Light Lines - Epilogue
The evening had already settled by the time the expedition sent to the Marshes of Kaladoun returned to the Institute of War, inciting a great deal of excitement (and a measure of concern) for the Bastion when the great Nexus Crystal was brought in the building.
It would be inevitable that the news of this mission’s success would spread throughout the realm - and indubitably, individuals that were interested in these great containers of energy would finally deign it necessary to give the fledgling organization a more thorough look.
But for now ... the party would be greeted like heroes, warranting a small feast and some merriment to be organized for that night. It wasn’t as much as the retrieval of the first Nexus Crystal that incited such joy, but more the sweet taste of success, and the hope that many more would soon follow.
Tybresa took a step back from the festivities, the strain of magically carrying a Nexus Crystal requiring intensive recovery ... but aside from the residue of mana that made her continue to glow for several hours after setting Damsel aside, one could tell that there was a light of satisfaction around her, visibly proud of her companions and what they have achieved that day.
Doran raised a toast for Jinx that night, which was met with a great deal of hesitation ... but was eventually echoed with good will and a willingness to forget her past terrorizing actions once the wine started flowing more freely. The members of the Bastion would not forget her contribution to the mission’s success, and think of her more highly for the days to come ... or at least, with less disdain and fear. @progressive-panic-by-jinx
Commander Villa had made a beeline towards Morgaine as soon as they arrived, inquiring about her origins and her men - and once she realized they had a common background, was more than happy to raise many a glass of liquor in her name once the feasting started. Though she preached pride in kinswoman and ability of northerners, those who knew better her better were quick to discern that the Commander was simply using Morgaine and her men as a reason to get roaring drunk. Nonetheless, many asked for the soldiers to tell them the story of their adventure and the fight with the Dragon, as well as look over their trophies and generally fawn over the group for a while. In the near future, perhaps the Freljordian troops would be asked to help train their recruits, having earned the Bastion’s trust and the Commander’s goodwill. @thegeneralofold
As for Rai ... he did not necessarily go unforgotten, but it felt like the people of the Bastion were giving him a wide berth, thanks to his reputation of solitude and the stoic atmosphere around him. There were some curious enough to approach him and pry some extra information from him, but eventually abandoned him for the sake of joining the Freljordian story-circle. Though the majority of the organization were content to focus on those who were more willing to lay claim to their exploits, one thing was certain - Rai’s contribution to the success of the mission would not go unappreciated by the most important person of them all ... even if she was not there in person to keep him company. Surely, Tybresa will find an opportunity to reward him for it. @ionianlightning
The night would pass by swiftly, and though the following day would come sluggishly due to hangovers and filled bellies, it felt great to revel in the atmosphere of hope that lingered in the hallways of the Institute.
// And that concludes the first mission of the Bastion! A million of thanks to those who participated, I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves despite my failings and shortcomings as a DM, though I can honestly say that I have learned a lot from this experience, and hopefully that I will do better in the next missions to come.
With this small chapter concluded, the Bastion stands stronger, thanks to the success of the party ... and ready to set their sights to the next course of action:
Demacia.