(This is so epic... just saying)

There was no question about it in Ordrag's mind, and no need to answer with words. With an exultant light in his eye that Lulu's mission had come to an end with success, he spread his broad white wings and prepared to lift off the ground. 

     Polly hovers, but not too closely.  If nothing else, the cloak of flies around her insisted upon a distance between her and the others. She was in awe of what just happened, the sacrifices, the faith, the goodness winning out in the end...  But she also felt the distance.  

     "I'll follow you..." Polly said, uncertainly.  Of course she would.  How could she not follow the angels?  But at the same time...  could she?  So much had changed, she wasn't even sure.  But she would try.

Choir spreads her wings and takes off again. "Of course we will follow!" She looks back toward Polly and Adray. "What changes you suffered...what sacrifices you made...you did it to free the innocents of the city. You are heroes. Hell is no place for you. For any of us."

(Guidance duly retroactively applied: what a perfect time for a Nat 20, great roll!)

(Gods, devils, angels, demons - you can not get more epic than that!)

Adray watched on in awe.  Seeing the redemption of a fallen angle must be an incredibly rare thing.  He looked over at Ordrag.  The speech he gave, not just the words but the conviction behind them had him ready to follow at but a word.

"I shallow follow.  Let us finish what we set out to do," Adray said simply.  He was ready to run or fly the short distance that he could or teleport if there was space. 

Ooc: Nat 20 for the win.  Way to go Ordrag.

In regard to movement, Adray has a feature that when using step of the wind he can fly a few times a day and then by spending ki points.  That can get him 150 feet of movement a round.  Would that be enough to make it there?  Trying to save teleport spots for those that don't have the ability to get there otherwise.

(Do it! It would look awesome, plus you might not get another chance...)

Honestly, Fran was just stunned to silence, pulling her goggles away to reveal wide eyes not wanting to miss a thing. She was a mere mortal standing amongst giants. The whole experience became pretty surreal, and that's saying something considering the journey they've all been on since the beginning. It all came together in a natural flow of inspiration, forgiveness, redemption, salvation... Seeing Lulu light up when her angel would return was truly pure.

Fran was awed and touched by the events, feeling the emotions squeezing at her chest and the tighter hold it gained on her, the more she straightened her posture and held herself tall. A breath of relief would leave her lips when Zariel would admit to saving the city. When Mooncolour would step forward to go, ready to assist to bring others with him, and all the others coming together ready to ensure no one gets left behind, a soft smile would break the corner of Fran's lips.

Inhaling a deep breath, Fran would shift her weight, leaning back against Smiler's bike, crossing her arms playfully as if she owned it. "Still need that mechanic?" She'd say to him without taking her eyes off of the amazing crew of individuals she had the pleasure of adventuring with, proud to see them off to complete what seemed to be an impossible task. "Never know when ya need an ally in Avernus." Her smile would pull into a smirk before a quick side glance. "Aye?"

Ordrag is just about to lift off when he hears the remark from Fran, and instead looks around with a look of both confusion and curiosity. You would remain here? He glances around at the surrounding hellscape filled with demon hordes. There isn't much time to linger, but if Fran indicates that this is indeed so, Ordrag approaches close, rests one hand upon Fran's arm and says: If anyone can thrive in such a place, it is you, Ruby. I bid you good fortune. Then handing her the infused warhammer he adds: I thank you for this, but I can use it no longer. And with that Ordrag casts Protection from Evil and Good on Fran, smiles once more and then prepares to depart.

Before taking odd Adray would give Fran a hug.  "I'm going to see the city returned, but I'm bound to Tiamat here.  Even if I go topside, I'll have to come back and it will be nice to have a trusting ally in the area.

Fran takes a moment to catch her breath when Ordrag would approach. He was leaving her with kind parting words, and instilled her with a sense of protection. “Thank ya, Ordrag.” The artificer would nod firmly with confidence, accepting the return of her hammer. “It’s been an honour teh fight by yer side with the others.” She’d do it again if he had too. “But now it’s time fer you teh go home.” Ruby would gently pat the warriors hand that was on her arm before looking back up at him. “Say hi teh yer mum fer me eh?” She’d smile.

Fran would be a bit surprised by Adray’s hug, but was happy to receive it, and return it fully. “Yeh will always have an ally, an’ friend in me.” She’d assure.

Brutus would bound around excitedly and nuzzling into the hands of those he could reach.

Fran would be sure to see everyone off, providing an encouraging smile and enthusiastic wave. Paths can always cross again.

Choir lands beside Fran, and also hugs her. She has a hug for Brutus, too.  She tries to speak, but finds, for the first time in a while...she has no words.

Instead, she turns to Smiler. "You take good care of our friends, yes?"

Fran gives Choir a little bit of an extra hug, guilty of hiding her face in the Kenku's feathers. "Fly free an' keep speaking from yer heart, Choir." She was beyond proud of Choir and honoured to have watched her grow through out their journey.

The artificer would pull one of Choir's feathers that she gifted her at the beginning. It was her fail safe in preparation of facing her fear, heights. In the end, Fran never needed them, but drew confidence from the sense of protection it gave her. "I will forever cherish the guidance you an' Akadi shared wit me." The battle smith would infuse the feather into her shield. "Thank you, friend."

Brutus' tail would wag excitedly and he'd give Choir an excited woof.

Fran would smirk to Smiler, "Let's make sum noise." She'd grab some tools from her hips and hop to work.

The scrapper would pull together a wide range of materials she gathered in preparation for a grand display. She'd tinker, imbuing tiny objects to fire off to make loud cracking sounds in a colourful display. If any one asked, she'd call them Rubycrackers.

Brutus would follow suit filling the air will loud triumphant howls to send off the warriors when they were ascending to the skies.

Smiler watched the scene with a strange face expression. It would take a while to understand what is off here until you realize he was serious, seeing him without that his usual daring challenging smirk was probably even more unnerving than usual. "Knew you are the smart one. Hell is not such a bad place after all. And you know the best part? Zariel is gone! My deal worked, I am free - and the planes are ours! The bands will fight each other again soon enough but for now - welcome to Defilers, Ruby!"

The band did not have a silk bow to put on one of the bikes, but the bike she was given was more than impressive by itself and around were plenty of more sinister decorations - from bones to horns - to add should she wanted to. To owning a bike was more of a gesture, a symbol of belonging than the way to operate, Fran was free to keep the Tormentor (it was sort of assumed the machine belonged to the band anyway) but she was free to choose whatever ride she wanted.

"She'll be fine with us," Smiler winked at Choir and his smile returned in its full glory and bewilderment.

Lulu said her goodby with teary eyes and could not hide her surprise and her worry: "But why?! You can return right now!" She was stopped by Zariel "I think I understand why. Let it be, Lulu. And you, Fran," angel's eyes were kind and understanding, "your choice is dangerous, you probably do not fully realize how much so. If time comes when you need my help... here." Zariel pulled a single golden feather from one of her wings and handed it to Fran. "That feather is less precious than your friend's gift, but with it you could call us - me and Lulu - in an hour of greatest need."

She turned to others "We have to go, now!"

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Polly, watching all these touching scenes from a side, had a moment to listen to her senses. It was ... quiet, despite the noises around. The presence, that usual pressure in in her mind, felt lighter now. Her power was with her - that much she new too, but attention of her mighty patron became much less overwhelming, as if archdevil and most likely next ruler of Avernus - there was no return for Zariel, of course - was waiting for something.

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Adray, though, did not get that relieve. Kruul saw everything that happened, of course, everyone did. It is hard to tell with a reptile but the nod from Abishai commander could be interpreted as acknowledgement or even a sign of respect. The Queen most likely knew and her approval, promised by Bel, was assured. But for now, Elturel was waiting.

(To be continued...)

The lower part of the rock platform the city was standing on almost touched the waters of Styx, there was not a minute to loose. Zariel, surrounded by twinkling wisps of the same light that transformed her, spread her wings and flew straight to the city, cutting through the clouds of winged demons as a sunray. Adray could join others and follow the lead - the distance was risky but probably doable and the final push seemed to be on Zariel herself anyway, all he needed is to reach the city.

Mooncolor watched for a moment, then blinked out of existence only to appear as a white sparkle at the base of the closest poll, that kept the infernal chains pinned to the city's ground. His job was done.

Zariel flew over him, above Elturel to within reach of the corrupted Companion - the huge "second sun of Elturel" - now black and menacing, still sending lightnings down at anything and anyone. The angel closed her eyes, raised the sword above her head, took a deep, centering breath, and brought the blade down, plunging it deep into the metal of the sphere. The sword flashed with the brightest light Avernus ever saw - and Companion exploded with the sound of an enormous  bell and then shattered, sounding out an angelic tone that could be heard with perfect clarity across the infinite breadth of Avernus. The tune washed over the planes, sending demonic forces on the streets and below the city tumbling into the waters. Though you could not see it, but the acolyte Pherria Jynks, that was clutching to Tome of the Creed Resolute, gasped as the book crumbled to dust in her hands, freeing the citizens of Elturel from their terrible oath. On the Haruman's Hill the Iron Trees holding "traitors to Zariel's cause" in eternal pain and suffering withered to the dry rust freeng if not the bodies then at least souls that paid in full for their crime. The chains binding the city to the shores of Styx dropped down, the slow but sure descend stopped, however the city did not return to the material world just yet.

Above it, on the place of The Companion now floated a huge figure with opalescent green skin and white-feathered wings. Its radiant eyes met Zariel's gaze and the creature lowered its head in acknowledgement. The planetar - for that was a planetar -stood like that for a brief moment as if to recover its strength. Then it flew up a bi and swooped down below the fallen city, rose to set the earthmote on its broad shoulders, and raised Elturel out of Avernus, through the unfriendly sky of the planes, past the ever-setting nine suns, and back to its rightful place in the Material Plane.

(To be continued...)

That was beyond strange, worse than any teleportation feeling - the sounds, the lights, the sudden movement of the ground, the plane-shift - too fast, too overwhelming for every sense mortals possess. The remains of the "Holy City" and those who survived the transition suddenly found themselves under the blue sky of Faerun.

The Chionthar River shines like a golden road stretching from Elturel to Baldur’s Gate, and to the sea beyond. The scent of morning dew cuts through the odor of smoke, brimstone, and rot that clings to Elturel’s stones.

Slowly, the people of the city made their way out from their hiding places to stand in the light of the mortal world once more. After the raging battle and explosions the silence and peace of the world around seemed to be unnatural. It was still, utterly still. All eyes focused on Zariel where she stood, sword in hand. The planetar that raised Elturel out of Avernus kneeled before her and with one gesture the angel released him of his service, sending back to Heavens. 

Lulu nudged Zariel, then gestured toward the heroes with her trunk. Zariel bowed her head in solemn gratitude. “This dark chapter has at last come to an end, and it is a brighter end than I ever dared to hope for. Thank you. Your selflessness will live on in my memory forever.”

“And in mine!” Lulu said with the booming voice of the mammoth.

Zariel’s tone turns more somber as she says, “You have made an enemy of Asmodeus this day. We have that in common now. I wish you strength and good fortune — and would be glad to help with what I can before Lulu and I will go.” She looked at Ordrag "I hope you will join us. Heavens are your home too now." She smiled to the group. "I know Mooncolor would be happy to return to his forest." (The Unicorn bowed and stepped closer to Zariel.) "But what can I do for you?"

Ordrag was so caught up in the action and the pace and the excitement and the glory of the rescue of Elturel that he just assumed everyone had made it along for the ride. It was only now as he looked around (while Zariel released the planetar) that he noticed Polly missing. A moment of panic shot through him and he was about to suggest somehow returning to find the once-timid once-gnome, but then a memory flashed through his mind. It was the smirk on Polly's face when first she became transformed. He recalled seeing that same smirk the last he looked on her before they left Avernus, and somehow he knew then that Polly's absence wasn't a mistake. He didn't like the idea of her staying in Avernus any more than Fran, but then, everyone needed to return to the place they felt comfortable, to the place they belonged.

Zariel's offer to join her in the celestial realms filled him with peace. He knew he belonged there. But how could he leave this world while his heart remained here? Ordrag decided to wait until after the others had made their requests of the angel...

It is sad that Polly and Fran are not coming along...but that is their own choice to make.  Choir flexes her wings, mumbles a few words softly to herself, and pulls out her sparkly dice, enjoying the tiny flashes  that emerge from their depths in the light.

"I think...I have everything I ever wanted," Choir says. "Maybe fix the temple of Akadi?  But maybe Akadi would let the Myrmidons do that."

(Jumping in again)

After Choir and Adray have said their piece, Ordrag bows to Zariel and says: Elturel is saved, and so my duty to the Flaming Fist is fulfilled. But one oath more I am yet bound to, the oldest of any, which binds me also to this world. For the sake of my mother I cannot come with you, for on me her welfare depends, and there would be no rest for me in the celestial realm while she remains here alone...

Ordrag doesn't dare to give voice to the true desire that is in his heart, for it is not his place to extend Zariel's invitation to another, even though that person is to him more of an angel than Zariel herself.

Ordrag did not have to say anything - Zariel understood. But there were rules that could not be broken. The angel smiled kindly though not without some sadness. "I was wrong, and I apologize for my mistake. There is nothing worthy of your deeds and your place in this world that I can do for you. But you can! For yourself and for those around you." She looked around at the ruins - her doing, her reminder of the wrongs the right intentions could result in... "That city will need you - your strength, your guidance, your protection." She looked at Choir. "The Chosen of Akadi - your goddess is much older than that plane itself. You made an impossible -  got her attention. What was the purpose? I do not dare to assume. Only you can get the answer, and probably bring the bigger flock to her service. This city might use another patron."

Zariel's look at Adray was both sad and angry - not at him, at the situation she could neither prevent nor help with. "Your Queen is a cruel beast, a monster no one can ever tame. She does not know gratitude nor obligations, but she is a fierce guardian of what she considers hers, and now that includes you. You had to do what you did, but you payed the heaviest price one can pay. I can not break your bond but I promise you on my honor to never rest until I find the way to free you!" She lowered her head signifying the oath.

"And you," her smile to Ordrag was warm and open, "your decision to stay is as noble as your soul. Do not regret it: even if mortals can not enter Heavens, the souls can. You will be the carrier of your mother's spirit when time comes. But until then - you are needed here. The people of this city need a new leader, uncorrupt, proven, trustworthy. You can give them all of this. Accept my blessing for that deed."

With these words said, Zariel inclined her head, unfurled her wings, and soared into the sky. Lulu turned to wrap you all up in a massive hug with her trunk. When she let you go, she smiled warmly and saidd, “We’ll see each other again. Someday.”

The golden mammoth then flaped her wings and soared into the sky after the angel, both silhouettes dwindled until they were swallowed by sunlight.

Once the angel was gone, the silent crowd in which you recognized Duke Ravengard among others, turned to you. Zariel said the truth - the city knew its heroes and was counting on them now in peace as much as it did in war. Whatever comes next - it was up to you now.

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With Elturel gone and demon forces scattered and wounded by the explosion of Companion, the battle died down very fast. Weapons, bones, ichor - demonic parts and things the monsters carried were now covering the hellscape and warbands got the first pick - all of it, even, limited only by the warmachines capacities. Mad Maggie accepted Fran choice as something obvious, and as terrible as her face was, the expression of approval was genuine. There was something else there - a hint that the choice had some merits. Something Polly (or was it Choir?) noticed before and the thing those -now topside - did not realise yet: the difference of time flow. The events that were running only days here, on material plane took months. Not an immortality exactly, but Avernus was a place where true immortality was not such an impossible thing either. Fran's live promised many opportunities of ... absolutely anything, if nothing else.

Whether Polly said her good byes to Fran or simply disappeared among now resting devil's forces but when she stopped moving away she realised that what was left of her little army was still following her. "Keeping you company," commented one of the bone devils with a toothy smile. They did not push, did not demand anything and looked more as if guarding new citizen of Hell, rather than jailers. It was the last time Polly heard Bel in her head and felt his presence again in her mind. "I earned your freedom. Yet, you staid. You were smart to recognize the victory before it was won - now when it is assured, you do not have to leave either. If you make a smart choice, you know where to go." Indeed, Polly knew (!) and could only ask herself why hellscape felt so confusing before. The path to Bel's Fortress was clear and obvious, she could go there any moment - or not. It was up to her. Probably. Choises in Hell could be quite tricky.

But one way or another, in Hell, Heavens or on the surface of the earth, but life continued!

Adray gave a tight smile and a nod to Zariel.  "Don't worry over much about me.  I played my part and got my home town freed.  I fully expected to die in the process but yet, here we are, all of us alive."  He looks off into the distance.  "I'm bound to the Queen of dragons, but I worry about what I may be forced to do but I think, I there is enough wiggle room.  She is ever hungry for treasure, maybe I'll work on taking it from those are evil and corrupt.  I guess time will tell."  

Adray turned to his friends and holds out his arms.  He smiles this times and shouts, "We did it and survived!  What more can we ask for?  We fought pirates, brought down a noble house, traveled to hell and back, waged a war, rescued a unicorn, a town.  Heck, I bet one of us could score free drinks for life telling our tale from tavern to tavern."  He stops to give everyone hugs whether they want it or not before continuing.  "I don't know what's next for me but everyone I love is here.  With my new commitments, I figure it's best I not be here lest trouble come.  So, I'll be heading out tonight.  If my travels ever bring me back around, I'll make the effort to drop by."  He gives one last soulful look at the others, pats Ordrag and Chior on the shoulder and begins to walk away.  The walk turns into a jog and then a run.  From there wings sprout from his back and he takes to the sky flying off into the sun set.