Kaenís gives their drily humorous ferryman a charming smile, remembering her parting quip at him the first time around. “Aye there, Charon. Fancy seeing you again.” Charon was, after all, in the same situation as herself and the other mortals - stuck here for eternity. 

(She then promptly asks to speak to the manager of the Underworld).

"Well, Charon, what's Elysium like?" Zaela asks, "I'm sure you would like to retire there, someday."

"I'll quit my job the day I die. And I'm immortal. Off, now."

The ferry makes it across the river unhindered. Before you stands another gate, made of shining gold. It swings open as you approach, though no one appears to man it. Beyond, you can see green meadows and an open, blue sky, the polar opposite of the bleak and dismal cave you are currently in.

"Wow," Zaela says, "This must be where Hades hides all his gold."

"Oh, I think this is not even a fraction of the wealth of the underworld. Where else do the rich take their riches but here? Certainly, most people think that one of life's great misfortunes is living to old age while having no gold to spend on luxury. However... I am of an unpopular opinion; That the greatest misfortune is to expire without having spent wealth on luxury. Leaving earthly pleasures untouched while dying on a pile of gold? Heh, it's the height of folly." He laughs as he hops off the boat and bows to the ferryman. "Though you may never be free of your work, we at least are grateful for your service. May you find more interesting people to spice up the experience."

"Though I must say," He says as he elbows Zaela in an overly friendly manner. He turns towards Elysium, "Charon seemed disappointed that you did not decide to join in on an impromptu performance. Why, I could even feel him struggling under the heavy weight of both our egos and spirit!"

Donos jumps off the boat and onto the riverbank. He turns and dips his head slightly towards Charon in acknowledgement for his service. Then he turns back around and faces the gate.

"As it appears I am most certainly dead, let me see what the hero's reward truly entails."

He looks to the others and then strides through the golden gate.

Arteusa is quick -though careful- to leave the boat, her eyes widening at the sight of the open meadows and blue skies beyond the gate. Somehow, she had expected something...different. She pushes that thought down, though, and trots forward to the gates, going through them after only a momentary hesitation. 

Kaenís cheerfully jumps off the boat, not sparing Charon or the rest of the gloomy Underworld another look. So this is Elysium. Could be worse. If only she had different company - by the Gods, that Satyr with the drum seems to be more egocentric than the Triton! Anyhow, she momentarily closes her eyes, and when opening them, they are as blue as the cheery sky above. She follows Arteusa through the gate, pondering what the rest of the fabled Elysium would look like through the promising golden gate.

The moment you step past the gate, it's as if you've entered another reality. The sun beams, the wind blows, the grass... grasses. It's lovely. Beyond the initial hills, you can spot a few buildings in the distance, next to a large lake with an island in the center.

Donos' eyes are drawn to the island and the lake. He could always function perfectly well on dry land, but he always feels a little out of place. In the water is where he feels at home. All he wants right now is a good swim.

"What say you all? Shall we explore a little of this place together? Shall we head to those buildings and the lake?"

He starts heading that way, a little curious as to where the other dead heroes of Elysium could be.

Walking through the gate, Zaela looks around. This reminds her of something, something familiar, something with nostalgia. Maybe she will like Elysium, after all. 

She strides besides her companions, saying, "Hmm, I wouldn't mind checking out the buildings first. What say the others?"

"Well well, it looks like Elysium will live up to its reputation after all! I have high hopes of partying, drinking, gambling... Oh, and the time honored tradition of chasing nymphs around, of course!" He clops forward with a grin, at the pace of a slow jog. It seems being completely ignored by Zaela hasn't done much to dampen his spirits.

"I'll go with you to check out the buildings," Arteusa remarks, trotting forwards, turning in a small circle as she looks around. "So much room to run," she muses, wistful dreams of stretching her legs and galloping through the fields passing briefly through her mind. "I don't think I've ever had this much freedom, before." 

"Gods I'll never understand that part about you centaurs. What's so great about running?"

"Have you not ever felt the desire to have your body power you forward to its limits? And just feel every muscle moving perfectly together? The world flowing past you."

Donos looks at Arteusa.

"I suspect running is to you, what swimming is to me."

"Yes, that," Arteusa agrees, nodding towards Donos in answer to Rhaecus. "There's nothing quite like just having the room to gallop at full speed, the wind in your hair, throwing yourself forward," she grins at Donos, overcome by the feeling. "I've only ever been able to really feel it charging into battle; I don't think I've been able to just run for the joy of it since I was a filly." She takes a deep breath as they go along, a rare smile staying on her face. "I bet you're quite ready to get to that lake, aren't you?" 

 Rhaecus shrugs with the same lopsided grin, as if saying 'I see. Ah, well.' He's never been one to enjoy physical exertion, though he's had to do just that many times when putting himself in danger. He clops along while playing something akin to a light marching beat. There's something about the sound that makes it feel good to synchronize walking with it... A sense of elation hidden inside the rhythm. Certainly not a natural effect.

Donos nods to Arteusa.

"Yes, I look forward to the feel of the water again with great eagerness. While we have crossed two rivers to get here, the waters that Charon navigated did not tempt me. They felt dead."

He gestures forward.

"You should run. You could be to those buildings and back before we get half way."

Kaenis smiles at the group's appreciation for the topographies they call home. "While I certainly may look the way I please, I cannot possess the powers that come with my appearances. If you were to throw me in the lake, no matter how much I could attempt to seem as a Triton, I would still drown." She then turns her head towards the buildings that are glimmering in the distance, curious as to what the life in Elysium is like, idly fondling the necklace around her shoulders.

Arteusa hesitates only a moment before she shrugs and charges forward with a wild whoop. She gallops ahead a good bit before turning and looping back around to gallop several circles around the party, laughing as she marvels at not tiring the way she might have, once. "It's not quite the same with no one to run with," she admits as she finally slows enough to rejoin the group, "but it still a joyful experience!" She takes a moment to breathe, listening to Kaenis, before nodding in agreement. "I cannot swim, either," she commiserates, gesturing down at herself. "I do not have the build for it."