Ward perks up at the mention of other planes creating doors, then looks toward the Bag Of Holding. Ward points at the Orrery, then the Bag. "Can we open those doors in there to suffocate anything that comes through? Or will that kill everything in a large radius or something because of multiple dimensions intersecting?" Ward asks Jareth

Johnathan jaw drops as he is told of the power this item has. Can manipulate space and time itself? That’s a truly powerful object. Johnathan listens as he is warned of the dangers of this object. I see, I will be careful. Thank you for the warning. Johnathan holds the orrery in his hand and wonders if this was the key to solving his problem. If he could master this, if he could control this power then maybe he could undo his curse. Or at the very least find out more about it. Perhaps this is what his heart truly desired? 

Johnathan listens to Ward as he tries to explain his theory. You want a realm in a realm? That’s probably not the best idea, though at this point what isn’t anymore.

Looking around at Johnathan when he was pointed out the fairy waits for the dampir to ask their questions.  Delph isn't in a rush anymore and it seems fun and merriment can return.  Travin tries to touch the alicorn but Delph flies jusr out if reach from them to prevent them touching it.  "No no no.  Don't touch.  Only Fireflight can.  I got many other cool items you can look at though.  New fancy boots and a flask of sorts.  A neat belt too."  Travin can see the new items on the tiny fairy.  They wasted no time donning the new items aparently no fear of what they will do when on and attuned to them.

As the others ask questions about their items Delphinium seems to have his answered except the one by Johnathan so they wait until it's a good time to ask and then plop down on Johnathan's shoulder being careful the alicorn doesn't touch them and says "Oh!  Plane shifting.  Neat.  I recommend you don't go to the feywild.  Not yet anyway.  I'd have to teach you all a lot first.  If you really want to though I know some cool places to visit like the skymerfolk with the floating hotsprings, the living lands is always fun (especially if you make friends with the river), or maybe visit the edge of a midsummer night.  That's always beautiful to see.  Oh, but before we go there I want to find the fallen unicorn's body.  Do you know where it is?"

Johnathan gives Delphinium an odd look when they refused Travin the opportunity to touch the Alicorn. As the fairy lands on his shoulder he turns his head and listens as they continue to ask questions about the location of the body of the stallion. It’s in Faron wood last I remember. It isn’t far from the labyrinth. It’s one of the main reasons we came here since it was so close to where the battle took place. He pauses as he sees the fairy deliberately holding the alicorn away from Johnathan. Delphinium, why wouldn’t you let Travin identify the alicorn? He was the one that got it for the party and won the battle single handily. You know how difficult it is to separate from your family, he has just gone through that right now and yet you want to start hoarding loot? He pauses, realising that he was actually trying to stand up for Travin. He needs his friends right now Delphinium. We are all in this together and we promised to work together. Holding back on loot which technically Travin earned for us doesn’t seem fey like as you would put it. He stops and looks down at Travin who was still hugging him. Johnathan for the first time since meeting Travin genuinely felt sad for him. Regret for not trusting him since he may be goblin and regret that this little guy had suffered so much from a mistake when he gave away his brother. He looks to Delphinium. Just let him identify it Delphinium. I don’t care who holds it but I feel Travin has more than earned the right to touch the alicorn, or has it taken an hold of you already that you can’t pass with it for a minute?

Persuasion: 24 (Nat 20)

Travin nods from behind Johnathan, his shrunken little face still embedded somewhat in the man's cloak.

Travin looked dissapointed at Delph's refusal, his disappointment and upset at the fairy is only encouraged by the points that Johnathan is making, seemingly these had not crossed his little mind before now. He scowls a little

Delph looks from Johnathan to Travin.  The fairy seems a bit flustered like they're trying to think of fun ways to explain things.  They sigh in defeat as they say "Oh, no.  Nothing like that at all.  You both need to be more trusting!  I was going to have fun making you all curious about it and maybe have some fun games of keep away as you all try to take it from me.  It was going to be great, you all might even think I was possessed by a unicorn.  I was planning to neyh and everything.  I don't want you to think I'm being mean though.  Travin, the Alicorn is so pure and so powerful touching it... it feels... it's hard to explain but I might be only one here that can touch it without its power tempting me.  I'm not even sure I can use it without the temptation taking me after.  So, I'm sorry but I think I'm only one that should touch it."  The fairy looks a bit disappointed their plan to make folks curious or believe they were possessed failed but after explaining they add "However, I also think we can revive the owner if we return it to them.  So knowing it's close let's go find them!  That way if something happens to the other one daylight won't be gone.  At least not yet.  Sounds like King Randor might be the best one to watch them if it works too."

Travin looks deeply disappointed in Delph at this revelation, "it is time for rest and plannings Delphinium, hmmm? The labyrinth, the fightses, Travin doesn't want to worry abouts corruption in the dawn guard too yeh! Trusts or no, Dephinium wanted to play with the dawn guard's concerns hm... Carry the alicorn, keeps it safe yeh yeh!"

He disengages Johnathan and shuffles off to one corner, mumbling to himself. Taking a look at the state of Kerwyn and the things that have been said, he quickly looks away once more, not having the energy to deal with these things right now, for the moment Travin waits for the party to finish their business without him. He sits in thought and has a quiet conversation with himself, alone.

Shavaris regards the exchanges between Delph, Travin and Johnathan with interest.  Once the conversation is over, she heads over to Delph and looks at him with a stern look on her face.  Deciding against commenting on what was going on, she talks to the one point that interested her.  "Fireflight, you say that we might be able to revive the owner if we return the alicorn?  I had no idea that would even be possible."

She stands in wonderment for a moment, then looks to Jareth, "Is he right?  Is that possible?  Also, how do we get out of here?  I'm hoping its not the way we came..."

I see, Johnathan says as Delphinium explains their actions. Very well, hold the alicorn for now. I have no interest in holding that thing. Johnathan was disappointed in Delphinium for trying to play games with the alicorn. It wasn’t a game, it was a burden that Delphinium clearly didn’t understand how to prepare for. What was worse was how Travin was taking it. Johnathan watches in the corner of his eye and he sees Travin have a moment to himself. He goes to say something but stops himself. Johnathan returns to Delphinium when they say the alicorn can revive the dead stallion. Don’t get your hopes up Delphinium. When I saw the body last it was butchered. I doubt anything could come back from that, even a unicorn. Johnathan looks to Shavaris and Jareth when she asked if this was possible, interested in hearing his answer as well. 

As Ward listens to the group talk about possibly reviving the Unicorn he thinks for a moment. "Both. Johnathan, your Orrey, Delph the Alicorn. If we could use them both in conjunction, bring either the body to us or us to the body in time. We could then try and revive the Unicorn with the magic of the Alicorn, because if we can get to a point before the body is destroyed, but instead of trying to change the timeline, but just bring us to a time where the body is intact we may be able to revive The Fallen Unicorn. I don't know, in all honesty, this magic is not something even I have toyed with, but it may yet be possible." Ward says almost drawing in the air in front of himself as he thinks of how to make this work.

"That's not how that works."  Jareth says as he listens to Ward about opening realms within realms and all that.  "You have an unhealthy obsession with destruction.  You should talk to someone.  As for if it's possible, Shavaris...I don't know.  I guess it could be, but this sort of knowledge is beyond my expertise.  I suspect it'd be better to trust your Fey friend.  But I'd..."

He listens to Ward start talking again and reaches up to pinch the bridge of his nose.  

"This one is as bad as an old wizard who's been left locked up in his tower for too long, always wanting to play with forces of unfathomable destructive capability like a child with firecrackers.  Please.  Someone babysit him.  Now, the way out..."

Jareth raises his scepter and thrusts it at the door leading into the chamber, and the spiraled stairs begin to twist around, lay out flat...and then the Dawn Guard can see out the door of the chamber...and outside isn't the courtyard of the castle or the Goblin City.  It's the Eternian countryside, where they'd entered just days before...

A wan smile crosses Kerwyn’s face when he sees the Eternian countryside, it boosts his spirits, if for just a little bit.  “Could it be?  A way out?”  He leans up against Ironsides, looking out over familiar trees and lands, and he starts to cry.  

Travin gets up, finds Birt and makes for the exit. Just as he is about to get out of Jareth's earshot he turns and yells over,. "Travin is taking Birt, Birt is no use to Jareth, hmm? Broken brain and commanded by only Travin.. but should you need us..." He leaves it at that as he turns to exit once more.

When outside Travin looks around in awe, stepping out if the labyrinth for the first time in his life overwhelms him "where are we?" He asks the dawn guard, once they have joined him "Travin  has heard about some people's of this world and even a place or two yeh yeh, but being out. Hmmm? Something new yeh!" 

He couldn’t have just done that to begin with? Johnathan asks himself as they see the land where they started their journey. Johnathan turns to Jareth. Thanks for letting us get the alicorn and the items you gave us. He pauses for moment, wondering if the next part was worth saying. When you see Hoggle and sir Didymus tell them we said goodbye. Kinda put them through a lot. Johnathan waits to see if anyone else has last words for Jareth before making his way out the labyrinth.

Delphinium turns and looks to Jerath as they give a polite bow to the goblin king.  "This was very interesting King Jerath.  For one of the first places for me to go outside of my homes I'm glad I came here.  I look forward to my next visit.  I bet itll be way better next time.  Lots of puzzles,  riddles, traps and other things to enjoy."  With that the tiny fairy zooms out with their new items on and the alicorn strapped to their back.  

Once outside Delphinium flies up high into the sky.  They felt very contained being unable to fly over most things.  They were even underground a lot of the time.  Once up in the air the fairy gives a look around to see what or who might be nearby.  The lands of the Eternian Countryside interesting in other ways to them.

Perception check: 23

Once taking a look they return down and report anything of note.  They will also say "I'm sad we left.  That place seemed amazing.  It'll be nice to return when it's lots less murdery.  I can't wait to see where we go next!"  The fairy is buzzing around the group seemingly charged with energy and very excited.

As the Etherian countryside opens up in front of her, she calms a bit, looking forward to being out in the trees and wildlife again.  She looks to her friends and sees a wide range of emotions.  Happy to see Delph back to his normal self, and even Travin lighten up at the prospect of finally leaving his prison.  Patting Running Bird on the neck, she looks back to Jareth.

"Thank you, for all your gifts and I hope your kingdom gets back to the way you want it.  I hope Sarah finds what she is looking for.." Shavaris trails off a bit at this thought, then adds, "And tell Hoggle sorry for all the trouble we caused."

She then turns to Kerwyn, unsure if those were happy or sad tears and puts her arm around him.  "Come on, let's get out of here.  We have work to do.  Personally I'm not sure about finding the stallion, but I do think we should stop off at Mistycomb.  Would be good for all of us."  And she starts leading him out of the labyrinth.. looking back over her shoulder one last time.

AURYN

The Hunt for the Last Unicorn

Part III

Angel, angel, what have I done...?

....I've faced the quakes, the wind, the fire...

...I've conquered country, crown, and throne...

The travel away from the Labyrinth is quiet and unbelievably boring.  The argosies, the homes on wheels that the Dawn Guard were able to procure after the fight at Whichaperch, where they had slain the Harpy, afforded them the opportunity to rest as they went, and the roads, being well traveled, were in decent repair, which meant the ride was mostly smooth.  

Their arrival the Mistytomb Hamlet was largely unregarded by the locals.  As the largest hamlet outside the region immediately around Castle Eternia and Treeglade, it made for a frequent stop by travelers, especially those going into and out of the woods.  The sounds of hammers clanging in forges nearby rang like bells all over town.  Merchants hocked their goods up and down the street.  A band of low-level mercenaries showed off the battered remains of three ettercaps they'd killed in the forest like they'd dragged the body of a storm giant into town.  One even made gestures like he had wiggling fangs by holding fingers up to his lips and reaching out as if to bite his companions while they regaled the crowd of eight or nine that was around them.  

There were two parts of the town.  The civil district, where most of the locals lived and the local businesses thrived, and then the far end of the town where the large, block building that was the College of Lore resided.  There were inns, taverns, smithies of all sorts, and so many healers.  Folk healers and magical healers and mind healers and people who specialized in everything from corns to hemorrhoid's to goiters.  At one point they passed a crappy little arena where two capibaras with crappy horns strapped to their heads rode up and down the center lane of what was probably a jousting stretch while the Grungs on their backs tried to knock each other off with sticks...

Delphinium watched the Labyrinth fade into the distance as they road on the back edge of the wagon the group were resting in. The feylike nature of the grand maze bringing to mind memories of the past. Of living in the feywild. The fairy loved it there but memories of why they left still haunt them. Delph wonders if they would be able to find that happiness in the feywild again or if they should just return to thr Kokiri forest when their quest is done.  

Think of their two homes Delphinium remembers that they have lessons to finish from their mother. Blossom was never one to force her kids to do anything preferring them to choose. Delph was always easily distracted and as such they never finished learning to speak to animals. The feelings of their two homes fresh in their mind the fairy decides that this journey is best spent perfecting their ability to speak with animals.  

So the journey goes. The hyper and unfocused fairy perhaps extra weird as they will be seen flying off approaching various animals spotted and seeming to try and strike up a conversation with them. It takes a lot of empathy and a bit of inner power but Delph felt they could manage it.  Of course they make time to talk with the rest of the dawn guard too.  Mostly focused on giving them tips and pointers on being polite and trusting people.  They seem to really believe the dawn guard needs lessons on that.  They often bring the thri-kreen in on it for examples.  

Delph would rest on top of the wagon during the trip; using their meager druidcraft to grow a set of flowers to use as blankets. They always have the alicorn with them as they sleep. They seem playful the entire journey offering games like tag or hide and seek, asking if anyone want to play dice, and Delph tells stories of their time in Kokiri Forest.  The seem to be a bright blue ball of positivity during the journey and is even nice to Kerwyn!

Eventually the group makes it to the hamlet. A place called Mistytomb. As soon as the plsce comes into view the fairy immediately asks "Is there a tomb nearby that is misty? Can we check it out? Does it have the bad kind of undead? I bet they make a good fight!" They definitely seem back to their old self. Which was probably apparent from the few days journey to this hamlet. As they spot the activity happening arouns the town they seem to shimmer and shine blue with excitement "Ooooo, this looks like fun. Do you think they trade favors here or is it just the gold for buying things?" The fairy waits for a reply ready to spring into exploring this place. One word of approval and the fireflight will be unleashed onto the unsuspecting people here.

At the start of the journey Travin seems withdrawn for the first day he spends all travel time isolated in within his pile, only coming our for rest stops where he seems distracted by things floating in his vision, he is also constantly muttering to himself, having full one sided conversations under his breath.

The rest of the days seem a little better, travin spends less time isolated and speaks to people a little more asking Kerwyn things about human life, offering guidance in celestial to Johnathan and pestering Shavaris to teach him the ways of Shadows and the things to be mindful of when one wants to move stealthily. During these conversations he tends to ramble either trying to figure things out way too fast or spending an irritatingly long time over analysing and over explaining superficial tangets that deviate from the original intention of his conversations.

When they get to the town Travin makes no attempt to restrain Delphinium from going off and doing what they'd like, although he does take a little interest in asking what Ward intends to do/buy in the town, and asking if he needs help with his next big project.

Johnathan doesn’t even give the labyrinth a second glance back as they leave. He meets up with circus and is surprised that they stayed for them. Johnathan spends an hour attuning to his items and just catching up with circus as best as he could. When night falls on the band Johnathan decides to hunt for some supplies. He looks into the night sky, it was time. Johnathan grabs the edges of his cloak and like a bird begins to fly in the night. He hunts like an hawk in the sky and he chuckles ever so quietly as he does so. It was good to out of that death maze. Johnathan manages to find some sleeping hawks and a fox and brings them to his wagon, offering some to Shavaris if she wants. He takes care not to let the circus folk see this side of him. Just because the party has accepted him doesn’t mean others will. As the others eat some rations Johnathan decides to use his jug to summon some red wine. He takes a sip and offers some to the others, particularly Kerwyn as he seems to be needing it most.

As the others sleep for the night Johnathan decides to stay up and study the orrery. Like a wizard finding the secrets to the universe, Johnathan spends a lot of time writing his observations in his spell book. When the others rise in the day Johnathan feels tired but will occasionally practise is Celestial with Travin, more to appease the little guy than anything really. But when he has a few hours to himself he obsesses of the Orrery. He finds a wagon and closes the curtains and continues his studies. Johnathan continues this behaviour for 3 days, only sleeping for a couple of hours a day as he gains an understanding of this artifact and only leaving the wagon for food or to talk to the dawn guard. After the third day Johnathan is extremely tired as he is unable to think or concentrate on anything. He decides to sleep for the remaining two nights to try and gain some energy but is still tired by the journeys end. And yet during the last 2 days he still studies the artifact. It was an obsession, he believes that this holds the solution to his problem so what is a few days of little sleep. It can solve everything. If it can rewind time then it may be able to undo my curse. It can solve everything. This power rivals that even of my patron. And it’s my own. My love. My precious. 

When the band makes it to the town Johnathan knows better than to stop Delphinium. Instead he uses his illusions to make himself look more human and less pale and turns to the band. This might be a good chance to rest up for a bit. If Kerwyn wants a healer we should begin by looking here. Also we could ask about acquiring a boat to Hagsgate. Johnathan waits to see what the band wanted to prioritise first and follows their lead.