Emancipation

[Corwin]

"I've heard from Kascha that she had dealings with Brani, and amiably at that. I'm hoping for an introduction, so if there's someone else available...?"

[Anastasia]

"That was mostly Afina and Jaela, but I think there's a few others who met him," Elena says, "Hold on."

[Corwin]

"Want to take a look at the home of one of the most important Crusades of our time in the meantime?" Seira offers to Amaryl and Ranbar. "If Elena doesn't mind the intrusion, of course."

[Anastasia]

"Thank you," Amaryl smiles to Elena, while Ranbar just takes it all in.

"Sure, this is the courtyard, "Elena begins, "Where people train, talk or import towers into. I'm told the last might get popular again soon."

[Corwin]

"I've always been partial to towers," Seira affirms. "It's a wizarding cliche, but that's because it's true!"

[Anastasia]

"What is the appeal?" Amaryl asks, "For a wizard. Do the stairs keep them in good condition?"

[Corwin]

"It's a massive monument that gives anyone pause, while not being quite as antisocial as a well-guarded fortress! You have plenty of space for different experiments, while they are separated without the need for advanced space-altering magic. And naturally, you have a secure position at the top in case of an assault. What's not to like?"

Seira grins. "Stairs are for scrubs, you're a wizard! That means you can fly! And teleport, but usually you fly in your tower."

[Anastasia]

"Uh huh," Elena agrees, "But they aren't good against assaults that can fly and bypass that - there's not as much depth as a fortress."

Ranbar looks up at that, "Oh yes, a ghost would have an easier time with a tower than a fortress, due to distances and the ability to fly."

[Corwin]

"The classical wizarding appeal is about impressing peasants and knights," Seira says with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Dragons and undead are another thing entirely, nevermind fellow wizards. You don't need a fortress against them, anyway! You're a wizard!"

[Anastasia]

"Only until you catch an arrow," Amaryl banters back, "Then you're a corpse."

"Or a ghost who also is an archer," Ranbar suggests, "That would make a fearsome assassin, many mortals would have no chance against it, should a ghost's torment and regrets lead it to that path."

"Powerful ascetics can make themselves like ghosts for a little time," Here Amaryl considers, "I've known a few who have employed that to the same means, albeit without archery and with more bare handed fighting."

"The Master could do that," Elena chips in, "But he's not that sort, he's more the sort who goes in and takes care of something while you do something else. Same thing with that sword of his that he keeps hidden."

[Corwin]

Seira decides not to let these poor souls know that a proper wizard can do all of that as well, and much better than the ghosts or archers or monks, at that.

"The Master sounds pretty amazing," she says instead. "Perhaps we should have a mock duel on Ysgard some time!"

[Anastasia]

You're lead around the courtyard as you talk - and to an old, familiar tower. Atop the tower of the Graceful Blow sits Hanna, 27 small sized and curled into her lap. She's taking it all in, sitting on the very edge of the rooftop.

"Hanna," Elena calls, "Have you met Brani?"

[Corwin]

Seira gives Hanna a wave!

[Anastasia]

"A little," Hanna calls back. With one hop she scoops 27 up and she glides to the ground, "Seira, Amaryl," she greets.

"They're looking for information about him," Elena says, "So here you go." Then she's gone, as if she was never there.

[Corwin]

"Well, I was actually hoping Aurora could make a brief detour over to Brani's home," Seira admits. "It would work out best for all of us."