The laughter of oblivion

[Anastasia]

The portal opens without incident this time.

[Corwin]

Giving Lagann a sad smile, Seira steps through.

[Ebiris]

"First time we got flooded," Alicia says wryly, gesturing for the others to go ahead of her before she follows after holding the gate up.

[Anastasia]

Lagann nods and follows, expression pensive.
!
The Monument lies ahead, going on farther than even Seira can see with her divine vision. It is silent here, the mirror sky and lands above all silent and still.
!!
Oberuth steps through and looks about. "It's huge," he murmurs.
!!! NEVER AGAIN!
Suddenly the sky turns pitch black, a screaming howl of winds.

[Ebiris]

"Bytopia recognises the power of the Fairest Star - quickly!" Marie raises her voice even as Alicia stands still in the Cauldron. "Show it you're not the same as Daa-vid. Bytopia! Daa-vid's executioner walks on your soil!" she points frantically at Oberuth.

[Corwin]

Our friends told us of how so many were killed here, Seira addresses the plane. We've come to try and bring back Garl Glittergold and the others! Please, Bytopia, help us!

[Anastasia]

With a grunt Oberuth extends his hand out.

Hazy.

Mere dream phantasms.

Lyris, Marianne, Oberuth. Daa-vid.

The last battle is scene again in a few moments before it fizzles, yet it is enough. The sky clears and the winds still.

"It's finished, The God-King is dead and the Fairest Star will not be used again," Oberuth explains, "All I have is an echo of its power in my hand." He keeps his voice calm and level, staying still.

A shudder, as if the entire realm shook for a moment.

[Ebiris]

Alicia is able to bring up the rear now, the gate to the Cauldron closing behind her. "Still, an echo that was given specifically to undo Daa-vid's destruction," she says. "We must pray it will be enough here."

[Corwin]

Hellman Oberuth wished for the power to save those killed by the Fairest Star's rampage in Daa-vid's hands, and he was entrusted with it. And echo it might be, but it brought Daa-vid's victims back to life before, and we all believe it can do it again if you would only guide our efforts! We're all here to help however we can, so just...have faith in us, please!

[Anastasia]

There's no further attack, at least.

"So," Sanzha speaks up, "How can we make this happen?"

[Corwin]

"Garl Glittergold is likely the key," Seira says. "Alicia, did you learn anything during your challenge to help describe him and his life for Hellman?"

Bytopia, can you show us the way things should be? If you show us but a dream, we can stabilize it with our powers and give Hellman something more solid to work on.

[Ebiris]

"There were seven shining hills that seemed to be the centre here," Alicia speaks up. "That must have been his specific divine realm, like Arvandor in Arborea."

"He liked to wander," Marie speaks up. "He was quick to joke, friendly. He favoured tricks and illusions over battle, but he carried an axe. He looked young for a gnome... here," she crafts an illusion of him as she was shown. A golden gnome clad in fine chain armor, a battle axe and a wise, easy smile. Youthful.  Golden brown hair.

[Anastasia]

Oberuth reaches out to touch the image.

> roll 1d20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d20=2]

There's a moment where nothing happens. A strange moment. A moment that feels far too long.

"...We would have gotten along..." A voice is heard in Marie's ear, cheerful and wise. Strong.

At the same time, Oberuth's hand erupts in white-hot light, blinding to look.

[Corwin]

Seira channels her divine will through her portfolio! If ever Hope were needed to work miracles, surely that time is now! Isn't this the true conclusion of the course her life had taken ever since she first left home in Balmuria, almost three decades ago? They cannot fail!

[Ebiris]

Marie gasps audibly. "I heard him!"

Alicia's eyes are on Oberuth's hand however, concerned and trying to determine exactly what's happening.