Victory's Ascent

"Victory's Ascent" is episode 65 of SuperQuest Saga. The party takes two weeks to mourn their losses and prepare for the next leg of their journey. Victoria gets a proper memorial, and the dragonforged ship gets a new name.

## Synopsis

### Introduction

* Will Stark shall be your ascendant dungeon master for this evening.
* Josh Freeland is playing Sebastian Crenshaw, The Forsaken.
* Your Special Guest Jake is playing Persephone Goldpetal the galactic druid.
* Brian is playing Echo, who is wizard and rogue at the same time. Mostly wizard, part-time rogue.

### Recap

Last time a lot of stuff happened. The party reunited with Prim who has a new look and a fierce new disposition. They were approached by the illithids, who they all knew about, but it was everyone but Echo’s first time seeing them. The illithids announced they came in peace and had valuable information they wanted to share. The party rescued Watt from a path of self destruction, and Prim and Watt reunited. There was a feast with the Council where the party had a chance to report everything that’s been going on. The Council has approved an extension of their stay on Arcadia, but the party has limited time here.

The party did meet with the illithids who gave a really big history lesson, and Persephone and Sebastian learned what happened to the Prime World they originally left. The illithids informed them that their destination, the Lost City of Kadath, is at the galaxy’s center. A trip to the center is so perilous that those without a map are guaranteed to never return, and the only place left with a written map is the Library of Ancients on Arvandor, in the heart of elven territory. The elder brains once knew the way, but the Crawling Chaos claimed their whole species.

Echo’s parents returned, and there was a heartfelt reunion. Echo’s father made the announcement that Arvandor is about to be invaded by the alliance of the Draconic Star Sovereignty, in what is guaranteed to be the largest large-scale battle on record.

The party also discussed giving Victoria a proper funeral.

### A Day with Good Wind

Victoria’s funeral is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Traditionally, the Arcadians bury their dead in the terraformed earth of their city and the Singers perform a ritual that transforms the body into natural energy and through druidic power, it is grown into a lush, life-giving tree. Unfortunately, Victoria’s remains do not exist, so they would not be able to do this. After some discussion, Rohorn proposes an alternative. It is known that primal druids have funerary rites correlating with the four elements, and it is possible to do these rites without remains, if the group is open to that. Persephone doesn’t mind, she thinks Victoria deserves to be put to rest, however it is done. Echo and Sebastian agree. Rohorn will have to ascertain Victoria’s embodied element in life, and schedules private meetings with everyone to discuss what they knew about Victoria so that he can figure out which element best represents her. Primina and Watt are okay with doing anything to help out.

Sebastian tells Rohorn that Victoria was a kind and giving person. She had a tough exterior with a heart of gold. She kept her friends and family close, and would do anything for them. Persephone tells Rohorn that Victoria had a caring nature. She was the first face they saw when they got blasted into the future and space, and she took care of them. Victoria helped them out without a care or thought for herself. Echo’s experience was a little different, but he shares that Victoria created a homey and accepting environment. She was a good hostess, accepting and willing to make Echo feel like a part of things. She broke open the ability for the team to trust each other before Echo felt deserving of it. Watt has a different point of view since he’s known Victoria since she was a young woman. He tells Rohorn that she was always a free spirit and wild until her older years when certain things tempered her, but she never lost her caring, her kindness, and her willingness to put others above herself. Primina talks about how she had never met someone who did things for other people without asking for anything in return before Victoria. It was Victoria who took the lead to show her the stars.

Rohorn concludes that Victoria was a person whose spirit was one of freedom, interconnection, exploration, adventure, and flight. He proposes a sky burial. “For a proper sky burial, a stone memorial will have to be crafted and placed on a day with good wind. Loved ones will recite prayers while placing burning incense before this memorial, and the wind will carry their prayers to Victoria in the afterlife, giving her guidance. A song will be sung until the incense has all burned away.” Rohorn has consulted with weather scientists and it seems like in two weeks there will be a day with good wind; a very strong western wind that should be quite warm. The party agrees that this date sounds right.

### Sebastian's Two Weeks

After everything that happened with Sebastian where he experienced a period of depression that knocked him out of his routine until Echo got him training again, he tries to focus on jumping back into that. He’s interested in training with Echo’s sister and expanding his knowledge of fighting styles. He always worked to protect his companions, but wants to focus even more on defensive fighting to protect those around him, especially since Victoria’s death. He’s taking it upon himself to up his game.

Sebastian approaches Alloea on the training grounds, and she invites him to spar. First, she tests his strength; she comes at him, but he deflects so strongly that she is flung across the ground. She slides and catches herself, smiling because she knew that was likely to happen. Then, she starts coming in with quick, dexterous maneuvers; she’s flying at high speeds, feinting and rolling. Alloea hits Sebastian again and again, marking him with the red paint on the edge of her training sword. He hacks and misses, blocks and misses, and at some point she kicks his leg from under him, tripping him. Sebastian drops his weapon and when he looks down, he sees he is covered in “blood” streaks. He knows that if this was a fight without armor and these were real blades, he would be dead.

Alloea smiles as she helps him up and tells Sebastian he was not made for the path of The Bladesong, but she knows someone who could teach him a fighting style better suited to his ability set. He is an old Gardener by the name of Hartha. She warns him that he may not be willing to teach, he is not proud of his past since he was once a member of The Deathwatch, the elite squad among the Gardners, top tier. Alloea will speak to Hartha on Sebastian’s behalf, and invites Sebastian to stay and train with her for the rest of the day. She knows that he will not be able to learn these dexterous maneuvers, but her philosophy is that knowing how something works makes it easier to defend against it.

Later on in the day, Alloea approaches Sebastian and informs him that Hartha has agreed to see him, but she cannot guarantee whether Hartha will train him or not. Sebastian agrees to see him anyway. Alloea tells him that Hartha trains in the Sun Gardens starting from the early morning, and Sebastian can meet him there.

The next day, Sebastian walks through the Sun Gardens an hour after dawn. He finds a section in the upper Northeast corner where the ground is a flat, stone rectangle with a shrine. Sitting in meditation with his back to the shrine is an ancient and wizened firbolg with a long white beard and eyebrows. He sits cross-legged and does not appear to be aware of Sebastian’s approach. Sebastian slowly approaches, respectful of the firbolg’s meditation; when Sebastian stops about 15-ft. away, the firbolg’s eyes open. His voice sounds gravelly as he says “You are the one Alloea sent.” Sebastian introduces himself, and the firbolg introduces himself as Hartha. “Alloea is wise beyond her years and I listen when she speaks. And I will listen to your petition because of this.” Sebastian starts by telling Hartha it is a pleasure to meet him, but before he can speak further, Hartha nods and interrupts. “Sebastian, why do you fight?”

Sebastian says, “I’ve always fought for a cause, but now I fight to protect and defend.” Hartha stands, Sebastian notices he has a quarterstaff, and walks toward Sebastian. Hartha reaches out with his staff and lifts Sebastian’s hands. “These hands are bloodied. Why do you fight?” Sebastian responds with more gusto, “I fight to protect and defend.” Hartha starts walking around him and asks, “How many have you killed?” Sebastian responds, “More than I can count.”

“How do you justify your deeds?”

“It’s all for the greater good.”

“The greater good? How do you know what the greater good is?”

“It’s what I’ve been trained and taught.”

“And what have you been taught?”

“I’ve been taught there is a greater force out there that we must answer and follow, but now I’ve realized that wasn’t always the true and just cause. Now I know that I must change my ways.”

“Change is good. We all must change. But what we change into… defines us. What do you stand for?”

“I stand for those around me. I stand for those friends of mine, my family, and to end this Crawling Chaos.”

“Who are you, Sebastian?”

“I am myself. I am Sebastian.”

Hartha sits down and falls silent for a very long time. Sebastian stands there, waiting for an hour as the sun begins to go down. Hartha stands and walks towards Sebastian, almost passing him before speaking. “Be here tomorrow at dawn.” Then he continues on his way. Sebastian nods.

Hartha has left his Deathwatch style behind, but has agreed to teach Sebastian his new philosophy, the style of The Sentinel. Hartha knows who the party is and that they have only two weeks on Arcadia, so he will put Sebastian through the ringer.

Later in the day, Primina finds Sebastian and tells him they need to talk. She reminds him of what she said on the plateau when they found her, that she no longer wants to stand on the sidelines while others fight on her behalf, and asks Sebastian to train her to fight. Sebastian readily agrees to teach her everything he knows. “First things first, you have to believe in yourself. We all believe in you, Prim, you just gotta believe in yourself too and we’ll do what we can.” She nods at his words and says, “I do. I do believe in myself, and I believe in us.”

Sebastian decides to train Primina on his own, after his daily training with Hartha. He finds that she does spectacularly; she is faster and stronger than she has ever been and she learns quickly. Prim proves that she is capable of not only defending herself, but capable of covering his back. At the end of the two weeks, she has really grown into a new person.

By the end of his two weeks, Sebastian is totally exhausted.

### Persephone's Two Weeks

Persephone approaches Rohorn to ask if some of the Singers who were freed from Arvandor would be willing to speak with her. She would like to do something about the Singers who are still in captives on Arvandor. Rohorn agrees to arrange this, but warns her that this is a sensitive subject among the firbolg. She emphasizes, “I don’t want to make anybody talk about anything they’re not ready for, or anything like that, but if any of them can give me any sort of information, I would love to free our brothers and sisters.” Rohorn reacts oddly to her phrasing in a way that Persephone can’t quite figure out, but he agrees to arrange the meeting.

In the meantime, Rohorn wishes to speak with her about the funerary rites for Victoria. He explains that it is not necessarily customary, but it is a powerful and blessed thing when one of the beloved of the passed are able to participate in the rites. The Choir is tasked with creating the funeral stone, and Rohorn wants to invite Percy to join them. He can teach her the Song of Stones. Persephone would love to be involved and learn from him. The process takes about a week; Rohorn would like to meet her at dawn every day starting tomorrow and instructs her to meet with them at the north gate.

The next day, Persephone meets Rohorn and the Singers at the appointed time and place. Together, they trek towards a hilly area north of the city where there are lots of stones above the sand. The Singers begin to teach Percy the Song of Stones, an ancient way to commune with the earth and speak with it. They can even shape stone over time, not by forcing the stone, but by speaking with the stone and convincing it to take a new shape of its own free will. The Choir teaches Percy the song, then eventually they start to form a circle and find a perfectly sized stone to commune with. They will allow Persephone, as someone close to the one who has passed, to dictate what the stone will look like on the funeral day.

Rohorn arranges a meeting for Persephone with some of the elder Singers at the town hall for the next week.

Persephone calls a family meeting with Primina, Watt, Echo, and Sebastian on the dragonforged ship. She tells them that the funeral is coming up, but she wants to offer help if the others need help processing anything. It was a little jarring the first time they used the dragonforged ship and experienced each other’s trauma, and Victoria’s death is fresh and will probably impact their next connection. Percy offers to go through the Song of Grieving with anyone who needs it. She is here for them and she wants to make sure everyone is 100% as they head into the next leg of their journey.

Sebastian and Echo thank her for the offer. Percy emphasizes that there is no pressure, she can meet with people individually or in groups, whatever everyone is comfortable with. When Percy went through the Song of Grieving it was rough, but very spiritual, and she came out the other end feeling good about what she experienced. Watt’s expression darkens and he tells her that he does not think he can right now. He leaves the room. Primina looks concerned as she watches Watt leave, but she thinks it is a good idea and wants to do a private session. Sebastian will think about it. Echo thinks they should all give it a shot, and he will try to talk to Watt. Persephone will also try to talk to him as well.

Persephone and Primina meet in Primina’s new quarters. Prim is surprisingly open to the idea even though the song magic is new to her. Percy casts a spell to create the illusion that they are somewhere else, a field of flowers. Prim looks around in awe. Persephone warns Primina that this might be very rough, they’re going to be working through memories and feelings. “Obviously this is all very fresh in all of our minds and everything, but just stick with it. Be open and accepting of what you’re going to see and what you’re going to feel, and by the end of this we’ll probably both feel better.” Persephone begins to sing the Song; it’s soft and quiet, with a rhythmic melody, low and mournful, tender and solemn. The Song of Grieving, but most importantly in this case, The Song of Remembrance. Primina and Persephone spend a good deal of the night in meditation with the song, remembering their lost sister. They remember the good and the bad; every meaningful moment is experienced through the song and Persephone’s spell. When the song comes to an end, tears fall down both their faces. Prim leans in and gives Persephone a long hug. “Thank you, Percy.” Persephone sits in the hug as long as possible.

Sebastian approaches Echo to ask if he’s considering the Song of Grieving. Echo has been thinking about it, but he was hoping to have a more casual time, playing cards and swapping stories about Victoria. Sebastian has never done anything like this and he is not a big fan of emotions, but he feels like this is an important thing to do. Echo suggests they just pull the bandage off and get the experience over with. They agree to meet with Percy together.

Persephone gives Echo and Sebastian the same warning she gave Primina, but she tells Echo that the song is not specific, so any other things he is grieving besides Victoria may come up as well. Echo understands and is prepared. Persephone puts her hands on their shoulders and thanks them for joining her. She casts a spell to create an illusion of the beach in Old World, and she begins the song.

Once again, she begins the rhythmic melody of the Song of Grieving, the Song of Remembrance. The three of them remember all the meaningful moments, the good and the bad, of Victoria and the trauma that Echo has experienced. Persephone and Sebastian remember all the instances where Victoria accepted them with open arms, welcoming them home despite any shenanigans that the party went through. Echo remembers the first dinner he sat down and joined the crew. He was standoffish for four or five days, but after that first week Victoria insisted he join them since they had picked up Spacey’s for dinner. The trio has a very cathartic therapy session together as friends and as family.

The day for Persephone’s meeting has arrived. She meets with some elders in one of the conference rooms at the council hall, an elderly female and two middle-aged males. The woman greets Percy. “It is my understanding that you wish to know more about our lives under the empire. What is it you wish to ask us?” Persephone carefully expresses her desire to learn more in order to help any Singers still in captivity on Arvandor. When she spoke with Rohorn about it, she was left with the impression that this may be a naive wish. She wants to know if it is possible to free them, or if they would even want her help.

The elder nods. “The life we had before, and our relationship with our keepers, was complicated and uncomfortable. Your sentiment of wanting to rescue our fellow Singers is very much reflected in all of our hearts, but it is not so simple. It is a difficult thing. The cold hard truth is that most of those who are being held captive see things differently and they do not wish to be rescued, as hard as that may be to hear. It’s unfortunate, but most of our brethren have known no other lives; and despite our being kept near the equivalent of pets, they are treated well, and fed lies by their own elders who believe those lies. That this was our place in the universe. That we were doing good work and we were living fulfilling lives. The song is powerful and it brings us peace, and it is also how the elves have kept us trapped for so long. They give us the things we thrive on, but within their parameters and within their rules; and they dissuade us from free-thinking, and they dissuade us from exploring outside their parameters. But if you are not aware of the bars of your cage, you are not aware you are being caged. Obviously, this does not apply to all of us, there are many of us here, and there are many more that wish for freedom. I just want you to be aware, if you meet in your travels more Singers, do not be surprised if not all of them give you a warm welcome. Do not be surprised if they reject your gesture of good will of trying to rescue them. They are unaware of their cage.”

Persephone confirms she has encountered Singers like that before. She wants to know if there is more she can do, she hates to see them subjugated. The elder agrees with Persephone’s sentiment; “Though we are refugees, we are more than just refugees, we sow seeds of discord quietly. We feed the truth through what avenues we can to both elves and Singer alike. Funnily enough, the plight of the common elf in the empire is extremely similar to that of the Singers. They have trapped themselves in their own cage of bureaucracy, expectation, and society, if you will. They don’t know any other way and they are fed lies from the elite as well. You’ll find the entire empire is built, and the infrastructure is kept up, by lie upon lie.”

Persephone asks if there is anything she, or her friends, can do while they are on Arvandor to change minds at all. The elder thinks on this and says “It’s difficult to know the limits of what one person, or what one small group of persons can do. I encourage you that if you do find yourself in a situation to make a difference, decide to make the difference. You alone won’t be the thing that saves our people, or the elves from themselves, but all of us together can do our part and spread awareness of the situation to those who are willing to listen.” Persephone sits and reflects on the words and thanks them for their time. She sits and listens to any more stories the group might want to tell, and gains knowledge of what firbolg life is like among the elves.

### Echo's Two Weeks

Echo decides that he cannot come back home to a mess again and buys the best roomba. The roomba is a little robot that houses a little gelatinous cube with a semi-form of sentience and a pleasant disposition.

He also spends some quality time with his family. His parents want to spend every minute they can with him and they invite him for lunch and dinner every day. They go to Booster’s Ice Cream shop and soda parlor one night; the building looks like a rocket taking off. The time he spends with his family is mostly quality time, but there is also business to attend to.

Echo’s parents update him on the state of the empire, how things have changed in the past ten years, and point him towards the better ways to get into the city undetected. They don’t want to get too heavy into mission planning and they don’t want to make him feel like they’re telling him what to do, but they’re going to give him pertinent information. Based on the huge breach of trust on the last mission Echo ran for them, they do not want to push him. Echo is empathetic and responsive and leans into their help.

He takes time to browse the shop catalogs and figure out what is hot and trending. He also sneaks into the Bladesong Academy to try to find some Korok Ironhide training tapes, but does not find anything.

One day, Echo finds some time to talk to Watt. He finds Watt and Prim on the flight deck running some tests. Prim has a nice new cam-fiber bodysuit to wear in the tank so that she doesn’t ruin her clothes. Echo brings Watt a present since he’s been sad lately; a new stain-resistant three piece suit. Watt is pleasantly surprised and thanks Echo for the gift. Echo shows off the features of the new clothes, and Watt starts examining the pieces closer as he tries them on. The clothes form-fit to his body, and he comes out looking much more dapper. “Thank you. Thank you, Echo! Honestly, I’ve been needing new clothes… I’ve been neglecting myself, so thank you.” Echo tells him that sometimes he likes to rearrange his furniture as a refresh, and this is similar to that. “Change can start from the outside.” Primina tells Watt he looks good, and tells Echo he picked well. Echo compliments her new suit as well, and Primina strikes a few poses to show it off.

Echo asks Watt if he needs any help, and Watt does actually need a hand if Echo does not mind being a guinea pig. Echo polymorphs into a guinea pig. “Very clever, but that’s actually probably a detriment to our test, so if you could turn yourself back…”

Watt instructs Echo to sit at the console where he sat last time they piloted the ship together. Primina will form a psychic link between the two of them and the ship. Watt tells him that he can back out if he’s not comfortable, but Echo shares that he has been doing therapy so he is ready. Prim forms the link, and Echo immediately feels the fierce presence of the ship; the three entities feel the empathetic link. Echo notes that it is not as strong as it was before, it’s kind of muted, and he is not being overwhelmed by his emotions, or Prim’s emotions. Primina reveals they have been running tests, and it seems like she can adjust the level of the link between them. Previously, they were running at 100%, which is great for combat because they’ll be completely in sync with each other, but probably not pragmatic for everyday use. Their current link is at about 50%, and she asks Echo how it feels. He tells her it doesn’t feel bad; it feels like last time but with a wet blanket over it. Watt takes notes.

When Prim breaks the link, Echo makes a dimension door in the floor and drops out of the scene.

### Shopping

At some point during their stay in Haven, the party realizes they have money to spend and that this is probably going to be their last chance to spend it. They stock up on the basics; grenades, healing items, food, etc.

Sebastian upgrades his carbon-adamantine armor to full adamantine armor. Critical hits against him in this armor count as just normal hits.

Persephone purchases an Ioun Stone that increases her dexterity. The small red stone now orbits her head.

Echo picks up the material he needs to add some invisible Gloves of Thievery to his nanotech suit. This modifier adds a bonus to his sleight of hand.

### Poker Night

Echo sends out a group text inviting everyone to The Sand Sea across from The Dusty Dunes for a poker night. Watt doesn’t drink alcohol, he only drinks water, but he has a good time. They have a good night with friends, the group needed this

### In Memoriam

Victoria’s memorial comes on a day with a strong, warm wind blowing to the west. The grassy knoll near the landing of the dragonforged ship has been chosen for the ceremony site; near enough to the city but still out in the open for the winds to provide the proper sky burial. The stone has been set; Persephone has created an engraving of Victoria’s face on half of it, with the chain links of the Church of Unity below with an inscription of her last words, her wedding vows to Asimov. The stone has been set facing the congregation, which has formed a semi-circle to the east of the stone. Gathered here are the Council, including Rohorn, a Choir of Singers, Hartha, Echo’s parents and sister, Echo, Persephone, Sebastian, Primina and Watt, a dozen or so citizens of Haven, and in the back, standing apart from everyone else, are the five illithids standing in solemn silence.

A hush falls over the crowd as Rohorn steps out in front to address the congregation. “Thank you all for being here today. We have come together to honor the memory of a beloved and remarkable woman. A friend, a mentor, a family member. Though her remains, sadly, were lost to the stars, it is not her remains this ceremony is for; but her spirit and our own. We have come to send our prayers on the wind to be carried to her in the afterlife. We have come to grieve the lost, but also to cherish the memories she left behind. Those who wish to send a sky prayer, please, take an offering to burn.”

Rohorn gestures to his right as a young elf in ceremonial robes carrying a basket steps forward; inside are long incense sticks. She comes forward, and Prim and Watt each take a stick out of the basket. Echo, Persephone, and Sebastian take one as well. “When you are ready, light your offering and set it before the stone, and recite your prayer.” Rohorn steps into the line of Singers in the crowd and turns to face the stone. There is a moment of silence, and then the Choir begins a soft and quiet song. A rhythmic melody, low and mournful, tender and solemn; the Song of Grieving, the Song of Remembrance. And though the power of the song pulses through the hearts of everyone present, it is quiet enough to be spoken and heard over.

Primina lights her incense and takes the lead. She steps forward and places her incense before the stone; it gives off very visible smoke and a sweet smell. The wind takes the smoke up into the sky. Primina speaks. “On the first day that I met Victoria…she shot me. She was saving her cousins and I was a danger to them at the time. And the very next day she risked her life to protect me from the most powerful government in the galaxy. Because that’s who she was; a defender of those in need, a caretaker to the downtrodden.

Before Victoria, I had never witnessed a truly selfless act in my life, and there, within a day of meeting her, she risked everything for me…for us. On just a hunch. And she never stopped being selfless; she gave me a home, a job, a family, and never did she ask for anything in return. And when death and danger gave chase, she sailed us to the stars. When the entire galaxy aligned against us, she never waivered.

She wasn’t exactly the gentlest or nicest person you had ever met; she gave tough love and she knew how to say what you needed to hear whether or not you wanted to hear it. She was straight to the point, no nonsense, and as quick as a whip. She could be tender and sweet too, and she would always listen. She wouldn’t talk down to you, or like she knew better than you, she would just listen. She was beautiful. She was my sister, and I miss her so much it hurts.

She died how she lived; defending those in need, taking care of those who would be downtrodden. And I wasn’t strong enough to save her. But Victoria, if you really can hear this, I will be strong enough to finish what you believed in enough to sacrifice your life for. Thank you for everything. I love you.”

And she steps away.

Sebastian takes his incense up and lights it. “Many nights I had sat down and thought on my bed, ‘What would do Victoria justice? What could I say for her remembrance?’ I couldn’t think of any words, I just got a rush of emotion, night after night. Then I realized it wasn’t necessarily her deeds that had the biggest impact on me, but it was her as a person…how she felt, how she made us all feel. That’s something I want to carry for the rest of my life. I just hope that I can do her proud and carry on her beliefs, and keep this family tight-knit and protect those around me. She’ll always be in my heart, and I always will try to do what’s right.” His incense burns alongside Primina’s.

Persephone steps up, lights her incense, she is super emotional. “You know, I think…the first time we met Victoria she shot all of us. Not just Prim, but me, and Sebastian, and Carter. Victoria was so much to us. She was the glue of the family; she was our mother, our friend, our sister. She was everything we needed in a time where we were so displaced that we didn’t have anything. Not even each other. Me, Carter, and Sebastian…we didn’t even know each other when we got blasted here, and she took three runaways…not even three, like five or six at this point…and made them into a tight-knit family. And I’ll never forget it. It’s only because of her that we’re here, and it’s only because of her that we will be able to save the galaxy and save everybody in it.” She casts Skywrite and the words “Mother,” “Sister,” “Family,” “Victoria,” and “I love you” appear in the sky until the wind takes it away. Three incense sticks burn on the stone.

Echo casts Prestidigitation to light his incense on fire. “Although I didn’t know her as long as you guys, I wouldn’t be here right now without her. Just like you said, Percy. Without her, I don’t find my way home, and I don’t find my pathway to heal. It is because of her openness, her kindness, her strength, that I can stand here and be with my family again. They say the memory of elves is long, and you shall live in mine forever.” Four incense sticks burn on the stone.

Watt begins to step up to the stone, and lights his incense as well. He places it alongside the others. At this point in the evening, the wind has started to cool but still remains strong. The old gnome opens his mouth as if to speak, as the others before him did. And then he stops; he closes his mouth. Watt takes a deep breath and then he bows his head, closes his eyes, and says his prayer to Victoria in private.

The Song of Grieving carries eerily across the desert on the wind as Watt stands as a silhouette against the setting sun. Eventually, he is finished, and walks back to rejoin the group. The Song continues until the last incense burns out. As the ceremony comes to an end, only a sliver of the sun remains above the horizon. One by one, the onlookers begin to depart until, in the quiet evening, only the former crew of *The Brunhilde* remains.

### Victory's Ascent

The next day, the group takes care of any last minute business before they depart on their mission. Sebastian goes to see Hartha one last time to thank him for the training. Persephone says goodbye to all the Singers she has met. Echo has early morning tea with his family. Once all goodbyes are said and everything is packed, everyone boards the dragonforged ship.

Each party member takes their place on the flight deck behind the black and white, sleek consoles like they did before. Prim has her new cam-fiber bodysuit and enters the isolation tank. She connects with the ship; once the engines turn on, Primina’s voice can be heard over the intercom. She asks, “Is everyone ready for me to connect you?” And once everyone consents, Prim connects everyone to the ship, and then each other, forming the full psionic circle. Once again, everyone is able to sense the limited sentience of the dragonforged ship; it is fierce and imposing, and also seems to be sitting in an impatient anticipation of its next flight. The connection is more subdued than the last time they were all empathically connected. Primina tells Persephone and Sebastian that she has learned to control the connection level, 50% seems to be optimal for standard operation.

She asks, “Is everyone ready?”

Watt speaks up. “I have something I need to say before we launch. This last month has been, well…it’s been a nightmare. I…I’ve effectively now buried two daughters in my lifetime, and I…I just became so angry. Anger at myself for not seeing it before it happened. Anger at the universe for allowing this to happen. Anger at Victoria for allowing herself to fall, for failing to think of another way. But in my heart, I know she did the right thing; the thing that she believed in. She knew you all needed to live. She knew the galaxy hung in the balance. She also knew that she couldn’t live with herself if she didn’t do whatever it took to protect the ones she loved. Victoria didn’t fall; she ascended to a better place. To be with her husband once again. She didn’t fail, she was victorious. And if you all agree, I think we should christen this ship in her honor, because we, and it, wouldn’t be here if not for sacrifice. I’ve been doing some thinking… I think we should name her *Victory’s Ascent*.”

Persephone says it is beautiful, she thinks it is perfect. Primina agrees that it is a perfect name. Sebastian couldn’t ask for anything better. Echo says let’s do it.

Without another word being said, the newly christened *Victory’s Ascent* begins its first official flight as it leaves the planet of Arcadia.

## Characters

### The Party

* Sebastian Crenshaw: a half-orc paladin/former warlock. Getting himself back into shape.
* Persephone Goldpetal: an albino firbolg druid. On-board therapist.
* Codename: Echo: an elf wizard/rogue. He just wanted to play some cards and shoot the shit.

### NPCS

* Primina: a genetically engineered young woman/dragon. The MacGuffin. Learning to take the lead.
* Rohorn: a firbolg member of the Council and mentor to Persephone.
* Watt: an elderly gnome. Like a father to Victoria and struggling with his grief. He's working on it though.
* Alloea Galanthur: Codename: Refrain, Echo's older sister. An instructer at the Bladesong Academy. Kicked Sebastian's ass.
* Hartha: an old firbolg, former elite warrior for the Elven Empire. The Mr. Miyagi to Sebastian's Daniel-san.
* Elder Singers: a group of firbolg who speak to Persephone about what life was like in the Elven Empire.
* Arcadia and Archeon Galanthur: Echo's mom and dad. Super respectful of their son's space, but so happy to have him back.
* *Victory's Ascent*: the newly named, semi-sentient dragonforged ship. She's ready to go!

## Trivia

### World Building

* The blue liquid in the isolation chamber on the ship where Primina controls the psionic connection will stain. That stain will never come off. Prim's new suit is designed so she does not ruin her clothes.