Slade begins working trying to save Darla from death, he hears Jek's comment and is saddened by her loss but concentrates his efforts on saving his first and best friend.
Dageron awakens lying down, looking upward at Shirin, and the deep blue sky and verdant land all around. "I admit, I did not expect to find a soft-skin in the afterlife. Have I gone to your heaven, or you to mine? Where are we?" He tries to rise, but quickly thinks twice of it, a concussion dizzying his perception badly for a moment.
Slade hears what Jek has said about the Empress but all of his concern right now is for his best, and only friend. "Darla, don't ye worry. Daddy is here and I'll always look after ye." A tear rolls down his cheek as he begins dressing the goose's many wounds. Darla gives a weak hiss in response to his adminitrations. "THATS me darlin, ye rest easy now and soon ye'll be terrorizing all the lands agin."
There are trumpets far in the distance as the Order of the Phoenix gets themselves back together. There is a city, off through the lush green fields, standing in the far distance. A quick glance reveals an airborne force coming up over the walls; huge, majestic birds with riders on their backs rise up into the sky. Even more flying figures can be seen around them, ascending up and over the castle walls; perhaps 8 total flyers can be seen taking to the sky.
Jek smiles as Dageron and Darla seem to start showing some signs of recovery. To Dageron, he says "You aren't dead yet. We're supposed to be in Celestia. But...." He looks at the flyers that are heading there way "They will probably be able to tell us for sure..... I'm barely standing right now. I don't have much left in me. I'm going to rest for now, at least until they get here."
If Slade still needs help with Darla, he will provide it. Otherwise, he'll head back to the Childlike Empress. He will try to make her more presentable, laying her on her back and place her arms crossed over her chest. If she is carrying anything on her, he will take it and place them next to her side in a neat and what seems to be ritualistic fashion. He will then say some soft prayers in celestial to the Bright Lady, for the Childlike Empress and the rest of the fallen.
He will ask aloud, to no one in particular, while still staring at the Childlike Empress. "How long does it take your bodies to fade? For my kind, it's usually about a month. At least that's what I've been told. No one from Utinni have died since my Illumination. At least, no one that I know of."
[If allowed, he'll start taking a short rest. He definitely needs it. ]
Dageron, not getting up, turns his head to look at Jek. "Jek of the Utinni, we do not fade away as you do... best... best we let the oncomers deal with her interment as swiftly as they can." He then resettles his head looking up. "Are you sure we're not dead? I would not mind if I died in such a way. Bravely. Tactically. In battle."
“Certainly alive - regrettably, there are those that did not make it as we have. Those that you see here are those that made it through the portal. The rest remained at the Ivory tower. Hopefully fate is kind to them.” Shirin stands up, facing toward the city - attempting to garner some idea of the flier’s intent. The bright light forces him to squint, though it does little to appease his sensitive eyes.
(Trying to gather whether they are approaching us, and with or without open hostility. Disadvantage because sunlight sensitivity)
Slade finishes making Darla comfortable and turns to the others. "MY kind, rather me mother's people, tend to turn into stone or wood sculptures in death. Me fathers people are buried under the hearts of the old oaks." Slade looks to the distant flyers. "Wonder what they're about..."
Glad to see most that came through the portal had survived his gaze falls on the Childlike Empress. As the group notices the flying figures he turns to look at them and at the group.
If they come for us we cannot escape them on this island. We stood against Vader and we did not break, his hoard of evil did not defeat us.
He starts walking a few paces. We had to leave some behind. Allies.. friends.. Like them, we should have faith. Trust in their choice if your own gives you pauze.
Hrothgars eyes land upon Jek. For there choices carry on with us. He walks to Jek and pulls out something from beneath his armor. Then kneels next to the little lightless Brevon asked me to give this to you He opens his hand and holds out the AURYN. After he takes it Hrothgar will stand up again. Take heart that you are not alone with this burden. He looks back to see the flying creatures again Whatever their intend is we shall face them together.
Hrothgars eyes land upon Jek. For there choices carry on with us. He walks to Jek and pulls out something from beneath his armor. Then kneels next to the little lightless Brevon asked me to give this to you He opens his hand and holds out the AURYN. After he takes it Hrothgar will stand up again. Take heart that you are not alone with this burden. He looks back to see the flying creatures again Whatever their intend is we shall face them together.
Jek looks at the AURYN, then looks up at Hrothgar. He will tentatively take the AURYN. As he takes it, he inhales sharply and stares at the AURYN for a moment, as if entranced. He snaps back to reality, looks up, then back down at the AURYN.
He remembers back to the first day, when Brevon was given the AURYN. He made an illusion of one around his own neck to see what it would look like. He was right then, this was too much responsibility. He will listen to the rest of Hrothgars words, and the weight of the AURYN seems to lighten a bit. A single black ethereal tear will fall as he thinks of Brevon. He tried to follow the path that the Bright Lady set before him, but was blinded by that Red Woman. He was a good man. If Brevon thought that Jek was capable of carrying the AURYN, that that was the will of the Bright Lady, and who was he to deny the path she lays before him. He hopes Brevon survived, but that monster was ruthless. A small part of Jek thinks maybe it would be better to wish him a quick death?
Jek stands and places the AURYN around his neck. He tries to stand tall, but wobbles a bit. He leans on Hrothgar for support. He will look to the others. "I will accept this responsibility to bear the AURYN.... but.... I am not a warrior. In fact, I'm quite the opposite. I do not like fighting. I don't like seeing people get hurt, especially my friends. But, where I lack, you all are strong. We complement each other. I will bear the AURYN, but we are all equals, all friends, all members of the Order of the Phoenix. We may have fallen today, but we will rise from the ashes stronger!" He stumbles a bit as he raises his voice, but catches himself. He chuckles "We will get stronger. But... I'm about to pass out. Unless others think otherwise, I think it's best if we rest and wait for our visitors here. I doubt we can outrun them."
The flyers winged their way across the plains between Skyloft and where the Order of the Phoenix had arrived. They took their time, making no sudden movements as they went up high, then came in low and slow. The Aarakocra landed first; one, a female with a tall white crest was the only one that was armed. She held a golden spear that looked more ceremonial than anything. Another, like an owl, draped in robes and carrying a book, looked at the Childlike Empress and never removed his eyes. His beak clicked together, and he made a series of chirps and squeaks to the female, whose head bobbed up and down very much like a Cockatoo's. The other Aarakocra, a raven that looked very much like a Kenku, clicked his own beak together a time or two as five huge hawks landed in the field not far from the Order of the Phoenix.
"It is her." The Raven said, gesturing toward the body of the Childlike Empress with a feathered hand.
There were five more riders among the Death Hawks. Two slid down from their mounts; another Aarakocra, this one a rooster who didn't sport the wings of his brethren, adorned in bright gold and blue armor but with no weapons, and a Kalashtar woman. Pale skin and platinum hair set her apart from the Dwarf, the Dragonborn, and the Hylian they rode with.
"I sensed her as soon as the rift broke." The Kalashtar said. She was solemn, quiet. She looked sad, in a way, and somehow expectant. "Who are you, gathered here? How is it that you have arrived with the Childlike Empress?"
Jek moves to the front of the group, feeling the weight of the AURYN around his neck.
He will do a small bow to the Kalashtar woman. "Hello, we are the Order of the Phoenix. I am Jek of the Utinni, from the Shem desert. We are some of the chosen of the childlike empress, given a mission of great importance to the world.... So great that she sacrificed herself to see us to safety. " Jek has to stop for a moment to compose himself, and looks down at the body. "Vader has invaded the ivory tower. Cairon and the childlike empress were just able to open the portal here before we all died.... I'm hoping we are on Celestia. I.... saw her fall. I grabbed her, thinking we could save her..." Jek takes a deep breath. He needs to keep it together, he is the AUYRN bearer now. He starts again, looking back up to the Kalashtar. "It has been a long and perilous journey. Can you tell us where we are? Have we made it to Celestia?" Jek tries to keep standing tall, but begins to wavier a bit as he grabs his side. There is still a large wound that he needs to address.
The Cockatoo points at Dageron, and her mohawk of feathers flitters up and down.
"That one is wounded." She says, pointing at him with her spear. "Korine, can you help him?"
The Hylian steps forward and kneels next to Dageron, laying her hands upon his chest. A faint golden glow flows from her hands and into Dageron, healing him.
"Does anyone else need help?" Korine, the Hylian, said.
The Kalashtar listens to Jek as he explains what is happening, or rather, what has happened. The talk goes on beneath a bruised sky, a sky where the suns are already up over the Hyborian horizons but not quite over the horizons of Celestia. The morning light continues to get brighter as the suns climb toward the islands lateral plain.
"I was afraid this day would come." The Kalashtar says as she turns back toward her group. She motions for the Dwarf, who slides off his hawk and walks to her. They talk for a moment in hushed tones, with the Kalashtar looking over her shoulder at the group, then back at her cadre. Then she motioned for the rooster, who stepped forward, muttered a series of soft squawks and clucks to Jek, and then scooped the body of the Childlike Empress into his arms. He looked sad as he turned, moving back toward the hawks.
Korine continues to move about, helping those who need help.
"I am Dintara." She says, finally introducing herself. "We've tried to watch the goings on of the Below for a long time now, and when we felt the rift open...we knew. We came to find you. And I am sorry, truly, for what we have found. Yes Jek Utinni, you have found Celestia, though I wish I could bring you gladder tidings than that. There..."
She motions over her shoulder at the city in the distance.
"...is Skyloft. But I think that you and yours have been through a terrible ordeal. Perhaps, now that you're been partly healed, a trek to the city is in order. You may rest for the time being in the Hall of the Celestials, if you so choose. I'm sure the Elders will wish to speak with you, to hear what you know."
The Dwarf points to the Dragonborn and motions her over with a 'come hither' motion of his hand.
"The Sky is not for you." Dintara says flatly to the group, looking from face to face. "Not now especially. You will have to walk to Skyloft. It is only a couple of miles. You are strong. You can do this. If the Childlike Empress says...said...that your journey is important enough that she gave her life for it, then perhaps the Elders can be of service to you."
The Dwarf conversed softly with the Dragonborn.
The suns finally climbed over the rim of the floating island...and this morning...there were three of them...
Greeting to you, Order of the Phoenix. The name is Amitola Dangria, you may call me Amitola. I have heard your group has had quite the journey to reach Celestia?
"Ye could say that, although I've only just joined meself. Vader an his forces locked me up afore this group helped me get out an with all that's gone on I've found meself running with em since."
"Sounds like quite the start you've had with this group" Amitola chuckles to herself quietly, then walks over, politely reaching her palm out for a proper handshake. "It's a pleasure"
Jek will nod to the rooster and help him respectfully pick up the Childlike Empress. He will listen to what Dintara. "Thank you for your hospitality. We would definitly like to speak to the Elders....just.... we really really need to rest, it has been a long day.... And now the sun is rising again. Oh, I forgot for a moment that there are two suns nowwwwwwwHAT IS THAT? Oh no, oh no, oh no. What did the Sorceress say.... The Great Conjunction... The third Great Conjunction! It's getting closer...... Time is getting shorter....." Jek starts to spiral a bit, then grasps the AUYRN around is neck. He breathes deep, and calms himself a bit. "Sorry.... Uhh, time is of the essence, but there's nothing we can do if we can't think straight. Let us go to Skyloft first, and figure out our next steps there."
Jek nods at Slade's assessment. "It has been quite a day since we met you in the Tower of the Elephant.... Wow, that all happened in one day. I really need to sleep... Oh sorry. Hello Amitola, I am Jek. Are you going to walk with us to the city, or are you taking to the sky with the others?"
Jek will help Dageron to his feet and help any others get ready to travel. Then he will mount Iron-Hoove and starts to the city.
With the flying creatures arriving Hrothgar lets Jek do the talking. Instead he remains focussed on their actions and soon notices they mean them no harm so he lowers his shield.
As the three son's are noticed Hrothgar mumbles to himself Three..Argos should not be that far away... what a strange place
Hrothgar nods as a greeting to Dintara and Amitola I am Hrothgar Densfell, our paths have been different but they all led us here. Perhaps the Elders can aid us in our cause.
He then finds Argento and checks him to see if he is not injured to greatly and looks to the others to see if they are ready to travel.
Hrothgar will take the reigns and walk out in front of his horse Argento and look to his allies. If needed Argento can carry one of you smaller folk.
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Shirin will approach Dageron, kneeling before the unconscious warrior, and saying to Hrothgar, "I will do what I can."
Medicine Check: 15
Slade begins working trying to save Darla from death, he hears Jek's comment and is saddened by her loss but concentrates his efforts on saving his first and best friend.
Medicine 8
Dageron awakens lying down, looking upward at Shirin, and the deep blue sky and verdant land all around. "I admit, I did not expect to find a soft-skin in the afterlife. Have I gone to your heaven, or you to mine? Where are we?" He tries to rise, but quickly thinks twice of it, a concussion dizzying his perception badly for a moment.
Slade hears what Jek has said about the Empress but all of his concern right now is for his best, and only friend. "Darla, don't ye worry. Daddy is here and I'll always look after ye." A tear rolls down his cheek as he begins dressing the goose's many wounds. Darla gives a weak hiss in response to his adminitrations. "THATS me darlin, ye rest easy now and soon ye'll be terrorizing all the lands agin."
There are trumpets far in the distance as the Order of the Phoenix gets themselves back together. There is a city, off through the lush green fields, standing in the far distance. A quick glance reveals an airborne force coming up over the walls; huge, majestic birds with riders on their backs rise up into the sky. Even more flying figures can be seen around them, ascending up and over the castle walls; perhaps 8 total flyers can be seen taking to the sky.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Jek smiles as Dageron and Darla seem to start showing some signs of recovery. To Dageron, he says "You aren't dead yet. We're supposed to be in Celestia. But...." He looks at the flyers that are heading there way "They will probably be able to tell us for sure..... I'm barely standing right now. I don't have much left in me. I'm going to rest for now, at least until they get here."
If Slade still needs help with Darla, he will provide it. Otherwise, he'll head back to the Childlike Empress. He will try to make her more presentable, laying her on her back and place her arms crossed over her chest.
If she is carrying anything on her, he will take it and place them next to her side in a neat and what seems to be ritualistic fashion.He will then say some soft prayers in celestial to the Bright Lady, for the Childlike Empress and the rest of the fallen.He will ask aloud, to no one in particular, while still staring at the Childlike Empress. "How long does it take your bodies to fade? For my kind, it's usually about a month. At least that's what I've been told. No one from Utinni have died since my Illumination. At least, no one that I know of."
[If allowed, he'll start taking a short rest. He definitely needs it. ]
Dageron, not getting up, turns his head to look at Jek. "Jek of the Utinni, we do not fade away as you do... best... best we let the oncomers deal with her interment as swiftly as they can." He then resettles his head looking up. "Are you sure we're not dead? I would not mind if I died in such a way. Bravely. Tactically. In battle."
“Certainly alive - regrettably, there are those that did not make it as we have. Those that you see here are those that made it through the portal. The rest remained at the Ivory tower. Hopefully fate is kind to them.” Shirin stands up, facing toward the city - attempting to garner some idea of the flier’s intent. The bright light forces him to squint, though it does little to appease his sensitive eyes.
(Trying to gather whether they are approaching us, and with or without open hostility. Disadvantage because sunlight sensitivity)
Perception check: 12
Slade finishes making Darla comfortable and turns to the others. "MY kind, rather me mother's people, tend to turn into stone or wood sculptures in death. Me fathers people are buried under the hearts of the old oaks." Slade looks to the distant flyers. "Wonder what they're about..."
Perception 24
Glad to see most that came through the portal had survived his gaze falls on the Childlike Empress. As the group notices the flying figures he turns to look at them and at the group.
If they come for us we cannot escape them on this island. We stood against Vader and we did not break, his hoard of evil did not defeat us.
He starts walking a few paces. We had to leave some behind. Allies.. friends.. Like them, we should have faith. Trust in their choice if your own gives you pauze.
Hrothgars eyes land upon Jek. For there choices carry on with us. He walks to Jek and pulls out something from beneath his armor. Then kneels next to the little lightless Brevon asked me to give this to you He opens his hand and holds out the AURYN. After he takes it Hrothgar will stand up again. Take heart that you are not alone with this burden. He looks back to see the flying creatures again Whatever their intend is we shall face them together.
Jek looks at the AURYN, then looks up at Hrothgar. He will tentatively take the AURYN. As he takes it, he inhales sharply and stares at the AURYN for a moment, as if entranced. He snaps back to reality, looks up, then back down at the AURYN.
He remembers back to the first day, when Brevon was given the AURYN. He made an illusion of one around his own neck to see what it would look like. He was right then, this was too much responsibility. He will listen to the rest of Hrothgars words, and the weight of the AURYN seems to lighten a bit. A single black ethereal tear will fall as he thinks of Brevon. He tried to follow the path that the Bright Lady set before him, but was blinded by that Red Woman. He was a good man. If Brevon thought that Jek was capable of carrying the AURYN, that that was the will of the Bright Lady, and who was he to deny the path she lays before him. He hopes Brevon survived, but that monster was ruthless. A small part of Jek thinks maybe it would be better to wish him a quick death?
Jek stands and places the AURYN around his neck. He tries to stand tall, but wobbles a bit. He leans on Hrothgar for support. He will look to the others. "I will accept this responsibility to bear the AURYN.... but.... I am not a warrior. In fact, I'm quite the opposite. I do not like fighting. I don't like seeing people get hurt, especially my friends. But, where I lack, you all are strong. We complement each other. I will bear the AURYN, but we are all equals, all friends, all members of the Order of the Phoenix. We may have fallen today, but we will rise from the ashes stronger!" He stumbles a bit as he raises his voice, but catches himself. He chuckles "We will get stronger. But... I'm about to pass out. Unless others think otherwise, I think it's best if we rest and wait for our visitors here. I doubt we can outrun them."
The flyers winged their way across the plains between Skyloft and where the Order of the Phoenix had arrived. They took their time, making no sudden movements as they went up high, then came in low and slow. The Aarakocra landed first; one, a female with a tall white crest was the only one that was armed. She held a golden spear that looked more ceremonial than anything. Another, like an owl, draped in robes and carrying a book, looked at the Childlike Empress and never removed his eyes. His beak clicked together, and he made a series of chirps and squeaks to the female, whose head bobbed up and down very much like a Cockatoo's. The other Aarakocra, a raven that looked very much like a Kenku, clicked his own beak together a time or two as five huge hawks landed in the field not far from the Order of the Phoenix.
"It is her." The Raven said, gesturing toward the body of the Childlike Empress with a feathered hand.
There were five more riders among the Death Hawks. Two slid down from their mounts; another Aarakocra, this one a rooster who didn't sport the wings of his brethren, adorned in bright gold and blue armor but with no weapons, and a Kalashtar woman. Pale skin and platinum hair set her apart from the Dwarf, the Dragonborn, and the Hylian they rode with.
"I sensed her as soon as the rift broke." The Kalashtar said. She was solemn, quiet. She looked sad, in a way, and somehow expectant. "Who are you, gathered here? How is it that you have arrived with the Childlike Empress?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Dageron, caked in his own blood and fully passed out, snores quietly to himself...
Jek moves to the front of the group, feeling the weight of the AURYN around his neck.
He will do a small bow to the Kalashtar woman. "Hello, we are the Order of the Phoenix. I am Jek of the Utinni, from the Shem desert. We are some of the chosen of the childlike empress, given a mission of great importance to the world.... So great that she sacrificed herself to see us to safety. " Jek has to stop for a moment to compose himself, and looks down at the body. "Vader has invaded the ivory tower. Cairon and the childlike empress were just able to open the portal here before we all died.... I'm hoping we are on Celestia. I.... saw her fall. I grabbed her, thinking we could save her..." Jek takes a deep breath. He needs to keep it together, he is the AUYRN bearer now. He starts again, looking back up to the Kalashtar. "It has been a long and perilous journey. Can you tell us where we are? Have we made it to Celestia?" Jek tries to keep standing tall, but begins to wavier a bit as he grabs his side. There is still a large wound that he needs to address.
The Cockatoo points at Dageron, and her mohawk of feathers flitters up and down.
"That one is wounded." She says, pointing at him with her spear. "Korine, can you help him?"
The Hylian steps forward and kneels next to Dageron, laying her hands upon his chest. A faint golden glow flows from her hands and into Dageron, healing him.
"Does anyone else need help?" Korine, the Hylian, said.
The Kalashtar listens to Jek as he explains what is happening, or rather, what has happened. The talk goes on beneath a bruised sky, a sky where the suns are already up over the Hyborian horizons but not quite over the horizons of Celestia. The morning light continues to get brighter as the suns climb toward the islands lateral plain.
"I was afraid this day would come." The Kalashtar says as she turns back toward her group. She motions for the Dwarf, who slides off his hawk and walks to her. They talk for a moment in hushed tones, with the Kalashtar looking over her shoulder at the group, then back at her cadre. Then she motioned for the rooster, who stepped forward, muttered a series of soft squawks and clucks to Jek, and then scooped the body of the Childlike Empress into his arms. He looked sad as he turned, moving back toward the hawks.
Korine continues to move about, helping those who need help.
"I am Dintara." She says, finally introducing herself. "We've tried to watch the goings on of the Below for a long time now, and when we felt the rift open...we knew. We came to find you. And I am sorry, truly, for what we have found. Yes Jek Utinni, you have found Celestia, though I wish I could bring you gladder tidings than that. There..."
She motions over her shoulder at the city in the distance.
"...is Skyloft. But I think that you and yours have been through a terrible ordeal. Perhaps, now that you're been partly healed, a trek to the city is in order. You may rest for the time being in the Hall of the Celestials, if you so choose. I'm sure the Elders will wish to speak with you, to hear what you know."
The Dwarf points to the Dragonborn and motions her over with a 'come hither' motion of his hand.
"The Sky is not for you." Dintara says flatly to the group, looking from face to face. "Not now especially. You will have to walk to Skyloft. It is only a couple of miles. You are strong. You can do this. If the Childlike Empress says...said...that your journey is important enough that she gave her life for it, then perhaps the Elders can be of service to you."
The Dwarf conversed softly with the Dragonborn.
The suns finally climbed over the rim of the floating island...and this morning...there were three of them...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Greeting to you, Order of the Phoenix. The name is Amitola Dangria, you may call me Amitola. I have heard your group has had quite the journey to reach Celestia?
"Ye could say that, although I've only just joined meself. Vader an his forces locked me up afore this group helped me get out an with all that's gone on I've found meself running with em since."
"Sounds like quite the start you've had with this group" Amitola chuckles to herself quietly, then walks over, politely reaching her palm out for a proper handshake. "It's a pleasure"
Jek will nod to the rooster and help him respectfully pick up the Childlike Empress. He will listen to what Dintara. "Thank you for your hospitality. We would definitly like to speak to the Elders....just.... we really really need to rest, it has been a long day.... And now the sun is rising again. Oh, I forgot for a moment that there are two suns nowwwwwwwHAT IS THAT? Oh no, oh no, oh no. What did the Sorceress say.... The Great Conjunction... The third Great Conjunction! It's getting closer...... Time is getting shorter....." Jek starts to spiral a bit, then grasps the AUYRN around is neck. He breathes deep, and calms himself a bit. "Sorry.... Uhh, time is of the essence, but there's nothing we can do if we can't think straight. Let us go to Skyloft first, and figure out our next steps there."
Jek nods at Slade's assessment. "It has been quite a day since we met you in the Tower of the Elephant.... Wow, that all happened in one day. I really need to sleep... Oh sorry. Hello Amitola, I am Jek. Are you going to walk with us to the city, or are you taking to the sky with the others?"
Jek will help Dageron to his feet and help any others get ready to travel. Then he will mount Iron-Hoove and starts to the city.
With the flying creatures arriving Hrothgar lets Jek do the talking. Instead he remains focussed on their actions and soon notices they mean them no harm so he lowers his shield.
As the three son's are noticed Hrothgar mumbles to himself Three..Argos should not be that far away... what a strange place
Hrothgar nods as a greeting to Dintara and Amitola I am Hrothgar Densfell, our paths have been different but they all led us here. Perhaps the Elders can aid us in our cause.
He then finds Argento and checks him to see if he is not injured to greatly and looks to the others to see if they are ready to travel.
Hrothgar will take the reigns and walk out in front of his horse Argento and look to his allies. If needed Argento can carry one of you smaller folk.