Divine Interference

Linwen smiles then looks down and tugs at Morgan's sleeve. "This is a beautiful dress. Haven't seen you where this one before."

Morgan smiles as she runs the back of her finger on part of Linwen’s dress "I wish I bought something like this. I should go to Sandy for more elven styles."

Linwen smiles. "This was my mother's favorite dress. I had it adjusted for me since I am stockier than she was. The tailor did a very good job. It's comfortable, beautiful and reminds me of her so I wear it from time to time when I don't have to walking around in eight hundred pounds of metal."

Morgan nods with a smile as she looks the dress over "I do not know how any one can wear armor. I look at it and picture me having a panic attack while laying on the ground not being able to get up."

Linwen laughs. "No, armor would not look good on you sweet little Morgan. Stick to your robes and stylishes clothing. I wouldn't want you in a place that required you wear such things anyway. Dangerous.

The back doors to the Temple open to admit another figure, a familiar one here to many. Seldan wears his usual armor, but for weapons only the sword at his hip, and appears judging by damp hair and the smell of him to be freshly out of the baths. He moves slowly and deliberately, his breathing deep and steadying, but his demeanor is purposeful. He does nod politely in acknowledgement to those already present, but the gesture says that his mind is elsewhere, and before long, his eyes settle on the reflective pool, and the altar that lies on the far side of it.

Morgan chuckles "Well at least you can say you know what a mage wears under their robes." she gives a playful wink. She looks over to Seldan as he opens and gives a hello wave.

Suddenly, there is a burst of activity in the temples. Several of the lower-level priests gather around one of the senior priests who is sending them off with hurried impatient movements. The senior priest immediately notices Seldan, and disengaging from the rest of the priests at last and heading toward the paladin in a clearly purposeful way. He pays no mind to anyone else but gives a short bow of welcome more than anything else to the other man. "You called ahead to request my services? It has the younger priests in quite a tizzy."

Linwen blushes softly but then her blue eyes turn away from Morgan at the commotion. She has met and talked to Seldan a few times and much of what he deals with is beyond her. She whispers so that only Morgan can hear.

Morgan changes her focus from flirt to her Loremaster mode as she looks over to the clerics talking to the paladin. She does nod to what was whispered to her ear "It might not be much, but does pay to listen and learn."

With her exploration of the city having finally taken her into the Temple of Eluna, Ygraine is now stalled a short distance from the entrance - the Ceinaran clearly drinking in the austere beauty of the site, and especially of the pool of stars. Still, that burst of activity jarrs her out of her reverie, and she can't help but blink then grin as she recognises a certain charcoal artist... and sees him being treated with such evident respect.

"May the Dreamer's light fall upon our paths, Seer. I did indeed, for I find myself in dire need of Her guidance." Seldan immediately turns toward the senior priest, bowing politely in his turn. "I would ask your assistance in communing with one of her servants, and am prepared to provide whatever you require to do so."

Kira has exited one temple to the plaza when she notices a number of people hurriedly moving from The Seer's. Whether it's something elsewhere to get to or something there to get away from, a bunch of people rushing to or from one place can be a bad sign. With all that's happened, Kira fears that a bad sign could, in fact, be a VERY BAD SIGN. While she has a whole other set of worries and concerns, she puts those aside as she moves to Eluna's House to see what is the matter.

The priest seems pleased with Seldan, smiling warmly and then glancing behind himself. "I have been informed that you should be made to wait for... Ah there she is."

Even as he speaks another priest appears, this one a woman bearing the robes of the High Priestess of the order. She moves with easy grace over the stones, her eyes white with blindness, but she uses no cane to walk. Those that worship here whisper that the Goddess of Dreams had blessed the woman with some other way to See. Either way, she makes her way unerringly to where her senior priest and Seldan wait for her. "Greetings Granth, that will be all." The senior priest offers another smile to Seldan and then bows and moves off to tend to his duties as the High Priestess turns her sightless gaze on Seldan himself. "I had a Dream last night, that you would come seeking Guidance from our halls. I was told to offer that to you."

Linwen just sits in quite reverence of the high priestess and does not interrupt those who far more importance than she and perhaps faith. Her hand rests atop Morgan's, more for her own comfort and reassurance than the other half-elf's.

Morgan listens to what is going on as she is confused but will not lead on that she is. She leans over to Linwen and says in a soft whisper "if you have any questions I will answer later." she twines her fingers with the other womans.

Ygraine has managed to go so far as to double-take at Linwen's presence, before mentally kicking herself for forgetting the Elunan's affiliation... but now her wide-eyed attention is very firmly locked on Seldan and the high priestess.

Seldan's eyes go wide as the High Seeress appears, and he, too, bows low, the Myrrish-tinted words laced with open surprise and reverence. "High Seeress Aki," he greets politely. "I ... I would not presume to ask ... but if that is Her will, then shall I be pleased and honored to accept your assistance. What would you of me?"

"Peace Seldan Silverguard. You are one of the honored chosen of our Goddess just as am I." She smiles gently though and places her hand on his shoulder. "Turn Silverguard, to the reflecting pool which holds the face of Eluna and I will bring Her servant to answer the questions that trouble not only your lips, but your heart."

Gently, she bids him turn with her hand toward the reflecting pool, and then begins to pray. She does so with boldness, and obvious reverence, bowing toward the pool of water as it begins to shine as though the moon itself were reflecting off of it. The bright light blinds everyone in the room momentarily, save the priestess herself who can not see it.

When the light fades, an Astral Devia stands, hovering over the pool of water, beautiful wings pumping slowly to keep it aloft over the water and illuminated in such a way that makes it difficult to look at its beauty directly. "YOU HAVE CALLED. SPEAK, AND BE HEARD."

GAME: Morgan rolls Knowledge/Religion+6: (16)+15+6: 37

Morgan hmms as she sees the Deva "Wow I only seen pictures of him." she seems honored that she gotten to glimpse him while still alive. She even feels a bit giddy with delight.

Obediently, Seldan turns towards the pool, guided by that hand. One hand lifts to brush a not-quite-dry lock of bright hair away from his eyes while the spell is cast, his gaze fixed on the beauty of the reflecting pool. Mentally composing in his mind the questions he wishes to ask, knowing that he will have little time to do so once the spell begins.

And then, there's a lot of light. A whole lot of light. He was -not- expecting that. He raises his eyes to see just what has happened -

And immediately drops to one knee respectfully, without hesitation or question, placing one hand on the pommel of the blade at his side to force it down and keep it from interfering. Almost at once, a nasal woman's voice pipes up from the blade. "Seldan, what is going on?"

"Fallia, shh, I will explain later," the paladin hisses before raising his eyes - partly - and his voice. "I would ask of the fae woman, the being known to me as Salina, among other things," he begins, those thoughts he had composed rather resembling a plate of spaghetti in his head just now. "Has she returned to her home village, the place shown to me but once within my memory?"

GAME: Ygraine rolls knowledge/religion: (1)+6: 7 (EPIC FAIL)

Ygraine, similarly, is rather decidedly awe-struck. She's even slack-jawed - the Ceinaran never having been in the presence of anything quite like this. Indeed, the last entity she was close to that *felt* remotely so powerful was... well. She takes a few steps back, bumping into a pillar.

Kira is left blinking for some time after the light. Once her eye clears enough, she dips in a low curtsey. It doesn't matter that she's staying way back or that it isn't her own temple. It's a matter of respect. At Seldan's words, she tenses some. In hindsight, maybe it isn't best that she's here... though it would be rude and conspicuous to just rush out.

Making it past the Deusite guards thanks to the distractions provided, Bannon makes his way into the Temple, his eyes immediately going to the Deva and catching him off guard. He pauses for a long moment, then pushes forward through the crowd to stand next to Morgan. His voice drops to a whisper and he asks, "Is that what I think it is?"

Morgan snaps out of her nerd trance when Lin holds her hand tight as she then looks to Bannon and nods "One of the highest order of Elunas."

The celestial being looks around at all the people gathered, taking note of them each in turn. It's gaze is like a solid weight that can see into your soul. Lastly, it returns its attention to Seldan. "SALINA CAN NOT SEE INTO THIS PLACE WHILE THE PRESENCE OF THIS ONE REMAINS." The angel states, as if to a question unasked. "NOR HAS SHE EVER LEFT THE PLACE WHERE SHE HAS RESTED FOR THESE LONG YEARS."

Stjepan centers his gaze on the deva, waiting without expression -- wearing his intimidation as flat affect. He blinks twice at the statement, a line appearing between his eyebrows.

Bannon blinks, looking askance towards Morgan, his voice as emphatic as his adds, "That's not what I thought it was!" He looks towards the celestial and continues in a whisper, "I thought a particularly crazy Luckbringer finally did it and succeeded at casting Light on someone."

Serene had already been on the way to the temple when the bright light appeared, spilling out into the plaza. An already determined pace was thus pushed further to bring her into the temple itself. She isn't challenged by the guards; possibly due to her stature but more likely due to the presence of the celestial being. The view of which stops Serene up short like few other things would. Her eyes widen from her place behind the growing crowd as she sees it and for a moment, just a moment, she hesitates. Surprise? Suspicion? Awestruck? A combination of the three? The hesitation passes as she makes Eluna's sign, then drops to her knee as well to bow her head, whispering something under her breath. Much is implied in those words, which was much more than he was expecting, judging by Seldan's entire reverent bearing and startled demeanor, and for those who can see it, the expression he wears. "Rested?" he blurts out despite himself, then quickly reconsiders. Of course. "Does the place where she rests lie upon Ea, in the fae realms, or in another place?"

Kira's initial reaction to the words is startled relief. A question never asked, but the answer is comforting all the same. The rest of it, though, leaves her very confused. Even what she knows, firsthand or otherwise, it doesn't seem.... Then where would... She watches and listens intently, now, as Seldan has the resilience and thought to ask questions that should be asked.

Linwen is not a paladin. She once tried but failed but she still has a paladin's heart if not their patience. She finally let's go of Morgan's hand and without a word stands and then gets to her knees in respect for the entity here, bowing her head, and folding her hands before her in perhaps silent prayer?

Morgan chuckles at what Bannon says "No, that is easy to do." but looks back to the show going on. Her looks then goes to Linwen as she bows with concern.

Ygraine isn't at all sure *what* she should be doing with regard to an angelic Elunan power from beyond the bounds of the world... but the Eldanar can't help but wonder idly if there might be some connection between the Celestial and her own people's distant past. Certainly, it doesn't help to bring her out of her stunned (and eavesdropping) daze.

Linwen remains on her knees in prayer but a small smile acrosses her lips as she feels a warm embrace in her mind of encouragement.

Bannon smirks towards Morgan, "Not sure about that. If it were the case, people would be running around with rudely glowing bits. It would be fantastic." He then turns his attention back to the Deva taking up well-lit space in the Elunite temple, and for a moment, the swashbuckling airman looks very concerned.

Morgan smirks "Tonight we will get you a shot of that drink I told you about and I will make you glow. But for now lets behave as my girlfriend here is having a moment and I do not want to ruin it for her." said to Bannon before she walks close to Linwen and places a hand on her shoulder.

The celestial being is silent for a long time. Perhaps too long. Then finally it responds in a voice that echoes through the temple. "SHE RESTS IN THE FAE REALM. AS SHE EVER HAS."

Seldan holds his breath as the silence stretches out, but when the answer comes, he only nods. He had expected that, but the confirmation is helpful. He, too, thinks for a moment. "Does she watch and plot for us, or does she believe herself safe?" Again, that lock of hair falls in his eyes, but even with that, he cannot quite seem to look -at- the deva, raising his eyes only enough to show where his attention lies.

Kira's lips purse at this news. Maybe it does make sense, in retrospect, considering the few ... others she's met were visited, not visiting. This brings to her mind many other questions, but now most definitely isn't the place and time for her to ask. Her eye is towards a spot on one of the rugs shortly before her rather than to the pool. Her silence also continues, both of these as much due deference as numerous thoughts.

For her part, Ygraine gets as far as gently biting a knuckle, eyes wide as she tries to drink in what she's seeing...

Bannon shakes his head, "The hell you will, Morgan. I can't remember if I was singing of everyone else was singing the last time I drank that stuff." He blinks, and then squints, "He's really working the unruly hair angle for all its worth ain't..." He looks towards Morgan, blinks, looks around and then spots her a few feet away, "Oh, congratulations." He looks back towards the angel, grunts, and falls quiet to watch how this plays out.

"HER PLOTTING HAS NEVER CEASED FOR A MOMENT. NOR IS SHE UNWISE ENOUGH TO CONSIDER HERSELF SAFE FROM HER ENEMIES." The celestial is scanning the crowd again, it's gaze rising and falling.

Morgan eyes get soft when the talk of the Fae realm is mentioned but her grip hardens on Linwen's shoulder a little but not in the hurting area. When the summoned Deva speaks she mutters "Just like my grandmother."

"What can you warn us, of that which she plans?" This time, Seldan's question is immediate, and from that and his nods, he'd suspected that as well.

Sadly, these answers aren't surprising to Kira. She would dare to hope otherwise, but maybe never ask the questions. She lifts her head and eye some, now, towards Seldan, the pool, and the honored guest. When she gets the sense of the celestial looking over those gathered, though, she shifts her eye to Seldan.

There's a long moment of hesitation then, and then the distinct impression that the Deva is speaking but... not out loud. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

Stjepan folds his arms across his chest, listening curiously. At the last, not-out-loud piece, he hides a grin behind his even-more-impassive-for-serious face.

Serene slowly rises to her feet and opens her eyes again. Eyes that linger on celestial still. And her face is... subtly different. Still hard edged, still stern, still unsmiling.. but now, for the moment at least, it is almost like she is at peace. Then she gives herself a little shake. She recognizes Seldan as the one conversing with the being, and then slowly takes note of the others watching. Her eyes tighten and then, bowing her head now to the Deva, she turns about and departs from the temple grounds.

Seldan's head lifts, and his eyes go wide - whatever the Deva said, he heard it. A few blinks, and he nods. "I do. Your caution is well-taken." A long pause." Is she in possession of any of the objects buried with the being known as Nenarulo Calanalata, and does any link exist between the two beings, to your knowledge?"

"YES." A simple answer, and a short one, but one that the being does not seem to feel needs to be expanded upon.

Morgan Seldans question gets her notice the most and the the reply "Oh my." is all she says to herself.

The set of Seldan's shoulders, to those to whom his back is turned, stiffens, and he draws a deep breath before nodding. Apparently, that answer holds quite a bit for him, and not all of it good. "I see. That bears more looking into, and you have my thanks for that." He closes his eyes briefly. "Is the demon known to me as Eclavdran likely to leave in peace, if Salina is destroyed, or does he have other plans?"

She is where she may be most powerful, but is wary, ready, and continues to further her own plans. This isn't heartening to Kira at all, but, again, isn't surprising. She finally breaks her silence to answer the question, albeit in a whisper mostly to herself. "Yes." The celestial seemed to know her concerns without her voicing them, so it's reasonable that it would know her answer without it being aloud, either.

"DEMONS ARE NOT KNOWN FOR PEACE, BUT YOU HAVE A WORDLESS ANSWER THAT IS A BETTER REPLY FOR THAT QUESTION." Answers the angel cryptically before continuing. "YOU HAVE NOT ANGERED ELUNA IN ANY WAY SELDAN, OR THIS ONE WOULD NOT BE HERE. WE ARE A REMINDER. SEEK HEALING FROM YOUR KIN. THE ANSWER YOU SEEK LIES IN THEIR CLAWS."

Morgan listens to what is said "Seek healing from your kin." Though the statement was not to her it is striking something deep inside her own mind.

It's a good thing for Seldan that his back is turned to most people, but his head very obviously and clearly bows at that, accepting the answer wordlessly. "Then I am honored and grateful," is all he manages. Silence hangs for a good, long moment, but he says nothing else, until, "I can think of nothing further ... save only, if there are others present who would aid me in the hunt for Salina, would you aid them as well?"

Morgan steps up and for a change "I Morgan Whitewave Loremaster of the 6th circle will assist you Seldan." The joval side is not present as she speaks and for all who know her well this is a bit different for her.

The celestial thinks for a long moment and then turns its bright eyes on Kira. "KIRA. COME FORTH." It beckons her with a hand. "TELL US. WILL YOU AID SELDAN IN HIS QUEST TO BRING DOWN SALINA?"

Linwen snaps out of her prayer at the sound of her girlfriend's voice being so formal. The thought of Morgan getting involved deeper in such a dangerous objective. She immediately looks worried. The many talks she has had and overheard about this task to come worries her.

Kira can't help but smile some at the angel's encouragement to Seldan. It is reassuring to her, too, as she'd begun to worry that events had taken too much of a toll on all of them. That it is a very short thought as to whom kin with claws might be only adds to her smile. If only he and Cryo could be free of..

Her line of thought doesn't stop, but her head lifts as a question begins to form to- She blinks as she's called out. Should she have just asked silently?

She steps forward now, still a bit unsettled from the surprise, clearing her throat. "I would. It is my calling to aid all in need. Even if it were not, he is a friend..." a slight pause "But I worry my presence puts everyone at more risk. Salina has marked myself and others, that grant her awareness and ... I don't know what more. Can they be removed? Blinded? how?"

Surprise colors Seldan's features at the callout, and he looks up and around, eyes a little wide in the way of one who had not realized that someone was present. He blinks a few times in the bright light, straining to see, but he can hear well enough, so he returns his attention to the angel above the reflecting pool, again lowering his eyes a little.

"IF YOU GIVE YOUR WORD BY YOUR GODDESS AND THE LIGHT OF ELUNA THAT YOU WILL AID HIM, THE GRACE OF HER WILL FREE YOU." He motions Kira forward again, and this time the priestess who has been bowed motionless through this rises somewhat and turns toward Kira, her own hands hurrying the other woman forward. "AS THIS ONE STANDS HERE, NONE CAN INTERFERE. THE GRACE OF ELUNA ILLUMINATES."

Morgan feels left out that the Deva did not talk to her "Well my offer to help stands." With that said she stands next to Linwen.

Linwen gets up off her knees and kind of steps forward of Morgan just a tad and kind hides her a little with her left shoulder, almost as if protecting her from the Deva.

Kira steps with a more hustle, now, as risk of offense overrides her initial surprise and awkwardness. Getting shuffled along by the High Priestess helps a great deal, too. Once before the angel, priestess, Seldan, the temple (and both Eluna and Althea? (no pressure)), she kneels.

"I give my word, by The Healer's Grace and The Seer's Light, that I will aid Seldan, and anyone else, against Salina." Kira's words are firm, if not loud, and certainly not so compared to the celestial. She spares a brief sidelong glance towards Seldan and then back to the Deva... or more the pool below it.

Though the priestess is the one that reaches out to touch Kira, the Deva reaches out in the same way. As though echoing the priestess movements. Her hand is unnaturally warm, and she kneels, other hand wrapping around Kira as if embracing her. The pain is sharp and immediate, but with it an odd sense of relief. Like a boil being lanced. Warmth is left in its wake, and the priestess steps back once more, her eyes sightlessly taking in Kira's features briefly before moving backwards. "YOU HAVE BEEN HEARD MORGAN. YOUR AID IS ACCEPTED. AS IS YOURS KIRA. MAY YOU HEROES SUCCEED IN YOUR VENTURE." The angel turns his eyes on Seldan last looking the paladin over. "THE END OF THE ROAD YOU ARE ON, YOU MAY FIND LEADS A PLACE YOU DO NOT EXPECT. REMEMBER THAT VENGEANCE IS NOT THE DUTY OF A KNIGHT, AND THAT THERE IS MERCY IN THE LIGHT."

With that, there is a sudden burst of light, and the celestial... is gone.

Linwen turns to Morgan with a frown and takes her hands. "Please.. please be safe. I wish I could help you but I am not strong enough..."

Seldan does not move at once, absorbing the final words of the deva in contemplative silence. When he can see again, he rises, very, very slowly, and turns first to the High Seeress. "High Seeress, the Dreamer and you both have my gratitude for the unexpected blessing. I..." He trails off, then looks over at Kira. "A moment of your time, Sentinel, ere you leave," he says, before turning back to the High Seeress, his entire bearing diffident.

Morgan looks to Lin "I plan on it my dear." she takes her hand and then adds "You are worth coming back home for." she gives a soft smile pulling closer to her "And I bet with out my magic you could take me down in a fair fight."

Bannon takes another step towards the Deva, but then without warning, the celestial being disappears. There's a moment where Bannon seems shocked, his eyebrow raising, before a series of expressions play across his face. Hurt, anger, spite, and then clenching of his jaw until his face returns to neutrality. He then turns, walking towards the door with a casual, "Check for jobs with the guild, check. Grocery shopping, check. Visit the Temple of Tarien to donate a joke, check. See a celestial, check. Rage drink, working on it. I'm making such great progress through today's to do list."

Though the words are there, his heart just doesn't seem into it, and he quickly makes his disappearance, which isn't hard to do given the circumstances.

The priestess nods politely to Seldan and Kira before turning. "Eluna's light shine upon you both." With that she is quickly disappearing into the temple. She has other things to attend to after all.

Linwen hugs Morgan to her tightly, cheek to cheek. "You come home... you are the most powerful mage I know.... I know you will be fine. I am going to head back to my place. I have to get ready for guard duty this evening. Will you be okay without me?"

Morgan nods "With you gone I will get up to my normal trouble." she gives a wink "But stay safe yourself."

Any who know Kira would know she's never one to turn down hugs, even when they're completely unexpected. That's more than a little oversimplification of what happened with the High Seeress, of course, and Kira is left a bit shocked. Then comes the flash of light and vanishing of the celestial almost immediately after. "Thank you..." she manages to get out, earnestly, before the priestess must also return.

This leaves her looking to Seldan after she rises, still somewhat ...awed? shocked? overwhelmed? She nods to him, answering with a genuine, if shaken smile, "Of course."

Linwen nods and turns half away then stops. Then turns back and gives Morgan a quick kiss on the lips with a blush as she is still not use to this relationship thing... especially with another woman... she lets go of the hands and heads out quickly.

Morgan smiles as she takes a seat just in case any one needs her.

Seldan waits until most have gone, and much of the crowd has dissipated, and then turns to Kira, looking her over soberly. "I welcome the aid of all, Sentinel. It is as I have said. I hold no quarrel with you, save that which has already been spoken and laid aside, and Eluna's grace has laid my final concern to rest."

"We haven't agreed on all things, Silver Guard," Kira notes, smile present and pleasant, "but there was never a time I would not aid you in this, or most anything else. I've been worried, as I said, that I was more risk than help. Now, by Eluna's Light, that is one less worry."

Seldan's answering smile is ready enough, and more genuine than it has been. "Then let us leave that which lies between us and another. We cannot permit that to hinder the hunt for Salina. There are things I would tell you of what the angel said, but ... it is in my mind that both of us may benefit from seeking prayer." He turns a little, spotting Morgan waiting. "You also have my gratitude for your aid, Loremaster. We will find ourselves in need of it swiftly enough."

Morgan gives a nod and floats a piece of paper to him "My address come to my house or send word when you want me."

Kira nods to Seldan. "This is larger than any of us," she agrees, "and there is a lot of thanks and wisdom to offer and seek. You know where you can find me when you want to share more."

-End