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[Ebiris]

Alicia glances up briefly. "Zaphkiel approves. You're important to our efforts and to me, regardless of what I decide in this."

[Anastasia]

"...ah." Jessica breathes out, "Thank you," she looks up as well, "Then I'll leave you so Latha can come to you when she will."

[Ebiris]

"Thank you Jessica, I'm sure she won't take too long herself," Alicia nods.

[Anastasia]

It doesn't. Another hour and change before Latha comes in. By this point Martin is asleep on your lap, purring in contentment. Once Latha comes in she smiles, "Ah. Building relations with Brightwater?"

[Ebiris]

"It was a favour to Sharess," she agrees, running her fingers over Martin's black fur in regular strokes. "Though he has potential. I might even take him for a familiar one day. Come, sit and tell me your thoughts, Latha," she invites.

[Anastasia]

"That's the one Marie swore was Cantenora?" Latha smiles faintly at this as she sits. "I want this," she begins, "Because you need me, Alicia. In many ways you've outgrown me as a mentor, but I am still your friend and ally."

[Ebiris]

"Martin," she insists with a note of finality in her voice. It fades as she smiles and nods after, "You are, and always will be. You should know that Io has become One as Antenora did, and has provided us with his research on the matter. Seira is employing it now but I'll have my turn soon. We have many routes open to us as we continue to grow, regardless of who benefits from the seed."

[Anastasia]

"Really?" Latha says, "How effective is this research?"

[Ebiris]

"I haven't read it myself, but I trust Io's work - he was able to replicate the work of the Incarnations in creating the divine seed. We'll know more once Seira's finished studying it," Alicia answers.

[Anastasia]

"Then we have even more chances," Latha considers, silent a time after that. "I believe the conclusion you mean for me to reach is that I would achieve that easier than Jessica would?"

[Ebiris]

"You're ahead of me," Alicia smiles a little. "I was going to call Jessica over and give my decision to you both, but yes I think your temperament and clarity of self predispose you better to do as Antenora did. Worthy as you both are, the calculus favours giving this opportunity to Jessica for our long term growth."

[Anastasia]

Latha's expression is still, a frown. This frown lingers until she shake her head, "You're right, Alicia. I don't like it, I feel it a setback that gnaws on the darkest parts of me - but then more reason to face them in the light." Taking a breath and smiling, "Do was you see fit. I trust you."

[Ebiris]

"I understand. To see this opportunity so close and then seemingly snatched away? It's not a nice feeling," Alicia commiserates. "Don't be disheartened though, whether it's supporting you to become One or finding other opportunities like this, we'll find a way forward for you as well. You deserve it."

[Anastasia]

At this Latha rises and comes forth, "Then take Jessica and give her what you will. I believe you've made up your mind already," Latha's voice is gentler now. "I understand."

[Ebiris]

Lifting Martin off her lap and placing the cat back down on the chair after she rises, Alicia steps forward to give Latha a hug. "Yes, I've decided. Please support Jessica as you've supported me."