"Of course," she nods, though her gaze rests on Eb for a few moments.

The kitchens aren't enormously full, but there's enough for a very satisfying meal for six people who've been fighting all day.

Are there any oathbreakers lingering? Celes may be able to help clear them out, if so.

No, they were pretty thoroughly slaughtered. They think there are still some Scarlet Chorus scouts hiding nearby to spy, though, and would appreciate help tracking them if she's skilled in that vein.

She has some small talent, yes.

Excellent! They'd like some captives, but they're not expecting to learn much from interrogating any, so no need to take any risks for it. This part of the area they're relatively confident is clear; this other direction there are probably still some spies.

She'll see what she can do.

Starting from the top of the spire, so they have less of a chance to see her coming.

Some of them are looking up. There was that whole 'Spire flashed with light and then had spirals of light climbing it' thing. But they're not expecting anyone to be looking at them from above, so several aren't hidden at all from a bird's eye view.

In an hour or so, she can find eight scouts scattered around the area.

A hawk dives down, a snake slithers away, and shortly a scout tips over, paralyzed by a snakebite to the ankle. She'll be generous and leave two for interrogation- the others, she eats their hearts and claims their faces.

The soldiers are pretty pleased to have some prisoners! Thanks, Celes, you're a cool and helpful probably-Archon.

She is, rather.

What are the other important people up to?

Eating dinner, mostly.

Also sniping at each other, mostly over past rivalries, with varying degrees of heat to the comments. If you'd listen, you'd learn

- Barik and Verse have history beyond just the Disfavored/Chorus rivalry but don't like talking about it

- There were significant grudges between Lantry's mage-guild (Sages) and Eb's (Tidecasters), and Eb is not willing to let them go at all

- Eb may have sworn to be loyal, but she's going to shit-talk both Chorus and Disfavored endlessly anyway

- Verse thinks Lantry is weak and useless

Not exactly perfectly harmonious. Less contentious than some, still.

"Celes! What were you up to?"

"Making new friends and killing them. Not necessarily in that order."

His eyebrows raise. "Anyone we know?"

"You tell me." And she shifts into the form of one of the scouts.

He startles, as does Eb

...and Verse. Who looks a mixture of shocked, disgusted, and afraid.

"Your gang, Verse?"

"No. Just reminds me of the Voices."

She shifts back to her own face. "I see."

"He takes minds. And voices, obviously. He's a monster. And completely insane."

Barik nods emphatically.

"I am not completely insane, of that I can assure you."

"Extremely reassuring," he says dryly.