Chronias

[Corwin]

That doesn't really answer her question, but Seira will think on refining it and ask again at a later time. For now, she turns towards Alyssa, frowning.

"We fight. Just recently, Selune led many of us into Shadow to do battle with Shar. I've faced off against one of her avatars, witnessing Selune and Moradin clash with Shar and drive her back. Alicia broke past her forward ranks and felled one of her outposts, inspiring the lines of battle."

She purses her lips. "I've reached out to Celestia and the Seldarine after the latest clash. Next time, even more will come to drive her off, and in the meantime I've been working on getting Mechanus involved on our side. Just because you don't witness this conflict doesn't mean we're sitting on our laurels."

[Anastasia]

With a gentle interjection, "We still have more seeds to speak of," Zaphkiel says.

"There is one in Mechanus - within the broken ruins of Primus. All but inaccessible to use at the current time, and the Guardian there is a fearsome lion. Likewise, the seed in Limbo rests within the Spawning Stone, and it would be nigh impossible to reach without a confrontation with Ssendam. Both are difficult and will require the greatest skill and ability to obtain."

[Corwin]

Seira gestures for Zaphkiel to continue, acceding to his will.

[Anastasia]

"As for Acheron and Gehenna, there are seeds but we have not found them yet," Zaphkiel continues, "Precious little is known of them. For Baator, you have already seen that divine seed," A look to Alicia. "Asmodeus also extends an invitation to any of you who are willing - to come before the Serpent's Throne within nine days and he will discuss sharing this seed with you as well as with his chosen."

[Ebiris]

Alicia nods. "My answer remains unchanged," she says mildly.

[Corwin]

"Just what does he have to gain from this?" Seira asks in confusion. "Let's say I go there, use it, thank him out of politeness and leave. Is he that confident he can sway us with a few words, or despite the apparent ceasefire on this matter you believe he will betray us?"

[Anastasia]

"Asmodeus needs but a few words to sway a soul," Zaphkiel's expression is of one of distaste, "Were it not so, far less would call Baator home. Many have accepted challenges that appear safe, only to kneel before him at the end."

[Ebiris]

"Also he can easily let it be known that you took his offer and it will cause others to look on you with suspicion no matter what lies in your heart," Alicia adds her own warning.

[Corwin]

"But to be clear, if I did wanted to have a chat, I would have safe passage to and from Nessus enforced by you? And his silver tongue aside, he wouldn't use any power or magic or remnant of Incarnation aura or what have you to artificially change my mind or very being?" Seira inquires, actually interested in having a chat with Asmodeus.

[Nephrite]

"An olive branch with a chain attached to it." Moore says quietly.

[Anastasia]

"A poisoned cup," Latha concludes, "Merely one filled with an appealing drink."

"Yes. I will not stop you, and I agreed to allow this, but step carefully. Words are as deadly as a blade when he wields them, and he needs no powers to use them so." Zaphkiel agrees. "An olive branch and a chain is very apt."

[Corwin]

"I'm not sure on what I'd actually do with the offer itself, but I did want to chat," Seira tells Zaphkiel. "But don't worry about me. People might gossip all they want, but I've had the pleasure of being shown that path before and I know just where it leads."

[Anastasia]

"It will be your choice," Zaphkiel agrees, "In Hades lies a seed, which is entombed within the Last Monument. The Guardian there does not manifest, but instead controls a great tribe of yugoloth cultists, who all worship at the Last Monument and pray for death, suffering and agony for all. They are wrapped in anathemic secrecy and hidden by the will of the Oinoloths, none of which have seen fit to do anything but contain them."

"The Adversary, then," Latha speaks, even quieter. "Whom may have defected, but may still yet be willing to aid Hell."

[Corwin]

Seira blinks. "This reminds me, actually. So Asmodeus has subverted Fire, Archeron and the Mercane Consortium with his minions to a large degree, but how is Hades? And do you know where Bel operates, actually?"

[Ebiris]

"Dealing with the Adversary is a treacherous endeavour, but if you're careful you can still achieve what you seek," Alicia says for everyone's benefit given her own recent dealings there. "Expect lies and deception and for him to have a plan of his own to achieve some reward from whatever you seek beyond what payment is given up front."