Advancement

[Anastasia]

'Then I must do something else,' Is the answer given to you, 'I must learn more.'

[Ebiris]

'We all have problems that seem insurmountable so that all we can do is keep growing and learning in the hope we have enough time to arrive at a solution,' Alicia says. 'Will you keep reading the books here, or search elsewhere?'

[Anastasia]

'Where is best to learn and grow?' The being asks you.

[Ebiris]

'There is no one single answer. Here in Dweomerheart you could learn magic better than anywhere else. In Ysgard you could learn battle. In Celestia you could learn self-mastery,' Alicia's biases are obvious in her answers here, but she warned it of those right at the outset. 'I've always believed that true growth can only come through action. Reading and introspection have their place, but without confronting and overcoming challenges, you will only stagnate.'

[Anastasia]

'To crush my enemies.' An answer, 'One of the few things all three agree about.'

[Ebiris]

'You have enemies?' she asks the obvious question that sparks.

[Anastasia]

'I will. It is inevitable. Gathgorian believes enemies are to be crushed so that they die or obey you. Sylvie believes enemies are to be defeated, so that your desires become reality. Canderella believes enemies must die before they can hurt you and take what you have.' A pause at that answer, for just a moment. 'Which is right?'

[Ebiris]

'There is no right answer, all three viewpoints have merit in how one deals with their enemies. What interests me however is who those enemies will be - Gathgorian and Canderella would both count different groups as their enemies. In fact they are enemies of each other. Who will oppose your desires is the question that must be answered first before deciding what is to be done to them.'

[Anastasia]

'It keeps coming to that,' The creature says, 'I need more understanding.'

[Ebiris]

'Context is important,' Alicia agrees. 'You're fortunate, you're a blank slate. You inherited the power of three mighty beings, all of whom have made numerous powerful enemies and rivals in their ascent. But you are free of that debt, free to make your own mark in Creation. But any mark you make, it will be opposed by someone, and you'll gain enemies of your own. It will take wisdom and prudence to avoid making them needlessly.'

She lets that hang for a moment before, 'Even just staying here and continuing to read, you are in effect declaring yourself with Mystra. Those who oppose her may see you as a potential threat. All actions - and inaction, have consequences.'

[Anastasia]

A consideration at that, 'Then I must choose what I do and where I am even more wisely.'

[Ebiris]

'I would offer you sanctuary in Sylica until you decide, but as with staying here you run the risk of being marked by my enemies. Gathgorian is one of them,' Alicia says. 'Barring that... take what you know of the outer planes, from borrowed memories and lore in books. Filter through the biases, and look deep within yourself before asking: which one is best. That will give you a good starting point.'

[Anastasia]

'To find an Answer,' Is the reply back, 'What everyone seeks. Which is right and best?'

[Ebiris]

'I'd rather phrase it as having an Answer and seeking to prove it,' Alicia clarifies. 'But that is the core you should start from. What is right and best, once you know that, you can act to make it reality.'

[Anastasia]

A nod at that, 'I know what I must do now,' the creature says. 'Thank you.'