Crushed Slavers

[Corwin]

"They won't," Seira states confidently. "Different worldviews. Anyway, I'll leave this to you, then. I'll be sure to make the offer, but should Xera accept it'll be in your hands. As for her reward for this mission, and the time she protected you on your trip, what would you recommend?"

[Anastasia]

"Right now? Nothing." Kascha says, "She's still raw, Seira. Let her learn before giving her rewards. Um, that's just my opinion, but let her grow first."

[Corwin]

"I don't want to be unfair while rewarding those who participated, but I can always pick something without specific combat applications," Seira says, shrugging. "So! How did the trip go? Did Chan make good on her promise and pass on the cool spell she thought would really suit me? How's Ben Hadar? Did you learn anything that might help Donald's search for the Great Xorn? How were you treated on Fire? Anything of interest in the para and quasi planes? How did Vlaakith receive you, and did she see our trade proposals favorably? Any nice recruits, along the way? I'm looking for a priestess that's not too busy right now!"

[Anastasia]

"Well..." Kascha begins, slowly preening away again. "It was fine overall. I met with Chan and it was lovely, we spent time talking about Aurora and then Drena - you know him, don't you? Anyway, we spend a few lovely hours talking about all of that, passing the breeze." A giggle follows, "That was her term for it, not mine. But it was lovely, we had these little cakes shaped like stars. They were so soft and filled with the most lovely cream I've ever had. It was so pure and intense, so rich that the cake was just something to hold it. Have you ever had something like that, it was really exceptional!"

[Corwin]

"I tried these air crabs, and they were nice and fluffy!"

[Anastasia]

"Oh, this was so thick and rich. I found out it comes from Madul cows, which are a crossbreed of flying cows from Air and cows from Arcadia. You absolutely have to have it, it really is incredible. It's the best sweet thing I've ever had and it was SO good. That was just the plain ones, she has flavored ones that are supposed to be even better!" Going on happily as she checks over her feathers, "We really need to get some of those cows, Seira. I would marry that cream if I could."

[Corwin]

"I'll... ask Chan, then?" Seira says uncertainly, looking at Kascha askance. "If only to keep your prospects open."

[Anastasia]

"Thanks!" Licking her lips, "Oh and yes, you mentioned that spell? I did get it," she says.

[Corwin]

"Gimme!"

[Anastasia]

Kascha dutifully passes over a scroll.

[Corwin]

"Right, right," Seira says, taking the scroll and unrolling it. "What about the rest of your trip? Fire, Earth, Water, the para and quasi planes? The Gith?"

[Anastasia]

"Well, Ben-Hadar is about the same as he always is. He's rather grumpy at times, but oh, I think old's a better word. I think he's really old in mind. I think he's tired, Seira. What do you think?" Kascha asks back.

[Corwin]

"A curmudgeon?" Seira asks, laughing. "I never thought of him that way, but now that you mention it, this helps!"

[Anastasia]

"I feel like he's been worn down by his battle," Kascha agrees, "Water and Earth are equally divided between good and evil, roughly, so he's been fighting all this time. He's weary, Seira."

[Corwin]

"Is there anything we can do? Without increasing your marriage candidates at this time?"