A Faraway Victory

[Anastasia]

Thanks, forgot to note that for the post weekend reminder. Strike that line then.

Up to the third floor, a peek in. Anna's there as is Dawnhope, the two chattering away about something. Calley knocks on the window and waves, then opens it up. "Hi, Mom Anna," Calley calls. "I'm back."

"Calley!" Anna smiles at him and then rises and bows, "Saint Alicia."

[Ebiris]

"Hello Anna, it's a pleasure to meet you," Alicia says. "Your young Calley was a courteous and inquisitive guest to Sylica." She then nods to the nearby courre. "Thank you as well, Dawnhope."

[Anastasia]

"Gladly," Dawnhope flashes you a smile, as meanwhile anna comes and gives Calley a hug.

"I'm sorry he came to you like that. Like his mother, he tends to do what he wants." A sigh from Anna there, "I hope he didn't impose."

[Ebiris]

"It was no trouble," Alicia reassures, teleporting herself in rather than squeeze through the window. "We had some interesting conversations, and I think Andrea benefited from meeting him as well. It is a strange coincidence that Calley arrived when he did, as I'd only just had my familiar get back from checking in with Whimsical Sweets on how he was doing."

[Anastasia]

"Oh! Yes, I heard of that. We had another guest, a pixie?" Anna says, glancing at Calley.

"A pixie and a half dragon," Calley agrees, flying over to a comfy, stuffed seat and sitting down.

[Ebiris]

"Yes, fortunately they were benign, but I've been worried ever since I first heard rumours of Calley's uncanny abilities," Alicia says. "Certainly he can defend himself against most physical threats, but many friendly smiles can conceal bitter hearts. And silver-tongued words could see Calley made into someone's tool. If you're willing - both of you," she nods to Calley and Anna alike, "I'd like to delegate someone from Sylica to help keep an eye on things here. Not to get in your way or change how you do things, just as an extra watcher against bad influences, who can call for more help if it becomes necessary."

[Anastasia]

"Oh yes, thank you," Anna says, "I'd be grateful!"

Calley hums, "Who?"

[Ebiris]

Andrea would of course be perfect but she needs a little more time, and it's a heavy responsibility to put on a simple courre. On the other hand Dawnhope isn't a simple courre at all and her experiences looking after Hugo stand her in good stead for spotting bad influences on developing minds. "I think Dawnhope would actually be a good fit. Would that work for you?" she asks the eladrin in question.

[Anastasia]

"Okay, I'll do it," Dawnhope says right away, "I'll protect Calley!"

[Ebiris]

"Emotionally," Alicia says with a smile. "I'm not expecting you to face down the hordes of the Abyss, just keep an eye out for tricksters and sneaks." She turns back to Anna and Calley, "What about you both, will there be any problems hosting Dawnhope? She lived in Balmuria herself for a while so she knows her way around, and as you can see she doesn't take up much space."

[Anastasia]

"It's fine," Anna says, "Thank you again. It helps."

Calley just nods, "Okay, then I'll teach you to play tag, Dawnhope."

[Ebiris]

"Oh, Dawnhope is an expert there," Alicia says fondly. "I'll have some extra items brought over for you within the next couple of days Dawnhope. Remember what to do if real trouble emerges," she adds to the courre as she prepares to leave.

[Anastasia]

That's sorted easily enough. Were you going to retrack to that succubus thing now, once Jessica gets back, or something else?

[Ebiris]

Yeah, I'll wait for Jessica's report and see from there.

[Anastasia]

Jessica soon returns - a bit battered and beaten, but intact.

You meet her in one of her offices, water taken and drank before she replies. "This won't be easy," she begins, "Jade's competent and smart, and has powerful allies helping her."