[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/1TmUAvV.png[/img][/center] Throughout the meeting, Illistrianna looked focused as she listened to Amaterasu's and Mitsuko's explanations of their first objective. She had struggled with certain terms but she tried to not let the lack of knowledge sway her. The direness of the situation sure was alarming, for the gods to be powerless against this corruption and for mere mortals like her to go up against power-hungry deities. And to think the humans in this world had invented weapons that could annihilate millions of people in an instant... She listened to Cynthia's and Dominus' discussion. The champion brought some valid points, and the lack of knowledge of what they were up against made it even harder to have a full grasp on the situation at hand, beside the fact that they were going in blind. Even so... [color=6ecff6]"There is yet hope, despite how dire it all seems. If, unlike divine beings, we mortals are impervious to this corruption, then surely we might have an advantage over the fallen gods of that world, in one way or another."[/color] But for the time being, preparations were needed. The small moon gravitating around Illistrianna had separated from her champion, floating not too far away from the group. A pulse of silvery moonlight shone briefly before a portal of silver and black opened where the moon was. A sign for the priestess, prompting her to not waste time into preparing for the upcoming incursion. [color=6ecff6]"Fare thee well, until we meet again."[/color] Illistrianna bowed in respect to her peers before stepping into her patron's gate. -------------------------------------------------------------- Stepping out of the silvery portal, the moon elf was greeting by what one would call a divine sight. Another garden, not much unlike the ones from the place between realities they'd just come from. But this one was of eternal night, with the stars and a large blue moon to illuminate the surroundings. Fields of verdant grass with glowing flowers of white, violet and blue petals adorned this place of existence. Over a lone hill stood a tall white tree, where an elf was standing under. She would easily pass for Illistrianna's twin, were it not for her divine presence. A tall woman of pale white skin, silvery hair tied in a long ponytail and orbs of white light for eyes the physical appearance of Lunara was of a warrior-lady clad in shining white armor with silver adornments and wielding an elaborate long spear that some would argue looked like an overly-large glaive, war scythe or naginata. Her calm and careful gestures as she plucked fruits from the great tree personified the wisdom of the guardian goddess. She turned to her Champion, her smile faint but earnest. [color=8493ca]"Welcome to my domain, daughter. For the time being, as my champion, this will be your home, until our mission is complete."[/color] Illistrianna nodded solemnly, making her way to her goddess. [color=6ecff6]"What of Elvira?"[/color] [color=8493ca]"You have left home with firm resolution. To come back when harm would no longer come to threaten that which your have sworn to protect. As the spearhead of our incursion into defeating the Darkness, you cannot let your mind stray from your task. But worry not..."[/color] The moon goddess waved a hand towards the other side of the hill, gesturing towards the distance. Over the hill, the landscape changed to a familiar setting. The gardens surrounding the hills morphed into a grand overview from above of Elvira, then morphed again so as a castle of ivory stood beneath them. [color=8493ca]"...your sisters will protect during your absence."[/color] The champion marveled at the sight, feeling a slight hint of nostalgia as she looked upon the kingdom she had left behind. But the landscape soon enough returned to the serene gardens of white and green. [color=6ecff6]"Why me, Mother? Would Rosearia not have been a better choice to become your Champion?" [/color] An alabaster table appeared next to the tree, with silver cups filled of deep red liquid. The guardian deity beckoned her champion to sit in front of her to share an invigorating drink. [color=8493ca]"Your sister is the most powerful, fit to be a champion indeed, but what is one more sword on the battlefield against an overwhelming foe, with no armor or shield? A weapon of legendary sharpness, but breaks in a few clashes?"[/color] [color=6ecff6]"An army of the strongest champions, handpicked by the gods, with no one to support them."[/color] Lunara nodded silently, taking a small sip of her divine drink. [color=8493ca]"You have devoted your whole life in protecting your people. For the coming battles, your conviction will become the shield of your allies. Your faith will support our effort in stopping this calamity. This is why, daughter."[/color] Illistrianna looked down at her cup, nodding quietly with a faint smile before engaging with her drink. -------------------------------------------------- Some time later, Illistrianna emerged back into the world between worlds from the very same portal that reopened. She carried with her a few additional supplies that Lunara gifted her before they left their realm, mainly divine fruits picked from the white tree that would keep her and her allies fed should they spend a long time away from their home. Medicinal plants from the gardens that would cure ailments and injuries if properly prepared, should she experience troubles with her magic. She looked back at the moon that stood a distance away, this time not following the priestess. Illistrianna nodded, walking up to the meeting. For now, their fate rested upon the champions' shoulders. [color=6ecff6]"Greetings once more. I am ready."[/color]