Issue 1 Downtime

Miranda winged her way over the marinas, not seeing much promising. Then she caught sight of a small section of a marina that was cleaner than the rest of it. Against her better judgment, she flew down towards the pier, watching the water carefully.

From above Miranda could make out movements within the water, several to be exact. As she watched watery women would rise from the depths to deposit 'trash' on to the nearest dock or shoreline.

"Well, that confirms the water spirits," she muttered landing on the ground just off the pier, debating whether to risk stepping out onto the structure.

As her feet touched the ground three figures rise from the river. The center figure stepping forward, she looked familiar, older, brighter a sword across her back.

"Peace and welcome, child. Are you hungry?" She asked as the left figure stepped forward and offered a bowl of steaming stew. "Take, eat your fill." She said softly. "Are you thirsty?" leader spoke again as the woman from the right stepped forward offering out a large wooden blow of water. "Take, drink your fill." She said.

"I am content," she said, waving the offering away and pointedly not thanking the spirits. She 'eyed' the one in the middle, "Would you state your intention here?"

The two bowed their heads and stepped back into the water, disappearing with their offerings. The center figure became water, falling away into the river as Vivienne stepped on to the dock and moved towards Miranda.

"To serve and protect those who survived." She smiled. "Hello again, Daughter of the Raven and Sphinx."

"Daughter of the Lady," Miranda said, nodding respectfully. "It is good to see you." Her hand moved away from where it had strayed towards her sword hilt.

"Caution is wise." She held her hands out palms up towards Miranda. "How can I aid you?"

"Have you come across any boats that are water-worthy? We may have need of one in the future."

"A few have been found, the most damaged beyond repair. Come, I will show you." She stepped off the dock and her "light" dimmed slightly as she touched the ground. "Have you managed to find many others from the school?"

"A few," she said, becoming somewhat evasive. "Some have fared better than others."

"Sadly, very true." She said as they moved along the back towards the sounds of hammering and lively shouting. "The ones that we have salvaged are there. Walk softly, the Dwarven-kin are edgy so close to the water."

"You've brought dwarves across?" She seemed surprised, "You do realize there are elves from Alfheim in the ruins, right?"

"The Norse-kin have, so far, stayed from the water. If they have any sense they will continue to do so. They need clean water just as much as anyone else. Those who were loyal to my mother came and are loyal now to me. I promised them that the Underground would be theirs."

"That's a hefty promise. You have no idea what's down there. Even I'm afraid to venture into the Underground."

"They will not be defenseless and are most eager to find out. They will be charged with clearing it, making it safe again, protecting and guide out any who are foolish enough to venture down there. If they can tame it, I do not see why they should not claim it."

"Have you made any other promises of the land in the city?" There was a slight edge of Miranda's voice.

"I have not, all who are mine need little and are willing to work for it. We serve." She bowed her head.

"Good. Please talk with me before making any more promises. I certainly don't want to short-change you and yours for services, but I've... made it a policy of dealing harshly with certain... interlopers."

"We do no wish to be your rulers, if any need more then what they have already been given, I will come to you. I make no claim on your home...though now it is mine as well."

"In the absence of my mother, I must carry some of her mantle. I'm sure that's something you understand," she said. "And as I said, I don't wish to short change you or yours."

"We have new laws and a new leader. The lessons I learned at the school, the friends that I made shaped me and now it shapes those who are sworn to me. I was and will always be your ally and friend." She offered her hand to Miranda.

Miranda took her hand and shook it gently, "To the people of the ruins, I'm just 'Randa', because that's what they first heard Theresa call me. I'm only the Daughter of the Morrigan when something deserves that attention."

"This is a very familiar conversation." She chuckled. "Randa it shall be, Viv is fine as well. Now, what kind of boat were you looking for?"

"Something that could handle the coast. We may need to see what happened to the University."

"Doagen." She called and a small man trotted over. "This is Randa, ally, friend and speaker for the mortal survivors. She requires a boat that is sea worth, she wishes to travel North to the Duck Pond." The little man stroked his beard. "Got something strong, kelpie power though, it'll spook the closer it gets, need time to mangle up an engine."

"We're not in a hurry. There's still much to do around here. I had forgotten you had the duck pond. Have you been able to sense anything there or is it as screwed up for you as it is for me?"

"The Unseelie run rampant there. The Grey Barrier has holes all over, but it tore the worst there, Mother managed to close most of it, make it one way. I haven't dared to do much more then grabbing any Seelie that manage to pass through and get them back here. Going there in force is on the list of things to do." She smiled.

"Reality is all kinds of messed up there. I've tried looking into the mess and it hurts to try to push my sight through it."

"Perhaps of you had a point to focus on when the time comes. I believe you once told me I was "shiney" in your sight. I will gladly join you when it is time." There was a grunting sort of cheer from the nearest dwarves who'd paused their work and raised their hammers in salute of the idea.

"We'll have to see. Theresa's not... well. And all I have right now is Jennifer and Brigid. Formidable, but... I have responsibilities here."

"I thought as much." She nodded slowly. "Do you know how to use a water mirror?"

"I'm doing good to set up a single barrier ward when Alfheim wanders close and they fry after just one use. That's most of the magic I've managed to piece together."

She smiled and pulled something small an luminescent from her gown. "Find a well polished metal shallow dish, pour clean water, the river water would be best. Place this in the dish and call my name." She handed over a small pearl. "Keep the pearl, it can be reused."

Miranda nodded as she took the pearl, "A good gift." She smiled at Vivienne, "Mum did teach me how to properly deal with your folk. No sense in inadvertently invoking old laws."

"Wise, some of the others are still slow to change. On that note, the food and water were safe." She smiled. "If you happen to like whelk stew."

"One can't be too picky about food these days. I should be getting back. Jennifer has a hard time dealing with Theresa and with Brigid newly arrived, I'm not entirely sure how Theresa will react."

"I understand." She took a step back to accommodate Randa's wings. "I bid you, safe and swift flight."