Ruined Fort
The summit of Mt. Dronnel is a desolate location. A few crumbling walls are all that remain of an ancient fort that once held back the hordes of Diphath according to some legends, where Dronnel made his last stand to protect Babel. Dark mosses cover many of the fallen stones, the only living things to be seen in a setting that feels more haunted than any cemetery.

Ashe and Aster arrive early at the former's insistence. The Yodhzakaro checks the area thoroughly, pointing out the places with the deepest shadows to Aster. "You can hide things more thoroughly where there is already shadow, can you not?" Ashe asks the newest Yodhzakaro.

"I should be able to, yes. I can also move things between the shadows, but that requires a lot more effort to accomplish. Why do you ask? You're not planning an ambush, are you?" Aster inquires with a tone of concern.

"I'm planning for escape," Ashe claims, and goes to the shadowed side of some stacked blocks and brushes her hands together. This causes flakes of ash and powder to come loose and fall to the ground. She does this with nearly all of her fur, until she's shaken out a small pile.

"Escape from what? Those that are coming are not enemies," Aster points out as she watches this odd display of dirt. She also resists the suggestion that Ashe might need a bath.

"Of course they are not," Ashe says. "But I also did this when you came poking around. I can do no less for The Avenger."

"It's a bit rude," Aster points out, "I almost left." Still, she ends up just shrugging a bit. "What do you need me to do?"

"Obscure us if we need to flee," Aster says. "We're the ones with the best control of our affinities. We can't depend on him being distracted by our nakedness. But also be prepared to flirt. I am not exactly.. charming."

"He's not particularly in to flirting from all I've heard. A bit, well, cold in that respect," Aster admits. "And he's not particularly charming, either according to my sources and initial impressions."

"That doesn't mean you can't try," Ashe says as she finishes shedding her supply of ash and soot. "Maybe he has a secret desire to be wooed by the prettiest Yodh of each Sister!" she suggests.

"I think not. And besides, how would that even work for some group like the Yodhgorphat?" Aster has to point out. "Also, wouldn't a bag of soot be more practical?"

"A Yodhzakaro carrying a bag would be suspicious," Ashe points out. "If I was going to go around carrying things I'd have set up little campfires and let them burn down yesterday, but that would show too little trust. This is just enough to prove we are not fools."

Aster thinks not carrying supplies shows a bit of foolishness in being unprepared ... but she doesn't voice that. Not that by being naked they're already pretty suspicious, at that. "So, since you mentioned flirting, are you intending to seal any agreements you may reach with him by bedding him?" Aster has to ask.

"No," Ashe says. "I'd offer you for that sort of thing if it was likely," she claims. "We're Yodh. If we make a deal, the other party knows not to break it."

"I expect it is pretty unlikely. And besides, as your role as the defacto leader, well," Aster says and shrugs again. "Hopefully it won't come up."

"He does know that he needs to be naked to negotiate fairly, doesn't he?" Ashe asks Aster. "At least, that's how it used to be, when our services were in high demand."

"I do not think that was mentioned, no. You can ask him, though," Aster says, and grins. "But do you really want to see naked mages? It's usually not a pretty sight."

"What's prettiness have to do with it?" Ashe asks. "It's about confidence and not hiding anything. People are usually less likely to get violent when their bits are exposed."

Ashe moves over to another fallen stone, and sits down so that she's facing the direction of the Guild Tower.

"That has nothing to do with confidence and more to just do with not getting sensitive places hit," Aster points out. She settles down on a nearby stone and glances towards the tower too. "I'm surprised you didn't bring one of your beefcake guards along," she admits. "Not that any is needed, they're not going to try anything odd."

"Bringing bodyguards is a sign of weakness," Ashe claims. "And muscle isn't likely to be any use against mind magic. We're made our preparations, and I am sure that the Avenger will have spells prepared as well."

"Maybe. He hasn't prepared them when dealing with the Barsunala. At least not in the recent past anyway," Aster says. "They trust each other, I suppose."

"That is our other defense," Ashe claims. "If any side betrays the other, they will answer to the Barsunala. Preparing for such is more of a courtesy, to show that we respect each other's abilities."

"Okay, that I can understand and makes sense," Aster concedes. "So, have you ever met him?"

"Not in person, but I saw him on the Night of Vengeance," Ashe says, scanning the sky. "He is a man of faith, despite being a mage."

"And the Barsunala?" Aster asks next. "I have, obviously. He's just, well, odd."

"I have not seen him, no," Ashe says. "I'm not the official High Priestess after all, just the acting one."

"So? I don't think that particularly bothers him. He's not very, well, Babelite," Aster tries to explain. "Nor particularly imposing or terrifying unless he wants to be."

"Death isn't supposed to be terrifying," Ashe claims. "The Barsunala is a companion to us from the day we are born until we breathe our last. We just don't get properly introduced until the end."

"No need to rush, it is enough for now that he has noticed us," Ashe claims, and squints. "I think I see them."

Aster focuses her ears in that direction and also ends up squinting. She also stands, just in case. "Just please remember they are not enemies," she reminds as well.

Ashe stands as well for the two incoming flyers. Both are wearing 'civilian' clothes, which neither seems to wear well. Cyprian is in a simple tunic and breeches, and his companion is similarly dressed, save for the addition of a large canteen on her belt. Aster recognizes Gloria, the Caroban Watch member from Tursdi, who looks very uncomfortable without her semi-armored uniform. Before saying anything, Cyprian bows his head and mouths what feels like a prayer, before focusing on Ashe. "Hail, Yodhzakaro," he says.

Aster remains mostly silent and instead bows her head to Cyprian and Gloria. Those two are the main people of the discussion; she and Gloria are just ... backup. She is surprised, though he didn't bring another mage.

Cyprian does look Aster up and down, but if she seems familiar he doesn't remark. "I've come representing the Mages of Babel," he says. Babel and not the Guild, apparently. "I am hopeful that we and the Yodhzakaro can have a mutually beneficial relationship."

Gloria is clearly not used to treating with naked people, as her ears blush whenever she looks at either of the Yodh.

"I am curious as to what sort of relationship that can be," Ashe says. "The policies of the Coalition have driven those of us that remain into hiding."

Aster arches her eyebrow questioningly at that look-over, she also glances to Ashe to see if she's going to introduce herself, or not. Since Ashe is the leader, more or less, Aster doesn't want to interject and insult. Her eyes then flick towards Gloria, and is trying to sense their auras.

Cyprian's is hidden, unsurprisingly. Gloria's is a confusion of colors, meaning she's probably confused mentally as well.

"My companion is not a mage," Cyprian says, introducing Gloria. "This is Gloria Selkirk from far off Tursdi, a member of the Caroban Watch and hopefully one who can help bridge the gap between the Mages and the Yodhzakaro."

"Yodhzakaro Aster," Aster introduces herself to Gloria since she's a not-mage. "There is no need to be nervous if you are both here on good faith. Although Sister Ashe tells me that you should both be naked."

"This isn't a formal negotiation yet," Cyprian claims. "More of a friendly meeting to get to know one another, and what we might offer each other."

"And that is the question, isn't it?" Ashe suggests. "What can we offer each other, when one group has been forbidden from our people?"

"My understanding is that it is illegal to commission the Yodhzakaro in the maintenance of the enchantments which support the towers," Cyprian explains. "No religious services are forbidden at this time."

Aster holds up her hands. "Please try to refrain from accusations, or being defensive. It won't help," she offers, "The situation is not due to the Avenger or the mages he represents."

Ashe bites back something, and then nods. "Unfortunately, to make one of our traditional services illegal has sent a powerful message," she says. What she doesn't mention is the razing of their Temple, but that's not the Mages fault. "The more talented among us have struck out on their own. So I am curious as to what you think we can offer."

For now, Aster remains quiet. While she may have some idea, she can't show she does as she shouldn't know the things Alptraum does.

"Well then," Cyprian says, and turns to Gloria. "Miss Selkirk, please demonstrate your gift."

The girl removes the canteen from her belt, and drinks from it, only blow the water out in a spray.. which crystallizes into snowflakes.

"Precisely," Cyprian says. "She came to us hoping to become a Mage, but her natural affinity means that she cannot master formal magic, and we cannot help her develop her one ability."

"Why can she not master formal magic?" Aster has to ask. She still doesn't understand why that would matter at all.

"We don't know why," Cyprian says. "Perhaps it is because she was born with this specific ability, which does not depend on spellcasting. And it cannot be.. restrained, or set aside so that she might learn air or water magic, which would be related."

"Think of it as trying to plant a flower in the shade of a tree," Cyprian suggests. "It would be very difficult without cutting down the tree."

"No," Cyprian says. "But it would be worth finding out if the traditional methods of the Yodhzakaro could help her to enhance the affinity that she has. In return, the mages could test any Yodhzakaro which do not have affinities and might struggle with performing miracles for the potential to learn formal magic."

"That's all well and good, but how does that help us reconnect with the people of the city? Or for that matter, get food?" Aster asks next. She glances at Ashe and says, quieter, "Sorry."

"We can provide some material aid if that's what's needed now," Cyprian says. "But if we can show that we can directly benefit each other by training the otherwise untrainable from each group, then someday we could all work side by side in Babel. If nothing else, showing cooperation in public would help the reputation of both Yodhzakaro and Mages."

"There are also some arts around archiving that might be beneficial to the people of Babel as a whole as well," Aster offers, and glances to Ashe as she adds, "As a skill that doesn't conflict with the current ... rules."

"They are like ... talking golem heads?" Aster tries to explain. "So imagine a family being able to record a history, in the voice of the one that lived it."

"I can see how that would be incorporated into a House of the Dead," Cyprian says.

"It is not an easy process," Ashe points out. "The archivist must impress themselves and their memories into the bust as they sculpt it."

"I've heard of Expedition technology that managed something similar," Cyprian says. "Are you suggesting that such things could be made public?"

"Access would need to be limited, if such were the case!" Ashe insists. "The busts would need to be instructed not to reveal our secrets."

"But valuable," Aster counters. "And another possibility that would more directly benefit the people of the city."

"It does not need be of our archive busts, but of new ones," Aster points out to Ashe.

"I know several Mages who would give up a Sphere's worth of hot breakfasts to access the ancient history of Babel," Cyprian notes. "Is it possible for non-Yodhzakaro to attempt the process?"

"I would need to consult with the archivist," Ashe says. "There is a degree of sympathetic bonding involved in the creation of the busts. Witchcraft, after a manner."

"It is merely a suggestion to consider. It need not be decided now," Aster points out to Ashe.

Gloria looks at Aster. "I knew Babel was different, but this is all... practically Sylvanian."

"And?" Aster asks of Gloria. "Is that a ... problem? The Barsunala's recent form grew up there."

"I am surprised that the Mages Guild didn't just have you executed for being able to use an affinity," Ashe tells Gloria.

"Before the war.. that likely would have been the case, if she hadn't come to us first," Cyprian admits. "Even then, she would have had proscriptions placed on her using the ability."

"I know that I might have been restricted to only using it on small fishing boats," Gloria mumbles. "I didn't think my trick would prevent me from learning proper magic."

"Hedge wizards and such with powerful affinities have used them to attack or conquer isolated communities in the past," Cyprian says. "Especially in Sylvania, Tursdi and the adjoining wilderness areas. Gloria's ability isn't exactly destructive, and has a practical use in preserving food in limited amounts."

"We aren't here to go over the transgressions of the past," Cyprian says. "but how we can work together for the future."

"So, what's next? There seems to be options here, and no one is trying to harm the other," Aster asks as she looks between Ashe and Cyprian. "Do you want us to 'evaluate' Gloria?"

"Hmmm," Ashe goes. "In the past I would have been offended by the suggestion that Mages should test the Yodhzakaro for magical aptitude," she says, and looks at Gloria. "Is she willing to become a Yodhzakaro?"

"For now, we should limit ourselves to case-by-case evaluations before going further," Cyprian says.

"So, you will need to perform the tests without the backing of Zakaro," Ashe tells Gloria. "And any Yodhzakaro that agree to evaluation will not become mages," she says to Cyprian.

"Obviously this is not Guild sanctioned," Cyprian says. "But the Guild pays little attention to Babel."

"What?" Ashe asks Aster, as if such a thing just couldn't happen. "We could not stop them from such a path. But they would be expected to support themselves in pursuing such an education."

"I think we should focus on the skills that are critical in this case," Cyprian says. "Earth magic."

"Why? The Yodhzakaro are not allowed to enact such magics anymore as it has been pointed out," Aster says.

"But they are not prohibited from participating in the rituals performed by Earth Mages," Cyprian says with a grin. "A loophole. Master Earth Mages need to bring along several apprentices to help with the rituals as it is, which is expensive. Being able to tap into local talent, even if it is only for raising the energy, would show Yodh and Mages working side by side."

"I can see the use in that," Ashe admits. "It shows that we are still a part of the most important magic in Babel."

"Are there any sorts of magic that the Yodhzakaro can't perform due to agreements with the other Yodh?" Cyprian asks.

"And trust," Aster offers. "The Barsunala told me the mages in the Tower see Babel as their home too; one that hates them. But that in spite of that they still want to help. It's better to try something that for each of us to sit in our safe places, alone."

"Well, anything that deals with death would be off limits as that is Sunala's purview," Aster offers, "I imagine anything to do with disease would be off limits as that's Gorphat's domain."

"Healing and inflicting illness," Ashe confirms, nodding to Aster. "Scrying was prohibited as well for a time, but no longer."

"Yes, the people want to see the Yodhzakaro at work," Cyprian says. "So there is a benefit to the Mages to be seen with them."

"She showed us the snow thing," Aster reminds. "Were you wanting more ... here?"

"I can freeze water within about twenty feet of me," Gloria claims. "But.. only water. And only freezing. I can't chill water or melt ice. I can't freeze a lot of water all the way through unless I can see it.. like, if it's in a glass bottle."

"Only water that I'm touching or can see," Gloria tells Aster. "I can't see blood.. well, if someone is bleeding I can but I don't think I can freeze what I see of it. I.. don't know why anyone would want to freeze blood though?"

"I can't do salt-water, so I probably can't do blood," Gloria claims. "I can't freeze moving water. I've tried with rain before. Also tried with sweat, but that's also too salty. I haven't been able to shape ice."

"Yes!" Gloria answers. "Originally I had to be touching it. Now I just need to see it.. and it's close."

"How old were you when you first did it, and what were the circumstances?" Ashe asks next.

"I was.. maybe five years old?" Gloria suggests. "I was taking a bath and the water got slushy and I cried."

"That sounds promising though," Ashe says. "There has been growth over time, without external influence. We may be able to refine your control or strength."

"We will need to choose a place for testing and practice," Cyprian says. "Our current Earth Mage is not a flyer, so that may need to be taken into account."

"What are our options that would be safe for both groups?" Aster asks. "Neutral ownership."

"There are many abandoned watchtowers on rear slopes of the Seven Sisters," Ashe notes.

"Being out of the way would make it easier to move supplies unnoticed," Cyprian seconds.

"Not all of those slopes permit fliers, though," Aster points out. "We would need to choose carefully."

"In case things needed to be flown in and could not be ground carried," she adds.

"Something within the jurisdiction of the Yodhzakaro then," Cyprian says. "We can transport fairly heavy loads by ground routes."

"Then I believe the choice falls to you," Aster tells Ashe. It takes considerable effort to not call her the High Priestess.

"We could use better beetles for our farm, and fruit," Ashe ponders. "I'm not sure what the dragons will require once we have them." She looks back to Cyprian and says, "There is an abandoned tower behind Mt. Zakaro. We can use that."

"Dragons?" Gloria asks. "I'm still learning some of the local idioms.." she notes, as if she misunderstood.

"Does it have any traps?" Aster asks. "Is it reasonably stable?" She then pauses and explains to Gloria, "Weird monsters the Barsunala has access to."

"Traps?" Ashe says. "We'll inspect it. It is a convenient landmark, and any activities can be held outside of it. If it is unstable, then it may be used for practicing your Earth Magic upon."

"I think so," Cyprian says. "It should not be difficult to find, with Gloria scouting ahead," he notes.

"The question is ... does Gloria actually want do do this?" Aster asks. "I understand the Barsunala knows a place that can give her appropriate tattoo work..."

"Huh?" Gloria says, snapping back into focus. "I mean.. yes! I want to see if my ability can be more than just a party trick."

"Those aren't part of it, are they?" Gloria asks. "I thought they were just to look all mysterious and intimidating?"

Aster looks at Gloria, and arches her brow. "You're young. Nothing should be ... sagging," she comments.

Looking to Cyprian, Gloria asks, "You won't be there as well, right? No.. guy mages?"

"That depends on who will be administering any tests," Cyprian says. "Mage Forest is a doe."

"And I suppose it depends on if the Barsunala decides to 'check in' on it," Aster admits.

"I'm a country girl," Gloria claims. "I've grown up around lots of handsome guys."

"I haven't seen the Barsunala naked," Gloria counters. "But I've seen guys.. shirtless. And bathing."

"But not the only naked woman," Gloria claims, crossing her arms. "If I'm naked at all!"

Ashe shakes her head. "Death has a dangerous beauty," she claims. "The Avenger is also handsome, if not so broad shouldered."

"I don't see that my presence is required, until it is time to conduct tests for talent in the Sphere of Mind," Cyprian notes.

"We are not Yodhinala," Ashe reminds Aster. "And nudity can be empowering," she tells Gloria. "Literally, when Zakaro is involved."

"If it's too distracting, it doesn't make sense for me to be naked," Gloria claims. "I doubt the Earth Mage will be naked, after all."

"I've got nothing to hide," Gloria insists. "I'm fit from physical training, and Nordikan so.. robust. I just don't want any men to see me that I have to deal with back at the Guild Tower. That's not much to ask, I think."

"It honestly doesn't matter if you're naked or not," Ashe says. "It's important for Yodhzakaro. But you aren't Yodhzakaro. You're not a mage either."

"Do what is comfortable," Cyprian advises. "If being the only one clothed makes you uncomfortable, then be naked."

"If she decides to join us, she can," Ashe says. "We are not ready to swell our ranks yet, and we don't know if we can help her expand her ability yet."

"I suppose that depends on how long it should take to verify the Tower is safe," Aster admits. "A week? More? Less?" she asks Ashe.

"There's no reason to delay," Ashe says. "Tomorrow is fine. We don't need to use the inside of the tower yet, but I can have it inspected beforehand. It is likely just the stone shell at this point."

"I'll have Mage Forest make her preparations this afternoon so that she is ready in the morning," Cyprian says. "Mage Rostre will probably agree to carry supplies out of curiosity."

"Knowing the proclivities of Naga, she must be a Spirit Mage then," Ashe guesses.

"Was the same at the old Campus here," Ashe says. "We used to keep information on all of the Mages in Babel."

"I just figured she was the one that helped unclog the drain lines," Aster admits.

"We have a Mud Mage for that," Cyprian tells Aster. "And if there is nothing else, then we should return to the tower and make preparations."

"Yes, I'll see to getting the tower inspected and anything making it a home evicted," Ashe pledges. "It was.. nice to meet you, Avenger."

"Even if you were clothed," Aster adds and bows slightly. "Until we meet again."

"One can only hope," Cyprian says, and soon he and Gloria are winging their way back to the city.