Knowledge shall lead the...

[Anastasia]

"...I'll do it. In part because I think I'll need it and in part because Alyssa's too stubborn on this point," Emily says, "I can't help her if she doesn't want to be helped."

[Corwin]

"Focus on the sort of goddess you would like to be," Seira tells Emily, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It doesn't come all at once, but it helps to have a good concept ready."

[Anastasia]

"That helped you?" Emily asks, "I need to be distinct too, and that's hard when your example looms so large."

[Corwin]

"Actually, yes. I've realized I must've ascended without being told by anyone, and it took for my powers time to settle in properly. But I didn't let that stop me and just carried on as I have been, except I also made steps on the bigger stage and established myself with my new peers."

[Anastasia]

"So are you saying to keep doing what I've been doing?" Emily asks, "I think I heard that advice before."

[Corwin]

"Yes, but focus your actions on a conceptual level. Say there is an action, opposing Shar and freeing those she had enslaved. Are you doing it because you wish for righteous battle, and there is no greater target? Are you moved by compassion, and the need to rescue those poor souls? Is it retribution, the need to strike back at Shar who had taken so much from so many? Healing, for the wounds of the soul run deep, and who better than you to provide comfort?"

[Anastasia]

"So I need to find out the whys of what I do, Mom?" Emily asks back. "That I already know the answer to."

[Corwin]

"Glad to hear it!" A flex of her will opens a portal to Io's realm. "Then it seems you're ready. Would you like someone to go with you?"

[Anastasia]

"Mom," She goes to Amaryl, "Would you come with me? Just in case something goes wrong."

The answer is a hug back, firm and tight. "I will."

[Corwin]

Wishing them luck, Seira watches them go.

[Anastasia]

With that done, now what are you going to do?

[Corwin]

Hello, Asmodeus, Seira addresses one of the worst beings in Creation, her mental voice cordial. Zaphkiel passed on your invitation of a meeting under parley. Would you mind providing directions?

[Anastasia]

In a calm, serene voice you hear the simple words: 'Come to Avernus, transportation will arrive presently.'

[Corwin]

That's that, then. Seira ensures her combat spells are up and then transports herself to Avernus.

[Anastasia]

The blasted wastelands spread out before you.

It is dark, dim and cold here now. The green sky stretches on seemingly forever as the foul scent of death fills the air. Yet before you a golden stagecoach, elegant and refined, appears. It is pulled by two large nightmares, a hooded, female erinyes driving. A moment later the coach door opens and a familiar voice calls, "Ah, Seira," The refined, cultured voice of Martinet is heard. "I understand you have a diplomatic meeting with His Infernal Majesty?"