? That hope? That's what I am, at the core. Every other aspect, important though it might be, ties back into how it fits with it."

She pauses, gathering her thoughts while observing Sanzha. "In the end, you are a prodigy with music, but it has always been a passive talent. On the other hand, the way you've done your research, the way you've advanced the cause of elemental harmony with Afina and those that came before her? That was active, that was significant in the sense that you were stepping out on the planar stage and saying 'Hello Creation, I have something new to offer'. I've never seen you attempt to do that with your music, or with anything else."

[Anastasia]

Corellon nods ever so slightly as you speak, watching the back and forth as he drinks.

Lady Sanzha merely smiles again and says, "Do you feel the same with you and your hope, Seira? Does it put you beyond merely another dragon power?"

[Corwin]

"It exists to save people. From a desperate situation, from inevitable failure, from an unacceptable future. It gives people locked into two bad options a third one. During your darkest moments, Hope is the sliver of light to chase the darkness away! It is a weapon against Shar and her ilk, but also so much more, because it leads to a brighter future. I devour knowledge mundane and magical, I lead armies to victory, I sneak past the guardians of the Hells without them being the wiser, I shine alongside the Seldarine and the Hebdomad, I wield the might of the dragon and I learned the secrets of dragons... I do all that and more, but what is all that without the Hope I bring with me wherever I go? That's how it is for me."

[Anastasia]

Throw in a Diplo check here, how powerful your words are here will have a bit of an impact to something.

[Corwin]

[19:26] <@Lisa> roll 1d20+65
[19:26] <Rei-chan> Lisa rolled : 1d20+65 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{80}

+2 vs men!

[Anastasia]

Sanzha merely considers at that, slowly drinking her wine. "Define yourself," Corelleon declares, "All else will follow."

"Mmm, yes," Sanzha finally agrees, "It is a question of how you define yourself and how you wish to be, more than anything else. A weighty choice not to be made lightly."

[Corwin]

"What is the first thing that comes to mind, when you think about that?" Seira asks Sanzha. "What do you want to be for the rest of Creation, from impressionable children all the way to your equals? How do you want to lead others? What ideal do you want to represent? What legacy would you like to leave for those that follow in your footsteps?"

[Anastasia]

"Who am now or who I was?" Sanzha says after a pause, "The past left behind rekindled, or a new wave for a new future?"

[Corwin]

"We remember our past, but our home is more about the future," Seira responds. "The route we took to the present affects us, having turned us into the people we are, but we don't let it bind us. My advice is a new wave, although don't feel like you need to adhere to my tastes."

After all, Sanzha's past was defined by others due to her position, not to mention by her station. This is her chance to actually be what she would've been without all those outside forces.