We pick back up with Glad, who comes face to face with the Daughter of the Vine. It is here that she is told the circumstances of her birth, or rather, how she came to be. It's not an easy tale to tell, nor is it easy to receive. The Daughter speaks of Coralin and his making of what would become her siblings, or the ones who came before her. Sharing in great detail their purpose and their intention. Finally ending with Glad's story.
Glad, very torn between distraught and trying to wrap her head around what she has just heard, continues to listen and take in what the Daughter tells her. Feeling uncertain about what she's to do and watching the world crumble beneath her feet, Glad tells the Daughter that, while she's been on this journey, she's slowly discovered who she was and is now conflicted by the truth that clashes with her identity. The Daughter tells her that she is who she chooses to be and not where she came from. She has made conscious decisions to be who she is, and she has not done so out of obedience or command. Glad feels reassurance that she hasn't felt in quite some time, as well as recognition that she was doing well. The Daughter informs her that there is no trial for her to endure for her blessing, as this entire journey has been her trial. With that, they embrace in a much-needed hug.
On the outside, the party, still waiting for Glad, is discussing their next steps. Some feel as though they shouldn't incur the scorn of the Fey by disregarding the Queen's ask for the Song Bloom, and on the other side, some wish to heed the warning of Shankise and be instruments in starting a war. This all happens as Glad is speaking with the Daughter and continues upon her exit. Eventually, the party leaves it to speak with the Treants, hoping to reach a peaceful third option.
Exiting the lake, the group heads back the way they came, and upon entering Treant territory, they decide the bards should speak with them to reach a peaceful resolution to their predicament. The Treants receive the party and invite them to speak with the elders about what was asked of them and by whom. The party is then informed of the ramifications of what would occur if they got the Song Bloom and began to question the nuances of THE Song Bloom and A Song Bloom, hoping that by not taking THE Song Bloom, they can avert the Queen's intention of starting a war while not incurring her wrath for finding a loophole.
There's so much happening, and that's where we pick up…
Find out what happens next in this episode of the Medusa’s Cascade: Collateral Damage!
Theme Music is written and performed by Efflorescence
Mixed by Thomas Lapierre III
Title Card by Pierce Graphics
Check out the show at themedusascascade.com
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