Emancipation

[Corwin]

Ianvasah, was it? Has Emily relayed my invitation for dinner for the two of you?

She might as well be as direct as always and see if there's any red tape for her to cut through.

"So what sort of games are they talking about?" she asks Elle in the meantime. "Card games are pretty popular, and easy to arrange around a campfire, whereas word games and tongue twisters can be played on the go but do get old after a while. Or are we thinking something more involved, requiring an actual setup on the ground?"

[Anastasia]

"Strategy games like chess," Elle explains, "Somehow the conversation went that way."

Meanwhile your reply is simple - but from Emily. 'Alright, she just changed her mind. We'll be there soon.'

[Corwin]

Seira relays her understanding to Emily, touched just a tad with amusement.

"Chess, huh? I've actually recently discovered this game called backgammon. It's pretty fun because it allows for two equally-valid approaches, strategy or reliance on luck. It's also interesting as a metaphore for the movement of armies, since Realm defense is highly important, but victory can never be achieved if you focus on that rather than on bold offensive plays."

[Anastasia]

On that note there's a knock before Ranbar enters, Zariel with her, "Sorry," she announces as everyone settles in.

Zariel strides in, a glance about before she sits. "Everyone," she says at last, a moment of awkward silence.

[Corwin]

"Almost everyone, as it happens," Seira says cheerfully, not feeling any awkward silences! "I think we are ready to have the appetizers brought in, however."

Is everyone but Emily and her plus one here?

[Anastasia]

Yes.

After a few moments Xera says, "Everyone, you know Zariel."

Zariel's expression is coolly neutral as Ranbar adds, "Did you know we've read some of the same books? We both agree Gwinnan's Travel Logs are overrated." She smiles at that, "Though they're still good and well written."

To that Donald smiles a bit, "He's that one elf who gets into a prissy fit over something every few dozen pages, and uses big words about it?"

[Corwin]

"You heathens just don't understand the joys of exploration, the subtle arts of describing the journey for those who might come after you! What other brave soul has taken up the mantle of creating traveler's guides for every remotely-hospitable plane except for Gwinnan?"

[Anastasia]

"Several," Elle speaks up, "Though most of them are dry as dirt or more magic focused, or overly affected by the planes themselves."

As food comes, Vayley working away, "Really?" Emily calls as she enters, Ianvasah with her, "You started without me?"

"Sister!" Xera rises and embraces Emily, "There you are!"

As Donald helps himself to what looks like a candied beef of some kind, Kascha calls, "Come join us, we're just starting."

[Corwin]

"Vayley is just setting the table with appetizers, which don't count," Seira insists. "Come on, the two of you. We saved you seats~"

[Anastasia]

They sit as food is given. Emily scoops up some candies that look like potatoes, helping herself. As she eats, meanwhile Ianvasah looks at the food, "Is it all...candy?"

"Sort of, just try some," Elle insists, "It's not always what it looks like." Waving a forkful of candied lettuce, "This doesn't taste sweet or like lettuce. It's a surprise."

As Ianvasah makes a face but gets some nonetheless, "That reminds me," Kascha speaks up, "Vayley," she calls, "Make up a plate for Surru. I'm visiting him later tonight, before I get busy again. That dragon probably has his lair messy as can be, again."

[Corwin]

"The pure candy is everything but the food," Seira says with a grin. "If you're in the mood for something delicious and sweet, feel free to nibble on your plate or take a bite of your fork or chair. It'll grow back!"

At Kascha's words, she tilts her head curiously. "Are you still doing that in person? Don't forget that you won't be able to keep at it once you grow into your powers properly, but for the time being as well as once you can maintain an avatar for travels to the Prime Material I do want you to bring someone along. At least one, Kascha, unless we have concrete threats."

[Anastasia]

"Oh, we have a safe location to use for times like that: Aurora," Kascha says, smiling.

"I feel like I have a third Mom," Emily murmurs, getting Donald and a few others to smile. "Aunt Kascha, you sound like he's your child to take care of. Bring him dinner, clean up after him."

"Hardly the worst archmage I've seen," Zariel interjects here. "Cosmic power does not mean a sense of responsibility."

"It's not like that," Kascha turns very red, "It's just...just..."

[Corwin]

"It's just that he has very little common sense, given his young age."

[Anastasia]

"He does too have common sense," Kascha says, "Surru's a wonderful dragon and archmage. I just..." Kascha fidgets in her chair, all eyes on her.

"Wish to tie your tree to his?" Amaryl says plainly.

"Not like you said it," Kascha murmurs.

"It merely means you're a born mother," Ianvasah speaks up here, "This is well and good, as long as you use it on those who deserve it."

[Corwin]

"I don't know," Seira muses. "Giving guidance to all but those who refuse to listen is actually better, in my opinion. The thing about deserving good treatment is that we're all living in glass houses to some degree, and we shouldn't toss any stones. I'd much rather try to see the good in most of those who cross my path."