Beastland wanderings

[Anastasia]

Okay.

Once you part ways with your family, you find Shaundakul at your side. The path winds on ahead as he merely says, "Congratulations. Momentous times are before us."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods slowly, "Strange things abound, and old conflicts reveal deeper dangers than anyone thought. But, before all of that.."

Alyssa turns and gives Shaundakul a hug, "Thank you for the opportunity to become what I am, and for opening the paths I've explored."

[Anastasia]

He smells like old roads and summer sunshine.

"Welcome," Shaundakul's answer is warm, "There are things to teach you now, things of divinity. Have you yet begun these lessons?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"Maybe a single drop of the ocean. I didn't have much time between stops to really learn anything, or from anyone. I'm not even sure how my ascension changes the relationships between you, Selune, the Red Knight, and myself."

[Anastasia]

"You are no longer a servant and a follower," Shaundakul says, as he meets your gaze, "You're one of us now, newborn but far more than a mortal. Mortals see what we are, not who we are."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I had a bit of that when I was in the Order. They saw the mantle, but not me. Still, shifting from a follower to an equal, even the least of equals, changes things. I know there are alliances between deities. I still consider you a mentor, but I'd like to expand that into being a friend and forming a more stable and long lasting relationship between you and I, your followers and mine, whoever they eventually are. I'd like to pursue the same with the Red Knight and, to some degree, Selune. Especially since she's been my host. Is there... Some sort of formal procedure for it? Or to announce it?"

[Anastasia]

A nod is your answer, and you walk on without words. Instead you come to the end of the path, a cliff over the sea. It's sunset, the light here gorgeous and picturesque. It's a stony, cliffy coast, giving you many such views of the blue ocean below.

Shaundakul goes to the edge of the cliff and sits, legs dangling off the side. "You have many questions. Ask them," he invites.

[Iron Dragoon]

"Well, let's start off with the alliances I mentioned. Is there a ceremony or official way to request such a thing between deities? Especially since I'm so new and you, The Red Knight, and Selune are so well established."

[Anastasia]

"You talk to them like any other and bargain it," Shaundakul explains, "There are informal agreements, formal alliances and many things in between. It is like any other thing - some may stand with you openly. Others will oppose you. The others fall in the middle, from those who it is known or suspected they may aid you if things go to far, to those who hinder you but will never make it an open war."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Interesting. I was expecting something more... structured. In that case, what sort of alliance would you be interested in with me?"

[Anastasia]

"For now, as an ally," Shaundakul explains as he gazes out, "We share a realm, we defend each other if there are attacks against the Gates of the Moon, as does Selune."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods, "As part of it, I'd like to offer any of my future places of worship, that's still a novel concept to me, as a sort of way station for any of your followers. Rest, information, aid, that sort of thing."

[Anastasia]

"As would mine," Shaundakul agrees, "We are similar, we will be drawn together. Our paths are besides each other."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa smiles, "Journeys are best shared with friends. You the trailblazer and me the chronicler, perhaps? It'll grow as things go, I imagine. Do you want to do anything more formal for this than just our talking here?"

[Anastasia]

"Not yet, but soon," Shaundakul agrees, "There's time yet." He looks out over the sea as he says, "What other questions do you have, or perhaps there are questions you don't even know to ask yet."