Questioning Me (Part 2)

"The plan is to cast Mage's Magnificent Mansion right here and then once we are inside cast Mage's Private Sanctum. That will give us privacy to speak without being worried about listened in upon and if the spells are dismissed or dispelled we'll be back here in the garden." Cesran lays out his plan.

Mei relents, allowing his hand to fall to his side untouched. He seems to acknowledge and understand your lack of trust, and has nothing to say on the plan that Cesran lays out for the spells that he intends to cast.

Seldan, too, nods, seeming satisfied with the list of spells and preparations. In truth, they are all known to him, and he has cast most of them himself. He does not now offer, though, instead letting the archmage do his thing.

GAME: Cesran casts Mage's Magnificent Mansion. Caster Level: 20 DC: 30

Verna made the inquiry more for Mei's peace of mind than her own, in attempt to assuage any concerns on his part. They have their concerns, so it is possible he had his. She now waits as Cesran brings the spells to fruition so that they can continue their conversation more discreetly.

Cesran starts by casting Mage's Magnificent Mansion and there is a magnificent looking door before them. Without even a gesture the door swings open to reveal a much warmer interior. Styled after the palaces of the merchant princes of the Jade Island, the mansion is open with a warm breeze gently wafting through the main front room. "Please enter, Seldan, Verna, Serene and Mei." He invites specifically the four of them in as he enters himself. "Take a seat anywhere the refreshments will be served soon." He says as he moves into the mansion and towards the center of the room. He reaches into his spell component pouch to get out the required implements as he about to start a much longer casting.

Mei hesitates a moment before actually entering the mage's mansion, shaking his head once at the opulence that is displayed within. It's a beautiful mansion, even if it is not wholly real. It is after all, real enough to serve their purposes. Mei follows in at Cesran's heels, but moves around the other man toward the open area where the warm breeze drifts through. It's warm enough here now that he doesn't really need the cloak he wears and so he pushes it back somewhat, allowing the warmth to sink into his skin.

Verna follows Cesran and Mei inside, though she takes little note of their quasi-real environment. Expansiveness and opulences may not be her personal preferences, and they are not pertinent to their current use. The shelter is not unwelcome, however, and she doffs her hood after entering.

Seldan, too, enters, but of the warm clothing he wears, he lays aside only cloak and gloves, leaving the hat in place. The cold didn't seem to trouble him, but neither does the warmth, and he makes no move to remove anything else. Instead, he settles down in a chair, and secures another for Serene, for when she follows. He leans comfortably back into it, and resumes his listening posture, and the quiet reserve he'd held. The opulence does not seem to faze or distract him - almost in the way of one accustomed to it.

Serene pauses before entering, though the inaction is not borne of hesitation. Rather it is a pause to give her a moment to look about, ensuring none are watching.. or at least marking any who might. Then she enters, leaving the mundane world behind.

Once in side she seems about to settle for remaining standing, her usual disposition... but reconsiders, taking the chair reserved for her after unhitching the sword from her belt, and unslinging the sword and shield from her back, leaning them against the side of her chair as she settles in.

Cesran shuts the door once everyone is inside that way the entrance can turn invisible. While Cesran continues with casting the spell, semi translucent servants appear with all manner of refreshments, from fresh fruit, to cheese and crackers, and assorted pastries and cookies. Water, wine and fruit juice are also brought forth for any that wish it.

GAME: Cesran casts Mage's Private Sanctum. Caster Level: 20 DC: 28

It takes some time for the private sanctum to be cast. During which the servants come to ply everyone with food and drink. Mei accepts none of it, prefering to stand at the window until the last moments of the spell have slipped by and they are as secure as they can be against prying eyes. Then he turns toward the group and looks at them. His lips are thin, as if he does not wish to speak, his body tense as if expecting retribution for whatever words he is holding inside. "My father is the one that you know as Lord Erik, or perhaps more appropriately Eclavdran."

Seldan watches the spell being cast, accepting food when offered but eating only slowly. He'd adjusted his swordbelt for the armless chair he'd chosen, but it hangs up a few times, and in the end, he opts to remove the weapon belt and set it on the floor beside him, where it can be readily drawn should the need arise.

When Mei begins to explain, though, he looks up, and sharpens at once. His assumption confirmed, he sits up straighter, listening sharply. Not judging, nor threatening. Merely - listening, with his undivided attention. "Not all sons align with their parents," he offers to that statement. "I am guessing you to oppose your father."

Once seated, Serene leans back into her chair.. just a little bit. She declines the food, electing instead to wait until everyone has settled in, taken what moments they need to enjoy Cesran's hospitality.. or prepare themselves to reveal unpleasant truths. When one of those truths finally comes, she reacts.. it's not much more than a twitching of one eye, or another compression of her lips.. but it speaks volumes enough. Yet that ire doesn't seem to be directed at Mei, for she nods her agreement to Seldan's statement and question. "It can be difficult to go against the will of one's family. But I do not believe you would be here were you not."

Verna settles herself into a chair, though does not accept food at the moment. Her attention upon Cesran during the casting is one of curiosity, observance, and possibly admiration of magic at work. Her focus shifts promptly to Mei as he begins to speak, and as he explains her face... is promptly undecided on what expression to hold, quickly and partly trying several in short order. "That would explain Altay's comment, and perhaps further incriminate him." A glance to Seldan and back. "I presume that you oppose him, based upon your actions, and I am familiar with ... familial differences of opinion."

Cesran accepts some water as he is finished with the spell and moves to to sit down in a chair. He watches Mei and listens to him, "Then you are Meichioh then? I take it that's why you have a polymorph spell on yourself then to hide your demonic heritage?" He asks, "I've spent the past months researching into your father and your name came up. Along with the other interesting information about Eclavdran. My research indicated that you being of his blood might present to us a way to learn a real weakness of Eclavdran so we can defeat him once and for all."

Mei nods to first Seldan, then Serene, then Verna, before lastly Cesran. He sighs then and his lips thin further. "That is my real name, yes. Or a close approximation." He smiles slightly here and moves toward the table slowly as he speaks. "I do oppose him, and that is why he hunts me, and those around me. I have tried to act as though I will be a pawn to his plans at times, but the truth is that I have been seeking a weakness to him that can be exploited... And with the Moons... I believe that I have found one at last."

Here he looks at Seldan. "They are a trap for you. The real moons are trapped within the orbs you have located, but the outer shell is a command-triggered trap. Eclavdran I think intends to use you as his next vessel, but for that he will need to force your soul from your body." Mei shakes his head. "It's complicated, but he can do it. I have seen him turn mortals into demons using these means, or take their souls and trap them away so that their bodies can be used for his own devices. However his strength - this terrible ability has a weakness. At the moment that he draws a soul out - his own soul becomes exposed and it can be drawn out from him in the same way."

Mei grips the back of a chair tightly. "As his son, I have this ability as well. I can draw out his soul and consume it. Destroying him forever."

Verna's face now has no issues forming a scowl, glancing again to Seldan. "That could explain why he was so ... lax within the tower, even with such a presumed powerful relic so near." The scowl diminishes to a frown as she looks to Mei. "He would hunt you far more were he aware of all." A nod is given to Cesran as she decides his arrival is most serendipitous, indeed. "Would this make his soul vulnerable to other, similar tactics? His, or yours, are not the only possible assaults against souls. I would urge against using any plan against him that relied upon a single individual or effort."

Seldan stiffens, his eyes instantly lowering. His thoughts are his own for the space of several breaths, but slowly, one hand clenches in silent, carefully bridled fury, his arm trembling as a hundred emotions wash through him.

"I shall see him destroyed, and Her artifacts restored to their true forms," he says finally, his tone flat, almost dead as he struggles to keep it even and controlled. "Do I allow myself to be used as bait, will my soul return to the Halls?"

Cesran finishes his water and his brow furrows, "Necromancy, always nasty business. I do know of some spells that could be used to trap souls, although I would not want to use them unless it was absolutely necessary." He looks to Seldan, "I could look at those moons again and see if I can figure out how they have been enchanted. I could try to break the enchantment or better reverse the enchantment so that when he uses the command word it would instead do to him what he wants to do to you. Have you found them all yet or are we still searching for them? I've just started my research into the prophecy that you told me about, now that I've finished my research it Eclavdran."

"Forgive me for pointing this out," Serene ventures. "While you appear to be sincere... how can we be certain you can do as you say? Or that your father would not have defenses against it?" There is a significant pause. "Or that, when the time comes, you will have the will to carry this through? Much would be at stake upon your word."

"You're right of course Serene. I am asking you to place a lot of trust in me." Mei looks down a moment and shakes his head. "But I can't be sure that any arcane magics will work. It's taken me this long to be certain that what I have worked out will suffice. As far as I've been able to uncover - there _is_ no defense for it. Only a willingness to put myself at risk."

Mei looks up again, this time at Seldan. "It has to be your choice, but know this: The last orb is in Eclavdran's hands. For while he wanted you to have some of them, he can not risk you having all of them. He will not let it go so easily. As for your soul... I will see that it is never truly drawn out. The risk to you will be minimal Seldan."

Verna eyes Seldan, first. "If he can truly trap your soul, it would not. It could empower him, and if he can corrupt such into fiends, or worse..." Her look is doubly-pointed.

Her gaze is slightly less sharp when it moves to Cesran. "Necromancy is a tool, like any other aspect of magic. It is those who misuse such that make it.. messy. In this instance, it may be a more potent tool than others."

Lastly, to Mei, though she carries some of Serene's concerns with her. "Even if your will and word are true, I would not underestimate him. I will investigate and invest upon similar avenues, even as contingencies. This is not a lone venture, and any singular point of risk or failure would be where I would most expect him to strike."

Seldan continues to listen to the conversations swirling around him, a thousand thousand things going on behind his eyes. When all are done, he lets silence hang for some moments, then asks simply, "And do I wrest the last one from him? What then?"

Cesran listens to the information that Mei had to give ahd he nods to Verna, "I understand that, but there are some spells that are inherently evil, to use them even under dire circumstances might not be worth the cost. I'd also like to point out that most likely Eclavdran knows all this, he knows you have the same ability he does and he knows his own vulnerabilities. I think we might be putting all our eggs in one basket and we've seen how that goes. In my research I've discovered another avenue that Eclavdran might be vulnerable to. He's made deals with the Fae and if we can find out what those deals were perhaps we can get him to break one or more of them. We would gain an ally and deprive Eclavdran of one at the same time. The Fae do not like their deals to be broken."

Whether Mei's answer satisfies Serene or not, she nods. Had Mei offered her any other answers, it's likely she would have remained skeptical.. even so, his willingness to admit his lack of certainty doesn't necessarily improve her opinion either. But, her concerns voiced, she remains silent for now.

For a moment, Mei focuses purely on Seldan's question, looking into the other man's eyes directly. "The moment he celebrates his victory I strike. For his defenses will be down. If he wants your soul as badly as I suspect that he does, he won't risk it getting away from him."

The man looks at the rest of you steadily. "You could spend the rest of your life in research. I have spent mine in this effort, and I would rather not let this one chance I see slip away. If we together make a frontal assault on him now, he will never expect it. But he will love the chance to throw our hope for success in our faces." Mei takes a breath. "If you leave this room with the intent of looking into other avenues... Then I can not trust that he will not learn of our plans along the way. I must take my chances where they lie."

GAME: Cesran rolls sense motive: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Seldan rolls sense motive: (8)+19: 27

Verna cannot fault Mei for his concerns; he has revealed his plan, afterall. One that allegedly took unknown time to conceive and confirm. "I intend to support your plan and your risk, but it is not only your risk. My concerns, and Cesran's, are that we cannot rely solely upon you, Mei. That is no insult to your abilities and investment, but we would be remiss not to prepare to potentially make use of the weakness you describe. To support you and one another, not supplant."

"If he expects that Seldan will come for the third, he would expect us, though perhaps not so soon." She looks to Cesran. "I am ever one for meticulous research and exploration of all possibilities... yet I fear that time works against us. I am loathe to delay much further. As well, if Mei feels he must strike with or without us..." A hand gestures to Mei.

"What else might we do, does this fail, if he is vulnerable in that moment?" Seldan's question is more than half to himself, and he falls silent, bowing his head where he sits. He sits up in the chair, hands in his lap, eyes lowered, and while his lips move, nothing comes out.

Cesran listens and nods, "There is such a thing as overplanning and wasting time trying to confirm what we all ready know to be true. I have to agree that perhaps now is the time to strike, but we should also have a back up plan should this fail and a back up plan if the back up plan fails. I don't want to rush in unprepared because if that happens then innocent people will be hurt. I've seen it happen before when Mikilos tried to capture Eclavdran and not everything was taken into account, it did not end well and Eclavdran went on a rampage."

"Striking him down will involve risk. There is no avoiding this." Serene states this, knowing everyone is already aware of it. Somtimes it simply helps to give voice to these thigns. "The task is limiting that risk to those who are not simply willing to risk themselves, but also knowing what, precisely, they risk." Cesran's reluctance gets a swift nod from Serene. "The archmagus is correct. If this plan is to go forward, there must be plans in place to avoid collateral damage. There cannot be a repeat of the last attempt."

Mei nods gratefully to Verna and looks solemnly at Seldan. "Ask the Moon, if you've doubts Seldan. For though it is a trap for you, the danger of it is physical only. Eclavdran could not hope to guess what a goddess of the light might tell her paladin, and so it can not steer you astray. It is still a weapon of Eluna." He turns his attention to Cesran. "You're right to be cautious, but I have no intention of summoning Eclavdran to us. This time I mean to go to him. I know where he will be, and soon. We can go there and prepare our battlefield. I have an idea for that in mind. Should you be willing to hear it."

Seldan does not answer immediately, instead drawing a few deep breaths, but silently reaches to pull the orb in question from the belt pouch that he carries, freeing it from its confines of leather. He continues to breathe steadily, slowly, and deeply, assuming what one might think of as a meditative trance, save only for the soundless movement of his lips.

The orb is cupped openly between his hands, visible to all.

"The answer may be that we must not fail," Verna offers to Seldan, if more quietly as he begins to confer with the stone. Fact? Attempt to inspire? She is far more adept with the former than the latter, admittedly. Her focus returns to Mei.

"I would hear it." A plan that grants them further advantage and minimizes risk to others? That is easily worth listening to.

GAME: Cesran rolls spellcraft: (13)+42: 55

Cesran nods, 'Good, I would welcome being able to get the drop on him for once. Please go ahead I'll hear out your plan." He looks towards the orb as it's pulled out and he focuses in on it. He studies the orb intently as he seems to get a better understanding of it, "Well I think I can destroy the trap with a Mage's Disjunction, but it would likely alert Eclavdran, which we don't want to do, and I could destroy it and leave myself without magic permanently. I really can't tell yet what it would do. Do you have a second one Seldan? If I could look at them both together I'd have a better idea of what the trap is likely to do to you."

Serene nods her assent for Mei to continue as well. Listening does not mean agreeing, after all. She settles her elbows upon the table's surface, gauntleted hand covering her gloved, eyes fixed upon Mei.

The orb in Seldan's hand begins to glow, or was already glowing but now it brightens. Brightens like a captured star rather than merely a moon fallen from the sky. It's a reassuring light. A cool, blessed light, but a bright light nonetheless.

Mei begins to lay out his plan as Seldan meditates, explaining that the Prestigious Moon has been frequented by Eclavdran of late and that he suspects that Eclavdran plans to kill the proprietor who does not seem aware that he is a demon yet. If the group of you go there, and set up another mage's mansion, the damage done will be inside the mansion alone. Alexandria will be safe. Then all you need is a dimensional anchor to keep Eclavdran from leaving once he realizes the jig is up and...

There's a small _pop_ in the room as if air is being compressed and released and suddenly you're not alone. A small golden dragon is sitting atop the largest fish in the room looking at it victoriously. "Iwascalled! Tanithcomes! Icanhelp!" She licks her chops and then licks the fish. "Forfish?"

GAME: Seldan rolls will: (9)+31: 40

Cesran listens to the plan, "That can be done, I can set the door up at the door to the Prestigious Moon and set the Mansion up to look just like it so he'll walk in without noticing it. I can't do a dimensional anchor, although I could learn it in time, but I do have something that could be better, I could cast Dimensional Lock, right before he realizes that the jig is up to block him from just walking out. The only issue is that once I let him in, I can't stop him from leaving via the same door he came though. I can only keep people out I can't let him back in, but I could set up a wall of force to trap him in. I just need to get the drop on him."

GAME: Cesran rolls spellcraft: (18)+42: 60
GAME: Cesran rolls knowledge/religion: (11)+30: 41

The sudden _pop_ and chatter of a someone joining them in the mansion is enough to utterly scatter the cloud of sobriety that hangs over the discussion and shatter Seldan's mental stillness. "What the-" He snaps up so quickly that the chair overbalances, tipping over backwards and crashing to the floor, sending the star-bright orb flying across the room and dumping him in an unceremonious heap on the floor behind them. He lies half-sprawled and more than half-stunned, trying to gather his wits and bring himself less rudely back to the present. For the moment, he pays no heed to the orb that has skittered and bounced beneath a chair and rolled into the corner.

Cesran blinks at the small golden dragon pops into his mansion ad he dares to look at it although the overwhelming magic makes his head hurt. He has to shield his eyes with his hand and the hurt lessons. "Tanith was it. Welcome to my mansion. I am Cesran and this is Ral'sara. Of course you may have the fish you may have anything you like." He pushes himself onto his feet and he bows his head deeply to the dragon. "You said you were called. If I may ask by whom and what help can you give to us? If you can answer." He says as he keeps his head low and even Ral'sara, faux dragon that she is, keeps her head bowed low. He looks over towards the others and motions them to do the same.

Tanith, immediately flies over to Seldan, worriedly hovering over him as he regains his bearings as to his new location on the floor. She flits around his head briefly, then... notices the orb rolling along the ground headed toward Seldan. Immediately she pounces on it. Landing neatly she stops the rolling of the orb which glows brightly in her claws and she sniffs at it. Sneezing once before realizing that she's been spoken to.

"Me? I am Tanithariairisixchel. AlsoTanith." She grins at Mei who's staring at her like she has three heads and Cesran who has his head bowed against the bright light that she emits only to his vision. "Peoplescalled! Tanithcomeandhelppeoples!" The little dragon sniffs the orb again and snorts a bit of smoke. "Badmagic. Burnawaylikemom-magic? Firegood!"

Groaning a little, Seldan pushes himself to a sitting position, rubbing at his temple and blinking owlishly at the little golden dragon with clear recognition - and no fear. Instead, he seems to have at least registered the last sentence. "Tanith," he greets, still rubbing at his head. "That has good magic inside bad magic. If you burn away the bad magic, I will find you fish."

Someone knows how to deal with this one.

"I have another of its kind," he adds, reaching into his belt pouch again and pulling out the second orb. "Serene, I had intended to offer this to you, but it is well that I did not. Tanith, can you help?"

Serene's sword hand flashes immediately towards the swords at her side... but stops before closing over either of the hilts when the source of the intrusion is identified. Not dismissed, but with Tanith's lack of apparent or immediate hostility assessed, Serene's eyes turn towards Cesran. "Archmagus. This location was supposed to be secure." The eyes shift away again, following the small dragon's antics upon orb. "If your intentions are good, little one, you are welcome here," she says, suspecting full well that welcome or not, the dragon is unlikely to leave, "Please. If you can assist Seldan, you are welcome to all of the fish." She nods once to the other paladin, then, noting the second orb and its offer to the dragon, then she returns her attention to Mei.. and whatever minimal softness she may have imposed upon her features for the wyrmling are gone when she looks at him. "Why would Eclavdran be interested in Sandy? What would he mean to gain with her death?" Very pointed, her tone infused with some measure of heat. "How do you know he intends to go there?"

Cesran forces himself to look at this being of incredible power because he wants it burned into his memory. This is something that he will not want to miss and might never been seen again in his lifetime. He listens carefully to the name, "Thank you for coming Tanith, we are honored that you would help us in our time of need. If there is anything that you should need from us please I am at your service as your most humble of servants." He brings his hand up to his chest where under his robes the markings of the three gods is from the journey into the Sea of Mana. "Mom-magic?" He asks curiously as he can't help himself from being curious. "Wait will you burning away the bad magic alert the one that put the bad magic on it that it's gone? We want to try to trick him into thinking the bad magic is still there and that we don't know about what he has planned." He looks to Serene, "My magic is mortal magic, I believe this goes beyond that."

Tanith looks at Seldan and nods seriously. Their pact is sealed. She needs no information, or permission from anyone else. Fish is her requirement, and fish have been promised! She breathes on the orb a pure white flame that is searing to the eye. The flames eat away at the stone of the sphere and it crumbles... Crumbles. More flames pour forth until the fire is dripping from her maw and then when she's done she grabs the second orb from Seldan's fingers. Left in her wake is a pure silver orb. Oddly... lopsided. It takes a moment then rolls over to Seldan eagerly to float above his head as Tanith poors her cleansing flames over the second one.

It's over in a few minutes, and there's no argument to be brooked about it. Though some might have tried. The second orb is freed and it rolls its lopsided way over to Serene without a second thought. Quickly zooming over to float around her head. It takes one only a few moments to realize that the silver orbs has taken the exact shape of the moon in its current alignment in the night sky. Both orbs pulse once and then settle into a dim cool glow not unlike that of the moon.

By which point Tanith is eagerly helping herself to the fish. Because promises are promises.

Stunned Mei shakes his head. "It seems there will be even less risk to you Seldan. If she has cleansed the orbs as I think she has. We can go, and with our plan in place, do our utmost to defeat him." He eyes the dragon. "Do you think she might come along and help?"

"He targets me, Serene." Seldan is still slowly picking himself up off the floor, the diffidence, the worry, the uncertainty - all of it washed away in a flood of sheer gratitude. He reaches up to catch the small orb, to try to hold it in a hand, to study it closely. "Truly do I not stand so alone as I thought I did," he murmurs. "And for that does everyone in this room have my undying gratitude." He looks up at Tanith, happily munching away at the fish on the table. "Archmage, you may find yourself needing to conjure more fish."

He turns then to Mei, straightening himself, drawing a deep breath, and drawing himself up to his full height. "Twice before have I baited evil to its destruction," he begins. "Again shall I lay my life and soul at the feet of my companions, that our goal be met." There is no hesitation in the words. "Eclavdran will target any with whom I associate, and since I have come to this city have I sought my clothing at that shop."

Serene jerks back, initially. Just slightly, reflexively, what she knows of the object warring with... something. As it takes its place orbiting about her she continues to eye it for several more heartbeats. Not quite untrusting, not quite unease.. but lacking the straight up acceptance that Seldan offers. She does not, however, attempt to remove it... closing her eyes instead, as if to quiet her own thoughts.. and when those eyes open, whatever it had been is gone. She even puts on a slight, fleeting smile. Then it, too, is gone.

Accepting Seldan's answer to her demands of Mei seems to release some of the built tension in her shoulders as well. "You have our thanks, Tanitharia... Tanith." Another nod, accepting Cesran's explanation for the... failed... security. And then, "Then we have our plan. We are equipped to block dimensional travel. If we can contain Eclavdran, and keep Mei alive long enough for him to do... what he needs to do.. then I am in favour of proceeding, as long as we all understand and accept all responsibility should we fail."

Cesran snaps his fingers and soon more fish is coming out of the kitchen, fish of every kind, done in all sorts of ways. "Please eat to your heart's content, so about this trap we are laying. How long are we going to have to set up and do we need to tell Sandy about it? I think the less people that know about this the better, but I don't know if she's been compromised or not. I'm happy to start preparations as soon as we can. I just need a night's rest to get my spells back and pick some specific ones for this up coming battle as well as time to gather any supplies I might need."

"It needs be soon." Replies Mei. "I know the exact date that he will be there, and we can not guarantee his presence at any other time. I know not why he targets this location aside from the possibilities that Seldan has stated. Perhaps it is because she was once a powerful adventurer herself - he does dislike that sort."

Tanith squeals in delight as the fish appear, digging in with gusto. She... never seems to fill, but instead eats... everything.

You have a long night of planning ahead of you, but eventually you'll come up with one that everyone can agree to. You really don't have a choice but to do so. It's now... or never.

-End