Thea's Eldritch Blast cuts down a weakened infantryman with little issue, leaving only three infantrymen to fight off the attacks of Malenia and Judal at close range.  Behind them, the crawling Guardian remains stationary, paralyzed by Riair, though the search beam of one of the flying Guardians begins to shimmer through gaps between the houses nearby.  

Behind the party, one of the men who had been guarding the barricade earlier is making a 'come here' motion with one arm and shouting at the combatants.  The port suddenly looks much emptier. 

Then the other trembles...and buckles.  Someone screams far off, startled by the sensation of the ground beginning to drop below them.  A house leans nearby, rocked by this...what?  Earthquake?  But for now, the terrain remains the same, and solid.  For now.  

When Hyboria buckles, Riair is just able to maintain his concentration to keep the Guardian immobilized...

     "I think we're being summoned," Judal points out even as he picks out his next target.  "Perhaps we delayed them enough?"  Saying such, Judal swings into motion swinging his Serpent's Fang longsword once, then twice at the remaining three infantrymen... (Whichever is closest, or whichever two are closest if the first one falls.)

1st Serpent's Fang Attack:  23 plus 2 bless to hit for 9 slashing damage and 10 poison damage PLUS an extra 6 piercing via Defensive Blade Flourish feature (Judal's AC now also 28 until start of his next turn...)

2nd Serpent's Fang Attack:  11 plus 2 bless to hit for 10 piercing and 3 poison damage...

     "We retreating and boarding a ship or we taking a stand here?" Judal calls out, unsure what their goal is... He'll use his movement to retreat if that is the decision otherwise he stays in the midst of the fray.

Blood splatters on the ground in fat patters as Judal rends one of the infantrymen a terrible wound with his sword, but the second attack is blocked with the haft of a wielded halberd.  While Judal is discussing movement with his teammates, the wounded infantryman tries to thrust his halberd between Judal's feet, but is unable to hit anything or get a desired effect.  

Nearby, seeing his companion attack Judal and have difficulty, a second infantryman instead sets his sights on Riair, recognizing that the mage has done something to the Guardian.  It says something in a language that is not Common, and then pulls out its crossbow, getting off a bolt and grazing Riair's arm, but the wizard maintains his concentration on his spell with no issue.  

Malenia holds her ground while nearing where her fellow close range companion was fighting, the wild movements of her twin weapons could be confused for desperation. While in reality every swing of the humming blades of light followed a very strict pattern of defensive maneuvers that were slowly building to become more offensive. A moment after Judals blade cleaved into one of the infantry, One of her blades sung through the air to strike that very same target. 

Inquisitor's lightsaber attack: 25 to hit for 16 slashing damage + 12 radiant damage. 

Digging her heel into the ground beneath her, Adding a bit of her own flourish to her attacks after witnessing Judal's unrivaled and elegant skill with his blade. She swings her offhand weapon towards another of the Infantrymen (If the First one isnt dead, She will strike him instead.) 

Malenia's Lightsaber attack: 22 to hit for 13 slashing damage. 

Throwing herself horizontally into the air with a show of her acrobatic prowess, Using the leverage she had set up before hand to spin and deliver a crushing axe kick to the same opponent before catching herself and standing on guard a few feet away from Judal. "Well if thats the case, let us make our retreat Judal. Trust that our companions will cover us!" Moving to leave the frontline behind and head back to the ship.

Bonus Action Unarmed Strike: 27 to hit for 7 Bludgeoning damage.

Edit: I have 45 feet of movement to play with. Pretty sure I can attack more than one enemy and have a little left over to begin the retreat.

The humming weapon in Malenia's hand halves the wounded infantryman, spilling him to the ground in two separate pieces.  The Jedi spins, slashing another before flipping up to axe kick the same target.  As she lands, however, the flying guardian appears with a clean line of sight.  It takes it only a second before it fires the laser right through the slaughter of the lines.  The laser chases Malenia, cutting down another infantryman while trying to target the Jedi...

As this is happening, the Scorpion fires another volley, with the first ballista bolt skewering the last infantryman, leaving the formation heaped and dead.  The second and third shots come from a ballista and then then trebuchet, the first bouncing off the stone construction of the paralyzed guardian while the boulder flung by the trebuchet breaks off one of the guardian's legs.  

"Malenia!"  Zelda screamed as the laser targetted her.  "To the left!  Dive to the left!"

Lelith turns, seeing her chance, and begins to run toward the dock, reaching for Kazu's reigns as she went.  

"It's time to go, Princess.  While we still can."  

There was a lot happening, and in quick succession. Purple hues dart from one thing to the next. Thea was doing her best to process all the information. One thing she knew for sure, was that those Guardian’s were relentless. She knew what to focus down, but she was confused on the direction they were going. Wasn’t someone psstpssting from behind? And the fleeing boats in front? Thea looks back to where the guard come hithered them from the barricades. Was he needing help? Was she too late now? She watches Lelith pull the Princess’ mounts reins towards the boats. Ah hells… She grumbles to herself. She focuses the most damaged guardian within her finger window and beams radiant energy it’s way.

(Cast: Eldritch Blast Attack: 11 Damage: 10 + Bless: 1)

     Judal was ready to retreat with the others but did not mind being the last one to do so.  Seeing the flying guardian trying to take Malenia out he thought it best, perhaps, that he try to return the favor...  

     IF Judal can easily get within 30' of the flying laser shooting guardian he casts Fear at it, and any other foes he can fit into the 30' cone.  (DC16 WIS save)

     IF the flying foe is a bit too far for that, Judal instead tries to get within 60' and casts Command and shouts "RETREAT!" at it!  (DC 16 WIS also)

    BUT if the thing is still further away (lasers can go far, so it could be a distance) he'll settle for shooting off some Eldritch Blasts in it's direction before joining Malenia in beating it towards the docks... (23 and 26 To Hit for the Eldritch Blast beams, 3 and 1 damage respectively... they're tiny little blasts...  blastettes....)

The casting of Judal's spell goes off without a hitch (take your pick...), but the construct doesn't seem to care about the effects.  

The retreat toward the docks is orderly and quick.  The party gets through the previously guarded gate easily while the Guardian's regroup.  The first, the grounded weapon platform, gets moving again, its eye searching for targets, while the flying Guardian makes way for a second flying construct to join it.  

The Scorpion continues unleashing covering fire while the party gets past the barricade, and Lelith leads Kazu right up to the gangplank before turning to draw her bow.  

"Go."  She says to the others as she begins to unleash arrows.  "We'll cover you."  

Riair, ever the faithful servant, takes up position next to her, putting his magic to work while the rest of the party gets up the gangplank.  

"Lelith!"  Zelda has time to call, but a crusty old seadog is already pulling her back from the edge of the platform as she tries to get her guardian's attention.  

"Cas't off!"  He's shouting as the last of the party comes on deck.  "Let's move ye scurvy seadogs!  Heave those oars or prepare to make friends with the bottom feeders!"  

The whole boat shifts as someone cuts the dock line.  Within seconds, a sail is unfurled, blocking the trebuchet from firing, but the ballistas keep reloading.  A laser rakes the deck, smoke rolls.  Sailors shout commands back and forth as they move the party toward the center of the deck, making room for the crew served weapons to keep firing as they pushed out to sea with all the speed they could muster.

A glance behind shows Riair pulling Lelith into a blue flash seconds before multiple lasers rolled over their last position...

"Was a pleasant surprise to see Lelith back there."  Captain Alewyn Saewulf says to the gathered heroes as they row further out to see.  He does look a bit sad as he says this though, with his eyes almost buried beneath a canopy of eyebrows.  "Too bad she couldn't go with us.  But how damn glad I am to see the AURYN Champions again.  Looks like you've all had a rough way to go since I last laid eyes on ye, eh?  Well...those of you I remember, anyway.  Not sure who this little lass is."  

He tilts his head toward Princess Zelda, who has finally climbed down off Kazu and is standing there stroking his feathers as much to comfort herself as the Kocra.  

"Any luck in your quest?  I don't even remember what you were doing last.  And where was it you said you were going?  Back to Fantasia, you said?  Oh..."  

He pauses as he looks off to the east, watching as as a blue streak of energy screams through the air.  Seconds later, lights can be seen dancing in the sky.  He points to the first mate and makes a motion, and the boat steers out toward the lights.  

"I do believe those are Luck Dragons.  I've seen those lights before..."  

Huffing and clutching at her shoulder, A deep gash of flowing crimson staining her pale flesh as she made it to the creaky boards of the ship. Checking on the condition of both Zelda and Kazu, Giving them both a thurough examination before breathing a sigh of relief. "It seem's neither of you were harmed." Casting the Kocra and the Princess a Soft, yet worried smile. 

Turning her attention back towards the dock, No sooner had the Captain announced their departure did she realize that two were left behind. Her emerald hues widening as she rushed towards the gangplank. "LELITH! RIAIR!" Calling for her fellow Eladrin....but it was too late. The rocking of the ship as it left the dock caused her to stumble, catching herself on the handrail. Watching helplessly as her companions vanished in a puff of blue arcane energy. 

With her back to what remained of the Answer and the crew of the ship, Malenia's stoic nature finally crumble. The normally calm and uncaring Eladrin finally feels the crushing weight of all the companions that had come and gone since that night in Argos so long ago. Her strong shoulder's collapsing under the burden, Her soft sobs drowned out by the sounds of waves crashing against the wooden hull. Clutching the AURYN in her dominant hand, She holds it close to her trembling lips. "H-Hello......Is anyone there?.....Are you there.....Stasoyla...."

As Malenia speaks into the AURYN, it crumbles into dust and is carried away by sea wind...

     Judal goes to the rail of the ship from the moment he boards and stands there watching in silent anger as the enemies (and the land) retreat from his reach.  Saving King's Landing was never his personal goal but damnit he was no closer to one than he was to the other.  It was beginning to feel that all he has done since coming to this land at the behest of the old white wizard was to run from one disaster to another doing next to nothing...

     I am Judal, he thinks to himself angrily.  The Gauntlet of Galladoorn.  The Favorite Brother and The Forgotten Relation.  The Grim Knight of Guilder.  But... But I am also the Sladdbarn.  The Disappointment...  Am I also to become The Impotent? 

     As the land grows more and more distant, Judal becomes more and more lost in his own thoughts.  He should be thinking of Princess Zelda who so recently fell under his protection, at least by proxy.  He should be thinking of Riair and Lelith who he saw disappear into the blue streak of magic?  He wasn't sure but he couldn't bring himself to think on it now.  He should at the very least be thinking of Malenia and Thea, the teammates that are still with him... But in this moment, at this instant, his mind is drawn to his own anger and frustration.  Somewhere down that thought process there is a cave... and power?  

     But can that power be trusted?  And are there not other sources he could reach out to for such promises...?

     After a time Judal turns away from the sea and does indeed go and check up on his team.  First he checks their physical condition, he has magics within him which could help heal if needed...  And eventually his thoughts turn to the future.  "Do we know where we are sailing to?" he asks.

Her eye's widen, the dark pupils locked within the emrald hues narrowing to pinpoints. With her vision blurring for a moment as Memories of her companions come rushing back, As when the Original Answer met during the attack on Argos, Strangers pushed together by mere happenstance. When Ereni, the ranger and one of the few people Malenia could consider a friend lent her, her mothers bow....On a ship much like this one. 

When Thea had tamed the beast in Jappiter, the joy on her face from the companionship. The first tune she heard Stasoyla play on those obnoxious horns of hers, it had taken quite a while to get used to the sound, Oh but how she longed for the noise now. When Judal had lept from the Roc with her and accompanied her during a journey of self discovery....one that would lead to her friends untimely departure. 

And now, Lelith and Riair. Her Kin, who had shown her just what she had missed out on, the beauty of the Feywild and the promise to bring her to the Autumn Eladrin. 

This entire journey had been nothing but Goodbyes with very few Hello's. Clenching her metallic hand together, hard enough that a weak grind of gears cast out over the rippling water. The Answer, Was due one last Goodbye.

It was time for something new, Something more. Time for the Answer's final bow. Turning to look towards Thea and Judal, neither had been there at the beginning but they would see the end. "Thea, Judal. We need to speak. Before any decision is made on our next destination." Steeling her resolve with welling eyes, Grabbing ahold of Kazu's reins and flashing a comforting smile to the Princess. Moving to the front of the ship and awaiting her companions. 

"Princess, bare with me for a moment. There is something important I have to tell the others."

     "Looks like we're being summoned," Judal says to Thea moving his head in Malenia's direction.  "Any idea what this is about?" Judal will walk after Malenia besides Thea, curious as to what was on her mind now...

It felt like a blink of an eye and suddenly Lelith and Riair were gone, and they were on a ship fleeing. Thea blinks. She rubs her eyes a little, making sure she’s not just seeing things. Then after a while she opens her mouth as if she should say something, only to close it again. There was this weird sense of emptiness once the adrenaline started fading, the shore line started getting further, and the reality of the situation started to weigh. Thea feels her heart break witnessing Malenia’s emotional turmoil. It was valid. Heart wrenchingling valid. Her expression softens, feeling the emotions echo deep in her soul. Her own eyes water as she reaches a hand out, wanting to go to the Jedi to offer some consolation. However it was already too late and Malenia steels herself to formally address them regarding more news. 

With no one but herself to hold, Thea brings her outstretched hand to her chest and then the other, hugging them to herself. She felt her heart sink the rest of the way, as if falling into the pit of her stomach in anxiety ridden anticipation as if some more terrible and/or heart wrenching news was about to come down. It’s then Judal’s voice breaks her out of her head. Violet eyes look up to him, wide eyed and preparing for the worse. “No.” Her response came out a little like a whimper. Her hesitation has her a stride behind when she’d tip toe forward with a trot to catch up. She’d be stepping so close in stride with him, she would be butted up, bumping against his arm and hip as they went.

With a shakey smile on her cracked lips, The Jedi softly strokes the bright plummage of Kazu. Finding some solace in the soft feathers as the remnants of the Answer moved to join her, She could see the concern, the doubt on their faces. Like her, they did not know what would come next. However she did know one thing, Whatever challenge did come next, Andromeda's Answer would not be the the ones to meet it. 

"Thea, You and I have known eachother for quite some time now. I still remember meeting you in Jappiter, When you aided us in overthrowing that corrupt and traitorous Mayor. The joy on your face when you befriended the Banta....Those memories cling dearly to my heart. I think of you as a friend my dear Thea, a companion that I have shared laughs with and faced death with." Addressing the Warlock before, recognizing that out of the three present. Thea is the second most tenured of the group, having joined the Answer not terribly long after it was first constructed. 

"Judal, You followed me on a unknown path when I needed my own answers. Faced certain death with me when we lept from a Roc as it circled a city destroying monster. Through your efforts we were able to save dozens of lives. Whats more you have been a steadfast and loyal friend, one I have come to rely on heavily in recent time. You have many titles, I hope you count 'Friend to the Jedi' as one of them." Taking a break for a moment, letting her words sink in. The Jedi's chest expands as she takes in a deep breath of the cool sea air. 

"Andromeda's Answer was formed with one overall goal, To find and rescue Princess Andromeda. Who was taken by the Kraken at Argos, We have not succeeded in that mission nor do I think we ever will. SO many companions have come and gone since this....band was formed. So many faces, personalities that I miss dearly. Granted some were more irksome than others, Some took a fair bit to warm up to. Yet none were without their own charm. Each of these people, In one way or another has said Goodbye." 

At this point, Malenia's brass hand reaches into the bag on her hip and pulls out Ereni's Longbow. Gifted to the Jedi so long ago. Clutching it firmly in her hand, holding it silently for a moment. "I do not know where our paths will lead us now, But I do know this. When next we step off this ship, Andromeda's Answer is no more. It dies here, Now. The AURYN crumbled in my hand moments ago, so too Must the Answer." 

As the band has its palather on the deck, they become aware of beautiful, glowing Dragons dropping down on them from the sky overhead.  Not just any dragons.  Luck Dragons.  Dragons like Falkor.  

And on the backs of these Luck Dragons were the members of the Ardent Remnants, another band of AURYN Champions.  

And with them was Stasolya, the member of the now defunct Answer that had gone her own way only a little while ago...

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