Onwards

[Anastasia]

A laugh, long and light. "I meant your friends. Meeting your friends."

[Nephrite]

"Oh, I suppose that does make more sense." He says, as he goes to see if they're all still playing cards.

[Anastasia]

They are, perhaps to Kaja's regret. Said half dragon has his head resting face down on the table as Jetina writes away on a bit of parchment. "That's 284 points for me, 132 for Cresiel and -319 for Kaja," she says cheerfully.

Nearby Xandra continues to read, smiling to herself.

[Nephrite]

"Don't lose hope, Kaja." Moore says as he flies in. "But... maybe don't go to Brightwater casinos anytime soon."

[Anastasia]

"My luck is the poorest it's been in ages," Kaja says, as a sense of warmth and encouragement fills the room. All eyes turn to Moore, while Jetina says, "Moore, I didn't hear you start singing."

[Nephrite]

He gestures over his head. "Our guest doesn't want you to lose hope either, it seems." A smile and a chuckle after that. "I wonder if it'd be possible to use my abilities through pantomime instead... hmmm... probably not."

[Anastasia]

Cresiel rises and bows deeply, "My lady."

Xandra rises and matches that bow, "Authority Mazana, you honor us."

Kaja looks up and finally says, "By Bahamut's sharpest claw, you must be so, for me to feel like I have any hope next game."

[Nephrite]

Moore laughs at that. "You have to have hope, especially here. Luck is a TOTALLY different story, though." He adds with a smile.

"Speaking of hope, I was hoping to return to Foggard, assuming we're not caught in the middle of nonsense there again."

[Anastasia]

"All of you burn bright with hope for your futures," The Authority says, "You are all examples of what Mount Celestia needs to progress in the coming trials ahead. For when Chronias shines, times of calamity and miracles draw nigh."

"I worry that the day Barachiel blows his trumpet may come nigh," Cresiel remarks, "But no matter, I shall live so that if that day is to come, I will face it with on regrets."

Meanwhile, Xandra looks to you sharply, "Again?"

[Nephrite]

"There was a reason we were going there originally." Moore explains. "Lord Ohgma bade me go there to find more information on the notes we've been gathering." He says.

To the Authority, he turns in her general direction to nod. "We live in challenging times. The time when Hope itself is needed the most. We will continue to strive for the betterment of all, and are humbled by your words of praise. Know that the idea of hopelessness has no power here."

[Anastasia]

The conversation is stilled as the Authority says, "I am content here. This is a Good place, Moore. You are one after my own calling - one day, when I pass into the light, you may take on this mantle. You would be worthy of it."

[Nephrite]

Moore beams proudly at that. "You are always welcome here, Authority, in whatever capacity you wish to be. Though, if I'm being honest, I hope — hah — you don't feel the call just yet. Nonetheless, you truly honor me."

[Anastasia]

"I will go when it is time," The Authority of Hope agrees, "But you are good, solid champions and I am pleased by your hospitality. I would grant you a minor boon, if any of you have need of it."

[Nephrite]

"You are too kind." Moore says. "I think we can all agree we need all the help we can get, and Pride is the foil to which many fall. Please, by all means."

Unless this is mechanically only for one person!

[Anastasia]

"Any aid you can give us would be appreciated," Cresiel agrees.

To this the Authority hums, slowly shifting into a laugh. A laugh of summer and sunshine, of the best, half forgotten days of innocent childhood. "Yes, but I mean something more specific."