Burrowing ahead

[Anastasia]

"Ah, profit. I'm always willing," Waukeen says easily. "So where is he?"

[Corwin]

"Hard at work, as always," Seira responds. "First, I figured I should fill you in on a few things? I'm sure you've heard about Celestia's plans througha mishap with Kossuth, but why deal in rumors when there's a first person account available?"

[Anastasia]

"Of course, and knowledge is gold," Waukeen agrees, and with a pleasant smile, "Do tell."

[Corwin]

"It's Celestia's plan to defeat Shar," Seira tells her, after making sure they're not overheard. "Similar to how you, Mystra and Helm had a stake in us back on our Prime, but on a larger scale. I believe that ring Emily broke was from the time the Incarnations were active, if not outright made by them? This is something similar, and has been waiting for the day of reckoning with Shar. Chronias's light increasing? That was Zaphkiel deciding to finally take action on that front."

[Anastasia]

"We all have our plans for that," Waukeen murmurs, "You have the benefit of being one of mine." She keeps her voice low as you look over your reborn realm, "It's about time he contributed directly."

[Corwin]

"The problem lies in Asmodeus. He found his way to some of these relics, and empowered those brutes, Bel and Gathgorian. Still, it is my understanding that he too intends to focus on Shar first, which means facing her became just a bit more manageable, but the aftermath all the messier for it."

[Anastasia]

"Something he no doubt intends to exploit, but I would expect nothing less," Waukeen concurs. "It was too much to hope for that Lixer killed the brute, but it seems it was nothing more than a shell game."

[Corwin]

Seira nods. "Aside from that, he has his paws in Acheron and the Mercane Consortium, as we've discussed, and now Fire among the efreet. It'll be harder to fix the latter, given that Kossuth seems to hold a grudge even though I was only there to mediate."

She spreads her arms in a helpless gesture. "Can't help it, I suppose. All we can do it grow in power and influence ourselves, and I've actually had a thought there. Do you think Brightwater could do with a volcano to serve as our embassy? I'm hoping that if you're not opposed to the idea, you could float it to the other girls?"

[Anastasia]

"An actual volcano?" Waukeen considers, "That's a bit flashy for an embassy. Rather big too, unless you make miniature volcanoes....or do you have something in mind, Seira dear?"

[Corwin]

"I think it's our calling card by now, but it will be appropriately sized, since the idea is to blend in rather than dominate the local scenery. Think back to my inn in Balmuria, conceptually."

[Anastasia]

"If you can make it work, you can make your embassy like that," Waukeen says easily, "A golden eruption would be a rather noteworthy thing."

[Corwin]

"We can try it in a bit, then!" Seira says cheerfully. Perhaps she could escort Waukeen back home through it later?

Did you ever have the pleasure of meeting Waukeen? she meanwhile asks Garl. She's visiting, and I'm sure would be delighted to see you.

[Anastasia]

'Yes, I've met her. Tell her that she still owes me gold for Ragadar.' Is the answer you get.

[Corwin]

Want to tell her yourself? She is the first ever visitor, but I'd love for you to be the second!

"Oh, and did you bring enough gold to cover Radagar? Asking for a friend."

[Anastasia]

"Raga-" Waukeen begins and then smiles, long and slow. "Tell him that it's his fault, not mine."

"Tell me yourself, Golden Lady." Garl declares as he steps besides you, a warm smile on his face.

"Garl! You are back!" Waukeen's face lights up, "Fortunately I've already prepared a recovery plan for Bytopia, and I have some contracts that can help you right with that."