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On the ship, an inconsolable little gnome in a bloodied lace gown sobs, fiercely hugging an empty crown to her chest. "I thought you were going to stay with us. I thought we were going to save your people together."
She knows they've won for now, but at what cost? Then she clenches her fists, and makes the crown a promise. "Qxal will pay."
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Gurmire goes up to Pip. "She leave when job done. We gave her fun last adventure, she say so!"
"Not time for sadness Pip, time celebrate! People safe, able build something even better. Qxal hopefully all gone. We succeed in finding out things, including something about dangerous door."
"Time celebrate!"
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The Unsinkable circles back around the island, dropping off the refugees in their now-safe city. They have work to do… and you feel relieved that their king has been saved. Perhaps Webhekiz even learned a lesson, and you might smile as you think of him waking safe and sound. Or, perhaps you smile at the king's jeweled scepter that glimmers wonderfully here in the sunshine.
Nevertheless, you have work to do, too: somewhere in Garund lies the Thorned Monarch, scheming and plotting behind the Door of Seasons.
Some of the Bhopanese choose to return to Absalom with you. They're enchanted by tales of a fellow Bhopan person adventuring in the world, and love hearing about the selfless hero named Audho.
★★★
It's a long journey home, and you have lots of time to think as the Unsinkable sails back to Quantium where your journey began, and then to Absalom. You see another green serpent off in the distant waves — hopefully, a presage of victory against the Thorned Monarch some time in the near future.
Back in Absalom, Ambrus Valsin is astonished and concerned by what transpired in Bhopan. He summons the Grand Lodge’s masters — Sorrina Westyr, Marcos Farabellus, and Kreighton Shane. They listen to your report and begin putting together an expedition to find the door opened by the Perennial Crown.
Ambrus hands the silent crown to Sorrina Westyr. Well done, friends, though I admit I'm a little worried about the severity of the situation at hand. Khoumrock, we need —
Old Octo-boots cuts him short. Aye, I know what yer about ta say ta me. Six times I been retired from yer Society, and ye keep pullin' me back like a big dumb fish goin' after tha same ol' worm on tha same ol' hook. Welp… he smacks his hands. Count me in! With a crew like this he gestures at your group — we canna fail. Ol' Packet here can aim me cannons any day — the lad has a right knack for blowin' up tha baddies! It looks like the Society has its newest Venture-Captain, re-joining the ranks for the… seventh time.
An' anyways, I owes that thorn-covered wretch for damages done to the Unsinkable! HAW!
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Pip accepts Gurmire's condolences, especially when it comes time to return some of the refugees to Bhopan. "I'll be back again, I promise."
On the trip home to Absalom, some of her normal cheeriness returns. She only saves a small strip of the former ballgown as a reminder of the beautiful masquerade ball, and she works hard on resettling Bhopanese in Absalom. "If you also want to adventure, the Pathfinders will of course take you in, but there is someone else I want you to meet!" She takes them to Eastgate, to a sprawling gnomish enclave marked 'Hooray's Badgers.'
As the group enters the grassy training yards, gnomes and badgers of all ages come running. "Pip's home, and she brought guests!"
Embroiled in a group hug, Pip grins, especially when she sees one last elderly gnome leave the house. The woman's skin is a dark brown sepia, with short hair in tight little green curls against her head. Grandma Mahana greets the crowd of Bhopanese with raised eyebrows and a wide grin. "Welcome, home. Summer is good for hospitality."
Knowing that crowd is Bhopanese, the old woman patiently awaits their reply.