Dreams at the Bone and Blossom

Leaving Lady Darthbyne’s office after choosing truth over deceit, the Vanguard declined a scheme from the head of La Maison Ossuaire and traveled to the Bone & Blossom tavern. While resting in the canopy penthouse, Emelyne observed the harsh conditions of the city's threadbare "Fractured" population, secretly tossing them food. That night, Naoki inadvertently dream-walked into Sanasha’s subconscious, witnessing a vision of an ancient orcish woman dissolving into dust before a golden-leaved tree interceded to reform her into Sanasha. Waking at dawn, the two discussed the mysterious divine tree that granted Sanasha her life and powers, realizing they needed guidance from a druidic grove. Bound to skeletal White Elk mounts provided by Thain, the Vanguard crossed the plains toward the southern Miasma Bridge.

During the first watch at camp, Emelyne and Percy discussed the looming threat of the comet and the dark premonition surrounding it:

The veil is torn

To the comet forewarn

From beyond the fold

Monsters of legends told

God come. God's fall

The comet brings the end of all

Death shall leave her sacred throne

Mortals become dust and bone

Cosmic beings of tremendous terror

Return from a single error

God's come. God's fall

The comet brings the end of all

Later that night, the party shared a terrifying collective nightmare of a blacked-out sun, a tearing comet, and countless eyes watching from the void. Continuing their journey the next morning, the Vanguard dropped names of their high-profile allies to gain passage past the Shadow Giants guarding the obsidian bridge. Stepping into the petrified Mourn Wood, they attempted to commune with the lifeless trees to locate the forgotten grove. Before they could navigate further, the corrupted Angel of Vengeance violently crashed down from above, unleashing a blinding Sunburst that seared through those aligned with Nexus as battle began.