There is a LOT going on. It probably would be a smart idea to use the OOC to streamline things (I mean it kinda is there for that partly). I feel my part has a lot going on although Anise has been fairly straightfoward overall.
As for the part about choosing three awesome things... well oh man... that's hard because everything that's gone on with Anise I care about.
Anise is pretty good with letting us all know exactly what she wants, so I have few worries there. ;) I'm probably going to leave it up to you to utilize the powers of the lantern and the mask, though. I have trouble thinking of a lot of variables at once. For example if you want to try using the mask to see if there's something moving around her -- or you think some geographical knowledge might help -- that's worth a note and a response in the OOC. Same with the lantern, tell me when you think the lantern could help her IC and I'll expand on the scene. You just don't have to roll for it, unless you want to. XD
The Lord of Shadows guy sounds interesting, so is he like... A villain? Or...? Is there a way to fix the sad shadow/lost souls thing? I feel sad for them.
Ok, the story behind the Lord of Shadows: in the old times he was a servant of the Dragon (along with the other Lady of the Pond, the Lord of Flame, the Lady of the Wind, etc). When the world was plunged into darkness and the Dragon was gone (we still don't know which order that happened) the Lord of Shadows found himself with all the power of the constant darkness. He's gotten greedy over the years, and has basically declared himself the new ruler of the world. It is in his best interest to keep the Dragon from returning, because he wants to keep his power. He is not inherently evil, though -- just greedy.
I should also note that the Lords and Ladies will do things for people who offer equal payment in return. Simon nearly drowned himself, therefore the Lady of the Pond put out the fire. Simon offered Rhea's eyesight, so the Lord of Shadows stopped Anise. But Simon had better pay up, or else. ;)
Ok, the shadows! Everyone who dies does not actually die. They are doomed to walk the world as spirits forever. The longer they're dead, the weaker their minds become. Those with weak minds can be manipulated.
The Lady of the Pond can give spirits the form of water (the water panthers) and have them do her bidding. The Lord of Shadows can give them the form of darkness and bend them to his will. Simon can give them a physical presence by burning a spirit flower, but he can't manipulate them, only request their help. Anise can only manipulate spirits that have already been given a form.
I can think of three fates for the spirits that would be better than this: they could be allowed to pass on into death, they could be brought back to life, or they could be transformed into guardian spirits or something. Possibly the lanterns could help with this. I'm open to suggestions!
Why do I complicate things. Sigh! XD